Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods are directed to the use of a proteinase to reduce capsaicin-induced pain sensation in a mammal. Preferably, the proteinase comprises a bromelain preparation in a liquid formulation for topical or enteral administration. In additional aspects of the inventive subject matter, a proteinase inhibitor is present in pepper spray to avoid inactivation of capsaicin by a proteinase.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods are directed to the use of a proteinase to reduce capsaicin-induced pain sensation in a mammal. Preferably, the proteinase comprises a bromelain preparation in a liquid formulation for topical or enteral administration. In additional aspects of the inventive subject matter, a proteinase inhibitor is present in pepper spray to avoid inactivation of capsaicin by a proteinase.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods are directed to the use of a proteinase to reduce capsaicin-induced pain sensation in a mammal. Preferably, the proteinase comprises a bromelain preparation in a liquid formulation for topical or enteral administration. In additional aspects of the inventive subject matter, a proteinase inhibitor is present in pepper spray to avoid inactivation of capsaicin by a proteinase.

Abstract: A physical element may be caused to appear to interact with an image displayed on a computer display screen. The position of the element with respect to the display screen may be determined automatically. The user can then manipulate the element to cause an image, which may appear to be connected to the element, to be altered. Therefore, the user gets the impression that the element is capable of interacting and altering an image displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A 3D encoder includes a body having several pin cavities. Several pins are also provided, wherein each pin is located within one of the pin cavities and wherein each pin is capable of sliding movement within its pin cavity. Each of the pins is capable of being displaced by contact with a surface of a 3D object to be encoded. A sensing mechanism is provided to determine an amount by which each of the pins is displaced due to contact between that pin and the surface of the 3D object. A computer can be used to translate displacement data into a 3D mapping representative of the 3D object being encoded. A method of creating a computerized representation of a 3D object is also provided and includes placing a 3D object in communication with a plurality of pins to deflect a position of each of the pins contacting the 3D object in an amount corresponding to a shape of a surface of the 3D object.

Abstract: A multi-axis potentiometer according to this invention is capable of determining actuator movement along multiple axes. The potentiometer includes a hollow, semi-spherical shell lined internally with a resistive element. Electrical contacts are attached across from each other along the resistive element near an opening of the shell to supply a source voltage or current to the resistive element. A pair of sensors are arranged on the end of an armature to contact the resistive element. The sensors in the end of the armature are used to sense voltage or current levels at the points where they contact the resistive element. These voltage or current levels are used to determine spherical coordinates corresponding to the location of the contact point and to determine an angle of rotation of the armature relative to the resistive element. A slidable handle can further be provided to a stem of the armature. The slidable handle contains a sensor to contact a resistive element located on the stem of the armature.

Abstract: An active rebound circuit has a device that assists users lift their finger upward to relieve some repetitive motion stress. The device is configured to respond with a rebound force when a user's finger applies a particular force to the device. The rebound force is sufficient to provide substantial reduction in work expended in moving the finger in the opposite direction to the particular force applied by the user's finger.

Abstract: A drawing tablet includes a surface and an imaging sensor. The imaging sensor captures an image from the surface of the drawing tablet. The image may be transmitted to a computer, where the image can be processed: for example, to correct for distortion or to animate a portion of the image.

Abstract: An improved image capture system capable of combining the individual images from at least two image capture devices to produce a virtual camera for simulated line-of-sight image capture in such computer-based image capture applications as video conferencing, video telephony, video messaging, video postcards, multimedia training, and/or multimedia authoring.