Abstract: Disclosed are cellulose-based flexible gels containing cellulose nanorods, ribbons, fibers, and the like, and cellulose-enabled inorganic or polymeric composites, wherein the gels have tunable optical, heat transfer, and stiffness properties. The disclosed gels are in the form of hydrogels, organogels, liquid-crystal (LC) gels, and aerogels. Further disclosed are highly transparent and flexible cellulose nanofiber-polysiloxane composite aerogels featuring enhanced mechanical robustness, tunable optical anisotropy, and low thermal conductivity. Further disclosed are gels comprising cellulosic material derived from bacteria and processes for preparing bacterial cellulose gels and methods of use.

Abstract: A digital fluid heating system may include a solar collection system configured for focusing sunlight on a focal axis, an elongated flow element arranged and configured for transporting fluid along the solar collection system at the focal axis, and a flow-control assembly comprising a digitally controlled valve configured to control the flow of the fluid in the elongated flow element such that pathogens present in the fluid are substantially inactivated before the fluid exits the fluid heating system and at a maximized flow rate under the given energy providing conditions. The system may also include one or more digital controls and communication systems for remote and/or automatic control.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes depositing a source material (M) consisting of blast furnace slag into a closed-loop centrifugal air classifying system (10, 10?, 10?) and utilizing the closed-loop centrifugal air classifying system (10, 10?, 10?) for processing the blast furnace slag into a processed blast furnace slag material (Mp). A closed-loop centrifugal air classifying system (10, 10?, 10?) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating identification and prioritization of opportunities for marketers of goods and services. According to one aspect of the disclosed system, upon identification of one or more opportunities for a marketer, the system verifies whether or not the one or more opportunities satisfy certain preexisting threshold criteria. Those opportunities that satisfy certain preexisting threshold criteria are then scored, prioritized and presented to marketers. The disclosed system generates opportunity scores by analyzing various kinds of lead- and non-lead-based information and data. Aspects of the disclosed system are communicably coupled to marketers, leads, and third party information services to extract such information and data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating identification and prioritization of opportunities for marketers of goods and services. According to one aspect of the disclosed system, upon identification of one or more opportunities for a marketer, the system verifies whether or not the one or more opportunities satisfy certain preexisting threshold criteria. Those opportunities that satisfy certain preexisting threshold criteria are then scored, prioritized and presented to marketers. The disclosed system generates opportunity scores by analyzing various kinds of lead- and non-lead-based information and data. Aspects of the disclosed system are communicably coupled to marketers, leads, and third party information services to extract such information and data.

Abstract: Methods and system for allowing a user, through a computer in telecommunication link with a system having access to financial and market data, to predict the performance of a financial vehicle and thereby provide training for trading options or evaluating predictions are provided.

Abstract: A hair clipper having a pivoting clipper head is provided. The hair clipper has a clipper head, a handle and connectors for connecting the handle and the head. The clipper head has a cutting assembly located thereon. The handle has a longitudinal axis, a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor. The connectors connect the clipper head and the handle such that the clipper head pivots about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: Methods and system for allowing a user, through a computer in telecommunication link with a system having access to financial and market data, to predict the performance of a financial vehicle and thereby provide training for trading options or evaluating predictions are provided.

Abstract: The subject of this patent application is an improved walking and/or running shoe. The shoe is an assembly made up of four primary parts, namely, a means for exposing front portion of foot, a means for forming sole of shoe, a means for covering top of shoe, and a means for tying shoe. The means for exposing front portion of foot is the open or exposed area of the means for covering top of shoe, which exposes some, a portion, or all of the toes, and may include an additional indentation to expose some or all of the pinkie toe as well.

Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement comprising a circuit board and an electrical component attached thereto by a plurality of solder joints. The sizes of the joints are chosen according to a characteristic (for example the frequency) of signals to be conducted through them. The joint sizes are inversely proportional to the frequency of signals which they are arranged to conduct. The expected fatigue life of the arrangement is greater than one in which all joints are of a smaller size, as required for example for high frequency signals, and this reduces the need for component underfill.