Abstract: Existing currency validation (CVAL) devices, systems, and methods are too slow, costly, intrusive, and/or bulky to be routinely used in common transaction locations (e.g., at checkout, at an automatic teller machine, etc.). Presented herein are devices, systems, and methods to facilitate optical validation of documents, merchandise, or currency at common transaction locations and to do so in an obtrusive and convenient way. More specifically, the present invention embraces a validation device that may be used alone or integrated within a larger system (e.g., point of sale system, kiosk, etc.). The present invention also embraces methods for currency validation using the validation device, as well as methods for improving the quality and consistency of data captured by the validation device for validation.

Abstract: Described herein are tooth whitening strips comprising a hydratable adhesive film with a first side and a second side, the first side having a granular bleaching ingredient attached thereto in an amount effective to whiten teeth, together with methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A computer program product and method provides a question and answer service that accepts an initial first question from a user and analyzes the question by a first generation subsystem to generate a first answer. A second generation subsystem of the question and answer service is configured to generate a second question based at least in-part on keywords from the first question and the first answer.

Abstract: A body motion driven interface system, the system uses an interface to track body position along with optional body positional elements driven by the user's body. The body motion driven interface includes an interactive object, a rocking platform for supporting the user's body, a tilt sensor for sensing tilt of the rocking platform, an optional position sensor for sensing position of the body positional elements relative to the rocking platform, and an optional tactile sensor for sensing touch of the body. The system further includes a control unit receiving tilt sensor data from the tilt sensor, position sensor data from the position sensor and tactile sensor data from the tactile sensor. The control unit uses the tilt sensor data, the position sensor data and the tactile sensor data to generate instructions that change a state within the computer driven visual display to create an imagination driven simulated reality.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system used in a car, home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration manager, and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data. A communication system for a mobile vehicle, home, or office environment includes multiple processors. The multiple processors each run an Open Communication system that controls how data is transferred between processors based on data content as opposed to the links that connect the processors together.

Abstract: Described herein are packages for storing and dispensing multi-part tooth whitening formulations, comprising a deformable material configured to form two or more sealed chambers, e.g., wherein the first chamber contains a low viscosity liquid solution comprising an enzyme having perhydrolytic activity, and the second chamber contains a peroxide source and a at least one acyl donor substrate. Particular multi-part tooth whitening formulations using this principle and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system used in a car, home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration manager, and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data. A communication system for a mobile vehicle, home, or office environment includes multiple processors. The multiple processors each run an Open Communication system that controls how data is transferred between processors based on data content as opposed to the links that connect the processors together.

Abstract: A flag attachment apparatus includes a first planar portion and a second portion. The first planar portion includes a first side and a second side, a plurality of ribs on the first side, and a deflectable middle portion disposed between two slits. The second portion includes a first angle plate and a second angle plate, both attached to a first end of the first planar portion and proceeding outward from the first planar portion such that a first angle is formed between the first angle plate and the second angle plate.

Abstract: A computer program product and method provides a question and answer service that accepts an initial first question from a user and analyzes the question by a first generation subsystem to generate a first answer. A second generation subsystem of the question and answer service is configured to generate a second question based at least in-part on keywords from the first question and the first answer.

Abstract: A seed growing device, method, and system are described. The seed growing device may comprise a solid-shape and a seed-enclosure located within the solid-shape. The solid-shape may comprise a mixture. The mixture may comprise a dry acid and a dry base. The seed-enclosure may comprise a seed and/or spore. The seed-enclosure may comprise an outer-layer that may be dissolvable upon contact with liquid water. When the solid-shape may be sufficiently wetted with liquid water, the dry acid and the dry base may absorb at least some of the liquid water to interact in an aqueous acid base chemical reaction causing bubbling and transitioning the solid-shape from a dry state into a liquid state; and in some embodiments emitting a fragrance. At least some of the liquid water may dissolve the seed-enclosure enough to permit some of the liquid water to reach the seed and initiate seed germination.

Abstract: A computer program product and method provides a question and answer service that accepts an initial first question from a user and analyzes the question by a first generation subsystem to generate a first answer. A second generation subsystem of the question and answer service is configured to generate a second question based at least in-part on keywords from the first question and the first answer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention may be a teeth cleaning device including: a first support structure having a first dentature channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a dentature of a user, the first dentature channel defined at least in part by a first channel floor, a first facial wall, and a first glossal wall; a plurality of teeth cleaning pads, the teeth cleaning pads including: a first facial teeth cleaning pad coupled to the first facial wall; and a first glossal teeth cleaning pad coupled to the first glossal wall so as to oppose the first facial teeth cleaning pad, the first facial teeth cleaning pad and the first glossal teeth cleaning pad being oriented such that an acute angle is formed therebetween; a plurality of air bladders operably coupled to the teeth cleaning pads; and an air-flow subsystem operably coupled to the air bladders.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention may be a teeth cleaning device including: a first support structure comprising a first dentature channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a dentature of a user; a plurality of teeth cleaning pads located within the first dentature channel; a plurality of air bladders operably coupled to the teeth cleaning pads; an air-flow subsystem operably coupled to the air bladders; and a control unit operably coupled to the air-flow subsystem, the control unit configured to: (1) pressurize the air bladders with external air in a pressurization mode; and (2) transfer air between select ones of the air bladders in a cleaning mode.

Abstract: A teeth cleaning device including: a first support structure comprising a first dentature channel configured to receive upper teeth; a second support structure comprising a second dentature channel configured to receive lower teeth; a first set of teeth cleaning pads located within the first dentature channel and a second set of teeth cleaning pads located within the second dentature channel; a first set of air bladders operably coupled to the first set of teeth cleaning pads and a second set of air bladders operably coupled to the second set of teeth cleaning pads; and a control unit operably coupled to an air-flow subsystem which is coupled to the bladders, the control unit configured to: (1) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a first cleaning motion; (2) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a second cleaning motion; and (3) operate the air-flow subsystem to produce a third cleaning motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a capsule comprising one or more solid oral care ingredients, said capsule being adapted for use in an apparatus that combines a solvent, for example water, and the oral care ingredients to provide a liquid, for example aqueous, oral care composition. The present disclosure also provides apparatus adapted to provide an aqueous oral care composition by directing water through the capsule; aqueous oral care compositions prepared by use of the capsule and/or apparatus, and methods for the use of the aqueous oral care compositions.

Abstract: Point-of sale (POS) devices and checkout devices are provided. An exemplary checkout apparatus includes a plurality of sensing elements arranged in fixed relationship with each other at the mouth of a bag. At least one of the sensing elements senses a code arranged on a product as the product is being placed into the bag.

Abstract: A mass airflow measuring device includes an air passageway defined in a duct. A first channel communicates with the air passageway via at least one first aperture to allow air flowing through the air passageway to enter the first channel. A second channel is located downstream from the first channel. A sample channel communicates the first channel with the second channel. A mass airflow sensor is located in the sample channel and is adapted to receive air flowing in the sample channel. The sample channel is defined in a housing which has a chamber adapted to accommodate one of a variety of differently configured mass airflow sensors. The sensor is adapted to output an airflow signal based on air flowing past the sensor. A processing unit communicates with the sensor and is adapted to receive the airflow signal from the sensor.