Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for calcining gypsum. The apparatuses and methods place a gypsum particle optimizer in close association with the impact mill so that all the gypsum supplied to the impact mill has to enter the gypsum particle optimizer prior to the gypsum entering the impact mill, and so that heat generated from the impact mill enters into the gypsum particle optimizer from the impact mill. The gypsum particle optimizer utilizes a rotor to disperse the gypsum throughout the gypsum particle optimizer so that the gypsum is exposed to the heat from the impact mill prior to entering the impact mill. The exposure to the heat removes free water from the gypsum prior to the gypsum entering the impact mill.

Abstract: A system and method providing an environment for the composition, generation, integration and execution of business processes and/or transactions over a distributed computing-based network. In a preferred embodiment, a business process expert develops a business model by using a network browser to access the composition environment via the network. The preferred embodiment includes a Composer and a Player. The Composer allows a business process engineer to model the processes, process rules and data structures of an entity upon the basis of a plurality of software resources. The Player executes the modeled processes and access relevant data in real-time, according to rules and resources as related within a software structure generated by the business process engineer.

Abstract: A method of dynamically adjusting prices of items using a processor based upon the category to which the item is assigned, wherein the items are of the type that are deliverable over a network. A system includes memory for storing group indicators with regard to the items and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory for adjusting the prices of items.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid that is at least partially double stranded is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye having a percent saturation of at least 50% to form a mixture. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is amplified in the presence of the dsDNA binding dye, and in another embodiment a melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for inhibiting and precluding the buildup and offgas of offensive odors and corrosive sulfuric acid in wastewater in a variety of locations in a sewage system through the use of superoxygenation. The system comprises an oxygenator having an inverse conical section for a downward flow of oxygen gas injected into the sewage stream prior to entering the oxygenator. In one embodiment, the system is inserted directly into the main sewage stream, while in another embodiment, the system is used to treat a sidestream from the main sewage stream.

Abstract: A construction beam useful for building bridges, commercial or industrial buildings, or the like has an elongated shell with an interior volume. A conduit lies within the interior volume of the beam that has profile extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam. A compression reinforcement fills the interior volume of the conduit. The beam may include a shear connection device, where one end of the shear connection device is positioned in the compression reinforcement, and the other end extends outwardly through the shell.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a first price of an item in a first group for sale utilizing a processor, offering the item in the first group for sale at the first price, selling one or more orders for the item in the first group at the first price to a purchaser, delivering the item to the purchaser, pricing the item at a second price with the processor based at least on the one or more sales of the item at the first price, and offering the item for sale at the second price.

Abstract: A system and a method for transforming graphical images. Graphical images are adapted by the present invention to be applied to a three-dimensional topography of a substrate. After the image is applied to the substrate, the image then appears in proportion and conforms to the (topography of the substrate. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for creating at least one transformed graphical image. The topography of a substrate is measured by using a digitizing apparatus to obtain at least one image of the topography of a measurement article. The digitizing apparatus comprises at least one sensor that is electronically interconnected with a computer memory. The at least one image of the measurement article is transmitted into the computer memory. A graphical image is transformed in computer memory in accordance with the measurements of the topography of the measurement article to result in a transformed graphical image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radio frequency (“RF”) activation system with improved operating capability and ease of installation. Improved responsiveness is provided by the receiver which determines the frame timing of incoming signals and calculates the estimated time of arrival for ensuing frames thus minimizing loss of frame synchronization problems. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by determining the time span of the frame start sequence and using this to determine the frame timing of an incoming RF signal. The receiver also makes corrections for timing errors between the receiver and transmitter by re-synchronizing the receiver with the incoming RF signal.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for retrieving information through the use of a multi-stage interaction with a client to identify particular knowledge content associated with a knowledge map. The present invention is an application program running on a server accessed via the world-wide web or other data network using standard Internet protocols, a web browser and web server software. In addition to an automated portion, the present invention allows a human dialog designer to model the way the system elicits information, giving a human feel to the dialog and a better customer experience. In operation, users start a dialog by directing their web browser to a designated web page. This web page asks the user some initial questions that are then passed to a dialog engine. The dialog engine then applies its methods and algorithms to a knowledge map, using dialog control information\ and the user's responses to provide feedback to the user.

Abstract: A battery module of the present invention is adaptable to be utilized in various configurations including and not limited to an overlapping battery cell packaging configuration and a vertical stack battery cell packaging configuration used in an automotive vehicle. The battery module has a plurality of battery heatsink assemblies with the cells disposed therebetween. A plurality of rods extend through the each heatsink assemblies to secure the heatsink assemblies and the cell with one another to form the battery module.

Abstract: A golf training system includes a golf club, an alignment strip, and a plurality of markers for coupling to a golfer's apparel. The golf club includes a shaft having an axial centerline, a grip coupled to the shaft, and a head coupled to the shaft. The grip may have a length, a width, and a that varies from a minimum about equal to about the width to a maximum about equal to twice the width. The golf club may also include a polyhedron coupled to the shaft and positioned between the grip and the head. The polyhedron may have an axial alignment such that a vertex of the polyhedron is substantially parallel to the axial centerline of the shaft. The alignment strip may have a plurality of markings indicating a variety of possible locations for a golfer's feet in a stance, and a preferred position of a golf ball. The markers may be configured to be removably coupled to the golfer's appeal, and may serve as visual aids to the golfer during a swing.

Abstract: Methods of identifying the type of a cell are provided, the methods comprising determining the Tm profile of a sample rRNA or fragment thereof from the cell using a double stranded nucleic acid-specific dye, wherein a match between the determined Tm profile and the Tm profile of a corresponding rRNA or fragment thereof of a cell from a known cell type indicates that the sample rRNA is from the known cell type.

Abstract: Dental compositions and methods of curing the composition utilizing a light emitting diode (LED) curing unit. According to one aspect, a composition comprising a multiacrylate compound, an initiator including camphorquinone and at least one amine, and a colorless anti-yellowing agent produces a scratch free surface having no oxygen inhibited layer when cured with the LED curing unit.

Abstract: A system for applying wallboard finishing compound comprising a container with an opening and tray sized and shaped to fit within the opening. The tray has a first chamber for receiving the wallboard finishing compound and a second chamber having a grip formed therein. The tray is further shaped to receive a joint knife and a roll of tape. A lid is sized and shaped to cover the opening and enclose the tray in the container.

Abstract: Photochromic matrix compositions and tie layer compositions useful for the preparation of photochromic polycarbonate lenses are disclosed. The tie layer compositions facilitate adhesion of the photochromic matrix composition to the polycarbonate lens. The photochromic matrix compositions can contain a flexible hydrophilic dimethacrylate monomer, one or more hydrophobic monomers, a flexible hydrophobic multi(meth)acrylate monomer, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and one or more photochromic dyes. The tie layer compositions can contain one or more methacrylate monomers, a (meth)acrylated oligomer with a polycarbonate backbone, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and a solvent or solvent mixture. Methods of preparing photochromic polycarbonate lenses are also disclosed, involving the serial application of the tie layer composition, then the photochromic matrix composition to the lens.