Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of vehicles can include at least one communications bus and a plurality of RFID detection tags that can be fixed to the communications bus equidistant from each other to define a plurality of RFID regions. Each vehicle within an RFID region can further include an RFID reader for receiving information from, and transmitting information to, the RFID tags. As the vehicle enters the RFID region for a particular RFID tag, the position of the vehicle (within the RFID region) can be communicated to the communications bus. A traffic control unit can be connected to the communications bus, and monitor can be in communication with a plurality of remotely controlled traffic control assets, such as stop signs, yield signs, traffic cones. After receiving position information on the vehicle, the monitor can selectively activate the traffic devices remotely to control vehicle traffic flow.

Abstract: Described herein are packages for storing and dispensing multi-part tooth whitening formulations, wherein the contents of the parts are mixed, a peracid and/or dioxirane whitening agent is formed. Particular multi-part tooth whitening formulations using this principle and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for creating a virtual community network for incentivized multimedia content viewing is provided. A first viewer receives the multimedia content for viewing on a client device from a server provided in a networked environment. The first viewer refers the multimedia content to one or more second viewers in the networked environment for viewing and further referrals. The server controls access to the multimedia content and confirms viewing of the multimedia content by the first viewer, the second viewers, and nth viewers from further referrals using a random challenge. The server generates response reports based on viewing of the multimedia content. The server credits the first viewer, the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc. with one or more items of value based on referring of the multimedia content, multimedia content view confirmation, and/or registration of the second viewers, the nth viewers, etc, with the server.

Abstract: A system is provided for configuring a delivery device of a cutting or welding apparatus. The system includes a determination module and a mobile computing device. The determination module is configured to determine at least one desired component of the delivery device or a value for at least one operating parameter of the cutting or welding apparatus. The mobile computing device includes a receiver, a reader and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive information from the determination module including at least one of i) identification of the desired component or ii) the value of the operating parameter. The reader is configured to read an element associated with a selected component, where the element provides indicia of at least one characteristic of the selected component. The processor is configure to approve the selected component for assembly into the delivery device.

Abstract: A method of producing a Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) with uniform surface layers is disclosed. First, a low volume fraction compressible discontinuous ceramic fiber paper is set on the base of a mold cavity. Next, an array of reinforcement preform(s) (1×1,2×2, 4×4, 2×8, etc) are set in the mold on top of the ceramic fiber paper. A top layer of ceramic fiber paper is next placed on the array of reinforcement preforms and the mold cover seals the mold. The reinforcement porous preform(s) are held to the center of the mold cavity when the sealed mold compresses the top and bottom layers of ceramic fiber paper. The ceramic fiber paper exerts an equal and opposite force on the reinforcement preform(s) within the closed mold centering the preform(s) within the mold cavity. The mold cavity is next infiltrated under pressure with molten metal allowing for metal to penetrate into any open porosity of the ceramic fiber paper, reinforcement preform(s), and areas within the mold cavity that contain open spaces.

Abstract: A cleaning composition comprises between about 10% to about 50% of at least one organic solvent comprising vegetable oil. The composition further comprises between about 2% to about 20% of at least one co-solvent. The composition further comprises at least one water-in-oil emulsifier and non-ionic surfactant. The composition also comprises at least one anionic surfactant and between about 20% to about 60% of water.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for dynamically profiling users for incentivized targeting of multimedia content to the users in a networked environment is provided. A server creates an advertiser network comprising advertisers and member websites, and creates a user network of users. The advertisers submit the multimedia content, advertising information, and targeting criteria to the server. The server and one or more publisher websites acquire marketing data from the users for creating dynamic user profiles for the users. The server and/or the publisher websites target the multimedia content to the users based on the created dynamic user profiles. The server and/or a client device of each of the users confirm viewing of the multimedia content using a challenge, random in content. The server and/or the publisher websites compensate the users by crediting the users with items of value based on confirmation of the viewing of the multimedia content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for block noise detection and filtering are disclosed. One embodiment includes, computing difference magnitudes in pixel values for adjacent pixels in the image. The difference magnitudes can include horizontal difference magnitudes for horizontally adjacent pixels and vertical difference magnitudes for vertically adjacent pixels. One embodiment further includes using normalized sums of the difference magnitudes to determine a set of noise characteristics of the block noise and a set of image characteristics of the image and configuring inputs to the block noise filter using the set of noise and image characteristics.

Abstract: Described herein are tooth whitening strips comprising an hydratable adhesive film having a granular bleaching ingredient attached thereto, wherein upon hydration, the granular bleaching ingredient releases hydrogen peroxide which is used by an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolytic activity to enzymatically produce an effective amount of peracid bleaching agent from an acyl donor substrate. Methods of making and use the tooth whitening strips are also provided.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for dynamically profiling users for incentivized targeting of multimedia content to the users in a networked environment is provided. A server creates an advertiser network comprising advertisers and member websites, and creates a user network of users. The advertisers submit the multimedia content, advertising information, and targeting criteria to the server. The server and one or more publisher websites acquire marketing data from the users for creating dynamic user profiles for the users. The server and/or the publisher websites target the multimedia content to the users based on the created dynamic user profiles. The server and/or a client device of each of the users confirm viewing of the multimedia content using a challenge, random in content. The server and/or the publisher websites compensate the users by crediting the users with items of value based on confirmation of the viewing of the multimedia content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electricity by electromagnetic induction, using a magnetic field modulated by the formation, dissipation, and movement of vortices produced by a vortex material such as a type II superconductor. Magnetic field modulation occurs at the microscopic level, facilitating the production of high frequency electric power. Generator inductors are manufactured using microelectronic fabrication, in at least one dimension corresponding to the spacing of vortices. The vortex material fabrication method establishes the alignment of vortices and generator coils, permitting the electromagnetic induction of energy from many vortices into many coils simultaneously as a cumulative output of electricity. A thermoelectric cycle is used to convert heat energy into electricity.

Abstract: An antiperspirant composition that reduces or eliminates yellowing on clothing.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot tunable filter (FPTF) includes a top mirror having a first surface for receiving light and a second surface opposite the first surface. A movable mirror having a front side is secured to the second surface of the top mirror and includes back side. The movable mirror includes an inner bend resistant portion, wherein the front side includes a flexible front side portion outside the inner bend resistant portion recessed relative to the inner bend resistant portion, and a front side outer bend resistant portion thicker than the flexible front side portion. The back side includes a flexible back side portion outside the inner bend resistant portion and a back side outer bend resistant portion thicker than the flexible back side portion. An actuator mechanically coupled to the back side of the movable mirror moves the inner bend resistant portion relative to the second surface of the top mirror.

Abstract: A method of producing a structural component comprising manufacturing a structural component from a moisture absorbable material the toughness of which increases with increasing moisture absorption and subsequently subjecting the structural component to at least one of elevated temperature and humidity for a period of time such that the structural component attains a predetermined moisture content and distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electricity by electromagnetic induction, using a magnetic field modulated by the formation, dissipation, and movement of vortices produced by a vortex material such as a type II superconductor. Magnetic field modulation occurs at the microscopic level, facilitating the production of high frequency electric power. Generator inductors are manufactured using microelectronic fabrication, in at least one dimension corresponding to the spacing of vortices. The vortex material fabrication method establishes the alignment of vortices and generator coils, permitting the electromagnetic induction of energy from many vortices into many coils simultaneously as a cumulative output of electricity. A thermoelectric cycle is used to convert heat energy into electricity.

Abstract: A position-adjustable, dual-pod control system for a machine, such as a backhoe loader is disclosed. The system includes a horizontal cross beam connected to a pair of brackets. The pair of brackets are mounted to the machine by way of a pair of bearings that enables pivotal movement of the cross beam in the fore and aft directions while the cross beam is positioned perpendicularly to the fore and aft direction or the fore-aft centerline of the machine. The bottom end of each pod arm is pivotally coupled to the brackets thereby enabling the pod arms to be pivoted towards or away from the centerline. Each bracket includes a through hole that accommodates a bearing that is mounted to the machine, such as to the floor of the machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system for confirming that a viewer viewed multimedia content on a client device. The client device receives the multimedia content from a server and plays the multimedia content on a display screen of the client device. A random challenge is presented to the viewer by overlaying the random challenge on the multimedia content. The random challenge is one or more of random in content, presented at random times during and/or after play of the multimedia content, and presented at random physical locations on the multimedia content. A response for the presented random challenge is invoked from the viewer. The viewer's response confirms that the multimedia content has been viewed by the viewer. A response report is generated based on the viewer's response. The viewer is credited with an item of value, if the response report confirms the multimedia content was viewed by the viewer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for block noise detection and filtering are disclosed. One embodiment includes, computing difference magnitudes in pixel values for adjacent pixels in the image. The difference magnitudes can include horizontal difference magnitudes for horizontally adjacent pixels and vertical difference magnitudes for vertically adjacent pixels. One embodiment further includes using normalized sums of the difference magnitudes to determine a set of noise characteristics of the block noise and a set of image characteristics of the image and configuring inputs to the block noise filter using the set of noise and image characteristics.

Abstract: The Composite Ceramic Structure embodying the principles of the present invention includes a structural composite laminar sheet having top and bottom layers that are equivalent in number and have an identical positioning in the laminar sheet relative to the middle layer. These identically positioned top and bottom layers are further symmetric in both geometry and material composition to alleviate warping during expansion or contraction due to temperature change. At least one top and at least one bottom layers form a metal matrix composite (m) and at least one middle layer (dense ceramic), impervious to metal infiltration, remains a dense ceramic (c). The material combinations allow for the middle layer to have an in-plane residual compressive stress.