Abstract: A meter for controlling the flow of feedstock from an in-feed hopper to a distillation unit, including a cylindrical roller having a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter, the roller defining a recess that extends helically substantially from the first end to the second end, a sleeve circumscribing a portion of the outer diameter of the cylindrical roller, the sleeve having an open first side that allows the passage of feedstock into the recess of the roller, and an open second side that allows the passage of feedstock out of the recess of the roller as the roller rotates relative to the sleeve, and a housing fixedly attached to the sleeve and capable of attachment to the in-feed hopper and the distillation unit such that feedstock most pass through the housing to get from the in-feed hopper to the distillation unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing multimedia traffic are described. A method may include receiving a communication originating from a user, transposing an alias transport network over one or more existing networks to route the communication, and routing the communication based on mapping rules.

Abstract: A creeper tool device ensures that tools and fasteners are readily accessible while working on an underbody of a vehicle. The device includes a support member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end and a pair of opposed sides extending between the first end and the second end. The top surface is configured for supporting a head and upper body of a user thereon when the user is lying in a supine position. A plurality of magnets is coupled to the support member wherein each of the magnets is configured for receiving a fastener thereon for magnetically coupling the fastener to the associated magnet. A plurality of casters is coupled to the bottom surface of the support member.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having an upstream portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a mechanically isolated valve support coupled to the anchoring member and configured to support a prosthetic valve. The device can further include an atrial extension member extending radially outward from the upstream portion of the anchoring member and which is deformable without substantially deforming the anchoring member. In some embodiments, the upstream portion of the anchoring member and the extension member may be deformed while the valve support remains sufficiently stable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing multimedia traffic are described. A method may include receiving a communication originating from a user, transposing an alias transport network over one or more existing networks to route the communication, and routing the communication based on mapping rules.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed where a call center operator having multiple locations, including a call center is able to utilize existing network infrastructure to route telephone communications to the call center to the location where the lowest toll rate is applicable. The telephone communications are converted into data packets and routed to the call center using VoIP technology. No toll would apply to the transmission of the data to the call center.

Abstract: A method of repairing a refractory brick wall in a furnace that includes: (a) identifying a refractory brick wall or portion thereof that requires repair/reconstruction, pre engineering construction dimensions and accommodating various battery oven designs and oven heating systems; (b) demolishing the refractory brick wall or wall portion thereof identified in step (a); (c) installing outer reusable forms in situ, defining a new wall or portion thereof; (d) installing inner consumable forms defining one or more passageways within the new wall or portion thereof; and (e) pouring castable material into one or more areas bounded by the outer forms; (f) curing said castable material; and (g) removing the outer reuseable forms.

Abstract: A camper alignment system for use in guiding a pickup under a camper for loading of the camper uses a light source and a target for alignment. The pickup has a pickup cab and a pickup bed having a bed length. The camper has a camper front portion and a camper base. There is a light source capable of emitting a beam of light in the visible light spectrum when in operation. The light source is affixed on the camper front. There is a beam target disposed along the bed length. The beam target is substantially perpendicular with respect to the rear edge of the pickup bed. When the beam of light is substantially parallel to and projecting on the beam target, the pickup can be safely backed up toward the camper front portion and under the camper base for transport of the camper with the pickup.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed where a call center operator having multiple locations, including a call center is able to utilize existing network infrastructure to route telephone communications to the call center to the location where the lowest toll rate is applicable. The telephone communications are converted into data packets and routed to the call center using VoIP technology. No toll would apply to the transmission of the data to the call center.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: providing a database server having a database comprising real-time data related a warehouse object, the real-time data including data regarding the location of the warehouse object and data regarding the time and date the warehouse object became resident at the location, the real-time data populated in the database by warehouse management software; providing at least one rule related to when a condition of location for the warehouse object must cease, each rule having an associated trigger based on a lead time required to avoid violation of the rule; receiving data related to the warehouse object at a computer; predicting a potential violation of the rule by comparing, on the computer, data regarding the time-date the warehouse object became resident at the location with the trigger; generating an alarm related to a potential violation of the rule; and providing an alarm to an operator.

Abstract: A camper alignment system for use in guiding a pickup under a camper for loading of the camper uses a light source and a target for alignment. The pickup has a pickup cab and a pickup bed having a bed length. The camper has a camper front portion and a camper base. There is a light source capable of emitting a beam of light in the visible light spectrum when in operation. The light source is affixed on the camper front. There is a beam target disposed along the bed length. The beam target is substantially perpendicular with respect to the rear edge of the pickup bed. When the beam of light is substantially parallel to and projecting on the beam target, the pickup can be safely backed up toward the camper front portion and under the camper base for transport of the camper with the pickup.

Abstract: A system and method to provide node-to-node connectivity in a communications network are disclosed. A virtual connection is established between a source node coupled to a client and a destination node within the connection-oriented network using standards-based signaling. A communication session is then activated between the client and the destination node on the virtual connection.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed where a call center operator having multiple locations, including a call center is able to utilize existing network infrastructure to route telephone communications to the call center to the location where the lowest toll rate is applicable. The telephone communications are converted into data packets and routed to the call center using VoIP technology. No toll would apply to the transmission of the data to the call center.

Abstract: The foldable headrest assembly includes a first and second support and a first and second paddle. A first and second plate extending from the supports and supported by the paddles rotate in unison about a first axis (A1) from an upright to a forwardly folded position. A lock lever rotatably supported by the first plate rotates about a second axis (A2) between a locked position and an unlocked position. A first biasing member (FBM) is disposed between the plates and a second biasing member (SBM) is supported by the first plate engaging the lock lever. The FBM rotatably biases the supports about the A1 toward the forwardly folded position and the SBM rotatably biases the lock lever about the A2 toward the locked position in a common rotational direction as the rotation of the supports about the A1. A release mechanism for rotating the lock lever is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for a cloth or canvas-like top for a boat, having latching members which retain the collapsible frame to a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat frame. The latching members allow for the boat frame to be quickly orientated in either an open position, providing protection to the occupants of the boat, a closed position, used to store the frame on the boat when not in use, or a travel position, securing the boat cover frame in a manner sufficient to allow movement of the boat on a trailer. In changing the position of the frame, the latching member may be disconnected from the mounting brackets without the use of tools or removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. Additionally, the latching members include a pair of wings including retaining ridges which allow a latching of frame members to one another, securing frame members not in use during various configurations of the collapsible frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a sweepstakes includes an online component permitting entry into the sweepstakes by a user via an Internet connection to a World Wide Web site. A telephone component is also provided that receives telephone calls from participants and via an interactive voice response system permits the participants to enter the sweepstakes. As a condition of entry, the participants via either component are requested to provide information, which is stored and combined to provide a database of information on the participants of both the online component and the telephone component. Registration, including warranty registration, may also be provided using the integrated network system.