Abstract: A system for quick warm-up of a motor vehicle having an engine, an exhaust system and a passenger cabin includes a heat collector disposed in the exhaust system downstream of the catalytic converter. The system additionally includes a heater core in the passenger cabin. The heater core is in fluid communication with the heat collector for receiving a heated fluid from the heat collector. The system further includes an expansion tank for receiving fluid from the heater core. The expansion tank is located below the heat collector such that fluid drains from the heat collector back to the expansion tank solely under gravitational force. The heat collector may be combined with a resonator or with a muffler. The heater core may be a combined heater core that extracts heat from both the exhaust system and the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring heat between a first fluid and second fluid in a motor vehicle includes a housing, a first header, a second header, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes. The housing defines a chamber and includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first and second headers separate a central portion of the chamber from a first and second header portion of the chamber, respectively. The first inlet and the first outlet are in fluid communication with the central portion. The second inlet is in communication with the first header portion. The second outlet is in fluid communication with the second header portion. Each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes passes through the central portion of the chamber and has a first end in fluid communication with the first header portion and a second end in fluid communication with the second header portion.

Abstract: A portable computer system is provided having a first unit with touch-sensitive LCD display screen and a detachable second unit having a keyboard. The first unit includes a support structure movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, which can support the first unit in an inclined position on a planar surface. The support structure can help support the first unit when mounted on the second unit, standing alone, or both.

Abstract: A portable media storage device is provided. The device includes persistent digital storage programmed to contain digital media content. Two or more connectors of different types can be provided for engagement with a variety of electronic reader devices. The media storage devices can be sold at retail, alongside alternative traditional formats for consumption of the same media.

Abstract: A portable computer system is provided having a first unit with touch-sensitive LCD display screen and a detachable second unit having a keyboard. The first unit includes a support structure movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, which can support the first unit in an inclined position on a planar surface. The support structure can help support the first unit when mounted on the second unit, standing alone, or both.

Abstract: An Internet search engine with associated user interface is provided to facilitate use, particularly on devices with limited display size. Each search result is displayed using a graphical image associated with the result, and optionally associated text. Each result may be displayed using a significant portion of the total display area available. The amount of display area used to display a search result may vary depending upon the availability of significant images or relative importance of a search result to the underlying query.

Abstract: A computer-based system for the implementation of a social network service is provided. The system includes a user information database, a groups database and an interests database. A referral generator analyses information stored within the databases to identify common interests between users and/or groups, and prompt users with suggested associations. Interests may be regional in nature, facilitating in-person communications in addition to communications via the social network service.

Abstract: A wind turbine system is provided to generate electricity from wind energy. The system locates generator at a bottom portion of the tower. The system rotates either the entire tower, or the nacelle and the generator simultaneously. A flexible power transfer member inside the tower connects a top rotation transfer member and the bottom rotation transfer member to transfer wind energy captured by the turbine rotor from the top rotation transfer member to the bottom rotation transfer member. A pitch mechanism to rotate the rotor blades in a desired angular position about the rotor blades longitudinal axis is also provided.

Abstract: A tablet computer (10) is provided, having an integrated keyboard (14). Such a keyboard (23) may be derived from a transparent or translucent construction and overlay a tablet touch sensitive display (24) while enabling viewing of the display (24) through the keyboard. The keyboard (23) may support positioning for multiple display orientations, such as portrait or landscape.

Abstract: A social e-commerce system is provided. To the extent buyers seek products not already available, the system matches buyers with related sellers and solicits listing on the sought-after items. The system includes third party certification options. Enhanced communication facilities between buyers and sellers enable reduced opportunity for dispute. Intra-party communications during the transaction can be utilized by third party neutrals for dispute resolution. Parties can select trust agents for escrow and/or dispute resolution.

Abstract: An improved ecommerce system and process for conducting transactions is provided. The system holds a buyer's payment until the buyer has an opportunity to object to the goods or services provided. Payment is released to the seller if a complaint is not submitted within a buyer grace period. If a complaint is submitted, the system facilitates thorough communications between buyer and seller, and provides for dispute resolution. In some embodiments, a request-for-quote operation can be provided, as well as implementation of credit terms and automated generation of commercial transaction documents.

Abstract: A portable computer system is provided having a base unit and a detachable display unit. The display unit includes a support structure movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The support structure can help support the display unit when mounted on the base unit, standing alone, or both. Mechanical engagement tabs can also help support the display unit. A wireless communications link can convey information between the base and display units.

Abstract: An Internet search engine is provided, having integrated software tools enabling users to post-process search results for extraction of content. Processing and formatting required to utilize content in different applications is automated.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first header tank, a second header tank, and a core. The core is positioned between the first header tank and the second header tank. The core includes a plurality of tubes, a set of cooling fins and a plurality of channels. Each tube of the plurality of tubes provides fluid communication between the first header tank and the second header tank. The set of cooling fins are located between the heat exchange tubes of the plurality of tubes to increase a heat exchange area. The plurality of channels is defined by the plurality of tubes and the set of cooling fins. The channels of the plurality of channels are operative for directing a flow of air through the core such that a flow of air enters a front face of the core in a first direction and is generally directed toward a plane.

Abstract: A portable computer system is provided having a base unit and a detachable display unit. The display unit can be oriented in landscape and portrait orientations, or can be replaced by display units having different physical characteristics. A support structure can be deployed to provide increased physical stability when desired.

Abstract: A portable computer is provided having a first display panel in a display unit, a second display panel in a base unit, and a keyboard structure requiring less surface area than conventional keyboards. Keyboard keys are at least partially transparent, revealing an underlying display panel. The display panel can display a plurality of icons that may be alternatively associated with each key, such that keyboard input can be achieved using a reduced quantity of keys.

Abstract: A portable computer system is provided having a base unit and a detachable display unit. The display unit can be oriented in landscape and portrait orientations, or can be replaced by display units having different physical characteristics. A support structure can be deployed to provide increased physical stability when desired.

Abstract: A wind turbine utilizes a rotor assembly rotating about a substantially horizontal shaft, wherein said rotational motion is converted to a substantially vertical rotational motion through a shaft extending down from the nacelle located near the top of the tower structure to a mechanical room located at a lower altitude relative to the top of the tower. Said lower mechanical room houses some of the large heavy operational components of the turbine such that the turbine is not as top heavy as conventional turbines, and maintenance of the turbine is improved through ease of access to the lower altitude mechanical room.

Abstract: A transmission thermostat adapted to control the flow of automatic transmission fluid between a transmission and a transmission oil cooler including a temperature-sensitive mechanism. The temperature-sensitive mechanism includes at lease one bimetallic coil.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes at least two tanks containing a medium to be temperature treated and a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending between the at least two tanks. The heat exchange tubes have exterior surface areas at least partially defining a heat exchange area. A set of cooling fins is located between the heat exchange tubes of the plurality of heat exchange tubes to increase the heat exchange area. The fins are configured to define a plurality of non-straight line paths for the flow of air across the heat exchanger. The non-straight line paths force the flow of air across the heat exchange to change direction and cause impingement of the air onto the fins and tubes as well as turbulence for increasing heat transfer performance.