Abstract: A system and method for delivering interactive video and audio content items, e.g., movie clips, music videos, adverts, to a user playback device, such as a television (TV) set. In a preferred embodiment, the content items are delivered within a video on demand (VoD) environment. Each content item has associated attributes that detail the navigational properties for that content item. The content items are delivered as entries in a content sequence. Nonlinear navigation of the video content sequence is facilitated by querying the associated attributes for the current content item and enabling navigational actions (e.g. FF/REW/PAUSE/SKIP/Jump to target) for that content item accordingly. The content items thus permit varying degrees of user interaction. The user interaction is not bound by predetermined navigational rules, since the user is free to experience the sequenced VoD content items in any order.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a tetraamido macrocyclic ligand catalytic activator bound to a carbon containing support. When combined with an oxidant, such as a peroxy compound, the carbon supported catalytic activator is a long-lived, robust oxidizing agent useful for oxidizing oxidizable compounds, such as aromatic groups, conjugated pi systems, natural and synthetic hormones, pesticides, pathogens, and dyes.

Abstract: A unitary ballast device for attachment to the rear portion of a pickup truck cargo bed using mounting pins, chain links, shackles and the permanently affixed eyelets in the interior of the vehicle cargo bed. The ballast device is composed of steel or other heavy metal, with the top edges beveled and the surface coated in rubber to reduce damage to the cargo bed and any cargo present in the cargo bed. The device is positioned laterally at the rear of the vehicle bed and is releasable by detaching from the permanently affixed eyelets in the cargo bed and can be modified to include a second metal base for increased dampening effect. The device can remain in place with cargo loads present with little risk of damage to the load due to the beveled edges and rubber coating of the base, thereby increasing ease of use and efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-layer protective wrap system for wood or metal pilings and poles comprising multiple organic polymer layers (an inner seal wrap, an optional foam conformation layer, and an outer compression shell) secured to the pilings by a bar-and-band system provides resistance to decay, thereby extending the life of pilings/poles in both new and retrofit installations. The 2- or 3-layer wrap system not only extends the life of pilings/poles by protecting them from new infestation by organisms, but also starves existing organisms of the oxygen they require to survive. In addition, because the inventive wrap system seals the piling/poles, it prevents leaching of creosote or other protective coating materials into the environment, reducing the threat of toxicity. This permits industry current standard practice of impregnating pilings with creosote to act as a third or fourth layer inside the 2-3 layers of the inventive wrap system.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering interactive video and audio content items, e.g., movie clips, music videos, adverts, to a user playback device, such as a television (TV) set. In a preferred embodiment, the content items are delivered within a video on demand (VoD) environment. Each content item has associated attributes that detail the navigational properties for that content item. The content items are delivered as entries in a content sequence. Nonlinear navigation of the video content sequence is facilitated by querying the associated attributes for the current content item and enabling navigational actions (e.g. FF/REW/PAUSE/SKIP/Jump to target) for that content item accordingly. The content items thus permit varying degrees of user interaction. The user interaction is not bound by predetermined navigational rules, since the user is free to experience the sequenced VoD content items in any order.

Abstract: A tackable tile for mounting to a frame to provide a tackable surface to a wall having one or more of such tiles is disclosed. The tile includes a frame defining an open central portion, and a composite tackable member conforming to the perimetric shape of the frame and mounted in the open central portion thereof. The composite tackable memeber includes a resilient pierceable layer of material, and a layer of noise reducing acoustic material. The layer of pierceable material has a front and a rear side, and the acoustic material is adhered to the rear side of said resilient pierceable layer.

Abstract: Surgical blades, knives and keratotomy procedures are provided which are capable of severing deep corneal tissue in the optical zone without penetrating the surface of this zone and causing optical glare. The blades of this invention include at least one cutting edge thereon which is shorter than about 0.5 mm and which includes a projecting cutting portion and/or recessed blunt edge to permit primary or secondary incisions beneath the surface of the optical zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting whether the top panel of a container cap is properly depressed as capped containers are conveyed along a travel path. The apparatus is of the type comprising a floating shoe disposed over the travel path and carrying a proximity sensor. The shoe includes a reference portion arranged to be contacted by the caps to conform the shoe to the orientation of the cap. The floating shoe is mounted for lateral movement and includes guide flanges. The flanges extend generally fore-to-aft and are arranged to be contacted by the caps to shift the shoe laterally so as to position the proximity sensor over the same portions of successive caps. If caps of non-metallic material are being sensed, a metal spring member is carried by the shoe and is arranged to be contacted by the top panel of each cap and assume a spacing from the proximity sensor in accordance with the degree of depression of the top panel. The proximity sensor is directed toward the spring member to sense the latter.