Abstract: A tag correlation server enables customer loyalty services to be provided to consumers using near field communication (NFC) devices. The tag correlation server receives a tag ID of an NFC tag fixed to a mobile device of a consumer from a point-of-sale device of a business as part of a transaction between the consumer and the business. The tag correlation server identifies a loyalty card ID of the consumer for the business based on the tag ID and provides the loyalty card ID to a loyalty server of the business to determine loyalty information for the consumer to complete the transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suspends cables from the top and sides of a shipping and stowage container having separated block-shaped fittings with top and side openings. A cross bar with rounded support structure suspends the cables and extends past the block-shaped fittings. First twist-lock fittings are mounted on a first side of the cross bar in the same spaced-apart relationship as the openings on the sides of the separated block-shaped fittings. Bayonets in the twist-lock fittings can be inserted into the side and top openings and rotated to secure the apparatus to the block-shaped fittings. Rotatable end hangers support cables beyond the container. Second twist-lock fittings are mounted on a second side of the cross bar in the same spaced-apart relationship as the openings on the tops of the separated block-shaped fittings.

Abstract: A method of operating a search application, in which previous search queries have been received and stored, including receiving a current search query, searching for previous search queries including beginning portions thereof, mid-portions thereof and end-portions thereof which match a sequence of an input of the current search query in real-time, and displaying previous search queries found in the searching operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of distillation uses a high temperature thermoelectric device to heat a liquid, such as water to vapor (steam) and cool the vapor to a purified, distilled liquid. Distillation system has no moving parts, thereby increasing reliability while reducing noise and maintenance. Liquid in a container has a heating section on the container extending into it to boil it into a vapor that is fed to a condenser section disposed on the container adjacent to the heating section. A thermoelectric section provided with a Peltier effect device is interposed between the heating section and condenser section. The Peltier effect device has one side in contiguous contact with the condenser to transfer heat from it and another side is in contiguous contact with the heating section to transfer heat to it to boil the liquid into the vapor and feed the vapor through the condenser that condenses it into distilled liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of distillation uses a high temperature thermoelectric device to heat a liquid, such as water to vapor (steam) and cool the vapor to a purified, distilled liquid. Distillation system has no moving parts, thereby increasing reliability while reducing noise and maintenance. Liquid in a container has a heating section on the container extending into it to boil it into a vapor that is fed to a condenser section disposed on the container adjacent to the heating section. A thermoelectric section provided with a Peltier effect device is interposed between the heating section and condenser section. The Peltier effect device has one side in contiguous contact with the condenser to transfer heat from it and another side is in contiguous contact with the heating section to transfer heat to it to boil the liquid into the vapor and feed the vapor through the condenser that condenses it into distilled liquid.

Abstract: A waterproof quick disconnect slip ring device includes a female component ttached to a rotating component, a male component attached to a stationary component and removably inserted into a cavity of the female component so as to permit relative rotation between the female and male components, and an annular dynamic seal provided between the female and male components so as to provide a dynamic water-tight seal therebetween as the female and male components rotate relative to one another. The female and male components respectively have first and second electrical conductor arrangements which are electrically coupled together and maintained in the electrical coupled relationship as the female and male components and the first and second electrical conductor arrangements therewith undergo rotation relative to one another. The slip ring device also includes an annular hub and a pair of end caps with annular static seals.

Abstract: A lightweight, low cost, solar heat collecting system is provided for use with homes and other buildings. Solar heat collecting panels are mounted on a roof or other support and connected to the building's heating system. A liquid black body medium is pumped to the elevated upper end of each unit and is allowed to drain down through each panel by gravity feed back into a storage tank where the heated liquid is circulated, on demand, through the building. Each heating panel is comprised of a rigid foam plastic frame having a back wall over which is disposed a reflective stratum. A sheet of plastic material having a black surface is bonded to the reflective stratum along spaced parallel lines to define a plurality of parallel channels extending lengthwise of the panel. Manifolds are provided at opposite ends of the panel to feed the liquid into and drain the liquid from the channels.