Abstract: The present invention features an intelligent in-store couponing system comprising an operating computer for controlling the functions of the intelligent in-store couponing system; a coupon database capable of storing coupons and coupon data or information; a coupon management module for managing the coupons and their delivery; and at least one coupon delivery system capable of delivering a coupon to a customer in a usable format at the point-of-sale and/or point-of-decision. The in-store couponing system is preferably computer network-based and controlled by personnel at an individual business location or business chain, or by an administrative body controlling one or more of the functions of a business location or chain. The in-store couponing system may further be interfaced or integrated with an in-store media broadcasting and/or customer entrance detection and tracking system to provide ad-driven in-store couponing.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat frame having a front member, a rear member, and side members extending between the front and rear members. The seat assembly also includes a trim cover material extending in tension over the seat frame and including a perimeter edge disposed about the front, rear, and side members thereof. The trim cover material includes a pocket formed along its perimeter edge. A tensioning mechanism includes a cable having a middle portion and cable ends extending out of the pocket. The tensioning mechanism further includes a tension block having opposing adjustment arms each coupled to one of the cable ends. Movement of the opposing adjustment arms towards and away from each other selectively adjusts the tension in the trim cover material disposed about the seat frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporal volume control that predicts and compensates for variances in ambient noise levels over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of measuring customer response and methods of optimizing advertising in response to the customer response data. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of acquiring data about the advertising preferences of particular groups of customers. For example, this data may include analyzing the shopping response of all married female shoppers over 40 years of age after a particular advertisement is played; this shopping response could then be compared with the shopping response of a similar group after a different advertisement is played. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to optimizing advertising variable settings with respect to acquired advertising data in an effort to identify optimized advertising variable settings for identifiable groups of customers. Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of generating an advertisement with optimized advertisement variable settings for an advertising target group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing advertising in response to customer data. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of acquiring data about the advertising preferences of particular groups of customers. For example, this data may include analyzing the shopping response of all married female shoppers over 40 years of age after a particular advertisement is played; this shopping response could then be compared with the shopping response of a similar group after a different advertisement is played. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to optimizing advertising variable settings with respect to acquired advertising data in an effort to identify optimized advertising variable settings for identifiable groups of customers. Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of generating an advertisement with optimized advertisement variable settings for an advertising target group.

Abstract: This patent describes the process and application of Accelerated Experiential Learning (AEL). AEL is a process for extracting key information sets used by experts to make decisions and produce solutions. The chunked data sets are presented to the learner using an electronic delivery methodology to provide the extracted associated information sets to novices allowing them to gain dramatically in the associated information from which the experience was derived. The associated or chunked data allows the learner's brain to develop or refine the reference information and use it within minutes. The process elevates the performance of the learner as if they had acquired the same experience in a standard trial and error fashion of months or years. The process produces new internalized usable experience unavailable through any other means besides the common development of experience through trial and error over time.

Abstract: A digital image in which hidden information has been encoded, is processed to discern the hidden information. This processing can include identifying geometric distortions of the image (e.g., cropping, scaling, rotation), and compensating for such identified distortions.

Abstract: A digital image is processed to hide information, by generally inconspicuous adjustments thereof. These adjustments can define a pattern that extends across some or all of the image. Desirably, the pattern is adapted to the particular image being encoded, so as to better conceal the encoding.

Abstract: A digital image is processed to hide information, by generally inconspicuous adjustments of pixel values. Desirably, the processing is adapted to the particular image being encoded, so as to better conceal the encoding. The method may include determining a relative ability of a pixel to be adjusted inconspicuously, by reference to values of at least two neighboring pixels.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for computer based training relating to a target system. A user interface includes at least one graphic display portion, and a courseware viewer portion. Several exercise modules are provided, each having (1) at least one display file, (2) at least one script corresponding to the display file(s), and (3) a work file, to be loaded into the target system. The steps in the exercise module are displayed by parsing a script in the exercise modules. The steps are sequentially displayed in the courseware viewer portion, and the corresponding display files are displayed in the display window(s). The work file is simultaneously loaded into the target system, and the target system is run by the user while displaying the exercise. The target system generates events corresponding to user responses to the exercise, and the training system displays appropriate confirmation and feedback messages based on the responses.

Abstract: Various methods of hot-electron imaging a workpiece are provided. In one aspect, a method of examining a workpiece is provided that includes directing a first photon at a photodetector at a first known time and stimulating a circuit device of the workpiece at a second known time to produce a condition in the circuit device conducive to photon emission. At least one photon emitted by the circuit device in response to the stimulation is detected. The first photon increases the quantum efficiency of the photodetector in detecting the at least one photon. The detection of the at least one photon relative to the first known time and the second known time is time correlated to temporally distinguish the first photon and the at least one photon and to temporally correlate the stimulation of the circuit device to the detection of the at least one photon.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customizable music, advertisements and/or other content to a remote business or retail location. One or more player devices are configured to selectively broadcast customizable music, advertisements and/or other content at remote business locations. A system, architecture or interface is used to deliver the customizable music and/or advertisements to the remote retail locations for the broadcast. The player devices are each located in a retail location and may be grouped according to retail chains or any other common characteristic between the retail locations, the content broadcast, etc. Optionally, a chain manager oversees or manages the content that is broadcast at a particular group of player devices. The content may be customized to particular retail chains/groupings, to neighborhood environments, business types, etc.

Abstract: Various microscopy probes and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a microscopy probe is provided that includes providing a member and forming a first film on the member. The first film fosters growth of carbon nanotubes when exposed to a carbon-containing compound. A second film is formed on the first film. The second film has an opening therein that exposes a portion of the first film. A carbon nanotube is formed on the exposed portion of the first film.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus comprises a rotor releasably housing a plurality of cell culture vessels/roller bottles. The apparatus provides for rotation of the rotor at a controlled speed about a substantially horizontal axis and for the rotational axis of the rotor and the bottles housed therein to be tilted to a substantially vertical position in order to allow fluid to be supplied or drain therefrom. Each vessel is provided with a cap equipped with a fluid supply/drain connection arranged at the lowest point of the cap when the vessel is vertically inverted (as shown in FIG. 1). The supply/drain connection of each bottle cap is connected to a manifold that allows the supply or extraction of fluid via a sealable external connection. Venting of the gas space within the bottle during fluid transfer is provided by a snorkel tube passing upwards through the fluid, and formed as an internal extension of the bottle cap. The snorkel tube is provided with a micro-porous filter, venting to atmosphere.

Abstract: A vending machine includes an adjustable channel assembly for varying the depth of a product stack area within the vending machine. Preferably two adjustable channel assemblies are mounted to a column wall to support a rear spacer wall that defines a back portion of the stack area. The rear spacer wall is selectively movable fore-to-aft in order to permit the stack area to be customized in order to accommodate various sized bottles and cans.

Abstract: A vending machine incorporates a product support and dispensing system including an oscillator and an adjustable bail cap. The oscillator is pivotally mounted at a lower portion of one of a plurality of stack areas provided within the vending machine. The oscillator includes a product retention zone having first and second staging regions, each of which has upper and lower holding elements for retaining a product containers in pre-vend positions. The adjustable bail cap is detachably secured to the oscillator and includes an arcuate intermediate portion adapted to selectively support the product containers. The adjustable bail cap can be selectively repositioned to allow the product support and delivery system to accommodate a wide range of container sizes.

Abstract: A hinged front gate assembly includes a plurality of wire retaining elements pivotally secured across a vending machine through a plurality of hinge units for movement between a product retention position and a product loading position through a swing radius defined by the hinge units. When the front gate is shifted to the product retention position, the retaining elements can impinge upon and shift product containers into proper alignment. The front gate assembly can be automatically shifted through closure of a main door, with the door either directly engaging cammed hinges of the front gate assembly or indirectly through a gate pusher attached to the door.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for computer based training relating to a target system. A user interface includes at least one graphic display portion, and a courseware viewer portion. Several exercise modules are provided, each having (1) at least one display file, (2) at least one script corresponding to the display file(s), and (3) a work file, to be loaded into the target system. The steps in the exercise module are displayed by parsing a script in the exercise modules. The steps are sequentially displayed in the courseware viewer portion, and the corresponding display files are displayed in the display window(s). The work file is simultaneously loaded into the target system, and the target system is run by the user while displaying the exercise. The target system generates events corresponding to user responses to the exercise, and the training system displays appropriate confirmation and feedback messages based on the responses.

Abstract: A seat frame assembly for supporting an occupant in an automotive vehicle includes a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally extending side members interconnected by at least one generally transverse cross member defining a horizontal plane therebetween. The seat frame assembly also includes a side bolster frame pivotally secured to at least one of the side members. The side bolster frame is movable between a support position extending laterally outwardly from the side member and angled upwardly from the horizontal plane, and a deflected position extending generally parallel to the horizontal plane. In addition, the seat frame assembly includes a resilient trim cover extending in tension between the side bolster frame and the opposing side member for automatically pivoting the side bolster frame from the support position to the deflected position in response to a load from the occupant on the side bolster frame, thereby facilitating ingress and egress to the occupant on the seat frame assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in controlling the operation of a hydrocarbon production well comprises: supply means (1) for providing an electric power supply; a plurality of electrically operated actuating devices (M1 - - - M10); drive means (8) responsive to the power supply for providing a drive signal for the devices; and control means (3, 5, 8, 12, 14,16 - - - 32) for applying the drive signal to the actuating devices in a multiplexed manner.