Abstract: A method is disclosed for motivating a user of a spirometry system having a display screen, an air-tube, a flow measurement sensor operatively associated with the air-tube, a display screen, and an associated processor. A motivational animation is displayed on the display screen having a first aspect that reflects a relative evaluation of a determined peak flow rate to a goal value therefor and having a second aspect that reflects a relative evaluation of a determined total flow volume to a goal value therefor. The processor repeatedly updates the motivational animation during the period of use of the spirometer to reflect the degree of achievement of both of the goal values by the user.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle, an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter coupled to or within at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.

Abstract: A multi-functional, multi-compositional cosmetic applicator is disclosed. The applicator includes an application surface in liquid communication with a reservoir. The reservoir includes a first personal care composition and a second personal care composition stored therein, and the applicator is actuatable between a first and second functional configuration wherein the application surface of the applicator exhibits a first frictional force when in the first functional configuration and a second frictional force that is less than the first frictional force when in the second functional configuration. The applicator includes an actuatable delivery system that allows a user to selectively dispense the first and second compositions.

Abstract: A multi-functional, multi-compositional cosmetic applicator is disclosed. The applicator includes an application surface in liquid communication with a reservoir. The reservoir includes a first personal care composition and a second personal care composition stored therein, and the applicator is actuatable between a first and second functional configuration wherein the application surface of the applicator exhibits a first frictional force when in the first functional configuration and a second frictional force that is less than the first frictional force when in the second functional configuration. The applicator includes an actuatable delivery system that allows a user to selectively dispense the first and second compositions.

Abstract: A multi-functional, multi-compositional cosmetic applicator is disclosed. The applicator includes an application surface in liquid communication with a reservoir. The reservoir includes a first personal care composition and a second personal care composition stored therein, and the applicator is actuatable between a first and second functional configuration wherein the application surface of the applicator exhibits a first frictional force when in the first functional configuration and a second frictional force that is less than the first frictional force when in the second functional configuration. The applicator includes an actuatable delivery system that allows a user to selectively dispense the first and second compositions.

Abstract: A voice-activated instrument performs a measurement and displays the measured value when commanded by voice. The system also resets under voice control. The measurement trigger is any single-syllable command such as “Count” or “Go”. The reset trigger is any two-syllable command such as “Reset”. Any type of momentary measurement device may be controlled in this way, including time interval measurements, event counting, length measuring, weighing, and electronic metering measurements, and many others.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for reinforcing irregular rock or irregular concrete surfaces such as rock structures in mines as well as other rock and concrete structures. The method includes applying a curable foam composition to at least a portion of a surface, at least partially curing the curable foam composition to form a foam layer adhered to the surface, applying a curable reinforcing composition onto at least a portion of the foam layer, and at least partially curing the curable reinforcing composition to form a reinforcing layer, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing layer is adhered to the foam layer.

Abstract: Edible or potable substances can be transported in biodegradable vessel.

Abstract: A catalyst composition that is especially useful in the hydroconversion of pitch, micro carbon residue and sulfur contents of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock without the excessive formation of sediment. The catalyst composition is a reasonably high surface area composition containing alumina and a low molybdenum content with a high ratio of nickel-to-molybdenum. The catalyst composition further has a unique pore distribution that in combination with the special metals loading provide for good conversion of pitch and micro carbon residue without an excessive yield of sediment.

Abstract: System and method for thermal management in a multi-chip packaged device. A microelectronic unit is disclosed, and includes a semiconductor element having a top surface and a bottom surface remote from the top surface. A semiconductor device including active elements is located adjacent to the top surface. Operation of the semiconductor device generates heat. Additionally, one or more first blind vias extend from the bottom surface and partially into a thickness of the semiconductor element. In that manner, the blind via does not contact or extend to the semiconductor device (defined as active regions of the semiconductor element, and moreover, is electrically isolated from the semiconductor device. A thermally conductive material fills the one or more first blind vias for heat dissipation.

Abstract: A method for collision avoidance for a machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting an obstacle with an obstacle detection system and generating a corresponding signal. The obstacle detection system includes an operator input device. The method also includes providing an obstacle detection warning in response to the signal. The method further includes determining with a controller whether the operator input device has been activated in response to the obstacle detection warning.

Abstract: A control module and method for operating the same includes a diurnal control valve module that opens a diurnal control valve (DCV) and an evaporative leak check module (ELCM) diverter valve control module that switches on an ELCM diverter valve. The control module includes a correlation module performs a correlation of a ELCM pressure signal and a fuel tank pressure signal and that generates a fault signal in response to the correlation when the DCV valve is open and the ELCM diverter valve is on.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) are provided: wherein V, W, X, Y, Z, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and m are as defined in the specification; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof. The compounds may be useful in the treatment or prevention of various diseases and conditions in which dipeptidylpeptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is implicated.

Abstract: A method for capturing video frames from a plurality of video channels is provided. A list of a least two descriptors is formed for each of the plurality of video channels in a memory accessible to a direct memory access (DMA) engine, wherein each of the two or more descriptors for each channel is programmed to define a storage location for a sequential frame of video data for the channel. A sequence of video frames is received from the plurality of video channels, wherein for each channel, video frames are received at a frame rate for that channel. A DMA engine uses descriptors from the list to store video frames as they are received. The list is updated periodically to replace used descriptors.

Abstract: A method of calibration of a dataset for spectroscopically resolved radiation scanning, comprising the steps of: generating an apparatus condition specific calibration dataset of emergent radiation intensity information generated after interaction in the scanning zone of at least one standard object spectroscopically resolved into a plurality of frequency bands; providing a transferable database comprising a dataset of transferable data items of emergent intensity information for a range of component materials, each spectroscopically resolved into a plurality of frequency bands and linked to the condition specific calibration dataset; defining a reference calibration dataset; generating a transfer function between the data item and the reference calibration dataset; applying the transfer function to the transferable data item to generate a dynamic data item adjusted to the reference calibration; populating a data register with a dynamic dataset comprising a dataset of data items each dynamically adjusted to t

Abstract: A method of making a stable detersive surfactant containing personal care composition comprising the steps of emulsifying a stabilizing agent in the presence of anionic surfactant to form an emulsion containing droplets having a particle size of from about 0.1 to about 10 um. These particles are then cooled to form a stabilizing premix at a rate of about 10 to about 1000 C/min to form crystals from the droplets, the crystals having a maximum dimension of about 0.1 to about 3 um. These crystals are then added to a detersive surfactant containing personal care composition to increase stability.

Abstract: A piston assembly is disclosed herein. The piston assembly is integrally formed and unitary and is centered on a central longitudinal axis. The piston assembly includes a head with ring belt having a plurality of ring grooves. The piston assembly also includes first and second skirts, each having a top edge and a bottom edge being radially narrower than the top edge. The skirts also include first and second side edges. The piston assembly also includes first and second pin bosses spaced radially inward from the ring belt to define a short-pin support arrangement. The pin bosses include respective first and second pin bores axially aligned on a pin bore axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The piston assembly also includes a plurality of panels, each extending between one of the pin bosses and one of the skirts.