Abstract: Utilities that allow for the asynchronous tendering for variable characteristic assets. In one aspect, a utility for returning a strike price based on the iterative comparison of a received first listing object with a received first offer object, both corresponding to a first variable characteristic asset. At least one of the first listing object and the first offer object may include a time-dependent price such that the iterative comparison may facilitate the determination of a time-dependent price range corresponding to the variable characteristic asset at a given time. In this regard, the strike price may be returned at least partially based on the time-dependent price range. Additionally, the present disclosure includes embodiments related to the verification of a condition-dependent status of the first variable characteristic asset and a generation of comparison metrics associated with the asynchronous tendering.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving image data via a camera of a computing device, the image data comprising a plurality of image frames; displaying a 3D reconstruction of the image data on a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a computing device as the image data is received and the 3D reconstruction of the image data is generated; detecting at least one object corresponding to one or more of a plurality of predefined object types in the image data; determining dimensions of the at least one object in 3D space based on the 3D reconstruction of the image data; and displaying in the GUI the at least one detected object.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving image data via a camera of a computing device, the image data comprising a plurality of image frames; displaying a 3D reconstruction of the image data on a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a computing device as the image data is received and the 3D reconstruction of the image data is generated; detecting at least one object corresponding to one or more of a plurality of predefined object types in the image data; determining dimensions of the at least one object in 3D space based on the 3D reconstruction of the image data; and displaying in the GUI the at least one detected object.

Abstract: Utilities that allow for the asynchronous tendering for variable characteristic assets. In one aspect, a utility for returning a strike price based on the iterative comparison of a received first listing object with a received first offer object, both corresponding to a first variable characteristic asset. At least one of the first listing object and the first offer object may include a time-dependent price such that the iterative comparison may facilitate the determination of a time-dependent price range corresponding to the variable characteristic asset at a given time. In this regard, the strike price may be returned at least partially based on the time-dependent price range. Additionally, the present disclosure includes embodiments related to the verification of a condition-dependent status of the first variable characteristic asset and a generation of comparison metrics associated with the asynchronous tendering.

Abstract: Novel compounds generally referred to herein as cationic oligomeric phenylene ethynylenes (OPEs), methods of synthesizing OPEs and various uses for the OPEs are described. The compounds can be synthesized in both symmetrical (S-OPE) and non-symmetrical (N-OPE) forms. Suitable uses include sensor and biocidal applications. Reusable structures incorporating the OPEs that are able to capture and release biological species of interest are also described.

Abstract: Novel compounds generally referred to herein as cationic oligomeric phenylene ethynylenes (OPEs), methods of synthesizing OPEs and various uses for the OPEs are described. The compounds can be synthesized in both symmetrical (S-OPE) and non-symmetrical (N-OPE) forms. Suitable uses include sensor and biocidal applications. Reusable structures incorporating the OPEs that are able to capture and release biological species of interest are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.

Abstract: Reagents and assays for kinase, phosphatase and protease enzyme activity which employ metal ion-phosphate ligand specific binding and fluorescent polymer superquenching are described. The assays provide a general platform for the measurement of kinase, phosphatase and protease enzyme activity using peptide and protein substrates. Reagents and assays based on DNA hybridization and reagents and assays for proteins which employ aptamers, antibodies and other ligands are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.

Abstract: An optical vend sensing system for use in vending machines employs a row of light emitters on one side of a region through which a vend product passes during delivery and a row of light detectors on the opposite side. Each detector is substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the emitters, and is capable of receiving light from any of more than one of the emitters when that emitter is activated. The emitters are individually activated in sequential, round-robin fashion and multiple detectors are monitored for each emitter when activated. Interruption of detectible beams between an activated emitter and one of the multiple emitters monitored for the activated emitter. Power applied to an activated emitter is calibrated in steps to a minimum level sufficient to ensure detection by all monitored detectors of light emitted by an activated emitter, plus a safety margin.

Abstract: Compositions including biocidal reagents and articles treated or coated therewith are described. The compositions can be used to make passive biocidal surfaces. Exemplary biocidal reagents include visible light-absorbing polyelectrolytes which act as passive biocides upon exposure to radiation, including relatively weak “background” radiation such as natural light sources (e.g., indirect sunlight) and artificial light sources. Methods of treating or coating surfaces with the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Non-fluorescent dyes (i.e., dark quenchers) which can be used to quench the fluorescence of energy donors in bioassays through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) are described. The dark quenchers can be associated with (e.g., conjugated to) peptides, proteins, antibodies, DNA/RNA, or other biological molecules or receptors or complexed to metal containing compounds to develop bioassays based on donor-acceptor energy transfer. Bioassays are also described wherein an increase or a decrease in separation distance between a fluorescent donor compound and a dark quencher or dark quencher conjugate is detected. Kits including the dark quenchers or dark quencher conjugates are also described.

Abstract: Bioconjugates, kits and assays for detecting the activity of protease enzymes such as ?-secretase and caspase enzymes are described. The bioconjugates include a tether having a segment capable of recognizing and interacting with (e.g., being cleaved by) the enzyme, a fluorescer including a plurality of fluorescent species conjugated to a first location on the tether, and a quencher conjugated to a second location on the tether. The segment capable of recognizing and interacting with the protease enzyme (e.g., ?-secretase or caspase) is located between the first and second locations on the tether. The plurality of fluorescent species are associated with one another such that the quencher is capable of amplified super-quenching of the fluorescer. The assay is suitable for screening potential drugs for their efficiency in inhibiting the activity of protease enzymes such as ?-secretase in a high throughput format where the potential drugs are evaluated.

Abstract: A device for detecting volatile chemical reagents based on fluorescence quenching analysis that is capable of detecting neutral electron acceptor molecules. The device includes a fluorescent material, a contact region, a light source, and an optical detector. The fluorescent material includes at least one polymer-surfactant complex. The polymer-surfactant complex is formed by combining a fluorescent ionic conjugated polymer with an oppositely charged surfactant. The polymer-surfactant complex may be formed in a polar solvent and included in the fluorescent material as a solution. Alternatively, the complex may be included in the fluorescent material as a thin film. The use of a polymer-surfactant complex in the fluorescent material allows the device to detect both neutral and ionic acceptor molecules. The use of a polymer-surfactant complex film allows the device and the fluorescent material to be reusable after exposing the fluorescent material to a vacuum for limited time.

Abstract: An airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers and moveable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration. First and second side panels are provided adjacent a rear surface of a truck and are pivotally mounted adjacent the sides of the truck. Upper and lower first end panels are associated with the first side panel, and upper and lower second end panels are associated with the second side panel wherein the end panels are pivotally mounted adjacent upper and lower edges of the truck. In the storage configuration, the end panels are pivoted inwardly and the side panels are pivoted over the end panels. In movement toward the storage configuration, the end panels are actuated for movement outwardly whereby outer edges of the end panels engage and slide along the side panels to cause the side panels to pivot outwardly to the deployed configuration. The side panels are provided with a fold area intermediate proximal and distal lateral edges of the side panels.

Abstract: The addition of oppositely charged surfactant to fluorescent ionic conjugated polymer forms a polymer-surfactant complex that exhibits at least one improved photophysical property. The conjugated polymer is a fluorescent ionic polymer that typically has at least one ionic side chain or moiety that interacts with the specific surfactant selected. The photophysical property improvements may include increased fluorescence quantum efficiency, wavelength-independent emission and absorption spectra, and more stable fluorescence decay kinetics. The complexation typically occurs in a solution of a polar solvent in which the polymer and surfactant are soluble, but it may also occur in a mixture of solvents. The solution is commonly prepared with a surfactant molecule:monomer repeat unit of polymer ratio ranging from about 1:100 to about 1:1. A polymer-surfactant complex precipitate is formed as the ratio approaches 1:1. This precipitate is recoverable and usable in many forms.

Abstract: A bioconjugate comprising a fluorescer (P) linked to a quencher (Q) by a tether (T) is provided. The tether (T) includes a segment that can recognize and interact with a target biomolecule. In the absence of a specific interaction of the bioconjugate with an enzyme or other target biomolecule recognizing the bioconjugate, the fluorescence of the polymer (P) is attenuated or modified by the relatively close proximity thereto of the quencher (Q). As a consequence of the association of the bioconjugate with the target biomolecule, a reaction can occur which results in a cleavage of the bioconjugate tether and a release of the fluorescent polymer and/or quencher. This sequence of events can be followed by an enhancement or amplification of the polymer fluorescence.

Abstract: A deployable airfoil to reduce wind resistance of trucks and semi-trailers including first and second frame structures supported for pivotal movement at the rear of the truck. Each of the first and second frame structures include a pair of frame members including upper and lower frame members. The upper and lower pairs of frame members are connected through an actuation mechanism whereby the upper and lower frame members will move simultaneously to deploy or fold the airfoil. Each pair of upper and lower frame members support a fabric member wherein, in a deployed configuration, the fabric member is drawn substantially taut between the upper and lower frame members.