Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for automatic bid solicitation during a transaction process, in which a user's checkout basket is automatically transmitted to a set of vendors for potential bids based on the user's selected items. The user can select products or services for purchase from an original Web site or vendor. Upon receipt of those selections, a transaction server can identify vendors who wish to receive notification of a pending purchase of particular items. The set of selections can be transmitted to participating vendors to determine a bid on the same or related goods or services. A vendor may wish, for example, to bid to offer after-market support or supplies for a printer or other pending hardware purchase. The user can view the additional bid items in a bid dialog, make selections from those options, and incorporate options of their choosing in the finalized transaction.

Abstract: A device may process a call, receive a request to forward the call at a call extension point, obtain information about parked calls from a queue that stores information associated with the parked calls, determine whether the call may be parked or forwarded to a terminating device based on the information, park the call at the call extension point when it is determined that the call may not be forwarded, and forward the call to the terminating device when it is determined that the call may be forwarded.

Abstract: Calendar scheduling systems are described. In one embodiment, a client system receives an input, within a calendar application program, to schedule an event, the input specifying at least one of the event, a representation of a location for the event, or metadata of a physical facility at the location, and the client system transmits the input to a calendar server to determine an availability of at least one physical facility at the location and receives and presents data specifying the availability of at least one physical facility at the location. The client system may further cause an invitation to be sent to attendees of the event. Other systems and other methods are also described.

Abstract: A method for determining absolute density of a slurry that typically contains entrained air, such as cement slurry, in a continuous mixing operation such those used in cementing a gas or oil well. The method obtains density measurements of a slurry at two different pressures and then uses the two density measurements and the two pressure measurements to compute absolute density of the slurry employing the following formula at isothermal conditions: Dabs=D1/(1?((D1/D2?1)/(P1/P2?1))), where Dabs=absolute density, D1=first density, D2=second density, P1=absolute pressure at which the first density was measured, and P2=absolute pressure at which the second density was measured.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating a synchronous sales stack for a customer dialog. A user can visit a Web site and load selections into a checkout basket to prepare to purchase desired products and/or services. The user can select a live chat feature, which invokes an instant message, audio or video dialog with a sales representative. The sales representative can initiate a synchronous sales stack with the user, by which the user and sales representative can share a common view of purchase selections and potential alternatives or add-ons to the selections, as they are made. The customer and sales representative can continue their dialog as possible selections are explored, and the resulting sales stack is updated in real-time. When the user is satisfied with their selections, the sales stack can be stored as the customer's finalized checkout basket and the transaction can be completed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a peristaltic precision metering device, system and method of using the same. Disclosed is a metering device which includes a metering element that can engage with a compressible material line, wherein the metering device can place a selectable peristaltic effect upon the material in the line. Also disclosed is a metering system comprised of a metering device similar to above and a control system attached to the metering element and a robotic positioning system also attached to the metering device. Finally disclosed is a method of precision material dispensing comprised of providing a metering element and base, positioning a compressible material line between the metering element and base, moving one of the base, metering element, material line, or combination thereof, thereby causing a peristaltic effect upon material in the line, and dispensing a precise unit of material from the device.

Abstract: A method for determining absolute density of a slurry that typically contains entrained air, such as cement slurry, in a continuous mixing operation such those used in cementing a gas or oil well. The method obtains density measurements of a slurry at two different pressures and then uses the two density measurements and the two pressure measurements to compute absolute density of the slurry employing the following formula at isothermal conditions: Dabs=D1/(1?((D1/D2?1)/(P1/P2?1))), where Dabs=absolute density, D1=first density, D2=second density, P1=absolute pressure at which the first density was measured, and P2=absolute pressure at which the second density was measured.

Abstract: A mower has a rotary cutting deck with a discharge opening covered by a discharge chute. A pivotal gate is placed beneath the discharge chute to pivot relative to the discharge opening between a closed position in which the gate blocks the discharge opening and an open position in which the gate opens the discharge opening, thereby providing discharge and non-discharge modes of operation respectively. A pivotal foot pedal can be depressed by the operator against the force of a biasing spring to move the gate between the closed and open positions thereof. When the gate reaches its open position corresponding to a fully depressed foot pedal, an over center linkage has reached an over center orientation in which the force of the spring now serves to lock the pivotal gate in the open position thereof. Another over center linkage also locks the pivotal gate in the closed position thereof when the foot pedal is in a non-depressed starting position.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation that is effective in adversely affecting the viability of microorganisms or in inhibiting their growth and that provides better safety and/or comfort to the users comprises at least a polyanionic material and at least a source of hydrogen peroxide. The formulation can comprise an ophthalmically active agent for treating or controlling a disease or disorder of the eye.

Abstract: A gel mixing system that employs a dynamic diffuser for quickly removing the air from the fluid as the fluid exits a traditional gel mixer and employs progressive dilution of the gel in a series of hydration tanks to maximize hydration time without allowing the gel to become so viscous that it is not easily diluted or pumped. High shear agitation of the fluid between the hydration tanks helps to increase the hydration rate. Progressive dilution of the gel increases residence time of the gel in the tanks and results in longer hydration time in the limited tank space available, resulting in continuous production of gel that is almost fully hydrated when it is pumped to the fracturing blender and subsequently to the well bore without the need for an increase in the volume of the hydration tanks.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for increasing the effective contrast ratio and brightness yields for digital light valve image projectors using a variable luminance control mechanism (VLCM), associated with the projector optics, for modifying the light output and provide a correction thereto; and an adaptive luminance control module (ALCM) for receiving signals from the video input board, the adaptive luminance control module producing a signal on a VLCM bus connecting the variable luminance control mechanism and the adaptive luminance control module, the signal causing the variable luminance control mechanism to change the luminance of the light output and provide a corrected video signal for the projector.

Abstract: A plurality of limit orders are received at the same price and the limit orders are aggregated as a single aggregate. A plurality of broker interests are received at the same price. Equal parity is assigned to the single aggregate and each of the plurality of broker interests.

Abstract: A cement mixing method for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jet and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber. The five annular recirculation jets are located in alternating longitudinal alignment within the mixing chamber relative to the five annular water jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.

Abstract: A cement mixing method for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.

Abstract: A method of digitizing an image using a portable imaging system to produce an image product. The method comprises the steps of: a service provider transporting the portable imaging system from a first location to a second location; the service provider receiving the image to be digitized from a user at the second location; the service provider scanning the image at the second location using the portable imaging system to produce a digital image; the service provider receiving an order request associated with the digital image from the user; and the service provider providing the digital image to a fulfiller for fulfillment of the order request.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides populations of stem cells that are purified from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and/or other sources. Also provided are methods of using the stem cells for treating tissue and/or organ damage in a subject.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for integrating dimensional analysis in a program comprising defining a specific dimension class within the program, wherein the specific dimension class is an instance of the dimension meta-class, defining an instantiation of a unit class within the program, wherein the instantiation of the unit class comprises the specific dimension class as a type parameter associated with the instantiation of the unit class, defining a method within the program using the instantiation of the unit class and the specific dimension class, and compiling the program to generate an executable code corresponding to the program, wherein the program is written in an object-oriented language.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a thermal stable whey protein beverage comprising: (a) providing an aqueous solution of at least 2% (w/w) whey proteins and having a neutral pH; then (b) heating the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (c) cooling the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (d) adding at least one mineral salt at a neutral pH; and then (e) heating the aqueous solution of whey protein to produce a thermal stable whey protein beverage The present invention is further directed to a method for producing a thermal stable whey protein beverage under aseptic processing conditions or pasteurization or ultrapasteurization conditions comprising: (a) providing an aqueous solution of at least 2% whey proteins and having a neutral pH; then (b) heating the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (c) cooling the aqueous solution of whey proteins; then (d) adding at least one mineral salt to produce a thermal stable whey protein beverage.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for synchronization queue management. A synchronization queue management system can include a connection manager programmed to establish a synchronization link between a host pervasive device and a synchronization partner platform. The system further can include a link quality analysis service programmed to indicate a link quality for an established synchronization link. Finally, the system can include a synchronization application coupled to the connection manager and the link quality analysis service. The synchronization application can be configured to synchronize data in a synchronization queue in the host pervasive device with the synchronization partner platform over the established synchronization link. The synchronization application further can be configured to manage the synchronization queue based upon a link quality indicated by the link quality analysis service. Preferably, the link quality can be a throughput measurement or a usage cost measurement.

Abstract: A mower has a rotary cutting deck with a discharge opening covered by a discharge chute. A pivotal gate is placed beneath the discharge chute to pivot relative to the discharge opening between a closed position in which the gate blocks the discharge opening and an open position in which the gate opens the discharge opening, thereby providing discharge and non-discharge modes of operation respectively. A pivotal foot pedal can be depressed by the operator against the force of a biasing spring to move the gate between the closed and open positions thereof. When the gate reaches its open position corresponding to a fully depressed foot pedal, an over center linkage has reached an over center orientation in which the force of the spring now serves to lock the pivotal gate in the open position thereof. Another over center linkage also locks the pivotal gate in the closed position thereof when the foot pedal is in a non-depressed starting position.