Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure improve the functionality of electronic messaging software and systems by allowing senders to transmit messages and content using a messaging system, and recipients to access such messages and content, even if the recipients do not have access to the messaging system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethane compositions made from the reaction product of an isocyanate component comprising hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate, a polyol component, and a chain extender component comprising an alkylene substituted spirocyclic compound. The present invention provides for thermoplastic polyurethane compositions which is resistant to chemical degradation and stains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethane compositions made from the reaction product of an isocyanate component comprising hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate, a polyol component, and a chain extender component comprising an alkylene substituted spirocyclic compound. The present invention provides for thermoplastic polyurethane compositions which is resistant to chemical degradation and stains.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling the use of real-world objects (16), data segments or information segments as direct links to network based information, knowledge, services and data sources. The system comprises a communications device (10) with an input mechanism for capturing data from a real world object (16), connecting the device (10) to a network server (12) in order to search for a related online source for the object, transferring the information to the device (10), or providing the service to the device or the user. Alternatively, the present invention enables connecting the real world object (16) data to an online link, or initiate a predefined action, either automatically or manually.

Abstract: A moisture-responsive valve includes a water-swellable body within a housing adjacent a moisture-permeable wall thereof for controlling the movements of a valve member with respect to a valve seat in response to the moisture passing through the moisture-permeable wall. The valve member is floatingly mounted between a first spring interposed between the valve member and the housing and urging the valve member away from the valve seat, and a second spring interposed between the valve member and the water-swellable body and urging the valve member towards the valve seat.

Abstract: A moisture-responsive valve assembly includes a housing having a moisture-swellable body to swell in volume in response to soil moisture, and a bi-stable snap-action device for controlling the valve in response to the volume of the moisture-swellable body. The valve assembly further includes a damped delay mechanism effective to close the valve after it has been open for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A variable-diameter power-transmission device comprises a rotatable member and a plurality of arms attached at their inner ends to the rotatable member and extending outwardly in a radial direction, the arms being curved at their outer ends in a circumferential direction to provide a generally cylindrical coupling surface for coupling to another device, the arms being flexible, permitting them to flex with respect to the rotatable member to change the radial distance of the outer end of the arms from their inner ends, and thereby to change the effective diameter of the coupling surface.