Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method to quantify the lead exposure of an aqueous feed to humans, remove lead from the aqueous feed, and identify the presence of lead service lines. The device includes an inlet to receive a lead-containing aqueous feed; an outlet to discharge a lead-depleted treated aqueous feed; and at least one cartridge containing sampling media positioned so that the lead-containing aqueous feed passes from the inlet and through the cartridge to produce the lead-depleted treated aqueous feed for discharge through the outlet.

Abstract: An instructional design tool is provided for designing learning based applications. More specifically, the instructional design tool is configured to use captured expert knowledge for translating such knowledge into an environment used for instructional purposes. The instructional design tool includes at least one component configured to visually model a gaming scenario using recorded knowledge and graphical content defined by values associated with classes of respective models and translate the defined values into a standardized XML format.

Abstract: A target model is determined for a source application that is to be migrated to a target system. The target model can be determined in part from policies and application characteristics of the source application. A deployment plan is determined, based at least in part on the target model, for application functionality that represents a migration of the source application. The deployment plan can include executable instructions to implement multiple deployment objectives of the application functionality with the target system. The instructions of the deployment plan can also include recursive logic to select or configure at least one deployment objective based on an outcome of implementing another deployment objective with the target system.

Abstract: An instructional design tool is provided for designing learning based applications. More specifically, the instructional design tool is configured to use captured expert knowledge for translating such knowledge into an environment used for instructional purposes. The instructional design tool includes at least one component configured to visually model a gaming scenario using recorded knowledge and graphical content defined by values associated with classes of respective models and translate the defined values into a standardized XML format.

Abstract: Timing data associated with a database or database system can be stored in a reduced or compressed form which can be decompressed back to a full or original form. In doing so, timing data can be compressed by using a subset of a full set of possible values (e.g., a determined range which is more likely to occur) instead of using a full set of possible values. Timing data can also be compressed by eliminating redundant, insignificant duplicate and/or common values, for example, between one or more components (e.g., start and end times of a period of time) of the timing data.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for the calculation of execution time estimates of user defined functions/user defined methods are provided. The execution of a UDF or UDM is timed several times at the time of the UDF/UDM creation, and an average execution time of the UDF/UDM is obtained. The resulting average execution time is then stored in a data dictionary where the optimizer may consult this value to factor it into the cost of execution of a query.

Abstract: A hybrid cloud management system in a cloud environment having a more than one cloud platforms is described. The system includes a management interface, a cloud broker including cloud connectors, and a resource broker. The management interface facilitates user-selection of services including service models and deployment models for an internal cloud and an external cloud. The cloud broker is coupled to the management interface to provision and automate lifecycle use of selected services. The cloud connector enables interaction of the management interface with the external cloud through the cloud broker. The resource broker operably coupled to the cloud broker to manage a resource inventory of the internal cloud.

Abstract: An RPG defeat system and method wherein a foam body is placed at a proximate a target. The foam body has a sufficiently low density to be pierceable by an RPG sensor without the RPG sensor being strained sufficiently to create a voltage. The foam body has a compressive strength sufficient to deform the RPG short circuiting a voltage pathway from the sensor to the RPG detonator. The foam body has a sufficient thickness and/or is spaced from the target to deform the RPG short circuiting the voltage pathway from the sensor to the RPG detonator before the sensor strikes the target and is strained creating a voltage.

Abstract: Entrapment and collection systems and method of entrapping and collecting biologic material produced on a patient are disclosed. The systems include a collection bag which formed of a flexible sheet material having a hollow interior, a first mouth and a second mouth. The first mouth is openable to enable the biological structure to be disposed in the hollow interior and to enable a removal instrument, e.g., a morcellator, to be introduced therethrough to engage the biologic structure to effect a procedure on it. The second mouth enables a viewing instrument to be extended through it for visualizing the procedure and is closeable by a drawstring to entrap biologic material produced by the procedure after the removal instrument and viewing instrument have been removed, whereupon the collection bag may be withdrawn from the body of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices containing nanoporous surfaces and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable vascular stents or other biomedical devices having at least one dealloyed nanoporous layer that promotes improved cellular adhesion properties that promote healing and long term biocompatibility. In the case of stents, the nanoporous layer promotes re-endothelialization at sites of stent implantation vasculature, improves overall healing, and reduces inflammation and intimal disease progression. The nanoporous layer may be optionally loaded with one or more therapeutic agent to further improve the function of the implanted stent and further augment clinical efficacy.

Abstract: A clothes dryer including a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, ductwork connected to the drum for circulating air, a heating element for providing heat to the drum, and a control system for operating the clothes dryer. The control system includes a warning indicator and a control module. The control module monitors and tracks usage of the clothes dryer. The warning indicator provides first and second warnings to a user based on the usage. The first warning indicates that factory authorized service is required to clean inside the cabinet of the clothes dryer, and the second warning indicates that the heating element has been disabled until the factory authorized service occurs. Preferably, the control module is further operative to completely disable the clothes dryer based on the usage.

Abstract: A magnifying mirror apparatus for attachment to a mirror of a vanity area includes an annular frame and a magnifying mirror attached by a positioning arm to the annular frame. The annular frame defines an opening and has a front-facing side and a rear-facing side. The magnifying mirror is disposed generally within the opening of the annular frame and includes a first magnifying reflective body.

Abstract: Movable systems and methods for making pipe, e.g., non-metallic pipe, either for stand-alone use as produced or for use as a pipe liner, the pipe made at a site at which it is to be used; and, in certain aspects, a transportable factory for simultaneous mobile field manufacturing and installation for making pipe, e.g., reinforced thermoplastic composite pipe, either for stand-alone use or for use as a pipe liner, the pipe made, in one aspect, at a site of use of the pipe. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A bulk material suitable for use in a chewing gum contains at least about 40 wt. % dry basis sorbitol, at least about 7 wt. % dry basis other than sorbitol, and no more than about 10 wt. % water, wherein the bulk material is amorphous and remains amorphous with shear. A chewing gum, comprising: a) a gum base; b) a flavor; and c) a bulk material contains at least 40 wt. % dry basis sorbitol, at least 7 wt. % dry basis polyol other than sorbitol and no more than 10 wt. % water.

Abstract: A prediction regarding one or more functions can be made for a database environment. In particular, a predication can be made with respect to values stored in at least one column of at least one table in a database, based on the evaluation of one or more functions for a subset of possible column values (i.e., resultant values derived from the evaluation of a subset of possible column values) without the need to calculate the function(s) for all of the actual entries in the column of the table(s). In effect, a functional predicate can be transformed (or translated) to a predicate that is dependent on the column values instead of the evaluation of one or more functions for the column values.

Abstract: A method for restoring a degraded pipeline, the method comprising: removing a degraded part of an inner flow pipe of a pipeline leaving a space between two spaced-apart sections of the inner flow pipe; positioning a new pipe in the space; connecting the new pipe to the two spaced-apart sections of the inner flow pipe thereby re-establishing a flow channel through the inner flow pipe; the new pipe having a core pipe with a first strengthening wrap thereon, a second strengthening wrap around the first strengthening wrap, and a protective outer wrap on the second strengthening wrap.

Abstract: Entrapment and collection systems and method of entrapping and collecting biologic material produced on a patient are disclosed. The systems include a collection bag which formed of a flexible sheet material having a hollow interior, a first mouth and a second mouth. The first mouth is openable to enable the biological structure to be disposed in the hollow interior and to enable a removal instrument, e.g., a morcellator, to be introduced therethrough to engage the biologic structure to effect a procedure on it. The second mouth enables a viewing instrument to be extended through it for visualizing the procedure and is closeable by a drawstring to entrap biologic material produced by the procedure after the removal instrument and viewing instrument have been removed, whereupon the collection bag may be withdrawn from the body of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles of a user generally comprise a user support set atop an enclosure. The enclosure houses mechanisms to actuate a cable system, wherein the mechanisms at least one of feed and retract a cable of the cable system. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise footholds proximate to the user support to support at least the feet from a user, wherein the cable system actuates between the footholds, and wherein the footholds actuate in at least a lateral motion to further accentuate increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles. The apparatus, methods, and systems also comprise a control handle coupled to the cable system for the user to grasp, wherein the cable system actuates to either one of increase and release a tension to the grasped control handle, and wherein the control handle comprises at least one control to regulate the either one of increase and release the tension.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems, graphical user interfaces and computer program code for presenting representations or information concerning digital products are disclosed. The representations of digital products can serve to promote certain digital products at an online digital product distribution site. Information concerning a particular digital product can be rapidly accessible from a displayed page at an online digital product distribution site referencing a plurality of different digital products. According to one aspect, digital product information can be presented in an overlay window that can be initiated by a user and present relevant information concerning a digital product. Advantageously, digital product information can be quickly presented to a user without having to navigate to a new page of an online distribution site.