Abstract: A treat dispenser for an animal having, in one embodiment, a container supported by a cage, the container having an opening for the dispensing of treats provided therein, and the cage preventing direct access to the opening by an animal. The cage and the container having a consistent outer periphery to enable rolling of the treat dispenser.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for tracking industry spend are provided herein in various embodiments. A method if provided comprising summing consumer spend with a first company over a time period to yield a raw consumer spend, wherein the consumer spend is derived from internal data, extrapolating an estimated consumer spend with the first company using the raw consumer spend for the first company and the internal data, and estimating, by the processor, top line revenue for the first company using the estimated consumer spend.

Abstract: Reloadable or non-reloadable prepaid transaction card activation systems are disclosed. More specifically, the system provides a platform for activation of prepaid or stored value transaction cards and capture of customer demographic information, and verification of that information, after the customer has obtained or has been issued a prepaid transaction card. The data capture is performed at activation rather than at point of sale.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the disclosure allow user from various countries to take advantage of offers when they are traveling internationally. Once the purchase associated with the offer is made, the transaction information may be processed by the system, such that, the credit and debit associated with the purchase are transmitted to the transaction account and the merchant. The transaction information may be further processed to determine whether the particular transaction is eligible for a reward. Where the transaction is eligible for a reward, the credit and debit associated with reward are transmitted to the transaction account and the sponsoring entity. The reward may be provided in any suitable currency or in various currencies based on the parameters governing the reward offer.

Abstract: A spliced fiber tow (40) having a uniform density along its entire length is provided. The spliced fiber tow is manufactured by rarefying the ends (22, 32) of the two fiber tow segments to be joined, aligning the rarefied regions (26, 36) and then applying pressurized gas to entangle the filaments in the rarefied regions. An apparatus (50) for forming the spliced fiber tow includes a pair of rarefying blades (86, 92) and an entanglement element (58).

Abstract: A system for shipping and displaying a vehicle is disclosed. A display box includes a vehicle receiving area that has a display area and an enclosed area so that when the vehicle is located in the display box a prospective purchaser can sit on the seat. For shipping a vehicle is affixed to a first display box and a second vehicle is affixed to a second display box. The second display box is inverted and reversed and is located above the first display box to form a rectangularly shaped shipping combination. First and second disposable pillars are located between the first and second vehicles to support the two display boxes when combined to form the shipping combination. In a preferred embodiment, the pillars locate in foot receiving areas of the vehicles in the first and second display boxes.

Abstract: A vacuum filtration device includes a removable power unit that includes a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump functions in one mode to remove hot oil from a fryer and to draw the oil into a container. The hot oil is fed through a filter located within the container that removes sediment. The filtered oil is then returned to the fryer through a pick-up opening and a hose by turning off the vacuum pump and in place creating a pressure inside the canister. A valve allows for transfer of the hot oil to and from the unit. A hose and nozzle assembly transports the hot oil the vacuum filtration device. The vacuum filtration device is mobile on a cart that may feature wheels and a handle.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for financial analysis are provided. A system is provided comprising a first node comprising a public facing data store in communication with a private facing data store, wherein the first node further comprises a cooperative lookup module configured to locate a second node, a secure data connection between the first node and the second node, and wherein the first node is configured to request processed internal data from the second node.

Abstract: A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user's body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer forming a multilamellar web or matrix, having dispersed within the fine fiber layer a bioactive particulate material, including cells, enzymes or microorganisms. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the bioactive particulate within the nanofiber layer. The assemblies of the invention can be used to treat or purify fluid streams. The assemblies of the invention can be used in conjunction with a bioreactor system, a bioartificial organ, or a culture container.

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: A browser-based simulator may be used to create and send test messages to one or more transaction processing facilities (TPFs) to determine the response of the TPF system. It allows a user or plurality of users to create ISO 8583 messages, send the messages to the TPF systems, receive a response, and display the results to the users. Messages created by the simulator are stored within an ANSI queryable SQL database to make test selection simple. The TPF test messages and results are thus available worldwide. Further, the simulator is server-based, so desktop licenses are not required. The simulator allows a user to either select a preformatted message or derive a new message by selecting the data of interest.

Abstract: Encephalotoxin produced by activated mononuclear phagocytes is present in individuals having neurological disease including neurodegenerative and neuro-inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, prion disease, minor cognitive/motor dysfunction, acute stroke, acute trauma, or neuro-AIDS. Biochemical detection of encephalotoxin according to the methods of the invention will allow diagnosis of neurological disease in early, presymptomatic stages, thereby allowing early intervention in disease progression as well as identification of subjects or populations at risk for developing neurodegenerative disease. The methods of the invention also provide a mechanism for monitoring progression and treatment of neurological disease.

Abstract: A multi-piece swivel coupling kit with a snap connection for ready and rapid assembly with the capability to be disassembled and reconfigured as required by the specific installation. The swivel coupling kit includes a tubular socket member having a line connecting end and multiple coupling ends and multiple tubular stem members each having a line connecting end and a coupling end connectable to one of the coupling ends of the tubular socket member. The multiple coupling ends including integral complementing annular projections and recesses which define a close fitting bearing unit creating forced engagement between the projections and recesses to establish smooth engagement and rotational support of the socket member and each of the stem members. The multiple coupling ends of the tubular socket member are configured to allow releasable configuration, reconfiguration and expansion of the multiple tubular stem members along a X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis and in a X plane, a Y plane and a Z plane.

Abstract: A system comprising a processor and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach. A system comprising a communications module to solicit at least one selection of at least one coach, and a processor module to determine a coach's score based on at least one action of at least one member of a team. A method comprising using a processor to perform at least a portion of one or more of the following: soliciting at least one selection of at least one coach, monitoring at least one action of at least one member of a team, and determining a coach's score based on the at least one action.

Abstract: The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent layer that can act as an moisture sensitive fuel shut-off valve, absorbent, adsorbant or reactant. The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent fabric or layer made of a superabsorbent particle or fiber. Fluid, gas or liquid, that flows through or by the assemblies of the invention can have any gas, liquid or solid material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid interact with the super absorbent particulate. The structures of the invention can act simply as flow-by reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters.

Abstract: A selector valve for independently controlling fluid between a first passage, a second passage, and a common passage, comprising: a valve housing comprising an inner chamber in communication with the outlet, having a first valve seat in communication with the first inlet and a second valve seat in communication with the second inlet, a shaft slidably extending through the housing between the first and second valve seats; first and second valve poppets slidably mounted upon the shaft within the inner chamber, each having valve faces for seating against the first and second valve seats; and a spring coaxially located around the shaft between the first and second valve poppets, pushing against the inner surfaces of the first and second valve poppets, biasing the first valve poppet and the second valve poppet away from each other and toward the first valve seat and the second valve seat.