Abstract: Methods and apparatuses allow an insurance agency to track their current performance in managing existing customers and bringing in new customers. A tool may obtain information from a user regarding characteristics of the user's agency and/or agency goals. The tool may use this information to determine an agency's business efficiency. The tool may also provide advice regarding marketing spending and/or additional human resources needed. The tool may benchmark an insurance agency against other agencies in the market. The tool may also display how generated leads are converted to new business and/or income for an agency.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for sharing user information between proximate devices are described. In embodiments, a first device may identify a physically-proximate device that may receive user information. Upon receiving an indication that a user of the first device may desire to share user information with a user of the second device, a determination may be made as to whether the two users have matching interests. In embodiments, the interest match determination may be made by a separate interest match evaluator. Upon determination of an interest match, the first device may then send a request to share user information to the second device. If a user of the second device approves the request, user information for the user of the first device may be shared with the user of the second device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Energetic materials comprising active components, a polymer binder matrix and a tackifying resin are useful as propellants, fuels, pyrotechnic materials and explosives; the tackifying resin improves the adhesion and dispersion of the active components throughout the binder resin.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for sensor-derived road hazard detection and reporting are described herein. Sensor data may be obtained from a sensor. The sensor may monitor a vehicle driven by a driver. A road hazard may be determined using the sensor data. A location of the road hazard may be identified. A message including the road hazard and he location of the road hazard may be transmitted for output on a display device of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for sharing user information between proximate devices are described. In embodiments, a first device may identify a physically-proximate device that may receive user information. Upon receiving an indication that a user of the first device may desire to share user information with a user of the second device, a determination may be made as to whether the two users have matching interests. In embodiments, the interest match determination may be made by a separate interest match evaluator. Upon determination of an interest match, the first device may then send a request to share user information to the second device. If a user of the second device approves the request, user information for the user of the first device may be shared with the user of the second device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying fluid material to a road or runway surface may be provided in which the apparatus comprises: a material distribution bar to be extended laterally and parallel but spaced from the surface, the bar having closed ends and defining a laterally-extending fluid distribution slot through which material is to be pumped; a system for providing material under pressure in a flow path; and a valve disposed between the material distribution bar and the system for providing material under pressure, to selectively open and close to control the flow of material from the system to the material distribution bar and the a fluid distribution slot.

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for sharing user information between proximate devices are described. In embodiments, a first device may identify a physically-proximate device that may receive user information. Upon receiving an indication that a user of the first device may desire to share user information with a user of the second device, a determination may be made as to whether the two users have matching interests. In embodiments, the interest match determination may be made by a separate interest match evaluator. Upon determination of an interest match, the first device may then send a request to share user information to the second device. If a user of the second device approves the request, user information for the user of the first device may be shared with the user of the second device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Technologies for authenticating a user to a computing device include determining a hair follicle pattern of a portion of the user's skin and comparing the determined hair follicle pattern to an authenticated hair follicle pattern to authenticate the user. The hair follicle pattern of the portion of the user's skin may, be generated by a camera of the computing device, and the authenticated hair follicle pattern may be stored in a secure storage of the computing device. Features of the computing device may be enabled based on the particular authenticated hair follicle pattern to which the determined hair follicle matches. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more additional biometric authentications may be used, and the user may be authenticated based on the particular combination of the authenticated hair follicle pattern and the additional biometric authentication(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of techniques and systems for sharing user information between proximate devices are described. In embodiments, a first device may identify a physically-proximate device that may receive user information. Upon receiving an indication that a user of the first device may desire to share user information with a user of the second device, a determination may be made as to whether the two users have matching interests. In embodiments, the interest match determination may be made by a separate interest match evaluator. Upon determination of an interest match, the first device may then send a request to share user information to the second device. If a user of the second device approves the request, user information for the user of the first device may be shared with the user of the second device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A device for managing air flow within a volume and/or within the device throw area or range, which includes an air transfer component, an entrance to the device, air induction ports, directional vanes, and three exit zones that incorporate lattices. The device minimizes or eliminates air pockets, air stratification, inconsistent temperature, and increases interior air turns within the volume of air to be managed.

Abstract: A method, a method for designing a system, and a system for creating substantially continuous circulation within a volume to be managed using one or more devices that are neither HVAC-based nor duct-based. The method includes one or more devices continuously drawing air, continuously processing air, and continuously pushing air through at least three exit zones. The method for designing a system includes determining the approximate volume of the facility or the approximate volume of air to be managed within the facility, determining the location of objects with an impact on air flow or temperature of the facility, and determining the number, type, and preferred locations of the one or more devices to install in the facility. The system includes one or more devices continuously drawing air, continuously processing air, and continuously pushing air through at least three exit zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retarder composition for the control of unwanted polymerization reactions during the production and processing of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, the composition comprising at least one di-substituted quinone compound and at least one hydroxylamine compound. Optionally, the composition also comprises at least one stable free radical nitroxyl compound and one or more formulation adjuvants. The invention also envisages a process stream comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound, and a method for the prevention of unwanted polymerization reactions during the production and processing of ethylenically unsaturated compounds. The composition has been found to be far more effective than expected, given that the individual components show little or no efficacy when used alone, and poses much less hazard to humans than the compositions of the prior art.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for a collaborative entertainment platform are herein described. A plurality of viewing devices configured to display images to respective screens may be identified. An application control command may be received from a viewing device in the plurality of viewing devices. An environmental indication may be received from at least one viewing device in the plurality of viewing devices. Display of a video stream may be synchronized at the plurality of viewing devices, where the video stream may include results of the application control command. The environmental indication may be presented to each viewing device in the plurality of viewing devices that is not the at least one viewing device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods used to provide real-time product information for retail products and services are generally disclosed herein. One example embodiment includes a referral application operating on a smartphone, configured to correlate data from multiple sources and provide context-aware recommendations and information relevant to a product or service being evaluated by a consumer in the physical shopping environment (such as a retail store). For example, the data may be obtained from a retailer's product information database, a retailer's competitor information database, an advertiser information database, an Internet-hosted service, a social network, or similar internal or external information sources. The real-time product information may be correlated, aggregated, and displayed to the user to either facilitate the retail purchase in the store, or encourage another online or retail purchase.

Abstract: A computing device for combining one or more containers of one or more applications is provided that includes a processor, a memory, and a dashboard module configured to access a first application that includes a plurality of first containers, access a second application that includes a plurality of second containers, and generate a dashboard based, at least in part, on the first application and the second application. A container mapping module can also be provided and configured to map a particular one of the plurality of first containers to a first functionality, and map a particular one of the plurality of second containers to a second functionality. The dashboard can include the particular one of the plurality of first containers and the particular one of the plurality of second containers, where the dashboard is provided at an assigned display location of the computing device.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for a collaborative entertainment platform are herein described. A plurality of viewing devices configured to display images to respective screens may be identified. An application control command may be received from a viewing device in the plurality of viewing devices. An environmental indication may be received from at least one viewing device in the plurality of viewing devices. Display of a video stream may be synchronized at the plurality of viewing devices, where the video stream may include results of the application control command. The environmental indication may be presented to each viewing device in the plurality of viewing devices that is not the at least one viewing device.

Abstract: A method and system dynamically generates virtualized configurations of sensors and signals used in drilling system equipment. The virtualized configurations may be used for novel operational testing of automation systems on drilling rigs. The methods and systems may be configured to virtualize actual drill floor equipment in order to have enhanced fault coverage of the automation systems. A control network that is a component of the automation systems may implement a testing loop that accommodates virtualized equipment in a manner substantially similar to actual equipment. In this manner, the testing loop may be configured to control elements specific to the equipment under control, and generate testing results for those specific control elements.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus with two or more applicators may be used to form markings on a driving surface A profileable material may be applied to an area of the driving surface by one of the applicators during a pass of the apparatus by the area to create a first marking. More of the profileable material may be applied to at least a portion of the area by another of the applicators during the same pass to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking. In embodiments, various parameters may be independently controlled during operation of the multi-application apparatus. In embodiments, the markings may be applied such that the profileable material forming the second marking is at least partially fused with the profileable material forming the first marking.

Abstract: A male disposable incontinence diaper with re-sealable vertical aperture, the aperture consisting of a plastic slider operatively engaging two intermarrying plastic seams which are alternatively locked and closed when the slider is in a first position, and open and unlocked when the slider is in a second position, the aperture enabling the wearer to access his penis and urinate outside the diaper without having to first remove the diaper. The plastic slider and intermarrying plastic seams maintain a watertight seal when closed, thus protecting the wearer of the diaper from the leakage of bodily fluids accidentally discharged into the diaper.

Abstract: A battery input receives a power discharge from a first battery of a local device. A controllable charging circuit generates a charging signal based on the power discharge, a charge status of the first battery, a charge status of one or more second battery for at least one of one or more external devices, and a load balancing plan associated with the local device and at least one of the one or more external devices. A charging output to route the charging signal to at least one of the one or more external devices.