Abstract: An interactive, computer network based system presents consumers with multimedia brand information via a browser-based interface called the GraffitiWall™. Consumers can use the GraffitiWall™ to modify and display a sponsor's brand information in any way desired. Consumer modifications are immediately communicated to the other member consumers and the advertiser/sponsor. Consumers can rate the GraffitiWall™, or portions thereof, and email the GraffitiWall™. An archive of GraffitiWalls™ is maintained by the system. Consumers participate in online focus groups, one-to-one interviews and discussions, as well as games and promotions pertaining to the brand.

Abstract: A high efficiency electric motor has a generally polyhedrally shaped bulk amorphous metal magnetic component in which a plurality of layers of amorphous metal strips are laminated together to form a generally three-dimensional part having the shape of a polyhedron. The bulk amorphous metal magnetic component may include an arcuate surface, and preferably includes two arcuate surfaces that are disposed opposite to each other. The magnetic component is operable at frequencies ranging from about 50 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. When the motor is operated at an excitation frequency “f” to a peak induction level Bmax the component exhibits a core-loss less than “L” wherein L is given by the formula L=0.0074 f (Bmax)1.3+0.000282 f1.5 (Bmax)2.4, said core loss, said excitation frequency and said peak induction level being measured in watts per kilogram, hertz, and teslas, respectively.

Abstract: X-ray radiation is transmitted through and scattered from an object under inspection to detect weapons, narcotics, explosives or other contraband. Relatively fast scintillators are employed for faster X-ray detection efficiency and significantly improved image resolution. Detector design is improved by the use of optically adiabatic scintillators. Switching between photon-counting and photon integration modes reduces noise and significantly increases overall image quality.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for casting metal strip includes a moving chill body that has a quench surface. A nozzle mechanism deposits a stream of molten metal on a quenching region of the quench surface to form the strip. The nozzle mechanism has an exit portion with a nozzle orifice. A depletion mechanism includes a plurality of independently controllable gas nozzles to supply a reducing gas to multiple zones of a depletion region located adjacent to and upstream from the quenching region. The gas flow profile can be controlled in each zone independently of controlling the gas flow in other zones. The reducing gas reacts exothermically to lower the density to provide a low density reducing atmosphere within the depletion and substantially prevent formation of gas pockets in the strip.

Abstract: A plurality of parts are brazed using an iron/chromium brazing filler metal. The parts are preferably composed of stainless steel and the brazed assembly forms a heat exchanger characterized by good corrosion resistance and low rates of leaching of Ni into fluids passing therethrough. The heat exchanger is especially suited for use in processing items intended to be ingested by humans or animals. Leaching rates and corrosion resistance are further enhanced by a post-brazing conditioning step wherein the assembly is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to a temperature ranging from about 150° to 600° C.

Abstract: A method provides interactive audience participation at live spectator events. The method includes providing each spectator with an interactive device that presents a promotional message and includes a user interface, broadcasting audio programming to the spectator through the interactive device, querying the spectators, wherein answers to the querying may be entered by spectators via the user interface of the interactive device, transmitting the answers to a central processor, storing the answers as spectator data, processing the spectator data into results, storing the results of the processing of the spectator data and broadcasting the results of the processing of the spectator data.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for forming sintered, molded articles having improved dimensional stability. More particularly, this invention pertains to process for forming heat sinks. This process includes forming a substantially uniform copper composition comprising a polysaccharide binder, water, and copper particles; molding the copper composition under conditions sufficient to form a solid molded intermediate; and sintering the solid molded intermediate at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to form a heat sink.

Abstract: A detachable flexible baby bottle holder controls displacement of the bottle during feeding. The bottle is held within a cavity by a flexible, soft, elastomeric element, which is secured against the infant's chest using plurality of adjustable straps. Tensile forces exerted by the straps on the elastomeric, soft, flexible bottle holder create an elliptically shaped cavity in which the bottle resides. Movement of the bottle within the elliptically shaped cavity tracks movement of the infant, providing controlled displacement of said bottle in directions corresponding thereto. Bottle motion is accommodated during feeding within a range of several centimeters, minimizing application of transverse and vertical forces otherwise exerted by the nipple. Compliance required for the baby bottle holding system is achieved by the cooperative combination of the elliptical cavity, the flexibility and softness of the trapezoidal element and the tension imposed by the adjustable straps.

Abstract: Information concerning child development is developed and stored in first and second data sets containing topics and issue-questions related thereto. The information is accessed from these data sets by selectively combining an issue-question with at least one topic to produce a primary information product. A program means associated with the data sets modifies the primary information product by imposing thereon a plurality of answer-options to the selected issue-question. Each of the answer-options comprises at least one expert opinion and one parent-expert opinion, stored in third and fourth data sets. The imposition of answer-options on the information product produces a polycentric information product, which is readily communicated by oral, written or electronic means. Advantageously, the method provides to a parent, grandparent, child, teacher, nurse, caregiver, baby-sitter, or other user or viewer, an information product that is directed specifically to the concerns of that user.

Abstract: Persons engaged in physical activities, including athletic contests and attempts to reach peak physical performance in specific physical endeavors, are assisted by a coordinated database of relevant information derived from a staff of professionals who have the ability to interact with the participants in a globalized computerized network.

Abstract: A bed safety guard provides additional guarding protection lengthwise of the bed. The side support or guard rail is secured against the side of the mattress by a plurality of slats extending transversely across substantially the entire width of the box spring. Each of the slats is bent at a terminal end thereof to form a fixed substantially right angle. The terminal ends cooperate with the side of the box spring to reliably secure the guard rail in position, to prevent it from being dislodged or pushed out and away from the bed by an occupant.

Abstract: An educational map puzzle game teaches children and adults to locate political entities of the world on a map. Puzzle pieces comprised of postage stamp reproductions or simulated postage stamp reproductions correspond to specific sites on large-format continental and regional outline maps. Players earn points for matching puzzle pieces with correct map sites within a predetermined time period. Learning value is enhanced by reference material relating the significance of each postage stamp image to the country or territory it represents. Self-adhesive hook-and-loop members removably attach game pieces to the base. The game can be played on a vertical or horizontal surface. The base is attractive enough to be framed and vertically suspended, or pasted directly to a wall and used interactively with the puzzle pieces. In an alternate embodiment, the map base serves as an ornamental display device for stamp and coin exhibitors and collectors.

Abstract: An Enhanced Radio Data System for commercial radio broadcasters comprises a subcarrier modulated for transmitting data impressed on the broadcaster's main carrier frequency. The subcarrier data protocol constitutes an enhancement over existing protocols constructed for this purpose by providing the capability for broadcasters to identify themselves both by their program format as well as by the announcements they carry, and by providing the capability for broadcasters to convey more detailed information in a process with greater inherent intelligence. Such intelligence enables: data typing without separately transmitting the definition of the data types; data compression specific to each type of data; and data formatting and presentation based on the specific characteristics of the data types without the need to separately transmit data formatting and presentation instructions.

Abstract: A device such as an electric motor, an electric generator, or a regenerative electric motor includes a rotor arrangement and a stator arrangement. The stator arrangement has a dielectric electromagnet housing and at least one energizable electromagnet assembly including an overall amorphous metal magnetic core. The overall amorphous metal magnetic core is made up of a plurality of individually formed amorphous metal core pieces. The dielectric electromagnet housing has core piece openings formed into the electromagnet housing for holding the individually formed amorphous metal core pieces in positions adjacent to one another so as to form the overall amorphous metal magnetic core. The device further includes a control arrangement that is able to variably control the activation and deactivation of the electromagnet using any combination of a plurality of activation and deactivation parameters in order to control the speed, efficiency, torque, and power of the device.

Abstract: An enhanced radio graphic data system comprises an FM receiver, RDS demodulator and decoder, display, microprocessor and memory. The system incorporates a protocol enhancement of RDS involving the redefinition of several bits within the B-block. An accompanying arrangement utilizes data in the C- and D-Blocks to create message streams containing the text data to be presented along with associated formatting instructions.

Abstract: A hot water heater containment system holds, detects, and removes leaked water while also shutting off the water supply. The system additionally shuts off supply gas when leaking gas is detected, and sounds an alarm. A burner within the system is shielded against infiltration of flammable vapors from external sources. The shielding function is accomplished without preventing access to the burner for maintenance. Advantageously, the hot water containment system is inexpensive to construct, easy and safe to use, and highly reliable in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors the departure of a child from an exit. The apparatus comprises: an electronic article surveillance system adapted to generate an electromagnetic field at the exit; and a tag worn by the child, the tag being responsive to the electromagnetic field. The tag is caused to alarm upon departure of the child from the exit. Optionally, the tag is provided with an alarm means for alarming the electronic article surveillance system.

Abstract: Information concerning child development is developed and stored in first and second data sets containing topics and issue-questions related thereto. The information is accessed from these data sets by selectively combining an issue-question with at least one topic to produce a primary information product. A program means associated with the data sets modifies the primary information product by imposing thereon a plurality of answer-options to the selected issue-question. Each of the answer-options comprises at least one expert opinion and one parent-expert opinion, stored in third and fourth data sets. The imposition of answer-options on the information product produces a polycentric information product, which is readily communicated by oral, written or electronic means. Advantageously, the method provides to a parent, grandparent, child, teacher, nurse, caregiver, baby-sitter, or other user or viewer, an information product that is directed specifically to the concerns of that user.