Abstract: Disclosed herein are recovery anchors comprising at least one sheet and at least one anchor line attached to the at least one sheet. Also disclosed are methods of releasing an immobilized vehicle using the disclosed recovery anchors.

Abstract: A novel pet treat is provided. The pet treat defines a multi-dimensional object that is edible. The pet treat has a profile that provides enhanced aerodynamic properties when it is dropped, flicked, thrown or released. A method for dispensing an animal treat is also provided wherein the pet treat is mechanically dispensed by locally actuating a dispenser, or by automated dispensing based on motion of the pet, or a timer, or by remote control with the use of a personal computer or a wireless communications device having appropriate software or firmware downloaded. The pet owner or authorized user may command the dispenser to actuate or dispense a pet treat at any time. Automated motion event and timer based actuations are preferably enabled when the pet is alone or the pet treat dispenser is unattended.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for methods and systems that can be used for generating a planogram data file by: receiving, at a remote computing device, recorded position data for one or more items located on first and second fixtures of a display segment, and generating, using the remote computing device, a planogram data file. The planogram data file may be generated by: writing product data for the one or more items, and fixture location data for the first fixture; writing, based on the recorded position data, position data for the items located on the first fixture to the planogram data file, determining a first maximum item height for the one or more items on the first fixture, and writing, based on the first maximum item height, fixture location data for the second fixture to the planogram data file.

Abstract: A paperless system for the online and offline collection of data representing votes cast and choices registered in elections and surveys is administered at a master Website at which election/survey and voter/participant data and qualifications are maintained and associated in a database with parameters for a uniquely identified election or survey event. Voter/participant identity records with a password are also maintained in the database and embedded on a smart card that is issued to a voter/participant upon registration. Upon the occurrence of an election/survey event, the smart card is entered in a terminal mechanism to permit voting or choice selection. Individual votes and choices are transmitted to the master Website in real time or in batches where they are tabulated and analyzed. After voting, an indicia is placed on the smart card to prevent its reuse for subsequent participation in the same event.

Abstract: A system to track vehicle maintenance by removing service coupon data stored on a smart card. Identification and contract data are entered into a centralized database when a new vehicle is sold. A smart card is personalized and sent out when the database shows that a new vehicle owner has been added. The smart card is inserted into a remote terminal when the vehicle owner brings a vehicle in for service. The vehicle's current odometer reading and type of service is entered into a vehicle maintenance program. The appropriate service coupon is removed from the smart card and the current odometer reading and type of service for the vehicle is stored in the remote terminal. The remote terminal downloads the data back to the database the appropriate time. After data has been collected the system administrator can run reports and manipulate data for analysis and customer to dealer reimbursement purposes.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the eligibility of card holders for predetermined events such as entering a building or attending a sporting event is provided. The system and method includes interconnecting a central processing unit with a first database maintaining data concerning status information of a user and a second database maintaining data concerning eligibility parameters for a predetermined event. A first terminal, remote from the central processing unit, is interconnected in a network with the central processing unit. Data concerning the status information of a user is entered through the first terminal and data concerning the eligibility parameters for a predetermined event is entered through the first terminal. A smart card is generated having stored thereon the data concerning the status information of a user. A second terminal, remote from the central processing unit, is interconnected in a network with the central processing unit.

Abstract: A multifunction smart card having a purse with a plurality of pockets capable of registering a stored value limited to a predetermined purpose. The system in which the smart card is used includes the smart card, a smart card terminal for populating data on the smart card, a funds terminal for entering data associated with an account from which funds registered to a smart card pocket, and an institution and merchant terminal associated with institutional and merchant data for use of the smart card. Each component of the system is connected in a network to central processing unit linked to a database containing component associated records. Upon receipt of a signal in the network, the central processing unit processing unit records transactions made with the card. The system is capable of settlement between the funder account and merchants on a timed basis.