Abstract: 3D graphics animation is increasingly used in movies and virtual reality computer games to produce realistic visual simulations of physical and natural phenomena. The animation of diffuse liquids such as gases is an indispensable component in such special effects. The present system and methods utilize physically-based and more intuitive procedurally-based simulation techniques to simulate and render natural phenomena in computer graphics. The present invention facilitates user interaction in order to generate a variety of gas effects, for example, waves within water, plumes within hot gas, and flames within fire. Improved user interaction is achieved by improving rendering performance and introducing a new method of high-level control for Eulerian simulations.

Abstract: Facilitating exercise using easy to transport and easy to assemble components and, when assembled, providing a portable apparatus on which a human can engage in a wide variety of exercises. Support elements including vertical components are supported on bases. Collars slideably insert over the support elements and further include bar supports for receiving one or more stabilizers. The stabilizers join the support elements and the bases forming a system base.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to digital frequency locked looping to synchronize frequencies between the local signal from a local oscillator and a reference clock signal from a remote oscillator. A reference counter increments its count for every pulse in the reference clock signal. The value in the reference counter is compared to a configurable reference value. Whenever a match between the reference counter value and the reference value occurs, a hit signal is generated and the reference counter value is reinitialized. Concurrent with the above, a feedback counter increments for every pulse from the local signal. When the hit signal is generated, the value in the feedback counter is compared to a configurable feedback value (by subtraction) to generate a difference value. The difference value is then converted to a frequency adjust signal for use in either increasing or decreasing the frequency of the local oscillator. The hit signal also reinitializes the feedback counter.

Abstract: An improved system and methods useful for the cooking of one or more food items by the application of a non-ambient temperature developed within a temperature retentive element. The temperature retentive element can be sized and shaped to form a cooking box in which cooking at a temperature relative to the non-ambient temperature may proceed and from which the food item, when fully cooked, may be served.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods by which the risk associated with a new opportunity or new or ongoing relationship may be assessed. An example of such new opportunity or new relationship for which the present invention may be used to assess the risk is that concerning a potential new customer of a financial institution. The risk assessment of the present invention may be used to assess whether a new customer should be taken on as a customer and, if so, to what extent should the possible full range of account benefits be provided to the new customer. Other applications include assessing risk regarding a candidate for employment, assessing casualty loss and/or repayment risk in the insurance industry, and assessing risk in a landlord tenant relationship to determine whether or not to rent to the prospective tenant and if so, the amount of the security deposit.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a wireless temperature control system or a method for controlling an HVAC unit from a central location may include a control transmitter for sending programming data. One or more thermostats, each wired to an associated HVAC unit or units, have a wireless component for receiving the programming data from the control transmitter via a localized wireless network. The one or more thermostats of the system are not dependent upon the control transmitter or the localized wireless network for continued operation. Using this apparatus or method, a user may, among other things, transmit programming data to one or more HVAC units from one central location.

Abstract: A flaps closing apparatus for closing full flap boxes is provided. The apparatus includes a flaps closing assembly with a first brake mechanism and closing bars with a second brake mechanism. The first brake mechanism controls the vertical motion of the flaps closing assembly with respect to the flaps closing apparatus. The second brake mechanism holds the closing bars in an angled configuration and at a first predetermined vertical position permits the bars to pivot to a horizontal configuration. A flap sealing assembly includes a pair of compression plates positioned outside the flaps closing assembly. A compression plate actuating mechanism draws the compression plates inwardly to urge side flaps of the full flap box into contact with sides of the full flap box at a second predetermined vertical position. A vertical movement mechanism lowers and raises the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the performance of a caregiver are disclosed. The systems may be configured to monitor the movement of each caregiver in a network of caregivers. One such system includes a plurality of strips adhered in spaced-apart relation on a mattress pad, upon which a subject is positioned. One or more transmitter is provided coupled to the plurality of strips. A processor in connected to the one or more transmitter. The processor is provided with operating software to record and report caregiver activity or both caregiver activity and subject activity.

Abstract: A deck of game playing cards is disclosed containing approximately 104 playing cards, each card having a back side which is similar to each of the other playing cards such that the cards cannot be distinguished by observing the back side, and a front side containing an indication of location, quantity and suit, such that when a first playing card is placed adjacent to a second playing card, the combination results in a playing card similar to a standard playing card, but approximately twice the size of the standard playing card.

Abstract: A stroller that accepts and supports various types of child's car seats is easily converted from its operational state to its storage state by actuating a latching mechanism. The stroller includes a lever which facilitates the removal of the child's car seat. A seat assembly can be attached to the stroller to convert the stroller from a child's car seat carrier to a toddler stroller. The seat assembly remains in the upright position when the stroller is converted from the storage state to the operational state.

Abstract: A powered snowboard having a drive assembly mounted thereon, the drive assembly including a frame, a track assembly having a track suspended over multiple wheels, the track assembly being supported in the frame such that it is able to travel in a vertical direction as well as pivot about an axis, and a motor operatively engaged with the track such that it drives the track thus propelling the snowboard. A cutout is formed in the snowboard through which the track assembly engages the snow or ice below the snowboard, and the track assembly is biased against the snow or ice to maintain a constant contact with the snow or ice during use.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of a water pipe. The present invention includes a major unit and a minor unit that are magnetically coupled. The pipe cleaning apparatus cleans the surfaces of a water pipe as it is moved in conjunction (maintaining a magnetic connection) along the inside and outside surfaces of the pipe. The cleaning apparatus efficiently and effectively cleans the residue that builds up on the inside surfaces of a tobacco pipe, but also provides entertainment.

Abstract: An edible article for acting as a substitute for a food item includes a carrier element formed of an edible material and an information element disposed on one or more surface of the carrier element. The one or more information element includes information related to the food item. The information may be one or more of a flavoring agent, a coloring agent or a texturing agent, for example. Different types and combinations of information may be provided by way of the information element and/or the carrier element to substitute for food items.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is open and alterable such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.

Abstract: Formable pallets that are easy to construct into a generally stably product receiving state and easy to collapse into a storage/transport state. Embodiments of the pallet of which include a construction wherein one or more support beams can be further integrally formed from the sheet material of the pallet itself and function to support a product support surface on an uppermost surface of the pallet. The one or more support beams can be supported internally by structural inserts. Additionally, the supporting inserts may include braces for added stability and strength. The beams, as well as the platform can be further braced and structurally supported by cross braces, which run generally at right angles to the beams and pass through apertures in the beams themselves and slots in the inserts.

Abstract: A flaps closing apparatus for closing full flap boxes is provided. The apparatus includes a flaps closing assembly with a first brake mechanism and closing bars with a second brake mechanism. The first brake mechanism controls the vertical motion of the flaps closing assembly with respect to the flaps closing apparatus. The second brake mechanism holds the closing bars in an angled configuration and at a first predetermined vertical position permits the bars to pivot to a horizontal configuration. A flap sealing assembly includes a pair of compression plates positioned outside the flaps closing assembly. A compression plate actuating mechanism draws the compression plates inwardly to urge side flaps of the full flap box into contact with sides of the full flap box at a second predetermined vertical position. A vertical movement mechanism lowers and raises the apparatus.

Abstract: A golf grip, device and method are described to hold a golf club shaft in a manner to avoid pinching the golf club shaft between the fingers and the thumb of the dominant hand. A device of the present invention, in one form, is a golf glove which includes a joining mechanism to affix the thumb and index finger of the dominant hand. The glove of the present invention is used in training and actual play to provide an improved grip which encourages a proper swing of the club.

Abstract: A thermal printing head and controller include a serial input port for receiving a serial image bit means for storage of successive lines of serial image data. A multiplexer is connected to the RAMs to produce simultaneous micropulse bits. The micropulse bits are received simultaneously by serial inputs of a plurality of shift registers. The shift registers control the states of a plurality of thermal styli.