Abstract: User engagement is detected and used to control operation of a computing device. User engagement is detected by a sensor such as a camera that identifies if a user's face is oriented towards a display device. If the user is not facing the display device, the sensor determines that the user is unengaged. The computing device is thus able to perform a power-saving operation, such as dimming the display device, when the user is unengaged. The computing device includes an API that abstracts sensor data into a user engagement signal indicating that the user is either engaged or unengaged. The OS and applications running on the computing device act on the user engagement signal provided by the API without communicating directly with the sensor. The user engagement signal may be provided as an input to a state machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method of problem solving that includes graphically displaying a plurality of concepts, dynamic links between the concepts, and solving a problem based on the displayed concepts and dynamic links. Other embodiments include: a computer-readable medium having instructions thereon for causing a suitably programmed information-processing apparatus to perform a method of the problem solving that includes graphically displaying a plurality of concepts, displaying dynamic links between the concepts, and solving a problem based on the displayed concepts and dynamic links. Still other embodiments include a computerized apparatus that includes a display output unit, a display drive unit that causes a plurality of concepts to be displayed on the display unit, and that causes dynamic links between the concepts to be displayed, and a solution unit that solves a problem based on the displayed concepts and dynamic links, and that displays the solution.

Abstract: A food storage and retrieval system includes a food storage container and a basket disposed within the container. The basket includes a base and a plurality of wings disposed about a periphery of the base. The wings are pivotally attached to the base and biased to engage an inner surface of the container. An elongated handle is slidable through the base. The handle includes a flange at a lower end thereof for engaging a facing surface of the base to lift the basket within the container, and a key selectively engageable with the base to push the basket downwardly within the container.

Abstract: A post positioning device includes a collar defining a post positioning aperture therein for receiving a post; a stabilizer for removably securing the collar about the post; and a positioning system operably connected to the collar having a first angular state and a second angular state relative to the collar; wherein the positioning system is configured to adjust from the first angular state into contact with the post to maintain the post plumb in a hole in the second angular state.

Abstract: A spinning impingement multiphase contacting device and method for heat or mass transfer are disclosed. A first fluid, from which the transfer is to occur, is caused to impinge and be entrained in a spinning permeable element, creating a highly dispersed phase. The highly dispersed phase contacts the second fluid to cause the desired heat or mass transfer.

Abstract: A spinning impingement multiphase contacting device and method for heat or mass transfer are disclosed. A first fluid, from which the transfer is to occur, is caused to impinge and be entrained in a spinning permeable element, creating a highly dispersed phase. The highly dispersed phase contacts the second fluid to cause the desired heat or mass transfer.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I ##STR1## wherein Z is an aromatic group, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups of from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, thioalkyl groups of from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, and halogen atoms, n is from 1 to about 6, and x is from 0 to 7, are suitable for use in preparing rubber latex particles. The rubbers are useful as substrates in graft copolymers and the resulting graft copolymers are suitable for use in thermoplastic blend compositions, particularly with transparent polymers. The rubber materials are advantageous in that they exhibit low glass transition temperatures and high refractive indices.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I ##STR1## wherein Z is an aromatic group, each R is individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups of from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, thioalkyl groups of from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, and halogen atoms, n is from 1 to about 6, and x is from 0 to 7, are suitable for use in preparing rubber latex particles. The rubbers are useful as substrates in graft copolymers and the resulting graft copolymers are suitable for use in thermoplastic blend compositions, particularly with transparent polymers. The rubber materials are advantageous in that they exhibit low glass transition temperatures and high refractive indices.

Abstract: A sheet metal cutting apparatus with sheet metal cutting member, adjustable guide member and various attachments in a portable embodiment for the mounting of and controlled feeding of a sheet metal workpiece to the cutting member so that desired straight, circular, arcuate and/or combinations of arcuate and straight cuts may be effectuated. A guide bar is disposed laterally from the cutting member and supports the adjustable guide member and the various attachments. The adjustable guide member or any of the various attachments may be selectively positioned and locked along the guide bar at a desired radial distance from the cutting member.