Abstract: A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect occupancy of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the occupancy; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, that the OPS is occupied, and, in response to determining that the OPS is occupied, generate a command to initiate at least one action associated with the OPS or an operator of the OPS.

Abstract: A value is assigned to a rate threshold for adding child nodes to a distinct parent node in a tree data structure. A first datum comprising a first variable assigned a first value and a second variable assigned a first value is added to the tree at a first timestamp, by adding to the first level in the tree a first parent node representing the first variable assigned the first value and adding to the second level in the tree a first child node representing the second variable assigned the first value and connected by a first directed edge from the first parent node. A second datum comprising the first variable assigned the first value and the second variable assigned a second value is received at a second timestamp. The method blocks adding to the second level in the tree a second child node representing the second variable assigned the second value and connected by a second directed edge from the first parent node when a rate based on the first timestamp and the second timestamp exceeds the rate threshold.

Abstract: A support frame for supporting a blade on a machine is provided. The support frame includes a lower frame section including a first leg, a second leg and a transverse portion that extends between the first leg and the second leg. Each of the first and second legs has a respective end portion and the transverse portion carries a lower connecting element configured to connect to a blade. An upper frame section includes a first leg, a second leg and a transverse portion that extends between the first leg and the second leg, each of the first and second legs having a respective end portion. The end portions of the respective first legs of the lower frame section and the upper frame section are connected together and the respective transverse portions of the lower frame section and the upper frame section are spaced from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and organizing multiple items. The apparatus may be particularly useful for retaining and organizing items for infants. Such items may include feeding bottles, pacifiers, toys, stimulating devices and articles. The apparatus may retain various items in the proximity of the infant after the items have been thrown or dropped. The apparatus may be attached to one or more structures which can include highchairs, strollers, shopping carts, cribs, furniture, car seats, and the like.

Abstract: This invention is a collaborative funding system which allows many people to work together to fund a project or to purchase a product or service. A computer system offers services to users, typically over the internet. Users may enter a new product into the system, contribute to a fund for buying a particular product or quote a product to sell it to other buyers. Once a product is quoted, the system chooses the best quote and offers the product for sale to the users. Buyers' funds are held in trust until the product is furnished. The system also provides a mechanism for the seller to build the product in stages and be paid for each stage. The system allows a negotiation between buyers and seller to determine whether the product or stage is complete.

Abstract: A backing material is made of low-density and/or high-density polyethylene(s) and/or a flexibilizer to provide high-strength, low-cost, and recyclable backing material for fabrics. The backing material can incorporate polypropylene(s), additional flexibilizers, fillers, flame-retardants, anti-microbials, odor minimizers/eliminators, scent, and protectants for further desired properties.

Abstract: A backing material is made of low-density and/or high-density polyethylene(s) and/or a flexibilizer to provide high-strength, low-cost, and recyclable backing material for fabrics. The backing material can incorporate polypropylene(s), additional flexibilizers, fillers, flame-retardants, anti-microbials, odor minimizers/eliminators, scent, and protectants for further desired properties.