Abstract: The present disclosure teaches an algal growth system. The algal growth system includes a flexible sheet material, a liquid reservoir, a mechanism to rotate the flexible sheet material, a resource reclamation device, and an enclosure. The flexible sheet material facilitates growth of a biofilm. The liquid reservoir is configured to retain a contacting liquid in contact with the flexible sheet material and the mechanism rotates the flexible sheet material through the contacting liquid. The resource reclamation device associated with the enclosure is configured to collect and provide a resource for reuse.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches an algal growth system. The algal growth system includes a flexible sheet material, a liquid reservoir, a mechanism to rotate the flexible sheet material, a resource reclamation device, and an enclosure. The flexible sheet material facilitates growth of a biofilm. The liquid reservoir is configured to retain a contacting liquid in contact with the flexible sheet material and the mechanism rotates the flexible sheet material through the contacting liquid. The resource reclamation device associated with the enclosure is configured to collect and provide a resource for reuse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive gift subscriptions are provided. A gift subscription service may store a gift subscription and a profile associated with a gift recipient. The gift subscription service may then identify a time to send a gift to the gift recipient and associate a computational model with the gift recipient and the profile. When the gift subscription service determines a change in the profile, the gift subscription service may then update the computational model associated with the gift recipient in real-time by applying a machine learning algorithm to the change in the profile and use the updated computation model to formulate a prediction for the gift recipient that may then be used to identify a set of gifts to present to the gift recipient. The gift subscription service may then present the set of gifts to the gift recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive gift subscriptions are provided. A gift subscription service may store a gift subscription and a profile associated with a gift recipient. The gift subscription service may then identify a time to send a gift to the gift recipient and associate a computational model with the gift recipient and the profile. When the gift subscription service determines a change in the profile, the gift subscription service may then update the computational model associated with the gift recipient in real-time by applying a machine learning algorithm to the change in the profile and use the updated computation model to formulate a prediction for the gift recipient that may then be used to identify a set of gifts to present to the gift recipient. The gift subscription service may then present the set of gifts to the gift recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive gift subscriptions are provided. A gift subscription service may store a gift subscription and a profile associated with a gift recipient. The gift subscription service may then identify a time to send a gift to the gift recipient and associate a computational model with the gift recipient and the profile. When the gift subscription service determines a change in the profile, the gift subscription service may then update the computational model associated with the gift recipient in real-time by applying a machine learning algorithm to the change in the profile and use the updated computation model to formulate a prediction for the gift recipient that may then be used to identify a set of gifts to present to the gift recipient. The gift subscription service may then present the set of gifts to the gift recipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reuse of otherwise discarded plastic to be used as building material and is resistant to extreme weather conditions. A building block comprises a multiple sided hollow box, wherein the sides of the box are tapered, with at least one keyway respectively slotted on at least two faces of the hollow box and an interlocking key which has a corresponding shape with the keyway to tightly interlock in the keyway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier for inhibiting the migration of crawling animals such as insects. The barrier comprises a body that is configured to encircle a leg/wheel of a furniture item and thereby intercept any crawling insects. The body has an annular shape defined by an outer boundary and an inner aperture, in which the leg/wheel of the furniture item can be located. The barrier includes inimical means to inhibit the migration of any crawling insects across the body. The barrier further comprises a slit extending radially from the boundary to the aperture so that the body can be reversibly opened and closed. The slit advantageously allows the body to be opened and closed around the leg/wheel of the furniture item during installation. Likewise, the slit allows the device to be reopened and extracted from around the leg/wheel of the furniture item during removal.

Abstract: A controlled vent assembly is provided, which may be extended to support various duct sizes using a combination of a base unit and two types of extensions, and crutches. The extensions may provide additional functions or capacities in addition to size adjustment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier for inhibiting the migration of crawling animals such as insects. The barrier comprises a body that is configured to encircle a leg/wheel of a furniture item and thereby intercept any crawling insects. The body has an annular shape defined by an outer boundary and an inner aperture, in which the leg/wheel of the furniture item can be located. The barrier includes inimical means to inhibit the migration of any crawling insects across the body. The barrier further comprises a slit extending radially from the boundary to the aperture so that the body can be reversibly opened and closed. The slit advantageously allows the body to be opened and closed around the leg/wheel of the furniture item during installation. Likewise, the slit allows the device to be reopened and extracted from around the leg/wheel of the furniture item during removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for identity verification. The method includes transmitting from a customer system to a customer connector server an identity verification request containing identification information for an individual. At the customer connector server, at least one verification service required for the request is identified and a data manager server is selected for each service. A verification service request is transmitted to each data manager server. At each data manager server, at least one data access service is identified and one data connector server is selected for each service. A data access service request is transmitted to each data connector server. At least one data source is accessed from each data connector server for each request. The identification information provided is then verified against identity information stored within the at least one data source and a response is generated and communicated to the customer system.

Abstract: A cleaning tool 410 designed to be used with at least one cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt or cleaning pad 11 is disclosed. The cleaning tool 410 includes a telescoping support 409 comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections (412, 413, 414, 415) wherein one of the shafts is an I-beam 415. The shafts 412, 413, 414 and 415 may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position 401 and released via depression of a first engaging projection 439. A primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418 are pivotally mounted to a forward mount 440 and releasably locked together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for identity verification. The method includes transmitting from a customer system to a customer connector server an identity verification request containing identification information for an individual. At the customer connector server, at least one verification service required for the request is identified and a data manager server is selected for each service. A verification service request is transmitted to each data manager server. At each data manager server, at least one data access service is identified and one data connector server is selected for each service. A data accesss service request is transmitted to each data connector server. At least one data source is accessed from each data connector server for each request. The identification information provided is then verified against identity information stored within the at least one data source and a response is generated and communicated to the customer system.

Abstract: A distributed repeater architecture includes a donor unit having a donor antenna integrated with active electronic components, for receiving and amplifying RF signals from a fixed station of a wireless communications network. A coverage unit is coupled to the donor unit for processing the RF signals from the fixed station. A network of integrated active antenna modules (IAAMs) is coupled to the coverage unit. Each IAAM includes a respective antenna integrated with active electronic components, for amplifying and radiating the RF signals into a coverage area of the repeater. The system also provides means for controlling stability of the distributed repeater system.

Abstract: A golf pitch mark repairer (101) is adapted to be removably retained on an extremity of a golf club, thereby allowing a golfer to utilize the reach afforded by the golf club to facilitate repair of the pitch mark. The pitch mark repairer (101) comprises a sleeve (103) for receiving the golf club extremity, and a retaining mechanism in the form of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) adapted to resist movement of the golf club relative to the pitch mark repairer (101). The golf club extremity is inserted with a sliding collar (117) positioned towards closed end (105) of sleeve (103). The sleeve (103) comprises windows (116a, 116b) through which respective portions of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) are urged to protrude outwardly when the golf club extremity is inserted. Thereafter the sliding collar (117) is engaged by sliding it along the sleeve (103) towards its open end (107).

Abstract: A method of processing a signal comprises receiving a signal, filtering the signal with a plurality of band pass filters, each band pass filter having a Q factor of at least 1/v2, and extracting data from the output of the filters. The primary data extraction comprises identifying local peaks in the output of the filters, each local peak being a local peak in both the time and frequency directions. The method advantageously further comprises executing a curve fitting procedure, the output of which procedure comprises curve data defining a curve that at least approximates to a portion of the extracted data. The method can further comprise varying the Q factor of at least one band pass filter as the signal is filtered.

Abstract: A method for improving NOx conversion efficiency of a Nox-reducing catalyst by determining an accurate amount of reductant required is presented. The method includes calculating an initial reductant injection amount based on a steady state amount of NOx in the engine feedgas and adjusting the initial amount to compensate for transient NOx emissions. The compensation is initiated in response to an engine transient, such as impending acceleration or deceleration. This method further results in improved vehicle fuel economy.

Abstract: A golf pitch mark repairer (101) is adapted to be removably retained on an extremity of a golf club, thereby allowing a golfer to utilise the reach afforded by the golf club to facilitate repair of the pitch mark. The pitch mark repairer (101) comprises a sleeve (103) for receiving the golf club extremity, and a retaining mechanism in the form of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) adapted to resist movement of the golf club relative to the pitch mark repairer (101). The golf club extremity is inserted with a sliding collar (117) positioned towards closed end (105) of sleeve (103). The sleeve (103) comprises windows (116a, 116b) through which respective portions of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) are urged to protrude outwardly when the golf club extremity is inserted. Thereafter the sliding collar (117) is engaged by sliding it along the sleeve (103) towards its open end (107).

Abstract: A system and method for processing particulars of a transaction over a network. The system comprises a supply chain tracking module for receiving supply chain event data from at least one supply chain monitor, the supply chain data relating to the condition or location of an item along a supply chain. The system also comprises a term and requirements module for receiving initial terms and requirements associated with the transaction and for generating modified terms and requirements based on supply chain event data and on at least one value algorithm, the modified terms and requirements being generated while the item is still in the supply chain.