Abstract: A hair straightening and/or hair relaxing method comprising: applying a hair care composition to hair, wherein the composition comprises a sugar, a buffering agent and a cosmetically acceptable carrier; and wherein, where the composition is heated to a temperature of at least 100° C., the composition comprises from about 6% to about 20% reducing sugar; hair drying; providing a hair straightening appliance at a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 280° C. and mechanically straightening the hair with the appliance.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a pager or similar device that communicates to a home terminal. The home terminal confirms the identity of the pager and attaches a certificate to the message for ongoing transmission. Where the recipient is also a pager, an associated home terminal verifies the transmission and forwards it in a trusted manner without the certificate to the recipient.

Abstract: Protective gear for infants and young children such as passed anti-scratching hand coverings are described. The gloves can alleviate harmful scratching of the child's hands on his or her face or other vulnerable areas. The gloves can also aid the motor-skills, coordination and dexterity development of young children. The gloves can include an elastic and flexible glove body and up to five separate hollow cylindrical glove fingers. The glove body can cover at least a portion of one or both of a dorsal or a palmer side of a hand of the child. Each glove finger can be individually sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to accommodate respective fingers of the child. A padded portion can be included on or along an exterior of at least a portion of the glove finger. The padded portion is adapted to be in close contact with skin of the child or other object when the glove fingers are engaged in act such as gripping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying deformation of a structure. Training deformation data is identified for each training case in a plurality of training cases. Training strain data is identified for each training case in the plurality of training cases. The training deformation data and the training strain data are configured for use by a heuristic model to increase an accuracy of output data generated by the heuristic model. A group of parameters for the heuristic model is adjusted using the training deformation data and the training strain data for the each training case in the plurality of training cases such that the heuristic model is trained to generate estimated deformation data for the structure based on input strain data. The estimated deformation data has a desired level of accuracy.

Abstract: A computing device includes a central processing resource, memory, a network interface, and a security control module. The security control module determines when to change a program of the computing device. When the program is to be changed, the security control module accesses a library of programs that includes a plurality of versions of the program and selects one of the plurality of versions of the program. The security control module then updates an active program list to include the selected version of the program. When the program is evoked, the central processing resource uses the selected version of the program such that execution of the program is changed, which changes internal operation of the computing device thereby reducing adverse impact of the malicious software.

Abstract: A computing device includes a central processing resource, memory, a network interface, and a security control module. The security control module is operable to determine to change at least a portion of a program of the computing device. When the program, or portion thereof, is to be changed, the security control module sends a request to a software generation module for a new version of the program, or portion thereof. The security control module then receives the new version of the program, or portion thereof, and replaces, within the memory, the program, or portion thereof, with the new version of the program, or portion thereof. When the program is evoked, the central processing resource uses the new version of the program, or portion thereof, such that execution of the program is changed, which changes internal operation of the computing device thereby reducing adverse impact of malicious software.

Abstract: A computing device includes central processing resources, memory, a network interface, and a security control module. The security control module determines when to change operation of a program of the computing device. When the operation of the program is to be changed, the security control module identifies a first processing resource of the central processing resources that is currently assigned to execute the program and selects a second processing resource of the central processing resources for subsequent execution the program. The security control module then ascertains first execution settings of the program as used by the first processing resource and facilitates conversion of the first execution settings into second execution settings for the second processing resource. The security control module then de-assigns the first processing resource from executing the program and assigns the second processing resource to execute the program.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention facilitates the investigation of networks of criminals, by gathering associations between phone numbers, the names of persons reached at those phone numbers, and voice print data. In another aspect the invention automatically detects phone calls from a prison where the voiceprint of the person called matches the voiceprint of a past inmate. In another aspect the invention detects identity scams in prisons, by monitoring for known voice characteristics of likely imposters on phone calls made by prisoners. In another aspect, the invention automatically does speech-to-text conversion of phone numbers spoken within a predetermined time of detecting data indicative of a three-way call event while monitoring a phone call from a prison inmate. In another aspect, the invention automatically thwarts attempts of prison inmates to use re-dialing services.

Abstract: A shooting target comprising a target body having a front skin having a front face; a backing; an interior cavity; one or more fluid carriers adjacent the front skin and carrying colored fluid. Upon penetration of the front skin and the one or more fluid carriers, colored fluid is emitted from the one or more fluid carriers and onto the front face.

Abstract: A shooting target comprising a target body including an outer skin having a front face and an inner surface; an interior cavity; one or more fluid carriers disposed in the interior cavity, adjacent the outer skin, and carrying colored fluid; and a carrier backing urging the one or more fluid carriers against the inner surface of the outer skin. Upon penetration of the outer skin and the one or more fluid carriers, colored fluid is emitted from the one or more fluid carriers and onto the front face.

Abstract: A cargo stake is disclosed which may be secured in a stake hole without the need of inserting a pin or bolt underneath the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided internal to a cargo stake body made from box steel tubing. The latching mechanism includes a latching member which can protrude perpendicular to the axis of the cargo stake at the lower end of the cargo stake, and the latching mechanism is operable through the upper open end of the cargo stake. In a preferred embodiment the latching mechanism is spring loaded and automatically latches in place upon insertion.

Abstract: A cargo stake is disclosed which may be secured in a stake hole without the need of inserting a pin or bolt underneath the cargo bed. In a preferred embodiment, a latching mechanism is provided internal to a cargo stake body made from box steel tubing. The latching mechanism includes a latching member which can protrude perpendicular to the axis of the cargo stake at the lower end of the cargo stake, and the latching mechanism is operable through the upper open end of the cargo stake. In a preferred embodiment the latching mechanism is spring loaded and automatically latches in place upon insertion.

Abstract: A system and a related method are disclosed for authenticating a user of an electronic system. The system, and related method access (a) data relating to a defined interaction with an input device for a purported authorized user, (b) a probability distribution representation for the defined interaction for an authorized user, and (c) a probability distribution representation for the defined interaction for a wide population, from which it can determine value indicative of whether the purported authorized user is the authorized user. The purported authorized user can be authenticated as the authorized user, if the value satisfies a prescribed threshold.

Abstract: A removable glass rack suitable for attachment to a variety of pickup trucks is disclosed. Rigidity in the un-attached state, combined with automatic alignment features and scratch prevention features make the rack particularly well suited for repeated rapid installation and removal, giving glass shop owners the option of quickly converting their glass trucks back to pickup trucks for non-business-hours use.

Abstract: A PeakPower Energy Management and Control System having one or more roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring devices, each to avoid interrupting power when installing current and/or power monitors. Each roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring device may be snapped onto existing power wires inside a power panel or near equipment being monitored without disconnecting any wires or turning off power. Each roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring device may be utilized in standalone mode as well as within a PeakPower Energy Management and Control System in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Each roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring device may communicate via the power lines (Power Line Controller) or communicate via wireless using an integrated microprocessor based RF transceiver.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for simulating mobile platforms. In one advantageous embodiment, a method is used to performing operations with a virtual aircraft network. A data processing system with the virtual aircraft network is connected to a ground network. The operations are performed with the virtual aircraft network connected to the ground network.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder assembly includes a holding member for receiving and holding a fishing rod, and a support member comprising a substantially flat mounting section for positioning on a surface, and a supporting section angled in relation to the mounting section. A receiving member is rotatably connected to the supporting section and has a first opening formed therein for receiving and engaging the holding member, such that the holding member can be positioned at a desired angle relative to the surface by rotating the receiving member.

Abstract: Liquid compositions of ammonia borane and a suitably chosen amine borane material were prepared and subjected to conditions suitable for their thermal decomposition in a closed system that resulted in hydrogen and a liquid reaction product.

Abstract: Compositions including a polar heat transfer fluid that was passed through a vessel containing a catalyst are disclosed. Preferred catalysts can comprise copper, polyamide, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. Compositions can also comprise one or more types of long chain fatty acids, preferably from food oils, and preferably fatty acids that have been activated by virtue of having been passed through a vessel comprising a catalyst.

Abstract: Refrigeration systems are configured to utilize an operating fluid comprising an activated oil blend. The activated oil blend can comprise one or more precursor oils that are blended in a closed vessel containing a catalyst. Preferred operating fluids also comprise a polar heat transfer fluid such as r-134a, wherein at least some of the polar heat transfer molecules are complexed to a component of the activated oil blend.