Abstract: A method for generating content for a ticker feed on at least one web site, wherein the method is implemented by a computer comprising a microprocessor, a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions executable by the microprocessor to at least: receive web site information related to at least one of content of the at least one web site having the ticker, advertisements appearing on the at least one web site, metadata; apply a predictive model to the at least one web site information to generate at least one probabilistic user profile; retrieve at least one product or service from at least one provider based on at least one probabilistic user profile; update the predictive model with user input values to refine the at least one probabilistic user profile; retrieve content for the ticker feed based on the at least one probabilistic user profile.

Abstract: A sensor remote from the load's open/close switch for detecting the initial minuscule alternating current flow across the load's open/close switch upon closure of the open/close switch. After the sensor detects the initial minuscule alternating current flow, according to a predetermined paradigm, the controller/manager activates, delays or inhibits delivery of alternating current to the load to be managed. The sensor and/or the controller/manager is easily connected to the localized preexisting circuits of either stationary dwellings or movable domiciles and is well suited for managing the numerous appliance loads commonly found in dwelling or domiciles.

Abstract: A wear-resistant ribbon guide surface (11 or 25a, 25b) is added to a thermal printhead (1) to lower the ribbon exit angle after printing or to shift the ribbon exit position away from the printing. The angle past that surface remains large enough for visibility of prior printing. The modification of exit conditions makes the printing darker and significantly improves printhead life.

Abstract: A scanner for mechanically distinguishing light from dark areas of an image, having a light source 4, a collecting lens 7 directing light from the source to surface 11 of a total internal reflective block 62 (block 9 in FIG. 1). The top, parallel surface 13 reflects the light through a focusing, hemispherical condenser lens 17. Light reflected from area 21 on document 23 is collected by the center of lens 17, passes through notch 64 (an area of non-surface 15 in block 9 in FIG. 1), and then through an objective lens 27, from which it is focused on phototransistor 29. The scanner functions well without precise positioning of document.

Abstract: In a continuous type ink jet printer having a conventional charging electrode for charging ink drops in accordance with a signal to be recorded on a record receiving media, a pair of deflection electrodes is mounted in a rocker which pivots on a holder mounted on the carrier. As the carrier is accelerated from the stop condition to print speed, the acceleration of the carrier effects rotation of the rocker about the pivot and thus automatic tilt of the deflection electrodes backward from the direction of carrier movement thereby tilting or inclining the electric field formed between the electrodes to compensate for carrier movement. In the preferred form, a simple magnetic type latch is applied to retain the rocker in one position for printing in a first direction, and to enable quick release and reversal, under inertial control, when the carrier moves in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An optical position sensing apparatus utilizing a grating having two sets of opaque and transparent lines thereon, one of the sets being off-set from the other is associated with a source-detector assembly, the source and detector assembly including pairs of light sources and detection devices with at least one of the devices of one of the pairs being aligned with one set of light interrupting opaque lines and the other device of the pair being aligned with the other set of light interrupting opaque lines so that the image of the area illuminated by the opposing source is projected back upon the area of the grating in front of its respective detector as by an image reflecting surface, preferably a concave mirror. Inasmuch as the illuminated areas are of the same phase, the projected images will also be of a similar phase. The grating lines in front of the detectors, however, are 90.degree. off-set due to the off-set of the grating lines.