Abstract: A computer server system comprises a communications module; a processor coupled with the communications module; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to receive, via the communications module and from a computing device, a signal including location data indicating a location of a user; determine, based on the location data, that the user is located within a threshold distance of a particular merchant; generate a notification indicating a particular multiplier for the particular merchant; and send, via the communications module and to the computing device, a signal causing the computing device to display the notification, the notification including an option to accept the particular multiplier for the particular merchant.

Abstract: A server computer system comprises a communications module; a processor coupled with the communications module; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to receive, via the communications module and from at least one computing device associated with at least one contributing member, a signal including a request to transfer an amount of loyalty points from a loyalty point account of the at least one contributing member to a loyalty point account associated with a group; transfer the amount of loyalty points from a data record associated with the loyalty point account of the at least one contributing member to a data record associated with the loyalty point account associated with the group; receive, via the communications module and from the at least one computing device associated with the at least one contributing member, a signal including a booking request for one or more non-contributing members; and

Abstract: A knob locking assembly for a laparoscopic medical device is provided. The knob locking assembly includes a lock configured to engage the knob locking assembly with a drive tube housing of the laparoscopic medical device in extended and retracted positions where the knob locking assembly rotates but does not translate with respect to the drive tube housing when engaged. The knob locking assembly also has a biasing member that provides a biasing force for biasing the lock in each of the extended and retracted positions to lock out longitudinal translation of the rotatable drive assembly when the knob locking assembly is engaged with the drive tube. In addition, the knob locking assembly includes an actuator to counter the biasing force for disengaging the lock to permit longitudinal translation of the rotatable drive assembly via the knob locking assembly when disengaged.

Abstract: A medical device for performing a hysterectomy is provided. The medical device has a tissue incision assembly that includes a first cup nested within a second cup. The tissue incision assembly also includes a spacer assembly between the first cup and the second cup in order to maintain a spacing between the first and second cups. The tissue incision assembly also has a cutting implement that has a portion extending between, and movable with respect to, the first and second cups. The cutting implement can provide a circular cut guided via the spacing between the first and second cups.

Abstract: A colpotomy device for performing a hysterectomy is provided. The device includes a flexible drive tube having a proximal end and a distal end and bendable therebetween. The device also has a rotatable cutting implement at the distal end of the flexible drive tube at a specified offset from a bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. Furthermore, the device includes couplings located within the flexible drive tube and rotatable about the bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. The couplings can be in a series that includes inter-coupling joints and transmits a rotational force between the proximal and distal ends of the flexible drive tube through a variable angle between the couplings. The variable angle can correspond to bending of the drive tube in order to drive rotation of the cutting implement at the specified offset about the axis of the flexible drive tube.

Abstract: A colpotomy device having a tissue treatment assembly for performing a hysterectomy is provided. The tissue treatment assembly comprises an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector coupled to a distal portion of the elongated body. The end effector can be offset from and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The tissue treatment assembly also has an axial first electrical contact coupled to the end effector, where the axial first electrical contact is affixed to and rotatable with the end effector. Moreover, the tissue treatment assembly includes a circumferential second electrical contact that can be arranged to contact the axial first electrical contact throughout a rotation of the end effector about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for automatically providing a lending offer for loyalty points based on a customer account analysis. One example method includes initiating an offer analysis for a customer account associated with a particular customer and storing an account balance and a point deficit balance. The offer analysis determines whether to provide an offer for a point loan, and is based on profile information of the customer, a current point balance, and a reward identified from the loyalty account. If an offer is to be provided, an offer for a loan of points equal to the difference between the current point balance of a loyalty account and the point value cost of the reward is transmitted to a client device of the customer. If accepted, the current point balance and the point deficit are both incremented by the amount of the offer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's toy configured for moving one or more loose objects in a manner that is entertaining to a child. In various embodiments, the children's toy includes a housing having an inlet that permits a child to place one or more loose objects (e.g., toy balls) in the housing. The toy further includes a drive system configured to drive such loose objects through the housing along a helical path and out of the housing through an outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is a molding apparatus and related method for producing aseptic preforms, and a molding apparatus and related method for a controlled crystallization of a molded article, amongst other things.

Abstract: A scaled-up multi-coaxial fiber bioreactor, and variations of this bioreactor. The device is characterized by a hollow housing and an array of from about 20 to about 400 modules of hollow fibers, where each module includes at least three coaxial semipermeable hollow fibers. The innermost fiber provides a boundary for an innermost compartment which is connected to inlet and outlet ports. Arranged coaxially around the central hollow fiber are several other hollow fibers with their respective compartments, each compartment defined by a respective annular space between adjacent fibers and each including inlet and outlet ports. An outermost compartment for permitting integral aeration is the space between the outer side of the outermost fibers and the inner side of the housing, and has inlet and outlet ports. The hollow housing has inlet and outlet manifolds and flow distributors for each of the compartments. In a preferred embodiment the bioreactor is used as an extracorporeal liver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system. The system includes a mold-moving assembly that is cooperative with an insert-forming station to form an insert at least in part. The mold-moving assembly is also cooperative with an overmolding station to overmold another insert previously formed by the insert-forming station in cooperation with the mold-moving assembly. The mold-moving assembly, when so actuated, moves inserts between the insert-forming station and the overmolding station. Operation of the insert-forming station and operation of the overmolding station overlap one another at least in part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are molding systems. A molding system includes a primary mold half, and also includes a secondary mold half configured to define a mold surface configured to have a formable insert formed thereon. The secondary mold half is also configured to move relative to the primary mold half. The secondary mold half is also configured to mold, in cooperation with the primary mold half, a molding material onto the insert formed onto the mold surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding system. According to an aspect, the molding system includes molding-system elements configured to process a molding material. The molding system includes a mold surface configured to cooperate with the molding-system elements. The molding system also includes a fibrous-insert generating mechanism configured to generate a fibrous insert onto the mold surface. The mold surface, in use, encapsulates the fibrous insert received by the mold surface with the molding material, at least in part.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved extruder assembly, that includes a wiper for wiping a screw portion in a low pressure extruder stage, whereby the wiping of the screw portion improves melt conveyance through the low pressure extruder stage. The present invention has particular utility when used in a low pressure venting and entrainment extruder stage of a single screw compounding extruder. The present invention also provides an extrusion/injection unit for use in-line compounding molding system that incorporates the improved extruder assembly.

Abstract: A process for resurfacing asphalt roads, includes the step of spraying a thin film of heated asphaltic material onto the road surface, and then laying an aggregate layer on the film while the film is still hot. The asphaltic material is preferably composed of from about sixty (60) to ninety-five (95) parts asphalt, about 40 to 5 parts waste oil, about one-half (1/2) to one and one-half (11/2) parts finely divided latex, and about one-half (1/2) part anti-stripping agent. The material is heated to a temperature between two hundred twenty (220) degrees Fahrenheit and two hundred fifty (250) degrees Fahrenheit to achieve flowability on the road surface. Advantageously, the process can be carried out without air pollution problems or material runoff problems. The process is environmentally friendly.