Abstract: A facility that controls participants in an ad hoc peer wireless network to use transmission power level settings and routing paths that best serve individual participants in the network and the network as a whole is described. Variously, the facility modulates transmission power levels to extend participant battery life and reduce the likelihood of radio interference in the network; establishes routing paths that contribute to the effectiveness and continuing operation of the network; and monitors for and responds to the occurrence of interference in the network's communications.

Abstract: Seamless connectivity utilizing multi-domain security by storing a global key on each participant computing devices. When a participant computing device tries to connect to a network, the network sends encryption keys for that network in response to that participant computing device providing the global key and not being blacklisted. The participant computing device can then connect to the network using that network's encryption key. A meta-message container is generated for the message based on a next participant in a route from the transmitting participant to the destination participant. One or more series of one or more line items are generated for the message, with each line item being tagged tag with network information. The line items are encrypted based on the network information. The meta-message container and the encrypted series of line items are then transmitted to the next participant.

Abstract: Embodiments described are directed to the evaluation of a dynamically changing communication network environment to ensure that individual participant thresholds and network-centric thresholds are maintained and satisfied. A plurality of conditions for multiple dimensions of data are set for each participant in the network and for the network as a whole. The participant and network conditions, along with the participant capabilities, are considered holistically across the entire network to determine if the network and the participants are meeting thresholds for the different dimensions of data. In various embodiments, the thresholds, either at an individual participant level or at the network level, may be augmented with priorities to ensure that higher priorities are satisfied.

Abstract: Seamless connectivity utilizing multi-domain security by storing a global key on each participant computing devices. When a participant computing device tries to connect to a network, the network sends encryption keys for that network in response to that participant computing device providing the global key and not being blacklisted. The participant computing device can then connect to the network using that network's encryption key. A meta-message container is generated for the message based on a next participant in a route from the transmitting participant to the destination participant. One or more series of one or more line items are generated for the message, with each line item being tagged tag with network information. The line items are encrypted based on the network information. The meta-message container and the encrypted series of line items are then transmitted to the next participant.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a converter device having at least the following: a housing including a button with a motor and a gear assembly, a wireless processor, an internal battery, and an attachment element to attach the housing to a host device. The button may be programmable to control the host device. In addition, the wireless processor is preconfigured with a specific identifier (e.g., SIM) to a mobile network or a user's mobile device so that upon activating the host device, the converter may be connected to the mobile network or the user's mobile device without any additional configurations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a communication link between a first device of a first party and a second device of a second party that allows a communication between the first party and the second party, and periodically receiving a signal from the first device indicating a remaining battery power level of the first device during the communication. The method further includes communicating an alert to the second device over the communication link to notify the second party that the first device is near a battery power loss if the remaining battery power level falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a communication link between a first device of a first party and a second device of a second party that allows a communication between the first party and the second party, and periodically receiving a signal from the first device indicating a remaining battery power level of the first device during the communication. The method further includes communicating an alert to the second device over the communication link to notify the second party that the first device is near a battery power loss if the remaining battery power level falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Seamless connectivity utilizing multi-domain security by storing a global key on each participant computing devices. When a participant computing device tries to connect to a network, the network sends encryption keys for that network in response to that participant computing device providing the global key and not being blacklisted. The participant computing device can then connect to the network using that network's encryption key. A meta-message container is generated for the message based on a next participant in a route from the transmitting participant to the destination participant. One or more series of one or more line items are generated for the message, with each line item being tagged tag with network information. The line items are encrypted based on the network information. The meta-message container and the encrypted series of line items are then transmitted to the next participant.

Abstract: Provided are antibacterial and antimicrobial surface coatings and dental materials by utilizing the antimicrobial properties of copper chalcogenide and/or copper halide (CuQ, where Q=chalcogens including oxygen, or halogens, or nothing). An antimicrobial barrier is created by incorporation of CuQ nanoparticles of an appropriate size and at a concentration necessary and sufficient to create a unique bioelectrical environment. The unique bioelectrical environment results in biocidal effectiveness through a multi-factorial mechanism comprising a combination of the intrinsic quantum flux of copper (Cu0, Cu1+, Cu2+) ions and the high surface-to-volume electron sink facilitated by the nanoparticle. The result is the constant quantum flux of copper which manifests and establishes the antimicrobial environment preventing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented method (100) for processing food assessment data. The method includes the initial step (102) of providing an interface for enabling input of food assessment data. At step (104) a database is maintained for storing the input assessment data. At step (106) a processor is configured to analyse at least a subset of the assessment data based on one or more of the type and source of the assessment data to produce a food assessment model indicating the safety and/or quality of a selected one or more food items.

Abstract: Provided are antibacterial and antimicrobial surface coatings and dental materials by utilizing the antimicrobial properties of copper chalcogenide and/or copper halide (CuQ, where Q=chalcogens including oxygen, or halogens, or nothing). An antimicrobial barrier is created by incorporation of CuQ nanoparticles of an appropriate size and at a concentration necessary and sufficient to create a unique bioelectrical environment. The unique bioelectrical environment results in biocidal effectiveness through a multi-factorial mechanism comprising a combination of the intrinsic quantum flux of copper (Cu0, Cu1+, Cu2+) ions and the high surface-to-volume electron sink facilitated by the nanoparticle. The result is the constant quantum flux of copper which manifests and establishes the antimicrobial environment preventing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling structures by pulling air underground through corrugated pipe is disclosed. The system allows the air to cool down prior to being pulled back into the structure. The system comprises: a trench located outside the structure; an elongated pipe resting in the trench, having a first end and a second end; a first manifold connected to the first end of the elongated pipe, and a second manifold connected to the second end of the elongated pipe; a first airtight duct connecting the first manifold to the structure, and a second airtight duct connecting the second manifold to the structure; a duct fan coupled to the second set of ducting such that the duct fan causes air to flow through the first airtight duct to the first manifold, then to the elongated pipe, then through the second manifold, then through the second airtight duct back into the structure, thereby cooling the structure due to a naturally cooler temperature of the elongated pipe located in the trench.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft, and a method for operating an aircraft, the aircraft having a longitudinally unstable configuration and swept wings, the swept wings being based on aerofoils having a leading edge and configured for preventing attachment line transition in conditions of laminar flow over the swept wing for at least a predetermined first range of lift coefficients at a second range of Reynolds numbers. The invention also relates to an aerofoil, and to a method for providing an aerofoil, the airfoil being configured for a thick-sectioned subsonic/transonic swept wing, having a curved leading edge, a trailing edge, a thickness dimension and a chord dimension, wherein the leading edge comprises a leading edge curvature associated with a leading edge radius that is configured for preventing attachment line transition in conditions of laminar flow over the swept wing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft, and a method for operating an aircraft, the aircraft having a longitudinally unstable configuration and swept wings, the swept wings being based on aerofoils having a leading edge and configured for preventing attachment line transition in conditions of laminar flow over the swept wing for at least a predetermined first range of lift coefficients at a second range of Reynolds numbers. The invention also relates to an aerofoil, and to a method for providing an aerofoil, the airfoil being configured for a thick-sectioned subsonic/transonic swept wing, having a curved leading edge, a trailing edge, a thickness dimension and a chord dimension, wherein the leading edge comprises a leading edge curvature associated with a leading edge radius that is configured for preventing attachment line transition in conditions of laminar flow over the swept wing.

Abstract: A booklet used in germination and transplantation for plant material is disclosed. The booklet can easily be sent through regular mail without damaging the plant matter. Delayed germination is available by use of hygroscopic material. The booklet can have multiple trays that are removable for easy transplantation into a pot or garden. The tray can further include an inlet port for water and a water chamber for released germination. Learning material can be included in the booklet, as well as decorative or marketing material. The information in the booklet can be in the form of print, electronic display, stained glass or any other format.

Abstract: A disk-shaped kicking toy for use as an alternative to a soccer ball, shuffleboard pucks or weights, a hockey puck or ball, or in a game of the player's own creation. The kicking toy is intended to be constructed of a material that slides well on many surfaces and be surrounded by a ring of highly elastic rubber to increase its rebounding properties. The center of the kicking toy is preferably constructed of a transparent material under which indicia or marketing material may be displayed for marketing, distinguishing or commemorative purposes. Alternatively, the center section may house any of a number of devices including sensors, cameras, transmitters, sound devices or lighting apparatus to highlight the marketing material.

Abstract: A booklet used in germination and transplantation for plant material is disclosed. The booklet can easily be sent through regular mail without damaging the plant matter. Delayed germination is available by use of hygroscopic material. The booklet can have multiple trays that are removable for easy transplantation into a pot or garden. The tray can further include an inlet port for water and a water chamber for released germination. Learning material can be included in the booklet, as well as decorative or marketing material. The information in the booklet can be in the form of print, electronic display, stained glass or any other format.

Abstract: A disk-shaped kicking toy for use as an alternative to a soccer ball, shuffleboard pucks or weights, a hockey puck or ball, or in a game of the player's own creation. The kicking toy is intended to be constructed of a material that slides well on many surfaces and be surrounded by a ring of highly elastic rubber to increase its rebounding properties. The center of the kicking toy is preferably constructed of a transparent material under which indicia or marketing material may be displayed for marketing, distinguishing or commemorative purposes. Alternatively, the center section may house any of a number of devices including sensors, cameras, transmitters, sound devices or lighting apparatus to highlight the marketing material.

Abstract: In a mobile radio telephone, an adaptive impedance matching circuit (25) is positioned between a transmitting power amplifier (24) and a duplexer (18). The adaptive matching circuit (25) matches an antenna (17) to associated electronic circuitry, thereby optimising power transfer in an effort to maintain communication with a base station and to minimise power dissipation within the device itself. An adaptation algorithm is selected and implemented during idle periods when a reflection coefficient is identified as being large. The reactance of a passive pi network is incrementally modified and settings which achieve an optimum match are stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: A locking mechanism and method are provided for use in any photographic system which uses film cartridges. One embodiment includes a drive lever and an actuator which prevent movement of a slider door release, thus preventing unlocking of a film door when a film spool is improperly parked within a cartridge. Proper parking is determined by the position of a drive spindle, which operatively engages the film spool. In another embodiment, an actuator contacts a drive spindle and selectively engages a light lock driver. When the light lock driver is not engaged, the slider door release is moveable to unlock the film door. When the light lock driver is engaged, the slider door release is not moveable to unlock the film door. A user controlled mechanism may be included to properly park a film spool in the event that the photographic system improperly parks the film spool. An electro-mechanical switch may be included for properly parking the film spool.