Abstract: A method and apparatus: (1) select and apply a transition from a set of first objective enhancing transitions to an initial information integration flow graph based upon how application of each transition impacts a length of a chain of nodes to produce a first set of modified information integration flow graphs that satisfy a first objective; (2) select and apply a second transition from the set of first objective transitions and a set of second objective enhancing transitions to the first set of modified information integration flow graphs to produce a second set of modified information integration flow graphs that satisfy the first objective and the second objective; and (3) identify an information integration flow graph from the first set and the second set having a lowest cost.

Abstract: Provided is a wood splitter having a support element, a first elongated element, a second elongated element, and wood splitting components. A support element may be a first elongated element and a second elongated element engaged to the first elongated element. The first elongated element may be subject to a first pre-stress load. The first pre-stress load may be a first moment. The second elongated element may be engaged to the first elongated element and may be subject to a second pre-stress load. Wood splitting components may be engaged with at least one of a first elongated element or a second elongated element, may be adapted to operate to split wood, and may be adapted to apply an operational load during operation to the first elongated element. The operational load may at least partially relax the first moment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus apply a transition to an initial information integration flow graph to form a modified information integration flow graph which is visually depicted in a modified design canvas. The initial information integration flow graph has nodes, each node having initial location coordinates for visual depiction in an initial design canvas, wherein nodes of the modified information integration flow graph having location coordinates based upon the initial location coordinates.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling movements of an object in a videogame are disclosed. At least one video camera is used at a location where at least a player plays the videogame, the video camera captures various movements of the player. A designated device (e.g., a game console or computer) is configured to the video data to derive the movements of the player from the video data, and cause the object to respond to the movements of the player. When the designated device receives video data from more than one locations, players at the respective locations can play a networked videogame that may be built upon a shared space representing some or all of the real-world spaces of the locations. The video game is embedded with objects, some of which respond to the movements of the players and interact with other objects in accordance with rules of the video games.

Abstract: An insulated door comprising a door shell having spaced first and second exterior panels. The door includes a plurality of stiffeners bonded to a liner panel, with thermal insulation between adjacent stiffeners, disposed within the door shell. The liner panel may extend along one side of the stiffeners and the thermal insulation along the liner panel between the stiffeners and the first and second exterior panels. The stiffeners and the liner panel are preferably made of steel and the stiffeners are welded to the liner panel. The stiffeners are preferably not welded to the first and second exterior panels of the door shell. The liner panel is preferably insertable into the first or second exterior panels of the door shell. The insulation material fills substantially all of the space between the liner panel and one of the first or second exterior panels.

Abstract: A workstation system (1) comprising with a plurality of desktops e.g. (3a), each desktop (3a) comprising a primary work area (33) and at least one recessed portion e.g. (34b) providing an auxiliary work area e.g. (36b). The recessed portions (34b) of adjacent desktops (3a-3d) can be arranged to provide an interactive work area (6a-6d) for multiple people.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved exercise resistance system to conduct numerous total body exercises. An adjustable elastic resistance cord or flat band may be combined with weights, or each type of resistance may be used alone, in order to vary the means of creating resistance during exercise. The length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band may be adjusted by means of a slip free, length quick adjustment device. The elastic resistance cord or flat band may be passed through the length quick adjustment device which may be secured at various points along the length of the elastic resistance cord or flat band, to change its effective usable length and thus change the level of strength, and range of motion. The length quick adjustment device may be secured by pulling an elastic resistance cord or flat band in one direction, and released by pulling the elastic resistance cord or flat band in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to products comprising catechins. Products according to the present invention comprise solids from Aspalathus linearis and at least 50 mg catechins, wherein the ratio of solids from Aspalathus linearis to catechins is from 10:1 to 1:20.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a microscope arranged to carry out ATR measurements has a support (40) which can be mounted on the moveable stage (20) of the microscope. A mounting (100) for an ATR crystal is carried on the support. The mounting (100) is preferably pivotally mounted on the support (40) so that it can be pivoted from a position in which the crystal lines on the axis of the microscope to a position in which a sample carried on the support can be observed visually. The mounting is arranged such that it can be returned reliably and reproducibly to its original position with the crystal on the axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring over-the-top adaptive video streaming in a network are described. In an embodiment, a method may include identifying a protocol used in the communication based, wherein the protocol may be one among a plurality of different adaptive video streaming protocols. Video sessions using a plurality of different protocols are monitored and video session data collected. User Quality of Experience (QoE) and Key QoE Indicators (KQI) are generated for the network. Network operators may access video session data to analyze initial buffering delays, rebuffering delays, bandwidth changes, and gaps during the video session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing mobile applications are provided. The systems and methods may include storing one or more computers, an identifier associated with (i) a user and (ii) an entity with whom the user is affiliated; receiving a mobile application request; facilitating delivery of a mobile application to a mobile device associated with the user; receiving the identifier; and directing a delivery of customization information for customizing the mobile application of the mobile device, the customization information associated with one or both of the user or the entity with whom the user is affiliated.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing a guiding device having a dilatable, drilling tip. The tip is formed by wound helical members such that resistance to rotation in an unwinding direction dilates the tip. The helical members are configured so that the dilatable tip increases in stiffness when the helical members are tensioned by a resistance to rotation in the winding direction. In some embodiments, application of relative force between coaxial inner and outer tubular members is used to control the dilation, stiffness and drilling of the guiding member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing mobile applications are provided. The systems and methods may include a computer program product, comprising a computer-usable medium having a computer-readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method for customizing a mobile application, said method comprising: receiving or retrieving information representative of (i) a user, and (ii) an entity that the user is affiliated with; delivering the information representative of (i) the user, and (ii) the entity that the user is affiliated with; receiving customization information associated with one or both of the user or the entity; and presenting a user interface for the user, the user interface reflecting at least a portion of the customization information.

Abstract: A closure for use with a specimen collection container is disclosed. The closure includes a base portion having a first end adapted for engagement with an open end of the specimen collection container, and a second end adapted for receiving a portion of a syringe assembly therein. The closure also includes a luer fitting connected to the base portion and having at least one channel for venting an interior of the specimen collection container to atmosphere during introduction of a fluid specimen from the syringe assembly into the specimen collection container. The closure further includes a shielding portion connected to the base portion and adapted to transition from an open position in which fluid communication is established between the first end and the second end through the luer fitting, to a closed position in which the luer fitting is fully shielded by the shielding portion.

Abstract: A wiring fault detector adapted specifically to address the requirement for arc fault protection specified in National Electrical Code (2011) article 690.11 comprises running at least one additional wire in parallel with the power conductors to be protected, thereby allowing evaluation at the location of a fault detector of an electrical parameter indicative of conductor integrity along its whole length. In one implementation, the additional conductor allows the voltage drop across the power conductor to be measured and verified to be small and/or noise-free. In another implementation, the additional conductor is a redundant power conductor connected in parallel with the main power conductor, allowing verification that the current flow in both the main and the additional power conductors is partitioned in an expected ratio indicative of wiring integrity.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting a portion of a 3D virtual environment are disclosed, where the portion of the 3D virtual environment may be one or more objects in the 3D virtual environment or one of scenes in the 3D virtual environment. A motion sensitive device (controller) is used. The controller generates sensor data sufficient to derive position and orientation of the controller in six degrees of freedom. In one embodiment, when selecting the portion of the 3D virtual environment, the controller generates a ray to an interaction of a display screen provided to display the 3D virtual environment, wherein the ray is further projected into the 3D virtual environment by a ray tracing technique as if the user had a real laser pointer that crosses from the physical world into the 3D virtual environment being displayed. Further a user is optionally to use a secondary input device to select one or more points or objects in a 3D space to control a distance along the ray being used.

Abstract: A method for data flow processing includes determining values for each of a set of parameters associated with a task within a data flow processing job, and applying a set of rules to determine one of a set of processing techniques that will be used to execute the task. The set of rules is determined through a set of benchmark tests for the task using each of the set of processing techniques while varying the set of parameters.

Abstract: False eyelash applicator apparatuses for applying a false eyelash to an eyelid are provided. One apparatus includes an applicator unit having an approximate shape of a hollow cylinder and including a first end, a second end, and a body extending from the first end to the second end along a lengthwise direction of the applicator unit, and at least one false eyelash holder disposed on the body of the applicator unit and for securing the false eyelash to the applicator unit. Another apparatus includes an applicator unit having a base, a first side surface, a second side surface, a first top surface, and a second top surface, a hole extending through the applicator unit from the first side surface to the second side surface, and at least one false eyelash holder disposed on the body of the applicator unit and for securing the false eyelash to the applicator unit.