Abstract: A vehicle drive unit that provides improved power transfer to a differential input member of a differential assembly. The vehicle drive unit is configured with an interlock system that is configured to inhibit the supply of electrical power from a source of electrical power if certain predetermined conditions are not met.

Abstract: A database management engine provides a user interface that allows users to access and modify employee information in a database. The database includes entries for employees, and each database entry includes identifying information about the associated employee. A user can request to modify data within database entries, for instance in order to update information associated with an employee. Responsive to the request, the database management engine identifies liabilities associated with the database modification stemming from associated tax laws. Based on the identified tax liabilities, the engine computes the aggregate tax liability owed by the employer and/or employee. Before modifying a database entry, the engine modifies the user interface to include interface elements detailing the computed aggregate tax liability. The user explicitly can be required to confirm the database modification in view of the aggregate tax liability.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include accessing a media item that includes multiple media item segments that are to be played back in a specific manner. The method may also include generating playgraphs for the media item, where the playgraphs define different playback paths between media item segments. The method may next include selecting a specific playgraph from the generated playgraphs, and then providing the selected playgraph to a playback device. Playback of the media item according to the selected playgraph may thereby provide a customized presentation of the media item. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal display device for displaying virtual images to a wearer. The personal display device includes a frame having a right temple section, a left temple section, a right rear section, a left rear section, a right eye see-through section, and a left eye see-through section; a projection display device connected to the frame for projecting an image to the wearer; at least one waveguide stack module connected to the frame for propagating image-bearing light beams along a length of the at least one waveguide stack module, the at least one waveguide stack module being configured to receive the image from the projection display device and detected touch motions of the wearer sensed by the touchpad including sensing directions of the touch motions of the wearer.

Abstract: A personal display device for displaying virtual images to a wearer. The personal display device includes a frame having a right temple section, a left temple section, a right rear section, a left rear section, a right eye see-through section, and a left eye see-through section; a projection display device connected to the frame for projecting an image to the wearer; at least one waveguide stack module connected to the frame for propagating image-bearing light beams along a length of the at least one waveguide stack module, the at least one waveguide stack module being configured to receive the image from the projection display device and detected touch motions of the wearer sensed by the touchpad including sensing directions of the touch motions of the wearer.

Abstract: A method of determining a journey guidance policy for a journey between a first location and a second location. The method involves obtaining destination objectives comprising an efficiency objective indicative of a desired energy efficiency for the journey and a punctuality objective indicative of a desired time of arrival at the second location. A journey guidance policy is determined based on the destination objectives, where the journey guidance policy comprises recommended actions to be taken along the journey, and each recommended action comprises a route action and a corresponding speed action.

Abstract: An electronic device for determining a journey guidance policy for use in guidance on a journey from a first location to a second location. The electronic device is configured to obtain an end objective indicative of an objective to be achieved at the end of the journey at the second location. A plurality of probabilistic states for the journey are determined, where, each probabilistic state comprises: a state location, indicative of a geographical location; and a progress metric. Based at least in part on the plurality of probabilistic states and the end objective, the journey guidance policy is determined. The journey guidance policy comprises the plurality of probabilistic states and a recommended action corresponding to each of the plurality of probabilistic states, where each recommended action comprises a speed action and a navigation action.

Abstract: Automated listing and pricing management of real estate property is disclosed. Specifically, systems and methods to efficiently list property and to providing listing information to customer via mobile applications are disclosed. To optimize the listing retrieval experience from the client perspective, renter qualifications are provided to a customer prior to a time investment in the bidding process. From the proprietor's perspective, dynamic pricing recommendations are generated to optimize profit and minimize vacancies. Tools are further disclosed to management multiple properties and to provide analytics reporting.

Abstract: A decorative collar bar apparatus for shirt collar includes an ornamental head, an attachment bar, a collar stiffener, a locking encasement. The ornamental head is terminally connected to the attachment bar, and the attachment bar engages with the locking encasement through the collar stiffener. The ornamental head provides an improved esthetic appearance and is visible from outside as the ornamental head covers a collar hole of the shirt collar. The attachment bar, the collar stiffener, and the locking encasement are hidden within the shirt collar, completing an assembly. The collar stiffener is positioned in between the shirt collar and engages in between the attachment bar and the locking encasement in order to stabilize the shirt collar.

Abstract: A substrate de-bowing mechanism, system and method are described. The mechanism can include a substrate support, one or more stationary contact members, and one or more dynamic or movable contact members that are adapted to contact the substrate and bend the substrate in a desired direction to reduce or eliminate bowing of the substrate. The mechanism is controlled by a CPU or other controller that can adjust the de-bow parameters of the de-bowing mechanism based on input settings that can be dynamic and/or static settings. The mechanism can be used to de-bow a variety of substrates including plastic cards, passports, and passport pages.

Abstract: A substrate de-bowing mechanism, system and method are described. The mechanism can include a substrate support, one or more stationary contact members, and one or more dynamic or movable contact members that are adapted to contact the substrate and bend the substrate in a desired direction to reduce or eliminate bowing of the substrate. The mechanism is controlled by a CPU or other controller that can adjust the de-bow parameters of the de-bowing mechanism based on input settings that can be dynamic and/or static settings. The mechanism can be used to de-bow a variety of substrates including plastic cards, passports, and passport pages.

Abstract: A substrate de-bowing mechanism, system and method are described. The mechanism can include a substrate support, one or more stationary contact members, and one or more dynamic or movable contact members that are adapted to contact the substrate and bend the substrate in a desired direction to reduce or eliminate bowing of the substrate. The mechanism is controlled by a CPU or other controller that can adjust the de-bow parameters of the de-bowing mechanism based on input settings that can be dynamic and/or static settings. The mechanism can be used to de-bow a variety of substrates including plastic cards, passports, and passport pages.

Abstract: A portable biodiesel manufacturing or processing plant for processing on continuous basis a raw plant based oil feedstock to form biodiesel.

Abstract: A decorative attaching apparatus for shirt collar and sleeve cuffs includes an ornamental head, an attachment bar, and a locking encasement. The ornamental head is connected to the attachment bar, and the attachment bar engages with the locking encasement. The ornamental head is the only component which is visible to outside and the attachment bar and the locking encasement is hidden within the shirt collar or sleeve cuffs.

Abstract: Composite hydrogels with a chiral organization with tunable responsive photonic properties are conceived. A polymerizable hydrophilic monomer such as acrylamide is reacted in the presence of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) to give a composite hydrogel with cellulose nanocrystals embedded in a chiral nematic organization. Through control of the reaction conditions, the hydrogel can exhibit photonic colour that can be varied throughout the visible and near-infrared regions. The colour shifts substantially and reversibly upon swelling and shrinking of the hydrogel through solvation in aqueous and nonaqueous media. The responsive properties can be tailored both through choice of monomer and/or through chemical modification of the NCC surface. Examples of possible applications of the materials are: tunable reflective filters, chemical sensors, stationary phases for electrophoresis of chiral or achiral substances, and as a template to generate new materials with chiral nematic structures.

Abstract: A substrate de-bowing mechanism, system and method are described. The mechanism can include a substrate support, one or more stationary contact members, and one or more dynamic or movable contact members that are adapted to contact the substrate and bend the substrate in a desired direction to reduce or eliminate bowing of the substrate. The mechanism is controlled by a CPU or other controller that can adjust the de-bow parameters of the de-bowing mechanism based on input settings that can be dynamic and/or static settings. The mechanism can be used to de-bow a variety of substrates including plastic cards, passports, and passport pages.

Abstract: A portable biodiesel manufacturing or processing plant for processing on continuous basis a raw plant based oil feedstock to form biodiesel.

Abstract: A decorative attaching apparatus for shirt collar and sleeve cuffs includes an ornamental head, an attachment bar, and a locking encasement. The ornamental head is connected to the attachment bar, and the attachment bar engages with the locking encasement. The ornamental head is the only component which is visible to outside and the attachment bar and the locking encasement is hidden within the shirt collar or sleeve cuffs.

Abstract: The invention provides control apparatus for use with a fluid displacement device, for example a compressor, the control apparatus comprising means (24) to detect the temperature of fluid being displaced by the device and means (11) to control the device independence upon the sensor temperature. Preferably there is also means (22) to sense the pressure of the fluid being displaced by the device, a combination of temperature signals and pressure signals being utilised to control the device. The invention enables very sophisticated monitoring and control to be carried out, for example utilising pre-selected temperature and pressure bands.