Abstract: An embodiment of a communication system includes a client device adapted to receive a location object that includes tracer information, and to perform one or more location object-based actions using the location object. The client device stores the tracer information and location object usage information, which describes the one or more location object-based actions that have been performed using the location object. The client device also sends the stored information to a server. The system also includes the server, which is adapted to receive the location object usage information and the tracer information reported by the client device. In an embodiment, the system also includes a service provider adapted to initiate a billing event, which may include generation and transmission of a bill to a sponsor entity based on an evaluation of the location object usage information and the tracer information reported by the client device.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite of embedded nanofibers in a polymer matrix is disclosed. The method includes incorporating nanofibers in a plastic matrix forming agglomerates, and uniformly distributing the nanofibers by exposing the agglomerates to hydrodynamic stresses. The hydrodynamic said stresses force the agglomerates to break apart. In combination or additionally elongational flow is used to achieve small diameters and alignment. A nanofiber reinforced polymer composite system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanofibers that are embedded in polymer matrices in micron size fibers. A method for producing nanotube continuous fibers is disclosed. Nanofibers are fibrils with diameters 100 nm, multiwall nanotubes, single wall nanotubes and their various functionalized and derivatized forms. The method includes mixing a nanofiber in a polymer; and inducing an orientation of the nanofibers that enables the nanofibers to be used to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastener assembly, comprising a nut provided with a plurality of threads, a torque transmitter shaped to transmit torque to the nut, and an annular surface that is undulating in shape, a washer provided with a clamp surface and a bearing surface that is undulating in shape and axially opposed to the annular surface on the nut, and a spring member located between the annular surface on the nut and the bearing surface on the washer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell and an energy storage device, such as a battery or capacitor, integrated into the module.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of attaching a pair of support arms to a chair for the purpose of positioning a towel or canopy. Each support arm provides a hooking means for fitment to common chairs, and a long arcuate towel-supporting member through which one end of a towel is threaded. The device may be readily transported from one place to another, may be easily attached to nearly any type of outdoor chair, is ideally composed of a pair of single pieces of plastic, and may be easily detached and packed away until used again at a later time.

Abstract: A speaker having a transparent sound panel and an exciter connected to the transparent sound panel for converting electrical energy received by the exciter, into vibrations that are transmitted to the transparent sound panel, resulting in the transparent sound panel transmitting sound. The speaker also contains a stiff panel located between the exciter and the transparent sound panel, where the stiff panel minimizes dampening qualities associated with material utilized to fabricate the transparent sound panel and minimizes bending of the portion of the transparent sound panel that is in contact with the stiff panel. In addition, a dampening pad is located within the exciter for absorbing a portion of excessive mid-high frequency vibrations emanating from the exciter prior to transmission to the transparent sound panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a u-bolt comprising, a shaft having a curved portion and two ends, the ends each have a threaded surface, the curved portion is located between the ends, at least a portion of the end has a trilobular shape, and the curved portion is shaped so that a distance between the ends is shorter than the length of the end.

Abstract: The current invention provides a cable actuated string trimmer head compressor, adaptable to bump-n-feed type string trimmers. A handle operated by remotely actuates a lever that in turn exerts force on a first half of a string trimmer head, compressing the first half of the trimmer head relative to a second half of the trimmer head. The string trimmer head compresses as if it had been pressed to the ground.

Abstract: Various embodiments of payout systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment, among others, comprises providing a defined payout amount and a player adjustable payout volatility for a video gaming device, and responsive to player input, modifying the payout volatility while maintaining the defined payout amount.

Abstract: An automated method of scheduling reinforcing bars for use in reinforced products, the method including the steps of: storing default reinforced product parameters in a database (14); in a database engine (12), automatically detecting (115) one or more reinforced product properties from one or more reinforced product drawings; and using the stored reinforced product parameters and detected reinforced product properties to generate (121) reinforcing bar scheduling data.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position is disclosed. The foldable massaging bed cushion has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one or more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: A massage base having a top surface contains at least one massage node base wherein the massage node base is motile in relation to the massage base. At least one massage node is mounted on each of the massage node bases and at least partially protrudes from the top surface. The massage node is mounted for rote movement in relation to the massage base. A motor, connected to the massage node base, engages the massage node in rote movement in relation to the massage base.

Abstract: A thin film is formed by depositing a wide bandgap semiconductor material on a substrate by oblique physical vapor deposition to form a thin film structure. The thin film structure is transparent, electrically conductive, and birefringent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapidly disintegrating solid dosage form comprising an active pharmaceutical ingredient, a disintegrant and a disintegration promoter, which formulation is obtainable by a wet granulation process. In one exemplified embodiment, the active pharmaceutical agent is a thrombin receptor antagonist, the disintegrant is sodium croscarmellose, and the disintegration promoter is calcium silicate. In some embodiments, the thrombin receptor antagonist is represented by the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed are methods of treating patients at risk for acute coronary syndrome by administering such a rapidly disintegrating solid dosage form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stud including, a first end and a second end, a torque transferring structure located at the first end, a shaft provided with an axis and including a threaded surface that is provided with a locking thread located adjacent to a Vee shaped thread, the threaded surface is dimensioned to engage a plurality of threads on a nut body, wherein the plurality of threads on the nut body are provided with a diameter greater than an M12, and the locking thread on the shaft is provided with a root surface located between a first angled surface and a second angled surface, wherein the root surface is angled relative to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module includes a plurality of PV cells and a plurality of reconfigurable interconnects which electrically interconnect the plurality of PV cells.

Abstract: A passive noise reduction apparatus has a headset with at least one ear cup attached to the headset, the ear cup having an ear side and a shell side. An inner shell, having a cup side and an outer side, is mounted to and substantially covers the shell side of the ear cup wherein the cup side of the inner shell faces the shell side of the ear cup. An outer shell, having an inner side and a distal side, is mounted to and substantially covers the inner shell, wherein the inner side of the outer shell is in substantially contiguous contact with the outer side of the inner shell.