Abstract: The present invention relates to a pesticidal control device that includes at least one pesticidal active ingredient, cellulose fibers, and a polymer or polymer matrix. he combination of the cellulose fibers with the polymer allows for a higher loading of liquid pesticidal active ingredients within the pesticidal control device, maintains the active ingredient within the control device during transportation, storage and handling, and provides higher efficacy or control of pests during treatment. The pesticidal control device may be an ear tag, collar, or bee strip.

Abstract: Systems and methods are configured to facilitate the distribution of transaction accounts through distributors. An exemplary method includes the steps of: issuing a transaction account to a distributor, receiving information from the distributor via the MICR protocol used by the banking and financial services industries, wherein the information reports the distribution of the transaction account, and processing the information via a Travelers Cheque infrastructure. The transaction account may be a pre-paid card and the distributor may be a seller of pre-paid cards. Distribution of the transaction account may be facilitated by use of a sequential number, such as a Travelers Cheque number. Thus, the system may be configured to be compatible with existing Travelers Cheque communication systems already in place. Furthermore, a financial transaction device may include a card that bears a serialized number, such as a Travelers Cheque number, in a manner that can be read by MICR technology.

Abstract: A method for executing a computer program involving obtaining a statement of the source code, where the statement comprises a method call, and where the source code is composed in a statically-typed programming language. The method also involves, upon entry into a loop included in the computer program: incrementing an entry counter by one; and, for each iteration of the loop, incrementing an iteration counter by one, incrementing a local counter by one to obtain an incremented value of the local counter, incrementing a summation variable by the incremented value of the local counter, and executing the iteration of the loop.

Abstract: A method for compiling source code, involving: obtaining a statement of the source code comprising a method call, where the source code is composed in a statically-typed programming language; determining whether the method call is a dynamic method call; upon determining that the method call is a dynamic method call, compiling a dynamic method invocation without performing type checking on the method call; upon determining that the method call is not a dynamic method call: performing type checking on the method call, selecting a target method to invoke, and compiling a static method invocation to invoke the target method.

Abstract: The present invention is a nonprescription medication consumer tool for selecting nonprescription medications which allows an individual to select his or her symptoms and contraindications to determine a suitable nonprescription medication. The symptoms, contraindications and information provided to the individual, such as dosing and warnings, are provided in layperson's terms. The nonprescription medication consumer tool may be available to individuals as a website and/or mobile device application or as part of a vending system or dispensing machine.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-modal shape memory polymer material comprising a blend of at least one polymer component having a first molecular weight and at least a second polymer component having a second molecular weight that is less than the first component.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an internal fixation device including an interface portion, a polymer material coupled to the interface portion, wherein the polymer material includes at least one feature on a surface of the polymer material, and means for allowing adequate expansion of the polymer material on each side of the bone fracture site. A method of fixating the internal fixation device to a bone and other internal fixation devices and methods for fixating are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shape memory polymer material containing at least one two dimensional region having a first amount of stored stress in a first direction and a second amount of stored stress higher than the first amount of stored stress in a second direction, wherein the two dimensional region is capable of changing shape in only one of the first or second directions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for relieving stress using biofeedback techniques. In embodiments, the method and system are used according to a specified regimen to enable a user to achieve a relaxed state. The apparatus comprises a sensor 10 wirelessly connected to a CPU 20, which processes signals from the sensor 10 to produce a visual display 36 and/or auditory display 44 that is representative of the relaxation state of the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for installing shape memory polymers relative to orthopedic implants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber reinforced composite material. In an embodiment, the composite material includes a PLLA fiber material and a matrix material that does not have the same chemical element composition as the fiber material. Other fiber reinforced composite materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polymer composition including a lactic acid based polymer material and a fatty acid, wherein the polymer material includes shape memory qualities.

Abstract: A field emission backplate formed by laser crystallizing of an area of amorphous semiconductor based material. Emitter sites result from the rough surface texture caused by the crystallization process. The crystallization may be localized using laser interferometry, and profiled emitter tips grown on the localized crystalline areas. Such backplates can be used in field emission devices emitting into either a vacuum or a wide band gap light-emitting polymer. Furthermore, a backplate having self-aligned gates can be formed by depositing an insulator layer and a metal layer over the emitter tips, removing the top of the metal layer and etching away the insulator, leaving each tip surrounded by a metal rim. A planarizing agent can be used to refine this process.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining a value of an index-offset deposit product, having a principal amount P, a term T, a specified guaranteed amount G, and an index credit C, comprising: d) setting trial values for fixed-income-linked crediting parameters for said product implying an expected fixed-income-linked credit component F at the end of the term T; e) determining a cost for an equity option paying equity-linked credit component E such that the index credit C=E+F, to be paid at T, together with the principal P, is at least equal to G; and f) summing said equity option cost, present value of principal, and present value of fixed-income-linked credit component to determine said value of said index-offset deposit product.

Abstract: The rate of degradation of polymers and polymer blends containing (poly) lactic acid can be increased and controlled by the inclusion of up to 10% (typically less than 1%) by weight of specific additives such as lauric acid or a derivative thereof such as the anhydride.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising poly-glycolic acid (PGA) or a functional derivative thereof with a tensile strength of at least 1200 MPa are disclosed. Processes suitable for manufacturing said compositions are also described, comprising rendering PGA into an amorphous state then drawing to form a highly orientated polymer structure. The polymer compositions can be used to make artefacts, for example sutures, or used in combination with other polymers or non-polymeric substances to produce other artefacts, for example medical devices suitable for implantation into the human body. Processes for the production of said artefacts are also described.

Abstract: A tambourine according to the present invention includes a frame having a plurality of removable jingle members. The frame includes opposing sides and defines a plurality of slots extending between the sides. The tambourine includes a plurality of pins that may be extended through the frame and the plurality of slots for coupling respective jingle members to the frame. A plurality of fasteners are included for coupling the pins to the frame. Alternately, threaded inserts may be coupled to the frame for receiving threaded fasteners, such as screws, therein.

Abstract: An apparatus including a process chamber and a gas flow control system for depositing layers having uniform properties on substrates.

Abstract: A tambourine according to the present invention includes a frame having a plurality of removable jingle members. The frame includes opposing sides and defines a plurality of slots extending between the sides. The tambourine includes a plurality of pins that may be extended through the frame and the plurality of slots for coupling respective jingle members to the frame. A plurality of fasteners are included for coupling the pins to the frame. Alternately, threaded inserts may be coupled to the frame for receiving threaded fasteners, such as screws, therein.

Abstract: A method of producing a self-take anthelmintic that includes active components that are undesirable to at least one sense of a target animal. The active ingredients including praziquantel are mixed with artificial beef and yeast components and subjected to a first compression. The resulting rough tablet is then ground to increase the density of the material by approximately 100% of the original density. Thereafter, the material is subjected to a second compression to form a final self-take tablet.