Abstract: Systems and methods for a user to receive dynamic business information on a wireless communication device via a wireless connection are presented. The wireless communication device can be a hand-held personal computer, a paging device, a wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device. Dynamic business information comprising subscription-based content that is tailored to an individual is delivered to the device. The systems and methods provide a mechanism for setting personalized thresholds for data items maintained by an application. These thresholds can then be used to enact an event (or alert) via the application when the threshold is met. For example, the alert can be an audible sound or a display of a message that appears on the wireless communication device. As a further example, the alert can comprise an e-mail received on the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A method for stimulating customer loyalty comprising: providing an incentive into an electronic device, the electronic device being capable of facilitating the purchase of a product or service, using the electronic device to facilitate the purchase of a product over an electronic communications network, said step of using the electronic device comprising: coupling the electronic device to the network, purchasing the product or service over the network using the electronic device, paying for the product or service with the incentive, debiting the incentive in the electronic device once the purchase has been completed.

Abstract: A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately for immediate use during transactions at participating retailer outlets, wherein at each transaction, a customers identification number is transmitted to a host data base which stores customer records including a customer balances of points accumulated to date. The system processing each consumer transaction during the consumer visit to the retailer outlet to determine points awarded for each transaction and to determine whether the item purchased is a redeemable item for which points may be redeemed for a reduction of the price of the redeemable item. The system updating said customer records immediately by adding points awarded or subtracting points redeemed from the customer balance of transaction points.

Abstract: A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately for immediate use during transactions at participating retailer outlets, wherein at each transaction, a customer's identification number is transmitted to a host data base which stores customer records including a customer balances of points accumulated to date. The system processing each consumer transaction during the consumer visit to the retailer outlet to determine points awarded for each transaction and to determine whether the item purchased is a redeemable item for which points may be redeemed for a reduction of the price of the redeemable item. The system updating said customer records immediately by adding points awarded or subtracting points redeemed from the customer balance of transaction points.

Abstract: A mechanism for limiting torque transmission between rotating bodies to prevent equipment damage due to torque overload. A shaft has a drive collar which is adjacent to a ring carried by a sleeve supported on the shaft by a bearing. The ring has axial passages that carry balls. A spring loaded thrust bearing normally maintains the balls seated in pockets on the collar so that torque is normally transmitted between the shaft and sleeve. When the applied torque is sufficient to overcome the spring force, the balls unseat from the pockets and disengage the transmission of torque. The balls and pockets are circumferentially arranged in a special pattern assuring that reengagement occurs only after a complete rotation and also assuring that the balls are able to support the spring load when they are unseated.

Abstract: A clutch/brake unit used to transmit torque from an electric motor to a gear reducer, particularly in processes that involve cyclical, start-stop operations. A special output shaft of the clutch/brake has a split portion which projects from the housing and receives a tapered plug within a tapered cavity. A bolt has a threaded connection with the plug to create wedging action which radially expands the split portion of the shaft when the bolt is turned in one direction. This expansion of the shaft creates a frictional coupling with the input hub of the gear reducer. The frictional coupling can be released by turning the bolt in the other direction to relieve the wedging force and allow the split portion of the shaft to contract radially.

Abstract: A combined clutch/brake unit which is enclosed and constructed to avoid heat generation. An enclosed housing supports a driven input hub which carries clutch plates that sandwich a friction line clutch disk. The clutch disk is carried on a rotor which is splined to the output shaft and which also carries a friction lined brake disk. A double acting piston acts in one direction to apply the clutch and in the other direction to apply the brake. The unit may be either air applied clutch/air applied brake or air applied clutch/spring applied brake. The clutch and brake disks are small diameter to minimize the inertia of the output shaft and make it easier to accelerate and stop so that heat generation is minimized. Double friction linings are applied to both disks so that adequate torque is provided for both clutch and brake operation.