Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for confirming viewing of multimedia content on a client device. A challenge generator generates a challenge stream comprising multiple challenges, random in content. The challenge stream and the multimedia content stream are integrated in real time to generate a challenge in real time. The challenge is random in content and new each time the same multimedia content is played on one or more client devices. The challenge is presented to a viewer at random times during and/or after play of the multimedia content, and/or presented at random physical locations on the multimedia content, by overlaying the challenge on the multimedia content. A response for the presented challenge is invoked from the viewer, based on which a response report is generated. The viewer is credited with an item of value, if the response report confirms that the viewer viewed the multimedia content.

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: Disclosed is a package for a personal care composition, the package comprising a container containing a personal care composition, the container having a base comprising a base face for standing the package on a planar surface, and a cap removably connected to and covering a dispensing end of the container opposite to the base. The cap has an end face which is inclined to the base face, and the container and cap are shaped to permit the package, independent of the amount of the personal care composition contained within the container, selectively to be stood on the base face in an upright orientation on the planar surface or on the end face in an inverted orientation on the planar surface.

Abstract: Described are methods for processing material, material processing systems, and processable materials. Preferred embodiments relate to a method of and apparatus for producing formable products such as polymer products and thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system for confirming that a viewer viewed multimedia content on a client device. A multimedia content owner uploads multimedia content on a server. The client device receives the multimedia content from the 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. A response for the presented random challenge is invoked from the viewer. A correct or partially correct response from the viewer confirms that the multimedia content has been viewed by the viewer. A response report is generated based on the response from the viewer. The viewer is credited with an item of value and the multimedia content owner is debited a fee, if the response report confirms the multimedia content was viewed by the viewer.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for smoothing of edges in images to remove irregularities are disclosed. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of image processing includes, identifying an edge in an image having an associated set of edge characteristics, determining the associated set of edge characteristics, and applying a low pass filter to a pixel of the edge based on the associated set of edge characteristics to generate a second image based on the image, wherein the edge in the image is smoothed in the second image. The method further includes generating a third image which is a blend of the original image and the second (edge-smoothed) image based on the associated set of edge characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system for confirming that a viewer viewed multimedia content on a client device. A multimedia content owner uploads multimedia content on a server. The client device receives the multimedia content from the 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. A response for the presented random challenge is invoked from the viewer. A correct or partially correct response from the viewer confirms that the multimedia content has been viewed by the viewer. A response report is generated based on the response from the viewer. The viewer is credited with an item of value and the multimedia content owner is debited a fee, if the response report confirms the multimedia content was viewed by the viewer.

Abstract: A Method of Producing a hybrid tile metal matrix composite armor is disclosed. First, dense ceramic plates are placed within the mold cavity and may rest on spacer(s) that separate the bottom surface of the ceramic plates from the base of the mold cavity to create a space therebetween. The plates are further positioned within the mold cavity to create a controlled space between any adjacent plates. A second set of spacers may be placed on the plates top surface to create a space between the mold cavity cover and the ceramic plates top surface. A plurality of ceramic plates and spacers may also be stacked into multiple layers according to the shape of the mold cavity and desired ballistic resistance. The mold cavity is next infiltrated with liquid metal under pressure forming a hybrid metal matrix composite structure with an encapsulating aluminum rich skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package for a personal care composition, the package comprising a container containing a personal care composition, the container having a base comprising a base face for standing the package on a planar surface, and a cap removably connected to and covering a dispensing end of the container opposite to the base. The cap has an end face which is inclined to the base face, and the container and cap are shaped to permit the package, independent of the amount of the personal care composition contained within the container, selectively to be stood on the base face in an upright orientation on the planar surface or on the end face in an inverted orientation on the planar surface.

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 computer implemented method and system is provided for confirming that a viewer viewed multimedia content on a client device. A server provisioned with the multimedia content is provided. The viewer creates a viewer account and accesses the server by supplying the viewer credentials. The viewer receives a list of multimedia content on the client device from the server, on demand for selection, and selects viewing parameters and multimedia content from the list. The client device receives and plays the selected multimedia content based on the selected viewing parameters. Viewing of the selected multimedia content is confirmed using a random challenge that is random in content, presented at random times during and/or after the play, and/or presented at random physical locations on the selected multimedia content. A response report is generated and the viewer is compensated if the response report confirms that the viewer has viewed the selected multimedia content.

Abstract: The armor tile system embodying the principles of the present invention comprises one or more hybrid tiles which can be connected together to cover a protected structure. Various arrays of material layers may be utilized (1×1, 2×2, 4×4, 2×8, etc) within a hybrid tile system and multiple hybrid tiles may be mounted on the area to be protected. Each hybrid tile comprises one or more material layers stacked within a single metal matrix casting. Each material layer within a hybrid tile includes at least one reinforcement insert arranged along a common surface. The reinforcement inserts comprise material types suitable for containment, structural support, and projectile deflection and destruction. The armor tile system of the present invention is created utilizing a molten metal infiltration process.

Abstract: System and method for generating and storing 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 and further including a vortex flux generator in cryostat and a refrigerant compartment having bi-directionally thermal transfer to the vortex flux generator. 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: 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: A technique for deinterlacing an interlaced video stream is disclosed. A embodiment of a method includes calculating a pixel using edge detection, calculating a pixel using vertical interpolation, calculating a pixel using weaving, calculating a confidence level, calculating a motion value, blending the edge pixel calculation with the vertical interpolation calculation to generate a first output pixel calculation, the blending being based on the confidence level, and blending the first output pixel calculation with the weaving calculation to generate a second output pixel calculation, the blending being based on the motion value.

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: A method for automatically controlling the downhill speed of a machine. The method includes establishing a target machine speed based on a current machine speed and determining whether at least one trigger condition including a grade greater than a predetermined threshold has been satisfied. If satisfied, the method activates a control system to control at least one of a powertrain retarder and a change in a transmission gear to prevent exceeding the target machine speed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for managing a collective purchase of a sale item in an interactive environment, provides a reverse auction management platform to buyers and sellers. A lead buyer selects a sale item via a graphical user interface of the reverse auction management platform and initiates a deal. The reverse auction management platform acquires deal information and a price range for the selected sale item from the lead buyer and creates a deal group for the selected sale item. The reverse auction management platform finalizes the deal based on deal finalization criteria and initiates bidding among the sellers of the selected sale item based on the deal information, the price range, and the finalized deal, to select one or more sellers based on the bidding and/or predetermined seller selection criteria for supplying the selected sale item to the deal group for a price within the price range.

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

Abstract: An electrode pad for an electrotherapy device is configured to be placed outside of a wound area for a patient. The electrode pad can include a first lobe of material and a second lobe of the material connected together at a non-conductive attachment area. The electrode pad can have a first electrode located within the first lobe of material, a second electrode located within the second lobe of material, a first wire that is electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second wire that is electrically connected to the second electrode. The first and second lobes are configured to be movable with respect to each other about the attachment area, and the first and second wires are configured to form an electrical connection between the first and second electrodes and the electrotherapy device. A ribbon cable can be configured to be attached to the attachment area at any angle.