Abstract: An underwater projection system, a controller and method of controlling are herein described. The controller providing, at least in part, a boundary setting module or methodology and/or an image correction module or methodology through a user interface for the underwater projection system. A user interface is provided to enable user control and input and adjustment of the image controller from an observation point outside of the media of the underwater projection system, while the adjustments are made in-situ. An optional automated edge or edge and surface detection system is also contemplated to assist in boundary detection within the water feature for the underwater image projection system.

Abstract: An LED light bulb device that includes a bulb body, a plurality of flexible circuit strips, and at least one LED. The flexible circuit strips are formed to a shape of, and adhered directly to, an interior face of the bulb body. At least one of the flexible circuit strips defines a plurality of stress-relieving notches. At least one LED is mounted to a corresponding one of the flexible circuit strips and is electrically connected to a conductive trace formed by the flexible circuit strip. The LEDs are arranged to aim inwardly relative to the bulb body. In some embodiments, a rear surface of each of the flexible circuit strips is adhesively attached to the interior face of the bulb body. In some embodiments, a plurality of LEDs are provided and arranged to provide one or both of uniform light distribution and diverse heat distribution.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing ready-to-eat bacon with pan-fried bacon characteristics comprising a combination of cooking in a microwave oven and finishing in a searing unit.

Abstract: A water level detection system in a pool, spa, fountain or water feature forming a body of water within, the water level detection system is provided with a tap line coupled to a plumbing line on a suction or supply side of a filtration system and admitting water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature such that the change in level of the water in the tap line corresponds to a change in level of the water in the pool, spa, fountain or water feature. A sensing module is mounted to the tap line and has at least one sensor for detecting the height of a column of water or the pressure of a column of air in the water tap line. A controller is coupled to the sensing module and adapted to collect the data from the sensors that detect changes in the level of the water level of the body of water, communicate the detection of such a change, and report such a change to initiate addition or removal of water from the body of water to adjust the water level in the body of water to a set point.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: Color correction, based on operator gestures, is accomplished by first determining at least one point of contact (604) in a tracking area of an operator interface touched by an operator. Thereafter, a direction (606) and magnitude (608) of movement for each point of contact is determined in in response to operator movement. A best match gesture (610) is determined based on the number, direction, and magnitude of motion of the points of contact; and that best match gesture is translated (612) into a change to a color parameter value.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an underwater projection system having a water feature and an ambient light in communication with the underwater projection system. A projector is disposed within the water feature and is designed to project an image out of the water feature into a body of water. A controller is in communication with the projector and operates both the ambient light and the projector.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, a first flexible member disposed within the first cavity, a second flexible member disposed within the second cavity, and a drive shaft extending between and attached to each of the first flexible member and the second flexible member. The drive shaft is configured to slide back and forth within the pump body. The pump also includes a first shift valve and a second shift valve disposed between the first flexible member and the second flexible member, operatively coupled to deliver a drive fluid to drive fluid chambers in alternating sequence. Some fluid pumps disclosed herein include a housing defining a modular-receiving cavity and a modular insert secured within the modular-receiving cavity by an interference fit. Methods of manufacturing and using fluid pumps are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device coated with a friable composition comprising an insect toxicant wherein the geometry of the device, the presence of openings in the device, the presence of a highly volatile attractant independently located inside the device, and the composition comprising an insect toxicant function together to release an effective concentration of the highly volatile attractant vapor into the environment at a rate that maintains attractancy and at the same time kills the insect as soon as the insect comes into contact with the vapors of the insecticide or the composition impregnated on the surface of the device.

Abstract: A retention, release, and separation device is disclosed. The device includes a clip to secure a component and a capturing sleeve to secure the clip and prevent release of the component. The capturing sleeve can alternately facilitate displacement of the clip to release the component. The device also includes a separation piston that provides a separation force to the component to actively separate the component from the device upon release of the component. Additionally, the device includes a fluid source to provide a fluid pressure sufficient to displace the capturing sleeve and the separation piston, and to generate the separation force.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided providing information in a defined space. An exemplary method may include receiving data related to one or more individuals in the defined space. The received data may be used for identifying the one or more individuals based on the received data and one or more brands associated with the one or more individuals based on the received data. The method may further include determining the information to display based on the identification of the one or more individuals and the identification of the one or more brands associated with the one or more individuals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating composition or paint comprising a polymer system including one or more latex polymers, wherein the acid content and molecular weight of the latex polymers are balanced to provide a coating composition that demonstrates optimal performance characteristics of washability or stain resistance, especially when used in a flat finish paint.

Abstract: The construction of a semantically associated computer search database is disclosed. A text catalog containing the text particulars and contents of a plurality of electronic documents, a term association database which joins text search terms with their semantic meanings or definitions, and a content association database which contains records associating text search terms and their contextual definitions in respect of individual electronic documents are used to in conjunction provide a text index in which it is possible to search based upon the actual definitions or meanings of certain text or terms within the electronic documents, reducing or refining query search result sets. A method of operating a search engine with the index in question, as well as other e-commerce methods employing the index as a refining tool are also disclosed.