Abstract: The present invention provides personal cleaning articles useful for cleaning and/or exfoliating the skin. These articles provide multiple distinct patterns of relatively smooth and coarse elements to provide a user the ability to readily achieve the desired degree of cleansing and/or exfoliation. Further, the article provides a relatively smooth apertured outer layer and a relatively coarse underlying layer whereby a user can, with the application of varied amounts of pressure, more readily achieve and control a wider range of mechanical cleaning and/or exfoliating action against the skin. In certain aspects, the article may also be impregnated with one or more topical skin cleaning and/or exfoliating compounds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maximizing a number of available states for a version number used for memory corruption detection. A physical memory may be a DRAM comprising a plurality of regions. Version numbers associated with data structures allocated in the physical memory may be generated so that version numbers of adjacent data structures in a virtual address space are different. A reserved set and an available set of version numbers are associated with each one of the plurality of regions. A version number in a reserved set of a given region may be in an available set of another region. The processor detects no memory corruption error in response to at least determining a version number stored in a memory location in a first region identified by a memory access operation is also in a reserved set associated with the first region.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a capacitance-to-voltage converter circuit configured to be electrically coupled to a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensor circuit. The capacitance-to-voltage converter circuit includes a differential chopping circuit path configured to receive a differential MEMS sensor output signal and invert a polarity of the differential chopping circuit path, and a differential sigma-delta analog to digital converter (ADC) circuit configured to sample the differential MEMS sensor output signal and provide a digital signal representative of a change in capacitance of the MEMS sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensor including a first capacitive element and a second capacitive element and an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a switch network circuit and a capacitance measurement circuit. The switch network circuit is configured to electrically decouple the first capacitive element of the MEMS sensor from a first input of the IC and electrically couple the second capacitive element to a second input of the IC. The capacitance measurement circuit can be configured to measure capacitance of the second capacitive element of the MEMS sensor during application of a first electrical signal to the decoupled first capacitive element.

Abstract: A mobile floating deck barge system is provided for use in performing work on the underside of a bridge or other structure extending over a body of water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maximizing a number of available states for a version number used for memory corruption detection. A physical memory may be a DRAM comprising a plurality of regions. Version numbers associated with data structures allocated in the physical memory may be generated so that version numbers of adjacent data structures in a virtual address space are different. A reserved set and an available set of version numbers are associated with each one of the plurality of regions. A version number in a reserved set of a given region may be in an available set of another region. The processor detects no memory corruption error in response to at least determining a version number stored in a memory location in a first region identified by a memory access operation is also in a reserved set associated with the first region.

Abstract: Electronic systems, methods and apparatus for teaching and examining music are presented. The method includes presenting a user with one or more musical tasks and providing a menu with one or more selectable icons. Selection of one of the icons activates functionality to enable the user to form an element of musical notation. The method includes comparing one or more characteristics of the element of musical notation with one or more predetermined thresholds in response to a user request and generating a mark, score or grade based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A trim base C-shaped channel having a front face, a bottom face, and a hanger face configured to form a trough or C-channel; one or more T-tracks and splice tracks positioned on the interior of the trough or C-channel for mounting a plurality of components of a cable tensioning system; a concave member positioned on the front face; a trim cap having a support extension and a contact extension configured to rotate about the concave member, wherein the trim cap is configured to cover the trough or open top of the C-channel; and a spring positioned between one hanger section and the support extension, wherein the spring is configured to rotate the trim cap about the concave member and, thus, functions to conceal the cable, pulleys, guides, and other individual components of a billboard cable tensioning system used to secure and stretch a printed display sheet.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for mounting a vinyl sheet to a billboard frame, comprising a cable secured on a frame at one end and secured to a spring-loaded cable tensioning device at the other end. A plurality of cable guides are mounted at intervals around the frame, each of the cable guides having a channel adapted to receive the cable. Portions of the edges of a sheet are secured within a plurality of locking clips around the perimeter, each clip also having a channel to receive the cable. The sheet with the clips affixed is secured to the frame whereby cable travels through the channels in the locking clips and is guided around the perimeter of the frame by the channel guides and secured to the spring-loaded cable tensioning device. The spring-loaded cable tensioning device is deployed to tighten the cable around the frame and secure the sheet to the frame.

Abstract: A locking clip for a cable tensioning system, comprising (i) a base plate having a top surface having a gripping portion, tensioning arms extending from the top surface, a cable retaining arm and posts extending from the bottom surface, and, at least one slot in the base plate; and, (ii) a tapering top member including a cable tensioning hook with a channel and extending from the top surface, and at least one nub extending from the bottom surface to slidingly engage the slot. The clip can hold a portion of a sheet between the base plate and the top member when the top member and the base plate are in an engaged relationship. The cable tensioning arm holds the cable and allows tension to be placed on the sheet. When the clip is disengaged from the sheet it can be temporarily attached to the cable by the cable retaining arm.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a pair of tanks, each of the tanks having a pair of baffles sealingly engaged to a center wall, a pair of sidewalls, and a cover to form a fluid tight seal therebetween and provide a closure to the tank, wherein each of the sidewalls includes a portion of at least one of a pin and bracket for mounting the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A clip for use in a cable tensioning system, comprising (i) a base plate comprising a generally flat base member having a top surface having a plurality of surface irregularities, a bottom surface, a front edge and a rear edge, and a pair of opposing tensioning arms extending from the top surface; and, (ii) a top plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge and a rear edge, a lip protruding from a top surface thereof having a channel defined therein, wherein the top plate is adapted to secure an edge of a substantially flat medium between the base plate and the top plate when the top plate and the bottom plate are in an engaged relationship, and wherein the channel can receive a portion of a cable.

Abstract: Electronic systems, methods and apparatus for teaching and examining music and other subjects require that tasks be performed by a user. One method includes presenting a user with one or more musical tasks and providing a menu with one or more selectable icons. Selection of one of the icons activates functionality to enable the user to form an element of musical notation. The method includes comparing one or more characteristics of the element of musical notation with one or more predetermined thresholds in response to a user request and generating a mark, score or grade based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A portfolio of debt instruments, managed by an asset manager according to the terms of an asset management agreement between the asset manager and a sponsor, is a debt index. Multiple deals, as collateralized obligations, are linked to the debt index. Changes to the index by the asset manager are reflected in the linked deals. A break in the linkage to the index can be triggered by different events.

Abstract: Electronic systems, methods and apparatus for teaching and examining music are presented. The method includes presenting a user with one or more musical tasks and providing a menu with one or more selectable icons. Selection of one of the icons activates functionality to enable the user to form an element of musical notation. The method includes comparing one or more characteristics of the element of musical notation with one or more predetermined thresholds in response to a user request and generating a mark, score or grade based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing.

Abstract: A locking clip for a cable tensioning system, comprising (i) a base plate having a top surface having a gripping portion, tensioning arms extending from the top surface, a cable retaining arm and posts extending from the bottom surface, and, at least one slot in the base plate; and, (ii) a tapering top member including a cable tensioning hook with a channel and extending from the top surface, and at least one nub extending from the bottom surface to slidingly engage the slot. The clip can hold a portion of a sheet between the base plate and the top member when the top member and the base plate are in an engaged relationship. The cable tensioning arm holds the cable and allows tension to be placed on the sheet. When the clip is disengaged from the sheet it can be temporarily attached to the cable by the cable retaining arm.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system for mounting a vinyl sheet to a billboard frame, comprising a cable secured on a frame at one end and secured to a spring-loaded cable tensioning device at the other end. A plurality of cable guides are mounted at intervals around the frame, each of the cable guides having a channel adapted to receive the cable. Portions of the edges of a sheet are secured within a plurality of locking clips around the perimeter, each clip also having a channel to receive the cable. The sheet with the clips affixed is secured to the frame whereby cable travels through the channels in the locking clips and is guided around the perimeter of the frame by the channel guides and secured to the spring-loaded cable tensioning device. The spring-loaded cable tensioning device is deployed to tighten the cable around the frame and secure the sheet to the frame.