Abstract: A furniture console having a base and at least one of a lighting device selectively mounted to the base, a first charging device supported by the base, a thermal energy transfer assembly configured to heat or cool a first container selectively mounted to the base, and an electricity storage assembly mounted within the base, the electricity storage assembly being configured to power the furniture console. A control assembly configured to control operation of the at least one of the lighting device, the first charging device, and the thermal energy transfer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a market for empowering users to control what personal information is collected, who can access the personal information, and how it can be used, as well as to monetize their data. In one implementation, the market (600) includes users (602), buyers (604), and patrons (606) who interact via a market platform (608) and a data trust (610). The users (602) are the individuals or entities who own or control the personal or sensitive data. The buyers (604) are generally companies or organizations that are willing to pay for certain data or insights. They can access data from the marketplace for a fee. Patrons (606) are companies or other persons or entities that sponsor data collection. The market (608) lists available data and pricing. It serves as a store front for buyers (604) and patrons (606). The data trust (610) aggregates data from the users (602) and presents data insights to the buyers (604).

Abstract: A Bingo card trade feature is disclosed. This feature can offer players the option to trade one set of Bingo cards for another set of different Bingo cards. This exchange can cost nothing or an additional preset cost. These trades can be established through the entity hosting the game. The traded cards can be available for further trades for the same Bingo game based on the business rule set by the entity. The players can be able to trade cards up until a specified time before the start of the actual game. The players can also be able to trade a card as many times as they wish depending on their budget. In one specific example, a “Bonanza Trade” can offer the player the ability to take a daubed Bonanza card that was purchased, add a dollar and get two new Bonanza cards in exchange.

Abstract: A Bingo card trade feature is disclosed. This feature can offer players the option to trade one set of Bingo cards for another set of different Bingo cards. This exchange can cost nothing or an additional preset cost. These trades can be established through the entity hosting the game. The traded cards can be available for further trades for the same Bingo game based on the business rule set by the entity. The players can be able to trade cards up until a specified time before the start of the actual game. The players can also be able to trade a card as many times as they wish depending on their budget. In one specific example, a “Bonanza Trade” can offer the player the ability to take a daubed Bonanza card that was purchased, add a dollar and get two new Bonanza cards in exchange.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: Firing-readiness diagnostics in an electronic pyrotechnic device such as an electronic detonator or an electronic blasting system thereof. The diagnostics may include a check for any incompatible attached devices, a resistance or continuity check of an ignition element, and/or a capacitance check of a firing capacitor.

Abstract: A gaming machine providing symbols, located in a display area, that are capable of displaying movement. In one embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine. With slot machines, the symbols are located on reels and appear on one or more pay lines located in the display area. The slot machine may be programmed so that, when a symbol appears in a pay line as part of a winning combination, it will display movement across all or some portion of the pay line. Movement may also be provided when a non-winning combination is present in the pay line. The gaming machine may also be a video poker terminal, video bingo terminal, or other gaming machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for comparing multiple sets of information in a compare display. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for displaying cruise package and pricing information in side-by-side windows wherein the user may replace the contents of each of the windows with an alternate selection of cruise package and pricing information. The compare display enables the users to compare accurately the detailed cruise package and pricing information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods for on-line selling and booking of cruises enable a plurality of customers, agents, and cruise lines to interact with a cruise selling and booking system via communication mediums. An interactive tool is provided for compiling, reviewing, and processing information obtained from the cruise lines, customers, and agents. Customers and/or agents may search for and compare various cruise packages to find a cruise that best suits the customer needs and desires.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are used to maintain client relationships by tracking and managing customers and agents involved in booking a cruise. Furthermore, various activities which take place between an agent and active customers are monitored, whereby the type and quantity of activities performed by the agent is evaluated to assign a period of time of ownership of the customer. During the period of time while the customer is owned, other agents are prevented from acquiring the customer and subsequent booking commission. A series of rules which determine the duration of ownership of the customer are maintained and applied to enable the ownership to be changed as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for matching customer preferences with available options determining customer needs which may be used for the purpose of facilitating the cruise selling and booking process. The cruise selling and booking system is designed to store customer information and preferences and use the information to query available cruise options. The results of the query represent optimized cruise selections for which the customer will be well suited. The user quickly accesses relevant cruise package and pricing information which may be used for detailed comparisons between individual cruise packages.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are used to maintain client relationships by tracking and managing customers and agents involved in booking a cruise. Furthermore, various activities which take place between an agent and active customers are monitored, whereby the type and quantity of activities performed by the agent is evaluated to assign a period of time of ownership of the customer. During the period of time while the customer is owned, other agents are prevented from acquiring the customer and subsequent booking commission. A series of rules which determine the duration of ownership of the customer are maintained and applied to enable the ownership to be changed as needed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods of comparing pricing information may commence with a user access the cruise selling and booking system to search for cruise packages that meet a customer's preferences. The user may utilize the cruise selling and booking system to select a set of pricing options for which the customer may qualify. The user may then view detailed pricing information that corresponds to the set of pricing options in one or more of the available price matrices.

Abstract: An improved orthodontic bracket having a bracket body that is either translucent or transparent. The bracket body is coated with a colored layer of water insoluble material that contrasts sharply with the color of teeth. As a result, when the orthodontic brackets are affixed to the teeth, they are easy to see and can be readily aligned by an orthodontic practitioner. The layer of water insoluble material coating the orthodontic brackets is highly soluble in alcohol. As a result, the color coating can be removed from the orthodontic brackets by rinsing the mouth with a mouth wash that contains alcohol. As such, after the orthodontic practitioner has applied the orthodontic brackets to the teeth, the colored layer of material can be dissolved away leaving only the translucent or transparent bracket body behind.

Abstract: A prophylactic device and associated method for preventing contamination between the mouth and a mouthpiece. The prophylactic device is a generally tubular structure, having a two open ends, that is made of a highly elastic and water impermeable material such as latex. The tubular structure is configured to conform to the contours of the mouthpiece as the mouthpiece is placed within the tubular structure. As the tubular structure is pulled over the mouthpiece, the tubular structure stretches and conforms to the mouthpiece, thus creating a watertight seal against the mouthpiece. When applied to a mouthpiece, the tubular structure covers the exterior surfaces of the mouthpiece. One end of the tubular structure is the folded into itself and is passed through the center of the mouthpiece, thereby protecting the interior surfaces of the mouthpiece.