Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods for producing energy from building or mine ventilation exhausts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for extracting energy from the ventilation exhaust includes a turbine rotor having a plurality of turbine blades that are at least partially airfoils (e.g., NACA or SG60XX airfoils). A flow conditioner may be positioned to direct the exhaust air to the turbine. In some embodiments, the turbine rotor may be configured to rotate at high RPM. Accordingly, a rotating shaft of the turbine can be connected with an electrical generator without an intervening gearbox. In some embodiments, electricity produced by the electrical generator can be fed directly to the electrical wiring of the building or mine to offset energy consumption of the ventilation system.

Abstract: A mathematical model to represent multiple role events of a threat scenario, and a methodology to score the events given the data or evidence contained in a knowledge base is provided. The multiple role event can include any action encompassed by an independent clause having multiple syntactical roles (subject, object, location, etc. . . . ) and containing multiple entities (person A, person B, object C, place D, etc. . . . ). Multiple role events are represented as elements of a tensor space, and are scored using tensor operators built from the semantic graph associated with the knowledge base.

Abstract: A covariance-clustering algorithm for partitioning a graph into sub-graphs (clusters) using variations of the pseudo-inverse of the Laplacian matrix (A) associated with the graph. The algorithm does not require the number of clusters as an input parameter and, considering the covariance of the Markov field associated with the graph, algorithm finds sub-graphs characterized by a within-cluster covariance larger than an across-clusters covariance. The covariance-clustering algorithm is applied to a semantic graph representing the simulated evidence of multiple events.

Abstract: A mathematical model to represent multiple role events of a threat scenario, and a methodology to score the events given the data or evidence contained in a knowledge base is provided. The multiple role event can include any action encompassed by an independent clause having multiple syntactical roles (subject, object, location, etc . . . ) and containing multiple entities (person A, person B, object C, place D, etc . . . ). Multiple role events are represented as elements of a tensor space, and are scored using tensor operators built from the semantic graph associated with the knowledge base.

Abstract: Cards and tickets with scratch-off or other removable material present on both faces, as well as methods of making such cards and tickets, are detailed. The cards and tickets, when used as game cards, are designed to provide extended-play games without requiring additional paper or storage space beyond that presently required for single-play games.

Abstract: Multi-ply labels with validity information are addressed. The validity information typically is included in the area of the rails of one or more plies, notwithstanding that adhesive might also be contained in these areas. The validity information additionally may be viewable (rather than hidden or wholly confused) when the labels are candled, facilitating determination of validity of a game piece within a label without separating or destroying the plies.

Abstract: Approximate answers to queries are provided by executing queries against a representation of a data source in addition to, or in lieu of accessing the source data itself. A representation of a data source, referred to herein as an Information Reservoir, is constructed and maintained using probabilistic methodologies based upon a Poisson sampling approach. The Information Reservoir provides approximate answers to ad hoc queries, potentially in a small fraction of the time required to calculate an exact answer. Associated variances are also provided that may additionally be used to calculate confidence intervals bounding the exact answer. An Information Reservoir may be biased toward a subset of the information in the original data source and/or tailored to the anticipated query workload. Queries expressed as if directed to the original data source may be automatically translated to run against the Information Reservoir with little or no additional burden placed on the Information Reservoir user.

Abstract: A multi-ply promotional label having a detachable game piece according to the present invention includes peripheral and perforation geometry that reduces the likelihood of intentional or inadvertent premature viewing of game indicia on the detachable piece. The label, moreover, may include multiple detachable game pieces. Deleterious effects of increased tensile stress along perforations due to the presence of multiple detachable game pieces or other factors are overcome by applying an adhesive to removably couple a preselected region of a downwardly facing aspect of a detachable game piece to an underlying base ply. The upward face of the same base ply may be printed to increase the available printable area in order, for example, to further instruct players on game procedures.

Abstract: A multi-ply promotional label having a detachable game piece according to the present invention includes peripheral and perforation geometry that reduces the likelihood of intentional or inadvertent premature viewing of game indicia on the detachable piece. The label, moreover, may include multiple detachable game pieces. Deleterious effects of increased tensile stress along perforations due to the presence of multiple detachable game pieces or other factors are overcome by applying an adhesive to removably couple a preselected region of a downwardly facing aspect of a detachable game piece to an underlying base ply. The upward face of the same base ply may be printed to increase the available printable area in order, for example, to further instruct players on game procedures.

Abstract: A label according to the invention reduces waste, has a lower cost, yet maintains a high level of consumer friendliness. In one embodiment, a label according to the invention uses adhesive rails in order to reduce the amount of adhesive and also places a confusion on a release layer in order to eliminate a downsheet. According to another embodiment, a label has a first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the label to a substrate but has a second layer of adhesive formed of a remoistenable gum to allow the consumer to later secure a collectable component to another substrate. In a further embodiment of the invention, a collectable component of a label has a release placed on one portion of its outer side and a repositionable adhesive placed on a second portion of its outer side. This label is consumer friendly in that it uses a pressure sensitive adhesive and since it allows a consumer to fold the collectable component in half before securing it to another substrate.