Abstract: Methods and kits comprising providing one or more candy canes; providing a penetrable form that resembles a Christmas tree, wherein the candy canes can be inserted into the penetrable form with minimal force; providing one or more media containing information relating to customs and traditions associated with Christmas; inserting one or more candy canes into the penetrable form; and conveying the media information to one or more individuals at about the same time that the one or more candy canes are inserted into the penetrable form, thereby educating the individuals about the customs and traditions associated with Christmas, are provided.

Abstract: A switching electrical power contactor having a bi-blade type switch, has ferrous plates attached to the blades to increase the current carrying capacity and reduce the resistance of the switch. The contactor is incorporated on the outside of a mains meter enclosure or in a wall box for a mains meter, within the space defined by the sprung jaws of the meter socket.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method displays a shopping cart user interface showing an electronic shopping cart for an anonymous user and receives an input indicating a selection of a sign-in control. An overlay is displayed over the shopping cart user interface such that a portion of the shopping cart user interface is displayed through the overlay and the overlay provides text inputs to receive information for creating a user account. An indication that a user wishes to submit information in the text inputs to create a user account is received. The text inputs are submitted to a server and an indication that the user account was created is received. An indication that the user account was successfully created is displayed within the overlay.

Abstract: A material handling system includes an array of independently controlled positioning devices, a positioning table which support and manipulate workpiece attributes such as position, orientation, velocity and/or acceleration of workpieces on the table. The positioning devices are arrayed such that no single positioning device supports more than one workpiece at a time, thereby allowing for simultaneous and independent control of each workpiece.

Abstract: A method for treating a carbonaceous material including heating a carbonaceous material to move at least a portion of tar through the carbonaceous material toward a surface of the carbonaceous material to form a tar coating on the surface. The method also includes cooling the carbonaceous material and the tar coating on the surface to form a tar-coated carbonaceous material, wherein at least the portion of tar that forms the tar coating on the surface remains in contact with the carbonaceous material while the carbonaceous material is heated to form the tar coating and while the carbonaceous material and the tar coating are cooled to form the tar-coated carbonaceous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rounded edge “cutting edge” blade that attaches either directly to the bottom of a plow blade mold board or that attaches to the front side of a traditional cutting edge blade that is already mounted to the mold board using the existing mounting bolts and holes already present. The rounded edge of the blade, when making contact with the ground surface, will not get caught on cracks or irregular surfaces. The rounded edge can be made of steel, polyurethane, rubber or other appropriate composite material and the thickness can vary depending upon the blade and vehicle being mounted to.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a weight system enabling a user to configure the system for the performance of various exercises. The invention comprises a multiplicity of generally cylindrical weights which are inserted into weight receiving bores equally spaced around a central bore of a generally cylindrical body with a first and second face. A post with at least one end is configured to releasably engage the central bore on the first face of the body. A first collar releasably engages the first end of the post proximal to the body to prevent the weights from exiting the weight receiving bore to form a kettlebell. In an alternate embodiment, the second end of the post is configured to releasably engage a central bore of a second generally cylindrical body which mirrors the configuration of the first generally cylindrical body to modify the kettlebell configuration into a dumbbell configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a platform for dream sharing and visualization. First, a description of a dream may be received. The description may comprise a text and/or an image. Then the description may be published to the platform. A user may then pay a fee to have the dream visualized. In various embodiments, the description of the dream may be submitted for a vote by other users of the platform. When the dream is submitted to a vote and receives enough votes, the platform may provide a visual representation of the dream to the user who submitted the description of the dream. The visualization may then be published to the platform.

Abstract: A switching electrical power contactor having a bi-blade type switch, has ferrous plates attached to the blades to increase the current carrying capacity and reduce the resistance of the switch. The contactor is incorporated on the outside of a mains meter enclosure or in a wall box for a mains meter, within the space defined by the sprung jaws of the meter socket.

Abstract: Hydraulic bump stops and bi-directional diverter valves may be used to protect hydraulic systems, including, for example in one embodiment, the hydraulic actuators of an active suspension system, from damage due to operation outside the normal operating range of the system. In some embodiments, a hydraulic bump stop may be used to slow down the motion of a piston at the extremes of the compression and/or extension strokes of an actuator. In another embodiment, a diverter valve may be used to protect a hydraulic motor/pump in a hydraulic system from an over-speed condition. When the piston in an active suspension system actuator moves at a speed in excess of a threshold value, one or more diverter valves may be used to divert flow away from the hydraulic motor/pump. In some embodiments, a diverter valve may be a dual or single spool bi-directional diverter valve.

Abstract: A composition containing a malodor counteracting compound and a method for using the compound for counteracting a malodor in air space or a substrate is provided.

Abstract: A comprehensive consumer relationship management system is disclosed. The comprehensive consumer relationship management system includes dispute resolution, customized data modeling, advertising assistance, and secure communications. By providing value added features, the comprehensive consumer relationship management system may strengthen consumer relationships by, for example, creating detailed data analysis to aid in making business decisions and facilitating secure communications among diverse consumers.

Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.

Abstract: A cover apparatus includes a frame, a cover assembly at least partially supported by the frame, and a drive mechanism. The cover assembly includes a generally planar main portion, and at least one edge portion adjoining a side edge of the main portion. The drive mechanism engages the edge portion and moves the cover assembly relative to the frame to advance or retract the cover assembly. The drive mechanism may include first engagement elements, and the edge portion may include second engagement elements that interengage with the first engagement elements. The cover apparatus may be used for covering a pool.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions and methods for treating or preventing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human subjects or other animal hosts. The compounds are as also pharmaceutically acceptable, salts, prodrugs, and other derivatives thereof as pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a valve bag are disclosed. First and second webs of valve material, such as heat sealable plastic film, are combined to create a combined web of valve material, and a sealing process is applied thereto to define valve portions. The combined web of valve material includes a plurality of valve strip portions, each including a valve portion. Then first and second bag sections, which may be on a first and second side respectively of a web of folded bag material, or on a first web and second web of bag material respectively, are dispensed with the combined web of valve material positioned in between, and brought together to form a combined web of valve bag material. A sealing process is applied to the combined web of valve bag material, forming a valve bag section. The bag section is then separated from the remainder of the combined web of valve bag material to form an individual valve bag.

Abstract: A personal use plow for pushing, but not limited to, snow and slush from one's driveway by most passenger automobiles and/or ATVs that is attached using a unique strapping and cog bracing system. The plow is made of injected molded structural foam plastic and comes in five (5) separate panels that can be easily assembled into a solid plow blade. This material is lightweight and allows for easy transportation, storage and use. When assembled, the plow can be used either in the front or back of the vehicle. The plow attaches to the vehicle by a special hook, designed as part of this patent, which attaches to the hood, trunk or luggage rack of the vehicle. All parts for the functionality of the plow are contained on the plow itself, so there are no brackets or hitches required to be attached to the bumpers of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to assist a user in the performance of a plurality of tasks are provided. The invention includes storing at least one care plan for a resident, the care plan defining a plurality of tasks to be performed for providing care to the resident. The method includes capturing speech inputs from the user and providing speech outputs to the user to provide a speech dialog with the user reflective of the care plan. Information is captured with a contactless communication interface and is used for engaging the care plan.

Abstract: A soluble compound for preventing or reducing blood coagulation comprising an antithrombotic agent and a membrane binding element, wherein the antithrombotic agent has a weight of less than about 5,000 daltons. Also disclosed is a soluble compound for preventing or reducing blood coagulation comprising an anticoagulant joined to a membrane binding element via a joining element, wherein the joining element between the anticoagulant and the membrane binding element is less than about 10,000 daltons in weight. These compounds can be used in therapy and, in particular, in preventing or reducing blood coagulation. As a result, a method of treatment is provided comprising administering an effective amount of the compounds to a subject to prevent or reduce blood coagulation as well as a method of perfusing an organ, tissue or cell comprising contacting the compounds with the organ, tissue or cell to prevent or reduce blood coagulation.

Abstract: A multi-path fluid flow control valve for a shock absorber that restricts fluid into a first path while opening fluid flow to a second path when a given fluid flow velocity is reached. Exemplary configurations of this diverter valve are disclosed such as a spring loaded disc valve with face sealing lands, and a spool valve with diametric sealing lands. Applications include active suspension dampers in order to limit maximum RPM into a hydraulic motor. For such a system, in one mode the diverter valve allows fluid to move unrestricted into the hydraulic motor. When fluid velocity reaches a tunable set point, in a second mode the diverter valve restricts flow into the hydraulic motor and bypasses it shuttling fluid into the opposite side of the damper. In some cases progressive damping valves are utilized in series or parallel to smooth damping characteristics during, before, and after transitions.