Abstract: Methods and systems for rebate automation. In one embodiment sales check data comprising a check identifier, a point of sale identifier and a product identifier is inputted using a consumer user interface. One of a plurality of rebate offers matching the point of sale identifier and the product identifier of the sales check data is selected. The selected rebate offer comprises a rebate identifier and a reward value. Using the consumer user interface, the check identifier and the rebate identifier is submitted for validation to a rebate server to initiate accrual of the reward value. In another embodiment, a system for rebate automation includes a device with a consumer user interface, a rebate server and a point of sale system.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more nodes of a distributed meter network. The system includes at least one meter device at each node for metering a product and for generating a signal representative of a corresponding metering rate. A computation device in communication with the at least one meter device is provided at each node for computing meter data based upon the generated signal. The system further includes an autonomous intelligent network interface module (AINIM) at each node and in communication with the computation device. The AINIM includes a first microcontroller for autonomously and continuously monitoring the computation device and collecting meter data therefrom. The AINIM further includes a second microcontroller for receiving the meter data from the first microcontroller and autonomously distributing at least a portion of the received meter data via a communication network for receipt by a remote computer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell fabrication method is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing plates of glass each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness along with an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between both opposing plates of glass.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier and support membrane bonding two opposing plates of glass, a thin film spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness, and an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more nodes of a distributed meter network. The system includes at least one meter device at each node for metering a product and for generating a signal representative of a corresponding metering rate. A computation device in communication with the at least one meter device is provided at each node for computing meter data based upon the generated signal. The system further includes an autonomous intelligent network interface module (AINIM) at each node and in communication with the computation device. The AINIM includes a first microcontroller for autonomously and continuously monitoring the computation device and collecting meter data therefrom. The AINIM further includes a second microcontroller for receiving the meter data from the first microcontroller and autonomously distributing at least a portion of the received meter data via a communication network for receipt by a remote computer.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A multi-pixel optical processing system includes a multi-pixel liquid crystal cell platform having a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. A library of specialized pixel constructs is included that can be configured to yield predetermined optical functions at referential locations in the platform. A control system is provided utilizing a time division scheme that multiplexes temperature sensing and heating functions across an optional integrated active thermal element that may be integrated inside the liquid crystal platform. A calibration process characterizes the profile of the cell and generates a polynomial regression formula that provides the voltage drive output for all pixels in the platform based on the platform temperature and state of each pixel.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal variable optical attenuator is presented with one substrate that includes a integrated subwavelength nanostructured polarizer. The device may incorporate an integrated isolator whereby a substrate of the liquid crystal sandwich is formed from doped garnet to comprise a faraday rotator etched with a subwavelenth optical nanostructured polarizing grating and enabling the substrate to function as an isolator. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may include a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding the opposing top and bottom substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may also include an integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between or deposited on at least one or both opposing substrates.

Abstract: A multi-pixel optical processing system includes a multi-pixel liquid crystal cell platform having a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. A library of specialized pixel constructs is included that can be configured to yield predetermined optical functions at referential locations in the platform. A control system is provided utilizing a time division scheme that multiplexes temperature sensing and heating functions across an optional integrated active thermal element that may be integrated inside the liquid crystal platform. A calibration process characterizes the profile of the cell and generates a polynomial regression formula that provides the voltage drive output for all pixels in the platform based on the platform temperature and state of each pixel.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal variable optical attenuator is presented with one substrate that includes a integrated subwavelength nanostructured polarizer. The device may incorporate an integrated isolator whereby a substrate of the liquid crystal sandwich is formed from doped garnet to comprise a faraday rotator etched with a subwavelenth optical nanostructured polarizing grating and enabling the substrate to function as an isolator. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may include a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding the opposing top and bottom substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may also include an integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between or deposited on at least one or both opposing substrates.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell fabrication method is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing plates of glass each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness along with an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between both opposing plates of glass.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier and support membrane bonding two opposing plates of glass, a thin film spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness, and an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: Techniques for liquid replenishment in a printer/plotter. An ink delivery system (IDS) is employed wherein the on-carriage spring reservoir of the print cartridge is manually and securely connected to the off-carriage reservoir. A pen cartridge that uses an internal spring to provide vacuum pressure is connected from an inlet port through a unitary coupler to an ink reservoir located off the scanning carriage axis. The coupler serves to align as well as to secure two mating valves to securely hold them together in an open latched position which is not intended to be modified or disconnected until the entire ink supply has been depleted. A replaceable ink supply module for providing replenishment of an inkjet printhead includes a collapsible bag, an enclosure box, a connective tube, and an on/off valve. These four components are incorporated into a composite sealed system which remains intact during shipment, storage, installation and operation.

Abstract: Techniques for liquid replenishment in a printer/plotter. An ink delivery system (IDS) is employed wherein the on-carriage spring reservoir of the print cartridge is manually and securely connected to the off-carriage reservoir. A pen cartridge that uses an internal spring to provide vacuum pressure is connected from an inlet port through a unitary coupler to an ink reservoir located off the scanning carriage axis. The coupler serves to align as well as to secure two mating valves to securely hold them together in an open latched position which is not intended to be modified or disconnected until the entire ink supply has been depleted. A replaceable ink supply module for providing replenishment of an inkjet printhead includes a collapsible bag, an enclosure box, a connective tube, and an on/off valve. These four components are incorporated into a composite sealed system which remains intact during shipment, storage, installation and operation.

Abstract: A linear translation apparatus for optical systems has a tube and a piston that slides along an inner wall of the tube that is disposed about a longitudinal axis. An optical element mounted on the piston intercepts optical signals entering the tube so that optical path lengths within the optical system are varied as the piston moves along the longitudinal axis. The piston has a magnetic moment enabling the piston to slide along the inner wall in response to the strength and direction of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic actuator. A driver coupled to the magnetic actuator establishes the strength and direction of the generated magnetic field to achieve a predesignated motion profile for the piston along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A closed ink replenishment system for replenishing the supply of ink in negative pressure spring-bag reservoirs in a printer/plotter. A tube runs between each cartridge reservoir and an auxiliary reservoir mounted to the printer/plotter frame to form the closed ink system. As ink is depleted from the spring-bag reservoir during printing operation, the negative pressure in the cartridge increases, drawing ink through the tube from the auxiliary reservoir into the cartridge until the negative pressure decreases to an equilibrium point. As a result, the volume of ink within the spring-bag reservoir remains substantially constant so long as there is ink remaining within the auxiliary reservoir. This maintains the print quality. The auxiliary reservoir is a flat bag mounted on a spring-biased platform, which acts as a height regulating system. As ink is depleted from the auxiliary bag, the height of the platform and bag increases to maintain a constant pressure and elevation head at the spring-bag reservoir.