Abstract: A photographic scene replacement system includes a photographic scene with a detectable pattern. The system operates to capture a digital photograph of a subject and the photographic scene having the detectable pattern with a digital camera when the subject is arranged between the digital camera and the photographic scene. The system also operates to process the digital photograph at least in part by automatically detecting the detectable pattern in the digital photograph, to distinguish the subject from the photographic scene in the digital photograph.

Abstract: A method of photographing a subject includes storing a library of photographic scene designs in a computer memory, training a photographic scene detection model by a computer processing device using machine learning from sample portrait images comprising known photographic scenes defined in the library of photographic scene designs, capturing a production portrait photograph, using a digital camera, of a subject in a photographic scene that is defined by a photographic scene design in the library of photographic scene designs, automatically detecting the photographic scene in the production portrait photograph using the photographic scene detection model operating on one or more computer processors, and processing the production portrait photograph by an image processing system to personalize the photographic scene detected in the production portrait photograph.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treatment, control, or prevention of skin conditions or skin diseases associated with microbial biofilms are provided. A topical formulation comprises a surfactant, pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, biocide, and weak acid and is effective to disrupt both the microbial biofilm defenses as well as the microbes within. The topical formulation is also provided as a multi-component system suitable for the application to human or animal skin or mucosa. Methods of administering the topical formulations to an individual having, or at risk for having, a skin disease or skin condition associated with a microbial biofilm are also disclosed.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes an elongated body formed of an animal digestible material and having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a cavity and includes a plurality of projections extending from the interior surface into the cavity. One or more of the plurality of animal digestible treats are retained within the cavity of the elongated body by the projections.

Abstract: A distributed amplifier includes an input transmission circuit, an output transmission circuit, at least one cascode amplifier coupled between said input and output transmission circuits. Each cascode amplifier includes a first common-gate configured transistor coupled to the output transmission circuit, a common-source configured transistor coupled between the input transmission circuit and the common-gate configured transistor, and a second common-gate configured transistor coupled between the first common-gate configured transistor and common-source configured transistor.

Abstract: A distributed amplifier with improved stabilization includes an input transmission circuit, an output transmission circuit, at least one cascode amplifier coupled between said input and output transmission circuits. Each cascode amplifier includes a common-gate configured transistor coupled to the output transmission circuit, and a common-source configured transistor coupled between the input transmission circuit and the common-gate configured transistor. The distributed amplifier also includes a non-parasitic resistance and capacitance coupled in series between a drain and a gate of at least one of the common-gate configured transistors for increasing the amplifier stability.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a subject during photography is disclosed. The method includes illuminating a background lighting system during a first image capture, illuminating a subject lighting system during a second image capture, and illuminating the background lighting system during a third image capture. The time from the first image capture to the third image capture is less than about 100 milliseconds. Also disclosed is a method for generating a composite mask of a subject, including receiving the three images, determining any movements of the subject between the first and third images, estimating an intermediate position of the subject during the second image, and generating a composite mask at the estimated intermediate position.

Abstract: A distributed amplifier includes an input transmission circuit, an output transmission circuit, at least one cascode amplifier coupled between said input and output transmission circuits. Each cascode amplifier includes a first common-gate configured transistor coupled to the output transmission circuit, a common-source configured transistor coupled between the input transmission circuit and the common-gate configured transistor, and a second common-gate configured transistor coupled between the first common-gate configured transistor and common-source configured transistor.

Abstract: A photographic scene replacement system includes a photographic scene with a detectable pattern. The system operates to capture a digital photograph of a subject and the photographic scene having the detectable pattern with a digital camera when the subject is arranged between the digital camera and the photographic scene. The system also operates to process the digital photograph at least in part by automatically detecting the detectable pattern in the digital photograph, to distinguish the subject from the photographic scene in the digital photograph.

Abstract: An article includes flexible and resilient outer and inner bodies, where the inner body is at least partially disposed within the outer body. In addition, an unsealed sound-producing member surrounds at least a portion of the inner body and is disposed between the inner and outer bodies, such that the sound-producing member produces sound when the outer body is deformed. In one embodiment, the outer body includes an interior cavity and a plurality of inwardly facing projections that project into the interior cavity to focus force applied to the outer body on the sound-producing member. In one embodiment, the inner body includes a sidewall defining an interior cavity for holding items to be dispensed, and the article has one or more openings through the inner and outer bodies through which items can be inserted into and dispensed from the interior cavity of the inner body during use of the article.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes a frame and a rod. The frame has a wall generally enclosing or bounding an area. The wall has an interior surface, an exterior surface, a top, and a bottom. The rod, which has at least one free end, is supported within the area by the interior surface of the wall at a position intermediate the top and the bottom of the wall.

Abstract: A photographic scene replacement system includes a photographic scene with a detectable pattern. The system operates to capture a digital photograph of a subject and the photographic scene having the detectable pattern with a digital camera when the subject is arranged between the digital camera and the photographic scene. The system also operates to process the digital photograph at least in part by automatically detecting the detectable pattern in the digital photograph, to distinguish the subject from the photographic scene in the digital photograph.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a subject during photography is disclosed. The method includes illuminating a background lighting system during a first image capture, illuminating a subject lighting system during a second image capture, and illuminating the background lighting system during a third image capture. The time from the first image capture to the third image capture is less than about 100 milliseconds. Also disclosed is a method for generating a composite mask of a subject, including receiving the three images, determining any movements of the subject between the first and third images, estimating an intermediate position of the subject during the second image, and generating a composite mask at the estimated intermediate position.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination of surfaces and objects are provided. In particular, a hyperprotonation composition is described that comprises a surfactant, one or more emulsifiers, a biocide, and a weak acid and is effective to disrupt both the microbial biofilm defenses as well as the microbes within. Methods of applying the hyperprotonation compositions to contaminated surfaces, equipment, fabrics, food, and human or animal tissue to disrupt the microbial biofilms and eradicate the microbes within are also disclosed.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes a multi-part body having an interior volume and baffle portions within the body that divide the interior volume of the body into compartments having openings therebetween that facilitate at least indirect communication between the compartments. A first recess is formed in a first part of the body and a second recess is formed in a second part of the body. An exit hole positioned within the first recess communicates with an exit compartment, included within the compartments, such that animal treats within the exit compartment can be discharged from the body via the exit hole. A lever that is integrated in one part of the body includes an end that is externally accessible via one of the recesses and is configured to releasably engage a structure in the other part of the body to facilitate coupling and uncoupling the first and second parts.

Abstract: A distributed amplifier with improved stabilization includes an input transmission circuit, an output transmission circuit, at least one cascode amplifier coupled between said input and output transmission circuits. Each cascode amplifier includes a common-gate configured transistor coupled to the output transmission circuit, and a common-source configured transistor coupled between the input transmission circuit and the common-gate configured transistor. The distributed amplifier also includes a non-parasitic resistance and capacitance coupled in series between a drain and a gate of at least one of the common-gate configured transistors for increasing the amplifier stability.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of hard, soft, and porous surfaces, equipment, human skin, tissues, food and vegetable surfaces, and other media which are contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, and molds. Particularly relevant is the microbial environment whereby bacterial communities can generate three-dimensional polymicrobial Extracellular Polymeric Substances, or EPS, biofilm communities supported by an aggregation of microorganisms growing on a substrate layer, substantially degrading the antimicrobial performance of typical cleaners, disinfectants, and sterilizers. There is great need for a composition that will reliably eradicate microorganisms across a broad spectrum, particularly polymicrobial EPS communities shrouded by self-generated biofilm layer. Such a composition is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a subject during photography is disclosed. The method includes illuminating a background lighting system during a first image capture, illuminating a subject lighting system during a second image capture, and illuminating the background lighting system during a third image capture. The time from the first image capture to the third image capture is less than about 100 milliseconds. Also disclosed is a method for generating a composite mask of a subject, including receiving the three images, determining any movements of the subject between the first and third images, estimating an intermediate position of the subject during the second image, and generating a composite mask at the estimated intermediate position.