Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for improving microvascular function in humans and mammals. Reduction of exposure to airbourne fine particles using air treatment systems increases microvascular function in persons at cardiovascular risk. Preferred treatment systems provide a zone of clean air having >75% reduction in airbourne particle counts around a person at cardiovascular risk. The devices and methods can be optimally used during sleep, when the user is stationary for an extended period.

Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.

Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.

Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a spray device can be configured to maintain a viscous fluid in isolation from a propellant fluid until after the viscous fluid exits from a nozzle of the spray device. For example, the viscous fluid may comprise an adhesive such a surgical adhesive. When the spray device is actuated, the surgical adhesive can exit the nozzle whereat the propellant fluid acts upon the surgical adhesive to break it into droplets for application on a targeted site.

Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.

Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.

Abstract: A method of discovering one or more patterns in two sequences of symbols S1 and S2 includes the formation, for each sequence, of a master offset table that groups for each symbol the position in the sequence occupied by each occurrence of that symbol. The difference in position between each occurrence of a symbol in one of the sequences and each occurrence of that same symbol in the other sequence is determined and a Pattern Map is formed. For each given value of a difference in position the Pattern Map lists the position in the first sequence of each symbol therein that appears in the second sequence at that difference in position. The collection of the symbols tabulated for each value of difference in position thereby defines a parent pattern in the first sequence that is repeated in the second sequence.

Abstract: A method is provided for communicating to consumers through a test protocol chemical functionality of commercially available cosmetics. The method is a proof of the promotional advertising. The steps include comparing two or more different commercially available cosmetic products which advertise antioxidant functionality, contacting each of the products with a test system reactive with antioxidants, and generating a perceivable change in color proportionate to concentration of the antioxidant in the product. The test is preserved in a tangible medium such as a video and then shown to consumers who might have potential purchase interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave energy conversion device (1), for use in relatively shallow water, which has a base portion (2) for anchoring to the bed of a body of water (6) and an upstanding flap portion (8) pivotally connected (12) to the base portion. The flap portion is biased to the vertical and oscillates, backwards and forwards about the vertical in response to wave motion acting on its faces. Power extraction means extract energy from the movement of the flap portion. When the base portion (2) is anchored to the bed of a body of water (6) with the flap portion (8) facing the wave motion, the base portion (2) and the flap portion (8) extend vertically through at least the entire depth of the water, to present a substantially continuous surface to the wave motion throughout the full depth of water from the wave crest to the sea bed. A plurality of devices can be interconnected to form one system. The distance between the plurality of flaps is dependent on the wavelength.

Abstract: A superconducting tape includes a substrate, a buffer layer overlying the substrate, a superconductor layer overlying the buffer layer, and an electroplated stabilizer layer overlying the superconductor layer. The tape provides for low AC losses, and is particularly suitable for deployment in components where attenuation of AC losses is important, such as in rotating machines.

Abstract: A superconducting tape is disclosed, including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the substrate including a plurality of indicia provided on the first surface spaced apart along a length of the substrate; and a superconductor layer overlying the second surface. Also disclosed are components incorporating superconducting tapes, methods for manufacturing same, and methods for using same.

Abstract: A superconducting article includes a first superconductive segment having a nominal thickness tn1, a second superconductive segment having a nominal thickness tn2, and a joint region comprising a splice connecting the first and second superconductive segments together. The splice overlies portions of both the first and second superconductive segments along the joint region, the joint region having a thickness tjr, wherein tjr is not greater than at least one of 1.8 tn1 and 1.8 tn2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 2-step methods, and compositions for providing more vibrant, natural and long-lasting color to hair and at the same time reducing hair fiber damage associated with alternative current methods. In the first step the hair is contacted for a period of time with a dye precursor mixture containing specific oxidative hair dye precursors under conditions where these dyes are substantially inactive. Color is then developed in a second step by contacting the hair with a mixture of a peroxide compound and a persulfate salt. Surprisingly the 2-step method leads to considerable “lift” or lightening without negatively impacting the coloring ability of the oxidative dye. The invention also relates to kits providing the means to accomplish these steps.

Abstract: A self-contained Doppler demonstration comprised of an enclosure (20) with a tether attachment site (4). The enclosure (20) contains an electrical power source (12), a power source connector (13), a switch (8), and an auditory tone generator (11). In operation, the switch (8) is closed, and the demonstrator is rotated on a tether to produce the observed change in auditory pitch/frequency that is the Doppler effect.

Abstract: A remote sensing platform for sensing a target may include a source configured to emit optical radiation toward the target. A device may be configured to dither the emitted optical radiation to alternately illuminate a number of locations on the target. A first detector may be configured to detect radiation reflected from a first location of the number of locations and to generate a first signal. A first lock-in amplifier may be configured to process the first signal. A second detector may be configured to detect radiation reflected from a second location of the number of locations and to generate a second signal. A second lock-in amplifier may be configured to process the second signal.

Abstract: An educational device to teach the biblical doctrine of double imputation is disclosed. The educational device is generally comprised of a cross, a balance type scale, and at least three different objects which by casual observation are of unequal mass.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the in vitro amplification of nucleic acid and, in particular, for the amplification of extrachromosomal nucleic acid molecules having a molecular weight of one kilobase or greater. The design and use of primers, low ionic strength amplification buffer, low co-solvent containing buffer, and combined polymerization/ligation reaction buffers are described in this regard.

Abstract: The multi-purpose hydraulic bumper is a replacement bumper which mounts to a truck. The bumper rotates up and down with hydraulic power. This movement makes it a working piece of equipment able to do many different jobs.

Abstract: In an access system and method for buses, a master card and respective slave cards for respective students are provided. The cards are read by a card reader to control access to the bus. A microprocessor and memory are provided together with an annunciator which determine whether a slave card annunciator code corresponds to an annunciator code on the master card, thus determining whether a respective student is boarding a bus which corresponds with his respective route.