Abstract: Techniques are provided for sending a stream of lighting information for a synchronized scene from a cloud-based system to a set of synchronized client applications. Sending the stream includes detecting a series of changes in configuration of lighting for the synchronized scene, and after detecting each change in the series of changes (a) generating, at the cloud-based system, new lighting information that reflects the change; and (b) streaming the new lighting information to the set of synchronized client applications. Each client application in the set of synchronized client applications repeatedly renders updated depictions of the synchronized scene to reflect lighting configuration changes indicated in the stream of lighting information.

Abstract: A cable barrier delineator for selective attachment on roadway barrier cable systems that utilize steel cables between posts as a vehicle safety barrier along highways. The cable barrier delineator is a rectangular one-piece cable attachment having double sided reflective insert surfaces with a split apertured mounting tab for cable engagement extending therefrom. An attachment tab retainment tie stays selectively positioned through apertures in said mounting tabs, stabilizes and prevent unauthorized removal once installed and secured on the cable.

Abstract: A cable barrier delineator for selective attachment on roadway barrier cable systems that utilize steel cables between posts as a vehicle safety barrier along highways. The cable barrier delineator is a rectangular one-piece cable attachment having double sided reflective insert surfaces with a split apertured mounting tab for cable engagement extending therefrom. An attachment tab retainment tie stays selectively positioned through apertures in said mounting tabs, stabilizes and prevent unauthorized removal once installed and secured on the cable.

Abstract: Process steps for monitoring the performance of a wastewater treatment system having a series of filtration units and optionally one or more disinfection units, controlling the operation of the filtration units, and controlling the operation of one or more maintenance operations that can be performed on the filtration units as a result of the monitoring. The wastewater treatment system can be operated without breaking pressure between the filtration units. Monitoring the performance of the wastewater treatment system can include using the water quality at various points in the system as an indicator of clogging or integrity issues within the filtration units. Sensors can be configured to measure properties of wastewater both upstream and downstream of each filtration unit, and the measured properties can be used to determine whether the filtration unit is performing adequately.

Abstract: Methods of providing a recipe service are provided. The method is associated with a server including a processor therein, the processor is configured to receive input from a user, the input being associated with a recipe; customize a list of items defining the recipe based on parameters associated with the user and/or input received from the user in real time; automatically populate a shopping list with the customized list of items defining the recipe for purchase by the user; modify the shopping list responsive to user input; and provide the modified shopping list for use by the user to purchase the items on the modified shopping list. Related devices and computer program products are provided.

Abstract: A van ramp is disclosed which may be affixed to a conventional van which has a large opening with doors in either the rear or the side of the van. The van ramp may be operated horizontally to act as a loading ramp or vertically to operate as a door to allow easy access to the interior of the van.

Abstract: A structural surface design device for creating a design with finishing surface material on a surface, the device having a base with raised projections on the bottom. Such projections have less of an affinity for the finishing surface material than does the surface on which such finishing surface material is to be applied. A handle extends upward from the base. And, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the base is the same as the cross sectional shape of a container for the finishing surface material with the dimensions of the container and the base being such that the edge of the base, when the base has been inserted into the container, is sufficiently close to the wall or walls of the container that any finishing surface material in said container will not cure.

Abstract: A structural surface design device for creating a design with finishing surface material on a surface, the device having a base with raised projections on the bottom. Such projections have less of an affinity for the finishing surface material than does the surface on which such finishing surface material is to be applied. A handle extends upward from the base. And, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the base is the same as the cross sectional shape of a container for the finishing surface material with the dimensions of the container and the base being such that the edge of the base, when the base has been inserted into the container, is sufficiently close to the wall or walls of the container that any finishing surface material in said container will not cure.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor (APS) image sensor comprises an array of pixel circuits corresponding to rows and columns of pixels, a plurality of amplifiers that buffer signals output by the array of pixel circuits, and a plurality of sample and hold circuits that read the buffered signals. A routing mechanism is positioned between the array of pixel circuits and the plurality of amplifiers.

Abstract: A fluid supply is provided, which includes a body defining a storage space configured to contain a fluid, a first electrode and a second electrode contained within the storage space and configured to be in direct contact with the fluid, wherein the first electrode and second electrode are configured to be connected to external power supply circuitry for applying an alternating signal across the first and second electrodes, and a first electrical contact in electrical communication with the first electrode and a second electrical contact in electrical communication with the second electrode. The first electrical contact and second electrical contact are to be connected to the external power supply circuitry and to detector circuitry for determining a measured impedance value of the fluid.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted rack removably attached to the hull of a boat and adapted to be rotated to various positions inside and outside the boat hull as desired.

Abstract: A fluid supply is provided, which includes a body defining a storage space configured to contain a fluid, a first electrode and a second electrode contained within the storage space and configured to be in direct contact with the fluid, wherein the first electrode and second electrode are configured to be connected to external power supply circuitry for applying an alternating signal across the first and second electrodes, and a first electrical contact in electrical communication with the first electrode and a second electrical contact in electrical communication with the second electrode. The first electrical contact and second electrical contact are to be connected to the external power supply circuitry and to detector circuitry for determining a measured impedance value of the fluid.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted rack removably attached to the hull of a boat by suitable means and adapted to be rotated to various positions inside and outside the boat hull as desired.

Abstract: A mini-stein bottle cover includes a bottle neck engagement clip including a semi-flexible generally U-shaped arcuate bottle neck engagement section and a lid mount section and a bottle cover lid pivotably mounted on the lid mount section above the bottle neck engagement clip. The bottle neck engagement section of the bottle neck engagement clip includes left and right curved arms operative to be flexed outwards from one another to fit around a bottle neck and to flex towards one another upon being released to frictionally engage a bottle neck thereby frictionally supporting the bottle neck engagement clip on a bottle neck. Finally, the bottle cover lid is pivotable between a covering position to cover a top opening in a bottle and an open position pivoted upwards and outwards from the bottle neck engagement section such that a top opening in a bottle is accessible.

Abstract: A device for determining drop volume for a drop ejection device is disclosed. The drop ejection device has a drop ejector and a reference drop ejector that exhibits less drop volume variation than the drop ejector. The drop ejection device includes a sensor responsive to impinging drops for producing a signal proportional to drop volume. The sensor is responsive to drops from the drop ejector to produce an electrical signal. The sensor is responsive to drops from the reference drop ejector to produce a reference electrical signal. Also included is a processing device responsive to the electrical signal and reference electrical signal for determining drop volume of the drop ejector relative to drop volume of the reference drop ejector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a venting device for removing unpleasant odors directly from inside the toilet bowl where most offensive odors originate. The odor is removed by means of an adjustable air intake which projects into a tubular device that attaches by means of tubing to duct work which exhaust unpleasant air via a duct fan. The exhausted air can be directed into attic, basement, crawl space areas, or may be sent directly outside by roof or side vents. Activation of exhaust fan may be by means of a typical on or off switch, motion detector or other devices.

Abstract: Most cable television systems in the United States (over 75% as of this application) are structured for one-way only service between the cable headend and the user. With more and more services being introduced that require a two-way connection with the user (e.g. impulse-pay-per-view, home shopping, Internet access), it has become necessary for more and more cable systems to upgrade to a two-way capability at considerable cost and over a fairly long period of time. The typical short-term solution to the lack of two-way capability is to send request backlinks over he user's telephone line. The problem with this solution is that when used, it ties up the telephone line and requires an additional telephone connection to be located near the cable set-top-box or modem. A more practical solution is the hub centered backhaul invention described herein. With this invention, users can operate their cable systems as if they were two-way systems, with all available interactive capabilities available.

Abstract: Most cable television systems in the United States (over 75% as of this application) are structured for one-way only service between the cable headend and the user. With more and more services being introduced that require a two-way connection with the user (e.g. impulse-pay-per-view, home shopping, Internet access), it has become necessary for more and more cable systems to upgrade to a two-way capability at considerable cost and over a fairly long period of time. The typical short-term solution to the lack of two-way capability is to send request backlinks over he user's telephone line. The problem with this solution is that when used, it ties up the telephone line and requires an additional telephone connection to be located near the cable set-top-box or modem. A more practical solution is the hub centered backhaul invention described herein. With this invention, users can operate their cable systems as if they were two-way systems, with all available interactive capabilities available.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluid level sensing system which has a single light source for providing light rays and a single light receiving device for receiving the light rays. The fluid level sensing system also has a fluid container which has a plurality of controlled surfaces arranged on the fluid container. Each controlled surface exhibits a first reflected light characteristic if fluid within the fluid container is in contact with the controlled surface and a second reflected light characteristic if the fluid is not in contact with the controlled surface. The controlled surfaces are disposed on the fluid container so that the light rays from the single light source impinge upon each of the controlled surfaces to produce either the first or the second reflected light characteristics and are thereby detected by the light receiving device to determine the fluid level in the fluid container.

Abstract: Interactive internet activities are a very popular means for gathering information for business, personal, medical, entertainment and other purposes. Most internet interaction is asymmetrical in nature in that a client's requests for information are much smaller (in data size) than the resulting information delivered by the server. Although the client/internet link is inherently asymmetrical, there remains a great deal of interaction and overhead required between the client and the server that increases the bandwidth needs for the client's upstream request channel. There are many advantages to reducing this upstream traffic volume and thereby making the internet interaction even more asymmetrical. Such compression of request data could allow more clients to utilize a single upstream data path instead of separate paths.