Abstract: Systems and methods for performing insurance related activities are provided. Software can be implemented to provide an application that includes an interactive interface for use by insurance professionals in managing clients, marketing insurance, and storing information. For example, a network application can be implemented that a user can access via a web browser and which is intuitive for quick comprehension and interaction by users. The application can include multiple layers directed to particular stages of the insurance-client relationship. The application can include a Workflow Wizard® to aid the user in managing and maintaining client information and tracking progress. Aggregation services can also be incorporated into the application. Interactive insurance-and-client specific display pages can be incorporated to aid in understanding a client's current insurance information and to generate presentations.

Abstract: A hinge for use in, e.g., folding tables, folding chairs, or folding shelves that can be locked in at least one position. According to an aspect of the invention, the hinge is locked in the position that would correspond to the open or deployed state of the piece of furniture of which it is a part.

Abstract: A shelf panel for support of items made of an array of honeycomb-shaped cells, alternatively closed at opposite ends to create an array. The thickness of the honeycomb cells may be varied along an arch distribution with the shape of contemplated deformations. The array of honeycomb cells may be surrounded by a ring of alternatively configured cells to create regularly shaped shelf panels. The surrounding cells of a second thickness allow for possible stacking between two shelf panels including a cylindrical corner cell with a top cylinder able to accommodate a bottom cylinder from a second shelf panel. The surrounding cells may also include a wedge of the same geometry as the selected cell where part of the wedge is inserted in the cell and the other part of the wedge is a mechanical fixation means. Some circumferential cells may be adapted to be either a male or female interlocks allowing for two or more shelf panels to be interlocked if they are disposed adjacent each other on a same plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in vivo and ex vivo control, detection and measurements of radiation in brachytherapy accomplished through scintillating material detection. One example includes scintillating fibers placed along a delivery guide such as a catheter for measuring applied radiation levels during brachytherapy treatments, sensing locations of a radiation source or providing feedback of sensed radiation. The catheter may also be a mammosite type catheter. The scintillating fibers provide light output levels correlating to the levels of radiation striking the fibers. The output may then be used to measure and compute radiation distribution maps using Monte Carlo reconstruction simulation. Adjustments to a radiation treatment may be made as needed based on actual and measured applied dosages. Characteristics of a radiation source may also be measured using scintillating materials.

Abstract: A priming mixture is provided having a primary explosive and an oxidizer system containing bismuth oxide. The priming mixture generally is applicable to any application or device that employs ignition of a propellant or fuel, including, but not limited to, air bag gas generator systems, signaling devices, ejection seats, small or large arms ammunition primers, and the like.

Abstract: A folding chair includes a back frame including at least one rear leg, a seat frame pivotally connected to the back frame, at least one front leg pivotally connected to the seat frame, a link connected to the at least one front leg and the at least one rear leg to pull the front leg toward the back frame when the folding chair is folded, and a seat panel pivotally connected to the seat frame and configured to be separated from the seat frame when the folding chair is folded.

Abstract: This invention encompasses articles, compositions, and methods that provide enhanced corrosion resistance and wear resistance to firearms, firearm components, and firearm accessories. In one aspect, for example, a substrate comprising a firearm component is coated with a first layer of a corrosion-resistant material such as a first metal, followed by a second thin film layer of an abrasion-resistant material such as a second metal, a ceramic material such as a metal nitride, diamond-like carbon material, or other materials.

Abstract: A fire control assembly for a firearm includes a trigger engagement link comprising a forward end, a rearward end, and an intermediate portion. The fire control assembly further includes a sear including a bottom portion engageable with the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link, and a hammer moveable between cocked and firing positions. The hammer includes a link displacement portion operable to displace the forward end of the trigger engagement link as the hammer is moved from its firing position to its cocked position. The displacement of the forward end of the trigger engagement link by the link displacement portion of the hammer disengages the intermediate portion of the trigger engagement link from the bottom portion of the sear so as to at least temporarily deactivate the fire control assembly.

Abstract: A gas block clamping apparatus for a firearm includes a plurality of sections, each including a shaped upper section, and a lower cylindrical section to which the shaped upper section is attached. A plurality of clamp sections are symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of a barrel of the firearm, each clamp section having an upper surface for attaching the gas block to the barrel, a curved surface that aligns the clamp section to an outer surface of the barrel when the clamp sections are tightened, and a lower surface that aligns with the shaped upper section of the gas block. A plurality of fasteners are disposed through a plurality of openings in the lower surface of the clamp sections and the shaped upper surface of the gas block for securing each clamp section to both the barrel and gas block.

Abstract: Delivering electronic content includes providing instructions that might cause a computer to collect information including a network address and transmitting the collected information to a receiving computer. The computer that receives the transmitted information selects electronic content based on the received information and sends the selected electronic content to the network address included in the received information. Access to the electronic content might be selectively granted based on criteria.

Abstract: A system for tracking using electronic addresses is disclosed. The system stores an identification code, an electronic address, and a counter. The electronic address is made up of either single values or pairs of single values. A pair of single values for at least one of value of the counter is made up of a pseudonumber and a unique address value. The pseudonumber is able to be disentangled to produce a second pair of single values for a different value of the counter, thereby producing a tracking history.

Abstract: Automatic energy management is provided, in even the most complex multi-building system. The necessity of a human operator for managing energy in a complex, multi-building system is reduced and even eliminated. Computer-based monitoring and computer-based recognition of adverse energy events (such as the approach of a new energy peak) is highly advantageous in energy management. Immediate automatic querying of energy users within a system of buildings for energy curtailment possibilities is provided. Such immediate, automatic querying may be answered by the energy users through artificial intelligence and/or neural network technology provided to or programmed into the energy users, and the queried energy users may respond in real-time. Those real-time computerized responses with energy curtailment possibilities may be received automatically by a data processing facility, and processed in real-time.

Abstract: A gas operating system for a firearm renders the firearm capable of firing a wide range of shot loads by passively or automatically compensating for different shot loads. The firearm includes a plurality of ports formed in the firearm barrel, and corresponding ports formed in a gas cylinder of the gas operating system. The ports tap gases generated during firing which are used to cycle the firearm. When firing different cartridge loads, differing combinations of the ports are selectively at least partially blocked or otherwise obstructed by the cartridge casing according to the size of the cartridge.

Abstract: A gas plug retention and removal device for a gas operating system of a firearm. The gas operating system can include a gas block comprising a front end, a rear end, a gas block bore defined between the front and rear ends, and at least one cam engagement surface. A gas plug can be removably received in the front end of the gas block for at least partially sealing the gas block bore, and a cam lever bail can be pivotally coupled to the gas plug and include at least one lever arm. The at least one lever arm can be pivotally connected to the gas plug, be adapted to engage the gas block, and have at least one cam lobe formed therealong. The at least one cam lobe can engage the cam engagement surface of the gas block as the cam lever bail is pivoted so as to disengage and facilitate the removal of the gas plug from the gas block to provide access to the gas block bore.