Abstract: An electronic payment and authentication system that includes features to verify the authenticity of a payer, validate debit data, and facilitate debit (as opposed to credit) payment transactions. The electronic payment system allows a consumer to purchase items and services via a network while utilizing a debit transaction. The invention provides merchants with the ability to verify the identity of the consumer, determine if the consumer is a good debit transaction risk, and retrieve debit data associated with a particular consumer.

Abstract: A composition for treating wood, concrete, masonry and related materials to effect sealing the article against water, preventing microbial attack, protecting against UV degradation, and optionally imparting a color for aesthetic purposes and an article treated with the composition. The composition includes a solvent having an elevated flash point, no VOC's or substantially no VOC's, and the composition can be used inside with little or no additional ventilation. The compositions contain no antioxidants, or low and controlled levels of antioxidants to allow the applied composition to properly oxidize and cure upon exposure to air. The compositions can be applied by all conventional methods known for applying sealants and stains.

Abstract: A footbag transport and launch apparatus has a box with a lid for transporting a footbag. The apparatus has a clip for attaching the box to a player's clothing or belt. The box has a spring-loaded moveable launch plate that latches in the loaded position. A spring release trigger unlatches the launch plate and launches the footbag.

Abstract: A node forms a network by scanning for an existing network. If an existing network is not found, the node operates as a network controller node of the first network and admits at least one client node to the first network. As a network controller node, the node designates one of the client nodes as a scout node. The scout node removes itself from the first network and scans for a second network. If the scout node does not return to the first network after a predetermined time, it is assumed that the scout node has found a second network. The network controller node of the first network then designates the remaining client nodes as scout nodes, and then joins the second network as a client node. Therefore, multiple networks are avoided.

Abstract: A remote access system between a remote client and an office telephone via a packet network on a point-to-point basis is provided. The office center includes a web server having a web page stored thereon and a PBX system. During a remote session, incoming communications to the PBX continue to flow to the office telephone and then are routed to the remote client. The remote client is able to view, manage and control the events as if the worker was at the office. Alternatively, the office telephone may establish a remote session with the remote client on a point-to-point basis such that all communications to the remote client flow to the office workstation. Additionally, the office telephone and remote client may have connectivity devices coupled to them so data from the connectivity devices can be viewed, managed and controlled at a remote location.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon stream comprising cyclopentadiene (CPD) and one or more diolefins, the method comprising: providing a hydrocarbon stream comprising an initial CPD concentration, an initial target diolefin concentration, and an initial secondary diolefin concentration; subjecting the hydrocarbon stream to preseparation conditions effective to separate (a) a crude target diolefin feedstock having a decreased concentration of CPD and an increased target diolefin concentration, and (b) a CPD dimerization feedstock having a decreased target diolefin concentration and an increased CPD concentration that is 1.5 or more times the initial CPD concentration; subjecting the CPD dimerization feedstock to CPD dimerization conditions effective to produce a raw DCPD stream comprising 20 wt. % or more DCPD; and, separating a high purity DCPD product stream comprising 90 wt. % or more DCPD from the raw DCPD stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method comprising contacting an oil sand with a suitable solvent to generate a solvated oil sand slurry; separating solvent-diluted bitumen from the solvated oil sand slurry to generate (a) a solvent-diluted bitumen and (b) a slurry with increased solids concentration; and filtering the slurry with increased solids concentration. The method of the present invention may be used to produce a low ash bitumen product and dry tailings from oil sands.

Abstract: An RF screening apparatus comprising a scanning chamber and an RF inspection device or reader, the chamber having chamber walls which are substantially reflective to radiation at a frequency of operation. The chamber walls or at least a portion of the chamber walls may be visually transparent. This enables visual inspection and identification of the occupant and RF interrogation to be performed, substantially simultaneously if desired. RF interrogation signals produced by the reader reflect off the chamber walls, approaching a target tag from an increased number of different angles, thus increasing the chance of a successful read.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation decoupler for decoupling radiation in the wavelength range ?min to ?max. The decoupler has a first conductor layer in contact with a dielectric layer which comprises at least one area of absence and the thickness of the decoupler is less than ?min/4n, where n is the refractive index of the dielectric. The dielectric layer may be sandwiched between two conductor layers, one of which has the structure described above. The invention is also directed to methods of using and various articles comprising such a decoupler.

Abstract: A node forms a network by scanning for an existing network. If an existing network is not found, the node operates as a network controller node of the first network and admits at least one client node to the first network. As a network controller node, the node designates one of the client nodes as a scout node. The scout node removes itself from the first network and scans for a second network. If the scout node does not return to the first network after a predetermined time, it is assumed that the scout node has found a second network. The network controller node of the first network then designates the remaining client nodes as scout nodes, and then joins the second network as a client node. Therefore, multiple networks are avoided.

Abstract: A communication device for visually impaired persons assists the user to determine the function of each key and input on the modern-day device. The communication device includes a plurality of surface sensors that when activated, guide the user in call placement, routing, control options and general communications. The device may include a vibration feature that causes an area on the device to vibrate. A whisper audio feature may audibly coach the user when sensed areas are touched. Additionally, a networked device may provide third party assistance to the user. The techniques of the various embodiments provide effective guidance without disrupting the user, the called party or others in proximity to the user, such as in an office-type environment.

Abstract: Articles for applying color on a surface comprise a sheet of dry color component and an adhesive on one surface of the sheet of dry color component. The article further includes a releasable liner, and the sheet of dry color component is arranged between the releasable liner and the adhesive. Methods for providing a substantially permanent color effect on an architectural surface comprise delivering such an article to the architectural surface.

Abstract: Articles for applying color on a surface that includes a sheet of dry color component having a margin, a front sheet surface, and a rear sheet surface opposite the front sheet surface, and an adhesive on the rear sheet surface for bonding the sheet to the surface. Either the margin of the sheet or the entire sheet is adapted for reducing or eliminating the visual perceptibility of the seam created when the margin is positioned in an overlapping, abutting, or spaced apart relationship with a margin of a juxtaposed second article. The reduction or elimination of the visual perceptibility of the seam may be promoted by a physical mechanism, a chemical mechanism, an optical mechanism, or a combination of these mechanisms.

Abstract: A device capable of enhancing an electric field to drive an electromagnetic tag into operation is switchable between states to control operation of the tag. Enhancement is provided by a dielectric cavity structure defined between first and second conducting layers. Different states of the device may have different resonant frequencies and read ranges according to the characteristics of the enhancement. As such a container can be provided which includes a tag which switches states on opening, allowing improved tracking characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods providing data such as, for example, calibration and reagent information (30) over a network (6) to a measurement apparatus (4) which makes use of a consumable reagent (18) in a measuring process are disclosed. The present invention permits a measurement apparatus (4) to download the necessary code assignment (24) and calibration data (32) of the consumable reagent (18) by means of an electronic communication protocol from a host (33). The host (33) can be a software application running on a host computer (34), another measurement apparatus (50, 58) with or without a code-key slot used to read a memory device providing the above mentioned information (30), a dedicated connectivity device, such as a docking station (44), a portable memory reader (48), a remote computer (54), and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a substantially surface independent tagging system are disclosed. A resonant dielectric cavity is defined between upper and lower conducting layers, and closed at one end by a conducting base portion. Incident radiation couples into the cavity and is resonantly enhanced. An electronic device or tag paced at the edge of the cavity experiences a high electric field strength on account of this enhancement and is driven into operation.

Abstract: The inventive process allows the solubilization of flavor oil in water to produce clear beverages. The amount of emulsifier required for oil solubilization is less than that of oil, and a typical oil to emulsifier ratio is 2:1. A crude emulsion is first generated by high shear mixing of the emulsifier solution and flavor oil. The crude emulsion is then fed into a homogenizer to produce a finer emulsion. The resulting flavor concentrate can then be diluted to produce clear beverages. This process also simplifies the introduction of normally insoluble nutraceuticals, particularly lipophilic ones, into beverages. Compared to microemulsion formulations, this process provides an easy way of formulation customization to different flavors and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: An electronic payment and authentication system that includes features to verify the authenticity of a payer, validate debit data, and facilitate debit (as opposed to credit) payment transactions. The electronic payment system allows a consumer to purchase items and services via a network while utilizing a debit transaction. The invention provides merchants with the ability to verify the identity of the consumer, determine if the consumer is a good debit transaction risk, and retrieve debit data associated with a particular consumer.

Abstract: A self-wound decorative dry paint transfer laminate includes a layer of dry paint, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side of the dry paint layer, and a release liner in releasable contact with the dry paint layer on a side opposite from the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The release liner has a matte release coat layer that contacts the dry paint layer. The matte release coat releasably adheres to the dry paint layer to provide a protective function but also to transfer a decorative matte finish to the dry paint layer when the release liner is removed from the dry paint layer. The opposite side of the release liner has an adhesive release coat that contacts the pressure-sensitive adhesive when the laminate is in a self-wound form.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of an electromagnetic (EM) field shielding paint compositions, in particular, those capable of providing substantially non metallic finish. The paint composition finds particular use in attenuating EM signals that may be used to carry data between communication devices, especially mobile phone and wi-fi devices. EM field shielding paints are typically available in jet-black or bright metallic finishes and usually possess limited scratch & abrasion resistance. The paint composition provides a one-pot solution to furnish a composition which has the visual appearance of a domestic type paint i.e. one with a non-metallic finish, with the ability to shield electromagnetic radiation. The composition comprises a supported metallic flake and a pigment, which have been provided in a narrowly defined range to furnish a desirable non-metallic appearance and possess electromagnetic shielding properties.