Abstract: A database application of a platform receives patient data from providers and generates a database. The patient data includes identification and healthcare data of patients. A first application receives from providers first electronic queries of the database and generates from the patient data a first set of data comprising data of delinquent transactions. A second application receives from patients second electronic queries of the database and provides a second set of data and presents a payment interface configured to receive payments according to payment options. A third application receives from patients third electronic queries of the database and provides a third set of data along with finance options, and presents a finance interface configured to associate requesting patients with sources of debt financing for payment of the delinquent transactions.

Abstract: A database application of a platform receives patient data from providers and generates a database. The patient data includes identification and healthcare data of patients. A first application receives from providers first electronic queries of the database and generates from the patient data a first set of data comprising data of delinquent transactions. A second application receives from patients second electronic queries of the database and provides a second set of data and presents a payment interface configured to receive payments according to payment options. A third application receives from patients third electronic queries of the database and provides a third set of data along with finance options, and presents a finance interface configured to associate requesting patients with sources of debt financing for payment of the delinquent transactions.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for tracking and notifying healthcare providers of financially delinquent patients. A platform includes or is coupled to a database including identifying data of patient debtors who have been financially delinquent in a healthcare transaction with a healthcare provider. The identifying data includes patient and financial identification data of the transaction. A fee is received from a subscriber (healthcare provider) that enables the subscriber to electronically access the platform. The identifying data of patient debtors is provided to the subscriber via the platform. New identifying data of patient debtors is received at the platform from a contributing subscriber (healthcare provider). The new identifying data is identifying data of a new patient debtor and/or a new healthcare transaction of an existing patient debtor. A discount is automatically applied to the fee of the contributing subscriber in response to the new identifying data.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling unauthorized signal usage in a content delivery network, such as a television network, is described. The method and system acquires at least two signal usage records for a receiver of the content, evaluates the at least two signal usage records for indicia of usage of a combination of signals not normally authorized on the receiver, and detects unauthorized signal usage upon the at least two signal usage records being consistent with such indicia.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to analyse receiver indicia of location for a set of at least one receivers to determine whether a receiver has an erroneous indicator of location. The embodiment may take further steps to confirm whether or not inappropriate usage has occurred. The method and system includes identifying a first indicia of location for a set of one or more receivers, identifying a second indicia of location for one or more receivers from the set, and determining if the first and second indicia of location are mutually inconsistent. Indicia of location include indicators of receiver location, inventory state, communication path and definition on systems. The method and system may optionally include action to report or correct the location error.

Abstract: The present invention can be embodied as a case for securing a notebook computer with video display to a vehicle center hump in a position for viewing. The case comprises a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer. A plurality of straps are coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case, and include an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center hump, such that the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display.

Abstract: The present invention can be embodied as a case for securing a notebook computer with video display to a vehicle center hump in a position for viewing. The case comprises a containing enclosure having a top part, a bottom part, and a surrounding sidewall configured to contain the notebook computer. A plurality of straps are coupled at one end to opposing side locations of the case, and include an anchoring member at an opposing end of each of the plurality of straps for anchoring the case in a stable position at the center hump, such that the notebook computer may be removably secured within the case in a position for viewing the video display.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a particulate matter continuous emission monitoring system includes: a feed unit that supplies particulate matter of a known mass flow rate; an eductor unit connected with the feed unit that receives particulate matter therefrom; a fluidizing unit connected to the eductor that supplies gas to the eductor unit, wherein the particulate matter and gas are combined into a fluidized mixture; and a probe connected to the eductor configured to extend within an industrial stack and deliver the fluidized mixture therein. Such an apparatus can provide accurate data regarding particulate matter concentration that can be compared with readings on the PM CEMS and enable a calibration curve to be generated. A tracer gas injection unit and analyzer may also be included.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a particulate matter continuous emission monitoring system includes: a feed unit that supplies particulate matter of a known mass flow rate; an eductor unit connected with the feed unit that receives particulate matter therefrom; a fluidizing unit connected to the eductor that supplies gas to the eductor unit, wherein the particulate matter and gas are combined into a fluidized mixture; and a probe connected to the eductor configured to extend within an industrial stack and deliver the fluidized mixture therein. Such an apparatus can provide accurate data regarding particulate matter concentration that can be compared with readings on the PM CEMS and enable a calibration curve to be generated. A tracer gas injection unit and analyzer may also be included.

Abstract: A method is described for the targeting of content presentation to individual users in a communications network including management and reporting, comprising the steps of receiving from content providers, potential content for presentation to users and presenting to a user content selected from said potential content based on information known about said user. Facilities are also provided to receive from users requests for content and other actions related to receipt of said content such as ‘pause’ requests, and to record and report the fact that said content has been presented to said user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for dataflow management in interactive communications networks. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for dataflow management in interactive communications networks, the method comprising the steps of: determining characteristics of network components; and managing dataflow in accordance with said determined characteristics. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for targeting content to users in a communications network; the method comprising the steps of: determining targeted user characteristics; and presenting content in accordance with said characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for targeted content presentation in a communications network. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for targeting content to users in a communications network; the method comprising the steps of determining targeted user characteristics and presenting content in accordance with said characteristics. In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a method for targeted content presentation in a communications network for regularly scheduled content opportunities, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring the programming stream for opportunities and content descriptors; determining the source for alternate content; matching the opportunity to the available content and the viewer characteristics; presenting In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery engine, a matching engine, a combiner, and a micro decision engine (MDE).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for automated reporting in a communications network. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for automated reporting in a communications network, the method comprising the steps of: collecting user data related to content targeting; and reporting said collected data to provide improved targeting. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for automated reporting in a communications network, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring the programming stream for opportunities and content descriptors; determining the source for alternate content as described previously; matching the opportunity to the available content and the viewer characteristics; presenting the content to the viewer; and updating the secure audit log with the viewing result.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automatic determination of cloud point temperature and pour point temperature of a petroleum fraction. The apparatus is comprised of a receptacle for holding a sample of the petroleum fraction, a light source, a light detector, heaters, coolers and a proximity sensor combined with a motion indicator to determine cloud and pour point temperature. The apparatus has thermocouples to determine the temperature of samples within the container as the sample is heated and cooled. Measurements of light refraction are used to determine cloud point temperature. Detection of the freezing in place of a motion indicator is used to determine pour point temperature. The apparatus is particularly useful for determining the cloud point and pour point temperatures of middle distillate petroleum fuels and the pour point temperature of dark oils and for determining the amount of pour point depressant needed to achieve desired cloud and pour point temperatures in a fuel.