Abstract: A method of facilitating the establishment of a home care facility for the physically impaired by establishing a single source for a body lift assembly, portable shower and portable commode all suitable for installation in a bedroom and wherein the lift assembly is capable of transporting the impaired person between the bed, shower and commode.

Abstract: A garment digitization system configured to determine physical attributes for any given garment including dimensional and spatial properties, mechanical attributes, optical attributes, and assembly information; a mechanism configured to take those properties and attributes and generating a digital three-dimensional model thereof; a mechanism to make such digital three-dimensional garment models available to others; and a mechanism operatively coupled with a local or remote display providing views of said digital garment.

Abstract: A removable sleeve cover may comprise a frusto-conical body, an insulation liner, and a window pocket frame. The frusto-conical body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The interior surface is configured for receiving a liquid container. The insulated liner may be coupled to the inner surface of the body. The window pocket frame may be attached to the outer surface of the removable sleeve cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the auction value of vehicles by confirming and inventorying the vehicle contents, namely, accessories and components, and securing said contents within the vehicle in a locked and secured tamper-resistant bag as the vehicle passes through auction. A lockable, cut and tear resistant bag is adapted for secured attachment inside a vehicle. A certified inventory checklist is further provided to allow security personnel to inventory vehicle accessories and components placed into the locking bag. The bag is locked in the vehicle, such as to the door handle, under the seat, to the seat belt harness, or other vehicle structure using a locking cable. When the vehicle exits the auction, security personnel unlock the bag thereby allowing the bag and accessories and components contained therein to leave with the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of ordering a window covering comprises providing a measuring block that is mounted adjacent an architectural feature to be measured. A digital photograph is taken of the architectural feature with the measuring block. A display resolution of the photograph is determined. A scale of the photograph is determined using the measuring block. A dimension of the architectural feature is calculated based on the scale of the photograph. The window covering is cut to the calculated dimension.

Abstract: A plush animal memorialization kit includes a plush animal having wings, a certificate, a collar, and a tag. The certificate may be personalized according to information pertaining to a deceased pet. A method of marketing a plush animal includes providing a plurality of plush animal memorialization kits, each containing a plush animal resembling one of various pet types, assigning a unique identifier to each plush animal, and marketing the plush animals to pet owners as a way to memorialize or honor pets belonging to the pet owners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handheld long range dazzling laser including a 1 Watt or greater laser light source, a focus-adjustable beam expander, a power source, a trigger and a magnifying targeting device. Also disclosed is a method of discounting ship insurance rates based on equipping ships with the disclosed handheld long range dazzling laser.

Abstract: Advertising glasses have a one-way vision window film on the lens, printed with a message for advertising, marketing or the like. The glasses can be fashion glasses, prescription glasses, sunglasses, or the like. The advertising/marketing message can be printed on one-way vision sticky paper, cut to the proper size for the glasses' lens, and applied to the lens. The advertising glasses can be used for events, photo opportunities, contests, or other types of advertising, marketing or promotional purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertising method for reaching drivers who utilize the Toll Road System. By utilizing toll info on a driver as the toll is paid, advertisers can target the driver based on their location and can offer toll reimbursement in return for visiting or utilizing an advertiser's product or service.

Abstract: A Business Method Patent for determining the Financial Viability of Constructing a Recreation Center and a Flexible Commercial Center known as the ROCC. The complex device is a one of a kind world class facility that will have a positive impact on wellness, fitness, and the economy of the entire community. Included with this complex is a COMMUNITY CENTER that is a private business. The primary goal of the-ROCC is to create a positive impact on the community. The-ROCC will help promote youth, adult, and family wellness; provide one centralized location for community events and will help spur additional, residential and commercial growth.

Abstract: A method for completing community service or serving the community voluntarily or as ordered by any authoritative or accredited body, such as a court Magistrate Judge, Public School System, Private School System, Scholarship Board, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, Officer of the Court, Deferment Program, Probation Program, Judicial Worker, Judge, District Attorney, Federal Attorney, Arbitrator, Mediator, Counselor, Case Worker, in lieu of fines, in lieu of jail time, in lieu of driver's license points or other repercussions and or suspensions, Magistrates, Clerks of the Court, Legal Aids, or any other type of court ordered community service online, on the internet, on the world wide web and or on mobile applications facilitated on computers, laptops, notebooks, mobile phones, tablets or any other type of input device that is user controlled and electronic in nature powered by electricity or connected by wireless signal or cable to other electronic devices.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a promotional instrument. The method includes determining a number and/or value of promotional instruments purchased and assigning, by a promotion system, a promotional incentive based at least in part on the number and/or value of promotional instruments purchased.

Abstract: A system is provided to monitor a user's interaction with a computer. The system may comprise a random reference data generator to generate a random reference string, an image generator to create an image including the random reference string, a modification module to iteratively modify the image until a distortion criterion is satisfied, and a communications module to communicate the image to a client computer for display to a user. The random reference string comprises a plurality of alphanumeric characters.

Abstract: Systems, methods and processes teach by specific examples how the cost of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) can be totally offset and turned into profits during coal powered electricity generation from revenue and co-benefits. The process is provided whereby fly ash-carbon mixtures, or de-volatilized coal char, or anthracite coal culm is co-fired in an air-cooled, slagging combustor with limestone or similar slag fluxing materials converts the ash into cementitious slag with properties similar to ground granulated blast furnace slag.

Abstract: A system, in a cloud computing environment (“CCE”) includes a data processor. One or more cloud computing auditing components are configured to monitor the CCE in accordance with a predefined insurance level agreement (“ILA”) and to create a log of one or more CCE events indicated by the ILA. A neutral data warehouse is configured to store the log. A reporting module generates one or more reports for a party indicated by the ILA from the log in the neutral data warehouse in accordance with the ILA.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a paddle, a string, a ball, and an account identifier. The paddle defines an enlarged portion and an elongated handle extending from the enlarged portion. The paddle is formed as a single piece of material. The string defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the string is coupled to the paddle. The ball is coupled to the second end of the string and is configured to bounce on the paddle. The account identifier is statically connected to the paddle and links the paddle to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A product and process for providing customized garments. The garment comprises a main body having inner and outer surfaces. At least one pocket having a first inner surface and a first outer surface defines a slot between the outer surface of the main body and the first inner surface of the pocket. The pocket is affixed to the outer surface of the main body, with the pocket having an opening there into. An insert is selectively slidably receivable within and removable from the slot. The insert has a flap portion at one end thereof and protruding outside of and at least partially over the pocket and containing inscriptions thereon. The insert is secured within the pocket such that it is easily removable there from. An inventory process of manufacture and product of the process utilizing this product allows for rapid customization with existing inventory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and distributing legal text information allow content providers to distribute legal text to terminals receiving broadcast content. The legal text may include terms and conditions associated with content that a user may want to purchase or subscribe. Upon receiving a content selection that a user wishes to purchase, a terminal may determine whether the content is associated with legal text information. If so, the legal text may be obtained and rendered for the user. The terminal may further determine whether user consent is required and if so, prompt the user with a consent agreement. Legal text information may be obtained in a variety of manners including from a service provisioning system, from a local cache in the terminal and/or from a file delivery server. Communication of legal text information may further be conducted using messages storing legal text attributes and elements.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a base assembly (12), an upright handle assembly (14) pivotally mounted to the base assembly (12), a fluid distribution system including a supply of cleaning fluid, and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The base assembly (12) comprises a fluid supply tank (22) mounted on a base platform (20), and a recovery tank (24) and lid (70) mounted on the supply tank (22). The nozzle (146) assembly is split into three separable sections, and the upper handle (300) is foldable to a storage position. The base assembly (12) further comprises a pivotal brush carriage (210) assembly. A method for renting extraction cleaning machines (10) utilizes a vending machine (600) that dispenses cleaning formulations packaged in single use packages (602).

Abstract: A method of compensating players of a professional sports team subject to a total team compensation restriction. The method includes discounting the amount that at least one player's compensation counts toward total team compensation subject to the restriction, based at least in part upon the length of the player's tenure with the team.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for processing transactions. The methods and systems enable a consumer to present a customer identifier, such as a merchant loyalty or membership card or other identifier as a payment device at a point of sale. In one implementation, a personal account number is generated by appending a proprietary routing code to a customer registration account number so that the personal account number is formatted for transmission as a payment device number over an electronic funds transfer network. In another implementation, the customer registration account number comprises the proprietary routing code. A preferred payment account identifier is accessed, based on the personal account number, from a database, and a transaction approval message is constructed comprising the preferred payment account identifier. The account from which payment is made may be a credit account, a demand deposit account, a stored value account, or another kind of account.

Abstract: A modular shoe is provided by a two part shoe design. A first part is an internal support structure that includes a midsole portion and a heel counter. A second part is a removable cover that is configured to accept a specific size internal support structure to provide internal support to the soft material and outsole which comprise the cover. Various cover designs are configured to accept a single size internal support structure thereby providing for interchangeable cover and a plurality of shoe designs all sharing a single internal support structure. The removable cover takes substantially less packing space than a supported shoe, thereby requiring reduced storage for a traveler packing several shoe designs all sharing a single internal support.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering, processing, containing, and transporting water obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein. The ice obtained from the ice source holds unique properties and is processed as a beverage for consumption having unique properties. Further, the resulting product is produced and transported with minimal human alteration and reduced energy input as compared to conventional methods for packaging water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system interface for accessing a plurality of functions relating to a flexible order transaction system.

Abstract: A method for text character identification. The method acquires multiple connected components (CCs) in a binary image, and each CC has a pattern property value. The method determines at least one property limit based on the pattern property values, generates a filtering rule according to the property limit, and determines whether each of the CCs is a text character according to the filtering rule.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to methods and devices for displacing body convection and thereby reducing exposure to allergens and other airborne fine particles within a personal breathing zone during situations of or corresponding to sleep thereby reducing or removing symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis while improving quality of sleep and in particular to methods and devices that utilize Temperature controlled Laminar Airflow (abbreviated TLA from herein and onwards). Also, business methods involving such methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A complete hand hygiene station and method of monitoring a complete hand hygiene station are provided. The complete hand hygiene station may include at least an automated wash cylinder or chamber, a sanitizer dispenser and a lotion dispenser. The wash chamber and/or the sanitizer dispenser may be used to provide a user with a hand washing. The lotion dispenser may be used to moisturize a user's hands after the usage of the sanitizer dispenser. The complete hand hygiene station may be monitored to ensure compliance with one or more hygiene protocols. A particular hygiene protocol may specify hygiene requirements such as daily hygiene station usage, lotion usage subsequent to sanitizer usage, and/or mandatory wash chamber use subsequent to a predetermined number of lotion usages.

Abstract: A behavioral contracting method wherein two parties openly discuss their obligations to and expectations of the other party to form ratified explicit document containing all the obligations the parties have to each other.

Abstract: A system for advertising a product includes a transparent display, a stage, and a control unit. The transparent display includes a plurality of pixels and has transmissivity of light that varies depending on a voltage applied to each of the pixels. The stage is arranged at the rear of the transparent display, on which a product is mounted. The control unit controls the transparent display to have the product seen through the transparent display and information about the product displayed on the transparent display.

Abstract: A gonadotropin is administered within a surprisingly effective narrow range for the purpose of treating chronic pain or other central sensitization sequelae. In one aspect, a recipient is provided with at least one of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a pharmaceutically active HCG analogue, and a pharmaceutically active metabolite of the HCG or analogue at a dosage selected to provide, or be equivalent to, a human subcutaneous dosage of between 120 IU/day and 170 IU/day of HCG, and more preferably between 140 IU/day and 160 IU/day of HCG. A kit is also described, which includes a supply of the HCG-related drug, and a label that identifies chronic pain or central sensitization as an indication of the drug.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing a cord according that is indicative of the owner of the cord. The system and method may further be adapted to organize a cord in a bundle.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for monitoring and regulating the production of a target product of a biochemical pathway in an organism, such as butanol. A gene encoding a light-emitting reporter molecule, such as luciferase, is operatively linked with a transcription regulatory nucleotide sequence that regulates transcription of an enzyme in the pathway that signals the rate of production of the target product, such as butanol dehydrogenase. When a microorganism is transfected with such a reporter construct and cultured, the reporter is expressed contemporaneously with the enzyme. The amount of light produced by the reporter indicates amount of enzyme being produced which, in turn, signals the amount of target product being produced. When the reporter is measured in real time, it provides information that can be used to regulate culture conditions and to optimize production of the target product.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this document is related to field of pesticides and their use in controlling pests.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for controlling cancelled orders in a manufacturing environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling cancelled orders in a manufacturing environment can be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, computer program product, and related computer implemented methods to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card including a user-designed external face using a chit, the chit being defined by an identification mechanism representing a financial commitment to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card in an amount associated with a value paid for the chit, are provided. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a service that enables a consumer to purchase, at the storefront of a retail establishment, a chit card that the consumer can subsequently redeem through a graphical user interface of an Internet website for a closed-loop retail prepaid card with a user-designed external face. The user-designed closed-loop retail prepaid card, for example, can be subsequently printed and delivered to an intended recipient. Advantageously, such a service can be made available to any retail establishment that uses a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a computer readable medium and a method for determining a spectrum index value as a function of financial data for a plurality of selected publically traded companies and spectrum-related data for the selected companies.

Abstract: A method for an investor's lender financed acquisition from a property owner of tangible income producing property, the method including steps of purchasing for a first purchase price the tangible income producing property from an initial property owner, the tangible income producing property producing a first income stream; purchasing for a second purchase price from a plurality of life insurance policy owners a plurality of life insurance policies, the plurality of life insurance policies producing a second income stream comprising death benefits; and borrowing under a loan from the lender funds for purposes selected from the group consisting of payment of a portion of the first purchase price, payment of a portion of the second purchase price, and payment of a portion of the cumulative first and second purchase prices, the loan having terms of payment which may be served by said income streams.

Abstract: A method of structuring ownership of an invention including the steps of receiving an investment commitment and a capital contribution from at least one investor, investing the capital contribution in a portfolio company, assigning a set of securities to the at least one investor based upon the capital contribution, the set of securities comprising a plurality of strips, and providing one or more of the plurality of strips to the at least one investor, wherein each of the plurality of strips is defined as a portion of the capital contribution and wherein at least one of the strips is dedicated for donation by the investor to at least one charity.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a financial transaction using an enhanced payment card through a multi-party payment card interchange network are provided. An authorization request message generated at a point of sale (POS) device associated with a merchant is received at a computer associated with the interchange network. The authorization request message includes a card identifier and relates to a transaction initiated by the cardholder with the merchant using the enhanced payment card. The transaction is electronically identified as involving the enhanced payment card by matching the received card identifier to a list of card identifiers stored within a database. A product code identifying the transaction as an enhanced payment card transaction is electronically added to the authorization request message. The merchant is instructed to transmit to the interchange computer an addendum file including enhanced transaction data for the enhanced payment card transaction.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a floating massage system made up of a scheduling system which schedules massages by predetermined increments of time, a floating structure with at least one support apparatus, a receptionist point, and a transport shuttle. The transport shuttle acts to transport a customer from the receptionist point to the floating structure for receipt of a massage scheduled by way of the scheduling system.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described herein for product level risk checks. The product level risk checks are used to either allow or prevent a trading strategy to proceed. When a trading strategy is initiated, positions created by various contracts for the trading strategy are grouped based on their association with the same product. Then, an offsetting logic is applied at a contract level to offset at least some positions created for the same contract by various orders across the orders of the trading strategy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of aggregating and valuing intellectual property in a financial exchange. The present invention provides means whereby holders of intellectual property rights may sell, or license intellectual property to an aggregator and receive shares of stock or cash for the contribution based on the aggregated value of the intellectual property held by the aggregator.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for electronic gift giving. The method includes providing an internet site for access by a giver via a giver device, prompting the giver to enter giver identification information, and storing the giver identification information in a data store. The giver is prompted to enter recipient information, and the recipient information is stored in the data store. The giver is prompted to select from a plurality of composition templates, and create a composition based on the selected composition template. The giver is prompted to enter a value of a monetary gift, and the entered value is stored in association with the created composition for delivery to a recipient. An embodiment of the invention may include interest being accrued based on the value of the monetary gift. In another embodiment, at least one sponsor pays a fee for an advertising message to appear in the composition.

Abstract: A method of seed planting in a “serpentine” pattern called the wave planter is demonstrated. It consists of a manner of placing the seeds that essentially results in equally spaced rows of seeds placed in a serpentine-like layout or wave instead of a straight row. The preferred method creates a wave pattern equidistant from the next, yet creates a substantial increase over the density of straight row planting devices and drills (eg parallel, essentially straight rows). The use of the wave pattern provide concrete and substantial benefits to the business and economics of farming through labor, energy, and maintenance savings over current planting methods which results in a new farming business method. The method may be accomplished by several devices. Some of the devices include an oscillating draw Bar planter; oscillating tongue planter; elliptical row opener; steerable undercarriage for the planter and castor row openers under undercarriage.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for assuring the integrity of data used to evaluate financial risk or exposure in trading portfolios such as portfolios of derivative contracts by looking for sweeping changes or statistically significant trends suggestive of possible errors. The method and system uses Content Analysis to measure the changes in the information content or entropy of data to detect abnormal changes that may require human intervention. A graphical user interface can also be provided that provides a mechanism for alerting users of possible errors and also gives an indication of the severity of the detected abnormality.

Abstract: A packet comparator includes a match packet buffer and a first in first out (FIFO) buffer that stores a reference packet stream. Once a packet in the reference stream and a candidate stream are matched to the match packet, the reference stream and the candidate stream are considered synchronized. Thereafter, the two streams are passed through a compare function and a resultant stream is output from the packet comparator. Possible resultant streams include the results of an exclusive OR (XOR) operation between all, or selected parts, of packets in each of the streams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tug-barge offshore cargo transport device and method, comprised of two separate elements which are removably attached: a barge and a tug boat. The barge includes a bow shaped to cut through and deflect waves, a rectangular cargo deck protected by a bulwark, compartments below the cargo deck, means for maneuvering the barge, and means at the stern of the barge for removably attaching the barge to a tug boat. The tug boat includes means at the bow to removably attach to the barge, and means to control the means for maneuvering the barge from the tug boat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security container formed to receive a cassette which visually indicates to a user what type or style of good is contained therein. The cassette may be of a general solid block type in one color or having one visual characteristic, or the cassette may have multiple inserts or slides which may be moved within the cassette to change the outwardly facing color or visible characteristic. The invention furthermore relates to a merchandising system and method for paring the appropriate security device with the correct high-theft piece of merchandise and for return of a previously used security device to the correct department of a retail establishment. In some configurations, a scan device can be used to scan a product and then display a color label associated with a security device to be used with that product.

Abstract: A method for operating with reconfigurable personal articles to enable targeted distributed mobile advertising is disclosed. A web server is provided for product registration. The web server receives identifying personal data from a mobile subscriber and stores the personal data in a database. Non-identifying demographic data is received from the mobile subscriber and stored in the database. A unique serial number associated with a reconfigurable article purchased by the mobile subscriber and is received and stored in the database, in association with the mobile subscriber. A portal accessible via the world wide web is created for the mobile subscriber. A patch having an advertisement thereon is sent to said mobile subscriber for display on the reconfigurable article, and advertisers are provided with electronic access to the non-identifying demographic data. A personal article with a reconfigurable surface substantially covering each exposed exterior surface is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for managing contingent labor costs includes, following occurrence of a predetermined event indicative of a point at which a staffing firm has earned a threshold revenue from a contingent worker recruited by the staffing firm, causing the contingent worker to become an employee of a maintenance firm; providing a labor consumer with services generated by said employee; and receiving revenue from said labor consumer for said services