Abstract: The invention relates to vendor payments using a virtual credit card number for security purposes. The invention is used by a company to pay vendors for services or goods using the virtual credit card number, which alleviates the normal security issues associated with making payments through a normal credit card transaction via computer networks. The invention further provides a convenient apparatus and method in securing such vendor payments. The apparatus and method of the present invention operates independently as a stand-alone system that interfaces with a separate accounting system, credit card assignment system, or other components of an invoice payment system, or is integrated with other components of an accounting system.

Abstract: Channel trending, including determining a number of viewers watching a multimedia program, is achieved in a digital television network. Cached multimedia frames that correspond to portions of the multimedia program are maintained, for example, on a device located on an edge (i.e., in a network edge device) of the digital television network. In response to a request from a client device (e.g., a set-top box) to receive the multimedia program, cached multimedia frames are fed from the edge device to the client device. Upon a seamless transfer or handoff resulting in a simulcast replicator or multicast replicator providing further portions of the multimedia program, a signal (e.g., a simple network management protocol TRAP statement) is sent to a viewership statistic server for incrementing a counter.

Abstract: A disclosed methodology for processing language descriptors includes receiving streaming multimedia content that includes initial language descriptors. Portions of the multimedia content stream are encapsulated into packets that include an indication of the initial language descriptors. Later in time, further language descriptors are received with the streaming multimedia content. As a series of packets created from the multimedia content stream are processed, the indication of received language descriptor is adapted to account for any change in the language of audio tracks received with the streaming multimedia content.

Abstract: A blooming candle is described as an ornamental candle that transforms between different appearances as the candle burns. The candle has a tapered body that extends along a longitudinal axis from a top portion to a bottom portion, where the top portion has a larger diameter than the bottom portion. Vertical grooves are cut into the outside surface of the tapered body to form segments. When the candle is burned, the center portion of the candle about the wick melts according to the candles defined heat radius. As the candle continues to burn, the wax material begins to soften and the segments between the vertical grooves will begin to separate away from the tapered body. As melting continues, the segments continue to separate in an outward and downward direction, resembling petals from a blooming flower. The described candle structures have a predictable ornamental change in shape during the burning process.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes an air delivery assembly and a nasal interface. The air delivery assembly includes at least one passage couple to a supply of air. The nasal interface includes a resilient pad having a first side configured to releasably couple with the air delivery assembly. A second side of the resilient pad is configured to engage at least a portion of a users nose. The nasal interface further includes a first air passage and a second air passage. The first air passage and the second air passage are configured to provide an air pathway between the air delivery assembly and a respective first nasal passage and second nasal passage of the user.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip.

Abstract: An extendable trailer frame including at least one ground engaging wheel for supporting the extendable trailer frame, a connection device for operatively connecting the extendable trailer frame to an associated tractor, a first support assembly, a second support assembly, and a tubular beam assembly operatively connecting the first and second support assemblies, the tubular beam assembly having first and second telescopically joined members, wherein the length of the tubular beam assembly changes as the first and second telescopically joined members move in relation to each other, and wherein one of the first and second telescopically joined members have a cross-section comprising a plurality of curvilinear portions.

Abstract: A sleeveless, torso-encircling vest having an open front to facilitate donning the vest useful for body surfing. Closures, for example a hook-and-loop fastening system, secure the two front portions of the vest to one another after the vest is in place on a wearer's body. Flotation material is placed only in a back panel of the vest to help properly orient a wearer while body surfing. The garment is lightweight, easy to put on, and streamlined in the water when on the wearer's body. The hook-and-loop closure system provides adjustability so that a single size vest properly fits a large range of body sizes. However, the vest may be provided in different sizes such as adult and child sizes.

Abstract: A trailer assembly includes a trailer frame that supports a load to be carried. One or more axles have laterally-spaced wheels and are affixed to the trailer frame. A flip axle assembly is provided including one or more axles having laterally-spaced wheels. The flip axle assembly is hingeably mounted to the trailer frame, so as to be rotated from engagement with a road surface and onto the trailer frame. A drive system is provided that rotates the flip axle assembly between the trailer frame and engagement with the road surface.

Abstract: A blooming candle is described as an ornamental candle that transforms between different appearances as the candle burns. The candle has a tapered body that extends along a longitudinal axis from a top portion to a bottom portion, where the top portion has a larger diameter than the bottom portion. Vertical grooves are cut into the outside surface of the tapered body to form segments. When the candle is burned, the center portion of the candle about the wick melts according to the candles defined heat radius. As the candle continues to burn, the wax material begins to soften and the segments between the vertical grooves will begin to separate away from the tapered body. As melting continues, the segments continue to separate in an outward and downward direction, resembling pedals from a blooming flower. The described candle structures have a predictable ornamental change in shape during the burning process.

Abstract: A trailer assembly includes a trailer frame that supports a load to be carried. One or more axles have laterally-spaced wheels and are affixed to the trailer frame. A flip axle assembly is provided including one or more axles having laterally-spaced wheels. The flip axle assembly is hingeably mounted to the trailer frame, so as to be rotated from engagement with a road surface and onto the trailer frame. A drive system is provided that rotates the flip axle assembly between the trailer frame and engagement with the road surface.

Abstract: A disclosed methodology for processing language descriptors includes receiving streaming multimedia content that includes initial language descriptors. Portions of the multimedia content stream are encapsulated into packets that include an indication of the initial language descriptors. Later in time, further language descriptors are received with the streaming multimedia content. As a series of packets created from the multimedia content stream are processed, the indication of received language descriptor is adapted to account for any change in the language of audio tracks received with the streaming multimedia content.

Abstract: Channel trending, including determining a number of viewers watching a multimedia program, is achieved in a digital television network. Cached multimedia frames that correspond to portions of the multimedia program are maintained, for example, on a device located on an edge (i.e., in a network edge device) of the digital television network. In response to a request from a client device (e.g., a set-top box) to receive the multimedia program, cached multimedia frames are fed from the edge device to the client device. Upon a seamless transfer or handoff resulting in a simulcast replicator or multicast replicator providing further portions of the multimedia program, a signal (e.g., a simple network management protocol TRAP statement) is sent to a viewership statistic server for incrementing a counter.