Abstract: Systems and methods for moving objects facilitate quick and inexpensive relocation of the target objects. Operator safety is enhanced by eliminating the need to apply manual force to urge a target object into motion, and by inclusion of features such as automatic braking responsive to motor cut-off. Through use of the present system, a user may move a target object, for example a trailer intended for use behind a vehicle, into and/or out of a storage location in a simplified and more efficient manner.

Abstract: Consumer, merchant, and transactional data from a closed loop network and external sources may be leveraged to increase demand of a merchant's inventory during normally low-demand periods. Extensive data mining is used to determine the excess merchant inventory and demand patterns at different times and different locations for merchants and groups of merchants. Similar data mining is used to analyze cardmember demand patterns to identify the cardmember preferences regarding when and where they which to purchase goods and/or services. Cardmembers may also be grouped based on their demand patterns. Using pricing as a lever, cardholders with specific preferences are targeted to shift the demand from peak periods and locations to non-peak periods and locations, and to increase the non-peak demand by location as well as time period. Higher precision may be obtained using product level transaction data from point-of-sale terminals used by merchants wherever applicable.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a firearm actuation system is provided. The firearm actuation system, comprising a housing, a guide, a contoured actuation handle, and a bolt. The system provides an actuation mechanism for an AR-15 which is engagable by a shooter where the AR-15 is in a shouldered firing position. The contoured actuation handle may be retained in the retaining slot to provide an action-open-position. The housing may also comprise a mounting rail with a plurality of grooves, where each groove may be configured with a unique indicator.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for performance management. A member within an entity is selected and a performance assessment of the member is conducted. The information collected from the performance assessment is stored in a database. A self-assessment by the member is conducted and the information from the self-assessment is also stored in the database. An appraisal of the member is conducted using the data from both the performance assessment and the self-assessment and the information obtained from the appraisal is stored.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a modular blocking panel system for a rack. The modular blocking panel system consists of multiple standardized panels which snap-together, or slidably attach to one another, in order to fill openings of any size in a rack. The panels connect to one another so that there is a seal at the junction between the panels. The seal blocks hot air in the interior of the rack from seeping through the panels and mixing with the cold air supply on the exterior of the panels. Multiple panels can be combined to create a single modular panel to cover any sized opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for a more efficient and dynamic waste heat recovery system in an automobile. The present invention includes a heat exchanger connected to a generator. The heat exchanger includes variable pitch impellers attached to and rotating a shaft. The pitch of the impellers can be dynamically varied and the impellers can also be staggered. The generator includes a rotor connected to the shaft. The rotor rotates within a stator when the shaft rotates. The stator includes windings with different thicknesses and different turn ratios allowing for generation of different energy levels by each of the windings. Each of the windings can be dynamically activated. The pitch of the impellers can be dynamically altered and the windings can be dynamically activated depending on energy requirements of an energy storage unit and/or accessories in the automobile.

Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric film having at least Si—N, Si—C, or Si—B bonds on a semiconductor substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD), includes: adsorbing a precursor on a surface of a substrate; supplying a reactant gas over the surface; reacting the precursor and the reactant gas on the surface; and repeating the above steps to form a dielectric film having at least Si—N, Si—C, or Si—B bonds on the substrate. The precursor has at least one Si—C or Si—N bond, at least one hydrocarbon, and at least one halogen attached to silicon in its molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating microelectromechanical (MEMS) device. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating mass including the steps of patterning a surface of a device layer of the vibrating mass with a mask, etching the vibrating mass to define a structure of the vibrating mass, determining a first set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, determining a mass removal amount of the vibrating mass and a mass removal location of the vibrating mass to obtain a second set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, removing the mask at the mass removal location, and etching the vibrating mass to remove the mass removal amount of the vibrating mass at the mass removal location of the vibrating mass.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for handling post transactional credit disputes in real-time via a variety of transactional environments and architectures. The system includes one or more workstations linked to a communication channel and one or more servers with at least one having capability of displaying a plurality of pre-existing dispute handling forms. A party in dispute may access the forms, choose an appropriate dispute handling form, provide data in the pre-defined requested fields on the form, and transmit the form over the communication channel to a server for processing. A server accepts a User ID and password from a user, retrieves and displays a set of dispute handling forms, receives input entered on the forms, routes the forms to a second user in dispute, and makes the forms available for viewing to the second user. The program may further index the data entered on the forms using a code-based method.

Abstract: A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The customer exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, and a computer monitor, either adjacent the portal or separated there from, enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without a patron completing a purchase transaction using the self-checkout station. The security system itself is also usable in conventional retail environments when an attendant is present.

Abstract: The system enables a data processing framework that polls for files using a listener, controls the workflow using event driven logic, processes financial transactions, and creates a business to business trading partner network. The listener ensures the reliability and data integrity of input files and performs archiving functions. The payment management functions automatically processes transactions, including payor (e.g., the buyer) initiated payments to a payee (e.g., a supplier) by utilizing a flexible, decoupled processing architecture. A payment management computer identifies a universal identifier for each entity and forms relationships and hierarchies in order to increase efficiency of the trading partner network. Metadata describes the format, validation and relationships for a wide variety of financial account data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system configured to facilitate transfers of cash value from one or more lines of credit to one or more deposit accounts or payment systems. An automated system ensures that requested funds are available in a customer's one or more lines of credit and electronically deposits the requested funds into one or more designated deposit accounts or payment systems. An automated system provides a means for customers to manage lines of credit, setup transfer transactions, define rules governing transfers and view transactional history. The automated system, in network connection with the lending organization's backend systems, may authenticate customer identities and credit accounts as well as insure that the requested funds are available for transfer into a deposit account.

Abstract: A method for screening and routing incoming telephone calls includes extracting caller identification information from an incoming telephone call, providing a plurality of tables including a primary ring table, a secondary ring table, a voicemail table, a block call table, and a forward call table, and determining which one of the plurality of tables includes the caller identification information. The method further includes sending the incoming telephone call directly to voicemail without having a ring tone if the voicemail table includes the caller identification information, blocking the incoming telephone call if the block call table includes the caller identification information, and forwarding the incoming telephone call if the forward call table includes the caller identification information.

Abstract: Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. Online marketplaces that allow small businesses to advertise their services can use this CSoW/CSoSW modeling approach to provide a rating that gives an indication of the business prospects of the vendors listed on their sites. Further, such marketplaces can combine this information with their own internal analytics to provide a single holistic rating.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are directed to a top protection portion and a bottom protection portion to protect a front exterior and a back exterior, respectively, of a mobile communication. The top protection portion and the bottom protection portion may each include one or more adhesive members. The adhesive members may be designed to allow a user to remove and apply the top protection portion and the bottom protection portion as desired (e.g., to access a concealed battery of the mobile communication device) without losing their adhesive property.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking expenditures incurred by an entity involves determining the costs incurred, reading a file containing business model information, and allocating the costs according to the business model information. The business model information includes information regarding the internal structure of the entity including groups and sub-groups within the entity. Furthermore, value drivers of the entity and application profiles of the entity are also taken into consideration in determining whether various groups and sub-groups within the entity are performing optimally.

Abstract: A solution is provided for a method for a user to shop online in a three dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) setting by receiving a request at a shopping server to view a shopping location, having at least one store, and displaying the shopping location to the user's computer in a 3D interactive simulation view via a web browser to emulate a real-life shopping experience for the user. The server then obtains a request to enter into one of the stores and displays the store website to the user in the same web browser. The store website has one or more enhanced VR features. The server then receives a request to view at least one product and the product is presented in a 3D interactive simulation view to emulate a real-life viewing of the product.

Abstract: The invention facilitates monitoring, identifying, allocating and distributing the costs related to the consumption of raw technology resources by an organization. The invention provides a controller for automatically billing a designated account, project, division or third party for fees associated with the computing time, use or other similar services. The system may utilize a rules engine or any other factors for dividing the billings. The system may provide loyalty points for computer usage or accept loyalty points to pay for computer usage. The system may also monitor use in substantially real-time or provide notifications and warnings related to low or excessive use. Enhanced descriptive billing statements can be created simplifying the process of reconciling fees to the computing costs. The system may also compile usage statistics and send out requests for bids to obtain improved financial arrangements or to share usage with other entities.