Abstract: A power switching system includes a plurality of power switching units each including a respective power switch, a communication system configured to convey a system-wide switching command to the power switching units along a communication channel, and circuitry, included in each of the power switching units, that is configured to delay execution of the system-wide switching command by a delay.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system, in particular a vacuum spray boiler, cools a hot fluid by spraying a coolant onto chambers carrying the hot fluid. This process may be performed in i) a vacuum, as in space, ii) atmospheric pressure, as on a launch pad of a space vehicle, or iii) any pressure therebetween. The heat exchanger system may incorporate a plate-fin heat exchanger. A coolant spray apparatus, used for spraying the coolant, and the heat exchanger are integrated within a vacuum chamber. The coolant, subsequent to changing to a vapor state after being sprayed onto the heat exchanger, may be exhausted to outside the system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and storage media for providing symbol-based events having personal bank features for progressive awards are disclosed. Example implementations may: output a graphical user interface to a display of a computing system configured to perform a symbol-based event; determine a trigger event corresponding to a user accessing the symbol-based event at the computing system; output, to the display a first update to the GUI, the first update based on a personal bank value corresponding to the user; determine, in response to a first activation request, a first result of performing a first instance of the symbol-based event; and output, to the display in response to the first activation request, a second update to the GUI.

Abstract: Water walking skis and a method for boarding them, in which each ski has an elongated body with a bow end in the form of a monohull and a stern end in the form of a twin hull. The skis can be combined with a pair of poles for balance, and binding straps for binding the skis and poles together while boarding/reboarding. The deck of each ski typically has a recessed area for foot placement, and two parallel side extensions protrude downward from the deck. The side extensions, the deck, and an underside or bottom cover together form a tunnel within the ski, the tunnel having a screen-covered first opening for admitting water and a rear opening for expelling water. Traction gates are mounted within the tunnel and spaced apart therein for permitting water flow therethrough when the ski moves forward, while preventing water flow when moving in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A trade exchange system and method provide transparency and accountability for each idea producer and each follower of each idea producer with respect to trades executed based on a trade idea circulated by the idea producer. The trade exchange system and method may use application-programming interfaces (APIs) to gather data from a brokerage entity in order to verify the trades executed in response to the trade idea by the idea producer and the follower.

Abstract: A trade exchange system and method provide transparency and accountability for each idea producer and each follower of each idea producer with respect to trades executed based on a trade idea circulated by the idea producer. The trade exchange system and method may use application-programming interfaces (APIs) to gather data from a brokerage entity in order to verify the trades executed in response to the trade idea by the idea producer and the follower.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out continuous true moving bed chromatography using strong magnetic fields. More particularly the invention enables counter-flow moving bed chromatography with much better efficiency than batch chromatography; and with design and operation much simpler than simulated moving bed chromatography.

Abstract: A trade exchange system and method provide transparency and accountability for each idea producer and each follower of each idea producer with respect to trades executed based on a trade idea circulated by the idea producer. The trade exchange system and method may use application-programming interfaces (APIs) to gather data from a brokerage entity in order to verify the trades executed in response to the trade idea by the idea producer and the follower.

Abstract: The power lifeguard system invention is an intelligent system for small-board computer equipment that promotes equipment uptime by providing power and battery back up. The invention monitors battery life and health and ensures proper computer equipment shutdown and reboot processes. The power lifeguard system is compatible with many single board computers (SBCs) using minimal packaging space and optimizing energy consumption of the computer equipment.

Abstract: An optoelectronic package having passive optical components that are configured to reduce the amount of optical back reflection that reaches an optoelectronic device housed within the optoelectronic package. In one example, the optoelectronic package includes an optoelectronic device, a wave plate, and a linear polarizer. The optoelectronic device is configured to emit an optical signal along an optical path. The wave plate is positioned in the optical path of the optoelectronic device. The linear polarizer is positioned in the optical path of the optoelectronic device between the optoelectronic device and the wave plate.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).

Abstract: A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).

Abstract: A system (10) for attaching a cover (12) to a container (11) and for closing an opening (21) in the cover (12) with a plug (13) utilizes a container (11) having an upper lip (16). The cover (12) is made of an elastomeric material and has handles (30) each having a notch (31) therein to receive the lip (16) of the container (11). A ridge (32) depends from the periphery of the opening (21) in the cover (12). The ridge (32) is generally square having sides (33) and corners (34). The ridge (33) includes a notch (35) formed in each side (33), and ribs (36) are positioned at each side of the notches (35). The plug (13) has a generally cylindrical stem (41) whose diameter approximates the length of a side (33) of the ridge (32). Diametrically opposed tabs (45) are positioned on the stem (41). By aligning the tabs (45) with the corners (34) of the ridge (32), the stem (41) can pass through the opening (21). Then rotating the plug (13) allows the tabs (45) to pass over the ribs (36) and into opposed notches (35).

Abstract: A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).

Abstract: An I2C device is disclosed that includes a main I2C section, bus switches, switch logic, and address logic as part of the I2C device. The I2C device is coupled to an I2C bus for communicating with other I2C devices and an I2C bus controller that is also on the I2C bus. The switch logic controls a current position of the switches. The I2C device is coupled to the I2C bus utilizing the switches. The switches control whether the main I2C section, the address logic, the switch logic, or a combination of the main I2C section, address logic, and switch logic is currently coupled to I2C bus. The switches also can be used, if desired to remove from the buss all devices that are downstream from a given device containing switches. The address logic is used to receive and store the address of the I2C device. The I2C device will respond to the address that is stored in its address logic.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).

Abstract: A blade (10) for a blender includes a center portion (11) which includes the axis of rotation. Blade wings (13, 14) extend outwardly from the center portion (11) and wing tips (15, 16) are positioned at the end of the wings (13, 14). The wings (13, 14) and wing tips (15, 16) having leading edges (21, 22) and trailing edges (23, 24). The portion of the leading edges (21, 22) along the wings (13, 14) have beveled edges (13A, 14A) at the bottom surface thereof, and the portion of the leading edges (21, 22) along the wing tips (15, 16) have beveled edges (15A, 16A) formed at the top surfaces thereof. Each of the wings (13, 14) has an effective width to length ratio of greater than 0.287, the length being measured between the axis of rotation and the distal ends of the wing tips (15, 16).

Abstract: A data storage system suitable for storing data in the SIM card of a mobile station is described. On amending the data, an SMS or Internet message containing the amended data is transmitted to a remote data storage system for storage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time shopping of a remote physical location over a computer network. The present invention integrates so-called “telepresence” systems with on-line, electronic commerce and merchandising systems to achieve a novel, real-time shopping experience. Unlike conventional on-line catalogs, the present invention allows the user to visually navigate in real-time within an actual, physical space in order to view physical objects located therein, and to select or identify such objects for purchase or further inspection. Users navigate through the physical space by viewing images captured by cameras located within the space and remotely controlling the cameras by means of a user interface to capture additional images of other selected regions within the space. According to the invention, the user interface of the present invention allows the user to identify or select viewed objects for purchase or further inquiry.

Abstract: A method system, and computer program product for determining the source of a fault within a bus, such as, for example, an inter integrated circuit (I2C) bus is provided. In one embodiment, a bus driver monitors the bus for faults. If a fault occurs on the bus, the bus driver resets each switch on the bus and then turns on the first switch connected to the bus driver. If the fault is encountered after turning on the first switch, then it is determined that the fault was caused by either the first switch, a device connected to the bus as a result of turning on the first switch, or one of the bus connectors just switched on as a result of turning on the first switch. If the fault is not encountered, the next switch is turned on and the process is repeated until the fault is encountered. The fault when encountered will be caused by either the most recently turned on switch or a device or bus connectors switched in by the turning on of the last switch.