Abstract: A structural block assembly for providing insulation to a structure comprising a structural block and an insulation insert. The structural block includes a body having oppositely situated forward and rearward members, oppositely situated proximal and distal members, and a chamber formed between the forward and rearward members and the proximal and distal members. A web, which is positioned within the chamber, centrally extends from the rearward member towards the forward member, wherein a gap is formed between the web and the forward member. The insulation insert is disposed between the web and the forward member, thereby dividing the chamber into a proximal-oriented compartment and a distal-oriented compartment. The web also has a slot formed therethough, wherein the slot assists in maximizing an R-value for the completed wall constructed with the block.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising one or more photovoltaic cells packaged between a light-facing layer and a backside layer, wherein the light-facing layer comprises antimony-doped glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for comparing multiple sets of information in a compare display. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for displaying cruise package and pricing information in side-by-side windows wherein the user may replace the contents of each of the windows with an alternate selection of cruise package and pricing information. The compare display enables the users to compare accurately the detailed cruise package and pricing information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods for on-line selling and booking of cruises enable a plurality of customers, agents, and cruise lines to interact with a cruise selling and booking system via communication mediums. An interactive tool is provided for compiling, reviewing, and processing information obtained from the cruise lines, customers, and agents. Customers and/or agents may search for and compare various cruise packages to find a cruise that best suits the customer needs and desires.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are used to maintain client relationships by tracking and managing customers and agents involved in booking a cruise. Furthermore, various activities which take place between an agent and active customers are monitored, whereby the type and quantity of activities performed by the agent is evaluated to assign a period of time of ownership of the customer. During the period of time while the customer is owned, other agents are prevented from acquiring the customer and subsequent booking commission. A series of rules which determine the duration of ownership of the customer are maintained and applied to enable the ownership to be changed as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for matching customer preferences with available options determining customer needs which may be used for the purpose of facilitating the cruise selling and booking process. The cruise selling and booking system is designed to store customer information and preferences and use the information to query available cruise options. The results of the query represent optimized cruise selections for which the customer will be well suited. The user quickly accesses relevant cruise package and pricing information which may be used for detailed comparisons between individual cruise packages.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are used to maintain client relationships by tracking and managing customers and agents involved in booking a cruise. Furthermore, various activities which take place between an agent and active customers are monitored, whereby the type and quantity of activities performed by the agent is evaluated to assign a period of time of ownership of the customer. During the period of time while the customer is owned, other agents are prevented from acquiring the customer and subsequent booking commission. A series of rules which determine the duration of ownership of the customer are maintained and applied to enable the ownership to be changed as needed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods of comparing pricing information may commence with a user access the cruise selling and booking system to search for cruise packages that meet a customer's preferences. The user may utilize the cruise selling and booking system to select a set of pricing options for which the customer may qualify. The user may then view detailed pricing information that corresponds to the set of pricing options in one or more of the available price matrices.

Abstract: Machine for the automated fitting of insulative foam inserts into the cores of masonry building blocks includes a frame for straddling, in superposed relation, a masonry block conveyor. The machine has a magazine section for sequentially feeding pairs of laterally compressible inserts linked together in juxtaposed relation by a frangible web of the foam material. The machine includes a vertically reciprocal tamping mechanism for moving each of the linked-pairs of inserts sequentially from the magazine section into the cavities of building blocks being carried on the block conveyor disposed below the machine. The machine further includes adjacent throat channels vertically aligned with the tamping mechanism and with the cores of each building block positioned to receive the inserts therein. The channels are each defined, in part, by a central wedge having its apex disposed upwardly to sever the web and separate the linked-pair of inserts as each is moved through the channels past the wedge.

Abstract: A preferred insulative foam insert to be placed in the cores of masonry building blocks. The inserts are rectangularly formed with top and bottom surfaces and front and back faces. Compression slots are formed in the insert and extend upwardly a substantial distance from the bottom surface; they also extend laterally from the front and back faces a depth which is at least equal to half the width of the insert. The compression slots provide an end-to-end compression of the insert for fitting blocks having different core sizes.