Abstract: A method of presenting real estate data is provided. A plurality of property listings can be presented, and a selection of one of the presented property listings may be received from a user. The user may be associated with a financial profile, which may be specified via user input. In response to receiving the selection by the user, at least one loan offer corresponding to the property listing may be automatically presented, for example, together with the property listing. The loan offer may be at least partially based on the financial profile, and may also be based on a property corresponding to the selected property listing. For example, the property listing and the financial profile may be automatically transmitted to one or more loan providers in response to receiving the selection by the user of the property listing, and in response loan offers may be received from some of the loan providers.

Abstract: A method of presenting real estate data is provided. A plurality of property listings can be presented, and a selection of one of the presented property listings may be received from a user. The user may be associated with a financial profile, which may be specified via user input. In response to receiving the selection by the user, at least one loan offer corresponding to the property listing may be automatically presented, for example, together with the property listing. The loan offer may be at least partially based on the financial profile, and may also be based on a property corresponding to the selected property listing. For example, the property listing and the financial profile may be automatically transmitted to one or more loan providers in response to receiving the selection by the user of the property listing, and in response loan offers may be received from some of the loan providers.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus enabling the formation of a diffusion surface layer on a surface of a metal substrate, typically a ferrous based metal substrate, wherein in a first stage in a first fluidized bed furnace, a diffusion zone is formed extending inwardly from the surface of the metal substrate in which nitrogen has been diffused to form a nitride or carbo nitride inner zone and an outer white layer that is substantially free of porosity, treating the substrate formed in the first stage to prevent formation of or remove any surface oxide on the surface of the substrate, and in a second stage separate from the first stage, holding the thus treated substrate in a fluidized bed furnace operated under an inert atmosphere and fluidized by a flow of inert gas or gases, the substrate in the fluidized bed furnace being treated in the presence of a halide gas and a particulate metal or metal alloy.

Abstract: The MEMS Sensor Suite on a Chip provides the capability, monolithically integrated onto one MEMS chip, to sense temperature, humidity, and two axes of acceleration. The device incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, a MEMS humidity sensor, and a MEMS temperature sensor on one chip. These individual devices incorporate proof masses, suspensions, humidity sensitive capacitors, and temperature sensitive resistors (thermistors) all fabricated in a common fabrication process that allows them to be integrated onto one micromachined chip. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the sensor suite chip monitors temperature levels, humidity levels, and acceleration levels in two axes. External circuitry allows sensor readout, range selection, and signal processing.

Abstract: The MEMS Sensor Suite on a Chip provides the capability, monolithically integrated onto one MEMS chip, to sense temperature, humidity, and two axes of acceleration. The device incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, a MEMS humidity sensor, and a MEMS temperature sensor on one chip. These individual devices incorporate proof masses, suspensions, humidity sensitive capacitors, and temperature sensitive resistors (thermistors) all fabricated in a common fabrication process that allows them to be integrated onto one micromachined chip. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the sensor suite chip monitors temperature levels, humidity levels, and acceleration levels in two axes. External circuitry allows sensor readout, range selection, and signal processing.

Abstract: The Resettable Latching MEMS Temperature Sensor provides the capability of recording external temperature extremes without consuming electrical power. The device incorporates a thermal bimorph, contacts, latches, and actuators for device reset. The device can be designed, hardwired, or programmed to trigger at various temperature levels. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the device consumes no quiescent power. The device can be configured to close a circuit, switch an interrupt signal, or switch some other electrical trigger signal between devices at the time of a temperature extreme being reached, or it can be configured to latch and be polled at some time after the temperature limit has occurred.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having one or more motorized pumps and associated motor drives, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation over a time horizon.

Abstract: An Internet based broadcasting system manages the insertion of advertisements and other messages into multiple broadcasts of live sporting events and other types of broadcasts. The insertion of advertisements and other messages is governed by program logs generated by a traffic system, signals extracted from the broadcasts themselves, and signals received from producer systems. The traffic system facilitates the marketing of advertising opportunities for the multiple broadcasts packaged in a variety of ways. The broadcasts are received by tuner systems that are automatically downloaded and installed on user's computers. The tuner systems can download and display demographically selected multimedia advertisements, banner advertisements, and a variety of messages that may be called for by the producer systems, which may be wireless portable computers that can be carried to sports events or other broadcasts by the producers of the broadcasts.

Abstract: An Internet based broadcasting system manages the insertion of advertisements and other messages into multiple broadcasts of live sporting events and other types of broadcasts. The insertion of advertisements and other messages is governed by program logs generated by a traffic system, signals extracted from the broadcasts themselves, and signals received from producer systems. The traffic system facilitates the marketing of advertising opportunities for the multiple broadcasts packaged in a variety of ways. The broadcasts are received by tuner systems that are automatically downloaded and installed on user's computers. The tuner systems can download and display demographically selected multimedia advertisements, banner advertisements, and a variety of messages that may be called for by the producer systems, which may be wireless portable computers that can be carried to sports events or other broadcasts by the producers of the broadcasts.

Abstract: An Internet based broadcasting system manages the insertion of advertisements and other messages into multiple broadcasts of live sporting events and other types of broadcasts. The insertion of advertisements and other messages is governed by program logs generated by a traffic system, signals extracted from the broadcasts themselves, and signals received from producer systems. The traffic system facilitates the marketing of advertising opportunities for the multiple broadcasts packaged in a variety of ways. The broadcasts are received by tuner systems that are automatically downloaded and installed on user's computers. The tuner systems can download and display demographically selected multimedia advertisements, banner advertisements, and a variety of messages that may be called for by the producer systems, which may be wireless portable computers that can be carried to sports events or other broadcasts by the producers of the broadcasts.

Abstract: A convertible window system having two window sashes, a weatherstripping, and a tilt pivot assembly. The window system can be readily switched between single-hung and double-hung configuration. The weatherstripping assembly, which is operatively connected to each of the two sashes, has a number of regions. Each of these regions has different attributes which determine the types of translations and rotations that can be performed on a sash with a predetermined force. In a preferred embodiment, an upper sash can be removed from a window frame by the application of a predetermined force on the top of the sash while the sash is within a predetermined range of the weatherstripping assembly without the need for withdrawing guide pins from the channel of the weatherstripping assembly.

Abstract: An improved collapsible desk and reinforced chair apparatus 10 including a one piece desk member 20 having two pairs of support legs 30, 30 and 31, 31 pivotally connected thereto and to one another and a seat unit 13 pivotally connected to both the desk member 20 and one of the pairs 30, 30 of support legs. A seat reinforcement unit 14 is operatively connected between the seat unit 13 and one of the pairs 30, 30 of support legs and comprises a pair of telescoping sleeve elements 74, 75 which rotate a latch cam element 76 during the extension and retraction phases of the collapsible desk and reinforced chair apparatus 10.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: A fluidized bed heat treatment apparatus is provided to be heated by combusting fuel gas in a manner to minimize or prevent the exhaust of carbon monoxide, the apparatus including a retort containing refractory particles to be fluidized, a first inlet in a lower region of the retort for introducing fuel/air mixture into the retort, a second inlet in a lower region of the retort for introducing secondary air into the retort, a temperature sensor located above the first and second inlets, a flame initiator located above the refractory particles, an externally located mixer to mix fuel and air in desired proportions and to supply same to the first inlet, and a control device arranged to control said externally located mixer in response to temperatures sensed by said temperature sensor whereby when the temperature sensor is below a predetermined temperature indicative of the bed being substantially not fluidized, a stoichiometric fuel/air mixture is supplied to the first inlet and when the temperature sensor sens

Abstract: The invention includes a spark plug for a combustion engine including a center electrode having a tapered portion with a plurality of ridges formed thereon. The spark plug may also include a tapered, ground electrode positioned over the center of the center electrode. The tapered center and ground electrodes allow for flames to propagate freely from the spark gap into the combustion chamber and to ignite an air-fuel mixture in the chamber leading to smooth idle and faster starts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening a frame building with extension rebars clamped to the foundation rebar and extending between the studs and through the double plate between the rafters, includes a clamp that automatically corrects for building shrinkage. The clamp includes a steel shear plate on top of the double that has a central hole for passage of the extension rebar and a pair of steel plates clamped to the extension rebar. The bottom edges of the steel plates are angled from the surface of the surface of the shear plate and a spring biased wedge in the gap maintains tension of the extension rebar. Rafters may also be secured to the extension rebar by hooking a metal strap steel over a horizontal rebar on the rafters.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: An HVAC register box having no welded or riveted corners and the process for making same by means of fabrication from a single sheet of material without cutting. The highly simplified process for fabrication produces a register box which has superior rigidity and resistance to air leakage at the joints or corners.

Abstract: A collapsible desk and chair apparatus 10 including a one piece desk member 20 having two pairs of support legs 30, 30 and 31, 31 pivotally connected thereto and to one another and a seat unit 13 pivotally connected to both the desk member 20 and one of the pairs 30, 30 of support legs. The other pair of support legs 31, 31 are both pivotally and moveably connected to the underside 22 of the desk member 20.