Abstract: A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized weather forecast signals to remote communicator devices. The broadcast network comprising a user input database, a communicator location database, a weather information database, a weather analysis unit and a communication network. The user input database contains user-defined parameters, each of the user-defined parameters includes a user profile. The user profile in each of the user-defined parameters utilizes a user identifier code and identifies a communicator device associated with a particular user. The communicator location database contains real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices. The weather information database contains real-time weather forecast data or weather data for the spatial locations contained in the communicator location database.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition having detackifying and detoxifying properties such that the composition is useful for detackifying and detoxifying paint particles in spray booth water and for treating a paint booth dry filter to render the filter fire retardant, non-combustible and non-hazardous to enable disposal of a used dry filter in a standard landfill. The present invention also includes a method for the detackification and detoxification of oversprayed paint in a paint spray booth system wherein said oversprayed paint comes into contact with water of a waste water system.

Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with an oversized sleeve. The sleeve has an inner diameter which is greater than the maximum diameter of a pot disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion, a skirt portion, with a linear or non-linear upper end, or with or without gussets in the lower end or sides. In the method the sleeve is secured about the pot by crimping a portion of the sleeve having a bonding material thereon, or using a securing element.

Abstract: Polymers of differing refraction indices are embedded within a PCB to provide optical connectivity of the PCB with other circuit boards via an optic backplane. The creation of islands of polymer material of refractive index n1 completely surrounded by polymer material with refractive index n2 where n1 has a higher index than n2 allows the islands of n1 indexed polymer to serve as optical waveguides. A process of forming a multi-layered PCB with the optical waveguide islands using successive laminations and using laser ablation to write the optical connection scheme is taught. Further, the use of uniquely marked targets in a copper layer to align the optical waveguides in production is also taught. Additionally, the use of clearing polymer materials and reinforcing polymer voids with lamination to allow a simple, high tolerance insertion of through-holes is taught.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a decorative cover about an outer peripheral surface of a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly having a well formed therein, and a cover forming and banding assembly having a flower pot receiving opening sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a sheet of cover forming material and at least a lower portion of the flower pot. The platform is provided with an opening therein sized to permit passage of at least a portion of the flower pot and at least a portion of the sheet of cover forming material there through. The cover forming and banding assembly is supported within the well of the frame such that the flower pot receiving opening in the cover forming and banding assembly is aligned with the opening in the platform.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative cover for a floral grouping wherein the decorative cover is provided with a card holder assembly for securing a card to the decorative cover, and a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover. The decorative cover is formed from a sheet of material having a design indicia, the sheet of material having an opening extending therethrough wherein the opening is offset from a central portion of the sheet of material in a direction generally away from the indicia bearing portion of the sheet of material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses articles containing a coating composition, as well as methods of making and using the compositions which, when applied to a substrate and cured, provide articles having transparent abrasion resistant coatings, wherein the coatings have a matched refractive index to that of the substrate and can be tailored to control the extent of tint absorption (vide infra). The coating compositions comprise an aqueous-organic solvent mixture containing a mixture of hydrolysis products and partial condensates of an epoxy-functional silane, a carboxylic acid functional compound selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, multifunctional carboxylic acids, anhydrides, and combinations thereof, a metal oxide composite colloid, and a disilane. The coating compositions may further include a mixture of hydrolysis products and partial condensates of one or more silane additives, a colloidal silica material, and a tetrafunctional silane.

Abstract: A personal computer system split into a local portion and a remote portion. In one embodiment the remote portion of the split personal computer system is located in a remote location and normally maintained by a network service provider and has personal computer application programs stored thereon that are controlled by the individuals local portion. The remote portion provides one or more personal computer application programs as a service that can be selected by the individual and stores the individuals data after running the personal computer application program selected by the individual. Both the selected program and the individuals data can be accessed upon providing a valid password by the individual. The remote portion has a controller that can collect fees for the application program services provided each individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to triacylglycerol oligomer products and methods of making, using and producing same.

Abstract: A plant package produced by a method of covering a pot with a preformed tubular sleeve having a tapered shape, a non-linear upper edge, and free from an upper portion sized to surround and encompass the floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: The present relates in general to upconversion luminescence (“UCL”) materials and methods of making and using same and more particularly, but not meant to be limiting, to Mn2+ doped semiconductor nanoparticles for use as UCL materials. The present invention also relates in general to upconversion luminescence including two-photon absorption upconversion, and potential applications using UCL materials, including light emitting diodes, upconversion lasers, infrared detectors, chemical sensors, temperature sensors and biological labels, all of which incorporate a UCL material.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device including a shutter assembly, a light sensing circuit, a control circuit and a power supply source. The shutter assembly is adjustable to a plurality of shade levels. The phototransistor of the light sensing circuit senses light from a welding arc and provides an output of the light sensing circuit indicative of the shade level at which the shutter assembly should be operated. The phototransistor is configured for surface mount and has an external base connection connected to the base of the phototransistor. The control circuit is configured to receive the output from the light sensing circuit and provide a drive signal to the shutter assembly responsive to said output, drives the shutter assembly to one of said plurality of shade levels.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative cover, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: A nanotube/matrix composite mixture, and a method of producing it, which can be used to form a composite material such as a drawn fiber having an increased strength over a drawn fiber formed from the matrix material alone. Nanotubes are combined with a solvent material to form a nanotube/solvent mixture. The nanotube/solvent mixture is mixed, for example by sonication, such that the nanotubes are uniformly dispersed in the nanotube/solvent mixture. An amount of a matrix material (with or without a solvent) is then combined with the nanotube/solvent mixture to form a nanotube/solvent/matrix mixture. The nanotube/solvent/mixture and the matrix material are mixed such that the nanotubes are maintained in uniformly dispersed state in the nanotube/solvent/matrix mixture, for example by continued sonication after the nanotubes and matrix material are combined.

Abstract: A process for providing a coating composition which, provides an abrasive resistant coating having a refractive index of the substrate and controlled tintability. The composition which, when applied to at least one surface of a substrate comprises an aqueous-organic solvent mixture containing a mixture of hydrolysis products and partial condensates of an epoxy-functional silane, a carboxylic acid functional compound selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, multifunctional carboxylic acids, anhydrides, and combinations thereof, a metal oxide composite colloid, a disilane and an effective amount of a leveling agent for permitting the aqueous-organic mixture to spread on the substrate and thereby provide substantially uniform contact of the aqueous-organic mixture with the substrate. The coating compositions may further include a mixture of hydrolysis products and partial condensates of one or more silane additives, a colloidal silica material, and a tetrafunctional silane.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve for containing a pot and/or floral grouping and/or growing or retaining medium. The flexible sleeve has a body and a flap. The body has an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface and a skirt. The flap is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the body, preferably near the skirt. The flap is adapted to be positioned in: a storage position extending downward, a receiving position extending upward, and a deployed position extending substantially inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of the body when the body is in an open configuration. The flap can be a sheet, or may be folded or slitted. Water or other chemicals may be impregnated into the flap to aid in the maintenance of the floral grouping or growing medium. The flap may also be used to secure the sleeve about the pot and/or floral grouping and/or growing or retaining medium.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system whereby a service provider can service a large number of customers (millions) and connect them to their rented PC from millions of locations around the world. Many customers (10 to 100 thousand) can be connected simultaneously. The service provider is responsible for maintaining the latest PC Hardware and Software configurations available on the market instead of the customer. The rented PC operates in essentially the same manner as if one purchased and maintained their PC at home or office. Access to the individuals rented PC can be obtained from any existing PC, office network computer, a Web TV computer or other customer interface computer which has been authorized by the service provider. The current invention will greatly improve existing Client/Server systems being used to service large global offices.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube product formed from a metallic catalytic particle and single-walled carbon nanotubes deposited thereon. The catalytic particles preferably contain at least one metal from Group VIII, including for example Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt, and at least one metal from Group VIb including for example Mo, W and Cr. The metallic catalytic particle preferably further comprises a support material such as silica. The carbon nanotube product is preferably formed by exposing the metallic catalytic particle to a carbon-containing gas at a temperature sufficient to form the single-walled nanotubes as a primary portion of a solid carbon product on the metallic catalytic particles.