Abstract: A product display system is disclosed. The product display system provides various means for illuminating products displayed. External and internal illumination means are disclosed, as well as internal and external power sources. In some embodiments, the displayed product switches from an external power source to an internal power source when the product is removed, allowing the product to remain illuminated for a considerable length of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot. In particular, an apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot for a necktie, with the knot being symmetric, and the tie hanging straight and of proper length for the wearer or the necktie. The apparatus and method are universal for neckties, not requiring a special necktie to be used in conjunction with the apparatus and method.

Abstract: A system is employed for defining a position (location) of a receiving element inside an area surrounded by a wire loop, along the perimeter (a perimeter wire loop), of a work area or other bounded area. In particular, the system can determine whether the receiver is inside or outside the loop, and evaluate its distance from the perimeter wire.

Abstract: The claimed inventions are intended to be used in glazing of buildings and vehicles. The effect consists in power input savings and in creating ability of a self-contained power supply source. The method for regulation of translucence of glazing or transparent or translucent oilcloth, envisaging power supply of including as their component at least one current conductor film with adjoining to it liquid crystalline layer and regulation of voltage is characterized by regulation of voltage of constant current within the limits of 12 volts or of frequency of alternating current. The device may contain an autonomous constant power supply source provided with a heliopower battery and mounted or built in the glazing or oilcloth and/or with a microprocessor regulator of frequency or voltage.

Abstract: A novel gypsum board having improved antimicrobial and antibacterial properties is disclosed. The board comprises a gypsum core, front and back paper facings, and a polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound effective at inhibiting fungal growth. Preferred polymeric antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds include polyDADMAC, polyTMMC, and quaternized polyvinyl pyridine derivatives. The novel gypsum board further comprises a non-polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound. Preferred non-polymeric antimicrobial or antibacteral compounds include cetyl pyridinium chloride and sodium pyrithione. The polymeric antimicrobial or antibacterial compound can be present in the gypsum core and/or on one or both of the paper facings.

Abstract: A signal reconstruction technique is used to correct for wow and flutter in analog audio recordings. Elements of the recording are used to generate a signal for correcting the output. Involves locating modulated entities such as bias signal (e.g. frequency-modulated, amplitude-modulated, or phase-modulated entities) in the recording, extracting them, and utilizing them as a carrier to synchronize to a master clock, using the irregularity of the anomaly to indicate the speed and pitch information to be corrected. A carrier frequency is determined and applied to a digitized form of the recording. This may be performed even in the absence of a prescribed reference code or tone, such as a pilot tone laid down purposefully at the moment of recording. In the case of signals presumed to have an error in the carrier, a corresponding signal is buffered, and in the case of a presumed error, a last known signal is used for the duration of the error.

Abstract: An implantable source (40) of therapeutic radiation for brachytherapy is provided as a sealed, biocompatible capsule (410) of plastic (e.g. polyethylene or PEEK) transparent to the radiation. The capsule contains a radiation source (400) comprising particles of a radioactive isotope (e.g. Pd103, I125, Cs131) in a fluid carrier that is resistant to radiation polymerization but solidifies at elevated temperature. It also has a marker (420), and desirably has a socket (430) which accommodates attaching spacers (660) and makes possible linear strands and planar arrays of the capsules. The spacers may be functional, e.g. heat-generating or medication-releasing.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and deodorizing a sponge and a method of using the device. The device includes a carrier assembly that travels along a guide-track system and is lowered into a base unit large enough to hold a bath of cleaning solution that would engulf the sponge. The carrier assembly is used to compress, decompress, and recompress the sponge, which in turn absorbs a cleaning solution and expels the cleaning solution along with foreign matter.

Abstract: A storage assembly of a type including at least two modules which can be solidly connected to one another. Each of said modules is equipped with structure for accessing at least one storage space, a closure mechanism and a mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another. The at least one module includes structure for locking the mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another and the closure mechanism for closing off access to at least one module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a voter to vote at any single official polling place in the state (jurisdiction) even if it lies outside the boundaries of his local voting location (division of the jurisdiction). The systems and methods disclosed also prevent voter fraud, including a single voter voting more than once, at any polling place anywhere in the jurisdiction.

Abstract: The invention involves clusters or hubs each comprising multiple works for which human beings might express taste-based preferences. The items are grouped in clusters in such a way that the works most in accordance with the tastes of any particular individual person will tend to be in a small number of these clusters out of the overall collection. In this way, clusters can be used to help the person find items that he is not previously familiar with but that he will probably like. The clustering of works is optimized by human effort, software, or both. By way of example, a methodology for doing this using the principle of information transfer as described in the theory of Shannon entropy is explained. When human effort is used to perform the optimization, facilities are provided for using such principles to determine whether a human-suggested change actually improves the clustering. Facilities are provided whereby the optimization work may be distributed across multiple machines.

Abstract: Mounting brackets for mounting microphones, lights, video, audio and photographic tools and accessories utilized in the audio/video industry to a variety of support structures or fixtures. This invention provides quick and effective attachment of numerous audio/video devices and other paraphernalia onto a wide variety of fixtures. Convenient clamping and mounting mechanisms are disclosed, as well as a kit of such mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for detecting a speed limit violation based on the movement of a cell phone in a moving vehicle. The system and method determine whether a speeding violation has occurred based periodic cell phone location data, the time between a cell phone's presence at one location and the next, and the speed limit of the section of a section of road that the cell phone could be located on. Embodiments of systems and methods of the invention detect whether a moving vehicle may be part of a public transit system, in which case the corresponding cell phones are removed from consideration. The system and method also include generating a speeding ticket for a car determined to have violated a corresponding speed limit, keeping a record of a speeding violation, and sending a request to settle the ticket if it is not paid on time.

Abstract: A process for making a carbonous residue from scrap tires is disclosed. Tires are digested in an oil product. Steel and glass fibers are separated. A product enhancing additive comprising halogen based organic or inorganic compounds is added. The resulting carbonaceous material is then cured to create the final product. The produced carbonous residue is well suited for capture of mercury. The present invention has the benefits of providing a use for scrap tires that would otherwise require disposal in a landfill, and also produces a product useful for capturing a harmful element, thereby providing multiple environmental and economic benefits.

Abstract: A method of bonding an antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte to the surface of a substrate is described, wherein the antimicrobial thus attached to the substrate provides the substrate with antimicrobial properties, and at least a portion of the bonded antimicrobial is substantially non-leachable during normal conditions of use and storage. A method of manufacturing an antimicrobial material is described which comprises exposure of the substrate to a solution of antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolyte, followed by drying the exposed substrate thoroughly to impart a non-leaching property to at least a portion of the antimicrobial cationic polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: Modular pool constructive design whose walls are constituted by metallic panels (17, 18, 19), made up by folding metallic sheets, comprising a bottom including a structure that supports a plurality of metallic panels-tiles (16) —said walls (11, 12, 13, 14) are connected to said bottom's structure, making up a unique and non-deformable structure, all the pool's elements are interlinked by semi-permanent connecting means, such as screws and nuts. The dimensions of the pool's elements allow its easy transport in small vehicles or buildings' elevators.

Abstract: A portable content-playing device which automatically constructs a virtual channel of content consistent with the tastes of the user of the device, where the content originates from one or more satellites. The portable device contains software for computing similarity values between a local taste profile (representative of the tastes of the user of the device) and taste profiles downloaded from one or more of the satellites, and this information is used in choosing the content of the virtual channel.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing drag in vehicles, typically trucks, such as tractor-trailers, have moveable moving drag reducing apparatus. This movable drag reducing apparatus is for movement into and out of various positions, in accordance with the location of the vehicle with respect to its distance from an obstacle.

Abstract: A system for providing heat to the dump body of a dump truck is disclosed. The disclosed system is suitable for use with truck equipped with a diesel particulate filter. When enabled, the system controls the exit path of exhaust gas such that it is routed to the dump body during normal operating conditions. In one embodiment, when the diesel particulate filter enters a regeneration cycle, high heat is produced. The system then routes the exhaust gas as to bypass the dump body to avoid heat damage from the higher temperature exhaust gas.