Abstract: Systems and methods for managing payments. An invoice is generated based on a first invoice detail from a first participant and the generated invoice is displayed to a second participant. The system receives a modification of the first invoice detail from the second participant along with a comment associated with the modification. The first invoice detail, the modification, and the comment are stored to the computer readable memory and a payment between the participants is facilitated based at least in part on the modification.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing payments. One construction of the system includes a software enabled user interface accessible by a first party and a second party, at least one computer readable memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to selectively operate in a specified billing mode in response to an input received from the first party. The processor is configured to receiving invoice details from the first party when operating in the specified billing mode and from the second party when not operating in the specified billing mode. The processor is further configured to generate an invoice based on the invoice details, display the invoice to the first party and the second party, and request an approval or a rejection of the invoice from the first party or the second party.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a construction payment process wherein a higher degree of functionality is provided to primary users and only a limited subset of functionality is provided to sub-tier contractors. One construction of the system is configured to receive an electronically signed document and a request for payment from the sub-tier contractor. The request for payment is presented to a first primary user who is a contractual parent of the sub-tier contractor. When approval of the request for payment is received, a payment is initiated from a project payor to the sub-tier contractor. In some embodiments, the project payor is a contractual grandparent of the sub-tier contractor and a contractual parent of the first primary user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for its preparation comprising (a) converting 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,3-dichloropropane (243db) to 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-chloro-prop-1-ene (CF3CCI?CH2) in the presence of a first catalyst in a first reactor, (b) contacting CF3CCI?CH2 with a fluorinating agent in the presence of a second catalyst in a second reactor to produce a compound of formula CF3CFXCH3, wherein X?Cl or F, and (c) dehydrohalogenating the compound of formula CF3CFXCH3 to produce 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,3-dichloropropane (243db), which process comprises contacting 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1243zf) with chlorine in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises activated carbon, alumina and/or an oxide of a transition metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of 1234yf comprising (a) contacting 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropene (1216) with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to produce 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (236ea); (b) dehydrofluorinating 236ea to produce 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene (1225ye); (c) contacting 1225ye with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to produce 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane (245eb); and (d) dehydrofluorinating (245eb) to produce (1234yf).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf) comprising (a) contacting 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,3-difluoropropane (243db) with hydrogen fluoride (HF) in the presence of a zinc/chromia catalyst to produce a compound having the formula CF3CHFCH2X, wherein X is Cl or F, and (b) dehydrohalogenating the compound of formula CF3CHFCH2X to produce 1234yf.

Abstract: A financial transactions processing system includes a cradle to receive dispensed notes for dispensing cash to customers and/or tellers. The cradle may be rotatable for use with more than one user. The cradle may have end walls to provide security and privacy to each user. A rotatable shield may provide additional security and privacy. A lock may prevent the cradle and/or shield from rotating to prevent unauthorized access to cash in the cradle.

Abstract: A networked computer system for acquiring prequalification information and comparing that prequalification information to a set of minimum requirements for a plurality of reviewing organizations. In some embodiments, the networked computer system also facilitates the project bidding process between prequalified organizations. The networked computer system receives bids from a prequalified bidding organization and assigns a rank to the bidding organization relative to other prequalified bidding organizations. In some embodiments, the networked computer system assigns a rank to the bid proposal based, in part, on the bidding organization's prequalification information and the information from the bid proposal.

Abstract: A networked computer system for facilitating the prequalification approval of construction industry organization to bid on constructions projects posted by a reviewing organization. The system electronically receives business information from a submitting organization. After receiving a request for a prequalification application from a reviewing organization, the system generates a prequalification application in the format specified by the reviewing organization using the business information previously provided by the submitting organization. The system then routes individual data items in the application to one or more participants associated with the reviewing organization. The system receives approval of the individual data items before receiving final approval of the application. If the application is approved, the submitting organization is able to submit bids to the reviewing organization for construction projects posted by the reviewing organization.

Abstract: A multi-component packaging system includes a lower containing assembly, an upper containing assembly, and a cover. The lower containing assembly defines an interior cavity that is adapted to receive a first food component. The upper containing assembly defines an interior that is adapted to receive a second food component. The upper containing assembly is adapted for engagement with the lower containing assembly. The cover is engaged with at least one of the lower containing assembly and the upper containing assembly. The cover includes a passage portion that defines a plurality of apertures. Anti-foam compositions for use in the multi-component packaging system and a multi-component packaging system containing the anti-foam compositions disposed on one or more interior surfaces of the packaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lightning protection system, method and aircraft are provided for reducing the flammability of jet fuel spilled during an in-flight refueling operation between a supplying aircraft and a receiving aircraft. An inert gas is injected adjacent to a refueling interface in order to displace oxygen in the fuel-air mixture and thereby reduce the ability of the fuel vapor to ignite upon occurrence of an ignition source such as lightning. The refueling system may comprise a boom or a hose and drogue type device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a construction payment process wherein a higher degree of functionality is provided to primary users and only a limited subset of functionality is provided to sub-tier contractors. One construction of the system is configured to receive an electronically signed document and a request for payment from the sub-tier contractor. The request for payment is presented to a first primary user who is a contractual parent of the sub-tier contractor. When approval of the request for payment is received, a payment is initiated from a project payor to the sub-tier contractor. In some embodiments, the project payor is a contractual grandparent of the sub-tier contractor and a contractual parent of the first primary user.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generation system for turbine engines and the like has at least one thermoelectric generator disposed proximate the turbine engine such that waste heat from the turbine engine can be converted into electricity. Vehicle performance and efficiency can be enhanced by mitigating the need for mechanically driven electric power generators, which undesirably drain power from the turbine engine thus adversely affect the vehicle's performance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing payments. One construction of the system includes a software enabled user interface accessible by a first party and a second party, at least one computer readable memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to selectively operate in a specified billing mode in response to an input received from the first party. The processor is configured to receiving invoice details from the first party when operating in the specified billing mode and from the second party when not operating in the specified billing mode. The processor is further configured to generate an invoice based on the invoice details, display the invoice to the first party and the second party, and request an approval or a rejection of the invoice from the first party or the second party.

Abstract: A multi-component packaging system includes a lower containing assembly, an upper containing assembly, and a cover. The lower containing assembly defines an interior cavity that is adapted to receive a first food component. The upper containing assembly defines an interior that is adapted to receive a second food component. The upper containing assembly is adapted for engagement with the lower containing assembly. The cover is engaged with at least one of the lower containing assembly and the upper containing assembly. The cover includes a passage portion that defines a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic package includes providing a first substrate having a top surface, providing a second substrate having a top surface including a plurality of conductive pads, a bottom surface remote therefrom and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and securing the second substrate over the first substrate so that the bottom surface of the second substrate confronts the top surface of the first substrate, wherein the first and second substrates have coefficients of thermal expansion that are substantially similar to one another.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing work load in a cluster of at least two service resources. Depending upon the configuration, a service resource may be an individual process, such as a single instance of a computer game, or a node on which multiple processes are executing, such as a Server. Initial connection requests from new clients are directed to a single entry-point service resource in the cluster, called an intake. A separate intake is designated for each type of service provided by the cluster. The clients are processed in a group at the service resource currently designated as the intake to which clients initially connected, for the duration of the session. Based upon its loading, the current intake service resource determines that another service resource in the cluster should become a new intake for subsequent connection requests received from new clients. Selection of another service resource to become the new intake is based on the current work load of each resource in the cluster.

Abstract: An assembly includes a structure, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of compliant pads disposed between said terminals and said structure. The terminals are aligned with at least some of said pads, with the pads providing a standoff between the structure and the terminals. The compliant pads are preferably made of a non-conductive material such as a silicone elastomer.