Abstract: A system and method for managing virtual queues for providing access control. A cloud-based queue service manages a plurality of queues hosted by one or more entities. The queue service is in constant communication with the entities and sensors located therein providing queue management, queue analysis, and access control to controlled systems. The queue service is likewise in direct communication with queued persons and provides an access key to a user device which can be used to access the controlled system when certain conditions are met.

Abstract: A system and method for managing virtual queues. A cloud-based queue service manages a plurality of queues hosted by one or more entities. The queue service is in constant communication with the entities providing queue management, queue analysis, and queue recommendations. The queue service is likewise in direct communication with queued persons. Sending periodic updates while also motivating and incentivizing punctuality and minimizing wait times based on predictive analysis. The predictive analysis uses “Big Data” and other available data resources, for which the predictions assist in the balancing of persons across multiple queues for the same event or multiple persons across a sequence of queues for sequential events.

Abstract: A system and method for managing virtual queues. A cloud-based queue service manages a plurality of queues hosted by one or more entities. The queue service is in constant communication with the entities providing queue management, queue analysis, and queue recommendations. The queue service is likewise in direct communication with queued persons. Sending periodic updates while also motivating and incentivizing punctuality and minimizing wait times based on predictive analysis. The predictive analysis uses “Big Data” and other available data resources, for which the predictions assist in the balancing of persons across multiple queues for the same event or multiple persons across a sequence of queues for sequential events.

Abstract: A silverware pre-washing and washing system made up of a unitary basin with one to five, and preferably three, vertically movable porous baskets arranged radially around a central vertical lifting and lowering mechanism. The base with unitary basin contains a quantity of washing fluid(s) into which each of the vertically movable porous baskets may be repeatedly immersed. The base cover defines cylindrical ports through which the baskets are raised and lowered. The porous baskets include perforation arrays to allow washing fluid to flow in non-linear paths through the silverware contained in the basket, thereby washing all sides of the silverware and beneficially re-arranging the silverware in the basket as the washing process proceeds.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: A basket system for improving the process of defrosting frozen objects, such as food product packages, where multiple objects are positioned in a permeable walled immersion basket to be lowered into, moved within, and removed from, a defrosting liquid. The system includes flow channel defining spacer plates made of thermally conductive material structured to be positioned within the immersion basket in layers between the multiple objects to be defrosted. Defrosting liquid, such as in a temperature-controlled water bath, may flow freely through the permeable walls of the immersion basket, through the channels created by the spacer plates, and into contact with the plates and the multiple objects being defrosted. The system helps prevent the multiple frozen objects from forming a solid block that would inhibit the defrosting process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for washing and thawing objects, such as vegetables and fruits, where large amounts of lifting of heavy items is minimized, complex and expensive pumping and manifold systems and structures are not required; and system cost and daily maintenance is reduced. The system includes a structure for holding a volume of fluid, a vertical motion structure driven by an electric motor or the like that raises and lowers a carrier between an elevated position and a lowered position. Programmed control processes address a variety of products, objects, actions, and functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for washing and thawing objects, such as vegetables and fruits, where large amounts of lifting of heavy items is minimized, complex and expensive pumping and manifold systems and structures are not required; and system cost and daily maintenance is reduced. The system includes a structure for holding a volume of fluid, a vertical motion structure driven by an electric motor or the like that raises and lowers a basket carrier between an elevated position and a lowered position. In the lowered position, one or more baskets are positioned on a basket carrier and are repeatedly lowered into and raised from the volume of fluid.

Abstract: A vehicle trim piece assembly for an interior of a vehicle includes a mount and a trim piece coupled to the mount. The trim piece has an inboard surface and an outboard surface, at least one projection extending from the outboard surface in a first direction to an outer surface, and a guard extending from the outboard surface in the first direction to a location beyond the outer surface. The projection is received within the at least one opening to secure the trim piece to the mount. In use, an airbag tether engages the guard which directs the tether over the projection so that the tether does not become snagged on the projection.

Abstract: A vehicle trim piece assembly for an interior of a vehicle includes a mount and a trim piece coupled to the mount. The trim piece has an inboard surface and an outboard surface, at least one projection extending from the outboard surface in a first direction to an outer surface, and a guard extending from the outboard surface in the first direction to a location beyond the outer surface. The projection is received within the at least one opening to secure the trim piece to the mount. In use, an airbag tether engages the guard which directs the tether over the projection so that the tether does not become snagged on the projection.

Abstract: A silverware pre-washing and washing system made up of a unitary basin with one to five, and preferably three, vertically movable porous baskets arranged radially around a central vertical lifting and lowering mechanism. The base with unitary basin contains a quantity of washing fluid(s) into which each of the vertically movable porous baskets may be repeatedly immersed. The base cover defines cylindrical ports through which the baskets are raised and lowered. The porous baskets include perforation arrays to allow washing fluid to flow in non-linear paths through the silverware contained in the basket, thereby washing all sides of the silverware and beneficially re-arranging the silverware in the basket as the washing process proceeds.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for washing and thawing objects, such as vegetables and fruits, where large amounts of lifting of heavy items is minimized, complex and expensive pumping and manifold systems and structures are not required; and system cost and daily maintenance is reduced. The system includes a structure for holding a volume of fluid, a vertical motion structure driven by an electric motor or the like that raises and lowers a basket carrier between an elevated position and a lowered position. In the lowered position, one or more baskets are positioned on a basket carrier and are repeatedly lowered into and raised from the volume of fluid.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: A shaft sealing system and method are disclosed for a high or intermediate pressure turbine section having a rotating member including a shaft and a stationary member surrounding the rotating member and defining a steam flow path. The shaft sealing system comprises at least one seal disposed about each of a first end and a second end of the shaft; and a connection line for conducting steam from the first turbine section to a downstream portion of the turbine. The downstream portion of the turbine is one of a low pressure section and a condenser, and has a lower pressure than both of the first turbine section and ambient pressure conditions.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.