Abstract: A method includes initiating a session of a mobile returns interface on a mobile device, and the mobile device communicates with a server. The method further includes receiving receipt information through the mobile returns interface and sending a receipt information validation request to the server. The method further includes receiving, from the server, a first validation that the receipt information is stored on the one or more servers. The method further includes receiving item information through the mobile returns interface and sending an item information validation request to the server. The method further includes receiving, from the server, a second validation that the item information is stored on the server. The method further includes performing an item transaction associated with the receipt information and the item information in response to receiving the first validation and the second validation.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a session of a mobile returns interface on a mobile device, and the mobile device communicates with a server. The method further includes receiving receipt information through the mobile returns interface and sending a receipt information validation request to the server. The method further includes receiving, from the server, a first validation that the receipt information is stored on the one or more servers. The method further includes receiving item information through the mobile returns interface and sending an item information validation request to the server. The method further includes receiving, from the server, a second validation that the item information is stored on the server. The method further includes performing an item transaction associated with the receipt information and the item information in response to receiving the first validation and the second validation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing mobile returns are disclosed. At least some versions of the disclosed systems enable a return transaction to be performed using a mobile device connected to a network of one or more servers. The disclosed mobile returns systems may increase return transaction efficiency and relieve congestion at conventional customer service registers. The mobile device may be configured to operate in a trained returns mode or an expedited returns mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wear component for use in a manufacturing process includes at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process and at least one wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a varying depth. In another embodiment, a wear component includes at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process, a first wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a first depth, and a second wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a second depth that is different from the first depth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing mobile returns are disclosed. At least some versions of the disclosed systems enable a return transaction to be performed using a mobile device connected to a network of one or more servers. The disclosed mobile returns systems may increase return transaction efficiency and relieve congestion at conventional customer service registers. The mobile device may be configured to operate in a trained returns mode or an expedited returns mode.

Abstract: When designing a firearm it became very apparent that a firearm locking system would be needed for the prevention of unauthorized use of the weapon such as children and others. This system had to be used for Citizens, Police, Military, and Government users in their bedroom, on duty, and for its fast access time, (less than 2 seconds) safety, and quality, reliability, must be built and made with the highest performance of design, testing, manufacturing, to build and sell a superior product.

Abstract: An optical network that can span increased distances using a feeder link portion, at least one 1:N splitter, a distribution link portion, and a drop link portion for servicing end users. The at least one 1:N splitter being in optical communication between the feeder link portion and the distribution link portion. In one embodiment, the feeder link portion has at least one optical waveguide with a predetermined Stimulated Brillouin Scattering(SBS) threshold and the distribution link portion having at least one optical waveguide having a predetermined Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) threshold. The optical network having a SBS threshold ratio that is greater than one. The SBS threshold ratio being defined as the predetermined SBS threshold of the feeder link portion divided by the predetermined SBS threshold of distribution link portion.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one strength member, and a jacket. The at least one strength member is a material having an average residual angle in the range of about 30 degrees to about 65 degrees during a bending test using a mandrel having a wire ratio (D/d) of about 200, The strength member is suitable, if necessary, for self-attaching to studs, hooks, or the like by bending it therearound and is also suitable for hardware such as P-clamps or other grips. In other embodiments, strength member 14 is annealed to relieve work hardening. Preferred embodiments use a steel strength member with a carbon content between about 0.30 percent to about 0.75 percent. Additionally, a coating may be applied to the strength member for environmental/corrosion protection or conductivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for monitoring engine emissions of a moving craft, such as a ship. The system comprises a communication receiver that is configured to receive positioning data. The system further comprises an emission monitor that is configured to sense the opacity of an engine. The system synchronizes the acquired data, and displays to a user emission and positioning data on a monitor. The system allows storage of the acquired data in a storage medium as a record for later retrieval.

Abstract: A driven cylinder mower comprises a mower body 101 and a grass box. An electric motor drives a cutter assembly 202, and also a turbo fan drawing air through an opening 207, both mounted in the body. The grass box has a mouth 204 over the cutters and an opening 302 which mates with the opening 207 in the mower body, and through which the turbo fan sucks air from the cutting region through the grass box. The air from the turbo fan may be discharged within a skirt on the underside of the mower body to assist in supporting the mower above the ground. This skirt, and the land wheels and rear roller, lie behind the cutters, so as to avoid flattening the grass before it reaches the cutters. The land wheels are preferably inset, so that they run only on cut grass.

Abstract: An electrically or petrol driven cylinder mower comprises a mower body 101 and a grass box. An electric motor or petrol engine drives a cutter assembly 202, and also a turbo fan drawing air through an opening 207, both mounted in the body. The grass box has a mouth 204 over the cutters and an opening 302 which mates with the opening 207 in the mower body, and through which the turbo fan sucks air from the cutting region through the grass box.The air from the turbo fan is discharged within a skirt on the underside of the mower body to assist in supporting the mower above the ground. This skirt, and the land wheels and rear roller, lie behind the cutters, so as to avoid flattening the grass before it reaches the cutters. The land wheels are preferably inset, so that they run only on cut grass.

Abstract: A mower includes a cylindrical cutting unit mounted for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and an air pump for establishing a cushion of pressurized air for supporting the mower above a ground datum. A hood separates the cushion of air from the cylindrical cutting unit and from a grass collector.

Abstract: An air-cushion lawn mower has a rotary cutting blade shrouded by a hood. The mower has a fan wheel rotatable about the same axis as the blade, and both the blade and the fan wheel are driven by a motor mounted on the hood. The front part of the hood with respect to the normal direction of travel of the mower, has projections which support a freely rotatable roller which acts to reduce the frictional resistance to forward motion when the mower is used to cut relatively long blades of grass.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of a water-soluble solid from a mixture containing said solid and an aqueous solution of water-soluble impurity, said process comprising displacing the aqueous solution from the mixture by washing with a water-miscible organic solvent, slurrying the resulting mixture of water-soluble solid and solvent with water, removing the solvent by steam distillation and finally subjecting the resulting aqueous solution or suspension to spray drying.