Abstract: The present invention is for an access shield for a shipping container, which container has a pair of doors and a plurality of supporting feet. An access shield for the shipping container is placed under the door end of the shipping container and is contained by the shipping container's weight with a pair of locking arms positioned behind the shipping container's feet to block access into a shipping container.

Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus for backscattering an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal includes an antenna for backscattering the incoming RF signal in accordance with a reflection coefficient characteristic of the antenna. A variable impedance circuit includes an output electrically connected to the antenna. A low pass delta sigma modulator is coupled to the variable impedance circuit and digitally controls the output of the variable impedance circuit, such that the reflection coefficient of the antenna is adjusted based on the output of the variable impedance circuit.

Abstract: A modular animal ear tag with both visual identification and RFID identification components, with the visual and RFID identification components being easily mated and subsequently separated to facilitate re-use of either or both such components.

Abstract: Unfilled prescriptions are submitted to a registry comprising pre-qualified pharmacies for a “reverse auction” in which the pharmacies bid for the opportunity to fill the prescription. The pharmacies are allowed to bid based on price and/or offering ancillary services. The auction may also be used to bid on supplying specified pharmaceutical cognitive services. The method may also include obtaining cost comparisons with generic substitutes or similar alternative pharmaceutical products. The system may further comprise automatically requesting a review by the prescriber for a list of similar substitutes or prior-authorization for third party payers. The winner of the reverse auction is selected by the customer.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for coupon distribution that weights the coupon value to customer frequency and purchase behavior is provided. A collaborative marketing system for dissimilar vendors is provided. The system facilitates coordination between vendors with one another by offering promotions and coupons to customers from dissimilar vendors that offer noncompeting products or services. In embodiments appropriate incentives are generated, to entice customers to visit previously untried or infrequently visited associate vendors, thereby increasing revenues for an associate vendor. The system allows a business to automatically control the cost of discounts, and the allocation of discounts among different categories of customers and potential customers and is operative in instances when the dissimilar vendors are proximal store fronts, as well as geographically remote store fronts and web-based businesses.

Abstract: A printable form with a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to the printable form. The wristband may be detached from the printable form and secured around a body part for use in identification.

Abstract: A moiré pattern display sheet is defined by a surface, with the surface being configured to be curved. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern comprises a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. At least some of the series of visual elements are printed to approximately follow an arc having a sweep angle associated therewith. A light steering optical layer overlays the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprises a plurality of parallel optical features which each have a width and which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.

Abstract: Unfilled prescriptions are submitted to a registry comprising pre-qualified pharmacies for a “reverse auction” in which the pharmacies bid for the opportunity to fill the prescription. The pharmacies or a network of pharmacies on behalf of the pharmacies are allowed to bid based on price and/or offering ancillary services. The auction may also be used to bid on supplying specified pharmaceutical cognitive services. The method may also include obtaining cost comparisons with generic substitutes or similar alternative pharmaceutical products. The system may further comprise automatically requesting a review by the prescriber for a list of similar substitutes or prior-authorization for third-party payers. The winner of the reverse auction is selected by the customer.

Abstract: An improved integrated multi-use label and concealed document form. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, such a form comprises a first sheet material, a second sheet material, and a third sheet material. The sheet materials are joined together with the first sheet material between the other two sheet materials. Lines of weakness defining at least one multi-use label and concealed document label are cut into the joined together sheet materials.

Abstract: A method that can monitor a milking process is presented and, in particular, a method and apparatus that can effectively determine the stage of the milking process. An additional aspect is to provide a method that may measure a vacuum level associated with the milking process, receive an operational state of a valve associated with the milking process, and compare the vacuum level and valve operational state to criteria to determine the milking stage. Further, the method may be configured to issue an indication of the milking stage or issue an alarm if alarm conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: Unfilled prescriptions are submitted to a registry comprising pre-qualified pharmacies for a “reverse auction” in which the pharmacies bid for the opportunity to fill the prescription. The pharmacies are allowed to bid based on price and/or offering ancillary services. The auction may also be used to bid on supplying specified pharmaceutical cognitive services. The method may also include obtaining cost comparisons with generic substitutes or similar alternative pharmaceutical products. The system may further comprise automatically requesting a review by the prescriber for a list of similar substitutes or prior-authorization for third-party payers. The winner of the reverse auction is selected by the customer. A prescription benefits manager may offer options of a reverse auction, or non-auction fulfillment of the unfilled prescription in accordance with a benefit plan design.

Abstract: A high definition thin lens dimensional image display device and methods of manufacturing the same. The thin lens dimensional image display device generally includes a lens array on a first surface of a film, such as a lenticular lens array or a fly's eye lens array, with a printed imaged either printed directly on a second planar surface of the film, or on a separate substrate that is laminated thereto. The resulting display device offers a lower cost display device having greater flexibility for a wider variety of applications than traditional image display devices, without compromising image quality. Processes for manufacturing the display device include printing on a pre-fabricated thin lens web, inline printing of an image and patterning of the lens array, and inline printing of a substrate and application of a coating to the substrate which is subsequently patterned or embossed.

Abstract: The method for obtaining information relating to the integrity of an article (2) as assessed from an exposure of said article (2) to physical or environmental conditions during a time span during which said article (2) is transported comprises a) providing a device (1) to be located in proximity to said article (2) during said transport, digital certificate data (C) and first digital private key data (K1*) being stored in said device (1); d) storing in said device (1) data (I) related to said physical or environmental conditions, said data being referred to as integrity data (I); e) creating within said device (1) first digitally signed data (DS1) by digitally signing data comprising said integrity data (I) and said digital certificate data (C), using said first digital private key data (K1*); f) storing said first digitally signed data (DS1) in said device (1). A high degree of security against malpractice and data falsification can be achieved. A corresponding device (1) is also presented.

Abstract: A secure carrier assembly for media devices and media content. The assembly includes a carrier having a front panel, a rear panel, and an intermediate panel. At least one panel of the carrier comprises a durable polymeric material, such as a lens sheet assembly including a lens sheet, and an image layer. The carrier with lens sheet assembly provides enhanced security features, increased durability, and eye-catching features compared to traditional carrier or packaging assemblies.

Abstract: A printable form with a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to the printable form. The wristband may be detached from the printable form and secured around a body part for use in identification.

Abstract: Auto-applied packing list and upper label methods. A carrier material with an upper label and a lower label removably adhered thereto is provided. The lower label and upper label are dispensed in sequence onto a label applicator apparatus. The label applicator apparatus applies the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label.

Abstract: Unfilled prescriptions are submitted to a registry comprising pre-qualified pharmacies for a “reverse auction” in which the pharmacies bid for the opportunity to fill the prescription. The pharmacies are allowed to bid based on price and/or offering ancillary services. The auction may also be used to bid on supplying specified pharmaceutical cognitive services. The method may also include obtaining cost comparisons with generic substitutes or similar alternative pharmaceutical products. The system may further comprise automatically requesting a review by the prescriber for a list of similar substitutes or prior-authorization for third-party payers. The winner of the reverse auction is selected by the customer.

Abstract: A high definition thin lens dimensional image display device and methods of manufacturing the same. The thin lens dimensional image display device generally includes a lens array on a first surface of a film, such as a lenticular lens array or a fly's eye lens array, with a printed imaged either printed directly on a second planar surface of the film, or on a separate substrate that is laminated thereto. The resulting display device offers a lower cost display device having greater flexibility for a wider variety of applications than traditional image display devices, without compromising image quality. Processes for manufacturing the display device include printing on a pre-fabricated thin lens web, inline printing of an image and patterning of the lens array, and inline printing of a substrate and application of a coating to the substrate which is subsequently patterned or embossed.

Abstract: A process for making a lenticular card including: providing an imaged transparent sheet having a first smooth side and a second side with a lenticulated region, the transparent sheet optionally having at least one printed image area on the first smooth side and a moisture cure adhesive layer over the printed image areas and non-image areas of the first smooth side, and the moisture cure adhesive layer being applied with a screen press through a screen; and combining the imaged transparent sheet on the adhesive layer side of the transparent sheet with a backing sheet by nipping the paired sheets with a nip roller. The invention also provides processes useful for preparing a lenticular card including an optional core sheet, or optional primer layers.