Abstract: Architecture that employs depth sensing cameras to detect touch on a surface, such as a tabletop. The act of touching is processed using thresholds which are automatically computed from depth image data, and these thresholds are used to generate a touch image. More specifically, the thresholds (near and far, relative to the camera) are used to segment a typical finger that touches a surface. A snapshot image is captured of the scene and a surfaced histogram is computed from the snapshot over a small range of deviations at each pixel location. The near threshold (nearest to the camera) is computed based on the anthropometry of fingers and hands, and associated posture during touch. After computing the surface histogram, the far threshold values (furthest from the camera) can be stored as an image of thresholds, used in a single pass to classify all pixels in the input depth image.

Abstract: A multi-functional, multi-compositional cosmetic applicator is disclosed. The applicator includes an application surface in liquid communication with a reservoir. The reservoir includes a first personal care composition and a second personal care composition stored therein, and the applicator is actuatable between a first and second functional configuration wherein the application surface of the applicator exhibits a first frictional force when in the first functional configuration and a second frictional force that is less than the first frictional force when in the second functional configuration. The applicator includes an actuatable delivery system that allows a user to selectively dispense the first and second compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to northern leaf blight. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Presently disclosed is a method and system for processing standard part description programs in real time into the tool position control data appropriate to a CNC machine's standard and high bandwidth mechanisms, respectively. The result is precise tool tip control that tracks the programmed path at all times while maintaining the appropriate feed rates and accelerations for each type of mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, a hybrid mechanism employing a high bandwidth mechanism mounted on and moved by a standard mechanism is employed. The command vector for the high-bandwidth mechanism is computed by subtracting the tool tip vector filtered to comprise only the tool tip positions and trajectories realizable by the standard mechanism from an ideal tool tip trajectory vector that represents the complete programmed path. These calculations produce a synchronous set of movements for both standard and high bandwidth mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper products and/or substrates suitable for being made and/or converted into wallboard tape; which also may be known as joint tape and/or drywall tape, having a pH of at least 7.0 and containing a plurality of cellulose fibers, a wet strength additive, an alkaline sizing agent, and an anionic promoter, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling access to a network comprises a first operation of determining one or more device characteristics of an electronic device seeking to join the network. Then, one or more unique device credentials are generated for the electronic device. The format of the unique device credentials are based on the one or more device characteristics of the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.

Abstract: A shelf of communication equipment provides frontal illumination of a face plate of the shelf. Specifically, a shelf in a rack in a communication network includes a face plate and a bezel. The face plate has a first exterior surface that carries a legend. The bezel forms a second exterior surface extending in a predetermined direction transverse to the first exterior surface. For example, if the first exterior surface is vertical, the second exterior surface is horizontal and overhangs the first exterior surface. During operation, electromagnetic radiation generated by a source enclosed by the bezel exits through the second exterior surface and directly illuminates at least the legend, and optionally also illuminates a electronic device adjacent to the legend, such as an LED or a jack, if such a device is present on the first exterior surface.

Abstract: An overpressure indicating disk apparatus for indicating an over pressure condition in a pressurized system includes a body having first and second end portions and a bore, the first end portion configured for attachment to the pressurized system and in pressure communication therewith so that the pressure in the bore is the same pressure as the pressure of the pressurized system. A reverse buckling disk having an annular peripheral portion and a concave convex dome portion is provided. The annular peripheral portion surrounds the dome. The disk annular peripheral portion is mounted to the body, closing the bore at the first end portion. An indicating component or ring is affixed to the combination of a body and reverse buckling disk. The indicating ring has an annular peripheral portion that aligns generally with the annular peripheral portion of the reverse buckling rupture disk. A movable central tab portion is mounted inside the indicating component or ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for induction heating of a liquid. The apparatus includes a vessel having a volume for receiving a liquid, an induction plate and an induction base. The induction plate is positioned proximate to an induction base and suspended within the vessel, so that it is completely surrounded by the liquid to be heated. The apparatus may also include a filter column positioned within the vessel and for receiving an infuser.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition is described that comprises (i) from 1 to 99 percent by weight of the total composition of at least one thermoplastic copolymer, for example, styrene block copolymers, and (ii) from 1 to 99 percent by weight of the total composition of at least one homogeneously branched ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer, for example ethylene/1-octene, having a density of less than or equal to 0.899 g/cc and a Brookfield viscosity of greater than 500 cP (350° F.).

Abstract: A communications system includes a mobile wireless communications device and an e-mail server configured to store pushed e-mail data and metadata associated therewith already pushed to the mobile wireless communications device. An aggregation server is configured to download a first set of metadata of pushed e-mail data at a first time, and generate and store a first set of hash values corresponding to the first set of metadata. The aggregation server is also configured to download a second set of metadata of pushed e-mail data at a second time after the first time, and generate and store a second set of hash values corresponding to the second set of metadata. The aggregation server is further configured to determine an updated set of metadata based upon a comparison of the first and second sets of hash values, and push the updated metadata to the mobile wireless communications device.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating a patient's care transitions both into and upon subsequent discharge from an in-patient medical facility utilizes three points of health care provider intervention. The system and method utilizes a cloud-based medication management system applying rules to determine whether the patient's medications, clinical lab results, genomic information, or other relevant considerations would, in combination, amount to an adverse health outcome. If an adverse health outcome is predicted based on an application of the pre-programmed rules, health care intervention is sought.

Abstract: An injection plate assembly for an internal combustion engine that includes a manifold and carburetor or throttle body is provided for injection of a primary fuel and an accelerant into throttle bore(s) of the manifold. The injection plate assembly is adapted to be installed between the manifold and the carburetor. In order to equalize injection of both the primary fuel and the accelerant, the lower plate includes at least two fuel inlet ports that provide fuel at opposing sides of the lower plate. The upper plate includes at least two accelerant or additive inlet ports that provide accelerant to opposite sides of the upper plate, with the accelerant inlet ports being located on different sides of the injection plate assembly from the fuel inlet ports on the lower plate. To further improve flow of the accelerant to the injection gates in the upper plate, the runners in the upper plate define paths that have internal corners having a radius of 0.10 inches or greater.

Abstract: A system for monitoring chain of custody of contents of a container includes a lock mechanism configured to lock at least one door of the container in a closed position, a housing enclosing at least a portion of the lock mechanism, and a lock circuit at least partially enclosed within the housing. The lock circuit includes a memory, a lock controller, a wireless module configured to receive information from at least one sensor associated with the container, the information regarding at least one property of the contents of the container, wherein the wireless module is configured to store the information in memory, wherein at least one of the wireless module or the sensor is powered wirelessly, and a lock controller configured to receive commands related to operation of the lock mechanism, to monitor the stored information to identify a change of state of the at least one sensor, and to generate chain of custody data to be transmitted to a remote location via the wireless module.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X8K859 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8K859 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8K859 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8K859, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8K859. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8K859.

Abstract: A device that can autonomously scan a sensor panel is disclosed. Autonomous scanning can be performed by implementing channel scan logic. In one embodiment, channel scan logic carries out many of the functions that a processor would normally undertake, including generating timing sequences and obtaining result data; comparing scan result data against a threshold value (e.g., in an auto-scan mode); generating row count; selecting one or more scanning frequency bands; power management control; and performing an auto-scan routine in a low power mode.

Abstract: Using facial recognition and gesture/body posture recognition techniques, a system can naturally convey the emotions and attitudes of a user via the user's visual representation. Techniques may comprise customizing a visual representation of a user based on detectable characteristics, deducting a user's temperament from the detectable characteristics, and applying attributes indicative of the temperament to the visual representation in real time. Techniques may also comprise processing changes to the user's characteristics in the physical space and updating the visual representation in real time. For example, the system may track a user's facial expressions and body movements to identify a temperament and then apply attributes indicative of that temperament to the visual representation. Thus, a visual representation of a user, such as an avatar or fanciful character, can reflect the user's expressions and moods in real time.

Abstract: Balloon catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen extending therein, and a biaxially oriented nonporous thermoplastic polymer tubular member having a Shore durometer hardness of less than about 75D and having the inflation lumen therein. The balloon catheter also comprises a balloon sealing secured proximate the distal end of the shaft and having an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.