Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid analyte, for example a pathogen or virus nucleic acid, in a sample using oligonucleotide probe-functionalised nanoparticles, where hybridisation of at least three different oligonucleotide probes to at least three different target sequences in the target analyte causes agglomeration of the nanoparticles and a visible colour change. The invention also provides a population of such oligonucleotide probe-functionalised nanoparticles and a related kit for detection of a target nucleic acid analyte.

Abstract: A well pump includes a plurality of diffusers, wherein each diffuser comprises a first threaded coupling on one longitudinal end and a second threaded coupling on an opposed longitudinal end. An impeller is disposed in each diffuser. The plurality of diffusers are coupled end to end to form a pump housing, in which the first threaded coupling on one diffuser is threadedly engaged to the second threaded coupling on adjacent diffuser.

Abstract: There is described a communication system (1) comprising a central unit (3) and a communication element (20). The central unit (3) comprises at least one RF antenna (4), a transmitter (6) configured to transmit a RF signal and a receiver (8) configured to receive a backscattered RF signal. The communication element (20) comprises a RF antenna (22) and a modulator (23) configured to backscatter the RF signal. The communication element (20) comprises a means for modulating the backscattered RF signal into a spread spectrum backscattered RF signal, and a means for supplying power.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed that receives a wireless request from a proximity key that is used to access a vehicle. The wireless request includes a key-GPS that is a set of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) coordinates that correspond to the proximity key. A vehicle-GPS is retrieved at the vehicle with the vehicle-GPS being a set of GPS coordinates that correspond to the vehicle. A distance between the proximity key and the vehicle based is calculated on a difference between the key-GPS and the vehicle-GPS. The approach then determines whether to perform the request based on the calculated distance.

Abstract: Expandable cooler includes a front wall, a rear wall, an interior, an exterior, and a front hinge. A front panel hingedly attached to the expandable cooler, front hinge being between the front panel and the cooler. Front panel has a surface and is movable away from front wall of cooler into an expanded position. Front panel is foldable about front hinge so front panel extends away from expandable cooler, and surface on front panel faces upwardly and surface can receive a person or an object on it, such as a picnic, toys, or for lying down or sunbathing. Foldable front panel includes a second front panel hingedly attached to front panel by a front panel hinge, second front panel has a surface, and second front panel is movable about front panel hinge and lies facing upwardly, and second surface receives an object on it in the expanded position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging comprising at least one sensor or communication device, characterized in that a structural component of the packaging forms a component of the at least one sensor or communication device. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a smart packaging is provided comprising the steps of manufacturing a packaging and constituting at least one sensor or communication device on or in the packaging, wherein a structural component of the packaging is taken for constituting a component of the at least one sensor or communication device.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed that receives a wireless request from a proximity key that is used to access a vehicle. The wireless request includes a key-GPS that is a set of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) coordinates that correspond to the proximity key. A vehicle-GPS is retrieved at the vehicle with the vehicle-GPS being a set of GPS coordinates that correspond to the vehicle. A distance between the proximity key and the vehicle based is calculated on a difference between the key-GPS and the vehicle-GPS. The approach then determines whether to perform the request based on the calculated distance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging comprising at least one electric power source, characterized in that a structural component of the packaging forms a component of the at least one electric power source, said structural component being a component or material layer offering a contribution to enable the packaging to contain a product or to be transported.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining one or more three-dimensional (3D) objects defined in 3D space for display. The one or more 3D objects may be projected into corresponding one or more two-dimensional (2D) objects defined in 2D space. Run-time layout characteristics of the one or more 2D objects may be defined using a layout module. The run-time layout characteristics defined by the layout module may be send to a 3D rendering engine. The 3D rendering engine may render a display containing the one or more 3D objects using the run-time layout characteristics of the one or more 2D objects defined by the layout module.

Abstract: A nebulizer is proposed as depicted in exemplary FIG. 7 which comprises a replaceable container, a counting device and a lock for locking the nebulizer against further use. The container is provided with an electronic storage which is electrically connected to the counting device. The nebulizer comprises an electric drive for actuating the lock. This allows secure operation and/or simple handling of the nebulizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence or absence of a target analyte in a test sample, comprising the steps: i) providing a plurality of detector nanoparticles comprising a first detector nanoparticle functionalised with a first probe specific for a first region of a target analyte and a second detector nanoparticle functionalised with a second probe specific for a second region of said target analyte; and ii) contacting said detector nanoparticles with a test sample under conditions suitable for the binding of the specific probes to the target analyte, wherein target analyte-induced agglomeration of the detector nanoparticles permits the release of a detectable signal means from a signal reservoir. Also provided are related devices and systems for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A system for compressing and drying a gas generally includes a compressor having multiple stages of compression and a dryer. The compressor includes a first heat exchanger and an after-cooler each of which utilizes a fan. A sensor is provided downstream of the after-cooler. The fan and sensor are in communication with the controller. A final stage compressed gas outlet of the compressor provides hot compressed gas to the regenerative portion of the dryer. Utilization of the final stage compressed gas for regeneration while also utilizing the compressor's after-cooler provides gas which is sufficiently hot to regenerate desiccant in the dryer and allows the communication between the sensor, the controller and compressors to remain intact.

Abstract: A nebulizer is proposed as depicted in exemplary FIG. 7 which comprises a replaceable container, a counting device and a lock for locking the nebulizer against further use. The container is provided with an electronic storage which is electrically connected to the counting device. The nebulizer comprises an electric drive for actuating the lock. This allows secure operation and/or simple handling of the nebulizer.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive learning is provided. More specifically, a system and method for interactive learning that allows a student or remote user to learn a substantial body of information without, or as a compliment to, formal instruction, classes or courses is disclosed. The system and method include at least on comprehensive presentation that has a network of continual testing throughout the presentation. The system and method also include a web access module for an interactive website and an educational interactive applications generator module configured to present a plurality of web based interactive educational applications.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for prefetching and caching portal information in a client application in a logically separated client/server computing environment. Before a user requests a specific portlet view to be displayed at the user's web browser, portlet information from a server is prefetched. The portlet information may include content data to be displayed in a portlet view, meta data describing how the content data will be displayed, and combinations of both content data and meta data. The prefetching step is performed on the client of the logically separated client/server computing environment. The client stores the prefetched portlet. Once the prefetched portlet information has been stored, upon a user request such as clicking on a link in a portlet view, the method retrieves the stored portlet information and displays the portlet information in a corresponding portlet view.

Abstract: A gas dryer is provided in which a flowing desiccant stream is utilized. Desiccant is provided in a vessel to dry compressed gas. The vessel includes an inlet for receiving dry desiccant and an outlet for removing wet desiccant from the tower. The desiccant is regenerated as it is transported to the inlet of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove adsorbates from a fluid is described. A fluid such as compressed air is passed over a desiccant in a drying tower to adsorb moisture from the compressed air. The desiccant is regenerated in a venturi. A pressure-equalization chamber can be located between the venturi and the drying tower, and a pressure-equalization chamber can be located between the drying tower and the venturi. In another embodiment, a heater is used to assist in regeneration. In yet another embodiment, a heat-of-compression dryer is used to assist in regeneration. In yet another embodiment, a storage chamber is used to store a batch of regenerated desiccant while a second batch of desiccant is being used.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for a network operating system. The system includes a complex data medium that enables the continuous reconciliation of the collaborative information process and product. The system generally increases productivity by enabling a network dynamic among knowledge workers. The system unifies e-mail and shared file management, synchronous and asynchronous collaboration, serial and parallel work flow, top-down and bottom-up collaboration, and information lifecycle management.

Abstract: A ventilation system and material therefor includes a passage beneath the shingle layer of the roof of a building. The passage leads from the exterior of the building to the interior of the attic of the building. The passage is plugged with an air permeable polymeric material to allow passage of air from the exterior of the building to the interior of the building, and vice versa. The polymeric material is preferably shaped with a tapered thickness.

Abstract: A system for drying a gas, such as air, includes a source of gas to be dried, a multistage compressor having an inlet connected to the source, and a dryer connected interstage to the compressor and to the outlet of the compressor. The dryer is connected interstage to the compressor between a compression stage and a heat exchanger of one of the compressor stages for regenerating a first desiccant filled tower. The dryer is also connected to the outlet of the compressor for drying the gas using a second desiccant filled tower. A communication structure can be activated to connect the first tower to the outlet of the compressor for drying the gas using the first tower, and to connect the second tower interstage to the compressor for regeneration of the second tower.