Abstract:
Compositions and processes for preparing extrudable powder blends containing at least one vinyl chloride resin and a cellulosic material are provided. More specifically, compositions and processes for preparing extrudable free-flowing powder blends containing PVC and wood flour (WF) are also provided for preparing foamed or nonfoamed extrudates. The processes provided herein incorporate components which may contain up to a total of 25 weight percent water. Processes for preparing foamed extrudates are also provided wherein a cooling fluid is used to increase the expansion ratio of the foam. Finally provided are composites having an extrudable thermoplastic substrate and at least one capstock layer disposed thereon containing a PVC/WF composition.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for performing GC separations using a separation protocol including at least one negative temperature ramp, where the negative temperature ramp is controlled either by the introduction of a gaseous coolant at a controlled and adjustable rate or by the introduction of the coolant along with the application of microwave radiation to a column capable of absorbing microwave radiation, where the rate of coolant introduction or the rate of coolant introduction and radiation introduction is sufficient to achieve a desired rate of cooling.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for positioning a camera target relative to a signal acquisition frame. Detection of the target's position deviation may be achieved by a calibration beam being reflected from the target surface and being detected by at least two position sensitive detectors (PSDs) to thereby allow removal of ambiguity in the target's Z-focus error from its tilt error. The PSD-measured quantities can be transformed into target control space quantities that can be used in a control loop to reduce the target position error. The calibration beam and one or more of the PSDs can also be used to detect the target's edges, thereby allowing lateral centering of the target relative to the reference frame.
Abstract:
Personalized video stories are produced. Unfinished stories are first recorded on a video medium with blank segments. Digital sequences are used to complete the segments, for example, by portraying a character with a keyed-out facial area, using the digitized image of a subject to complete the character. An edit list is also prepared to locate the blank segments. The story is sequentially advanced to each segment in accordance with the edit list and, at each segment, the personalized sequence is recorded, thereby completing the story as though the subject is a character in the story. A plurality of different stories may be prerecorded, each substantially completed but including a plurality of unfinished segments. The stories may include animation, for example in the form of cartoons, the personalizes being recorded onto the previously uncompleted tape in such a way that a smooth, visual transition is realized at the start and ending of each segment. In addition to the merging of personalized imagery, the invention also accommodates audio, including narration, and textual information, such as personalized captioning. The apparatus will also print a customized label to produce an entirely personalized end product.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a modular worktop, and method of assembly, including a surface member, a front edge, and a backsplash, the components preferably being removably attached to each other. Each of the surface member, front edge, and backsplash may be selected from a predetermined group of decorative surfacing options, resulting in a worktop that is aesthetically pleasing to the consumer or person selecting the components. Additionally, each of the components is sized and configured so as to bring assembly and installation within the skill range of the average consumer. Because the front edge is removably attached, the front edge is changeable at the discretion of the consumer, for example, for aesthetic reasons.
Abstract:
The present invention involves the prescribing and/or dispensing ophthalmic lenses, such as progressive addition lenses, for a wearer. In one form of the invention lens usage information is obtained from a wearer and entered into a programmed computer. The programmed computer processes the lens usage information to provide a separate weighted lifestyle score for each of one or more respective lifestyle score categories, such that each weighted lifestyle score is a function of a predetermined relationship between the respective lifestyle score category and at least ophthalmic lens design feature. The programmed computer then selects or designs an ophthalmic lens design using one or more of the weighted lifestyle scores such that the selected or designed ophthalmic lens has at least one lens design feature which has been customised using one or more of the weighted lifestyle scores.
Abstract:
A method (100) of dispensing an ophthalmic lens for a wearer is disclosed. The method (100) includes measuring (104) the relative location of, and/or relationship between, selected anatomical features of a wearer's head or face to obtain one or more measurement values and processing (106) the one or more measurement values to design and/or select an ophthalmic lens having a shape that depends on the measured values. The ophthalmic lens element is then dispensed to the wearer. A dispensing system (200) is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of designing and/or selecting a progressive addition lens design for a wearer is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes displaying a graphical representation of an initial progressive addition lens design including design parameters having design values. A user interface is provided including, for each of one or more of the design parameters, a control that is adjustable over a range of levels, each level in the range being associated with a corresponding value of the respective design parameter. A control is adjusted to select a level and the selection is processed so as to substantially simultaneously update the displayed graphical representation in accordance with the selected level to provide a modified progressive lens design. A system for designing and/or selecting a progressive addition lens design for a wearer is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for positioning a multi-featured biological array relative to a signal acquisition device. Detection of the array's positional deviation may be achieved by a calibration beam reflected from the array surface and detected by a position sensitive detector (PSD). The PSD-measured positional deviation can be transformed and used in a control loop to correct for positional variations of the array. The calibration beam and PSD may also be used to detect the array or feature boundaries, thereby allowing lateral centering or positioning of the array relative to the signal acquisition device.