Abstract: Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a read transducer and a write transducer at a media-facing surface of the magnetic head. The magnetic head includes at least one heater that causes heat deformation at the media-facing surface in response to different first and second energizing currents. The first energizing current results in a first close point between the media-facing surface and a recording medium. The second energizing current results in a second close point between the media-facing surface and the recording medium. The second close point is at a different location in the media-facing surface than the first close point.

Abstract: A chatting party initiates a computer chat with a chatted-to party by way of a computing system of a chatting service acting on behalf of the chatted-to party. The computing system collects from the chatting party in connection with the chat identifying information identifying the chatting party, and an initial indication of the general nature of the chat. A priority is then assigned to the chat based at least in part on the collected identifying information and the collected initial indication of the general nature of the chat, and the chat is assigned to the attention of one of the chatted-to party, an agent at the chatting service on behalf of the chatted-to party, and an automated chat engine of the chatting service for chatting with the chatting party. The chat is assigned based at least in part on the assigned priority of the chat.

Abstract: A modular camera system includes a camera body having a housing, which has a rearward facing end, a forward facing end opposite the rearward facing end, and a plurality of mounting surfaces extending between the rearward facing end and the forward facing end. A photosensor and lens mount are mounted on the forward facing end of the camera body, the lens mount for removably attaching a lens assembly configured to direct photons from an area outside the camera body to the photosensor. A processor within the camera body converts a signal from the photosensor to a video signal. A display assembly removably attachable to the rearward facing end of the camera body includes a display screen configured to display the video signal received from the processor in human viewable form. Each of the plurality of mounting surfaces includes one or more fastener elements for removably and interchangeably attaching an accessory module.

Abstract: The invention in this document is related to the field of preparation of haloalkoxyarylhydrazines and certain intermediates derived therefrom, where said intermediates are useful in the preparation of certain pesticides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,178,658.

Abstract: A system for managing care of a person receiving emergency cardiac assistance includes one or more capacitors arranged to deliver a defibrillating shock to a person; one or more electronic ports for receiving a plurality of signals from sensors for obtaining indications of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for the person; and a patient treatment module executable on one or more computer processors using code stored in non-transitory media and to provide a determination of a likelihood of success from delivering a future defibrillating shock to the person with the one or more capacitors, using a mathematical computation applied to a vector value defined by signals from at least two of the plurality of signals.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to matrix and compression-based error detection. An aspect includes summing, by each of a first plurality of summing modules of a first compressor, a respective row of a matrix, the matrix comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of output bits of a circuit under test wherein each output bit of the circuit under test comprises an element of the matrix, and is a member of a row of a column that is orthogonal to the row. Another aspect includes summing, by each of a second plurality of summing modules of a second compressor, a respective column of output bits of the matrix. Yet another aspect includes determining a presence of an error in the circuit under test based at least one of an output of the first compressor and an output of the second compressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and recycling stack gas from coal-fired power plants, from natural or propane burning heating plants, or from cement kilns by using renewable catalysts of zeolite to separate pollutants into recyclable and reusable materials. The method reduces from the stack gas carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx) as well as halogens such as chloride and fluorides and trace metals particularly, mercury, lead, and zinc. The method and apparatus also result in production of fertilizer products by purging with gaseous or liquid nitrogen the zeolite beds through which the stack gas flows. The oxygen generated may be recycled to the burners in the plant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the likelihood that a person is impaired, generally comprising gathering ambient data from sensors operably coupled to a primary measuring device (PMD), analyzing and/or identifying the ambient data, querying at least one database to identify baseline data regarding the person, and comparing the ambient data to the baseline data to determine the likelihood that the person is impaired. The methods and systems advantageously detect medical and/or cognitive impairment without the need for specialized devices, examination by specialists, consent of the person being evaluated, and compliance with recommendations to be examined, and may be applied to estimating the level of impairment of a person due to alcohol, drugs, exposure to toxic chemicals, changes to mental status, insufficient sleep, medical problems, changes to blood sugar levels, divided attention, vision changes, hearing changes, use of a mobile device while walking or operating a vehicle, and other factors.

Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.

Abstract: A CPR feedback system, software and methods are provided. A top height sensor can be used to track the height of the patient's chest during the CPR chest compressions, by detecting a top aspect of its location. A depth module may generate, from a detected top aspect, a depth value for a depth reached by a current compression. A counter may determine a compressions number, e.g. for the current compression. A memory may store a depth variable that can return different target values for the target depths of individual compressions. A user interface has an output device that may output an indication for the rescuer, which reflects how well the depth value of the current compression matched a corresponding target value for it. The target values may be set so as to follow a preset profile, or change according to optional measurements of force and other parameters.

Abstract: An update system configured to provide software updates, software patches and/or other data packets to one or more computer systems via a network is disclosed. The update system may interact with a network management system, such as an enterprise management system, to distribute data packets and gather configuration information. The update system may generate and send commands to the network management system. The network management system may carry out the commands to distribute data packets and/or gather configuration information.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for determining authenticity. For example, the method may include providing an object of authentication, capturing characteristic data from the object of authentication, deriving authentication data from the characteristic data of the object of authentication, and comparing the authentication data with an electronic database comprising reference authentication data to provide an authenticity score for the object of authentication. The reference authentication data may correspond to one or more reference objects of authentication other than the object of authentication.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a copolymer is formed from a monomer composition that includes a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol monomer; one or more aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic dicarboxylic diesters, and/or aromatic dicarboxylic anhydride; 1,3-propanediol or 1,4-butanediol; and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol. In some embodiments, a copolymer is formed from a monomer composition that includes a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol monomer, wherein at least 90% of the 2,2,4,4-tetraalkyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol monomer is in the cis- or trans-form.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for altering sensory perceptions are disclosed. The systems and methods of the present invention comprise operably coupling at least one device for capturing sensory data to a computing device, identifying the captured data, querying at least one data base to identify desired behaviors and/or outcomes, querying the same data base or other data bases to identify and/or calculate modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory data likely to achieve the desired behaviors or outcomes, generating modified, enhanced and/or virtual sensory data, and substituting the altered sensory data in real or near real time for the sensory data. The present invention advantageously alters sensory perceptions to promote health, ease patient's fears and allow safe performance of medical procedures, promote personal and public safety, and improve the success of military mission and operations.

Abstract: A monolithic contactor for collecting target molecules, the monolithic contactor may include a monolithic body having an inlet end and a longitudinally opposed outlet end and a plurality of cells extending from proximate the inlet end to proximate the outlet end, wherein the target molecules are adsorbed to a surface of the body.

Abstract: A product including at least one Rhizobium spp. derived metabolite and a seed treatment material is disclosed. The seed treatment material can include a fungicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a plant growth promoter, a micronutrient, and combinations thereof. Methods for producing the product are disclosed. Methods for using the product are disclosed, including a method for applying a product to one or more seeds. Applying the product can increase the overall yield of the plants grown from the treated seed as compared to plants grown from seeds not treated with the product.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to systems and methodologies for efficiently sampling data for analysis by a pipeline analysis algorithm. The amount of sampled data is maximized without increasing sampling overhead by sampling “non-pipeline activity” data if the subject pipeline is inactive during the sampling time. The non-pipeline activity data is selected to include overall system information that is relevant to the subject pipeline's performance but is not necessarily dependent on whether the subject pipeline is active. In some embodiments, the non-pipeline activity data allows for confirmation of a pipeline performance characteristic that must otherwise be inferred by the subsequent pipeline analysis algorithm from data sampled while the pipeline was active. In some embodiments, the non-pipeline activity data allows the pipeline analysis algorithm to analyze additional performance characteristics that cannot otherwise be inferred from the data sampled while the pipeline was active.

Abstract: A foam-dispensing pump includes an actuator, a collar, a housing, an air piston, a liquid piston, a mesh element and an air valve structure. The collar is constructed and arranged for attachment to a liquid storage container and a portion of the actuator is received by the collar. The air piston is constructed and arranged to be moveable within the housing. The liquid piston is constructed and arranged to be moveable within the housing. The mesh element is constructed and arranged to receive air and liquid for the production of foam. The air valve structure includes an annular sleeve component which is assembled onto the liquid piston and a cooperating annular valve element which is received by the air piston.

Abstract: A vehicle with an integrated advertising system. The vehicle can include a computer, at least one receiver, and a driving control. At least one receiver may be configured to communicate wirelessly, for example with an antenna or satellite. The receiver may receive advertising or retail information pertaining to a good or service, also including housing, a menu, or entertainment opportunities. The advertising or retail information may be communicated to a user within the vehicle, and the user may indicate a desire to purchase the good or service. The user may instruct the computer to drive the vehicle to the location of the good or service autonomously or the user may instruct the computer to purchase the good or service, or both.