Abstract: An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information.

Abstract: In a method of controlling operation of a processing system, a host computer, a process tool and a component of an evacuation system, for example an abatement tool, are connected to a system bus. The abatement tool monitors signals transmitted on the system bus between the host computer and the process tool, and signals received directly from the process tool. The abatement tool uses information contained within the monitored signals to generate a signal for the process tool regarding an operating characteristic of the abatement tool. This signal is transmitted either directly or over the system bus to the process tool, which uses the generated signal to control an operating state of the process tool.

Abstract: A method of providing a bridge life insurance policy includes receiving a request for a life insurance policy having a coverage amount, wherein approval of the request requires completion of an external process, and determining that the customer is a pre-existing customer of an organization associated with the life insurance policy. The method also includes determining, using a processor, that the customer meets eligibility requirements for a bridge life insurance policy and obtaining financial information associated with the customer from the organization associated with the life insurance policy. The method further includes defining a coverage amount for the bridge life insurance policy less than or equal to the coverage amount of the life insurance policy and issuing the bridge life insurance policy to the customer. Additionally, the method includes initiating the external process, issuing the life insurance policy, and terminating the bridge life insurance policy.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and computer program products for automatically transferring expressions between rigs with consistent joint structure, and for automatically transferring skin weights between different skin meshes based on joint positioning. A method is provided for transferring an expression between a plurality of source rigs and a target rig, where each rig characterizes an animated character, and each rig, in turn, is characterized by a set of joints and a skin mesh having a plurality of vertices, with each vertex characterized by a matrix of weights relating a response of the vertex to movement of associated joints. A set of offsets is calculated of joint positions of a goal expression of each source rig relative to a neutral expression of the source rig. A scaling transformation is then applied to the set of offsets to produce a scaled set of offsets, which are added, in turn, to a neutral expression of the target rig.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a multipurpose plastic bottle made in one reusable piece which is provided with the means for conversion to objects which may be kept by the user. It comprises an upper belt and a lower belt formed by pairs of circular rings connected round the whole profile of the bottle with the connection of both pairs of rings defined by a cutting guide for separating the bottle in an upper section, a mid section and a lower section. The multipurpose plastic bottle which is the object of the invention belongs to the technical sector of plastics, specifically to the plastic industry relating to manufacture of bottles designed to hold liquids for mass distribution and consumption. The products to be bottled are soft drinks, sodas, drinking water, cooking oils and domestic cleaning products.

Abstract: Systems and methods for application processing are described herein. In some examples, a method may include receiving an oral indication from an applicant that is recorded which authorizes the performing of one or more operations intended to facilitate the underwriting of an insurance policy. The method may also include immediately underwriting, following the receipt of a recorded oral indication authorizing an operation to be performed.

Abstract: In a method of controlling operation of a processing system, a host computer, a process tool and a component of an evacuation system, for example an abatement tool, are connected to a system bus. The abatement tool monitors signals transmitted on the system bus between the host computer and the process tool, and signals received directly from the process tool. The abatement tool uses information contained within the monitored signals to generate a signal for the process tool regarding an operating characteristic of the abatement tool. This signal is transmitted either directly or over the system bus to the process tool, which uses the generated signal to control an operating state of the process tool.

Abstract: An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating an exhaust gas stream 12 from a processing chamber 10. The method comprises the steps of: conveying the exhaust gas from the processing chamber using a vacuum pumping arrangement 11, 22 or atmospheric line; abating the exhaust gas in an abatement region 18 of an abatement device 14; and injecting a cooling agent, such as a liquid 26, downstream of the abatement region to cool the abated gases in a cooling region 24 by phase change of the cooling agent.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing a number of cache lines in a cache. In one illustrative embodiment, it is determined whether activity on a memory bus in communication with the cache exceeds a threshold activity level. A least important cache line is located in the cache responsive to a determination that the threshold activity level is exceeded, wherein the least important cache line is located using a cache replacement scheme. It is determined whether the least important cache line is clean responsive to the determination that the threshold activity level is exceeded. The least important cache line is selected for replacement in the cache responsive to a determination that the least important cache line is clean.

Abstract: A lighting device configured for projecting a unique lighting to illuminate letters, figures and shapes displayed on the top of the device is disclosed. The letter and figures are interchangeable and maybe customized to individual tastes and interests. The lighting device comprises a chamber containing a light source and a plurality of reflector strips disposed in the inner portion of the chamber. The letters and figures are inserted into a longitudinal aperture at the top of the chamber and snapped onto a lip that protrudes from an aperture wall. An inclined reflector strip comprising of a plurality of flat portions and angled portions directs the light toward the bottom and sides of the letters and figures that permeates through the substantially transparent material the letters and figures comprise to produce the unique lighting effect. Alternatively, angled reflector tabs are used in lieu of the inclined reflector strip.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and computer program products for automatically transferring expressions between rigs with consistent joint structure, and for automatically transferring skin weights between different skin meshes based on joint positioning. A method is provided for transferring an expression between a plurality of source rigs and a target rig, where each rig characterizes an animated character, and each rig, in turn, is characterized by a set of joints and a skin mesh having a plurality of vertices, with each vertex characterized by a matrix of weights relating a response of the vertex to movement of associated joints. A set of offsets is calculated of joint positions of a goal expression of each source rig relative to a neutral expression of the source rig. A scaling transformation is then applied to the set of offsets to produce a scaled set of offsets, which are added, in turn, to a neutral expression of the target rig.

Abstract: A computing device includes a processor, a storage device having an executable file, and a file system for executing the file in place on the storage device on behalf of the processor. The file is divided into multiple non-contiguous fragments on the storage device, and the computing device further includes a virtual address translator interposed between the processor and the storage device for translating between physical addresses of the fragments of the file on the storage device and corresponding virtual addresses employed by the processor.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and computer program products for automatically transferring expressions between rigs with consistent joint structure, and for automatically transferring skin weights between different skin meshes based on joint positioning. A method is provided for transferring an expression between a source rig and a target rig, where each rig characterizes an animated character, and each rig, in turn, is characterized by a set of joints and a skin mesh having a plurality of vertices, with each vertex characterized by a matrix of weights relating a response of the vertex to movement of associated joints. A set of offsets is calculated of joint positions of a goal expression of the source rig relative to a neutral expression of the source rig. A scaling transformation is then applied to the set of offsets to produce a scaled set of offsets, which are added, in turn, to a neutral expression of the target rig.

Abstract: A bone matrix, including: a bone matrix material, which has had organic material removed, and a replacement material that has replaced the organic material, the bone matrix characterised in that the bone matrix is formed from a single piece of bone.

Abstract: A housing (3) for an electronic circuit intended for a building control system is disclosed. The housing (3) comprises a first housing part (1) comprising the electronic circuit intended for the building control system, and a second housing part (2) that is connected to the first housing part (1). Furthermore, a handle (4; 5) is movably attached to and extractable from the first housing part (1) for providing a grip when the handle is extracted from the first housing part (1) and thereby allowing, by pulling the handle (4; 5), the first housing part (1) to be removed from the second housing part (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide bridging insurance coverage are described. The apparatus may comprise, a receiver module to receive a request for a financial service from a requestor and an underwriter module to underwrite a bridging financial service. The method may comprise, receiving from a requestor a request for a financial service, underwriting a bridge financial service at the time of the request, and initiating the external processes required for the approval of a final insurance policy. The method may additionally include, completing the external processes, underwriting a final financial service based on the external processes and terminating the bridge financial service.

Abstract: The communication device has: a first communication transceiver for transmitting and receiving communication with a first facsimile machine via an analogue link; a second communication transceiver for transmitting and receiving communication with a digital communication network via a digital link; a converter to convert an analogue signal to a digital signal; a memory adapted to store the telephone number of a second, remote, facsimile machine receiving a fax to be transmitted, and to store in memory a digital data file corresponding to the conversion of a fax in analogue form into a digital file by the converter; and an electronic controller having a first simulator simulating an analogue telephone network, a second simulator simulating the second facsimile machine ready to receive a fax, and a forwarding device to forward digital data via the digital communication network which contain the digital file corresponding to the fax.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system (10) which comprises: a vacuum pumping mechanism (12) and a motor (14) for driving the vacuum pumping mechanism. Means (16) are provided for determining a cumulative load on the vacuum pumping system over time by monitoring a characteristic of the motor over that time. Means (18) are also provided for activating a maintenance activity on the system when the cumulative load exceeds a predetermined amount.