Abstract: A thermochromic display board is described that includes an array of nanofiber yarns in contact with an electrode. When electrified, the nanofiber yarns generate heat. This heat causes a thermochromic transition in a thermochromic layer. The presence of the nanofiber yarns, which are thermally conductive, can increase the rate at which the thermochromic layer within the di splay board transitions between thermochromic states.

Abstract: An integrated financing services system provides a leasing service for vendors accessible through the Internet, embedding financing into the checkout process using several Web services. The present system is accessed by a vendor to provide lease prices on a line item by line item basis within an electronic shopping catalog. Depending on the detail provided by the sales company in the request for those rates, these lease prices can map to the specificity of the catalog. The present system provides a service for the vendors to integrate leasing into their sales agents' and customers' shopping experience without a large investment in a flexible, and customer-customizable way. The lessor can now support vendors and customers in a very repeatable manner, using the same technology with no new special development for each vendor.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for executing an application is provided. The system comprises a local infrastructure configured to execute an application in a local environment, a grid infrastructure configured to execute the application in a grid environment, and a local-grid-facade having a parameter switch for selecting either the local environment or the grid environment and for executing the application in the selected environment. Preferably, the local-grid facade includes a local-grid controller module that has the parameter switch and is implemented within each of the local infrastructure and the grid infrastructure. Preferably, the local infrastructure comprises a local node configured to execute one or more tasks pertaining to the application and preferably, the grid infrastructure comprises a plurality of grid nodes connected via a network communications channel and configured to execute one or more tasks pertaining to the application.

Abstract: An integrated financing services system provides a leasing service for vendors accessible through the Internet, embedding financing into the checkout process using several Web services. The present system is accessed by a vendor to provide leasing prices on a line item by line item basis within an electronic shopping catalog. Depending on the detail provided by the sales company in the request for those rates, these lease prices can map to the specificity of the catalog. If the sales company has a catalog designed for a specific customer or industry, the lease prices provided can be tailored to those specifications as well. The present system provides a service for the vendors to integrate leasing into their sales agents' and customers' shopping experience without a large investment in a flexible, and customer-customizable way. The lessor can now support vendors and customers in a very repeatable manner, using the same technology with no new special development for each vendor.