Abstract: A mobile kiosk management (MKM) system including a MKM server including a processor and a memory device storing instructions is described. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to upload a plurality of applications to a mobile kiosk, identify a first task for the mobile kiosk to perform, and identify a first application for the mobile kiosk to execute to perform the first task. The instructions also cause the processor to cause the mobile kiosk to execute the first application to perform the first task, identify a second task for the mobile kiosk to perform at the venue, and identify a second application for the mobile kiosk to execute to perform the second task. The instructions further cause the processor to determine that the mobile kiosk has performed the first task and cause the mobile kiosk to execute the second application to perform the second task.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, systems for tracking the removal of shopping bags or other items from a dispenser. Folded shopping bags are stacked in a holder so that a front shopping bag can be removed by pulling it along an axis that is parallel to the length and/or width dimension of the shopping bag. A motion sensor is positioned to sense movement of the front shopping bag as it is removed. Control logic monitors and/or analyzes data or other signals from the motion sensor and determines whether movement of at least a threshold distance has occurred. If movement of at least the threshold distance has occurred, the control logic concludes that a shopping bag has been removed and generates a corresponding event notice. Other system components may respond to the event notice by applying a charge for the removed shopping bag or by performing other actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting and purchasing adventure packages on-line. The system includes a web site computer including a settlement module and a database configured to store indicia of a plurality of adventure packages from a plurality of outfitters, respectively; a user computer configured to interact with the web site computer through a network; and a settlement computer configured to interact with the web site computer through the network. The settlement module is configured to consummate the sale of a selected adventure package to the user in real time using the settlement computer as an intermediary. The indicia includes: i) an activity type comprising at least one of the attributes: hunting, fishing, and an interactive physical action; and ii) an attribute comprising at least one of: a specie, a license requirement, and a human physical requirement associated with the interactive physical action.

Abstract: Scissors apparatus in which each of the two blade sections includes (1) a blade first subsection adjacent the pivot axis of the scissors, the two first subsections being pivotally movable with respect to one another in a primary shearing plane for cutting thereacross the primary shearing plane, and (2) a blade second subsection, the two second subsections being movable in a secondary shearing plane angled, preferably at 90 degrees, with respect to the primary shearing plane for cutting across the secondary shearing plane. The second subsections preferably being configured and dimensioned for particular uses, such as in-nostril cutting of hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seamless hybrid gasket and the method of making the same. The gasket includes a unitary polymer construction and an insert for enhanced pressure resistance, reduced stress to seal, improved thermal cycling performance and structural support.

Abstract: A hybrid gasket is constructed of first and second annular rings. The first annular ring is comprised of a polymer and includes a pocket therein that is defined by a slit that extends from the outside diameter of the first polymer ring toward the inside diameter. The second annular ring is comprised of a corrugated metal and is positioned inside the pocket of the first ring. The outside diameter of the first ring is greater than the outside diameter of the second ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides an explosive charge that includes a casing containing explosive material, a cap coupled to the casing, and fungal spores that, when activated, metabolize and degrade the explosive material. The fungal spores may be located in the ullage of the casing, contained in a biodegradable cap, or encapsulated in biodegradable pellets that are mixed into the explosive material. A wicking strip and/or deliquescent salts may be used to draw moisture into the charge in order to activate the fungal spores, and supporting nutrients may be added to help support fungal metabolism. In one embodiment, the casing also has a biodegradable plug that allows moisture into the casing to support fungal growth. The casing itself may also be biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment for sepsis comprising an intravenous solution or pill that contains creatine phosphate and is devoid of carbohydrates. The intravenous solution can be used as a common carrier for antibiotics used to treat the septic condition. Because bacteria cannot utilize creatine phosphate to generate ATP, the creatine phosphate in the solution or pill provides an energy source for the patient but not the bacteria. The present invention avoids the problem of standard glucose solutions, which provide a ready nutritional source for the infecting bacteria.

Abstract: A chemically and thermally stable explosive composition comprising hexanitrostilbene, a perhalogenate oxidizing agent, a sensitizing metal and a source of copper ions. The explosive composition is thermally stable up to a temperature of about 550.degree. F. and can be initiated by an exploding bridge wire or an electrostatic discharge of sufficient energy.