Abstract: Systems and methods for influencing an Internet-based marketing campaign are provided. An introduction panel is sent to a plurality of N generation recipients. Each respective N generation recipient that uses the introduction panel to invite N+1 generation recipients is tracked. An invitation panel is sent to the N+1 generation recipients. Which respective N+1 generation recipients use the invitation panel to perform a defined campaign action is tracked. Each respective N generation recipient is credited with N+1 generation recipients that (i) were invited to the campaign by the N generation recipient and (ii) performs a campaign action. These steps are repeated for subsequent generations N. For each N generation recipient credited during these repeated steps, each ancestor recipient that invited (i) the respective N generation recipient or (ii) another ancestor of the respective N generation recipient to the campaign is also credited.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an ultrasound device configured to generate a frustum-shaped beam capable of fragmenting a plurality of biomineralizations located within a patient's body in combination with synthetic cavitation nuclei. The ultrasound device includes a transducer assembly comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements, and a multi-channel amplifier circuit. Each channel of the multi-channel amplifier circuit is configured to actuate a distinct subset of the plurality of transducer elements. The multi-channel amplifier circuit is configured to operate in each of a plurality of states, each state of comprising a set of frequencies at which each channel of the multi-channel amplifier circuit is configured to actuate the distinct subset of transducer elements. The multi-channel amplifier circuit is further configured to switch between the plurality of states, thereby causing the plurality of ultrasound transducer elements to produce a frustum-shaped beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method isolating ion generation from target metal precipitation and flocculation rely on an ion generator and a precipitation reactor distinct, separated, optimized, and otherwise independent, so no co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation, nor their flow regimes, is permitted. Plug flow is hyper turbulent in the ion generator. Flow is quiescent to laminar the precipitator. Coating sacrificial anodes is avoided by not over driving currents for ionization at the anode. Control of electrical resistance across flows of very high TDS (over 200 kppm, often over 225 kppm) is accomplished by selectively masking a portion of the anode, cathode, or both of such electrodes. Masks may be dielectric films or layers, such as plastic sheets or tubes, or curtains of bubbles injected into the flow near an electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling protected premises networking capabilities. In one embodiment, a white list of devices authorized to access a premises network and a black list of device not authorized to access a premises network are utilized. The black and white lists may be stored at a database in communication with an authorization manager or may be stored at the manager itself. When a client device is connected to a premise, the manager determines, based on the premises and/or device identity, whether the device is entitled to access. The authorization manager makes this determination based on whether the device is on the white or black list. If the device is on neither list, the manager may add the device to the white list upon appropriate verification. The manager may also facilitate removal of a device from the white list to the black list upon request or automatically.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a controller that is configured to generate control signals for moving vehicles in a yard or other facility. The vehicle control system is configured to generate the control signals responsive to a determination that a user selection of vehicle movement is possible within the yard or other facility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and isolating ion generation from target metal ion precipitation and flocculation rely on an ion generator and a precipitation reactor distinct, separated, optimized, and otherwise independent from each other as to flow regime and contained fluid at all times. No co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation nor their flow regimes is permitted in a single unit. Plug flow at hyper turbulence in the ion generator contrasts with quiescent to laminar flows in the precipitation reactor. Insulating coatings and uneven surface retreat (decay, sacrifice, removal) at sacrificial anodes are replaced by a uniform, electro-machined, anodic surface by controlling against conventional “over driving” of ionizing currents. A precipitation reactor is optimized by a dwell time effective to precipitate and flocculate heavy target metal precipitants and sacrificial ions relying on weak forces therein, overwhelmed by inertial forces in the ion generator upstream.

Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion having a viscosity of between 15,000 cP (15 Pa-s) and 45,000 cP (45 Pa-s) at 23° C., having a pH of between 2 and 6 and comprising: (i) at least 1.6 wt. % of at least one cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte resulting from the polymerisation of partially or completely salified 2-methyl 2-[(1-oxo 2-propenyl)amino]1-propane sulfonic acid, with at least one neutral monomer chosen from the N,N-dialkyl acrylamides, wherein each of the alkyl groups comprises between one and four carbon atoms, and at least one monomer of formula (B): wherein R represents a linear or branched alkyl radical comprising eight to twenty carbon atoms and n represents a number greater than or equal to one and less than or equal to twenty, in the presence of at least one cross-linking agent; (ii) at least 4 wt. % of at least one polysorbate; (iii) at least 0.1 wt. % of at least one polysaccharide gum; and (iv) between 6 wt. % and 30 wt.

Abstract: Briefly summarized, embodiments disclosed herein are directed to apparatus and methods for removing an occlusion from an indwelling catheter. The system can include a pressurized fluid conduit for delivering pressurized fluid to an occlusion site, and ablating the occlusion. A negative pressure source in fluid communication with the catheter lumen can then aspirate the occlusion. The positive pressure source can provide a pulsed pressurized fluid to facilitate ablation. The system can also include tip tracking and tip location systems to ensure the pressurized fluid conduit does not extend beyond the catheter lumen, causing damage to the vasculature. The system can further include an ultrasound transducer, coupled with one of the catheter and the pressurized fluid conduit to provide ultrasonic wave energy to the occlusion to further facilitate ablation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method isolate anodic ion generation from precipitation and flocculation with target metal ions. Hyper-turbulent flow conditions in an ion generator confine reaction and flocculation to a precipitator downstream. Shear forces in a laminar boundary layer at a cylindrical anode separate anodic (sacrificial) ions from target ions effectively eliminating agglomeration in the bulk flow traveling in a hyper-turbulent flow regime through the generator. A precipitator downstream provides a dwell time for reaction between ions and initial agglomeration of reaction products therefrom. A controller, limiting electrical current through the generator (of anodic ions), optimizes operation without overdriving current, while virtually eliminating fouling of the anode. The system resists co-habitation of ion generation and precipitation and their distinct, respective flow regimes of hyper-turbulent and laminar flow.

Abstract: A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller plate resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently. At its exit, the proximal end of the tube drains oil through an inner conduit of an adapter at a penetration in the wall of the tank. The adapter forms an annulus around the inner conduit draining tank bottoms directly from the tank.

Abstract: A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently without entrainment of overlying gases and vapors, nor the second liquid layered therebelow. All are configured to fit into the tank without requiring any personnel to enter the tank. Oil, water, and sludge may drain through the system to exit the tank.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an aqueous concentrated cosmetic composition comprising at least 20% water, at least 4.5% by weight of the composition of humectant, at least 8% of the composition of a peptide and high levels of a skin benefit active(s).

Abstract: An expansion anchor includes an anchor bolt with a rear face, a displaceable body located adjacent to the anchor bolt, and at least one wedge body located in a front region of the anchor bolt. The wedge body has a converging zone for displacing the displaceable body. An optically readable code is located at the rear face of the anchor bolt. At least one code protection protrusion projects from the anchor bolt rearwardly beyond the optically readable code.

Abstract: A computer device for validating the installation of a part in a device is provided. The computer device is programmed to receive a first image of a device identifier for the device, receive a second image of a part identifier for the part, receive a third image of serial identifier the part, compare the device identifier, the part identifier, and the serial identifier to validate the part, receive a fourth image of the part after installation, determine whether the part was properly installed based on the fourth image, if the determination is that the part was not properly installed, instruct the display device to display a notification that the part was improperly installed, and if the determination is that the part was properly installed, store installation information.

Abstract: A system and method for ultrasound treatment is presented. The system and method alternatingly provide microbubbles in a target region containing a biomineralization, then insonate the microbubbles using an external ultrasound source. The microbubbles cavitate in the target region, destructively affecting the biomineralization and potentially breaking it or reducing its mass over time as a result of the cavitation action. Spatial orientation or alignment of the external ultrasound source may be achieved for best results using acoustic signatures and spectral representations of the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving surge control in a boosted engine system configured with an electric motor to provide electrical boost assistance. Tip-in and tip-out surge are addressed by increasing the opening of a compressor recirculation valve and coordinating the recirculation valve opening with adjustments to an exhaust waste-gate position and a power output by the electric motor. The adjustments enable an intake airflow to be provided that operates the compressor outside a surge region while providing a target boost pressure as operator torque demand increases or decreases.

Abstract: A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.

Abstract: The apparatus is a portable three-in-one food griller, food smoker and fire pit in which the sidewalls can nest into a compact self-contained unit for easy transportation. In one variation, there are five rectangles with four walls that encompass a void that can be configured and stacked for use as a grill, a smoker or a fire pit. The bottom rectangle can contain an adjustable air inlet door and a grate for holding a fire source. The top rectangle can contain an adjustable air outlet door in the ceiling with a thermometer. The second, third and forth rectangles can contain various configurations of grates for grilling food, smoking food or use as a fire pit. After use, rectangles two through five can fit and nest into the first rectangle (the base) and be latched to the floor section forming a self-enclosed compact and transportable rectangle box with a carrying handle.

Abstract: Described herein are integrated thermochemical processes for the conversion of coal into high-value products using a combination of pyrolysis and solvent extraction. The described systems and methods are versatile and may be used to generate a variety of high value products including chemicals (aromatics, asphaltenes, napthenes, phenols, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters), polymer composite products (resins, coatings), graphitic products, agricultural materials, building materials, carbon fiber and other products that are substantially more valuable that the energy generated via combustion. Further, these systems and methods are specifically designed to be highly branched and highly flexible, allowing for a high selectivity and optimization for increasing the value of the products relative to the feedstock.