Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining modeled roof age of a structure is provided. Such methods comprise identifying a target structure for which an estimated roof age is desired, receiving data related to the target structure in computer-readable form, and inputting the data related to the target structure into a generalized linear model to determine a Per-Property Modeled Roof Age of the target structure. The modeled roof age preferably accounts for (i) the height of the trees, (ii) the proximity of the trees to the target structure, and (iii) the weather conditions for the structure's geographic location. Such methods can be applied in practice by substituting a typically inaccurate reported roof age with a more realistic modeled roof age in making homeowners insurance decisions.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining modeled roof age of a structure is provided. Such methods comprise identifying a target structure for which an estimated roof age is desired, receiving data related to the target structure in computer-readable form, and inputting the data related to the target structure into a generalized linear model to determine a Per-Property Modeled Roof Age of the target structure. The modeled roof age preferably accounts for (i) the height of the trees, (ii) the proximity of the trees to the target structure, and (iii) the weather conditions for the structure's geographic location. Such methods can be applied in practice by substituting a typically inaccurate reported roof age with a more realistic modeled roof age in making homeowners insurance decisions.

Abstract: Described are computer-implemented methods for determining damage to one or more structures by trees or by one or more weather effects. The method may comprise calculating a Tree Proximity Score for one or more sets of geospatial coordinates from weather-related damage data and tree characteristic information using a computer processor. The tree characteristic information may be from a geographic area encompassing each of the sets of geospatial coordinates, and the sets of geospatial coordinates may comprise geographic locations of a plurality of structures. The tree characteristic information may comprise one or more categories based on the presence of tall or medium-height trees within one or more parcels surrounding the sets of geospatial coordinates. Uses for the Tree Proximity Score may be in the insurance industry in insurance policy implementation and underwriting or in the home-buying process as a factor for quantifying whether a particular property is safe.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods of estimating insurance risk of one or more structures are described. The computer-implemented methods may be based on a combination of tree characteristic information and insurance loss data that are used together to calculate a Tree Proximity Score for the one or more structures through a computer processor. The tree characteristic information may include vegetation density data, tree height, tree geometric characteristics, and tree species information, and may be based on tree sensor data which may include satellite imagery, aerial imagery, or LiDAR. The insurance loss data may include wind loss data such as a wind loss frequency, severity, or ratio. The high level of correlation between the Tree Proximity Score and insurance loss data is shown in an example. The Tree Proximity Score may be used in the insurance industry in insurance policy implementation and underwriting.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining modeled roof age of a structure is provided. Such methods comprise identifying a target structure for which an estimated roof age is desired, receiving data related to the target structure in computer-readable form, and inputting the data related to the target structure into a generalized linear model to determine a Per-Property Modeled Roof Age of the target structure. The modeled roof age preferably accounts for (i) the height of the trees, (ii) the proximity of the trees to the target structure, and (iii) the weather conditions for the structure's geographic location. Such methods can be applied in practice by substituting a typically inaccurate reported roof age with a more realistic modeled roof age in making homeowners insurance decisions.

Abstract: A rigid stand holds bag-in-box containers of liquid to be dispensed from an outlet near the bottom of the container. A platform suspends the containers above a support surface high enough so that the outlet is at least 12 centimeters above the support surface for a cup or glass to fit under the outlet. The stand includes a base panel for sitting on the support surface. Upstanding from first and second sides of the base panel are two wall panels. The platform affixed to each wall panel holds the platform at an angle of at least eight degrees from the base panel. Upstanding from the lower edge of the platform is a ridge that extends upwardly enough to hold the box from sliding forward but low enough to not interfere with dispensing.

Abstract: A liner of a cooler has sides extending upward to an inner shoulder. A platform assembly fits onto the inner shoulder of the cooler. The assembly provides a sanitary platform for ready access to ice cubes and/or cooled items below, a scoop for the ice, a lid(s) for closing the aperture(s) so that the larger cooler cover need not be opened and closed while dispensing cubes during drink or meal preparation. An aperture receives a container held by its rim for an ice scoop. The lid is provided with a tongue adapted to fit into a slot in the platform so as to enable the lid to stand upright out of the way when the aperture is open to receive or dispense cubes. A second aperture and lid may be provided for food/drink items with a partition to separate the items from the ice.

Abstract: A portable wine box bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. A support affixed to the panel supports bag-in box containers of wine with outlets supported above the panel high enough to allow containers to be supported on the panel while filling from the outlet. Perforations in the panel and a drip tray below the tap outlet capture spills. A panel aperture permits access to items such as soft drinks stored in the chamber. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place it is insulated, secure, and transportable.

Abstract: A controlled offer redemption system used to create dynamic cooperative offers and charitable offers, and to validate, verify, and redeem manufacturers' offers, retailers' offers, cooperative offers, dynamic cooperative offers and charitable offers, to restrict the redemption of cooperative, dynamic cooperative and retailers' offers to particular retailers and to authenticate the offer redemption transactions. The system includes a master registry, an offer redemption terminal in communication with a retailer's point-of-sale (“POS”) system, a store portal and an offer clearinghouse. The offer system includes a means to generate an encrypted identifier (“token”) which is unique to each offer redemption transaction. The clearinghouse independently recreates the token based on the offer redemption record and the purchase event transaction log and authenticates the transaction as having originated under the controlled conditions imposed by the system.

Abstract: A liner of a cooler has sides extending upward to an inner shoulder. A platform assembly fits onto the inner shoulder of the cooler. The assembly provides a sanitary platform for ready access to ice cubes and/or cooled items below, a scoop for the ice, a lid(s) for closing the aperture(s) so that the larger cooler cover need not be opened and closed while dispensing cubes during drink or meal preparation. An aperture receives a container held by its rim for an ice scoop. The lid is provided with a tongue adapted to fit into a slot in the platform so as to enable the lid to stand upright out of the way when the aperture is open to receive or dispense cubes. A second aperture and lid may be provided for food/drink items with a partition to separate the items from the ice.

Abstract: A portable insulated cooler has a bottom space adapted to hold ice cubes. A removable perforated panel suspended over the bottom space separates the bottom space from a central cooled storage area. A removable frame suspended above the central cooled areas holds ice cube containing flasks. Each flask has a large closable opening in its upper broad flat face to easily receive ice cubes. The lower broad face of the flask forms a cooling upper margin of the central cooled area so that the contents of the area are cooled from both top and bottom. The flasks have a flange around the upper face to rest upon the frame, while most of the flask is below the frame. This enables the insulated cooler top to close. By cooling from both top and bottom, the central area is more uniformly cooled. Opening the cooler top to access the central area creates less heat gain than with prior art devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating transactions between commercial banks and pooled depositor groups are disclosed. Employees of a control center determine interest rate return needs of pooled depositor groups, such as trust departments at commercial banks. The control center employees aggregate the funds to produce a stable funds source and communicate the availability of the stable funds source to commercial banks for core deposits. The commercial banks communicate cash needs to the control center. The control center sets an interest rate to be paid to the pooled depositor groups for use of the funds to at least the depositor groups' expected rate of return and below and the rate that commercial banks are willing to pay for the funds. The banks post master NOW accounts and the pooled depositor groups deposit funds in the master NOW accounts. The pooled depositor groups are allowed to access the funds in the master NOW accounts on a daily basis without penalty.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating transactions (200) between commercial banks and pooled depositor groups are disclosed. Employees of a control center determine interest rate return needs of pooled depositor groups (210), such as trust departments at commercial banks. The control center employees aggregate (204) the funds to produce a stable funds source and communicate the availability of the stable funds source to commercial banks for core deposits (210). The commercial banks communicate cash needs to the control center (202). The control center sets an interest rate (206) to be paid to the pooled depositor groups for use of the funds to at least the depositor groups'expected rate of return and below and the rate that commercial banks are willing to pay for the funds. The banks post master NOW accounts and the pooled depositor groups deposit funds in the master NOW accounts (212).

Abstract: A manufacturer's offer (“coupon”) redemption system used to validate and verify a manufacturer's offer and authenticate and substantiate an offer redemption transaction while minimizing fraud. The system is a closed system in a controlled environment. The system includes a central registry where manufacturers register their offers, a manufacturer's offer redemption terminal in communication with a retailer's point-of-sale (“POS”) system, and a manufacturer's offer clearinghouse. The POS system communicates with the registry to maintain an updated database of valid offers. The POS system communicates with the manufacturer's offer redemption terminal to validate and verify offers presented for redemption. The manufacturer's offer redemption terminal includes a means to generate an encrypted identifier (“token”) which is unique to each manufacturer's offer redemption transaction.

Abstract: A controlled offer redemption system used to validate, verify, and redeem manufacturers' offers, retailers' offers, and cooperative offers, to restrict the redemption of retailers' offers and cooperative offers to particular retailers, and to authenticate the offer redemption transactions. The system is a closed system in a controlled environment. The system includes a master registry where offers are registered, an offer redemption terminal in communication with a retailer's point-of-sale (“POS”) system, a store portal and an offer clearinghouse. The store portal communicates with the registry to maintain an updated database of valid offers. The POS system communicates with the offer redemption terminal to validate and verify offers presented for redemption. The offer redemption terminal includes a means to generate an encrypted identifier (“token”) which is unique to each offer redemption transaction.

Abstract: A portable draft bar has an insulated chamber with an open top, an insulated cover for the open top, and a horizontal shoulder on the inside wall near the top. A rigid panel fits on the shoulder. At least one beverage tap mounted on the panel extends above the open top, with a drip tray below the tap outlet. A cooling coil within the chamber connects the tap inlet to a pressurized beverage container, with chamber ice cooling the coil. When not in use, the panel may be inverted and returned to the shoulder. With the cover in place and the container disconnected, the device is secure and transportable.

Abstract: A wiring harness kit that includes a main extension portion and a utility extension portion. The main extension portion is electrically coupled at its first end to the host vehicle's electrical system. The utility extension portion electrically connects at one end to the second end of the main extension portion and is adapted to electrically couple at its other end to an electric load. The utility extension portion may include first and second segments, wherein the second segment includes a plurality of interchangeable adaptor sections each having a different connector for electrically coupling with the electric load.

Abstract: Interaction between mating gas turbine combustor components due to vibrations and assembly tolerances can cause excessive wear and premature replacement. Typically, wear reduction features, such as hardened materials, are used to minimize the amount of wear or direct such wear to a specific component. The present invention discloses an improved wear reduction device for the interface between a gas turbine combustor transition duct end frame and the turbine inlet. The improved wear reduction device incorporates “L-shaped” wear strip inserts, constructed of a hardened material, and fixed along the sidewalls of the end frame to protect it from wear by the mating turbine inlet seal. The improved wear strip insert provides a cost savings by not requiring costly manufacturing tooling to form the wear strip inserts, unlike previous wear reduction techniques for the same component interface.

Abstract: Interaction between mating gas turbine combustor components due to vibrations and assembly tolerances can cause excessive wear and premature replacement. Typically, wear reduction features, such as hardened materials, are used to minimize the amount of wear or direct such wear to a specific component. The present invention discloses an improved wear reduction device for the interface between a gas turbine combustor transition duct end frame and the turbine inlet. The improved wear reduction device incorporates “L-shaped” wear strip inserts, constructed of a hardened material, and fixed along the sidewalls of the end frame to protect it from wear by the mating turbine inlet seal. The improved wear strip insert provides a cost savings by not requiring costly manufacturing tooling to form the wear strip inserts, unlike previous wear reduction techniques for the same component interface.

Abstract: An insert fits into the interior of a portable cooler or ice chest. The insert has a planar platform with apertures that support flanged food receptacles by their upper flanges. Attached to the platform at its perimeter is a planar flange to fit onto the inner shoulder of the cooler. This flange is spaced apart from the plane of the platform by a distance sufficient to elevate the tops of the receptacles above the upper edge of the cooler. This presents the contents of the receptacles for better visibility and accessibility by the public. An application is to provide condiments to the purchaser of fast food such as hot dogs.