Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying a subset of exemplar images in a set of exemplary images that may be used to generate an image classifier having one or more desirable performance characteristics. A computing system may select every possible subset of exemplar images from a set of exemplar images and may generate a classifier for each selected subset of images. The computing system may use each generated classifier to classify one or more images in order to generate performance statistics related to how each classifier performed when classifying the one or more images. The computing system may identify a particular subset of exemplar images that is associated with performance statistics of a classifier that satisfies one or more desired performance characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying a subset of exemplar images in a set of exemplary images that may be used to generate an image classifier having one or more desirable performance characteristics. A computing system may select every possible subset of exemplar images from a set of exemplar images and may generate a classifier for each selected subset of images. The computing system may use each generated classifier to classify one or more images in order to generate performance statistics related to how each classifier performed when classifying the one or more images. The computing system may identify a particular subset of exemplar images that is associated with performance statistics of a classifier that satisfies one or more desired performance characteristics.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a method for transmitting authentication data using acoustical means, comprising: encoding, by a first device, information into an acoustic signal; emitting, by an audio output component of the first device, the acoustic signal; detecting, by an audio input component of a second device, the acoustic signal; and decoding, by the second device, the acoustic signal into one or more pieces of information.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium to iteratively determine and deliver optimal experience of a web application running on multiple servers for the Internet. For example the multiple servers may be behind a single virtual Internet Protocol (IP) Address in a server farm. A candidate of the optimal webpage configuration is separately determined by each server of the server farm independent of each other. At recurring synchronization time points, the outcome of interest statistics from multiple servers are aggregated and used by each server to continue the next iteration until the convergence condition is detected.

Abstract: A two-part polyurethane composition including a first pack and a second pack. The first pack includes at least one hyperbranched copolymer having OH groups and which is prepared from at least one or more monomer(s) having at least two unsaturated C—C bonds and one or more monomer(s) having one unsaturated C—C bond and one hydroxyl group in the presence of a cobalt (II) complex. The second pack comprises at least one polyisocyanate. Disclosed is a two-part polyurethane composition which has low viscosity, long pot life, fast cure, excellent weathering and UV resistance and which is suitable for use as a coating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at water-reducible curing agents for epoxy resins, obtainable by reacting at least one diprimary amine, at least one mono-primary amine and at least one polyepoxy compound, wherein the molar ratio of the primary amino groups to the epoxy groups in the reaction is in the range of about 1.7:1 to 1:1, the ratio of the primary amines in the diprimary amine to secondary amines optionally present in the diprimary amine is more than 1:1, and the molecular weight (Mw) of the diprimary amine is 500 Daltons or less. These water-reducible curing agents show excellent utility in combination with epoxy resins for self-levelling applications and provide excellent finished properties such as high compressive strength, low shrinkage, high impact resistance and high wear resistance in comparison to the commercially available products.

Abstract: The present application is directed at the reaction product of an azide compound having two or more azide groups attached thereto and an alkyne compound having two or more alkyne groups attached thereto, wherein the azide and alkyne groups react in a 1,3-dipolar cyclo addition to form 1,4-disubstituted triazols and wherein the azide or alkyne compound or both include —O—(C?O)—NR— functional groups. The reaction products can be used as coatings, such as for flat roofs, sealants, adhesives and in elastomer applications. Methods for producing the reaction products as well as substrates including a coating of the reaction product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Non-crystallizing oxazolidines as curing agents for polyisocyanates and polyurethanes. The curing agents are mixtures of at least one polyoxazolidine POU having at least two urethane groups and at least one polyoxazolidine POC having at least one carbonato group.

Abstract: Non-crystallizing oxazolidines as curing agents for polyisocyanates and polyurethanes. The curing agents are mixtures of at least one polyoxazolidine POU having at least two urethane groups and at least one polyoxazolidine POC having at least one carbonato group.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a layer of a liquid crystal material contained between two spaced-apart cell walls with electrodes for applying an electric field across at least some of the liquid crystal material. At least one of the cell walls includes an alignment structure for inducing a desired local orientation of molecules of the liquid crystal material adjacent thereto. The liquid crystal material includes non-polymerisable low molecular weight surfactant molecules. The invention also provides a liquid crystal composition for use in the device and a method of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a layer of a liquid crystal material contained between two spaced-apart cell walls (2, 4) provided with electrode structures (12, 14) for applying an electric field across at least some of the liquid crystal material. At least one of the cell walls (2) is provided with an alignment structure (10) for inducing a desired local orientation of molecules of the liquid crystal material adjacent thereto. The liquid crystal material includes non-polymerisable low molecular weight surfactant molecules. The invention also provides a liquid crystal composition for use in the device and a method of manufacturing the device.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite micro relief element. The micro relief element comprises a first layer of a first substrate and a second layer of a relief forming polymer comprising an overlay and at least one relief feature portion. The method includes the steps of forming a line of contact between the receptive surface and at least one mold feature formed in a flexible dispensing layer, applying a quantity of resin to fill the mold feature along the line of contact. Moving the line of contact across the receptive surface whereby sufficient resin is captured by the mold feature and a quantity of resin passes the line of contact to form the overlay portion. The resin is then cured and the flexible dispensing layer is released.

Abstract: Methods and systems for making a fiberboard product having a desired final thickness dimension by subjecting a fibrous board preform to a successive series of compressive pressures. Preferably, an upstream one of the compressive pressures causes the board preform to exhibit a compressed thickness dimension which is less than the final thickness dimension of the fiberboard product, while a downstream one of the compressive pressures causes the board preform to exhibit a thickness dimension which is substantially the same as the final thickness dimension of the fiberboard product. Between subjecting the board preform to these upstream and downstream compressive pressures, the upstream one of the compressive pressures may be removed sufficiently to cause the compressed thickness dimension to increase to an intermediate thickness dimension which is less than the initial thickness dimension of the board preform, but is greater than the final thickness dimension of the fiberboard product.

Abstract: A micro relief element which comprises

Abstract: A micro relief element which comprises a) a first layer of a first substrate, the first layer having a receptive surface capable of retaining a relief forming polymer; b) an overlay of a desired thickness of the relief forming polymer over the receptive surface; and c) at least one relief feature formed from the relief forming polymer and which protrudes above the overlay; structures and elements comprising such micro relief element; micro-optical, micro-fluidic, micro-electrical and micro-chemical applications thereof; and a method and apparatus for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A polymer thin film and method of making the thin film, the thin film having at least one polymeric structure for use as an organic optical component. The thin film includes a first layer of an optically transmissive first polymer having a first refractive index, and having a surface in which is defined at least one retaining feature, an optically transmissive UV curable second polymer retained within the retaining feature, the second polymer having a second refractive index which is greater than the first refractive index, and an overlay of the second polymer having a thickness in the range 0.001 &mgr;m to 1.5 &mgr;m over the surface of the first layer.

Abstract: A polymeric wave guide comprises a first layer of a polymer having a first refractive index, and the first layer contains retaining features or groves which will accept a second polymer. A second polymer is curable and is used to fill the retaining features has a refractive index which is greater than the polymer used to produce the first layer. The retaining features of the first polymeric layer are filled with the second polymer by pressing the second polymer into the retaining features by applying an advancing force to a flexible dispensing layer; this results in filling the retaining features and producing a thin over layer having a thickness of less than 1.5 .mu.m of the second polymer over the surface of the first layer. The method further comprises a step in which the second polymer is cured.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for dispersing storage of a plurality of related and unrelated data items on a plurality of removable recordable media instances (RMIs). A first storage device is provided for storing a data item on a qualifying related RMI, the qualifying related RMI having one or more related data items stored on it and having sufficient actual storage space remaining for storing the data. A multiplier device is connected to the first storage device for multiplying the actual size of a data item, which is not stored by the first storage device because there is no qualifying related RMI, by a factor greater than one, to produce reserved storage space data which characterizes any other RMI that actually stores the data item.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprising a thermotropic polymer and 0.025 to 5% by weight of the composition of a finely dispersed particulate inorganic additive wherein the additive is a material having at least 95% by weight of particles with at least one dimension less than 1 micron and preferably less than 0.1 micron and is an organophilic or organophobic material which has a settling volume of at least 10 when measured in a liquid in which the particulate material is compatible. The presence of the inorganic additive in the thermotropic polymer gives rise to an improved processing behavior.

Abstract: A solid waste compactor having multiple waste receptacles for separately receiving, temporarily holding, and compacting separate classes of solid waste, for example paper, glass, aluminum cans and steel cans. In one preferred embodiment there is a single screw-driven compaction ram which compacts solid waste in the several receptacles, which are rotatable into position beneath the ram on a revolving table. In an alternative embodiment there are multiple compaction rams for the multiple receptacles, with all the compaction rams being driven in series by means of a common drive chain, and with the receptacles being mounted on a slidable carriage for removal from the compactor.