Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to enabling a shopper to utilize a mobile electronic device to check-in to a physical store while at the store. A shopper may utilize the mobile electronic device to read a check-in code at a location proximal to an entrance of a physical store. A substantially instantaneous pecuniary reward may be provided to the shopper upon reading of the check-in code and the shopper may be notified of such reward via the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for filtering fluid, preferably effluent fluid in a septic system, by providing a staged, filtering array in an effluent flow path, the stages positioned in an orientation designed to maximize filtering capability in conjunction with predetermined apertures.

Abstract: An electronic memory key is described. The key includes internal memory and contact points on an exemplary flat and annular surface with a mechanical fastening mechanism to securely affix the key to a device interface. Corresponding contacts are provided on the device to electronically communicate the key to device.

Abstract: A geosolar temperature control construction for buildings and method of controlling building temperature by using both geo-exchange and solar means.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive system for a high-rail vehicle comprises a high-rail vehicle having a first prime mover, a disengaged transmission, a chassis, a first set of on-road wheel assemblies and a second set of rail wheels, a cab for controlling the high-rail vehicle on road, a remote cab spaced from the primary cab, the remote cab allowing for control of the high-rail vehicle on railroad tracks, a secondary drive assembly comprising one of a hydraulic motor or an electric motor, a friction roller engaging one of the first set of on road wheel assemblies, the friction roller drivably engaging at least one of the first set of on road wheel assemblies and, the secondary drive assembly operable from the remote cab to move the friction roller and move the high-rail vehicle along the railroad tracks.

Abstract: A self-closing hinge comprises a stationary assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical tube having a first end and a second end having a clutch stationary assembly secured thereto. The hinge further includes a first torsional spring positioned within said tube and secured at the first end thereof, and has a pin secured at a second end of said first torsional spring whereby said spring biases said pin in a first direction and whereby said pin rotates to engage said clutch assembly at a at least one point. A rotating intermediate tube assembly comprises a generally hollow cylinder having a first end positioned over said stationary assembly, and a second end having a clutch rotating assembly, whereby said pin of said torsional spring engages said clutch rotating assembly at a point.

Abstract: A bolt action for a firearm includes a receiver body having forward and rear apertures connected by a central bore therethrough, and having a plurality of forward and rear conical seat surfaces proximate the forward and rear apertures. The bolt action further includes a generally cylindrical bolt body having forward and rear ends, a plurality of locking lugs disposed on a forward end thereof for engaging the forward conical surfaces of the receiver body and a floating bolt handle for engaging the rear conical surfaces of the receiver body when the bolt handle is rotated.

Abstract: A child resistant dispensing system having a flip-top closure. The flip-top closure has a push button positioned in the skirt of the flip-top lid wherein an opposed squeeze disengages the child resistant latch mechanism. The child resistant latch mechanism includes a latch projecting from the flip-top lid and engaging a projection of the closure body. A latch guide assists in positioning the latch during engagement with the projection of the closure body. The push button may be positioned substantially flush with the outside surface of the flip-top lid and closure body.

Abstract: A walk-behind soil aerator includes an engine, a differential, and left and right tine assemblies driven by the first and second output shafts of the differential, and a variable speed drive means between the engine and the differential, as well as a control means accessible by an operator walking behind the aerator which allows the operator to make tight turns by gradually reducing the speed of the drive means to a desired slow speed in order for the driven tines to drive the aerator through the turn and then gradually increasing the speed of the drive means without having to change the engine speed.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed which provide a spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space. There is also provided a spin-plate that may be assembled into the spinal cage. The spin-plate may comprise a blade and a disc on a common shaft, and may be rotatable from an undeployed position to a deployed position. In some embodiments, the spin-plate may be assembled into the spinal cage by a translational motion perpendicular to a rotational axis of the spin-plate. The spin-plate may be captured in the spinal cage for certain angular positions. In some embodiments, there may be a snap-in feature when the spin-plate is assembled into the spinal cage, and there may be a rotational feature such that increased torque is required to advance beyond certain points.

Abstract: A cosmetic container for retaining and dispensing a cosmetic material is provided. The container includes a body including a first portion and a second portion that are pivotally coupled together, an applicator coupled to the second portion and a mirrored element pivotally coupled to the first portion. The mirrored element is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The mirrored element has a reflective surface that is positionable behind the applicator when the mirrored element is in the extended position and may define an outer periphery of the body when the mirrored element is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identification of paraphrases from an index of information items and associated sentence fragments are described. One method described comprises identifying a pair of sentence fragments each having a same associated information item from an index, wherein the index comprises a plurality of information items and associated sentence fragments, and identifying a paraphrase pair from the pair of sentence fragments.