Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for optimizing a protective helmet or other item of protective clothing with one or more enhanced principal impact zones and/or impact elements that incorporate protective features that can be particularized to a specific player-position and/or the individual behavior of a specific player or wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and/or an apparatus for an improved helmet system that may help reduce the severity of injuries by enhancing overall helmet protection through uniquely designed facemasks and facemask bumpers. The facemask and facemask bumpers that are particularly adapted to redistribute pressure and impact forces, decrease vibration, sudden shock, noise and/or the peak forces transmitted from the facemask to the rest of the helmet system. The facemask bumpers may be disposed into specific regions of the facemask, including the brow region, the glabella region, orbit region, the frontal region, the mandible (front, right and/or left side) region, the maxilla region, the nasal region, zygomatic region, the ethmoid region, the lacrimal region, the sphenoid region and/or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A device for drying and/or styling hair is disclosed. The device uses conduction and convection to heat the user's hair either to dry wet or damp hair or to style the user's hair. The device has a body portion having a fan and a heater for generating a heated air stream. The heated air stream flows into a head portion that has a base portion and a heat exchanger. Heat from the air heats up the heat exchanger which in turn heats up the base portion. During use, the user's hair contacts an outer surface of the base portion and is heated by conduction. Vent holes are also provided in the base portion so that the heated air can also heat the user's hair by convection.

Abstract: A computer-based method and apparatus are provided for sourcing persons, organizations or computers capable of executing the tasks required to produce a product or an outcome, and for scheduling the requisite tasks. The computer-implemented method executes a desired workflow or provides a desired workflow deliverable. The method may include entering into workflow management software a desired workflow or desired workflow deliverable, the workflow management software then defines two or more requisite tasks, and a task executor for each of the tasks by reference to a database of task executors. A task executor may be a human or a computer. The workflow management software then directs the execution of the two or more requisite tasks by the task executor.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying and styling hair, comprising: first and second mutually-opposing arms adapted for movement between an open configuration for receiving a length of wet hair therebetween and a closed configuration adjacent the hair, such that, in use, when the arms are in the closed configuration they form an inter-arm chamber across which the hair passes, and wherein an airflow conduit is provided within and along at least one of the first and second arms; and means for delivering a flow of air along the conduit in the at least one of the first and second arms, and subsequently into the inter-arm chamber. Also provided is a method of drying (and optionally simultaneously styling) hair using such apparatus.

Abstract: A computer-based method and apparatus are provided for sourcing persons, organizations or computers capable of executing the tasks required to produce a product or an outcome, and for scheduling the requisite tasks. The computer-implemented method executes a desired workflow or provides a desired workflow deliverable. The method may include entering into workflow management software a desired workflow or a desired workflow deliverable, the workflow management software then defines two or more requisite tasks, and a task executor for each of the tasks by reference to a database of task executors. A task executor may be a human or a computer. The workflow management software then directs the execution of the two or more requisite tasks by the task executor.