Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to polyurethane-based coatings with high solar reflectivity, for example, for use as a coating on a building surfaces. In one aspect the disclosure provides a solar reflective coating that comprises a functionalized anionic polyurethane present in an amount in the range of 10-80 wt %, preferably 20-80 wt % of the composition on a dry solids basis; a water-insoluble transition metal crosslinking agent present in an amount in the range of 0.5-30 wt % of the composition on a dry solids basis; and at least one of: a hydrophobic acrylic polymer present in an amount in the range of 20 wt % to 80 wt % on a dry solids basis, and a near-infrared reflective colored pigment present in an amount of at least 0.1 wt %, e.g., in the range of 0.2 wt % to 10 wt % on a dry solids basis.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an aqueous polyurethane dispersion comprising: —anionic polyurethane particles comprising both free pending carboxylate groups of formula —COO?M+ where M+ is a cation resulting from neutralization of carboxylic acid groups with a base, and pending carboxylate ester groups resulting from esterification of free carboxylic acid groups with an epoxysilane, —crosslinking particles made of water-insoluble transition metal compounds. It is also drawn to a method of coating a substrate comprising applying such an aqueous polyurethane dispersion onto a substrate and letting it dry, preferably without applying any heat or radiation.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive sensing device that includes exactly two electrically conductive antenna electrodes, which are placeable in two layers at a vehicle steering wheel rim, and a current measurement circuit for determining complex electric currents in the antenna electrodes. The method includes at least the following steps for constituting a measurement cycle: operating each one of the exactly two antenna electrodes in loading mode and determine the complex impedance of the respective antenna electrode; and generating a classification signal that is indicative of a present scenario, based on a fulfillment of at least one predetermined condition concerning at least one characteristic quantity of the first complex impedance as well as of the second complex impedance.

Abstract: A modular system applied to transformers, particularly power transformers, which comprises a structure having modules coupled between each other by fixation means, in such a manner that, the set thus formed, is positioned in the perimeter of the tank of the transformer and to which it is possible to connect several equipment and components, so that the referred components and equipment are positioned in the interior of the tank of the transformer, thus permitting the access to the referred components and equipment, when carrying out maintenance, supervision or control work, as well as to permit the optimization in the manufacture thereof, assembly, transport and installation.

Abstract: A multi-electrode capacitive sensor is introduced to measure a spatial distribution of impedances to ground. The sensor can be used to identify the location of the highest impedance on the seating surface and can be a two-electrode sensor with a first electrode covering a central zone of a seat cushion and a second electrode with two galvanically connected electrode members, wherein each electrode member covers one side region of the seat cushion such that the first antenna electrode is arranged between the two electrode members of the second antenna electrode, or a two-electrode sensor with a left and right design. By measuring the difference of the impedance to ground between the two zones the system can get a simplified picture of the impedance distribution on the seating surface. This information can be used to distinguish between grounded structures such as (ISOFIX) child restraint systems and human occupants.

Abstract: A multi-electrode capacitive sensor is introduced to measure a spatial distribution of impedances to ground. The sensor can be used to identify the location of the highest impedance on the seating surface and can be a two-electrode sensor with a first electrode covering a central zone of a seat cushion and a second electrode with two galvanically connected electrode members, wherein each electrode member covers one side region of the seat cushion such that the first antenna electrode is arranged between the two electrode members of the second antenna electrode, or a two-electrode sensor with a left and right design. By measuring the difference of the impedance to ground between the two zones the system can get a simplified picture of the impedance distribution on the seating surface. This information can be used to distinguish between grounded structures such as (ISOFIX) child restraint systems and human occupants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to health, molecular diagnostic and nanotechnology. The present invention provides a method for synthesising highly sensitive nanoprobes for use in colorimetric detection methods. The present invention provides reagents methods and kits for direct detection of viral nucleic acids in biological samples using a simple, rapid and low-cost colorimetric test.

Abstract: Tank for electrical transformer comprising a bottom plate, two side panels and two end panels joined to contain an insulating fluid, and reinforcements joined to the exterior of said panels, wherein the two side panels and the two end panels are vertically curving convex panels, wherein the reinforcements comprise a plurality of arched vertical reinforcements distributed horizontally along each panel. The reinforcements may comprise a plurality of bracing horizontal reinforcements joined between said vertical reinforcements. The inner arching profile of the vertical reinforcements preferably matches the outer curving convex profile of the panels. The horizontal reinforcements are preferably planar. The horizontal reinforcements are preferably located at a horizontal plane in the vertical middle of the respective panel. The horizontal reinforcements are preferably located at a middle horizontal plane or at parallel horizontal planes distributed vertically.

Abstract: A network communications system is provided for operating a loyalty points or pre-paid value program. The system may include, but is not limited to, a retail device that provides machine-readable encoded information representing a uniform resource identifier and transaction information, and that receives redemption information from a customer device. The system may also include a remote server, that supports the loyalty points/pre-paid value program for many retailers. The server may be associated with the uniform resource identifier, and be configured to receive the transaction information from the customer device, and to transmit the redemption information to the customer device. The customer does not need to download any specific customer application to participate in the program.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to water treatment systems, and specifically to mobile flotation tanks, mobile chemical mix tanks, and mobile integrated water treatment systems, and methods regarding the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for detection and/or qualitative and quantitative identification of the biological material, such as specific sequences of nucleic acids or proteins as antibodies, present in biological samples. The system is composed by one or more light sources (1) combined with one or more integrated optical photo sensors, or not, and various electronic components (4), necessary for obtaining/processing of the signal emitted by the metal nanoprobes functionalized with a solution of biological composite, as well as also a micro-controller and a microprocessor, fixed or portable. This photosensor structure is able to detect and to quantify the color variations produced by metal nanoprobes, being this preferentially gold, functionalized by oligonucleotides complementary to specific DNA/RNA sequences, proteins, as for instance antibodies and/or antigens related with certain disease, or other sample or solution of biological composite, that are to be investigated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a colorimetric method for the detection of specific nucleic acids sequences, including mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms within nucleic acid sequences, through the aggregation of nanoparticles functionalized with modified oligonucleotides, induced by an increase of the medium's ionic strength. Another aspect of the present invention relates with the development of a kit based on the method of the present invention, allowing for a quick and easy detection of specific nucleic acids sequences, including mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms within nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for detection and/or qualitative and quantitative identification of the biological material, such as specific sequences of nucleic acids or proteins as antibodies, present in biological samples. The system is composed by one or more light sources (1) combined with one or more integrated optical photo sensors, or not, and various electronic components (4), necessary for obtaining/processing of the signal emitted by the metal nanoprobes functionalized with a solution of biological composite, as well as also a micro-controller and a microprocessor, fixed or portable. This photosensor structure is able to detect and to quantify the colour variations produced by metal nanoprobes, being this preferentially gold, functionalized by oligonucleotides complementary to specific DNA/RNA sequences, proteins, as for instance antibodies and/or antigens related with certain disease, or other sample or solution of biological composite, that are to be investigated.