Abstract: A method comprising the use of additive manufacturing techniques for creating molds and pattern parts for subsequent use in the casting of die components and die shoes for use in die stamping processes.

Abstract: A powder slush molding tool having heating and cooling features cast as part of the tool, wherein the tool created using molds formed by additive manufacturing techniques, and wherein the tool is further used for making a flexible polymeric soft skin for use in a vehicle interior.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for framing openings for doors, windows, store fronts, air conditioning units and other purposes, in walls formed of cast-in-place concrete. The devices include a jamb member having attached first and second inner flanges with angled guide surfaces for guiding placement of a wall forming system in alignment and engagement therewith and for anchoring the jamb member following hardening of the poured concrete. A method includes use of the disclosed jamb member to frame an opening in a building wall.

Abstract: In many messaging systems, message selection filtering involves a significant processing overhead. This includes the parsing and preparing of the message selection filters in readiness for evaluation, as well as the evaluation itself. In systems which involve parsing and prepare processing for expressions that include repeated patterns (such as in many JMS environments), a template-based shortcutting of the conventional processing improves performance. A stored parsing template is used to parse an input sequence such as a received data processing instruction. The parse is used to identify expressions of a first type that can then be implicitly optimized by using a stored evaluation template that is associated with expressions of that type.

Abstract: A low profile wheel lift having a new crossbar/boom pivot connection enabling a recovery vehicle to quickly engage a disabled vehicle to facilitate damage-free towing to a degree not previously possible.

Abstract: A method and system for message subscription management is presented. In one embodiment, the method includes sending a subscription request from a subscriber to a publisher. The subscription request is intercepted and redirected to a broker. Upon intercepting the subscription request, additional information, which includes an instruction to send event messages to the subscriber, is added to the subscription request and forwarded to the broker.

Abstract: In many messaging systems, message selection filtering involves a significant processing overhead. This includes the parsing and preparing of the message selection filters in readiness for evaluation, as well as the evaluation itself. In systems which involve parsing and prepare processing for expressions that include repeated patterns (such as in many JMS environments), a template-based shortcutting of the conventional processing improves performance. A stored parsing template is used to parse an input sequence such as a received data processing instruction. The parse is used to identify expressions of a first type that can then be implicitly optimized by using a stored evaluation template that is associated with expressions of that type.

Abstract: In many messaging systems, message selection filtering involves a significant processing overhead. This includes the parsing and preparing of the message selection filters in readiness for evaluation, as well as the evaluation itself. In systems which involve parsing and prepare processing for expressions that include repeated patterns (such as in many JMS environments), a template-based shortcutting of the conventional processing improves performance. A stored parsing template is used to parse an input sequence such as a received data processing instruction. The parse is used to identify expressions of a first type that can then be implicitly optimized by using a stored evaluation template that is associated with expressions of that type.

Abstract: A reusable, low investment tool for making parts is made by a process in which a mixture of sand and an activator is applied as a layer onto which a printed resin is deposited to form a base and a pattern. A plurality of sidewalls may also be provided on the base using the same process. The tool is coated with a curable resin to form a protective shell. The reusable tool may be used as a dump box or as a vacuum forming tool for forming parts. A stamping die may be formed by drawing a vacuum through the sand layer as the resin coating is applied to more fully permeate the stamping die.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a system for returning a data item to a requestor. (The requestor may for example be a systems application.) A request is received to access a data item having data contents of uncertain state (i.e. because the data item is pending completion of a transaction.) The apparatus or system obtains the data item contents and an indication of the state (e.g. delete_on_commit) of the data item contents. This information is then returned to the requestor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for administering combination annuity products and to combination annuity products themselves. Certain embodiments of the invention can be used in connection with variable universal life insurance and variable life insurance contracts.

Abstract: A hand-held and conversion vacuum cleaner includes a housing. A suction generator, a dirt collection vessel, a suction inlet and a wand connector are all carried on the housing. A nose tool is connected to the wand connector. The wand connector is connected to the nose tool for hand held vacuum cleaning applications and alternatively it is connected to a wand assembly for stick vacuum cleaning applications.

Abstract: A hand-held and conversion vacuum cleaner includes a housing carrying a suction generator, a dirt collection vessel and a suction inlet. A first connector is carried on the housing. The first connector secures the suction inlet in fluid communication with a first cleaning attachment. The vacuum cleaner also includes an adapter having a second connector that secures the suction inlet in fluid communication with a second cleaning attachment.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner has a housing that carries a suction generator, a dirt collection vessel, a suction inlet and a first connector. The first connector is adapted for securing the suction inlet in fluid communication with a first cleaning attachment. The housing includes a suction conduit extending from the dirt collection vessel through the first connector. The dirt collection vessel includes an inlet in fluid communication with one end of the suction conduit. The inlet of the dirt collection vessel includes a resilient flap valve that is normally closed to seal in and maintain dirt and debris in the dirt collection vessel but swings open when the suction generator is energized to allow dirt and debris to be sucked into the dirt collection vessel.

Abstract: A method and system for scaled exponential smoothing are provided. Multiple exponentially smoothed values are maintained for items and events occur on one or more of the items. The method maintains a gradually inflated representation of the smoothed values of items, such that the representation at a given time for an item where no event has occurred is not altered. Using a scaling technique enables the smoothed values for the objects on which an event has not occurred to remain the same. This reduces the number of calculations required significantly, enabling the use of the smoothing technique in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Convection cooling channels are provided by means of an at least partially enclosed open cell metal foam structure for removing heat from equipment. In particular, an electronic equipment box is provided having walls comprising sections of open cell aluminium foam, clad with aluminium, through which air or other types of coolant may pass to remove heat from heat-generating components mounted thereon. Other types of equipment, such as electric motors, may be surrounded by customised sections of open cell metal foam, appropriately clad, through which a coolant may be channeled. The foam cell size may be adjusted according to desired coolant flow rate and weight considerations. Convection cooling structures may be combined with latent heat storage bodies comprising similar open cell metal foam structures containing wax, operating in tandem with the present convection cooling structures in a heat management solution.

Abstract: A computer assisted method for evaluating inventory is provided. The method includes receiving case composition information and case cost information for a case at a store where the case composition information identifies an item of the case and the case cost information identifies cost of the case. An item cost of the item is calculated using the case composition information and case cost information and the item cost is stored in memory. Consumer code information is received for the item and the item cost of the item is retrieved. Inventory cost data is generated using the item cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for administering combination annuity products and to combination annuity products themselves. Certain embodiments of the invention can be used in connection with variable universal life insurance and variable life insurance contracts.

Abstract: A method and system for scaled exponential smoothing are provided. Multiple exponentially smoothed values are maintained for items and events occur on one or more of the items. The method maintains a gradually inflated representation of the smoothed values of items, such that the representation at a given time for an item where no event has occurred is not altered. Using a scaling technique enables the smoothed values for the objects on which an event has not occurred to remain the same. This reduces the number of calculations required significantly, enabling the use of the smoothing technique in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: Solar energy is concentrated on a target by at least one group of Fresnel light-shifting devices.