Abstract: A cognate specification system manages and enforces digital, canonical representations of entities that are added to and in the system by creating a composite entity key (“EntityKey”) that uniquely and immutably identifies each entity within the system, and that is created based upon the attributes of the entity rather than being arbitrarily assigned. Entities may be organized into various types or cognates, each associated with distinct sets of attributes. A physical or digital referent may be added to the system as an entity by specifying attributes. In such a system, any entity, whether a physical or digital referent, a process, or other type, is uniquely and verifiably identifiable, and may be linked to or associated with other entities, allowing users of the system to produce and access specification granularity beyond traditional approaches focused on systems interoperability.

Abstract: According to some aspects, techniques are described that allow an additive fabrication device to dynamically adjust the size of a post metering volume for adjusting pressure of source material in the volume. These techniques may allow for greater control of material extrusion through an orifice and thereby mitigate or avoid issues of lag time between starting and/or stopping extrusion and/or in which there is unwanted emission of source material through the orifice. In some cases, techniques for adjusting the size of the post metering volume as described herein may include operating an actuator arranged in a channel that is coupled to the post metering volume. In some cases, techniques for adjusting the size of the post metering volume as described herein may include having a stator that is at least partially arranged within a chamber that defines the post metering volume and is free to move within the chamber.

Abstract: A personalized content delivery computer system is provided comprising: (a) one or more server computers; (b) a server computer program which when executed provides: a content interest profile builder; and a content matching utility; wherein the content interest profile builder and content matching utility are linked so as to enable users of the platform interested in targeting (“targeting users”) one or more other users (“consumer” or “consumers”), using content that is likely to be of interest to the consumer; wherein the content interest profile builder intelligently harvests interest parameters for consumers, and stores the interest parameters iteratively into a content interest profile maintained for each consumer; and wherein the content matching utility determines whether content is likely to be of significant interest to a consumer, using the content interest profile for the consumer. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A personalized content delivery computer system is provided comprising: (a) one or more server computers; (b) a server computer program which when executed provides: a content interest profile builder; and a content matching utility; wherein the content interest profile builder and content matching utility are linked so as to enable users of the platform interested in targeting (“targeting users”) one or more other users (“consumer” or “consumers”), using content that is likely to be of interest to the consumer; wherein the content interest profile builder intelligently harvests interest parameters for consumers, and stores the interest parameters iteratively into a content interest profile maintained for each consumer; and wherein the content matching utility determines whether content is likely to be of significant interest to a consumer, using the content interest profile for the consumer. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A process for the removal of impurities from a thermoplastic polymer, comprising mixing with the polymer in a molten state a stripping agent comprising a solution of carbon dioxide in water, passing the mixture to a vessel held at a pressure and which is less than atmospheric pressure, allowing impurities to defuse out of the polymer into the volatilised stripping agent, and removing the volatilised stripping agent with the impurities from the mixture. The invention also relates to the stripping agent itself, which is a solution of carbon dioxide in water.

Abstract: Devolatilization of molten polymer is carried out using a vertical static mixer which opens directly into a flash tank. Expansion of a stripping agent injected at an inlet of the static mixer occurs in the static mixer and the continued shearing causes disengagement of the vapor from the polymer, so that expansion is complete before the polymer enters the flash tank and stripper and volatiles are removed by a pump and condenser arrangement which holds the flash tank at a reduced pressure. Polymer outlets are in the floor of the flash tank and have metering pumps at their bottom end.

Abstract: An improved process for manufacture of expandable polymer particles is provided. The continuous process disclosed produces expandable polymer pellets in a single step while eliminating many of the dangers inherent in processes of prior art employed for the same. The polymers produced herein are of uniform size, and may be molded into various articles of manufacture using existing equipment and techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: An improved process for manufacture of expandable polymer particles is provided. The continuous process disclosed produces expandable polymer pellets in a single step while eliminating many of the dangers inherent in processes of prior art employed for the same. The polymers produced herein are of uniform size, and may be molded into various articles of manufacture using existing equipment and techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: A measure of diastolic blood pressure is provided by the product of HR and TT wherein HR is a measured heart beat rate and TT is an elapsed time between emission of an electrocardiographic R wave and arrival of the consequent blood pressure pulse at a chosen blood vessel.Apparatus is disclosed for sensing HR and TT and displaying a value or index of diastolic blood pressure, which is intended to be worn on the wrist and may serve also as a timepiece.

Abstract: A heartbeat rate monitor has a light source, powered by a rechargeable battery, for transilluminating skin tissue. A semiconductor detector which produces an output signal in dependence on light originating from the light source and reflected from the skin tissue, and hence on changes in arterial blood flow, is additionally used, on exposure to ambient light, to produce a current for recharging the battery.