Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include receiving from a user on a remote device an order for delivery of a plurality of items. Each item comprises a unique identifier. Embodiments also may include determining a location of the user; identifying at least two providers located within a radius of the user, in which each provider is capable of delivering the requested items; computing for each provider a total cost of delivery of the requested items; receive a request for a first provider to deliver the requested item; and facilitate delivery of the items.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to gaming based on the results at intervals of a race. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An adapted elastomer compound, in which the adaptation is based at least in part on load performance data of a rotor/stator test coupon as evaluated on a test apparatus. The test coupon's stator section includes the original elastomer compound before adaptation thereof. The test apparatus includes a motor, a brake, and at least one sensor disposed to evaluate load performance data of the test coupon. The load performance data is the product of the process comprising the steps of: (a) rotating either the rotor section or the stator section on the test apparatus, wherein such rotation section actuates corresponding rotation of the other of the rotor section and the stator section; (b) applying a braking torque to the actuated rotor section or stator section; and (c) responsive to step (b), evaluating load performance data of the test coupon.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: A unified X-bar stopcock, including a bidirectional stopcock having a first port, second port, third port, and fourth port; and a three-way stopcock having a fifth port, sixth port, and seventh port. The bidirectional stopcock is fluidly coupled to the three-way stopcock via the first port and the fifth port. A method of using the X-bar stopcock includes providing a Swan-Ganz catheter, an X-bar stopcock, a transducer, a monitor, and at least one bag of saline. The method includes connecting the X-bar stopcock to at least two lumens of the Swan-Ganz catheter. The method additionally includes connecting at least one port of the X-bar stopcock to the transducer connected to the monitor, connecting at least one port of the X-bar stopcock to the bag of saline, and connecting the transducer to the bag of saline. The unified X-bar stopcock may also include a protective case.

Abstract: Games related to the aggregation of information are described.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: An electronic trading marketplace (ETM) communicates with interfacing modules interfacing directly with order management systems (OMS's) at trading institutions. The interfacing modules automatically transmit orders from the OMS databases to the ETM and update the OMS databases in response to orders executed at the ETM. Traders can communicate with the ETM to anonymously negotiate trades of securities.

Abstract: A valve actuator may include a valve control shaft extending at least partially through a housing of the valve actuator, wherein the valve control shaft is configured for controlling a valve position of a diverter valve. A first cam wheel may be included, where the first am wheel at least partially surrounds the valve control shaft. A first cam may be fixed to the first cam wheel, and a first microswitch may have an actuator located in a rotational path of the first cam. The valve actuator may also include a second cam wheel at least partially surrounding the valve control shaft, where a second cam is fixed to the second cam wheel, and where a second microswitch has an actuator located in a rotational path of the second cam.

Abstract: A camera lens suspension assembly includes a support member including a support metal base layer, a moving member including a moving metal base layer, bearings and smart memory alloy wires. The support member includes a bearing plate portion, static wire attach structures, and mount regions. A printed circuit on the support metal base layer includes traces extending to each static wire attach structure. The moving member includes a moving plate portion, elongated flexure arms extending from a periphery of the moving plate portion and including mount regions on ends opposite the moving plate portion, and moving wire attach structures. The bearings are between and engage the bearing plate portion of the support member and the moving plate portion of the moving member. Each of the smart memory alloy wires is attached to and extends one of the static wire attach structures and one of the moving wire attach structures.

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include syndicating service providers for orders to a plurality of providers, in store delivery options, mobile device ordering, price arbitrage and/or other elements. Various other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, a poly-nucleotide encoding mannanase, an expression construct comprising the polynucleotide, and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide or the expression construct.

Abstract: A mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3, a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase, an expression construct comprising the polynucleotide, and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide or the expression construct.

Abstract: A mannanase at least 75% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4, a polynucleotide encoding the mannanase, an expression construct comprising the polynucleotide, and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide or the expression construct.

Abstract: Tapered stator designs are engineered in a positive displacement motor (PDM) power section to relieve stator stress concentrations at the lower (downhole) end of the power section in the presence of rotor tilt. A contoured stress relief (i.e. a taper) is provided in the stator to compensate for rotor tilt, where the taper is preferably more aggressive at the lower end of the stator near the bit.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is described. A suspension assembly including a support member configured to receive at least a first circuit member. The first circuit member including at least a trace. The first circuit member disposed on the support member.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser configured for servicing from the front. A front cover is coupled to a cabinet and positionable in open and closed positions. A housing is positioned in an interior of the cabinet and supports cartridges containing ingredients for dispensing a beverage. The housing at least partially defines a cavity within the interior of the cabinet. An electronics box is configured for coupling to the cabinet in an operating position within the cavity and also in a service position in front of the housing. The cavity is accessible from the front of the cabinet when the front cover is in the open position and the electronics box is in the service position.