Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing observation data. Processes and capabilities include: obtaining images and metadata associated with the images; encoding the images and the metadata to generate encoded tiles; storing the encoded tiles in an encoded tiles database; receiving a request for a map tile; searching the encoded tiles database and obtaining the encoded tiles that are relevant to the request; merging data from the encoded tiles into the map tile; and outputting the map tile. The images and metadata may be obtained from Earth observation platforms, including satellites or aircraft. The map tiles may include spectral content, data source identification, acquisition date/time, sensor characteristics, sun angles, calibration parameters, a cloud mask, a snow mask, a land mask, a water mask, and a missing data mask.

Abstract: A spherical decoupler conduit for connecting misaligned components, and a method for making the same, where the spherical decoupler includes an inlet connection with a first spherical portion; an outer slider with a second spherical portion for pivotably mating with the first spherical portion and a tubular portion; an inner slider having a tubular portion in a telescoping relationship with the tubular portion of the outer slider and a third spherical portion; and an outlet connection with a fourth spherical portion for pivotably mating with the third spherical portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a conduit with a radial flange for forming part of a beaded coupling by: positioning a conduit blank in a forming die, wherein the forming die defines a radially extending recess; inserting a forming post in the conduit blank to define an annular space therebetween; inserting a flexible material in the annular space between the post and the conduit; placing a sleeve in a bearing relationship with the flexible material; compressing the flexible material between the post and the sleeve to force the flexible material against the conduit to expand the conduit outward into engagement with the radially extending recess in the forming die to form an annular flange; and releasing compression on the flexible material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining and managing remote sensing data (e.g. Earth observation data). A remote sensing platform obtains imagery and other remote sensing data of the Earth and other planetary objects. The remote sensing platform includes the International Space Station, or manned and unmanned spacecraft or aircraft. A sensor captures observation data and transmits the data to ground stations on the Earth. A ground segment receives and stores the data. Users use an order management system to place orders for the observation data, which specify processing parameters for the remote sensing data. The remote sensing data is retrieved from storage is processed according to the parameters to generate a data product. This system provides tools for searching and analyzing the data, and for interacting with the system through an API. The system combines data that is produced by the remote sensing platform and by third parties.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing observation data. Processes and capabilities include: obtaining images and metadata associated with the images; encoding the images and the metadata to generate encoded tiles; storing the encoded tiles in an encoded tiles database; receiving a request for a map tile; searching the encoded tiles database and obtaining the encoded tiles that are relevant to the request; merging data from the encoded tiles into the map tile; and outputting the map tile. The images and metadata may be obtained from Earth observation platforms, including satellites or aircraft. The map tiles may include spectral content, data source identification, acquisition date/time, sensor characteristics, sun angles, calibration parameters, a cloud mask, a snow mask, a land mask, a water mask, and a missing data mask.

Abstract: A fire safety system to prevent fire from a candle includes first and second closure halves, each having catches extending therefrom; a catch receiver holder for engaging the catches; a candle holder adapted to receive the candle; a pivot pin running through pivot holes in the closure halves; and a sleeve housing the closure halves.

Abstract: A method of optimizing one or more attributes of a product according to a product context. A product context and one or more attributes of the product are presented to a user via a software graphical user interface (GUI). A visual rendering of the product including at least one attribute of the product may be presented via the GUI. The user either may select or modify the at least one attribute and submit a user input that corresponds to the attribute and/or the modified attribute of the product in reference to the product context. The user input is received and the product is displayed via the GUI based on the user input. If the attribute of the product was modified, then the attribute of the product is modified and displayed substantially simultaneously. A correlation between the user input and the attribute of the product in reference to the product context is determined when a termination command is received.

Abstract: A fire safety system to prevent fire from a candle includes first and second closure halves, each having catches extending therefrom; a catch receiver holder for engaging the catches; a candle holder adapted to receive the candle; a pivot pin running through pivot holes in the closure halves; and a sleeve housing the closure halves.

Abstract: A cell culture bioreactor having a culture chamber for cell growth, a culture medium reservoir mounted externally to the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism for moving culture medium from the reservoir through the culture chamber, and an aerating mechanism for introducing air into and removing air from the culture chamber is provided. The cell culture bioreactor comprises a manifold mechanism mounted at the top end of the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism fluidly connected to the culture medium reservoir, for receiving culture medium from the culture medium reservoir and distributing culture medium into the culture chamber.

Abstract: A fire safety system to prevent fire from a candle includes first and second closure halves; a loop extending from the first closure half a catch extending from the second closure half; a trigger pin having a first end coupled to the loop and a second end coupled to the catch; a candle holder adapted to receive the candle; and a sleeve housing the closure halves, the sleeve including a plurality of impact legs.

Abstract: Disclosed in one embodiment is a method implemented in a computer system in which a customer reports physical characteristics, in which the customer is instructed how to perform measurements of the customer or in which a device measures the customer, in which the reported customer measurements are evaluated through use of a measurement model, in which a full set of measurements may not be required based on measurements already provided, and in which the reported customer measurements are evaluated for reliability. The method also scales the customer's measurements to a pattern, obtains the fulfilled pattern from vendors, and then fulfills the customer order.

Abstract: A method of optimizing one or more attributes of a product according to a product context. A product context and one or more attributes of the product are presented to a user via a software graphical user interface (GUI). A visual rendering of the product including at least one attribute of the product may be presented via the GUI. The user either may select or modify the at least one attribute and submit a user input that corresponds to the attribute and/or the modified attribute of the product in reference to the product context. The user input is received and the product is displayed via the GUI based on the user input. If the attribute of the product was modified, then the attribute of the product is modified and displayed substantially simultaneously. A correlation between the user input and the attribute of the product in reference to the product context is determined when a termination command is received.

Abstract: A system automatically builds custom virtual appliances and/or other computing environments and their components, where applicable, based on user requirements and may offer a service for hosting, maintaining, monitoring and managing such appliances remotely. These virtual appliances may be delivered over a network, such as the Internet, and can be run at a customer site or at a hosting provider. Some embodiments of the invention can build these appliances using custom applications developed by customers.

Abstract: At least one feature provides a strip door that includes a bracket adapted to secure to a first support surface associated with an opening, where the bracket includes a plurality of mount holes spaced along a length of the bracket. The strip door further includes a plurality of strip mounts wherein each strip mount is adapted to couple to at least one of the plurality of mount holes, where the plurality of strip mounts are adapted to be arranged along the length of the bracket. Moreover, the strip door may further include a plurality of strips adapted to hang in a partially overlapping arrangement to form a barrier to the opening, where each strip comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of each strip is adapted to removeably couple to an independent strip mount of the plurality of strip mounts.

Abstract: A method for determining the biological age of the companion animal. A companion animal ambulates from a first region to a second region of a pressure detection unit and the footfall data is utilized in the determination of the biological age of the companion animal.

Abstract: A management program for the benefit of a companion animal can maintain, enhance or improve the health and well-being of the companion animal. The management program can include recommendations for dietary modification, supplement administration, weight loss/management plans, physical activity recommendation, veterinary intervention and combinations thereof.

Abstract: One preferred method for use in making a device structure with use of the resist channel shrinking solution includes the steps of forming a first pedestal portion within a channel of a patterned resist; applying a resist channel shrinking solution comprising a resist channel shrinking film and corrosion inhibitors within the channel of the patterned resist; baking the resist channel shrinking solution over the patterned resist to thereby reduce a width of the channel of the patterned resist; removing the resist channel shrinking solution; and forming a second pedestal portion within the reduced-width channel of the patterned resist. Advantageously, the oxide layer and the corrosion inhibitors of the resist channel shrinking solution reduce corrosion in the pedestal during the act of baking the resist channel shrinking solution.

Abstract: A fire safety system to prevent fire from a candle includes first and second closure halves; a loop extending from the first closure half; a catch extending from the second closure half; a trigger pin having a first end coupled to the loop and a second end coupled to the catch; a candle holder adapted to receive the candle; and a sleeve housing the closure halves, the sleeve including a plurality of impact legs.

Abstract: A cell culture medium and system are provided which eliminates or at least reduces the need for feeder cells. The cell culture medium comprises one or more factors that are normally secreted and/or produced by a feeder cell and a synthetic chimeric protein comprising IGF-I and a portion of vitronectin. The cell culture medium is particularly suitable for propagating human embryonic stem cells and keratinocytes. This invention also relates to compositions and methods which utilize the cells cultured in the cell culture medium of the invention.

Abstract: A method for determining the biological age of the companion animal. A companion animal ambulates from a first region to a second region of a pressure detection unit and the footfall data is utilized in the determination of the biological age of the companion animal.