Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction.

Abstract: A method for purchasing goods or services with incentive rewards program currency within in an airport terminal or other business environment includes image capture of a voucher into a data processing system, typically configured as a tablet computer. In the illustrative embodiment, the voucher is a boarding pass. The passenger's name or other identifying information is extracted from the image, and the tablet presents, in its display, a menu from which the passenger can select food (or other goods) for purchase from purveyors thereof (e.g., airport concessions or street restaurants or retailers in other business environments) using rewards currency. Once items are selected, the tablet determines, from a balance inquiry and response, whether the passenger has sufficient rewards currency for the purchase. If sufficient, the tablet approves the transaction, transmitting the order and the tablet's location to the appropriate purveyor for order fulfillment.

Abstract: A method for scheduling servers within a food-serving establishment or other business environment using a point-of-sale system based on a fairness processing module. The system includes a tablet, configured to receive a food order, and a computer having a transceiver, memory, and processor. The transceiver receives information about the food order from the tablet including payment and gratuity information. The memory stores payment and gratuity information along with information related to tables statistics and server-table assignments. The computer uses the fairness processing module to provide a preliminary recommendation of a first server from a group of servers for a non-routine scheduling assignment. The fairness processing module is based on a total amount of gratuities the first server has earned during a relevant period of time as compared to a total amount of gratuities earned by other servers in the group of servers.

Abstract: A method for optimizing seating capacity at a business establishment using a data processing system. Patrons of the establishment can request reservations using a computing device. Once the request has been made, the system determines whether one or more floor plan configurations have an available table capable of satisfying the request and reservation requirements. If the request can be satisfied, the reservation is confirmed and the table is assigned within the selected floor plan configuration and recorded within the reservation requirements. Walk-in patrons may also request a table. The system will produce floor plan configurations having an available table to accommodate the request in accordance with reservation requirements and business information. Business information includes data received from table activity, kitchen activity, and server activity, as well as patron requirements. The system can also predict a patron's wait time based on floor plan configuration and business information.

Abstract: A method for purchasing goods or services with incentive rewards program currency within in an airport terminal or other business environment includes image capture of a voucher into a data processing system, typically configured as a tablet computer. In the illustrative embodiment, the voucher is a boarding pass. The passenger's name or other identifying information is extracted from the image, and the tablet presents, in its display, a menu from which the passenger can select food (or other goods) for purchase from purveyors thereof (e.g., airport concessions or street restaurants or retailers in other business environments) using rewards currency. Once items are selected, the tablet determines, from a balance inquiry and response, whether the passenger has sufficient rewards currency for the purchase. If sufficient, the tablet approves the transaction, transmitting the order and the tablet's location to the appropriate purveyor for order fulfillment.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) polymers, digested oligomeric derivatives of PET (“dPET”), functionalized oligomeric derivatives of dPET (“dfPET”), and polyurethane dispersions (“PUD”) made from or incorporating dfPET therein.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing operations, for instance making orders and fulfilling orders, using one or more computing devices. In accordance with an example embodiment, an operations management system can include a self-order system, a self-payment system, and an order-fulfillment system. The self-order system, the self-payment system, and the order-fulfillment system can communicate with each other via a communication system that connects the systems, such as a wireless network for example. Using the operation management system, orders can be placed and fulfilled efficiently and with minimal personal interaction.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to the functionalized polyethylene terephthalate polymers and functionalized derivatives of PET. More particularly, but not to be construed as limiting, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relate to lower molecular weight functionalized digested PET materials from digesting recycled and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) polymers, digested oligomeric derivatives of PET (“dPET”), functionalized oligomeric derivatives of dPET (“dfPET”), and polyurethane dispersions (“PUD”) made from or incorporating dfPET therein.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to the functionalized polyethylene terephthalate polymers and functionalized derivatives of PET. More particularly, but not to be construed as limiting, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relate to lower molecular weight functionalized digested PET materials from digesting recycled and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to the method of producing a resin replacement compound, the resin replacement compound itself, and the use of the resin replacement compound. More particularly, but not to be construed as limiting, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relate to the recovery of an oligomeric form of polyethylene terephthalic acid from waste polyethylene terephthalate. In one particular aspect, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relate to the recovery of an oligomeric form of polyethylene terephthalic acid from waste products, such as beverage containers, made from polyethylene terephthalate. In an additional aspect, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relate to the use of a recovered oligomeric form of polyethylene terephthalic acid in a toner composition.

Abstract: Agents useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are disclosed.

Abstract: Agents useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are disclosed.