Abstract: Antimicrobial material which is a composite of a matrix component comprising a flexible hydrophilic polymer foam or fiber matrix comprising two matrix faces providing a release face and a reverse face or two release faces, and therebetween a structural matrix framework defining a network of cells having a cell network surface and therein a network of pores or cell openings, and a powder charge component comprising antimicrobial additive or wound care additive, wherein said powder charge is comprised at one said release face or both said faces and/or within said cell network wherein said composite is an assembly of pre-formed matrix component and powder charge component; and asymmetric material which is asymmetric having regard to distribution of said powder charge therein; and material wherein said power charge comprises flowing agent and/or bulking agent and/or binder and wherein said additive and/or flowing agent is co-located with said bulking agent and/or said binder; devices comprising said composite, me

Abstract: An antimicrobial material including a composite of a matrix component comprising a flexible hydrophilic polymer foam or fiber matrix comprising two matrix faces providing a release face and a reverse face or two release faces, and therebetween a structural matrix framework defining a network of cells having a cell network surface and therein a network of pores or cell openings, and a powder charge component comprising antimicrobial additive or wound care additive, wherein said powder charge is comprised at one said release face or both said faces and/or within said cell network.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to systems and apparatuses for tracking usage of an item. For example, an apparatus may be provided for tracking use of a packetized item. The apparatus may include a microprocessor, a power source, and a structural layer to which the microprocessor and power source are coupled. The structural layer may include a container that is configured to hold various items. The container may also include an opening that allows access to the items. The apparatus may further include a cover layer that is configured to cover the opening of the container. The cover layer may include at least one bendable sensor placed over the opening of the container. The microprocessor may be configured to determine, using detected movements in the bendable sensor, whether the container has been opened.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to systems and apparatuses for tracking usage of an item. For example, an apparatus may be provided for tracking use of a packetized item. The apparatus may include a microprocessor, a power source, and a structural layer to which the microprocessor and power source are coupled. The structural layer may include a container that is configured to hold various items. The container may also include an opening that allows access to the items. The apparatus may further include a cover layer that is configured to cover the opening of the container. The cover layer may include at least one bendable sensor placed over the opening of the container. The microprocessor may be configured to determine, using detected movements in the bendable sensor, whether the container has been opened.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an audio system having servo-controlled audio speaker and an amplifier. Interposed between the audio speaker and the amplifier is a feedback circuit configured to provide a feedback signal to the amplifier regarding errors and distortions in the operation of the speaker. The feedback circuit includes a flexible sensor connected to the speaker diaphragm and the frame of the speaker. The flexible sensor changes its resistance responsive to changes in its shape. The feedback signal is used by the amplifier to apply corrections to the drive signal for the audio speaker.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to systems and apparatuses for tracking usage of an item. For example, an apparatus may be provided for tracking use of a packetized item. The apparatus may include a microprocessor, a power source, and a structural layer to which the microprocessor and power source are coupled. The structural layer may include a container that is configured to hold various items. The container may also include an opening that allows access to the items. The apparatus may further include a cover layer that is configured to cover the opening of the container. The cover layer may include at least one bendable sensor placed over the opening of the container. The microprocessor may be configured to determine, using detected movements in the bendable sensor, whether the container has been opened.

Abstract: Automatic append includes: identifying, based at least in part on contents of a first data set comprising a first plurality of columns and contents of a second data set comprising a second plurality of columns, a plurality of matching columns and a plurality of non-matching columns. The matching columns comprise one or more columns among the first plurality of columns; and corresponding one or more matching columns among the second plurality of columns. The non-matching columns comprise: one or more columns among the first plurality of columns that do not match with any columns among the second plurality of columns; and one or more columns among the second plurality of columns that do not match with any columns among the first plurality of columns.

Abstract: Techniques for communicating lighting commands through a controller area network (CAN) bus of a light bar system include generating a light code message. The light code message has a metadata portion and a value portion. The metadata portion defines a purpose of value portion. The value portion controls a state of a lighting device (e.g., a keypad's LED brightness or activation of a directional light module) in the light bar system. A data field is generated by encapsulating the light code message with an ISO-TP single frame header and a message subtype. A CAN controller generates a CAN message having an extended frame format and the data field. The CAN message is then transmitted through the CAN bus.

Abstract: Techniques for communicating lighting commands through a controller area network (CAN) bus of a light bar system include generating a light code message. The light code message has a metadata portion and a value portion. The metadata portion defines a purpose of value portion. The value portion controls a state of a lighting device (e.g., a keypad's LED brightness or activation of a directional light module) in the light bar system. A data field is generated by encapsulating the light code message with an ISO-TP single frame header and a message subtype. A CAN controller generates a CAN message having an extended frame format and the data field. The CAN message is then transmitted through the CAN bus.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A composition comprising an antiperspirant or deodorant active and which is substantially free of alcohol and has a viscosity of less than 100 centipoise and a contact angle less than 90°. A product comprising the composition marketed in a porous dome applicator.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a checkout at a shopping cart checkout station is provided, comprising the steps of: inhibiting processing of items on the shopping cart in the event of a detection of a non-empty obscured section of the shopping cart; and processing the items upon receipt of a command input from an operator at the checkout station. A checkout station and apparatus for implementing the method are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling distributed energy resources is provided. Notification of an upcoming regional power distribution event is received and a distributed energy resource affected by the upcoming event is determined or identified. A first notification message is sent to an affected distributed energy resource asset owner or other administrator to notify the distributed energy resource asset of the event. An event data process is initiated to monitor and collect data associated with the event and an event control process is initiated to control one or more affected distributed energy resource asset during the event. The event control process and the event data process are terminated at the end of the event.

Abstract: A method of facilitating a checkout at a shopping cart checkout station is provided, comprising the steps of: inhibiting processing of items on the shopping cart in the event of a detection of a non-empty obscured section of the shopping cart; and processing the items upon receipt of a command input from an operator at the checkout station. A checkout station and apparatus for implementing the method are also provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising an antiperspirant or deodorant active and which is substantially free of alcohol and has a viscosity of less than 100 centipoise and a contact angle less than 90°. A product comprising the composition marketed in a porous dome applicator.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.