Abstract: A method for networking provides a network service for a network. The network service can include the server system maintaining a database that can include information about connections between nodes. The network service can include the server system receiving a potential connection message from a first node to be delivered to a third node. The potential connection message can include a suggestion that the third node connect to a second node. The network service can include the server system delivering the potential connection message to the third node, only if the server system verifies in the database that the first node is connected with the third node and the second node. The network service can include the server system receiving feedback from the third node regarding the second node. The network service can include the server system connecting the second node to the third node, only if the feedback from the third node regarding the second node is positive.

Abstract: A method for networking provides a network service for a network. The network service can include the server system maintaining a database that can include information about connections between nodes. The network service can include the server system receiving a potential connection message from a first node to be delivered to a third node. The potential connection message can include a suggestion that the third node connect to a second node. The network service can include the server system delivering the potential connection message to the third node, only if the server system verifies in the database that the first node is connected with the third node and the second node. The network service can include the server system receiving feedback from the third node regarding the second node. The network service can include the server system connecting the second node to the third node, only if the feedback from the third node regarding the second node is positive.

Abstract: A method in a computer system for selecting an efficient combination of items for placement on a merchandizing fixture, wherein each item has a respective size, and wherein each combination of items has a respective profitability metric; including electronically receiving an indication of a size of the merchandizing fixture; electronically receiving a business rule indicative of whether gaps on the merchandizing fixture are allowed; when gaps on the merchandizing fixture are allowed, automatically selecting via a computer processor a combination of items that has a highest profitability metric and that fits on the merchandizing fixture without occupying the entire merchandizing fixture; and when gaps on the merchandizing fixture are not allowed, automatically selecting via a computer processor a combination of items that has a highest profitability and occupies the entire merchandizing fixture without exceeding the size of the merchandizing fixture.

Abstract: A method for networking provides a network service for a network. The network service can include the server system maintaining a database that can include information about connections between nodes. The network service can include the server system receiving a potential connection message from a first node to be delivered to a third node. The potential connection message can include a suggestion that the third node connect to a second node. The network service can include the server system delivering the potential connection message to the third node, only if the server system verifies in the database that the first node is connected with the third node and the second node. The network service can include the server system receiving feedback from the third node regarding the second node. The network service can include the server system connecting the second node to the third node, only if the feedback from the third node regarding the second node is positive.

Abstract: A method in a computer system for generating an efficient item assortment associated with a plurality of items includes obtaining choice set data specifying a multiplicity of choice sets associated with the plurality of items, where each of the multiplicity of choice sets includes several of the plurality of items, at least some of which are mutually substitutable, obtaining item interaction data descriptive of substitutions between pairs of items in each of the multiplicity of choice sets, obtaining a set of benefit metrics associated with the plurality of items, obtaining a constraint parameter associated with the item assortment, and generating an item selection based at least on the item interaction data, the set of benefit metrics, and the constraint parameter, where the item selection identifies at least one of the plurality of items selected for inclusion in the item assortment.

Abstract: A flow sensing fuel injector nozzle includes first and second spaced silicon layers containing flow restricting and distributing orifices and openings for atomizing fuel. The layers are support by a silicon or metal base and spaced by an epitaxial silicon layer to form a nozzle member. Various electrical conductors and elements formed in the silicon layers and connected with external indicators are operative to indicate the presence and/or the amount of fuel flowing through the injector.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for an engine fuel injection system includes a valve housing, a valve seat fixedly secured to the valve housing and a valve needle movable axially and co-operably engageable with the valve seat. The fuel injection valve also includes a diaphragm that aligns the needle with the valve seat. The diaphragm has an outer zone attached to the housing and an inner zone attached to the needle, such that the inner zone of the diaphragm moves in unison with the needle to thereby avoid frictional sliding contact between the needle and the diaphragm. Alignment of the needle with the valve seat may be assured by assembly wherein the diaphragm is first fixed to the needle and the needle is then seated upon the valve seat prior to clamping of the outer zone of the diaphragm to the housing while the needle is seated.

Abstract: Nozzle structures for fuel injectors are fabricated from silicon wafers assembled together to accurately control valve lift so that a separate step of setting valve lift is unnecessary. Sealing surfaces are P+ silicon.