Abstract: A group communication system is disclosed. The group communication system integrates a number of electronic communication tools to meet various communication needs among registered users in the system. To facilitate private communication among members in a group, a user directory is provided to allow an initiator to clearly view who he/she wants to communicate with. The user directory includes icons respectively associated with members in a group. Each of the icons can be enlarged when activated. Data from the communication is transported via a server device in the system based on respective identifiers (not email addresses) of the participants.

Abstract: A vehicle lift jack is provided. The jack may include: a frame; a lifting arm attached to the frame; a saddle attached to an end of the lifting arm; and a video camera attached to the jack and oriented to capture video footage of an area proximate to the saddle. A method of lifting a vehicle using a jack may be provided. The method may include: positioning the jack under the vehicle; capturing an image of the vehicle; viewing the image; determining the jack is in a desired position with respect to the vehicle; and raising the vehicle with the jack.

Abstract: Methods directed to the synthesis of metal nanoparticles are described. A formation process can be carried out at ambient temperature and pressure and includes the deposition of metal ions on a titanate carrier according to a chemical deposition process followed by exposure of the metal ions to a reducing agent. Upon the exposure, nanoparticles of the reduced metal are formed that are adhered to the titanate carrier.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods are disclosed for automatically identifying taxes for real estate properties. The systems and methods can automatically identify the tax agency and/or tax identifier for real estate properties without substantial user interaction. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can automatically identify the real estate property and/or parcel based at least in part on received tax information without substantial user interaction. A confidence score and/or error rate may also be calculated based on one or more business rules to provide information about the relative error rate in any of the identifications provided.

Abstract: Power delivery systems and methods for delivering power from a vehicle to a vehicle door. The system includes a supporting device having a first portion fixedly mounted to a main frame and a second portion attached to a door. The second portion being movable about a hinge axis portion that connects the first portion to the second portion. An energy transmitting source is connected to a power frequency generator. The power frequency generator is connected to a power source and configured to couple an oscillating signal to the energy transmitting source. The energy transmitting source is mounted on the hinge axis portion of the supporting device. An energy receiving device is magnetically coupled to the energy transmitting source to receive a power signal from the energy transmitting source. The energy receiving device is mounted on the second portion of the supporting device at a fixed distance from the energy transmitting source.

Abstract: An operator positioning apparatus for a proton treatment system includes: a proton beam nozzle to emit a proton beam to a targeted region of a patient; a gantry wheel having a front face to support the proton beam nozzle to direct the proton beam to an isocenter of the gantry wheel corresponding to a center of the targeted region, wherein the gantry wheel rotates the proton beam nozzle around the isocenter; an active floor that horizontally translates across the front face of the gantry wheel, the active floor having an opening having a width through which the proton beam nozzle protrudes when the proton beam nozzle is located below the targeted region.

Abstract: A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: A solar panel array system has a torque tube supported on upper ends of vertical posts. The torque tube has an octagonal exterior surface and an octagonal interior surface corresponding with the exterior surface. The octagonal exterior surface defines at least one flat datum surface for mounting a photo-voltaic panel. A weld seam extends along the exterior surface parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: A lamp including a lamp base having at least three electrical contacts, an optical housing with an LED light source distal from the lamp base, a capper assembly including two or more bias switches accessible by a user located between the lamp base and optical housing , electronic circuitry located within the capper assembly, the electronic circuitry electrically coupled to the three electrical contacts and the LED light source, the electronic circuitry configured to provide a drive current to the LED light source, and the two or more bias switches are user-settable to set the drive current. The electronic circuitry provides at least two different levels of drive current to the LED light source, where the two or more bias switches are configured to control multiple levels of LED light intensity to an individual level.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. In certain embodiments, the electrical connection can be secured by frictional engagement between the plug and receptacle housings. This can be accomplished by forcing a wedge into an interface between the housings or expanding a locking element, such as an elastomeric ring, into the interface. Such locking and releasing of the secure connection can be actuated using a locking nut.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods are disclosed for modeling and predicting short sale fraud risks for short sale transactions related to real estate properties. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can predict short sale fraud risks for real estate properties by considering a variety of factors, including AVM analytics characteristics, relationship analysis characteristics, and/or marketing analysis characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting information over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving at least a portion of mail data. In one embodiment of the present invention, information is stored in a memory. Mail data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. The mail data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device then uses the mail data to retrieve the information from a mail device in communication with the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the mail data includes data corresponding to the recipient of the mail object, and the information includes data that identifies the recipient of the mail object and data that corresponds to a content of the mail object.

Abstract: Provided is a reflector for an optical source including an elongated piece configured for reflecting light from the optical source onto a first reflective lighting zone. The reflector also includes at least two end-pieces connectable to respective ends of the elongated piece, each being configured to reflect the light onto second and third reflective lighting zones, respectively.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., a rotating drill bit in a bore). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the leading edge of the drill bit in the bore. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the leading edge of the drill bit. A processor outputs a third signal representative of the depth of penetration of the leading edge of the drill bit when the leading edge of the drill bit passes from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density. The third signal is based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.

Abstract: Unprocessed, processed or refined hydrocarbon liquids as well as processed vegetable derived oil contaminants may be sequestered from a contaminated surface by applying onto the surface a blend comprising crumb rubber and hydrated magnesium silicate. The contaminated surface may be a solid surface (such as one composed of concrete, cement or asphalt) as well as an aqueous surface.