Abstract: We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for improving the functioning of security tags for use with merchandise are provided. A security tag device, to be used in conjunction with a tag monitoring device, may be provided with a product. The product may be conductive or may have metallic packaging. The security tag may include a planar dielectric substrate having a first side and an opposing side. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) circuit may be placed on the first side of the planar dielectric substrate. A ferrite sheet having a first side and an opposing side may be coupled to the opposing side of the planar dielectric substrate. A metal backing sheet may be coupled to the opposing side of the ferrite sheet. The planar dielectric substrate may be centered or offset on the ferrite sheet and the ferrite sheet may be centered or offset on the metal backing sheet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a security includes a planar EAS component having opposing first and second surfaces; and an adhesive layer adhered to the second surface of the planar EAS component and configured to adhere the planar EAS component to an object; wherein the first surface of the planar EAS component comprises a perforation line defining a closed interior portion of the planar EAS component and an exterior portion of the planar EAS component; and wherein the adhesive layer has a strength such that, when the adhesive layer is adhered to the object and the exterior portion is peeled away from the object, the planar EAS component tears along the perforation line and the interior portion remains adhered to the object.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for improving the functioning of security tags for use with merchandise are provided. A security tag device, to be used in conjunction with a tag monitoring device, may be provided with a product. The product may be conductive or may have metallic packaging. The security tag may include a planar dielectric substrate having a first side and an opposing side. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) circuit may be placed on the first side of the planar dielectric substrate. A ferrite sheet having a first side and an opposing side may be coupled to the opposing side of the planar dielectric substrate. A metal backing sheet may be coupled to the opposing side of the ferrite sheet. The planar dielectric substrate may be centered or offset on the ferrite sheet and the ferrite sheet may be centered or offset on the metal backing sheet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be a system for monitoring a product, system including a transponder configured to attach to a product in a store; a drone comprising a camera, the drone configured to wirelessly communicate with the transponder; follow the transponder to maintain the wireless communication with the transponder; utilizing the camera, take a photograph or a video of the product to which the transponder is attached; and transmit a wireless alert signal upon an indication of an excessive separation between the drone and the transponder; and an employee device having a user interface, the user interface configured to display an alert when the drone sends the wireless alert signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be a method for applying a security tag, the method including a cutting a portion of a top layer of a product packaging, the cutting comprising making cuts that form a closed shape, the cutting causing a break in the top layer that exposes a second layer of the product packaging; and adhering, via an adhesive, a security tag over the cut portion, the adhesive penetrating into the break in the top layer to contact the exposed second layer; wherein, upon removal of the security tag from the product packaging, a section of the cut portion of the top layer is removed from the product packaging.

Abstract: Manufacturing antennas for a dual tag by: providing a web structure having a dielectric layer between a first metal layer and a second metal layer; depositing a first resist on the first metal layer to define a radio frequency (RF) coil and a first electrode of an RF capacitor; depositing the first resist on the second metal layer to define a second electrode of the RF capacitor; depositing a second resist on the second metal layer to define connection pads for a near field antenna, wherein one of the first resist and the second resist on the second metal layer defines a far field antenna and the near field antenna; and etching the first and second metal layers to form the RF coil, the electrodes of the RF capacitor, the far field antenna, the near field antenna, and the connection pads.

Abstract: Manufacturing antennas for a dual tag by: providing a web structure having a dielectric layer between a first metal layer and a second metal layer; depositing a first resist on the first metal layer to define a radio frequency (RF) coil and a first electrode of an RF capacitor; depositing the first resist on the second metal layer to define a second electrode of the RF capacitor; depositing a second resist on the second metal layer to define connection pads for a near field antenna, wherein one of the first resist and the second resist on the second metal layer defines a far field antenna and the near field antenna; and etching the first and second metal layers to form the RF coil, the electrodes of the RF capacitor, the far field antenna, the near field antenna, and the connection pads.

Abstract: Latching mechanisms in multiple embodiments connect clamshell type couplers comprising a pair of arcuate coupling halves joined at a hinge. One embodiment includes a biased catch lever that engages a corresponding latch plate. Another embodiment includes a plurality of latching extensions that engage an opposing latching housing, along with biased locking buttons for selectively locking the mechanism. Another embodiment includes dual rotatable latching arms for interconnecting the coupling halves, each arm having a latching cam for selectively locking the mechanism. Another embodiment includes a rotatable latching arm and a receiving bracket for receiving the latching arm for selectively locking the mechanism. Another embodiment includes an over center hinge mechanism including three cooperating and rotatable latch plates. Another embodiment includes cooperating cassette mechanisms, each having connector extensions for connecting the cassette mechanisms to one another for selectively locking the mechanism.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.

Abstract: A personal care article, such as a toothbrush handle having an inner cavity.

Abstract: Methods of producing a unitary personal care article such as a toothbrush having an inner cavity.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a composition for controlling a target pest, wherein the composition includes at least two active ingredients selected from the group consisting of thymyl acetate, linalyl acetate, amyl butyrate, anise star oil, black seed oil, p-cymene, geraniol, isopropyl myristate, d-limonene, linalool, lilac flower oil, methyl salicylate, alpha-pinene, piperonal, piperonyl alcohol, tetrahydrolinalool, thyme oil white, thyme oil red, thymol, vanillin, and winter-green oil, wherein the composition causes synergistic control of the target pest.

Abstract: A method of preparing a natural sweetener from a heat-processed powdered fruit extract of the cucurbitaceae family, such as luo han guo is provided. In one embodiment, the method provides a cleaner tasting and concentrated natural sweetener in which objectionable flavors, odors, colors, and insoluble components are removed to form the natural sweetener.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ heap leaching or lixiviants that include one or more blinding agents.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.

Abstract: Bone void filler pieces that are conducive to packing or nesting when a plurality of pieces are located in a cavity in random orientation. The bone void filler of the present invention includes a higher bulk packing density and a porosity of less than 80% to provide a better match native bone ingrowth rate. Further, the bone void filler includes a bi-modal pore distribution with a high frequency of smaller pores to enhance the density characteristic of the bone void filler pieces. A method of manufacturing the bone void filler pieces includes a precursor powder composition suitable to form a ceramic matrix; the preform is converted by chemical reaction to a final composition. The preform further includes the use of a porogen that decomposes to gaseous decomposition products upon heating.

Abstract: Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ lixiviants that include at most only small amounts of copper and/or ammonia and operate at a relatively low pH, reduction of polythionates, inert atmospheres to control polythionate production, and electrolytic solutions which provide relatively high rates of precious metal recovery.