Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage are disclosed. A gas source, which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid, and/or a beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in a cartridge. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage are disclosed. A gas source, which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid, and/or a beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in a cartridge. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Abstract: A concentrated solar tower assembly includes a hollow tower structure defining lower and upper portions. The lower portion includes a closable opening region for configuring a closable opening, and the upper portion includes a top gird having inner and outer top grids. The assembly further includes a solar receiver steam generator entirely installed at the ground level G on the inner top grid simultaneous to erection of the tower. The generator on the inner top grid is slidingly directed within the tower from the closable opening to be entirely accommodated therewithin. Thereafter, the generator on the inner top grid is lifted for being placed along the upper portion of the tower.

Abstract: A computing device receives, from a module that manages bids to bid engines, data relating to a bid rule, the data including at least two metrics concerning performance of the bid rule. Two of the metrics are selected for defining a goal for the bid rule, wherein a first one of the selected metrics is a primary metric and a second one of the metrics is a secondary metric, the primary metric being a value that is subject to an optimization, and the secondary metric being used to establish one or more constraints. The goal is defined by performing the optimization subject to the one or more constraints.

Abstract: A method for transmission of a user data record to a user station. The method features the following steps: (i) transmitting the user data record as a broadcast data record via a network system including at least two networks capable of data transmission, of which at least one is designed as a broadcast network in which a network identification of the broadcast network used for transmission is added to the broadcast data record prior to transmission in the respective broadcast network; (ii) extracting at least the network identification last added to the broadcast data record at reception of the last used broadcast data records from this broadcast data record; and (iii) forwarding at least the last network identification to the user station for allowance of at least the last network identification in connection with the user data record usage.

Abstract: A click fraud prevention system and method that analyzes click patterns across multiple search engines and integrates with a website advertising management system that manages advertisements and bids across multiple search engines.

Abstract: Bid management with a robust set of rules that ties bids to actual site-side performance. From site-side performance data, the invention creates an optimal portfolio of keywords by determining optimal mix of keywords, position, and bids to achieve greatest return for risk, comparing keywords against one another to determine allocation of budget, and automatically implementing recommendations.

Abstract: Described herein are elastomeric materials, and in particular porous biodegradable elastomeric materials which optionally may have microintegrated cells. Also described herein are bioprosthetic devices that can be manufactured using the biodegradable elastomeric materials, non-limiting examples of such devices including pulmonary valves, vocal chords, and blood vessels.

Abstract: A method is described for transmission of a user data record to a user station via a network system comprising at least one broadcast network. In Accordance with the invention the method features the following steps: Transmission of the user data record as a broadcast data record via a network system comprising at least two networks capable of data transmission, of which at least one is designed as a broadcast network, in which a network identification of the broadcast network used for transmission is added to the broadcast data record prior to transmission in the respective broadcast network; Extraction of at least the network identification last added to the broadcast data record at reception of the last used broadcast data records from this broadcast data record; and Forwarding of at least the last network identification to the user station for allowance of at least the last network identification in connection with the user data record usage.

Abstract: A rapid method for preparing stem cell and physiologically acceptable matrix compositions for use in tissue and organ repair is described. Compared with previous tissue engineering materials, the stem cell-matrix compositions of the present invention do not require long-term incubation or cultivation in vitro prior to use in in vivo applications. The stem cells can be from numerous sources and may be homogeneous, heterogeneous, autologous, and/or allogeneic in the matrix material. The stem cell-matrix compositions provide point of service utility for the practitioner, wherein the stem cells and matrix can be combined not long before use, thereby alleviating costly and lengthy manufacturing procedures. In addition, the stem cells offer unique structural properties to the matrix composition which improves outcome and healing after use. Use of stem cells obtained from muscle affords contractility to the matrix composition.

Abstract: A cellular component with cell walls aligned to be loaded in compression by an impact force applied to an impact surface of the absorber from which the cell walls extend laterally, wherein the cells walls are formed from multiple strips of material spaced apart across the impact surface but orientated so that adjacent sides of the walls abut and are joined at spaced regions along the length of the strips. The physical characteristics of the absorber can be varied to vary the impact absorbency longitudinally and/or laterally of the strips. The thickness of a cell wall can be varied either along one length of a strip and/or from one strip to another. The density or material of a cell wall can be varied. The depth of a cell may be adjusted by changing the width of a strip along a strip or from one strip to another. The cross-sectional area of a cell may be varied to give the cell a particular impact absorbency. The length of a joint between strips may also be varied.

Abstract: A protective element is provide in which a honeycomb element for absorbing impact loads is sandwiched between a forward facing load spreading layer and a foam backing. The forward facing layer is transparent so that the condition of the honeycomb can be inspected.

Abstract: A protective shield, especially body armor, comprises a flexible penetration-resistant layer (1) backed up by a flexible impact-absorbing layer (2) of plastics material consisting of one or more layers of impact-absorbing plastics material each less than 0.75 mm thick so as to give increased flexibility without compromising impact-absorption. Preferably, multiple sheets of polycarbonate 0.5 mm or less thick are used, and the overall thickness of these sheets is less than 0.75 mm.

Abstract: A connector for supporting an object engages channels 4 in a track 1. The connector is retained laterally and guided longitudinally thereon. A locking element located between connector and track is moveable longitudinally to effect a locking.backslash.unlocking action. An object 40 to be supported is secured to one part 36 of a two-part connector in which the two parts have a quick-attach fastening 32,42 between them. One part 5 is connected to the track 1 and the other part 36 is connected to the object 40. The quick-attach fastening comprises a spring detent 44 and release button 7.

Abstract: Armor resistant to knife attack comprises a flexible sheet having a threat side facing a direction of threat and a protected side adjacent, in use, an area to be protected, and a plurality of armor plates attached to the sides of the sheet, the plates being grouped such that a first group attached to the protected side is in overlapping registration with a second group attached to the threat side, the registration being such that exposed regions of sheet on the threat side register with the first group of plates so preventing penetration of the armor through the exposed regions. By placing the overlapping groups on separate sides of the sheet, the armor is made more flexible than arrangements where the plates are mounted on the same side and are in engagement.

Abstract: A cover for use with a container (1) comprises one or more layers (11, 12, 15) of high tensile strength, high stretch resistance flexible material which are capable of resisting penetration by bomb blast and fragmentation and which are adapted so that the cover can expand and absorb and/or channel the blast from within the container (1). For this purpose, the layers of flexible material are interconnected by hook-and-eye type fabric fasteners, which can give or release under load to allow controlled expansion of the cover in the event of an explosion. The container may be the type used to carry cargo or luggage on an aircraft and placing the cover (11, 12, 15) about the container a bomb secreted in the luggage or cargo will be prevented from destroying the aircraft.