Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide a method using a computer, and a computer system, for providing image-customizing labels that are adapted for receiving computer-based, generic, value-bearing item indicia such as, for example, computer-based, generic, postage indicia. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will comprise generating a display of a user interface screen that is adapted for receiving an order from a user for at least one image-customized label adapted for bearing a computer-based, generic, value-bearing item.

Abstract: A pest control device may include a bait support system. The bait support system may include a bait bar having a first end and a second end. An aperture in the pest control device may receive at least a portion of the first end of the bait bar. A locking mechanism may secure the second end so as to lock the bait bar to the pest control device. The bait bar may be locked to the pest control device when a lid of the pest control device is in an open configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for providing and dispensing various hand care alternatives from a common point of dispension, such as a faucet, for standardizing the hand care, washing, sanitizing, and drying process is disclosed. Included is a liquid flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user reception point. A secondary flow path has an inlet in communication with one or more hand care alternatives and an outlet in communication with the user reception point. A user-perceivable output provides notification of the hand care operation being provided at the user reception point.

Abstract: A material supply assembly includes a valve assembly having an outer valve member and an inner valve member rotatable relative to the outer valve member. A plurality of discharge seals may be provide between the outer valve member and the inner valve member, with one of the discharge seals extending around openings of the outer valve member or openings of the inner valve member. A first circumferential seal may also be provided. An engagement structure including a plurality of spaced apart vertical engagement projections and a plurality of complementary configured engagement recesses may be provided between the valve assembly and the base. A locking arm having a locking member may be provided with the locking member positioned in a locking receptacle. A projection engages the locking arm to move the locking member from the locking receptacle.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing system can include a docking stating that receives a reservoir containing chemical to be dispensed. The reservoir may have one or more retention tabs which are movable from a first position in which each tab extends radially across at least a portion of the bore to a second position in which each tab is offset relative to the bore. A user can engage the reservoir with the docking station, causing the one or more retention tabs on the reservoir to engage with one or more corresponding retention tab receiving regions. This can cause each retention tab to move from the first position to the second position, thereby dispensing chemical from the bore through a discharge aperture of the docking station. In this way, the contents of the reservoir may be dispensed without the user coming into physical content with the chemical in the reservoir.

Abstract: Techniques are described for switching streaming of media content between content delivery networks (CDNs) during mid-stream. An initial CDN can be used to stream the media content. The performance of a second CDN can be measured by requesting a fragment of the media content as a measurement or test fragment. Streaming of the media content can be switched to the second CDN if its performance is determined to be better than the initial CDN.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide postage indicia using mobile communication handsets are shown. According to embodiments, users are enabled to introduce mail pieces into a mail delivery stream which are accepted as having activated, value comprising postage indicia associated therewith without the use of traditional metering systems, processor-based postage generation and printing systems, or even printers. Instead, a token comprising substantially unique identification information identifying a mail piece is activated as an activated token having postage value associated therewith using mobile communication handsets, such as a smart phone, network enabled personal digital assistant, etc. according to embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A material supply assembly includes a valve assembly having an outer valve member and an inner valve member rotatable relative to the outer valve member. A base assembly includes an base structure and an actuator. An engagement structure is operative between the outer valve member and the actuator to prevent relative movement between the outer valve member and the actuator. A locking structure is operative between the inner valve member and the base structure to prevent relative movement between the inner valve member and the base structure. Movement of the actuator relative to the base structure moves the outer valve member relative to the inner valve member to operate the valve assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a pest control device mounting system configured for mounting pest control devices in a building and using them to control pests. The pest control device mounting system including a mounting bracket, which may have a circumferential portion defining a portal. In some examples, the mounting bracket includes a flange portion suitable for attaching to the perimeter of a cavity in a building surface. The pest control device mounting system including a plug configured to be removably attached to the mounting bracket and to substantially close the portal when attached to the mounting bracket, wherein the plug is configured to accommodate a pest control device.

Abstract: A sample collection system including a container including container walls that enclose a container cavity; a fluid inlet extending through one of the container walls; a fluid outlet extending from outside the container into the container and into the container cavity through the one of the container walls; a sample tray configured to be removably insertable through one of the container walls into the container below the fluid inlet and including a filter portion, the tray being insertable below the fluid inlet to provide a fluid path that flows from the fluid inlet through the filter portion of the sample tray to the fluid outlet during suctioning, wherein a bottom portion of the fluid outlet extends away from the one of the container walls into the container cavity below the filter portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for registration of destination identifiers to be used in lieu of geographic addresses. In one embodiment, a user specification of a destination identifier is received. It is determined that the destination identifier is available for registration. A user request is received to register the destination identifier as associated with a geographic address. The destination identifier is registered in response to the user request by creating a stored mapping between the destination identifier and the geographic address.

Abstract: Techniques are described for balancing traffic among content delivery networks (CDNs). A CDN balancer can analyze CDN performance data and determine CDN balancing ratios used to distribute traffic among the CDNs.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for activation of postage indicia at a point of sale are shown. In operation according to embodiments, unassigned (e.g., not yet activated or not yet representing postage value) tokens (e.g., IBI barcodes) suitable for later use as postage indicia are distributed to various point of sale locations, such as retail locations, consumer kiosks, vending machines, etc. and made available for purchase by users. Upon purchase, at a point of sale, such unassigned tokens are preferably activated as valid or “live” postage indicia. Thereafter, the postage indicia may be used to post mail items.

Abstract: A system for dissolving solid chemical may include three reservoirs positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement. A solid chemical reservoir configured to receive solid chemical to be dissolved may be nested in a solution generator reservoir into which water is introduced to erode the solid chemical. A dissolved chemical reservoir can be positioned under the solid chemical reservoir and the solution generator reservoir. The dissolved chemical reservoir can store solution generated using the system. In some examples, a recirculation circuit is used to recirculate water introduced into the solution generator reservoir until a solution having a target concentration of the chemical being dissolved is achieved. The recirculation circuit may include a recirculation line having an outlet aimed at the bottom wall of the solid chemical reservoir.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing system can include a docking stating that receives a reservoir containing chemical to be dispensed. The reservoir may have a slidable closure covering an opening through which the chemical can be dispensed from the reservoir. The reservoir may be engaged with the docking station so that the slidable closure on the reservoir is operably coupled to a movable element on the docking station. A user can engage the movable element on the docking station to cause a slidable closure on the reservoir to open. As a result, chemical in the reservoir can discharge through the opening uncovered by moving the slidable closure. In this way, the contents of the reservoir may be dispensed without the user coming into physical content with the chemical in the reservoir.

Abstract: Techniques are described for live streaming media content using on-demand manifests. Many manifest files providing playback options for different time periods of a live stream of media content can be generated and provided to viewer devices. Requests from viewer devices using the manifest files can be analyzed to determine a fragment to be provided for playback in relation to the time period of the live stream to be provided for playback.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to processing content, such as web pages, to be rendered and displayed on client computing devices. In one embodiment, a content parsing system may retrieve a content item on behalf of a client computing device, and parse markup language within the content item to generate a binary representation of objects within the content item. The content parsing system may then serialize the binary representation, and transmit the binary representation to the client computing device. The client computing device can then utilize the binary representation to output the content item, without parsing at least a portion of the content item.

Abstract: Techniques are described for generating manifest files for media content playback. A server can dynamically generate manifest files with a selection of quality levels indicated as being available for playback. Factors such as device characteristics, playback history, and more can be used to generate the manifest files.

Abstract: Techniques are described for live streaming media content using on-demand manifests. A manifest file providing playback options for a portion of the duration of the playback of a live stream can be provided to viewer devices. The viewer devices can also be provided location identifiers for the live stream. Based on the location identifier used by the viewer devices to request fragments of the live stream of the media content, the requests from the viewer devices using the manifest file can be analyzed to determine a fragment to be provided for playback in relation to the time period of the live stream.

Abstract: A tool for removing dents includes a rigid member having first upper handle and a second lower handle extending in a generally opposite direction and interconnect by way of a first lateral rigid bar portion, a second rigid upper bar portion connects to the first lateral bar portion and extends generally in a common direction to the first upper handle thus forming a U shape between the first upper handle, the first lateral rigid bar portion and the second rigid upper bar portion, and a rigid nose head extending from an end of the second rigid bar portion inward generally in a direction toward the first upper handle.