Abstract: A micro-inverter assembly for use in a photovoltaic system includes a housing, a direct current (DC)-to-alternating current (AC) micro-inverter disposed within the housing, and a DC connector electrically coupled to the DC-to-AC micro-inverter. The DC connector is positioned within a recess formed in a bottom surface of the housing such that at least one electrical contact of the DC connector is accessible from outside the housing. According to alternative embodiments, the DC connector comprises a plug-and-play connector constructed for one of a rotational engagement and a translational engagement with a DC connector of a photovoltaic (PV) panel.

Abstract: A funnel assembly for a beverage brewer comprises: a central body with an upper opening for receiving a brewed beverage from the beverage brewer and a lower opening for directing the brewed beverage into a selected one of two or more shuttles; and an upper clip portion configured to snap onto and engage a shaft extending from the beverage brewer, such that the funnel assembly is pivotable about an axis defined by the shaft between a first position in which it directs the brewed beverage into a first of the two or more shuttles and a second position in which it directs the brewed beverage into a second of the two or more shuttles.

Abstract: A micro-inverter assembly includes a housing having an opening formed in a bottom surface thereof, and a direct current (DC)-to-alternating current (AC) micro-inverter disposed within the housing at a position adjacent to the opening. The micro-inverter assembly further includes a micro-inverter DC connector electrically coupled to the DC-to-AC micro-inverter and positioned within the opening of the housing, the micro-inverter DC connector having a plurality of exposed electrical contacts.

Abstract: A chain catch that is capable of being attached to various bases so as to allow the quick and simple affixation of the chain catch to any vertical chain. The chain catch has an upper body and a lower body. The upper body is designed to trap a vertical chain within its internal design while it remains within its vertical orientation, and the lower body is designed to attach to a load and to the upper body. When the tension is taken off of the chain within the chain catch and the upper body is tilted, the chain may be vertically raised, free from the chain catch or the chain catch and its attached barbell can be vertically raised.

Abstract: After loss of communications between a cash handling device and a financial institution, transactions may continue to be processed. In one configuration, the transactions may be processed up to a predefined transaction limit. Transaction limits may be defined by a number of transactions, a dollar amount transacted or to be transacted, an amount of time and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the transaction limit may be specific to one or more types of transactions. Transaction data may be stored in memory until communication has been re-established, at which time the data may be transmitted to the financial institution for processing.

Abstract: A photographic exchange network may allow individuals taking photographs to share those photographs with other individuals having their photograph taken. An example technique may include receiving an indication of a physical location of a first user and, responsive to receiving the indication of the physical location of the first user, determining at least a second user at the physical location of the first user. The example technique may also include transmitting information identifying the first user to a mobile device associated with the second user and then receiving an image of the first user from the mobile device associated with the second user.

Abstract: After loss of communications between a cash handling device and a financial institution, transactions may continue to be processed. In one configuration, the transactions may be processed up to a predefined transaction limit. Transaction limits may be defined by a number of transactions, a dollar amount transacted or to be transacted, an amount of time and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the transaction limit may be specific to one or more types of transactions. Transaction data may be stored in memory until communication has been re-established, at which time the data may be transmitted to the financial institution for processing.

Abstract: A surgical staple comprising a first deformable leg, a second deformable leg and a backspan having first and second transverse portions spaced apart to create a gap therebetween. The backspan further includes a third transverse portion spaced distally from the first and second transverse portions and distally of the gap. A first non-linear backspan portion extends between the first transverse portion and the first end portion of the third transverse portion and a second non-linear backspan portion extends between the second transverse portion and the second end portion of the third transverse portion.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners and an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge. The cartridge and anvil sections clamp tissue therebetween. A cam member is slidable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners, and is movable from a first position defining a first distance from the anvil to a second position defining a second different distance from the anvil. A cam adjusting member is operably associated with the cam member and moves the cam member from the first position to the second position in response to a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and cartridge sections.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) grounding system includes a first grounding path comprising an electrical connection between a plurality of support bars of a rail system and a connection box coupled to the rail system. The PV grounding system also includes a second grounding path comprising an electrical connection between the connection box and a plurality of PV modules disposed within the rail system, the second ground path extending from micro-inverter ground leads of the plurality of PV modules, through an extension harness electrically connected to the plurality of PV modules, to a ground connection within the connection box. The PV grounding system further includes a third grounding path that includes an electrical connection between the ground connection within the connection box and a building load panel. The first grounding path, the second grounding path, and the third grounding path are electrically connected within the connection box.

Abstract: A surgical staple comprising a first deformable leg, a second deformable leg and a backspan having first and second transverse portions spaced apart to create a gap therebetween. The backspan further includes a third transverse portion spaced distally from the first and second transverse portions and distally of the gap. A first non-linear backspan portion extends between the first transverse portion and the first end portion of the third transverse portion and a second non-linear backspan portion extends between the second transverse portion and the second end portion of the third transverse portion.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners and an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge. The cartridge and anvil sections clamp tissue therebetween. A cam member is slidable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners, and is movable from a first position defining a first distance from the anvil to a second position defining a second different distance from the anvil. A cam adjusting member is operably associated with the cam member and moves the cam member from the first position to the second position in response to a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and cartridge sections.

Abstract: Valve implant systems positionable within a flow passage, the systems having an inlet, an outlet, and a remotely activatable valve between the inlet and outlet, with the valves being operable to provide intermittent occlusion of the flow path. A remote field is applied to provide thermal or magnetic activation of the valves.

Abstract: Verification systems are provided for verification of proper execution of control commands on remote devices. In some embodiments, the verification systems can include video cameras, audio sensors, thermal detectors, etc., to provide secondary sources of information by which to verify primary reports on a state of a remote device. Each device can be associated with a device profile defining operating characteristics of the remote device in various states. In some examples, device properties can also be defined based on a current state of the device and a received control command. In some examples, the device profiles are models of expected device properties that can used to verify proper execution of control commands. In some embodiments, detection of state mismatch can trigger a variety of actions by the system to mediate the mismatched state according to a variety of control rules.

Abstract: System and method for remote selection and management of projects by residential property managers and third party vendor service providers. The system provides for a digital means of combining the project selection, project management, and payment aspects of the residential service industry into a single method. The included payment system ensures payment within a set period by automatically triggering payment if it is not triggered by the user after a certain deadline.

Abstract: After loss of communications between a cash handling device and a financial institution, transactions may continue to be processed. In one configuration, the transactions may be processed up to a predefined transaction limit. Transaction limits may be defined by a number of transactions, a dollar amount transacted or to be transacted, an amount of time and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the transaction limit may be specific to one or more types of transactions. Transaction data may be stored in memory until communication has been re-established, at which time the data may be transmitted to the financial institution for processing.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for an end-to-end currency handling, and servicing apparatus. The apparatus may be used in any cash-centric business or enterprise for cash register till set up and balancing, back office reconciliation, and other cash payment handling activities. Further aspects of the invention provide real-time access to cash receipts for enterprise use in making financial and planning decisions.

Abstract: After loss of communications between a cash handling device and a financial institution, transactions may continue to be processed. In one configuration, the transactions may be processed up to a predefined transaction limit. Transaction limits may be defined by a number of transactions, a dollar amount transacted or to be transacted, an amount of time and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the transaction limit may be specific to one or more types of transactions. Transaction data may be stored in memory until communication has been re-established, at which time the data may be transmitted to the financial institution for processing.

Abstract: A deployable solar panel system including a basic unit of a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels electrically interconnected to each other and mechanically interconnected to each other by a hinge bonded to each PV panel, thereby allowing the basic unit to be folded for transportation and storage into a compact form and then unfolded for installation.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide for blind withdrawal of currency for transportation. A cash handling device may allow a selection for transport withdrawal. The user need not know the amount to be requested for dispensation. At least a portion of the currency in the cashing handling device may be stored in the container. The container may have an identifier (e.g., a barcode, an RFID tag, and the like) on it. The identifier may be stored in a database along with the amount of currency in the container. The database may be stored locally in the cashing handling device or in remote location. At a location to which the container is being delivered, the identifier may be read and used to lookup in the database the amount of currency in the container. The currency in the container may be counted and compared to the amount stored in the database for the identifier.