Abstract: Methods, systems and networks for assessment, development, and management of the selling intelligence and sales performance of individuals among a population of individuals competing in a field. The systems and networks support (i) 3D avatar-based virtual reality (VR) gaming environments supporting conservations and simulations that challenge and assess sales people and develop their sales skills, (ii) automated scoreboards showing the standing among assessed individuals competing on a team, within a company or industry, and (iii) automated coaching and performance feedback with dashboards and reporting tools to help sales managers/leaders develop the selling intelligence of sales representatives and increase their sales productivity.

Abstract: A seeding device for the patching of a lawn comprising a staff-like body having a proximal end, a distal end, walls defining an elongated cavity, such that the staff-like body can act as a tube for the holding and storing of grass seed and a lever. The proximal end terminates into a funnel-like open end covered with a cap by which the elongated cavity is filled with grass seed and capped to prevent the stored grass seed from pouring out of the staff-like body. The distal end is provided with a housing fixedly connected to the staff-like body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method for making a non-wicking liquid container material comprising providing container stock material having a first side and a second side, applying a first layer of thermoplastic material to the first side of the container stock material, compressing the container stock material such that the first layer of thermoplastic material is pressed substantially through a portion of the container stock material, applying a second layer of thermoplastic material to the first side of the container stock material, and applying a layer of foam material to the first side of the container stock material.

Abstract: A laminated substrate and method of making same using an infrared activated thermoplastic adhesive material coated on one side of a linerboard substrate and a plastic material extruded to the other side of the linerboard substrate. The thermoplastic material having a mineral additive to act as a heat sink when the substrate is exposed to infrared radiation.

Abstract: Tough decorative printable film products having holographic-type images are provided that are low in cost. These film products include a relatively high temperature film that is made by continuous extrusion of the film resin onto a master film having pre-etched holographic-type imaging in order to provide a high-temperature primary film with conforming holographic imaging. This primary film provides a tough holographic-type image that is readily secured to any number of products to impart a holographic character to them. For example, this primary film is suitable for use on the surface of recreational sportsboards. When desired, sublimation printing can be used to impart indicia, text, images and colors, alone or in combination, to the primary film.

Abstract: A flexural pivot device and method for producing same, wherein rotational motion of a first tubular member relative to a second tubular member is obtained by: forming flexural members from a shape memory alloy into a first shape in the austenitic phase at a first temperature; cooling the flexural members into the martensitic phase at a second temperature; forming the flexural members into a second shape; installing the flexural members between the first and second tubular members; and recreating the first temperature, thus returning the flexural members to the first shape in the austenitic phase and rotating the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member.

Abstract: An all-metal expandable high vacuum seal which expands to a shape suitable for sealing during a material crystallization phase change of one component from martensitic to austenitic.

Abstract: Arrangement for demountably sealing two concentric metallic tubes in an ultra high vacuum system which facilitates remote actuation. A tubular seal includes integral spaced lips which circumferentially engage the metallic tubes. The lips plastically deform the metallic tubes by mechanical forces resulting from a martensite to austenite transformation of the tubular seal upon application of a predetermined temperature. The sealing force is released upon application of another temperature which causes a transformation from the stronger austenite to the weaker martensite. Use of a dual acting sealing ring and driving ring circumferentially contacting the sealing ring is particularly applicable to sealing larger diameter concentric metallic members.

Abstract: An all metal reusable O-ring sealing arrangement for sealing two concentric tubes in an ultra-high vacuum system. An O-ring of a heat recoverable alloy such as Nitinol is concentrically positioned between protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes. The O-ring is installed between the tubes while in a stressed martensitic state and is made to undergo a thermally induced transformation to an austenitic state. During the transformation the O-ring expands outwardly and contracts inwardly toward a previously sized austenitic configuration, thereby sealing against the protruding sealing rings of the concentric tubes.