Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide assistance for completion during address input. In one embodiment, a method includes automatically generating profiles for persons identified in messages, such as incoming and outgoing emails. Based on how the addresses of the persons are used in incoming and outgoing messages, the relevancy scores of the addresses are determined. When a user is typing an address, the profiles and the relevancy scores are used to identify and sort suggestions for the completion of the address input.

Abstract: Various methods of producing a security document or article including a diffractive optical microstructure are disclosed. One method includes applying an opacifying layer (102) to at least one surface of a transparent substrate (100). An area of the opacifying layer (102) is exposed to laser radiation (108) to ablate apertures (110) in selected portions of the opacifying layer (102), thereby forming a diffractive optical microstructure (112) on the surface of the substrate (100). The laser radiation may be patterned prior to exposing the opacifying layer (102), for example by passing the radiation through a mask (104). Alternatively, a focussed or collimated laser beam (206) may be directed onto the selected portions of the opacifying layer (102). Laser radiation may be directed onto the opacifying layer (102) either directly, or through the transparent substrate (100). Security documents or articles made in accordance with the method are also provided.

Abstract: A boiler and method of operating a boiler are disclosed. The boiler generally includes a housing defining an enclosed region and a plurality of heat exchange conduits at least partially positioned within the enclosed region of the housing and arranged into an interior column and an exterior column. A baffle is at least partially positioned within the enclosed region of the housing and positioned between the interior column and the exterior column of heat exchange conduits. The baffle and the housing together define a constricted region. The heat exchange conduits of the exterior column are positioned within the constricted region. The constricted region defines a path for directing the flow of products of combustion adjacent the heat exchange conduits of the exterior column thereby facilitating the exchange of heat between the products of combustion and water within the heat exchange conduit of the exterior column.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element (DOE) and various methods of producing such a DOE are provided in which a diffractive optical microstructure is formed with encrypted data on at least one side of a transparent substrate or in a layer applied to the substrate. The diffractive optical microstructure when illuminated with collimated light, generates a far field interference pattern corresponding to the encrypted data which may be decrypted with suitable optical detectors and processing equipment.

Abstract: A method of producing a personalized security document or article includes providing a substrate which is transparent at least to visible light. A diffractive optical microstructure is formed in a substantially opaque layer disposed on a surface of the substrate. The diffractive structure comprises a plurality of apertures formed in the opaque layer, such that when the structure is suitably illuminated, for example by a beam of collimated light, a projected image is generated which is unique to a particular individual. Also, personalized security documents or articles made in accordance with the method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method for treating a cardiovascular disorder. In some embodiments, the method comprises co-administering an inhibitor of inflammation and an agent used to treat a cardiovascular disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are peptides for use in inhibiting the interactions of PF4 and RANTES. Further disclosed herein, are methods for treating an inflammatory disease, disorder, condition, or symptom. In some embodiments, the method comprises co-administering an agent that inhibits the interactions of PF4 and RANTES and a second active agent.

Abstract: A vending machine incorporates a product support and dispensing system including an oscillator and an adjustable bail cap. The oscillator is pivotally mounted at a lower portion of one of a plurality of stack areas provided within the vending machine. The oscillator includes a product retention zone having first and second staging regions, each of which has upper and lower holding elements for retaining a product containers in pre-vend positions. The adjustable bail cap is detachably secured to the oscillator and includes an arcuate intermediate portion adapted to selectively support the product containers. The adjustable bail cap can be selectively repositioned to allow the product support and delivery system to accommodate a wide range of container sizes.

Abstract: A geofence system is provided. The geofence system includes a display device and a graphical user interface displayable on the display device. The graphical user interface is configured to display a map corresponding with a geographical area, and provide a graphical representation of a geofence. The graphical representation is overlaid on the displayed map and includes a control portion responsive to an input device configured to adjust an operational aspect of at least a portion of the geofence. The control portion is associated with a location on the map.

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention discloses a releasable fastening system (150) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention discloses a releasable fastening system (150) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Abstract: In the first aspect, the invention provides a fastener which includes a fastening element and an actuating means attached to the fastening element. The fastening element has a flexible beam and an engagement means. The actuating means includes a material, such as shape memory alloy, which contracts when activated. When the material is contracted, the beam moves between an engagement position and a disengagement position. In a second aspect, the invention provides a fastener for use in a network of fasteners. The fastener has address means which serve to distinguish the fastener from the other fasteners in the network. The fastener may be the same as the fastener in the first aspect of the invention, or a different fastener. A network or system of such fasteners is also provided.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a patient positioning apparatus are disclosed, each configured for repositioning a patient on a bed. The apparatus includes a support frame which may be positioned over an adjustable bed so that the straps extend downwardly from the frame and secure to a patient support such as a support sheet so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when the bed is lowered.

Abstract: A user can share (show) multimedia information while simultaneously communicating (telling) with one or more other users over a network. Multimedia information is received from at least one source. The multimedia information may be manually and/or automatically annotated and shared with other users. The multimedia information may be displayed in an integrated live view simultaneously with other modes of communication, such as video, voice, or text. A simultaneous sharing communication interface provides an immersive experience that lets a user communicate via text, voice, video, sounds, music, or the like, with one or more other users while also simultaneously sharing media such as photos, videos, movies, images, graphics, illustrations, animations, presentations, narratives, music, sounds, applications, files, and the like. The simultaneous sharing interface enables a user to experience a higher level of intimacy in their communication with others over a network.

Abstract: A screw head and screwdriver for use in combination are provided to reduce the occurrence of stripping a screw head during tightening or removing the screw. The head slot employs slot walls that indent in some portion of the wall, the indent portion forming a ledge under which the screwdriver tip may be retentively captured thereby preventing the tip from lifting from the screw slot and stripping the screw head. The screw slot and driver also generally employ a tapered form, such that the slot widens from a central portion out to the outer circumferential edges. The narrow portion of the slot matching in form a narrow portion of the driver tip such that the driver tip tends not to slide off the screw head during use. Utilizing these inventive design concepts prevents the screwdriver tip from slipping off the head and resulting in the need to apply less downward pressure.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: A vending machine includes an adjustable channel assembly for varying the depth of a product stack area within the vending machine. Preferably two adjustable channel assemblies are mounted to a column wall to support a rear spacer wall that defines a back portion of the stack area. The rear spacer wall is selectively movable fore-to-aft in order to permit the stack area to be customized in order to accommodate various sized bottles and cans.