Abstract: A system and a method for providing rewards to a user for in-game achievements across multiple third-party game platforms are disclosed. The system includes a user account module for storing user profiles, an SDK module integrated with each game platform for defining in-game achievements and associated rewards, and an API module for receiving information about these achievements. The API module generates an achievement signal when a user completes an achievement. A processing module receives this signal, determines the corresponding rewards using the SDK module, and adds these rewards to the user's profile via the user account module, providing a personalized gaming experience across multiple platforms.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing an avatar across multiple three-dimensional (3D) rendering platforms are disclosed. The system includes a content database, a content delivery module, a Software Development Kit (SDK) module, and an Application Programming Interface (API) module. The content database stores a 3D avatar model and associated first assets. The SDK module integrates with an in-engine avatar customization module of each 3D rendering platform and allows users to use these assets to customize their avatar during runtime. The API module receives requests for avatar and asset data. The content delivery module fetches requested avatar data and assets in response to requests received at the API module and delivers the requests to the SDK module. Additionally, the content delivery module fetches, stores, and manages second assets used for avatar customization from the SDK module.

Abstract: A system and method of awarding a participant with a real or virtual prize over a network, the system and method comprising present one or more details of a match in the session application to the participant over the network to the remote participant computer for selection of the match, wherein the match is associated with at least one prize type, receive a request from the participant to join the match, the request including a participation type associated with the participant and participant characteristics, determine participant eligibility to participate in the match and receive the at least one prize type associated with the match by comparing the prize type, participation type, and the participant characteristics with a set of eligibility requirements for the match, if the participant is eligible and achieves a win condition then award the participant the prize associated with the match and the prize type.

Abstract: A system and method of awarding a participant with a real or virtual prize over a network, the system and method comprising present one or more details of a match in the session application to the participant over the network to the remote participant computer for selection of the match, wherein the match is associated with at least one prize type, receive a request from the participant to join the match, the request including a participation type associated with the participant and participant characteristics, determine participant eligibility to participate in the match and receive the at least one prize type associated with the match by comparing the prize type, participation type, and the participant characteristics with a set of eligibility requirements for the match, if the participant is eligible and achieves a win condition then award the participant the prize associated with the match and the prize type.

Abstract: A distributed control system for a vehicle includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations comprise obtaining an instance of shared data for a control system of the vehicle from each of at least three separate nodes of the distributed control system. The shared data may include configuration or health data for the control system or the vehicle itself. The operations include comparing the at least three instances of shared data; detecting a shared data inconsistency amongst the at least three instances; and generating a control action associated with resolving the shared data inconsistency.

Abstract: A distributed control system for a vehicle includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations comprise obtaining an instance of shared data for a control system of the vehicle from each of at least three separate nodes of the distributed control system. The shared data may include configuration or health data for the control system or the vehicle itself. The operations include comparing the at least three instances of shared data; detecting a shared data inconsistency amongst the at least three instances; and generating a control action associated with resolving the shared data inconsistency.

Abstract: A system and method of awarding a participant with a real or virtual prize over a network, the system and method comprising present one or more details of a match in the session application to the participant over the network to the remote participant computer for selection of the match, wherein the match is associated with at least one prize type, receive a request from the participant to join the match, the request including a participation type associated with the participant and participant characteristics, determine participant eligibility to participate in the match and receive the at least one prize type associated with the match by comparing the prize type, participation type, and the participant characteristics with a set of eligibility requirements for the match, if the participant is eligible and achieves a win condition then award the participant the prize associated with the match and the prize type.

Abstract: A graft and method of using a graft are described that should decrease the incidence of abnormal placentation and uterine rupture that result from cesarean section and restore the anatomic integrity of the uterus at a hysterotomy surgical site, while not disturbing the involution of the postpartum uterus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear, such as boots, shoes, specialty field shoes, woman's shoes, etc, and, more particularly, to a retractable members and retractable member systems adapted to control extension and retraction of the retractable members relative to the bottom of the footwear.

Abstract: A fluid injecting device (30) generally including a fluid delivery assembly (32) and a needle-free injecting assembly (34). The fluid delivery assembly (32) delivers or transfers the fluid medicine from a cartridge (40) into the needle-free injecting assembly (34) for injecting into a patient. A drive train (112) applies a force to a piston (64) inside the cartridge (40) during the delivery of the fluid to the needle-free injecting assembly (34) to prevent adhesion or static friction between the piston (64) and the cartridge (40). In addition, sensors can be used to help ensure the proper amount of dosage is transferred to the needle-free injecting assembly, conserve power, reduce leakage during disassembly, among other functions.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: A fluid injecting device (30) generally including a fluid delivery assembly (32) and a needle-free injecting assembly (34). The fluid delivery assembly (32) delivers or transfers the fluid medicine from a cartridge (40) into the needle-free injecting assembly (34) for injecting into a patient. A drive train (112) applies a force to a piston (64) inside the cartridge (40) during the delivery of the fluid to the needle-free injecting assembly (34) to prevent adhesion or static friction between the piston (64) and the cartridge (40). In addition, sensors can be used to help ensure the proper amount of dosage is transferred to the needle-free injecting assembly, conserve power, reduce leakage during disassembly, among other functions.

Abstract: A graft and method of using a graft are described that should decrease the incidence of abnormal placentation and uterine rupture that result from cesarean section and restore the anatomic integrity of the uterus at a hysterotomy surgical site, while not disturbing the involution of the postpartum uterus.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems associated with traction devices for vehicle tires are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a tire may include a tread material bonded with a casing, the tread material having a tread pattern and one or more tractive devices may be disposed within voids in the tread pattern. In some embodiments, a media passage may be disposed between the tread material and the casing substantially under one or more of the voids in the tread pattern, the chambers and/or channels being controllable to urge movement of a corresponding tractive device.

Abstract: A tire in which a tire manufacturer has determined the tractive capacity at numerous levels of tread wear, the tire having at least one visual warning indicator located at a tread depth corresponding to a percentage loss of tractive capacity. Also, a method of making the tire and a method improving traffic safety through use of such a tire combined with educating the consumer as to proper use of the tire.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: A door securing device that can be secured and removed from a door easily and quickly and can be collapsed into a small unit for transport if desired. The door securing device comprises a base member, a brace member, and a projecting lip coupled to the door by way of an elastic member coupled to a door handle. The base member includes a projecting lip for engagement with the bottom of the door. A door handle hook being pivotally coupled to a telescoping shaft containing the elastic member therein, the hook being coupled to the door handle and the telescoping shaft extended under elastic bias such that the lip is positioned against the bottom of the door. The elastic bias securely holds the lip against the bottom of the door, and thus the door securing device to the door. The hook and shaft are pivotally coupled such that the shaft is positioned substantially parallel with the door. The door securing device remains on the door when in the locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: A four step process for removing vehicles from the public roadways having worn tires including (a) establishing a standard for end of life tire conditions, (b) converting the standard to relate correspondingly to tread wear, (c) providing a visual indication of end of life tread wear and (d) providing for inspection and vehicle disqualification where end of life tire wear is indicated.