Abstract: An electronic payment system and method facilitates electronic commerce through controlled transfer of identification and value representations to wireless devices. The system includes a payment collection apparatus and a transaction apparatus, and provides for representation of user and transaction information via machine-readable indicia. In one embodiment, the machine-readable indicia is a barcode. The present invention is useful in such example applications as credit transactions, lottery system operations, and mobile top up applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ground flooring device, system and method which includes connectable slats or panels having connection means which allow a series of slats to be quickly assembled, rolled up for storage or transport, and unrolled for deployment. The connection means can comprise specially adapted hinge members provided on the edges of the panels for flexible, yet secure attachment. The slats can be secured in a series, and a series of slats can be secured in multiple rows to create a solid, manipulable floor readily deployable on ground areas of virtually any shape.

Abstract: A method of characterizing and enhancing the pixels in an image, which is captured at all lighting conditions. The method enable dynamically enhancement of images captured at extremely low lighting conditions. Each pixel of the image, represented by I SUB (x, y) where x is the horizontal axis coordinate value and y is the vertical axis coordinate value, contains three color-components. Each pixel is characterized by defining a relationship between the three color-components of that pixel in its initial state. A nonlinear expansion function, which adaptively adjusts the expansion rate with respect to the statistical property of the original image, is used for enhancing the brightness of the image so that the poorly lighted pixels are enhanced in intensity more as compared to the amount of enhancement for the brighter pixels. The color property of each pixel in the enhanced image is then restored using the characteristic features previously defined by the relationship of the color components.

Abstract: A marker eraser system for efficiently combining an eraser with a dry erase marker. The marker eraser system includes a body having a tubular structure and a central aperture extending through the tubular structure. The central aperture extends through an inner end to an outer end of the body. An eraser member is attached to the outer end of the eraser unit to erase a removable ink from a dry erase marker. An outer end of the central aperture frictionally receives an outer portion of a first end of a cap of the dry erase marker to allow a user to removably attach the marker eraser system to the cap of the dry erase marker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system and method which can recognize a vehicle by its undercarriage image only. The present invention compares a new vehicle undercarriage image with those stored in a reference database to facilitate the automatic search of a vehicle's undercarriage. The present invention can compare the new undercarriage image to the same or similar undercarriage image previously entered in the reference database, highlighting any anomalies such as, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernalia and other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices.

Abstract: A forecasting engine and method assists in rapidly and accurately forecasting occurrences of identifiable events and/or results based on signature and/or pattern matching. The present invention derives signature for event-types based on a comparison of actual event data with pre-established representational surfaces. The surfaces represent functional measurements and analysis associated with elements of the geospatial boundary being considered. The present invention provides highly refined modeling processes to assist in quickly focusing on the proper measurement type and/or variable type, and detailing analysis around the most relevant factors. In this way, the present invention allows for more rapid and more accurate assessment determinations. In one aspect, the present invention provides a decision support system for assisting in the determination of potentially successful commercial locations.

Abstract: Selective antagonists of A2B adenosine receptors like those of formula I are provide. The compounds and compositions are useful as pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: A non-inflatable device for supporting a sign on water. A single float embodiment is the basic element. In a typical embodiment, two or more non-inflatable floats are separated at a predetermined distance by one or more spacing members that mate with a spacing member mount on the top of each float. The spacing member mount and spacing members of the invention enable the invention to be expandable, such that the number of floats and spacing members may be varied, depending on the application and need. The floating sign may be anchored or mobile. Sign supporting members are mounted onto the top end of the float in order to support a substantially planar sign portion.

Abstract: An improved device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of multiple component vehicles by reducing the pressure on the front face of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the flow in the gap between the leading vehicle component and the trailing vehicle component. An improved device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff face object moving through air. The device consist of the application of a plurality of forward extending surfaces that are positioned adjacent to one another on the forward facing surface of a bluff face object and are aligned parallel to the object center line and perpendicular to the local flow direction. The reduction in drag force results from the summation of a plurality of local reductions in drag force generated by the interaction of vortex structures emanating from the leading edges of the plurality of forward extending surfaces with the forward facing surface of a blunt face object.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling distributed generation equipment based on remotely derived dispatch schemes improves economics and reliability of operation. The system can adapt to variable changing conditions in real-time to provide adaptable, real-time, site-specific load forecasting. The present invention can include one or more local site controller component(s) for receiving dispatch instructions and comparing the instructions to local information to further optimize operating instructions.

Abstract: A lightweight equipment transport kit and system for transporting rigid items having a wheel assembly (20); a head piece (70) defining an enclosure for insertion of the front end of the equipment (50); a tail piece (10) defining an enclosure for insertion and support of the rear end of the equipment (50), and further having a mount or axle sleeve (12) for bearing the wheel assembly in a substantially transverse orientation to a direction of transportation, and wherein the wheel assembly (20) supports the tail piece (10); and a tensioner (26) capable of fastening to the head piece (70), fastening to the tail piece (10) or the wheel assembly (20) mounted on tail piece (10), and creating a tension between so as to seat the front end of the equipment (50) within head piece (70) and the rear end of the equipment within the tail piece (10). The equipment transport system is adaptable for manual towing, vehicular towing, and mounting onto an automobile roof rack.

Abstract: Organizations can proactively manage and reserve shared resources, such as workspaces, equipment and services, as well as report on the utilization of those resources across departments and facilities using the system of the present invention. Work-place management tools as provided by the present invention can be used to manipulate resources in real-time, automate inefficient processes, and track and analyze usage patterns, in order to make wise short-and long-term space and resource decisions.

Abstract: A lounge chair having movable armrests. The lounge chair comprises a seat, a back, legs and armrests. The armrests may be placed in a raised position for use by the occupant or may be swing down to provide more room or to allow the occupant to easily exit the lounge chair. The armrests are preferably attached to each other such that moving one arm to the lowered position simultaneously moved the other arm to the lowered position.

Abstract: A robust system, method and environment for the programming, collection, manipulation, and propagation of RFID data enhances the integration of RFID elements into new and existing enterprise systems.

Abstract: An improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for increased fuel economy of ground vehicles by increasing the pressure on the rear surface of the vehicle with a plurality of vortices generated along the top and side surfaces of the ground vehicle that flow in to the base wake region of the vehicle. The invention is comprised of a minimum number of small surfaces that attach to the side and top exterior surfaces of a ground vehicle. The spacing and orientation of the small surfaces, comprising the device, are dependent upon the vehicle geometry and vehicle operating conditions. The plurality of small surfaces are located forward of the vehicle base area. The plurality of adjacent small surfaces and are distributed circumferentially over the side and top surfaces of the ground vehicle.