Abstract: A modular backpack system includes a personal floatation harness having an automatic inflator mechanism and pack attachment features; and a plurality of pack modules selectively attachable to the pack attachment features to form a floatation-enhanced backpack. Each one of the plurality of pack modules may further include a different arrangement for accommodating accessories. For example, the different arrangements may include arrangements having different compartments. Other arrangements may have different attachment features. The different attachment features may include different lash points.

Abstract: A modular backpack system includes a personal floatation harness having an automatic inflator mechanism and pack attachment features; and a plurality of pack modules selectively attachable to the pack attachment features to form a floatation-enhanced backpack. Each one of the plurality of pack modules may further include a different arrangement for accommodating accessories. For example, the different arrangements may include arrangements having different compartments. Other arrangements may have different attachment features. The different attachment features may include different lash points.

Abstract: A modular backpack system includes a personal floatation harness having an automatic inflator mechanism and pack attachment features; and a plurality of pack modules selectively attachable to the pack attachment features to form a floatation-enhanced backpack. Each one of the plurality of pack modules may further include a different arrangement for accommodating accessories. For example, the different arrangements may include arrangements having different compartments. Other arrangements may have different attachment features. The different attachment features may include different lash points.

Abstract: A travel case includes a case body defining an interior cavity in which to carry articles and an exterior shell; an inflatable floatation aid fixed to the exterior shell; an inflator in communication with the inflatable floatation aid, for inflation of the inflatable floatation aid; and a locator beacon fixed to the exterior shell, including a communications transmitter capable of signaling a remote party and a geo-locating apparatus.

Abstract: According to aspects of embodiments of the invention, a computer-implemented process comprises: operating a server holding a database of visual data identifying a plurality of vehicles and a communication contact identifier associated with each of the plurality of vehicles; and providing to a user a software application constructed and arranged to retrieve a communication contact identifier from the database using visual data provided by the user identifying a vehicle with which communication is desired.

Abstract: A travel case includes a case body defining an interior cavity in which to carry articles and an exterior shell; an inflatable floatation aid fixed to the exterior shell; an inflator in communication with the inflatable floatation aid, for inflation of the inflatable floatation aid; and a locator beacon fixed to the exterior shell, including a communications transmitter capable of signaling a remote party and a geo-locating apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a fundraising/voting service is described. In one example, the method includes receiving user information, a candidate selection and a pledge amount, storing, by a processor, the user information, the candidate selection and the pledge amount, and determining, by the processor, an election influence associated with the candidate selection and the pledge amount.

Abstract: A percussive augmenter bit includes a connection shaft for mounting the bit onto a rotary drill. In a first modality, an actuator percussively drives the bit, and an electric slip-ring provides power to the actuator while being rotated by the drill. Hammering action from the actuator and rotation from the drill are applied directly to material being drilled. In a second modality, a percussive augmenter includes an actuator that operates as a hammering mechanism that drives a free mass into the bit creating stress pulses that fracture material that is in contact with the bit.

Abstract: A percussive augmenter bit includes a connection shaft for mounting the bit onto a rotary drill. In a first modality, an actuator percussively drives the bit, and an electric slip-ring provides power to the actuator while being rotated by the drill. Hammering action from the actuator and rotation from the drill are applied directly to material being drilled. In a second modality, a percussive augmenter includes an actuator that operates as a hammering mechanism that drives a free mass into the bit creating stress pulses that fracture material that is in contact with the bit.

Abstract: A method of communicating a message from a sender to a recipient in possession of a unique identifier by use of which the recipient can perform a transaction at a transaction terminal includes: receiving the message from the sender, the message including a reference to the unique identifier; storing the message in a computer memory; detecting performance by the recipient of a transaction at the transaction terminal; and transmitting the message from the computer memory in which it is stored to the transaction terminal for display to the recipient incidental to the transaction performed, the message being independent of the transaction performed.

Abstract: A method of communicating a message from a sender to a recipient in possession of a unique identifier by use of which the recipient can perform a transaction at a transaction terminal includes: receiving the message from the sender, the message including a reference to the unique identifier; storing the message in a computer memory; detecting performance by the recipient of a transaction at the transaction terminal; and transmitting the message from the computer memory in which it is stored to the transaction terminal for display to the recipient incidental to the transaction performed, the message being independent of the transaction performed.

Abstract: According to aspect of same embodiment of the invention, a method of communicating a message from a sender to a recipient in possession of a unique identifier by use of which the recipient can perform a transaction at a transaction terminal comprising: receiving the message from the sender, the message including a reference to the unique identifier; storing the message in a computer memory; detecting performance by the recipient of a transaction at the transaction terminal; and transmitting the message from the computer memory in which it is stored to the transaction terminal for display to the recipient incidental to the transaction performed, the message being independent of the transaction performed.

Abstract: A protective notepad cover that encloses a notepad to protect it from splashed water and other elements in one position and allows access to the notepad for writing in another position.

Abstract: A protective notepad cover that encloses a notepad to protect it from splashed water and other elements in one position and allows access to the notepad for writing in another position.