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 first pump operatively connected to the hand care alternative and a second pump, independent from the first, pumps air. The air and hand care alternative may be mixed and foamed. In use, the air pump can provide clearing, drying and mixing functions independent from the first pump.

Abstract: An out-of-product alarm process includes initiating an out-of-product check by sending a signal to a controller from an optical sensor assembly connected to a fluid delivery medium for delivering a product to a fluid dispensing site, performing an out-of-product check, running an alarm cycle with the controller after receipt of an out-of-product signal, and executing a corrective action. Performing the out-of-product check includes directing light into the fluid delivery medium, generating a detector output based on detected light within the fluid delivery medium, determining an out-of-product state within the fluid delivery medium based on a comparison of the detector output to an out-of-product threshold, starting an out-of-product timer, when the out-of-product state is determined, and determining an out-of-product event when the out-of-product timer reaches a threshold out-of-product time period.

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 motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

Abstract: Eating utensils, namely forks which have the function of liquid dispensing fluid, via fluidic passages inside of the utensils which attach to a container of a liquid affixed at a point within a cage part of the handle of the utensil. The attachment coupled with the action of the user of the utensil actuates the flow of the liquid from the container to a point on or near the eating surface of the utensil.

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: 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: 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: Techniques are described for caching dynamic objects for media content playback. A media server can provide a cache key representing a set of instructions used to select a subset of manifest data. The cache key can be provided to a viewer device, which can then contact a content delivery network (CDN) for a dynamic manifest file corresponding to the cache key. The CDN can contact the media server to have the dynamic manifest file generated using the cache key if it is not in its cache.

Abstract: A motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

Abstract: An out-of-product alarm process includes initiating an out-of-product check by sending a signal to a controller from an optical sensor assembly connected to a fluid delivery medium for delivering a product to a fluid dispensing site, performing an out-of-product check, running an alarm cycle with the controller after receipt of an out-of-product signal, and executing a corrective action. Performing the out-of-product check includes directing light into the fluid delivery medium, generating a detector output based on detected light within the fluid delivery medium, determining an out-of-product state within the fluid delivery medium based on a comparison of the detector output to an out-of-product threshold, starting an out-of-product timer, when the out-of-product state is determined, and determining an out-of-product event when the out-of-product timer reaches a threshold out-of-product time period.

Abstract: Techniques are described for automatically migrating client devices away from unreliable origin stacks in ways that mitigate potentially negative impacts on the user experience. Multiple origin stacks are provisioned in parallel to provide encoded versions of the same broadcast content for streaming to client devices. Each of the origin stacks is monitored to ensure that it is operating correctly. When an origin stack fails or becomes unreliable, each of the client devices involved in a session corresponding to the unreliable stack is provided with the information it needs to establish a new session corresponding to another one of the stacks.

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: A fastening for an elastic band comprising an attachment for a first end of the band and a cleat comprising a cleat slot into which a second end of the band can be jammed, and such a fastening in combination with an elastic band, which may constitute a tourniquet.

Abstract: A portable computer that has a motorized hinge structure capable of moving the lid between an open and closed position. The movement of the lid is based on input from a plurality of sensors. One sensor may be configured to determine whether the user is within a predetermined threshold distance. Another sensor may be capable of detecting whether the user has made direct contact with the laptop. In one embodiment, the computer may have an image sensor configured to detect the user's face and continuously adjust the angle and position of the lid to keep the face in the field of view of the camera and/or keep the lid in the optimum viewing position.

Abstract: A motion assembly that produces pitch and roll motions includes lower and upper plates. A pivotable coupling having upper and lower shafts extending from its center is coupled between the upper and lower plates. At least two linear actuators are coupled between the plates. Extension and retraction of the actuators pivots the upper plate about the pivotable coupling relative to the lower plate. A vehicle includes two steerable propulsion wheels coupled to a chassis. A lower plate of a pitch and roll assembly, similar to that just described, couples to the chassis via a slew bearing. Seating is coupled to the upper plate. The seating rotates with respect to the chassis via controlled rotation of the slew bearing with reference to the chassis. The seating can be rotated to point in any direction with respect to the chassis regardless of the direction the steerable propulsion wheels move the chassis.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for translation of destination identifiers. In one embodiment, a destination identifier applied to a shipment is scanned. The destination identifier is translated to a first shipping address based at least in part on a mapping of destination identifiers to shipping addresses. The shipment is routed for delivery to the first shipping address. The destination identifier is then translated to a second shipping address based at least in part on the mapping. The shipment is then rerouted to the second shipping address.

Abstract: A method for abandonment of a subsea well includes: setting a packer of a lower cementing tool against a bore of an inner casing at a location adjacent to an outer casing; fastening a pressure control assembly (PCA) to the subsea wellhead; hanging an upper cementing tool from the PCA and stabbing the upper cementing tool into a polished bore receptacle of the lower cementing tool; perforating a wall of the inner casing below the packer; perforating the inner casing wall above the packer by operating a perforator of the upper cementing tool; and pumping cement slurry followed by a release plug through bores of the cementing tools. The release plug engages and launches a cementing plug from the lower cementing tool. The cementing plug drives the cement slurry through the perforations below the packer and into an inner annulus formed between the inner casing and the outer casing.

Abstract: A containment system with a vented insert for a fitment is disclosed. The vented insert includes generally a conduit having an inner and opposite outer end with a valve in the conduit movable to a closed position by liquid. The outer end of the conduit includes a liquid impermeable membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for translation of destination identifiers. In one embodiment, an input including a destination identifier is received. For example, the destination identifier may be affixed to the exterior of a shipment and scanned. The destination identifier is translated into a geographic address based at least in part on a stored mapping. The geographic address is then rendered in a user interface.