Abstract: A consumer is identified at a transaction terminal. A natural-language voice chatbot is initiated for the transaction. The chatbot is configured with store information for a store associated with the terminal and, optionally, with preferences registered to the consumer. A natural language voice dialogue using, at least the store information, is initiated between the chatbot and the consumer while the consumer is at the terminal and during the transaction. The consumer may order store items from the store and pay for the items through the dialogue. In an embodiment, the items ordered are delivered to the terminal where the consumer is located.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a bi-directional conduit system including a core configured to traverse a container wall and having independent, substantially parallel lumens and a fitting fluidly connected to each lumen on each side of the wall. In an illustrative example, the conduit system may include at least one valve configured to selectively restrict fluid flow in at least one lumen. The core may be flexible. A coupling assembly may be configured to releasably couple the core to the wall. Apparatus and methods further relate to a system including a base module with a control input and a fluid transport system including an impeller powered by the base module to convey fluid via a conduit in response to the control input, wherein in a stowage mode, the base module is configured to store the conduit and to mechanically support, releasably coupled, the impeller to the base module.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an environmental control system including a fluid driver configured to releasably couple to a buoyant module. In an illustrative example, in a deployment mode, the fluid driver may be brought into register with and releasably coupled to the buoyant module. The fluid driver, for example, be supported by the buoyant module in a body of water. A control unit may, for example, selectively provide energy to the fluid driver such that the fluid driver induces fluid to flow from the body of fluid to a reservoir by a conduit. The control unit may be configured to mechanically support the fluid driver in a stowage mode. Various embodiments may advantageously allow a user to selectively deploy a livewell environment control from a stowed mode into a deployed mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tissue engaging surgical tool that is configured to selectively hold or grasp a portion of tissue with a suction cup or flexible end portion. The device is configured to increase or decrease pressure between the flexible end portion and tissue that the end portion is held against, thereby creating a releasable suction or vacuum force.

Abstract: A door operator having an automatic roller closes and opens a door attached to a doorjamb by a door hinge. The roller is actuated by a motor and housed within a protective roller casing affixed to the bottom of a door. The door operator may be integrated with a smart home, thereby allowing a user to close and open a door by voice command. The door operator may be retrofitted to existing doors. A door may also be modified such that only a magnet holds the door closed and a closed position such that the smart home door closing apparatus may be used to open a door. The roller may translate between an extended position engaging the floor below a door and a retracted position above the floor, either inside or adjacent to the door itself.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In an embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a public network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions. The online multiuser game system further includes a spectator server communicatively coupled to the online game session server system and configured to enable a user to view summary information of an active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to time shift the active game session and to view the summary information of the active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to view the summary information of the active game session while the user is playing the active game session.

Abstract: A liquid composition contains a salicylate compound (e.g. aspirin), glycerin triacetate, saccharin. The salicylate compound is soluble in the composition, which is particularly suitable for oral, parenteral or pulmonary administration.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods relate to coolers or other containers having attachment features to which modular accessories may be attached. Various apparatuses and methods relate to wheel and modular accessory attachment systems for attaching to a cooler or other container. Various apparatuses and methods relate to rails and channels for sliding attachment couplers. Various apparatuses and methods relate to keyed male-female attachment couplers. Various apparatuses and methods relate to a chassis configured to adjust in size for adapting the chassis to fit a variety of container sizes. Various apparatuses and methods relate to a coupler assembly for mechanically securing a container to a container undercarriage system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to a bi-directional air and water conduit system. In an exemplary embodiment, the conduit system may be provided with an adapter casing. An internal member may be releasably coupled to the adapter casing. A plurality of channels may longitudinally extend through the internal member. The adapter casing, internal member, and plurality of channels may permit fluid to ingress and egress a container. The plurality of channels may be mutually isolated. The adapter casing may be configured to engage with a drain of a cooler. Various embodiments may, for example, advantageously enable supply of fresh water and/or air and evacuation of stagnant water and/or air to facilitate a robust environment for bait in a container.

Abstract: A door operator having an automatic roller closes and opens a door attached to a doorjamb by a door hinge. The roller is actuated by a motor and housed within a protective roller casing affixed to the bottom of a door. The door operator may be integrated with a smart home, thereby allowing a user to close and open a door by voice command. The door operator may be retrofitted to existing doors. A door may also be modified such that only a magnet holds the door closed and a closed position such that the smart home door closing apparatus may be used to open a door. The roller may translate between an extended position engaging the floor below a door and a retracted position above the floor, either inside or adjacent to the door itself.

Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods relate to coolers or other containers having attachment features to which modular accessories may be attached. Various apparatuses and methods relate to wheel and modular accessory attachment systems for attaching to a cooler or other container. Various apparatuses and methods relate to rails and channels for sliding attachment couplers. Various apparatuses and methods relate to keyed male-female attachment couplers. Various apparatuses and methods relate to a chassis configured to adjust in size for adapting the chassis to fit a variety of container sizes. Various apparatuses and methods relate to a coupler assembly for mechanically securing a container to a container undercarriage system.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In an embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a public network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions. The online multiuser game system further includes a spectator server communicatively coupled to the online game session server system and configured to enable a user to view summary information of an active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to time shift the active game session and to view the summary information of the active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to view the summary information of the active game session while the user is playing the active game session.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In an embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a public network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions. The online multiuser game system further includes a spectator server communicatively coupled to the online game session server system and configured to enable a user to view summary information of an active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to time shift the active game session and to view the summary information of the active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to view the summary information of the active game session while the user is playing the active game session.

Abstract: Software replaces album art stored in metadata of a music file with a personalized picture that is displayed when the music file is played on a music player device. The personalized picture may be selected from diverse sources such as social media sites or hard drives on computers. The personalized music file may be gifted to intended recipients and downloaded to their music player devices. The personalized picture is displayed when the personalized music file is played on the music player device.

Abstract: Software replaces album art stored in metadata of a music file with a personalized picture that is displayed when the music file is played on a music player device. The personalized picture may be selected from diverse sources such as social media sites or hard drives on computers. The personalized music file may be gifted to intended recipients and downloaded to their music player devices. The personalized picture is displayed when the personalized music file is played on the music player device.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In an embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a public network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions. The online multiuser game system further includes a spectator server communicatively coupled to the online game session server system and configured to enable a user to view summary information of an active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to time shift the active game session and to view the summary information of the active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to view the summary information of the active game session while the user is playing the active game session.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In an embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a public network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions. The online multiuser game system further includes a spectator server communicatively coupled to the online game session server system and configured to enable a user to view summary information of an active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to time shift the active game session and to view the summary information of the active game session. In another embodiment, the spectator server enables the user to view the summary information of the active game session while the user is playing the active game session.

Abstract: A liquid composition contains a salicylate compound (e.g. aspirin), glycerin triacetate, saccharin. The salicylate compound is soluble in the composition, which is particularly suitable for oral, parenteral or pulmonary administration.