Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a nanocellulosic composition comprising cellulose nanoparticles and/or nanoparticles. The nanocellulosic compositions are useful in the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics. The invention also includes a method of manufacturing biodegradable plastics using such nanocellulosic compositions.

Abstract: A node includes a firmware application that analyzes sensor data to detect and respond to events associated with the distribution of resources. During execution, the firmware application reads a configuration file that specifies a set of conditions and different actions that should be performed in response to different events associated with those conditions. The configuration file can be dynamically updated during execution of the firmware application to modify the set of conditions the firmware application evaluates and the different actions to be performed when occurrences of specific events are detected. Accordingly, the operational behavior of the node can be modified without needing the node to undergo a firmware update.

Abstract: An extraction system for testing microbial contamination includes a biocompatible outer vessel that has a side wall and a biocompatible suspension system that is positionable within an interior of the biocompatible outer vessel. The biocompatible suspension system includes a horizontal member on which a sample may be supported and a securement mechanism that is engagable with the side wall of the biocompatible outer vessel to maintain the suspension system at a desired position within the biocompatible outer vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a nanocellulosic composition comprising cellulose nanoparticles and/or nanoparticles. The nanocellulosic compositions are useful in the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics. The invention also includes a method of manufacturing biodegradable plastics using such nanocellulosic compositions.

Abstract: A method and system for furnishing an on-line quote for an insurance product, such as auto insurance, the user is allowed to enter basic user information on an on-line quote system application which calls a common data entry system to request credit information for the user. The common data entry system sends the requested credit information to the on-line quote system application, and the user is allowed to enter a selection of coverage. The user is then allowed to enter underwriting information on the on-line quote system application which calls a rating engine of the common data entry system to request rating information. The on-line quote system application displays a quote for the user based at least in part on the rating information, and the user is offered an option to talk to an agent. A fast-forward feature simplifies the entry of modifications for the user.

Abstract: A system architecture for providing remote access to insurance applications from a remote location is provided, including: a presentation layer located at the remote location that provides tools for navigating within one of the insurance applications and executing business transactions, wherein the presentation layer is based on web browser technology; an application layer that enforces predetermined rules of business on commands and transactions input from the remote location; a data access layer that manages physical storage of data relating to the insurance applications in databases and provides the application layer with access to application data; and a distributed technical layer separating a presentation logic of the presentation layer from an application logic of the application layer, wherein the distributed technical layer is configured to coordinate an execution of the insurance applications on one or more different platforms.

Abstract: The present process is directed to preparation of addition polymers in diluents that are subsequently reactive in coatings during cure, instead of in traditional hydrocarbon solvents. The polymers so prepared can be used as the main film-forming polymer in high solids coating compositions, especially those useful for finishing automobiles and truck exteriors.

Abstract: One example of an optical transceiver includes a housing and an optical transmitter and optical receiver disposed within the housing. A PCB is also disposed in the housing. The PCB has front and side edges, as well as circuitry in communication with the optical transmitter and the optical receiver. The PCB also includes a group of plated contact pads, each of which includes a front-most extremity that terminates short of the front edge. Finally, the PCB includes a group of traces, one of which leads from one of the side edges of the PCB to a via that is connected with the circuitry, and another of which leads from the via to one of the plated contact pads.

Abstract: A method and system for furnishing an on-line quote for an insurance product, such as auto insurance, makes use of computer hardware and software to provide a user with an on-line, real-time quote. The system allows the user to enter user information and recommends coverages, liabilities, and deductibles to help the user determine the best insurance coverage for the user's needs. Upon entering the user data and coverage information on a presentation server, deployable content profile information is retrieved by the presentation server, and a quote is displayed for the user. If the user indicates a continued interest in the quote, a client number is presented to the user and sent to a computer telephony integration database.

Abstract: A method and system for furnishing an on-line quote for an insurance product, such as auto insurance, makes use of computer hardware and software to provide a user with an on-line, real-time quote. The system allows the user to enter user information and recommends coverages, liabilities, and deductibles to help the user determine the best insurance coverage for the user's needs. Upon entering the user data and coverage information on a presentation server, deployable content profile information is retrieved by the presentation server, and a quote is displayed for the user. If the user indicates a continued interest in the quote, a client number is presented to the user and sent to a computer telephony integration database.

Abstract: The present process is directed to preparation of addition polymers in diluents that are subsequently reactive in coatings during cure, instead of in traditional hydrocarbon solvents. The polymers so prepared can be used as the main film-forming polymer in high solids coating compositions, especially those useful for finishing automobiles and truck exteriors.

Abstract: Provided is a door lite assembled with an associated frame, and a door designed to meet certain building codes and standards which were promulgated with the intent to provide protection against the effects of certain hurricane force winds, as well as related methods of making such invention. The door lite assembly includes a translucent panel, a high-impact plastic frame, and a chemical sealant. The frame extends along the periphery of the translucent panel and includes panel support portions having panel support lips facing the opposite sides of the translucent panel. The frame further includes door receiving portions having door body receiving lips spaced apart from one another to permit receipt of a door body.

Abstract: An apparatus for multi-player video games comprising two or more horizontal planar surfaces, and at least two substantially vertical side members supporting the upper horizontal planar surface at least six inches above one lower horizontal panel with a video cable manifold positioned between the two uppermost horizontal planar surfaces with at least one video input connection compatible with at least one common commercial video game. The manifold also includes at least two video output connections compatible with a variety of video devices including televisions, high-definition TV monitors, and computer monitors. At least two preselected moving aids are included under said lower substantially horizontal planar surface.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I, commonly referred to as bis-indole pyrroles, including isolated naturally-occurring compounds, synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives thereof having antimicrobial properties and to antimicrobial compositions that include one or more of bis-indole pyrroles and their derivatives or analogs having antimicrobial properties are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of treating bacterial infections with the disclosed compounds or the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method to estimate a respondent's or a set of respondents' rank order with respect to a number of attribute options (i.e. alternative prices, features, benefits, ways of expressing benefits, brand names, slogans, logos, graphic treatments such as package design elements and any other stimuli that the researcher believes may influence the individual's opinion such as a statement, graphic or brief audio). The method can be used when the number of stimuli to be presented exceeds the number that can be presented at one time to a respondent, most typically, exceeding the number that can be legibly displayed on one computer screen for rank ordering by a respondent. The estimated rank order is highly accurate, especially for the highest ranked stimuli, but requires only a small fraction of the respondent input that would be needed to capture a complete rank order from that respondent.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral compositions comprising a stannous ion source, a polyvalent cation source and a mineral surface active agent, said compositions providing enhanced therapeutic efficacy derived from stannous fluoride and/or other stannous salt, including antimicrobial effects, control of breath malodor, control of dental plaque growth and metabolism, reduced gingivitis, decreased progression to periodontal disease, reductions in dentinal hypersensitivity and reduced coronal and root dental caries. The aforementioned benefits are provided along with significant improvements compared to conventional stannous containing compositions, including: 1) reduced levels of dental staining; 2) reduced astringency thereby improving aesthetic characteristics of the compositions; 3) reduction in dental calculus formation, and 4) enhanced stability, bioavailability and thus, efficacy of stannous.

Abstract: A snowthrower has independent wheel drive trains to allow steering by clutching one drive train while unclutching the other drive train. The clutch in each drive train comprises a plurality of pivotal pawls carried on a drive member with the pawls pivoting in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive member. The pawls have heads that project through one face of the drive member and tails located on an opposite face of the drive member. The heads of the pawls can engage or disengage notches that are fixed to the driven member to clutch or unclutch the drive and driven members. A shift member axially presses on the tails of the pawls to disengage the heads of the pawls from the driven member. The shift member is selectively moved by an operator using a steering lever on the snowthrower.

Abstract: A reminder system includes a note sheet that has a first area on which a promotional or inspirational message is preprinted and a second area adapted for a person to write a message related to a future event in which the person is to participate. A connector passes through the aperture for securing the note sheet to an object used by the person.

Abstract: One example of an optical transceiver includes a housing and an optical transmitter and optical receiver disposed within the housing. A PCB is also disposed in the housing. The PCB has front and side edges, as well as circuitry in communication with the optical transmitter and the optical receiver. The PCB also includes a group of plated contact pads, each of which includes a front-most extremity that terminates short of the front edge. Finally, the PCB includes a group of traces, one of which leads from one of the side edges of the PCB to a via that is connected with the circuitry, and another of which leads from the via to one of the plated contact pads.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plating printed circuit boards. Traces are formed using internal and external layers of a printed circuit board from conductive paths including contact pads to a side edge of the printed circuit board. The traces are connected with a plating bar to form a single conductive path that permits all conductive paths to be plated at the same time. When the plating bar is removed, the traces are severed to electrically isolate the various conductive paths. Traces are not present at a front edge of the printed circuit board by the contact pads. A small hole is drilled through traces used to plate transmission lines such that the traces do not affect the transmission characteristics of the transmission lines.