Abstract: A helical screw pile having a soil displacement device (lead displacement plate) on its shaft above at least one helical plate, which pulls the pile into the ground when the shaft is rotated. The lead displacement plate has a disk that carries at least two curved, axially extending bottom blades, which preferably extend beyond the disk periphery. The axial height of the blades preferably is greater than the axial pitch of the helical plate(s) divided by the number of blades. The top of the disk has an axially extending adapter ring that defines an annular seat for centering a tubular casing. Extension displacement plates can be used between extension shafts for centering additional tubular casings.

Abstract: A pair of forceps includes a first arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a second arm extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the second arm connected to the first arm at a pivot point in combination with a first leaf spring coupled to an inner surface of the first arm at a first attachment point and curved toward the second arm and a switch coupled to an inner surface of the second arm and having a switch opening extending therethrough receiving the first leaf spring to form a ratchet mechanism maintaining a desired position of as the first and second arms relative to one another as they are radially compressed to a grasping configuration.

Abstract: A helical screw pile having a soil displacement device (lead displacement plate) on its shaft above at least one helical plate, which pulls the pile into the ground when the shaft is rotated. The lead displacement plate has a disk that carries at least two curved, axially extending bottom blades, which preferably extend beyond the disk periphery. The axial height of the blades preferably is greater than the axial pitch of the helical plate(s) divided by the number of blades. The top of the disk has an axially extending adapter ring that defines an annular seat for centering a tubular casing. Extension displacement plates can be used between extension shafts for centering additional tubular casings.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital set top box transmits a data request (2) to an RFI data center. The RFI data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the package of assets or follow-on information to a user data terminal, for example, of the cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6).

Abstract: A system and method (i.e., utility) is provided for use in connection with delivering content that is targeted to users of a broadcast network. More specifically a utility is provided for inserting targeted content into a broadcast content stream based at least in part on information associated with content of the programming that will be provided via a broadcast network. In this regard, one or more textual fields associated with the programming is monitored (2004) or otherwise reviewed. Based on the textual information from the at least one textual field of the programming, targeted content or ‘assets’ are identified (2008) (i.e., from a collection of assets) that have at least partially matching textual constraints. At least one of the identified assets may then be inserted (2010) into a content stream of the broadcast network and provided in conjunction with the programming.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and the internet. In one implementation, a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital set top box transmits a data request (2) to an RFI data center. The RFI data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a report such package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the package of assets or follow-on information to a user data terminal, for example, of the cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6).

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and the Internet. In one implementation, a code identifying an item of media content of interest (e.g. television, newspaper, magazines, billboards, radio) is captured and input to an RFI system that includes stored media tags and a search tool for matching inputs to the stored media tags. Upon receipt of the captured code, the RFI system matches the captured code with the stored media tags and provides a response to the user based on the match. The response may include or relate to follow-on or premium information relating to the content of interest. Using this information, an RFI data center or an RFI platform may credit value to a rewards account established for the network user based on the user's verified consumption of assets and/or data requests.

Abstract: A request for information (RFI) system is provided for use in communications networks including broadcast networks and the internet. In one implementation, a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input (1) to a digital set top box using a user remote. Based on this RFI input, the digital set top box transmits a data request (2) to an RFI data center. The RFI data center also receives asset data (3) from an asset database so as to associate the RFI input (1) with a particular asset. An RFI request (4) can then be transmitted to the appropriate asset provider. The asset provider can then provide a report such package of assets or follow-on information (5) back to the RFI data center. The RFI data center may then, in turn, provide the package of assets or follow-on information to a user data terminal, for example, of the cable television network viewer, via access through a web-portal or e-mail (6).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved nail and an associated method for implanting the nail into a patient's bone. The nail preferably includes a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of spiral blades (e.g., vanes) and a cannulated bore extending from the proximal end to the distal end so that in use an injectable material such as, for example PCL material, can be injected into the patient's bone through the cannulated bore formed in the nail. The nail also preferably includes a cutout portion at the distal end thereof in order to direct the outflow of injectable material through the cannulated bore. The cutout portion preferably is configured to facilitate the injectable material outflowing past the distal end of the nail and superiorly of the nail when the nail is properly implanted and positioned in situ.