Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein relate to utility based selection of inquiries in a streaming data pipeline. An indication of user identification data and a data source may be received by a server in communication with a distributed streaming data pipeline. This pipeline may be in communication with asynchronous event processing services. Those event processing services may determine an inquiry rule that includes an inquiry threshold. This rule may be based on the data source and retrieval of information related to that data source from memory in a database server. The rule may prompt a comparison of an inquiry count to an inquiry threshold. If the count is below the threshold, an inquiry may be sent to a user based in part upon expected utility that is itself based upon several indications of expected utility calculated by an event processing service.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein relate to utility based selection of inquiries in a streaming data pipeline. An indication of user identification data and a data source may be received by a server in communication with a distributed streaming data pipeline. This pipeline may be in communication with asynchronous event processing services. Those event processing services may determine an inquiry rule that includes an inquiry threshold. This rule may be based on the data source and retrieval of information related to that data source from memory in a database server. The rule may prompt a comparison of an inquiry count to an inquiry threshold. If the count is below the threshold, an inquiry may be sent to a user based in part upon expected utility that is itself based upon several indications of expected utility calculated by an event processing service.

Abstract: An oxidizable metal silicide or metal aluminide is used as one of the outer layers of an optical coating to provide a corrosion and scratch resistant barrier. This layer is initially deposited in an unoxidized or partially oxidized state. In this chemical state it provides corrosion protection to the layers underneath. The metal compound or intermetallic layer has hardness properties greater than most metals and therefore provides significant scratch protection.

Abstract: A sewing machine system possesses an interactive communication capability allowing for the assignment of stitch patterns with respect to workpieces to be sewn. The workpieces are arranged within pallets having binary codes impressed thereon. The stitch pattern assignments are made in conjunction with the sensing of the binary codes. The workpieces are automatically processed from a location wherein the binary codes are sensed, to a location wherein the pallets are attached to an automatic positioning system. The workpieces are furthermore processed through to an output position when the respectively assigned stitch pattern has been sewn.

Abstract: A system for processing workpieces prearranged within pallets that are to be sewn by a sewing machine. The system includes apparatus for automatically processing a pallet from an input location to a location wherein the pallet can be automatically attached to a positioning system. The positioning system moves the attached pallet into position underneath the sewing machine head for subsequent sewing of a stitch pattern. The sewn workpiece is returned to a location where the pallet can be detached from the positioning system. An ejector mechanism automatically moves the detached pallet to a location which does not interfere with the automatic processing of another pallet loaded at the input location.

Abstract: An X-Y positioning apparatus having a dual drive arrangement for the X-direction of motion. The dual drive arrangement includes a pair of pinion gears engaging gear racks extending rearwardly from a frame member. A carriage is mounted for movement along the frame member in a Y-direction. The pinion gears are joined together by a rigid coupling which can be disengaged so as to allow for the adjustment and alignment of the X and Y directions of motion.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for stiffening a selected portion of a sheet-like member generally flattens that portion, next deposits on a chill plate matrix an adhesive hot melt deposit of mostly uniform thickness except for a margin of added thickness for slower hardening, and then causes the matrix with impact to press all of the adhesive, while the added thickness margin is still softer than the uniform adhesive thickness, against the flattened portion of the member, thus transferring the adhesive to that portion, the added thickness margin being exuded laterally and hence taperingly reduced to provide diminishing stiffness toward an edge merging with the member.The machine and method have particular advantage in stiffening a toe portion of a shoe upper, rendering the instep margin of the vamp or a toe piece free of irregularity, and assuring ultimate comfort for wearing in an assembled shoe.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for holding and securing a workpiece within a sewing machine. The mechanism includes a plurality of clamping elements which may be arranged in different configurations so as to accommodate different sewing patterns. The different arrangements of clamping elements are inserted into a carriage which defines the positions of the clamping elements relative to each other as well as with respect to the bed of the sewing machine.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for stiffening a selected portion of a sheet-like member generally flattens that portion, next deposits on a chill plate matrix an adhesive hot melt deposit of mostly uniform thickness except for a margin of added thickness for slower hardening, and then causes the matrix with impact to press all of the adhesive, while the added thickness margin is still softer than the uniform adhesive thickness, against the flattened portion of the member, thus transferring the adhesive to that portion, the added thickness margin being exuded laterally and hence taperingly reduced to provide diminishing stiffness toward an edge merging with the member.The machine and method have particular advantage in stiffening a toe portion of a shoe upper, rendering the instep margin of the vamp or a toe piece free of irregularity, and assuring ultimate comfort for wearing in an assembled shoe.