Abstract: A portion control system includes an optical scanner, a cutting device, and a controller. The optical scanner generates a three-dimensional coordinate map of a bulk product disposed on a platform. The controller receives a target weight for a target portion to be excised from the bulk product. The controller determines a density of the bulk product and calculates a target volume of the target portion to be excised based on the target weight and the density. The controller determines, based at least on the three-dimensional coordinate map of the bulk product and the target volume, a cut path through the bulk product that is disposed on the platform, and controls the cutting device to cut the bulk product along the cut path to sever the target portion from a remainder of the bulk product.

Abstract: A novel method can determine the mechanical properties of additively manufactured structures using artificial neural network and computer vision models. Using this methodology, simulation times can be dramatically reduced, allowing for the implementation of a genetic algorithm which can determine the optimal AM parameters to achieve a targeted mechanical response.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to receive a unique customer identifier that is generated by a computer of a referring vendor. The unique customer identifier associates a customer with a product purchased by the customer and covered by a referral agreement. The one or more processors distribute promotional material of a referral receiving vendor to the customer associated with the unique customer identifier. The promotional material incorporates the unique customer identifier. The system includes a computer of the referral receiving vendor that receives one or both of the promotional material or the unique customer identifier from the customer at a point of sale with the referral receiving vendor. Upon validating the unique customer identifier, the computer of the referral receiving vendor is configured to discount a purchase price of one or more items according to a predetermined discount rate in the promotional material.

Abstract: A digital data exchange system includes a controller configured to receive a request message from a personal computing device of a first party. The request message includes information about at least one desired product or service. The controller is configured to communicate the request message to vendor computing devices of multiple vendors. Responsive to receiving one or more response messages from the vendor computing devices, the controller is configured to communicate the one or more response messages or information from the one or more response messages to the personal computing device of the first party. Each of the one or more response messages includes one or more of an offer for sale of the at least one desired product or service or promotional material related to the at least one desired product or service, and is generated upon receipt of the request message at the respective vendor computing device.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to receive a unique customer identifier that is generated by a computer of a referring vendor. The unique customer identifier associates a customer with a product purchased by the customer and covered by a referral agreement. The one or more processors distribute promotional material of a referral receiving vendor to the customer associated with the unique customer identifier. The promotional material incorporates the unique customer identifier. The system includes a computer of the referral receiving vendor that receives one or both of the promotional material or the unique customer identifier from the customer at a point of sale with the referral receiving vendor. Upon validating the unique customer identifier, the computer of the referral receiving vendor is configured to discount a purchase price of one or more items according to a predetermined discount rate in the promotional material.

Abstract: A 3D shelf talker in the form of a planar substrate has a profile and scored fold lines defining three advertising panels for displaying text and/or graphics identified with a product, and at least one fastener panel integral with one of the advertising panels and adherable to another of the panels for stabilizing the shelf talker once erected into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The fastener panel may be provided with a connector for mounting the shelf talker on a shelf fixture in an aisle of a store where one of the advertising panels is visible for indicating the location of the product to a customer along either end of the aisle or directly opposite the product.

Abstract: A scent sampler and air freshener has a wafer of an absorbent resilient material infused with a liquid containing a scent. The wafer is encapsulated in a chamber formed between two panels of sheet material with edges sealed together to form an envelope. An opening in one of the panels enables scent from the liquid to be emitted to the ambient atmosphere. The rate of emission can be increased by squeezing the panels to compress the wafer. The interior surfaces of the panels can be coated with a barrier film to prevent leakage of the liquid from contaminating the sheet material.

Abstract: A transaction monitor of an apparatus in one example is configured to determine an occurrence of a transaction between a vendor and a customer at a point of service location. The point of service location comprises a drive-up service location and is operated by the vendor. The transaction monitor comprises a camera component configured to record one or more images of the point of service location prior to, during, and/or after the occurrence of the transaction. The vendor collects a transaction tax for the transaction from the customer for payment to a tax authority. The transaction monitor is configured to maintain a record of the transaction tax that is separate from one or more records maintained by the vendor and/or the tax authority. The transaction monitor is configured to maintain the one or more images with the record of the transaction.

Abstract: A scent sampler and air freshener has a wafer of an absorbent resilient material infused with a liquid containing a scent. The wafer is encapsulated in a chamber formed between two panels of sheet material with edges sealed together to form an envelope. An opening in one of the panels enables scent from the liquid to be emitted to the ambient atmosphere. The rate of emission can be increased by squeezing the panels to compress the wafer. The interior surfaces of the panels can be coated with a barrier film to prevent leakage of the liquid from contaminating the sheet material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying potential customers for delivery of promotional messages or materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for marketing products. The method includes the steps of a first vendor contracting with a second vendor under a contract whereby the first vendor pays a commission to the second vendor in exchange for referrals of customers by the second vendor to the first vendor where the first vendor sells products that are complementary to products sold by the second vendor, the first vendor selling a product to a customer of the second vendor, a tracking program calculating a commission payable on the product and the first vendor paying the commission to the first vendor in accordance with the contract.

Abstract: A pull-apart fragrance sampler laminate is constructed by dispersing microcapsules containing fragrance oil into a quick setting adhesive. The resulting dispersion is applied to a surface of a substrate and then covered with an overlayer. The substrate and overlayer adhere to the dispersion until they are pulled apart whereby the microcapsules are fractured, releasing the fragrance. The substrate may be a continuous web of two-layer stock having a silicone coated liner and a release layer on which the dispersion is coated for making fragrance samplers in the form of die cut labels. The dispersion may be applied to the substrate by a relief printing plate at a station of a printing press through which the substrate and cover layer are transported.

Abstract: A pinch valve for regulating fluid flow having a close mechanism using push-pull members and an open mechanism using open follower members in order to pinch a sleeve closed and to assist in opening it. In a particular embodiment, a four-bar linkage is employed.

Abstract: A pinch valve for regulating fluid flow includes a close mechanism for closing a sleeve by pinching its sides together. The pinch valve also includes an open mechanism integral with the close mechanism for opening the tube by urging the sides apart. The open mechanism pushes against the ends of the closure in the sleeve as the tube is being opened. In one embodiment of the invention open cams push against the end of the closure, and in another embodiment open followers, which are part of a four bar linkage, push against the sides of the sleeve.

Abstract: A videoscope includes a sensor end having an image detector and at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of an eddy current sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an array of such sensors, a handle; and an elongated arm that comprises a conduit that connects the sensor end to the handle. The conduit houses a link that transmits image information from the image detector through the conduit, and the conduit further houses at least first and second working channels that extend from the sensor end to the handle. Fluid injected at a handle end of the conduit passes through the first working channel, out the sensor end, and onto the surface under examination. The second working channel contains the eddy current or ultrasonic sensor and passes their signals through the conduit.

Abstract: A videoscope includes a sensor end having an image detector and at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of an eddy current sensor and an ultrasonic sensor, a handle; and an elongated arm that comprises a conduit that connects the sensor end to the handle. The conduit houses a link that transmits image information from the image detector through the conduit, and the conduit further houses at least first and second working channels that extend from the sensor end to the handle. Fluid injected at a handle end of the conduit passes through the first working channel, out the sensor end, and onto the surface under examination. The second working channel contains the eddy current or ultrasonic sensor and passes their signals through the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for satisfying a debt owed by an account holder to a vendor. The method includes the steps of providing a payment terminal to the account holder that can be remotely controlled by a telecom credit provider, receiving a request for payment to the vendor, such request being provided through the payment terminal to the telecom credit provider and providing a promise from the telecom credit provider to pay the vendor, such promise be provided through the payment terminal directly to the vendor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying potential customers for delivery of promotional materials. The method includes the steps of forming a customer profile by a vendor for targeting delivery of the promotional materials to potential customers, identifying customers which match the customer profile within a database of a third party and forwarding promotional materials to the identified customers.

Abstract: The present invention is for a suspended furniture apparatus 10 for use as a table or a chair. The novel furniture apparatus 10 comprises a generally horizontal and substantially planar surface 12 having a front portion 18, a rear portion 20, a left side 24, a right side 22 and edges 26a-26d thereabout; and means 14 for suspending the planar surface 12 in a stationary position, wherein the suspending means 14 is secured to the planar surface 12. The suspending means 14 is fixed at a point 30 above and at least one point 32 below the planar surface 12. The planar surface 12 is suspended solely by suspending means 14 which are in tension.

Abstract: A scent sampler and air freshener has a wafer of an absorbent resilient material infused with a liquid containing a scent. The wafer is encapsulated in a chamber formed between two panels of sheet material with edges sealed together to form an envelope. An opening in one of the panels enables scent from the liquid to be emitted to the ambient atmosphere. The rate of emission can be increased by squeezing the panels to compress the wafer. The interior surfaces of the panels can be coated with a barrier film to prevent leakage of the liquid from contaminating the sheet material.