Abstract: An intermediary service allows a customer to share, anonymously or not, feedback information with the provider via the intermediary service over a network, and provides expectations that the feedback information will be appropriately addressed. The provider will store in the intermediary a set of rules including escalating rules to escalate the feedback information to entities within the provider according to an escalation order, and rules for responding to feedback information within a time period. After receiving a response from a provider via the intermediary the customer is asked to indicate a level of satisfaction with the provider response and has the option of escalating the feedback information to another entity according the escalation rules or closing the communication with provider via the intermediary concerning the feedback information.

Abstract: A talking electronic scale for encouraging the use of and adherence to a preset diet program is disclosed. A user on the scale actuates a mechanism whose movement is transformed to electrical pulses to provide a digital readout of his present weight on a display. A microprocessor provides an electronic memory for storing a goal weight for the person and his weight each time he weighs, along with the date of each stored weight as well as a series of comments to be voiced. The microprocessor also compares the goal weight with the present weight to actuate a voice synthesis device connected to the microprocessor to provide preselected comments appropriate to the comparison. Audio means connected to the voice synthesis device provides for such comments to be audibly spoken to the user.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of a liquid stream, such as fuel, to an internal combustion engine. A pair of preformed body members are held together by external fasteners and provide internal cavities including a continuous oval shaped raceway containing a freely moveable ball. An inlet cavity connected to the raceway communicates with an inlet conduit through one body member and connectable to the liquid supply. An outlet conduit extends from the raceway through the other body member and is connectable to the liquid user or engine. Within the inlet cavity is a nozzle assembly that provides a first relatively small passage for liquid when it flows through the inlet conduit at a relatively slow rate and a second relatively large passage for liquid when it flows at a relatively high rate, so that even at low liquid flow rates, a sufficient force is produced at the nozzle exit to keep the race ball moving smoothly in the raceway.