Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace which is composed of a flexible sleeve and a rigid framed brace. An elastic tubular shaped fabric sleeve is first placed over the elbow or knee joint and has upper front and lower rear raised lips that are used to prevent the rigid and compact framed brace from slipping downwards during usage. The tight fit of the rigid brace inside the raised lip gaps of the sleeve prevents the framed brace from slipping down from the elbow or knee joint during usage. This brace is designed to also be compact in size to allow for everyday wear in both contact and non-contact sports for both elbow and knee protection.

Abstract: An improved method of preparing tetranitroglycoluril (TNGU) via the in situ decomposition of a nitrimino group with elimination of nitrogen without the use of dinitrogen pentoxide. The compound is useful as a high energy, high density explosive or propellant oxidizer.

Abstract: A method motivating students to receive high grades by providing the students with points which can be used by them to obtain products offered by businesses. The method allow teachers to verify the grades of the students. The method allow students, parents, teachers and businesses to communicate with each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods to clamp an impeller on a shaft in a centrifugal compressor. The embodiments as disclosed herein may include clamping individual impeller independently to the shaft, which may reduce the tolerance stack-up effect of a plurality of impellers. The impeller can be clamped to the shaft by positioning, for example, a relatively stiff support (e.g. a shaft locknut) on a front side of the impeller. The impeller can also be clamped to the shaft by a relatively flexible support to compensate for e.g. thermal expansion/contraction of the impeller. The embodiments as disclosed herein are particularly suitable for a multi-stage impeller.

Abstract: An actuation linkage assembly may include a first lever arm connected to one end of a shaft, a second lever arm connected at one end to another end of the shaft, a transition linkage connected to the other end of the second lever arm, and a bracket connected to the transition linkage. The transition linkage is configured to connect the bracket on a driver ring and to the shaft to transfer rotational motion about the axis of the shaft, from a linear motion received by an actuator, to a linear motion through the bracket causing rotational motion of the driver ring. The actuation linkage assembly is configured with high mechanical advantage. The actuation linkage assembly can be part of a movable inter-stage vane guide assembly in a compressor such as for example a centrifugal compressor, which may be part of a chiller such as in a HVAC system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of authenticating users using a possession factor communicate a first authentication code to the user device and a second authentication code to an authentication device that is assumed to be the user's possession. Both authentication codes are presented to the user via their respective devices. An authentication application on the authentication device asks the user to compare the authentication codes and respond, via the authentication device, if these two authentication codes match. Authentication codes may be identical or different and match based on a user association. If a message from the authentication device indicates that the two codes match, then it is confirmed that the user possesses the authentication device and has authorized the authentication to proceed. For enhanced security, the authentication application may optionally be installed and executed on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) installed in the authentication device.

Abstract: A communication device presents a targeted message to a user associated with a communication device. The communication device includes a sensor configured to receive a first signal from a first beacon, and a computing device programmed to determine a plurality of first parameters associated with the communication device based on the first signal, and determine a message for presentation on the communication device based on at least one of the plurality of first parameters. The plurality of first parameters include a first zone associated with the communication device and a first state associated with the communication device.

Abstract: Device and methods for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device and methods being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the pH of the biological buffers. Method for changing the pH of biological buffers using the electrochemically active agents. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provided in a biosensor, analytic methods for more accurately controlling and measuring the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor, and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of isolating fractions of anthocyanin molecules from anthocyanin-containing vegetable and fruit juices and extracts, or combinations thereof, at a select pH based on differences in polarity of the anthocyanin molecules in the anthocyanin-containing vegetable and fruit juices and extracts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to natural blue anthocyanin-containing colorants comprising fractions of anthocyanin molecules separated from anthocyanin-containing vegetable and fruit juices and extracts. Anthocyanin fractions are separated at a select pH based on differences in polarity of the anthocyanin molecules in the anthocyanin-containing vegetable and fruit juices and extracts. The invention is directed to the anthocyanin fractions providing color characteristics similar to those provided by the synthetic blue colorant, FD&C Blue No. 1. The present invention is also directed to natural green colorants comprising the natural blue anthocyanin-containing colorant and a natural yellow colorant. The present invention is further directed to edible products comprising the natural blue anthocyanin-containing colorants.

Abstract: Device and methods for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device and methods being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the pH of the biological buffers. Method for changing the pH of biological buffers using the electrochemically active agents. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provided in a biosensor, analytic methods for more accurately controlling and measuring the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor, and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample.

Abstract: Device and methods for use in a biosensor comprising a multisite array of test sites, the device and methods being useful for modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest from a biological by modulating the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. An electrochemically active agent that is suitable for use in biological buffers for changing the pH of the biological buffers. Method for changing the pH of biological buffers using the electrochemically active agents. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provided in a biosensor, analytic methods for more accurately controlling and measuring the pH or ionic gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor, and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample.

Abstract: A positive electrode is disclosed for a non-aqueous electrolyte lithium rechargeable cell or battery. The electrode comprises a lithium containing material of the formula NayLixNizMn1-z-z?Mz?Od, wherein M is a metal cation, x+y>1, 0<z<0.5, 0?z?<0.5, y+x+1 is less than d, and the value of d depends on the proportions and average oxidation states of the metallic elements, Li, Na, Mn, Ni, and M, if present, such that the combined positive charge of the metallic elements is balanced by the number of oxygen anions, d. The inventive material preferably has a spinel or spinel-like component in its structure. The value of y preferably is less than about 0.2, and M comprises one or more metal cations selected preferably from one or more monovalent, divalent, trivalent or tetravalent cations, such as Mg2+, Co2+, Co3+, B3+, Ga3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Al3+, and Ti4+.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace which is composed of a flexible sleeve and a rigid framed brace. An elastic tubular shaped fabric sleeve is first placed over the elbow or knee joint and has upper front and lower rear raised lips that are used to prevent the rigid and compact framed brace from slipping downwards during usage. The tight fit of the rigid brace inside the raised lip gaps of the sleeve prevents the framed brace from slipping down from the elbow or knee joint during usage. This brace is designed to also be compact in size to allow for everyday wear in both contact and non-contact sports for both elbow and knee protection.

Abstract: A positive electrode is disclosed for a non-aqueous electrolyte lithium rechargeable cell or battery. The electrode comprises a lithium containing material of the formula NayLixNizMn1-z-z?Mz?Od, wherein M is a metal cation, x+y>1, 0<z<0.5, 0?z?<0.5, y+x+1 is less than d, and the value of d depends on the proportions and average oxidation states of the metallic elements, Li, Na, Mn, Ni, and M, if present, such that the combined positive charge of the metallic elements is balanced by the number of oxygen anions, d. The inventive material preferably has a spinel or spinel-like component in its structure. The value of y preferably is less than about 0.2, and M comprises one or more metal cations selected preferably from one or more monovalent, divalent, trivalent or tetravalent cations, such as Mg2+, Co2+, Co3+, B3+, Ga3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Al3+, and Ti4+.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, described herein is a system and method for logistic matrix factorization of implicit feedback data, with application to media environments or streaming services. While users interact with an environment or service, for example a music streaming service, usage data reflecting implicit feedback can be collected in an observation matrix. A logistic function can be used to determine latent factors that indicate whether particular users are likely to prefer particular items. Exemplary use cases include providing personalized recommendations, such as personalized music recommendations, or generating playlists of popular artists.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for cooking ramen style block noodles, the container comprising a main body having a generally rectangular base, two generally parallel and spaced side walls connected to the base and two generally parallel and spaced end walls connected to the base and to the side walls, the tops of the side walls and the end walls forming an upper rim. The container is dimensioned so that between about 7 and about 9 ounces of water will fill a container holding a typical 3 ounce mass of ramen style block noodle to a level equal to the top of the noodle mass.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the binding interactions between a (biomolecular) probe or detection agent and an analyte of interest from a biological sample in a biosensor having a multisite array of test sites. In particular, the methods modulate the pH or ionic concentration gradient near the electrodes in such biosensor. The methods of modulating the binding interactions provide a biosensor and analytic methods for more accurately measuring an analyte of interest in a biological sample.