Abstract: A crafting apparatus (10) includes a working portion (22) and a base portion (20). The working portion (22) includes a lower surface (32) and an upper surface (34). The upper surface (34) defines a working three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (X-Y-Z). The base portion (20) includes a lower surface (24) and an upper surface (26). The lower surface (32) of the working portion (22) is disposed adjacent to the upper surface (26) of the base portion (20). The lower surface (24) defines a non-working three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (XS-YS-ZS). The upper surface (34) of the working portion (22) extends relative to the lower surface (24) of the base portion (20) at an angle (?22) for angularly-offsetting the working three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (X-Y-Z) from the non-working three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (XS-YS-ZS). Methods (200, 300) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for automatically processing a claim provided by a user. Responsive to receiving a notice of loss associated with a claim of a user, a set of customer identity validation data are collected. The set of customer identity validation data may be determined to meet a pre-defined identity validation criteria. Responsive to determining that the set of customer identity validation data meets the pre-defined identity validation criteria, current claim evaluation data for the claim may be accessed. A set of predictive impact assessment scores associated with the current claim evaluation data may be determined using a predictive model. The set of current claim evaluation data may be determined to meet pre-defined claim data criteria by comparing the predictive impact assessment scores with a set of impact assessment thresholds. Responsive to determining that the set of current claim evaluation data meets the pre-defined claim data criteria, a reactive action to the claim may be determined.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for automatically processing a claim provided by a user. Responsive to receiving a notice of loss associated with a claim of a user, a set of customer identity validation data are collected. The set of customer identity validation data may be determined to meet a pre-defined identity validation criteria. Responsive to determining that the set of customer identity validation data meets the pre-defined identity validation criteria, current claim evaluation data for the claim may be accessed. A set of predictive impact assessment scores associated with the current claim evaluation data may be determined using a predictive model. The set of current claim evaluation data may be determined to meet pre-defined claim data criteria by comparing the predictive impact assessment scores with a set of impact assessment thresholds. Responsive to determining that the set of current claim evaluation data meets the pre-defined claim data criteria, a reactive action to the claim may be determined.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the calculated removal of fat from pork skin. Pork skin is subjected to tumbling cycles during which the pork skin is tumbled first in warm water and subsequently in warm water containing salt and concentrated laundry detergent. As this two step cycle is repeated, fat contained within the pork skin separates and is drained from the pork skin with the rinse water. The cycle may be repeated until the pork skin contains a desired percentage of fat. The process does not require that the pork skin be ground or otherwise comminuted in order to selectively remove fat from the material, nor does the process use harsh solvents or chemicals that might render the pork skin inedible or toxic. Because the process is all natural, the reduced fat whole pork skin is edible and may be formed into a variety of canine treats through additional processing and cooking.

Abstract: In the system for analyzing aqueous samples, the aqueous sample is deposited upon a sheet of filter paper which is held in a filter holder by clamping the peripheral edges of the filter paper between male and female threaded members of the filter holder. The filter paper with the sample is dried by a heated air stream directed perpendicularly toward the paper so that it flows around and through the paper. After the sample has been dried, it is analyzed by near infrared spectral analysis to measure the constituents of the dried sample.

Abstract: A microwave powered electrodeless lamp which employs a hybrid cylindrical cavity which is part mesh and part solid. The cylindrical mesh portion permits the lamp to be used with an external reflector while the cylindrical solid portion enables a plurality of waveguides to be coupled to the cavity for high power operation.

Abstract: A microwave powered electrodeless light source in which a relatively high power level is coupled to the bulb. This is accomplished by arranging for a plurality of energy modes which are substantially de-coupled from each other to be present in the microwave cavity.

Abstract: A microwave powered electrodeless light source which is powered by two magnetrons which are excited successively.