Abstract: A system that supports multi-stage transactions through the use of biometric tokens, such as fingerprint images or iris scans. A user pre-stages a transaction by providing transaction details that can be used a later time to complete the transaction, and the system stores the transaction details in a transaction record that is identified by a biometric token captured from the user. In some systems, the biometric token is captured as part of the pre-staging process. In other systems, the biometric token is retrieved from a data store after the user has provided authentication information, such as a bank card or user-identification code coupled with a secret PIN code. When the user is ready to complete the pre-staged transaction, the system captures a second biometric token from the user and matches the second token to the one identifying the user's transaction record. The transaction details contained in that transaction record are then used to complete the user's transaction.

Abstract: One of the DHS's top three goals is (enabling) “A national common operating picture for critical infrastructure”. A congressional directive states “nothing less than network centric homeland security akin to network centric warfare”. The Heartbeat Beacon addresses the interoperability challenge where unique Federal/military situational awareness (SA) systems and Telco networks supporting First Responder public safety systems agree on common settings of three common denominators: (1) TCP/IP heartbeat protocol, system heartbeat, heartbeat beacon, beacon frames . . . (2) heartbeat (XML) messages that convey network configuration data (e.g.

Abstract: A sharpening device that utilizes templates for sharpening specific shaped points. The templates are easily replaceable for grinding additional facets or for additional styles of points.

Abstract: A method for minimizing emission output from a diesel powered system having at least one diesel-fueled power generating unit, the method including determining at least one power level required from the diesel powered system in order to accomplish a specified mission, determining an emission output based on the power level required, and using at least one other power level that results in a lower emission output wherein the overall resulting power is proximate the power required.

Abstract: A cannula receives respiratory airflows and ambient airflows; a differential pressure transducer determine pressure differentials between the respiratory airflows and the ambient airflows; and a ventilator responds to the pressure differentials. Another receives respiratory airflows and interface airflows; a differential pressure transducer determine pressure differentials between the respiratory airflows and the interface airflows; and a ventilator responds to the pressure differentials. And another receives respiratory airflows from a subject and interface airflows from an area near a cannula; a differential pressure transducer determine pressure differentials between the respiratory airflows and the interface airflows; and a ventilator responds to the pressure differentials. Corresponding respiratory monitoring methods receive, determine, and control the same.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hybrid structure (100) having a layer of CMC material (28) defining an interior passageway (24) and a layer of ceramic insulating material (18) lining the passageway. The method includes the step of casting the insulating material to a first thickness required for effective casting but in excess of a desired second thickness for use of the hybrid structure. An inner mold (14) defining a net shape desired for the passageway remains in place after the casting step to mechanically support the insulating material during a machining process used to reduce the thickness of the insulating material from the as-cast first thickness to the desired second thickness. The inner mold also provides support as the CMC material is deposited onto the insulating material. The inner mold may include a fugitive material portion (20) to facilitate its removal after the CMC material is formed.

Abstract: An improved piston for a pneumatic hand engraving impact power tool. More specifically, the invention provides a piston for an engraving impact tool made from a material that is more dense than steel. In addition the invention provides an improved piston for fine engraving using a microscope utilizing a soft faced piston.

Abstract: A head restraint (20) having a front surface (22) for supporting the head of the occupant seated on the seat assembly (10) is pivotally coupled to the upper portion (15) of the seat back (12) and moveable relative to the seat back between a plurality of angled head supporting positions (A) and a forwardly folded stowed position (B) defined by the front surface (22) of the head restraint (20) being generally perpendicular to the front surface (17) of the seat back (12). The seat assembly further includes a mechanism operatively interconnecting the head restraint to the seat back for providing automatic and continuous pivotal movement of the head restraint between one of the head supporting positions and the stowed position in response to pivotal adjustment of the seat back between one of the reclined seating positions and the forwardly folded positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems, and computer readable media for deriving chemical compositions that are present in a chemical product to be manufactured and for determining whether the chemical product complies with government regulations. A method can comprise obtaining a bill of material including components to manufacture the chemical product; ascertaining whether any of the components includes subcomponents; replacing any components including subcomponents with the subcomponents in a revised bill of material; and deriving from the revised bill of material the chemical compositions present in the manufactured chemical product. In some embodiments, the derived chemical compositions can be compared to a stored set of government regulatory standards relating to the chemical compositions to determine compliance.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a perimeter frame, a flexible seating surface supported by the frame, and parallel elongated resilient force-distributing members coupled to the seating surface to control a contour of the seating surface when supporting a seated user. The resilient force-distributing members are bendable along their length and are sufficient in number and distribution to substantially reduce localized deflection of the seating surface and thereby reduce pressure point contact felt by the seated user. The resilient force-distributing members can be wire rods, long strips, or other resilient material with memory.

Abstract: Thermally insulating layer incorporating a distinguishing agent and method for inspecting the insulating layer are provided. The distinguishing agent may be used for determining a remaining thickness of the thermally insulating layer.

Abstract: An insert and packaging system for a box may include a pliable body defining a void. The void is dimensioned to receive an end of a portable computer. The void is characterized by a height and a width. The body that defines the void has at least two removable portions, such that removal of the portions alters the height and width of the void, thereby permitting the void to receive a portable computer of varying dimensions.

Abstract: A hybrid structure (50) and method of manufacturing the same including a structural ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material (42) coated with a layer of ceramic insulating tiles (24). Individual ceramic tiles are attached to a surface (22) of a mold (20). The exterior surface (32) of the tiles may be subjected to a mechanical process such as machining with the mold in place to provide mechanical support for the tiles. A layer of CMC material is then applied to bond the tiles and the CMC material together into a hybrid structure. The mold may include a fugitive material portion (26) to facilitate removal of the mold when the hybrid structure has a complex shape. Tiles located in different regions of the structure may have different compositions and/or dimensions. The gaps between adjacent tiles may be filled from the outside before the CMC material is applied or from the inside after the mold is removed.

Abstract: A tool is used to remove a material strip from a surface. The tool has a collapsible body configurable in expanded and collapsed configurations. The expanded configuration allows the strip to be wound about the body while the strip is being removed from a surface. While the strip is wrapped about the body, the body may be collapsed to the collapsed configuration and then removed from the inside of the rolled strip.

Abstract: A rotating positioning vise for use in hand working operations. The positioning mechanism utilizes a permanent magnet that is lifted off the surface of a turntable by the means of a lever. The user pushes on the lever, moves the vise in the position desired and then releases of the lever. Releasing the lever allows the magnet to be pulled back down against the turntable's surface and locks the vise in position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing, e.g., non-destructively processing, digital image data utilizing one or more Effect Layers are provided. Effect Layers combine Effects in useful ways that simplify the process of creating Effect graphs. Each Effect Layer contains a logical Effect sub-graph that includes a plurality of logical Effects, e.g., a main Effect, a blend Effect, and a mask Effect. In one embodiment, a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving input regarding processing of digital image data, determining the impact that input will have on each logical Effect upon processing of digital image data, and creating a physical Effect sub-graph in accordance with the determined impact. The physical Effect sub-graph may closely resemble or appear nothing like the logical Effect sub-graph. Images may subsequently be rendered utilizing the physical Effect sub-graph.

Abstract: A locking positioning mechanism utilizing cam locks. The invention provides lever operated cam locking mechanisms for locking a rotating, tilting and positioning vise.

Abstract: An applicator tool for applying a liquid onto a surface of a floor includes an applicator and a handle connected to the applicator. The applicator includes a housing having a bottom surface and a plurality of sidewalls. The bottom surface is connected to the sidewalls to define a reservoir. The bottom surface has at least one opening in fluid for substantially continuously dispensing the liquid.