Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing single and multi-core lifting slings, the method comprising: aligning a plurality of core fibers to form a sling body; applying a coating along length of the sling body, wherein an initial layer of the coating seals the plurality of core fibers from exposure to contaminates; and applying additional layers of the coating in areas of the sling body subject to high crush and shear forces. Other exemplary embodiments include tensioning the plurality of core fibers and forming a multi-core lifting sling by applying a seaming coat of the coating material to the sling body and at least to one of a second sling body. In an exemplary embodiment, the coating can be at least an isocyanate mixed with an amine forming polyurea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a combination permanent partial decoration and temporary decoration to mass customize refillable glass vessels. The method comprising: decorating a glass vessel with a permanent partial decoration, receiving the glass vessel at a filling facility, washing the glass vessel in caustic solution to remove presence of a temporary decoration, filling the glass vessel with a product contents, printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, distributing the glass vessel to a marketplace for use by a consumer, receiving the consumer used glass vessel at the filling facility, and recycling the glass vessel by returning to the step of washing. Other embodiments include not using the permanent partial decoration and printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, wherein at least some of the temporary decoration is printed on top of a background region to increase the luminance qualities of the temporary decoration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting sling that is adapted to monitor cargo. The lifting sling can include core materials, and a control system. The control system can effectuate the ability to monitor certain lifting sling operational parameters. The control system can be an electronic system and or an indicator. The electronic system can effectuate data acquisition, data processing, and or data communication of a plurality of operational parameters related to the lifting sling and or cargo. By monitoring certain operational parameters, methods of determining the operational condition, suitably for use of the lifting sling, and or monitoring of the cargo, can be effectuated. Once the lifting sling is secured in combination with the cargo certain operational parameters vary in response to the lifting sling being in contact/proximity with the cargo (i.e. tension). Variations in operational parameters can be utilized to make certain determinations related to the cargo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing basketball and in particular to a method comprising providing a rectangular region defining a game play surface; providing a goal defined by a hoop located over each the in paint region; and scoring points during game play as follows: a player standing, within the in paint region, and shooting a ball through the goal scores one point; the player standing, within region between the in paint region and the three-point line, and shooting the ball through the goal scores two points; the player standing, within region between the three-point line and the four-point line, and shooting the ball through the goal scores three-points; and the player standing, within the four-point region, and shooting the ball through the goal scores four-points.

Abstract: In the 21st Century Challenge America Basketball Game, the three-point line is placed at eighteen feet and enhanced with a 56.25 degree elliptical arc meaning the three-point shot can increase in length from eighteen to twenty four feet as the player moves to the top of the key. A four-point shot has been introduced. The basket use has been raised to between ten feet one inch to fifteen feet eleven inches depending on agreed level and selection of play and division level of play. Shots made “in the paint” are worth one point. The game is played on a one hundred foot court.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cashless transaction processing system implementing a VEND ASSIST mode of operation to effectuate a cashless vending transaction. The VEND ASSIST mode allows a computing platform 802 to oversee, control, and authorize by way of a system 500 the vend selection and sale price of a user selected vend item prior to fulfilling the user's request. The cashless transaction processing system includes a system 500 and a computing platform 802. The system 500 initiates a vending session when certain commands from an interconnected computing platform 802 are received or in response to presentation, by a user, of valid payment identification data. Computing platform 802 data communicates a VEND APPROVE or VEND DENY response to a system 500 initiated REQUEST VEND APPROVE data communication. A vend cycle is then initiated or preempted as appropriate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that is scalable and configurable to include vending equipment audit capabilities, a card reader assembly having a card reader processor interface board for accepting card identification data as payment for items vended, an interactive interface and protocol for interconnecting the system to a computing platform, and support for a plurality of communication options that include wired, point-to-point wireless, and wireless WAN solutions. In addition, the present invention also relates to a system and method of effectuating a payment device for accepting card ID data, authorizing the validity of the card ID data, facilitating a vending transaction, settling the transaction to effect payment for the vended goods and services, gathering DEX and MDB audit data from the vending equipment, and data communicating with a plurality of remote locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frost and freezing (freeze-up) prevention control system for improving the efficiency of a cooling system commonly found in refrigerators, refrigerated vending machines, and or beverage coolers. Furthermore, the present invention can be retrofit onto, or originally manufactured into a cooling system. Suitable cooling systems are those commonly found in refrigerators, refrigerated vending machines and refrigerated beverage coolers. The present invention monitors, controls, and improves the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle by preventing the refrigerated cooling system from accumulating frost and or ice on critical cooling system components. Furthermore, by controlling the refrigeration cycle the present invention maintains a high level of cooling system efficiency and reduces the electrical power consumption required to operate the cooling system over the operational life of the cooling system.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device data communicates with Internet based data processing resources for the purpose of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business. The in-vehicle device and the Internet based data processing resources can effectuate a wide variety of e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business including accessing auto part databases, warranty, customer, and other remote databases. In addition, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include vehicle security and vehicle service management, data communicating Internet based radio, audio, MP3, MPEG, video, and other types of data. Furthermore, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include interactive advertising, promotional offers, coupons, and supporting other remote data communications. The in-vehicle device can also include functionality for remote monitoring of vehicle performance, data communicating and accessing remote Internet based content and data, and effectuating adjustments and control of vehicle operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frost and freezing (freeze-up) prevention control system for improving the efficiency of a cooling system commonly found in refrigerators, refrigerated vending machines, and or beverage coolers. Furthermore, the present invention can be retrofit onto, or originally manufactured into a cooling system. Suitable cooling systems are those commonly found in refrigerators, refrigerated vending machines and refrigerated beverage coolers. The present invention monitors, controls, and improves the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle by preventing the refrigerated cooling system from accumulating frost and or ice on critical cooling system components. Furthermore, by controlling the refrigeration cycle the present invention maintains a high level of cooling system efficiency and reduces the electrical power consumption required to operate the cooling system over the operational life of the cooling system.