Abstract: The present solution may be implemented to provide a connectivity platform where children are provided the power of connectivity they seek in a safe, fun and simple online and offline form that children and parents can both embrace. In one implementation, the disclosure provides children a toy, game, application, and online platform under a single overarching platform. This platform connects online and offline interaction by letting children discover people, places and things in the real world and track them online. The platform provides children with a game for collecting friends, while providing parents a way to monitor the activity of their children. At the same time, the platform provides parents, teachers, and brand partners the ability to incentivize children and teach social responsibility, thereby providing a learning experience that existing social networks do not and cannot provide.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions and related methods are described. In an embodiment of the invention, an antimicrobial composition comprises parachlorometaxylenol in an amount of 0.75% w/w to 1% w/w; sodium pareth C12-15 sulfonate in an amount of 1% w/w to 1.25% w/w; poly(oxyethylene)20 cetyl ether in an amount of 0.05% w/w to 0.55% w/w; benzoic acid in an amount of 0.075% w/w to 1.25% w/w; glycerol in an amount of 0.01% w/w to 0.02% w/w; phenoxyethanol in an amount of 0.001% w/w to 0.5% w/w; and water in an amount of 94% w/w to 97% w/w.

Abstract: A compressor having a compressor blade with a blade tip portion configured to reduce stresses in the blade tip of the compressor blade is provided. The compressor blade includes a first and second faces extending to the blade tip portion. The blade tip portion includes a blade tip, a first recess extending between the first face and the blade tip, and a second recess extending between the second face and the blade tip.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a video input from a video source coupled to a display configured for rendering a user interface thereon; generating a grayscale element associated with the user interface by evaluating alpha values related to pixels associated with the video input; generating an opacity mask; and setting red, green, blue (RGB) values equal to an alpha value of a source image for certain pixels in the source image.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a video input from a video source coupled to a display configured for rendering a user interface thereon; evaluating a plurality of pixels within the video input; and determining if a particular pixel within the pixels is associated with a color that matches a designated value associated with a chroma-key. If a match is found for the particular pixel, then the particular pixel is rendered as a clear image on the display, and if the match is not found, the particular pixel is darkened by a certain percentage.

Abstract: Provided is a bacterial strain which produces a family of mosquitocidal toxins, Xenorhabdus MT, on deposit with the American Type Culture Collection, PTA-6826, insecticidal compositions comprising the mosquitocidal toxin(s) produced by Xenorhabdus MT, a mosquitocidal toxin preparation prepared from spent culture medium, whole culture or cells or a mixture thereof, of Xenorhabdus MT and method of insect control, especially mosquito control. Also provided are microbial compounds (same as mosquitocidal toxins) compositions comprising them and use in formulating therapeutic and other antimicrobial compositions, and methods of use for inhibiting microbial growth and for treating infection.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an air flow control apparatus includes a guide vane to be positioned between an air inlet and a rotor of a turbomachine. Further, the guide vane includes a geometry configured to control an air flow incidence on the rotor, the guide vane further having a substantially constant aspect ratio. In addition, a body of the guide vane includes a shape memory material configured to change a geometry of the guide vane in response to energy provided by a power source.

Abstract: An avalanche photodiode circuit, comprising an avalanche photodiode typically connected in parallel to a capacitor, in which there is provided a current shunt circuit which activates to shunt current from the avalanche photodiode in response to detecting a decrease in the impedance of the avalanche photodiode, typically measured by determining the slope of the voltage across the avalanche photodiode. By using this circuit, the avalanche photodiode can be protected from sudden increases in incident light level decreasing the impedance of the avalanche photodiode to an extent that the energy such as is stored in the capacitor can damage the structure of the avalanche photodiode.

Abstract: An electric power generator for use in recharging a storage cell is provided. The electric power generator comprises an energy captor coupled with a shipping container, wherein the energy captor is configured to capture energy from a motion of the shipping container. An energy converter is coupled with the energy captor, wherein the energy converter is configured to generate electric power from the captured energy. The electric power generator further comprises a power projector configured to send the electric power to a storage cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the polynucleotide sequence of a nontypeable stain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and uses thereof. The invention also relates to NTHi genes which are upregulated during or in response to NTHi infection of the middle ear and/or the nasopharynx.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an user identification system for a fitness trainer is provided. An operating system architecture for the fitness trainer includes a hardware circuit board, a processor in communication with the hardware circuit board, and memory in communication with the hardware circuit board and the processor. A biometric capture mechanism in communication with the processor and the memory.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, a pair of foot supports, and at least one four-bar linkage assembly coupled to the frame. The at least one linkage assembly is coupled to at least one of the foot supports. The four-bar linkage assembly directs the foot support in a generally elliptical motion while in use. The generally elliptical motion defines a major dimension extending at an angle from horizontal that is within the range of about thirty degrees (30°) to about seventy-five degrees (75°) and the major dimension having a length that is within the range of about ten inches to about eighteen inches.

Abstract: A composition for forming an antimicrobial artificial nail, a method for preparing the same, and a method for treating a microbial infection of a nail plate are provided. The composition comprises a binder component; a filler component which polymerizes to form an acrylic matrix subsequent to contact with the binder component; and an antimicrobial agent available for diffusion from the acrylic matrix.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise device including a frame having a pivot axis, a foot link, a coupling, a swing arm, an engagement mechanism, and a guide system. The foot link has rearward, forward and foot support portions. The foot support portion has a central location. The coupling couples the rearward portion to the pivot axis so that the rearward portion of each foot link travels in a closed path relative to the pivot axis. The engagement mechanism has a first portion coupled to the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the foot link at a location rearward of the central location. The guide system supports the forward portion of the foot link along a preselected reciprocating path of travel as the rearward portion of the foot link travels along its path of travel. The guide system is selectably positionable in a plurality of different positions.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis. A foot link includes a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is a pivotally connected to the frame, the swing arm having an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement mechanism having a first portion coupled to the lower portion and a second portion coupled to the forward portion of the foot link, such that a rearward force applied to the upper portion will produce a force on the forward portion having a downward component. An arm enabling/disabling mechanism is positioned on the elongate swing arm below the pivotal connection. The arm enabling/disabling mechanism can be effectuated by a user without the user interrupting exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided including a foot link having a rearward end and a forward end. An adjustable stride mechanism is provided. The adjustable stride mechanism includes a primary gear and a secondary gear. The primary gear is sized larger relative to the secondary gear. A primary crank connects the primary gear and the secondary gear. A timing belt connects the primary gear to the secondary gear. The primary crank and the timing belt enable the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear. A secondary crank is pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to a foot link. The secondary crank creates an ellipse-shaped path for the foot link as the secondary gear rotates around the primary gear. Thus, the foot link motion combines an at least a dual ellipse motion. An automatic adjusting mechanism can be provided to adjust adjust the adjustable stride mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise device in accordance with the present invention includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis, with the frame having a rearward portion and a forward portion. A guide track and a foot link are provided. The foot link includes a rearward portion that is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and a forward portion that reciprocally engages the guide track. A swing arm is provided having a pivotal connection to the frame. The swing arm includes an upper portion extending above the pivotal connection and a lower portion disposed below the pivotal connection. An engagement mechanism includes a first portion coupled to the lower portion of the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the forward portion of the foot link. A rearward force applied to the upper portion of the swing arm produces a force on the forward portion of the foot link having a downward component. A load monitoring mechanism is positioned to monitor the load applied to the swing arm.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, a deck assembly, at least one deck deflection sensor, and a control system. The deck assembly is supported by the frame. The deck assembly includes a longitudinally extending deck, at least first and second rollers, and a belt positioned about the deck and the first and second rollers. The deck deflection sensor is coupled to the deck. The deck deflection sensor is a contactless displacement sensor including an electrical intermediate device and an aerial. The control system is operably coupled to the at least one deck deflection sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the polynucleotide sequence of a nontypeable stain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and uses thereof. The invention also relates to NTHi genes which are upregulated during or in response to NTHi infection of the middle ear and/or the nasopharynx.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill (20) is described having a number of assembly improvements. In one embodiment, a pivot assembly (50) is provided to allow a treadmill deck (32) to deflect during use. The rear pivot assembly includes a pin (56) transversely mounted on the upper surface of a treadmill frame (22). A pivot block (54) is attached to the deck and includes a lower channel (58) that engages the pin. In another embodiment, an adjustable rear foot assembly (70) is provided having a foot (74) that is rotatable within a mounting block (72). The foot is easily accessed through an upper opening (96) in the treadmill. In yet another embodiment, an air dam (100) is provided between a motor compartment (102) and an adjacent endless belt (28). In still another embodiment, a highly elastic drivebelt (120) is used between a motor assembly (104) and a roller assembly (24) that drives the endless belt (28). Lastly, an embodiment is described in which the treadmill frame (22) is assembled using swaged fasteners (38).