Abstract: For retrofitting to a backblock of an existing multi-head, multi-backblock beverage dispensing machine, Applicant provides a valve having, in one embodiment, walls adapted to fluidly engage a backblock. A primary circuit has a pair of primary circuit pathways adapted to receive pressurized syrup and pressurized water from the backblock. The valve provides a multiplicity of supplemental circuit pathways adapted to receive (typically not from a backblock) a multiplicity of different syrups from a multiplicity of different pressurized syrup sources. Flow control elements in the valve engage the circuits to control the rate of flow of fluid therethrough. Operator pushbutton controlled valved chambers open and close the circuit pathways. A post-mix valve assembly mixes a syrup from a circuit pathway with the pressurized water from the primary circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aerial refueling are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aerial refueling system includes a first conduit portion moveably coupled to a second conduit portion and moveable relative to the second conduit portion along a longitudinal axis, and a force absorbing assembly operatively coupled to the first and second conduit portions. The force absorbing assembly includes a first absorber portion and a second absorber portion engaged with the first absorber portion. The first absorber portion is configured to compress when subject to a compression force having a longitudinal component at least approximately aligned with the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal component tending to urge the first conduit portion toward the second conduit portion and causing absorption of at least a portion of the longitudinal component by the first absorber portion until the longitudinal component reaches a first limit.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is disclosed, typical of prior art beverage dispensing systems, in that it is designed to dispense fluids, such as syrup and/or soda and water, from a bar gun. The bar gun is connected by a multiplicity of lines to a manifold and flow control assembly. The manifold and flow control assembly, in turn, receives a number of different fluids, typically syrup, water and soda, under pressure from a number of different pressurized containers. Applicants' novel system includes schematics, typically in the form of adhesive labels, applied to the dispensing system, typically on the manifold and flow control assembly, which schematics illustrate the button arrangement on the handle, and the inlet port layout on the handle, and relate the same, using words, symbols or a combination, to indicia identified ports on the manifold and flow control assembly.

Abstract: Multi-flavored beverage dispensing may be achieved by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system for dispensing a combination of externally supplied flavor concentrates and water may include a housing, a lid, a base, a valve, and a flow control assembly. The valve may include a dispensing nozzle, a handle, and a sensor activated by movement of the handle, the valve adapted to separately receive a flavor concentrate and water and mix the two fluids in the nozzle before dispensing. The flow control assembly may include a multiplicity of paired mechanically adjustable flow control elements and dispensing controllers. The flow control assembly may be controlled by a touch-sensitive control panel and a computer. The touch-sensitive control panel may be adapted to receive user flavor selections, and the computer may control the dispensing controllers responsive to user touches of the control panel and manipulation of the handle.

Abstract: A modular beverage dispenser for engagement with bag-in-box or other source of pressurized concentrate and a pressurized ambient water source, such as city water, is provided. The dispenser has a housing having housing walls, the walls defining an interior space, the interior having interior walls defining a multiple of interior spaces. The housing engages either a flange (configured to engage a perimeter of a countertop drop-in cutout) or legs configured to depend downward from the housing to support the same above a support surface. An ice container is provided for receiving ice therein configured to engage the housing so as to be substantially within the interior space. A cold plate is provided with a multiplicity of cold plate contained fluid lines therein adapted to engage the ice container so as to be cooled by the contents thereof. A carbonator is located in a first interior space.

Abstract: A drip tray and base assembly for a beverage dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The drip tray and base assembly includes a base for supporting an urn in spaced apart relation above a support surface, such as a counter. The base typically has side walls and a top wail. A drip tray is provided for laying adjacent the base. The drip tray typically has an upper grill-like surface for receiving a cup, container or other receptacle thereon, as well as side walls and a floor. At least one of the side walls of the drip tray is configured with a drain extension for draining fluids accumulating on the floor of the drip tray. A coupling member with walls adapted to removably couple with the base is provided. Furthermore, a coupling member includes walls for removably and fluid sealingly coupling with the drip tray extension and with a drain line so as to carry fluid accumulating on the floor of the drip tray through the drip tray drain extension into a drain line.

Abstract: A bookmark editor in an Internet web browser application allows a user to create symbolic links between bookmarks and bookmark folders. The bookmark editor may also detect when a bookmark already exists for a document and prompt the user to create a link rather than a new bookmark for the same document. The user may then keep a folder, subfolder, or bookmark and link to it via a symbolic link. When a bookmark is added to a folder or subfolder, the user does not need to duplicate that bookmark for a linked folder or subfolder.

Abstract: Under the present invention, componentized costs for providing/producing an item are collected from a plurality of suppliers. The componentized costs include the fixed and variable costs associated with raw materials and production for providing the item according to various specifications and order quantities. When a buyer wishes to obtain the item, a particular order specification and a demand forecast for the item will be provided. Based on the particular specification, the demand forecast and the componentized costs, an optimal order quantity for the item will be calculated. Then, a total (lifetime) cost for providing the item will be calculated for each supplier. The supplier having the lowest total cost for the projected lifetime of the item will be identified to the buyer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aerial refueling are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aerial refueling system includes a first conduit portion moveably coupled to a second conduit portion and moveable relative to the second conduit portion along a longitudinal axis, and a force absorbing assembly operatively coupled to the first and second conduit portions. The force absorbing assembly includes a first absorber portion and a second absorber portion engaged with the first absorber portion. The first absorber portion is configured to compress when subject to a compression force having a longitudinal component at least approximately aligned with the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal component tending to urge the first conduit portion toward the second conduit portion and causing absorption of at least a portion of the longitudinal component by the first absorber portion until the longitudinal component reaches a first limit.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system and method for facilitating the emergency separation of the components of a probe and drogue in-flight refueling. The in-flight refueling system and method provides a fuse device capable of being installed between, for instance, an elongate hose configured to trail from a tanker aircraft, and a drogue connected to, and in fluid communication with, the elongate hose. The fuse device may be configured to separate in response to a separating force such that the drogue may separate from the elongate hose prior to the exertion of a damaging force, a non-certified force, or an unknown aerodynamic force on the elongate hose, on a probe carried by a second receiver aircraft, or on the tanker aircraft.

Abstract: A bookmark editor in an Internet web browser application allows a user to create symbolic links between bookmarks and bookmark folders. The bookmark editor may also detect when a bookmark already exists for a document and prompt the user to create a link rather than a new bookmark for the same document. The user may then keep a folder, subfolder, or bookmark and link to it via a symbolic link. When a bookmark is added to a folder or subfolder, the user does not need to duplicate that bookmark for a linked folder or subfolder.

Abstract: Under the present invention, componentized costs for providing/producing an item are collected from a plurality of suppliers. The componentized costs include the fixed and variable costs associated with raw materials and production for providing the item according to various specifications and order quantities. When a buyer wishes to obtain the item, a particular order specification and a demand forecast for the item will be provided. Based on the particular specification, the demand forecast and the componentized costs, an optimal order quantity for the item will be calculated. Then, a total (lifetime) cost for providing the item will be calculated for each supplier. The supplier having the lowest total cost for the projected lifetime of the item will be identified to the buyer.

Abstract: A positioning system, device, and method are provided to facilitate the in-flight positioning of two aircraft relative to one another such that a second aircraft is guided to an in-flight refueling position relative to a first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide a signal emitted from a positioning device carried by the first aircraft, wherein the signal defines a signal envelope containing the in-flight refueling position. The signal is adapted to be receivable by the second aircraft such that the signal may guide the second aircraft to the in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft.

Abstract: A bookmark editor in an Internet web browser application allows a user to create symbolic links between bookmarks and bookmark folders. The bookmark editor may also detect when a bookmark already exists for a document and prompt the user to create a link rather than a new bookmark for the same document. The user may then keep a folder, subfolder, or bookmark and link to it via a symbolic link. When a bookmark is added to a folder or subfolder, the user does not need to duplicate that bookmark for a linked folder or subfolder.

Abstract: Under the present invention, componentized costs for providing/producing an item are collected from a plurality of suppliers. The componentized costs include the fixed and variable costs associated with raw materials and production for providing the item according to various specifications and order quantities. When a buyer wishes to obtain the item, a particular order specification and a demand forecast for the item will be provided. Based on the particular specification, the demand forecast and the componentized costs, an optimal order quantity for the item will be calculated. Then, a total (lifetime) cost for providing the item will be calculated for each supplier. The supplier having the lowest total cost for the projected lifetime of the item will be identified to the buyer.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system and method are provided for facilitating the emergency separation of the components of a probe and drogue in-flight refueling. The in-flight refueling system and method provides a fuse device capable of being installed between, for instance, an elongate hose configured to trail from a tanker aircraft, and a drogue connected to, and in fluid communication with, the elongate hose. The fuse device may be configured to separate in response to a separating force such that the drogue may separate from the elongate hose prior to the exertion of a damaging force, a non-certified force, or an unknown aerodynamic force on the elongate hose, on a probe carried by a second receiver aircraft, or on the tanker aircraft.

Abstract: Virtual identities are created, where the virtual identities correspond to the primary identity of a mobile communications device or are based on the authentication of a mobile communications device. In this way, the same mobile device can send communications from different identities (e.g., different phone numbers) and/or receive communications at different identities. In one implementation, a virtual identity platform includes an identity database that makes associations between virtual identities and primary identities.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system, damping device and method are provided for substantially reversing a change in the disposition of an elongate hose extending from a first aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation. The various embodiments of the present invention provide a compact, lightweight, and easily installed damping device that may act to minimize the occurrence of oscillations within the elongate hose that may act to produce a change in the disposition of the elongate hose. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention facilitate the detuning of the elongate hose and, for instance, an attached drogue that may oscillate uncontrollably at a resonant frequency in response to aerodynamic forces exerted on the hose and drogue during an in-flight refueling operation.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system, damping device and method are provided for substantially reversing a change in the disposition of an elongate hose extending from a first aircraft during an in-flight refueling operation. The various embodiments of the present invention provide a compact, lightweight, and easily installed damping device that may act to minimize the occurrence of oscillations within the elongate hose that may act to produce a change in the disposition of the elongate hose. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention facilitate the detuning of the elongate hose and, for instance, an attached drogue that may oscillate uncontrollably at a resonant frequency in response to aerodynamic forces exerted on the hose and drogue during an in-flight refueling operation.

Abstract: A positioning system, device, and method are provided to facilitate the in-flight positioning of two aircraft relative to one another such that a second aircraft is guided to an in-flight refueling position relative to a first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide a signal emitted from a positioning device carried by the first aircraft, wherein the signal defines a signal envelope containing the in-flight refueling position. The signal is adapted to be receivable by the second aircraft such that the signal may guide the second aircraft to the in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft.