Abstract: A utility network communication device is provided to detect whether anomalous events occur with respect to at least one node in a utility network. The communication device has recorded therein threshold operating information and situational operating information. The threshold operating information includes data indicative of configured acceptable operating parameters of the nodes in the utility network based on respective locational information of the nodes. The situational information includes data indicative of configured operation data expected to be received from nodes in the utility network during a predetermined time period, based on a condition and/or event occurring during the predetermined time period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting device failures in a network having nodes coupled to a central controller, in which a first of the nodes communicates with the central controller via a second of the nodes. When the second node determines that the first node has not transmitted a predetermined number of messages over a predefined number of time periods, the second node provides a failure alert to the central controller. The central controller records a failure alert received from the second node in a log. Based on a set of failure alerts received from a number of nodes recorded in the log, the central controller determines whether the first node has failed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securely upgrading devices, such as field upgradeable units, are disclosed. In response to receiving an update object, a device may determine whether a predefined location of memory includes a predetermined value. Based on the value in the predefined location, the device may store the received update object in a verification portion of the memory. After verifying the authenticity of the update object, the device may copy the update object from the verification portion of the memory to an inactive portion. The inactive portion of the memory can be swapped with an active portion of the memory, such that the inactive portion becomes active.

Abstract: A distance measuring system and method employing a laser distance sensor may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a laser distance sensor may acquire accurate distance measurements with a short baseline.

Abstract: A multi-function robotic device may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect, a multi-function robotic device may be selectively configurable to perform a desired function in accordance with the capabilities of a selectively removable functional cartridge operably coupled with a robot body. Localization and mapping techniques may employ partial maps associated with portions of an operating environment, data compression, or both.

Abstract: A multi-function robotic device may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect, a multi-function robotic device may be selectively configurable to perform a desired function in accordance with the capabilities of a selectively removable functional cartridge operably coupled with a robot body. Localization and mapping techniques may employ partial maps associated with portions of an operating environment, data compression, or both.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to provide information services to a plurality of mobile clients where the mobile clients can be any networked device including cell-phones, PDAs and other wireless devices. The system utilizes available communications protocols to submit requests and receive responses that can be information services and mobile content, such as ring tones and wallpaper. The system permits a user to conduct unstructured searches and to use hierarchical navigation systems for generating content-specific structured search queries and datasets. Searches can be based on a prior history of searches, geographical location, stated preferences and profile information associated with the user.

Abstract: An improved urethane reactive hot-melt adhesive is provided that improves the green strength of bonded joints is provided. Also provided are an improved method of bonding articles together with such an adhesive and improved composite articles bonded together with such an adhesive.

Abstract: A multi-function robotic device may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect, a multi-function robotic device may be selectively configurable to perform a desired function in accordance with the capabilities of a selectively removable functional cartridge operably coupled with a robot body. Localization and mapping techniques may employ partial maps associated with portions of an operating environment, data compression, or both.

Abstract: Mixtures of sorbitol fatty acid esters useful as low calorie fat substitutes are prepared through a direct esterification process. The process entails the direct esterification of sorbitol with free fatty acids, optionally in the presence of an esterification catalyst. The resulting sorbitol esters have an average degree of hydroxyl substitution ranging from about 3 to about 5.5. This partial esterification leads to a mixture of esters capable of serving as low calorie fat substitutes without undesirable physiological side effects or the need for additives. Furthermore, the direct esterification process proceeds without the need for large amounts of organic solvents or bleaching agents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for transferring a data object such as a data file from a PC client to a wireless device regardless of the format of the file and with minimum user intervention. A system is disclosed wherein the file is transferred from a PC client through the Internet to a server and ultimately to a device, which can be a wireless device, a peer-to-peer device, or any suitable device capable of receiving an over the air transmission.

Abstract: Provided are moisture-reactive hot-melt compositions and methods for making such moisture-reactive hot-melt compositions. The compositions are formed by a process comprising mixing ingredients comprising at least one polyol, at least one polyisocyanate, and at least one acrylic polymer. Also provided are composite constructions formed by a process comprising applying a film of such compositions to a first substrate and contacting at least one subsequent substrate to that film.

Abstract: A rinse off liquid or gel cleansing composition comprising a continuous phase comprising one or more detergent actives and a dispersed phase comprising one or more hydrophobic materials, the dispersed phase comprising a water soluble or dispersible benefit agent which is sensitive to a detergent active and/or high pH, which benefit agent is dispersed in the hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A water-in-oil emulsion system as a storage stable carrier of high pH sensitivity benefit agents or actives comprising i) an aqueous phase including at least one water soluble and/or dispersible benefit agent; ii) a hydrophobic protective carrier phase for the aqueous phase containing the benefit agent; and iii) an emulsifier or a dispersant. Also provided is a rinse off non-liquid cleansing composition comprising the water-in-oil emulsion system and a second phase which is a continuous alkaline phase.

Abstract: A moisture-reactive hot-melt composition, useful as an adhesive, is provided that has improved balance of ultimate strength and adhesion to difficult substrates. In particular, the composition is made from a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and a functional polymer. Also provided are a method for making such compositions, a method for using such compositions for bonding substrates, and composite articles bonded with such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing a malt beverage by adding thereto during the process an effective amount of a sugar polymer. It is also directed to the product produced thereby. Another embodiment is directed to a process of purifying a product, such as polydextrose having a glucose impurity by dissolving the product in water and adding yeast thereto, fermenting under conditions effective to convert the glucose to carbon dioxide and ethanol and separating the compound from the carbon dioxide and ethanol.

Abstract: A cleansing composition capable of enhancing deposition of benefit agent comprising: iv. a functional oil-in-water emulsion comprising 0.1% to 5% by weight benefit agent solubilised/dispersed in an oil and emulsified in water using a cationic emulsifier having an HLB greater than 8 such that the ratio of oil:cationic emulsifier is in the range 20:1 to 1:1; v. a detergent active composition comprising 5% to 80% detergent active; and vi. a cationic polymer.

Abstract: An improved urethane reactive hot-melt adhesive is provided that improves the green strength of bonded joints is provided. Also provided are an improved method of bonding articles together with such an adhesive and improved composite articles bonded together with such an adhesive.

Abstract: An improved urethane reactive hot-melt adhesive is provided that improves the green strength of bonded joints is provided. Also provided are an improved method of bonding articles together with such an adhesive and improved composite articles bonded together with such an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and product by process for preparing a carbohydrate polymer which comprises polymerizing a sugar at a temperature below the point of substantial decomposition thereof and under reduced pressure in the presence of a catalytic effective amount of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of a monocarboxylic acid, a lactone of a monocarboxylic acid and arylol, while removing water formed during said polymerization, said organic acid being non-volatile and having only one acidic functionality and having no amino groups thereon.