Abstract: At a resource corresponding to one node of a data processing workflow, a persistent representation of a binary signal representing a condition associated with an event is generated. The signal indicates a validity period of the condition. At a second resource corresponding to another node of the workflow, a decision to initiate an action is generated based on analysis of a set of binary signals and an action scheduling rule, and the action is initiated.

Abstract: At a resource corresponding to one node of a data processing workflow, a persistent representation of a binary signal representing a condition associated with an event is generated. The signal indicates a validity period of the condition. At a second resource corresponding to another node of the workflow, a decision to initiate an action is generated based on analysis of a set of binary signals and an action scheduling rule, and the action is initiated.

Abstract: At a resource corresponding to one node of a data processing workflow, a persistent representation of a binary signal representing a condition associated with an event is generated. The signal indicates a validity period of the condition. At a second resource corresponding to another node of the workflow, a decision to initiate an action is generated based on analysis of a set of binary signals and an action scheduling rule, and the action is initiated.

Abstract: A cup for reducing or eliminating spillage or shake-out. The cup has a cap and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a dispensing tunnel, which provides for the formation of a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow through the dispensing tunnel. The pressure differential, when it reaches a predetermined level, prevents further flow or movement of the fluid through the dispensing tunnel until additional suction is applied by the user. The diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel.

Abstract: A vented bottle is provided. The vent is remote from the nipple. The bottle has a nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base can have an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola of a woman's breast. The bulbous region can simulate the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola. The areola region can have a texture or surface geometry that is different from the texture or surface geometry of the stem or bulbous region.

Abstract: A cup for reducing or eliminating spillage or shake-out. The cup has a cap and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a dispensing tunnel, which provides for the formation of a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow through the dispensing tunnel. The pressure differential, when it reaches a predetermined level, prevents further flow or movement of the fluid through the dispensing tunnel until additional suction is applied by the user. The diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel.

Abstract: A cup for reducing or eliminating spillage or shake-out is provided. The cup has a cap and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a dispensing tunnel, which provides for the formation of a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow through the dispensing tunnel. The pressure differential, when it reaches a predetermined level, prevents further flow or movement of the fluid through the dispensing tunnel until additional suction is applied by the user. The diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel.

Abstract: There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured to provide selective fluid communication with the spout aperture.

Abstract: There is provided a drinking straw assembly. The assembly has a first straw portion and a housing that can be removably secured to the first straw portion. The housing has a housing cavity, and a valve that can be removably connected to the housing cavity. The valve is also adapted to receive a second straw portion.

Abstract: A cup for reducing or eliminating spillage or shake-out is provided. The cup has a cap and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a dispensing tunnel, which provides for the formation of a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow through the dispensing tunnel. The pressure differential, when it reaches a predetermined level, prevents further flow or movement of the fluid through the dispensing tunnel until additional suction is applied by the user. The diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel. The cup is vented during dispensing of the liquid contained therein.

Abstract: Map information is stored centrally and used to provide web-based map viewing, publishing, and provisioning services.

Abstract: There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured to provide selective fluid communication with the spout aperture.

Abstract: A vented bottle is provided. The vent is remote from the nipple. The bottle has a nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base can have an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola of a woman's breast. The bulbous region can simulate the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola. The areola region can have a texture or surface geometry that is different from the texture or surface geometry of the stem or bulbous region.

Abstract: A cup for reducing or eliminating spillage or shake-out is provided. The cup has a cap and a spill and shake-out inhibiting element. The spill and shake-out inhibiting element is a dispensing tunnel, which provides for the formation of a pressure differential between the inside of the cup and the atmosphere when fluid begins to flow through the dispensing tunnel. The pressure differential, when it reaches a predetermined level, prevents further flow or movement of the fluid through the dispensing tunnel until additional suction is applied by the user. The diameter of the dispensing tunnel is small enough to effectively prevent air bubbles from flowing past the fluid in the dispensing tunnel.