Abstract: An RFID tag for marking storm drains incorporates the tag circuitry into a dome decal providing a flexible substrate capped by a self-leveling clear polymer. The RFID tag is placed between the polymer and the substrate on an electromagnetic radiation decoupling layer allowing a low profile fitting within the decal while allowing the decal to be used on metal drain surfaces. The decal includes a printed environment-promoting message relating to connection of the storm.

Abstract: An RFID tag for marking storm drains incorporates the tag circuitry into a dome decal providing a flexible substrate capped by a self-leveling clear polymer. The RFID tag is placed between the polymer and the substrate on an electromagnetic radiation decoupling layer allowing a low profile fitting within the decal while allowing the decal to be used on metal drain surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application operating on a consumer device, such as a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social network. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to tag other participants. Rewards are delivered as redeemable coupons based on identifying graphical landmarks at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application operating on a consumer device, such as a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social network. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to tag other participants. Rewards are delivered as redeemable coupons based on identifying graphical landmarks at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: Plastic components exposed to a washing chamber of a washing machine are flame treated to improve the stain resistance of the plastic components. In accordance with the invention, a plastic component is exposed to flame treatment for a sufficient amount of time for a reaction to occur with the plastic component such that at least a surface layer of the plastic component is modified to enhance the resistance of the plastic component to staining. Plastic dishwasher components that may be treated by the flame treatment include a dishwasher tub, a door liner, spray arms, racks, silverware baskets, a pump housing and the like. Plastic washing tubs, agitators, baffles and the like of clothes washing machines could also be advantageously treated.

Abstract: Plastic components exposed to a washing chamber of a washing machine are treated with a fluorine-containing gas mixture for improving the stain resistance and drying performance of the plastic components. In accordance with the invention, a plastic component is placed in a reaction chamber and exposed to a gas mixture containing fluorine and oxygen for a sufficient amount of time for the gas mixture to react with the plastic component such that the gas mixture modifies at least a surface layer, thereby enhancing the resistance of the plastic component to staining, while improving drying performance characteristics. Plastic dishwasher components that may be treated by the gas mixture include a dishwasher tub, a door liner, spray arms, racks, silverware baskets, a pump housing, and the like. Washing tubs, agitators, baffles and the like of clothes washing machine could also be advantageously treated.