Abstract: A method for determining an orientation of a base (130) to which a fiducial marker (110) is detachably mounted. The method includes the steps of determining the axis of symmetry for the fiducial marker and choosing the determined axis of symmetry of the fiducial marker (110) as the axis of symmetry of the base (130).

Abstract: Skin brightening compositions based on esters of 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one. Also disclosed are methods of making the compositions as well as methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention allows for online image processing. A sample embodiment of the system comprises an Image Processing Means with one or more predetermined graphical layers, residing on the Image Processing Means. The Image Processing Means has the ability to obtain one or more substitute layers and repeat a set of predetermined steps using predetermined layers, substitute layers, and image processing parameters to create a new image. A sample embodiment of the method comprises the steps of determining graphical layers (predetermined graphical layers), steps (predetermined steps), and image processing parameters for creating an image. A substitute layer maybe obtained from a remote User. The predetermined steps may be repeated using predetermined graphical layers and the substitute layer, thus, creating a new image. The image may be further delivered to the User.

Abstract: The present invention allows for online image processing. A sample embodiment of the method comprises the steps of determining graphical layers (predetermined graphical layers) and steps (predetermined steps) for creating an image. A substitute layer maybe obtained from a remote User. The predetermined steps may be repeated using predetermined graphical layers and the substitute layer, thus, creating a new image. The image may be further delivered to the User. If the User is not satisfied, the graphical layers or steps may be changed and method repeated. Described systems and methods may allow users to create complex digital images using remote servers, without the use of graphical tools on the user's computer. Even users without substantial technical or artistic skills may create complex digital images.

Abstract: The present invention allows for online image processing. A sample embodiment of the method comprises the steps of determining graphical layers (predetermined graphical layers), steps (predetermined steps), and image processing parameters for creating an image. A substitute layer maybe obtained from a remote User. The predetermined steps may be repeated using predetermined graphical layers and the substitute layer, thus, creating a new image. The image may be further delivered to the User. If the User is not satisfied, the graphical layers, steps, or image processing parameters may be changed and method repeated. Described systems and methods may allow users to create complex digital images using remote servers, without the use of graphical tools on the user's computer. Even users without substantial technical or artistic skills may create complex digital images.

Abstract: Sulfo-polyester powders and sulfo-polyester blend powders, the incorporation of carriers and/or actives, and methods of making the powders as well as dispersions employing these powders.

Abstract: Sulfo-polymer powder and sulfo-polymer powder blends and subsequent preparation of dispersions of the sulfopolyester powder or sulfopolyester powder blends. The powders have reduced levels of volatiles and are generally whiter in color.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for securing an anchor in a target area of the skull of a patient, wherein the anchor has a shaped surface, a top and a base. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument includes a driver having a first end, an opposite, second end, and a body portion defined therebetween forming a bore therein along a longitudinal axis, where the bore is configured to allow the anchor to be received therein, a first inner surface formed inside the bore proximate to the first end, wherein the first inner surface is formed with a shape that is complimentary to the shaped surface of the anchor, and a second inner surface formed inside the bore and between the first inner surface and the second end, wherein the second inner surface is formed with a shape that is different from that of the first inner surface.

Abstract: Skin brightening compositions based on hydroquinone derivatives and methods of making and using the composition. The hydroquinone derivatives are 2-thio-hydroquinone derivatives.

Abstract: An embodiment of a forty foot long ISO shipping container is shown which has two gas portals fitted thereto, one portal being located in an uppermost stiffening groove or recess positioned in an end door of the container, and a second portal being located in a lowermost stiffening groove or recess located in the same end door. The uppermost portal is shown coupled to a fumigant introduction means in the form of a fumigant tank containing a source of liquefied fumigant reagent, a heater, an inlet fan and a gas hose located between each of these items and a further hose connected to the uppermost portal.

Abstract: In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for determining the position and orientation of an anchor attached to the skull of a patient from a topographic image of the anchor acquired therefrom. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of simulating an image of the anchor that matches the acquired topographic image of the anchor, determining the position and orientation of the anchor from the simulated image of the anchor, and determining the position and orientation of the anchor in the acquired topographic image of the anchor from the position and orientation of the anchor determined from the simulated image of the anchor. The simulating step comprises the step of modeling the anchor with an object that has a geometric shape simpler than that of the anchor.

Abstract: There is provided an arch assembly comprising a pair of opposing vertical jamb members each including internal and external surfaces and a top surface at distal ends thereof. The external surfaces thereof preferably abut opposing parallel sides of a door frame. An arch jamb is interposed between the vertical jamb members. The arch jamb defines a curvature, opposing connective ends, and an upper surface. The connective ends each include a leg interface defining first and second vertical faces, and a horizontal face interposed therebetween. The first vertical face is configured to mate with the interior surface of the respective vertical jamb member. The horizontal face is configured to mate with the top surface of the respective vertical jamb member. The second vertical face is configured to engage the respective opposing parallel side of the door frame. The engagement of the leg interface provides structural stability of the arch jamb.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring a problem condition in a communications system is provided. A communications protocol implementation monitors the communications system for the problem condition. The communications protocol implementation can initiate a response based on the problem condition being present. In this manner, the communications protocol implementation provides an effective monitor for detecting and/or recovering from a problem condition in the communications system.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring one or more problem conditions in a communications protocol implementation is provided. The communications protocol implementation includes an internal monitor thread that monitors one or more resources for problem condition(s). The internal monitor thread sets a problem flag based on a problem condition being present. A control process in the communications protocol implementation that controls a resource includes a problem monitor that resets the problem flag when the problem condition is cleared. To this extent, the problem monitor provides a check against the internal monitor thread. In this manner, the internal monitor thread and the problem monitor provide the communications protocol implementation with the ability to perform self-health monitoring.

Abstract: A method of optimal placement of a deep brain stimulator in a targeted region of a brain of a living subject for optimal deep brain stimulation. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of nonmanually selecting an initial optimal position from, refining the nonmanually selected initial optimal position to determine a final position, and placing the deep brain stimulator at the final position in the targeted region of the brain of the living subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a corner bead to a doorway is provided. The apparatus may comprise a flange and an attachment base which are integrally connected to each other. The attachment base is securable to a doorframe such that upon securement, the flange and the doorframe form a receiving channel for receiving the corner bead therein. Such configuration maintains the structural integrity of the doorframe, maintains the length of the exposed edge of the doorframe and reduces cost to install the corner bead to the doorway.

Abstract: Trailing edge devices configured to carry out multiple functions, and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. An external fluid flow body (e.g., an airfoil) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a first portion and a second portion, at least a part of the second portion being positioned aft of the first portion, with the second portion being movable relative to the first portion between a neutral position, a plurality of upward positions, and a plurality of downward positions. A guide structure can be coupled between the first and second portions, and an actuator can be operatively coupled between the first and second portions to move the second portion relative to the first portion. In one embodiment, a flexible surface can track the motion of the second portion and can expose a gap at some positions.

Abstract: Food products containing whole chia seeds or a gluten-free agglutinant derived therefrom are made by mixing a food material with water, adding whole chia seeds or an agglutinant derived therefrom in an agglutinating amount, and reducing the water activity of the mixture. Other ingredients such as honey, syrups, and sprouted grains can also be mixed with the chia seeds. The gluten free varieties are of especial value for those individuals who are allergic to the gluten in wheat and other grains.

Abstract: A class of food products whose nutrients have not been damaged by heat during the preparation process. These products are prepared with methods to limit souring thus permitting these food products to be prepared at a temperature low enough to minimize damage to vital nutrients (especially enzymes) without the objectionable excessive sourness and bitterness of similar products prepared without such methods. The result is a new class of delicious and nutrient rich health food products with many health benefits. Also disclosed is a Wet Grain Press for quickly and easily compressing very wet sprouts.

Abstract: A novel price paid database, method, system, and computer program product in which checkout items are scanned at a plurality of stores, and a checkout computer identifies the purchased items. The checkout computer determines a price paid for each purchased item. A central computer records in a price-paid database an item identification and price-paid for each purchased items. The central computer publishes the price-paid database. The checkout computer recurrently updates the price-paid database in the central computer with the price paid for each purchased item, the customer identification (if available), the store identification, and a list price for each purchased item.