Abstract: A system, method and device for ingesting data files into remote computing environments is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of data files and processing same according to a modified round-robin (MRR) process. The MRR assigns data files for processing by determining which of a plurality of remote processors are active, and by determining an amount of queued processing for the active remote processors. The method includes assigning each data file of the plurality of data files to a remote processor of the plurality of remote processors based on the remote processor (1) being active, and (2) having a relatively lower amount of queued processing. The method includes instructing a storage writer to store processed data files.

Abstract: Processes capable of producing bulk materials suitable for use by the horticulture industry, resulting bulk materials produced thereby, and applications for these processes and materials. Preferred bulk materials have physical properties similar to peat moss and comprise individual materials, each at least partially having a twisted, curled, clumped and rolled structure. The individual materials may further comprise small granular particles dispersed throughout the twisted, curled, clumped and rolled structure. The individual materials may be rolled fibers such that the bulk material has physical properties similar to sphagnum peat moss so as to be particularly suitable as, for example, a soil conditioner, an absorbent material, a chemical carrier, or a filtering material. Alternatively, the individual materials may be rolled particles such that the bulk material has physical properties similar to milled peat moss so as to be particularly suitable as propagation media.

Abstract: Processes capable of producing bulk materials suitable for use by the horticulture industry, resulting bulk materials produced thereby, and applications for these processes and materials. Preferred bulk materials have physical properties similar to peat moss and comprise individual materials, each at least partially having a twisted, curled, clumped and rolled structure. The individual materials may further comprise small granular particles dispersed throughout the twisted, curled, clumped and rolled structure. The individual materials may be rolled fibers such that the bulk material has physical properties similar to Sphagnum peat moss so as to be particularly suitable as, for example, a soil conditioner, an absorbent material, a chemical carrier, or a filtering material. Alternatively, the individual materials may be rolled particles such that the bulk material has physical properties similar to milled peat moss so as to be particularly suitable as propagation media.

Abstract: A method of thermal development of flexographic printing elements, having steps of: fixing a relief precursor a movable support; repeatedly moving the support in a multitude of movement cycles; heating the relief precursor to a temperature sufficient to cause the uncured portions of the photopolymer layer to soften or liquefy; contacting with a development medium; Single movement cycles are carried out with different heating powers and different contacting with the developing medium such that one may improve the registration accuracy of the printing element, ease removal of functional layers, smoothen the relief plate precursor surface, and address heat build-up problem.

Abstract: A method for identifying a relief precursor or a relief comprising a carrier and a relief-forming layer, having the steps: a) providing a relief precursor comprising a carrier and a relief-forming layer; b) providing data which identifies the type of relief precursor and, if appropriate, contains process-relevant data for processing it, in the form of at least one two-dimensional code; c) introducing the at least one two-dimensional code into the relief-forming layer as a relief.

Abstract: A method for thermally developing a relief precursor comprising a supporting layer and photopolymer layer having cured and uncured portions comprising the steps: (a) fixing the relief precursor with the supporting layer adjacent to a movable support; (b) repeatedly moving the support with the relief precursor fixed thereon in a multitude of movement cycles; (c) heating the relief precursor to a temperature sufficient to cause the uncured portions of the photopolymer layer to soften or liquefy; (d) contacting the relief precursor with a development medium to allow the liquefied material of the uncured portions to be adhered to and removed by the development medium; wherein the heating and contacting is carried out in cycles A, B, C or D each corresponding to a single movement cycle such that (i) in a cycle A, the relief precursor is heated with higher heating power and not contacted the relief precursor with the development medium; (ii) in a cycle B, the relief precursor is heated with higher heating power

Abstract: An improved stringed instrument pick having a two-piece configuration including a holding device having a finger hole associated therewith and a pick member selectively engageable with the holding device, the pick member having a first playing surface and a second playing surface joined together at a joinder edge so as to form a V-shaped configuration. The first and second playing surfaces include first and second prong members respectively for engaging corresponding slots associated with the holding device. The pick member is selectively engageable with the holding device such that a user can use a differently angled or sized pick member with the same holding device depending upon the particular stringed instrument being played and/or to achieve a particular style or sound. As such, the present pick provides multiple playing surfaces which can be utilized in a wide variety of different ways to play a particular stringed instrument.

Abstract: An improved stringed instrument pick having a two-piece configuration including a holding device having a finger hole associated therewith and a pick member selectively engageable with the holding device, the pick member having a first playing surface and a second playing surface joined together at a joinder edge so as to form a V-shaped configuration. The first and second playing surfaces include first and second prong members respectively for engaging conesponding slots associated with the holding device. The pick member is selectively engageable with the holding device such that a user can use a differently angled or sized pick member with the same holding device depending upon the particular stringed instrument being played and/or to achieve a particular style or sound. As such, the present pick provides multiple playing surfaces which can be utilized in a wide variety of different ways to play a particular stringed instrument.

Abstract: A free floating spirally shaped mixing blade for use in a mixing chamber for mixing various substances including an elongated blade member formed so as to extend from a first end portion to a second end portion in a spiral configuration, the blade member being positionable so as to be wholly contained within a mixing chamber and free floating therein when the mixing chamber is agitated. In various embodiments, the mixing blade may include a slit positioned at an intermediate location along the length of the blade member dividing the blade member into first and second blade portions, the slit extending partially along the width of the elongated blade, and/or a plurality of openings extending through the blade member for increasing turbulence when the blade is agitated within a mixing chamber. In some embodiments, the mixing blade may take the form of an elliptical helix or a circular helix.

Abstract: A wire protecting device for boxes containing electrical wires, the device having an insert sleeve having a substantially solid exterior and a penetrable interior and a structure for attaching the insert sleeve proximate a fastener hole capable of receiving a fastener which extends in a longitudinal direction into the box when in an at least partially fastened position.

Abstract: A radiant resistant coating, heat-shielding methods, and coated products are provided. The coating can include an acrylic emulsion as a special carrier to enhance adhesion onto substrates, a defoamer to limit frothing during blending, a coalescent, polymerized aluminum pigment as a special heat rejecting element, an associative thickener to establish the proper viscosity, a PH additive as a stability enhancer, and water. This combined matrix provides a water-based, single entity radiant resistant coating with negligible VOC levels.

Abstract: A wire protecting device for boxes containing electrical wires, the device having an insert sleeve having a substantially solid exterior and a penetrable interior and a structure for attaching the insert sleeve proximate a fastener hole capable of receiving a fastener which extends in a longitudinal direction into the box when in an at least partially fastened position.

Abstract: A reinforced, variable strength, fluid applied, waterproofing and/or air barrier membrane system assembled in the field is described. The membrane can comprise two major components: a carrier fluid and reinforcement elements. The carrier fluid can comprise a polymer fluid, and the reinforcing elements can comprise a reinforcing fiber composition. The polymer fluid can comprise one or more of a variety of catalyzed or atmospherically cured resin-based or non-resin based fluid vehicles. The reinforcing fibers can comprise one or more of a variety of chopped-length synthetic or natural fibers of suitable tensile strength and elongation. The polymer fluid and the reinforcing fibers can be combined and sprayed onto many surfaces that need to be waterproofed, weatherproofed, or sequestered.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutically useful substituted guanidines, and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise one or more of such guanidines.