Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for scanning an item utilizing an X-ray scanner in order to facilitate a determination of whether the X-ray radiation penetrated through the entirety of the scanned item. Various embodiments comprise a conveying mechanism, an X-ray emitter, a detector, and an X-ray penetration grid (XPG). The XPG may comprise a radiopaque grid that may serve as a reference for determining whether radiation passes through the scanned item, the grid oriented such that the grid members are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction of travel. Such orientation may minimize or eliminate “ghosted” radiation signals included in a visual display of the radiation received by the detector. A scanned item may be oriented with the XPG such that radiation emitted by the X-ray emitter that passes through a portion of the scanned item must also pass through the XPG before being received by the detector.

Abstract: A computer that includes at least one processor and memory. The processor of the computer can be programmed to execute instructions stored on the memory that include controlling, based on a temperature, which of a plurality of power sources of a vehicle battery are coupled to a starter circuit during a vehicle ignition event.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for interfacing with a third party website. In one embodiment, a computer system is configured to directly interface with a website via a webpage to change certain numerical values through the use of digital codes. The digital codes are applied to a data entry interface on the webpage, and the responses are monitored and transmitted back to a server system.

Abstract: A dual pressure respiratory assistance device including a gas source which supplies a flow of gas into an air tube having a bubbler branch and a patient branch. A first tube that is connected to the bubbler branch is at least partially submerged in a fluid. An oscillatory relief valve cycles between first and second configurations. The relief valve includes an oscillating member which captures gas released through at least one hole in the first tube when the oscillating member is in a first position. The gas in the oscillating member causes the oscillating member to rise to a second position, wherein gas is released from the oscillating member and the at least one hole is blocked when the oscillating member reaches the second position.

Abstract: Computer-implemented techniques are described herein for assisting consumers in automatically locating and systematically applying discount codes to electronic commerce platforms in order to obtain reduced prices. Such technology functions as a shopping assistant for online shopping. More specifically, one or more discount codes associated with an electronic commerce platform can be automatically located, evaluated against item(s) selected for purchase by a consumer, and then analyzed to determine the best result for the consumer. Information about the utility of the discount codes may also be recorded to machine-readable storage for further analysis.

Abstract: A shopping assistant for online shopping. The invention provides for a software system to assist consumers in automatically locating and systematically applying discount codes to electronic commerce platforms to obtain reduced prices. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, discount codes are automatically located, evaluated against a user's shopping cart, and evaluated for the best results for the consumer. In the preferred embodiment, information about the utility of discount codes is recorded to machine readable storage.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing family history records is described. Family history data is collected. The collected family history data is compared to data in an existing family history record. Upon determining the collected family history data matches at least a portion of the data in the existing family history record, the existing family history record is updated to include at least a portion of the collected family history data.

Abstract: A shopping assistant for online shopping. The invention provides for a software system to assist consumers in automatically locating and systematically applying discount codes to electronic commerce platforms to obtain reduced prices. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, discount codes are automatically located, evaluated against a user's shopping cart, and evaluated for the best results for the consumer. In the preferred embodiment, information about the utility of discount codes is recorded to machine readable storage.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for republishing content for a wireless device. In the wireless device, this may comprise: receiving a content manifest associated with a new content, the content manifest providing information about the new content; identifying any changes to existing content stored in the device, based on the information in the content manifest; retrieving updates in the new content corresponding to the changes; and storing the updates.

Abstract: A brush for use on sensitive surfaces includes a twisted wire core having a handle end and a bristle end, and a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from a portion of the wire core defining a bristle block. The brush further includes a protective tip integrally formed on the wire core at the bristle end for preventing the brush from damaging sensitive surfaces. The wire core and the protective tip are formed from the same material.

Abstract: A method of forming a protective tip on a wire brush so as to make the brush less prone to damage sensitive surfaces, includes the steps of providing a brush with a wire core and a plurality of bristles defining a bristle block extending radially from the core and anchored in the core, and melting a portion of the wire core at an end thereof, by applying an energy source to the end, to form a protective tip.

Abstract: A method of forming a protective tip on a wire brush so as to make the brush less prone to damage sensitive surfaces, includes the steps of providing a brush with a wire core and a plurality of bristles defining a bristle block extending radially from the core and anchored in the core, and melting a portion of the wire core at an end thereof, by applying an energy source to the end, to form a protective tip.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for republishing content for a wireless device. In the wireless device, this may comprise: receiving a content manifest associated with a new content, the content manifest providing information about the new content; identifying any changes to existing content stored in the device, based on the information in the content manifest; retrieving updates in the new content corresponding to the changes; and storing the updates.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting a landmark. An image is received. A feature in the received image is detected. The detected feature is compared to a plurality of images of landmarks stored in a database. Upon determining the detected feature matches an image of a landmark, information associated with the landmark is retrieved from the database. The retrieved information is displayed on a computing device.

Abstract: A surface computing device including a display engine configured to selectively display images on a display surface, and a touch-detection engine configured to detect touch inputs directed to the display surface is provided. The surface computing device includes a front face with the display surface that is relatively larger than the rear face. The surface computing device further includes a beveled edge between the front face and the rear face.

Abstract: A rotary grinding system includes a support frame and a grinding assembly coupled to the support frame for longitudinal movement, with respect to a workpiece attached to the support frame. A radial arm is suspended below the grinding assembly and rotated in a plane parallel to the workpiece. A grinding wheel traverses the radial arm, thereby working a circular, annular or sector portion of the workpiece. The height, and therefore the depth of cut, of the grinding wheel may be precisely adjusted via a single point adjustment screw or the like. Optionally, the grinding system may be controlled by a computer numeric controller (CNC) to automatically refinish programmed portions or all of the workpiece. Eccentric pins extending from the support frame and into the workpiece may be used to adjust the lateral position of the support frame, relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A composite material includes a layer of fibres conjoined to a matrix, wherein one of the matrix and fibres has a first component which exhibits auxetic behaviour for loading along a first direction, and the other of the matrix and fibres has a second component which exhibits non-auxetic behaviour for loading along the first direction.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a layer of fibres conjoined to a matrix, where one of the matrix and fibres comprises a first component which exhibits auxetic behaviour for loading along a first direction, and the other of the matrix and fibres comprises a second component which exhibits non-auxetic behaviour for loading along the first direction.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a layer of fibres conjoined to a matrix, where one of the matrix and fibres comprises a first component which exhibits auxetic behaviour for loading along a first direction, and the other of the matrix and fibres comprises a second component which exhibits non-auxetic behaviour for loading along the first direction.

Abstract: A brush for use on sensitive surfaces comprising twisted a wire core having a handle end and a bristle end, a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from a portion of the wire core, the plurality of bristles defining a bristle block, and a protective tip integrally formed on the wire core at the bristle end for preventing the brush from damaging sensitive surfaces, wherein the wire core and the protective tip are formed from the same material.