Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, lighted seasoning dispensing device. The device is used in dimly lit environments, such as restaurants, bars, and outdoors at night. Specifically, the lighted seasoning dispensing device may be used for dispensing salt and/or spices to prevent over seasoning. The device comprises a handheld shaker with a plurality of holes at one end for dispensing salt and/or spices. The device also comprises a built-in LED lighting mechanism that is angled, such that it shines in the direction of the dispensing openings. The device operates on rechargeable batteries and utilizes a charging station which runs on solar power.

Abstract: An imaging device may include an RF source configured to irradiate an object with RF radiation, and an array of RE antenna elements. Each RF antenna element may include a loop bolometer configured to receive the RF radiation after interaction with the object. The imaging device may include a processor configured to generate an image based upon respective outputs from the array of RF antenna elements, and a display coupled to the processor and configured to display the image of the object.

Abstract: An imaging device may include an RF source configured to irradiate an object with RF radiation, and an array of RE antenna elements. Each RF antenna element may include a loop bolometer configured to receive the RF radiation after interaction with the object. The imaging device may include a processor configured to generate an image based upon respective outputs from the array of RF antenna elements, and a display coupled to the processor and configured to display the image of the object.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, low-density, open-cell, thermoplastic, absorbent foam formed from a foam polymer formula including a balanced amount of a plasticizing agent and a surfactant in combination with a base resin. Thermoplastic elastomers can be added to the foam polymer formula to improve softness, flexibility, elasticity, and resiliency of the resulting foam. The surfactant may be either a single surfactant or a multi-surfactant system. The foam possesses a number of qualities, such as softness and strength, which render the foam particularly suitable for use in a variety of personal care products, medical products, and the like.

Abstract: A hybrid absorbent foam includes an integrated hybrid foam layer having an open surface, a closed surface, and a foam body extending between the open and closed surfaces. The integrated hybrid foam layer has an open-cell content of at least 50%, while the closed surface provides a barrier to aqueous liquids. The integrated hybrid foam layer is formed as a single layer, and has a substantially uniform polymer composition throughout its thickness. The integrated hybrid foam layer combines the functions of liquid absorbency, retention, and barrier into a single layer, and is useful in a wide variety of absorbent articles.

Abstract: A composition which exhibits a reversible non-linear reduction in opacity as the composition is stretched from a first length to a second length is disclosed. One embodiment is a film comprising an elastomeric polymer medium and regions having crystalline properties disposed in the polymer medium, where the film exhibits the reversible non-linear reduction in opacity upon being stretched.

Abstract: Self-fitting device for location in ear canal and related method, including a bladder joined with a pump assembly via a valve assembly. The pump assembly transfers air to the bladder and achieves a predetermined pressure with the chamber regardless of ear canal size. The predetermined pressure may be achieved by reducing excess air pressure through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A composition which exhibits a reversible non-linear reduction in opacity as the composition is stretched from a first length to a second length is disclosed. One embodiment is a film comprising an elastomeric polymer medium and regions having crystalline properties disposed in the polymer medium, where the film exhibits the reversible non-linear reduction in opacity upon being stretched.

Abstract: A fluid system, a control valve therefor, and a method of its operation are provided. The fluid system includes a piping run, and a control valve which includes: a housing having an inlet connected to the piping run, an outlet connected to the piping run, and a pressure port; and a elastomeric tube disposed inside the housing, the tube having a flow passage extending therethrough which is in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet. An outer surface of the tube and the housing cooperatively define a pressure chamber which is in fluid communication solely with the pressure port, A source of controlled fluid pressure is connected to the pressure port to modulate flow in the tube. The tube is sized and the valve is operated so as to provide accurate flow rate control.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, low-density, open-cell, thermoplastic, absorbent foam formed from a foam polymer formula including a balanced amount of a plasticizing agent and a surfactant in combination with a base resin. Thermoplastic elastomers can be added to the foam polymer formula to improve softness, flexibility, elasticity, and resiliency of the resulting foam. The surfactant may be either a single surfactant or a multi-surfactant system. The foam possesses a number of qualities, such as softness and strength, which render the foam particularly suitable for use in a variety of personal care products, medical products, and the like.

Abstract: A low density, flexible, resilient, absorbent open-cell thermoplastic foam includes a combination of thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene ionomer, stiff polymer, and surfactant selected to provide various advantageous properties. The foam is useful in personal care absorbent articles, medical absorbent articles, absorbent wiping articles, and a variety of other applications.

Abstract: A match and destroy (MaDe) technique for filtering spam mail assigns at least two email addresses per user when the user first registers for an email account or when the MaDe software is installed on the server. The first email address is designated as the “True address,” and the user is made aware of only this address. The second email address is designated as the “Trap address,” and the user is not made aware of this address. Spammers send spam mail to all available email addresses as a spammer is unable to differentiate a True address from a Trap address. A MaDe filter is provided that detects when the same email is received in both the True and the Trap(s) inboxes. When this duplicate receipt occurs, the filter informs the resident spam filters that the email is a spam candidate.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for autonomously preserving high-availability network boot services. The apparatus includes a monitor module, a detection module, and a substitution module. The monitor module actively monitors a distributed logical linked list. The detection module detects a variation in a distributed logical linked list configuration. The substitution module substitutes a network boot service of a failed element of the distributed logical linked list. The apparatus, system, and method provide preservation of on-demand network services autonomously, maintaining a high-availability of network boot services.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact, machine tool for radially machining a surface is provided, where the machine tool includes a cutting head having a cutter movably coupled thereto, and the cutter is further coupled to a control member such that the control member can variably control radial movement of the cutter relative to the cutting head.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for enabling a service. A receiving module receives a token communicated over a peer-to-peer network. An enablement module enables a service in response to an authorization data field of the token. A transmit module transmits the token over the peer-to-peer network. The apparatus, system, and method may strive to enable the service.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve comprising a diaphragm for control of process pressure is provided. The diaphragm has a reference pressure on a first side and a process pressure on a second side. The second side is engagable with a process void and at least one vent void such that when the process pressure is below the reference pressure the diaphragm is engaged with the vent void. When the process pressure is above the reference pressure the diaphragm is not engaged with the vent void.

Abstract: A relief valve comprising a diaphragm for control of process pressure is provided. The diaphragm has a fluid pressure on a first side and a process pressure on a second side. The second side is engagable with a process void and at least one vent void such that when the process pressure is below the fluid pressure the diaphragm is engaged with the vent void. When the process pressure is above the fluid pressure the diaphragm is not engaged with the vent void.