Abstract: An interactive, multi-user media delivery system having a number of media storage mediums, each of containing a particular media selection, and a number of media players structured to selectively deliver the media selection to users. Each of the media players includes a control assembly structured to selectively control and regulate delivery of the media selection to the user, and at least one of the media players is selectively designatable as a slave unit. A master control assembly is further provided and is operatively associated with the media players, a connectivity assembly being included to establish a communicative link at least between the slave unit(s) and the master control assembly. The master control assembly is further structured to receive synchronization data from each of the media players, and to simultaneously and uniformly control the delivery of the media selection by the media players.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a payment incentive for distributing digital files over a network are provided. The method and system allow a publisher, distributor(s), and/or users to receive a payment incentive for downloading digital files on the Internet. The present disclosure creates a method and system where every party along the distribution chain will have an incentive for further distribution of the digital content file. The method includes the steps receiving by a server of a file agent at least one digital content file from a content provider; presenting the at least one digital content file for purchase; downloading the at least one digital content file to at least one user for a transaction amount; distributing a first distribution amount of the transaction amount to the content provider; and distributing a second distribution amount of the transaction amount to the at least one user.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and storing sensitive information on a global positioning system (GPS) device are provided. The system includes a locational information module for determining location information of the device; an encryption module for encrypting the location information; a processing module for storing the encrypted location information in a storage module; and an input module for inputting a code string for decrypting the location information. Information inputted to and/or generated by the device will be encrypted on the storage module. The storage module can be in any form currently available including optical media, or various types of removable memory cards or cartridges. Furthermore, the storage module may be internal memory and the GPS device may further include a transmission module or connection, e.g., hardwire or wireless, to port the information to a computer.

Abstract: A connector system (10) for producing a sterile connection includes a fluid conduit (32), an engagement device (14, 22) designed to engage with a complementary engagement device (16, 24) of a complementary connector (12), a displacement device (26) with a substantially plane displacement surface (30) and a fluid conduit aperture (60) which extends through the displacement surface (30) and is connected to the fluid conduit (32), with the displacement device (26) being designed to displace the connector (12) and the complementary connector (12) relative to one another in a displacement direction (40) after the engagement device (14, 22) has engaged with the complementary engagement device (16, 24), and with the displacement direction (40) being substantially parallel to the displacement surface (30), and a sterile cover device (20, 74) designed to cover at least the fluid conduit aperture (60) in a sterile manner.

Abstract: A cutting head for a rotary trimmer is provided. The cutting head of the present disclosure provides a control mechanism for loading a spool member of the cutting head quickly and efficiently without having to disassemble the cutting head. In one embodiment, a control mechanism is provided in the cutting head interacting between a follower member and a spool member so as to provide for one way rotational loading of flails, e.g., cutting line, into the cutting head; in other words, to load the flails, the spool member is rotated continuously 360° in one direction only, e.g., clockwise. In another embodiment, a cutting head allows the flails to be loaded by a ratcheting-type operation, i.e., a back and forth rotational movement, which is less fatiguing and even more efficient in its loading operation.

Abstract: Device for fastening a sensor on containers with a flexible container wall, in particular mixing bags, comprising a sensor support which is fitted with a sensor, bears against an inner wall of the container wall at least with a rear subsurface averted from the sensor, and is guided with a central piece through an opening in the container wall in which the sensor support is fixed on the container wall by a clamping part which can be connected to the central piece, in which the container wall is clamped between the rear subsurface of the sensor support and on a bearing surface, facing an outer wall of the container, of the clamping part, and in which the rear subsurface bears sealingly against the inner wall of the container wall. The sensor support can also have an electronic or optical transmit unit which is connected to the sensor, in which case the transmit unit communicates in a wireless fashion with a receive unit arranged outside the container.

Abstract: A quadruple parking system configured to store at least four vehicles is provided. The vehicle parking system includes a rigid frame including four vertically upstanding posts, the frame generally defining a rectangular volume; at least three platforms movably disposed in the frame, each platform being configured to support at least one vehicle; the at least three platforms being coupled to each other by a telescopic coupling, wherein in a first position the at least three platforms are nested upon each other and, upon being elevated, each platform raises the platform below each other; and a hoist unit coupled to the telescopic coupling and configured to raise and lower the at least three platforms, wherein upon being fully raised the at least three platforms define four parking positions. The hoist unit employs an electric drive unit for ensuring consistent and smooth operation in various temperature conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing and managing a plurality of credit cards are provided. The system and method enables a merchant to sign up customers for their proprietary, e.g., merchant/house, credit card without credit risk to the merchant and then allowing the customers to utilize the proprietary account without carrying the merchant's credit card. The method includes the steps of verifying a first credit card account for an amount of a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; determining if the customer qualifies for a second credit card account; issuing the second credit card account to the customer if the customer qualifies; and charging the amount to the second credit card account, wherein if the customer does not qualify for the second credit card account, charging the amount of the transaction to the first credit card account.

Abstract: A hand grip for training a batter such that both hands of the batter are properly positioned for impact with a baseball is provided. The bat grip includes a generally cylindrical member having an inner surface configured for receiving a lower portion of a bat, the member including an upper portion and a lower portion; the upper portion including a first plurality of finger grooves and a first protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the first plurality of finger grooves, the first protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a first hand of a batter; and the lower portion including a second plurality of finger grooves and a second protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the second plurality of finger grooves, the second protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a second hand of the batter, wherein the first protrusion is angularly offset from the second protrusion by a first predetermined angle.