Abstract: A method for generating real estate offers comprising the steps: creating a request for a loan pre-approval document on a real estate transaction application by a realtor; transmitting, by said real estate transaction application, said request for a loan pre-approval document to a loan officer via said real estate transaction application; collecting, by said loan officer, one or more financial documents for preparing said loan pre-approval document; generating, by said loan officer, said loan pre-approval document, wherein said loan pre-approval document is stored on said real estate transaction application; sending, by said real estate transaction application, to said realtor, an electronic notification that said loan pre-approval document has been prepared by said loan officer; selecting, by said realtor, a residential purchase agreement document; generating an offer package by said real estate transaction application.

Abstract: A composite product and a method of manufacturing the composite product are disclosed. The composite product includes (a) a polymeric material binder and a metal-bearing material or (b) the polymeric material binder and a carbon-bearing material. The 5 method includes heating and mixing the components of the composite product and thereafter forming the heated mixture into a final product shape, with the heating step being sufficient to melt at least a part of the polymeric material binder to facilitate forming the product.

Abstract: A composite product and a method of manufacturing the composite product are disclosed. The composite product includes (a) a polymeric material binder and a metal-bearing material or (b) the polymeric material binder and a carbon-bearing material. The 5 method includes heating and mixing the components of the composite product and thereafter forming the heated mixture into a final product shape, with the heating step being sufficient to melt at least a part of the polymeric material binder to facilitate forming the product.

Abstract: A composite product and a method of manufacturing the composite product are disclosed. The composite product includes (a) a polymeric material binder and a metal-bearing material or (b) the polymeric material binder and a carbon-bearing material. The 5 method includes heating and mixing the components of the composite product and thereafter forming the heated mixture into a final product shape, with the heating step being sufficient to melt at least a part of the polymeric material binder to facilitate forming the product.

Abstract: A method for producing a ferro-alloy, such as steel, in an electric arc furnace or other suitable metallurgical furnace is disclosed. The method comprises supplying a mixture of (a) a carbon-containing polymer that is capable of acting as a slag foaming agent and (b) another source of carbon into the furnace during at least a part of a power-on phase of the method. A metallurgical furnace is also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to element deflectors and/or methods of making the same that are capable of reducing the number and/or amount of deposits (e.g., moisture and/or debris) that form on the lens(es) of viewing devices that reduce the viewing quality and/or experience. An air supply is configured to supply a flow of pressurized air. A matte box includes a plurality of holes and/or jets formed in or around a frame or hood thereof, with the plurality of holes or jets being disposed at one or more angles such that the flow of pressurized air is capable of flowing therethrough to reduce the number and/or amount of deposits from forming on the lens of the viewing device. A conduit connects the air supply to the holes or jets so that the flow of pressurized air flows from the air supply through the conduit to the holes or jets. The holes or jets may be capable or creating a desirable cyclonic or swirling effect for the air.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly 10 comprising a locking device 11 in operative communication with a piston 3, wherein the locking device 11 comprises an active material operative to resist motion of the piston 3 in response to an activation signal. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly 10 comprising displacing a suspended body 60 in mechanical communication with a piston 3; activating an active material in operative communication with the piston 3; and controlling the motion of the suspended body 60.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly 10 comprising a piston 3 in slideable communication with a housing 2; a seal 6 in operative communication with the piston 3 and/or the housing 2; wherein the seal 6 comprises an active material adapted to control the motion of the piston 3. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly 10 comprising displacing a suspended body 60 in mechanical communication with a piston 3; wherein the piston 3 comprises a piston head 14 and a piston rod 12; activating an active material in operative communication with the piston head 14; and controlling the motion of the suspended body 60.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a reflective surface disposed on a substrate; an actuator in operative communication with at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the actuator comprises an active material; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in a property of the active material, wherein the change in the property results in movement of the at least the portion of the substrate from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly 10 comprising a piston 3 in slideable communication with the housing 2; an actuator 16 in operative communication with the piston 3, wherein the actuator 16 comprises a shape memory material and is adapted to control the displacement of the piston. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly 10 comprising displacing a suspended body 60 in operative communication with a piston; and activating an actuator 16 in operative communication with the piston, wherein the actuator 16 comprises a shape memory material.