Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system for receiving electromagnetic radiation (EMR) signals from a plurality of sources or directions. A communication system comprises a transmission section surrounding an antenna section. The transmission section can be made of concentric layers of lens elements, mirror elements, or refraction medium. The layers allow incoming EMR to be directed to the antenna section through reflection or refraction. The antenna section can be made of a plurality of antenna elements such that each antenna element detects incoming EMR signals from different angles of origin even when the signals are received simultaneously.

Abstract: A membrane inlet for chemical analysis with continuous flow sample degassing of at least two analytes within a sample solution is disclosed. The membrane inlet comprises: a housing having a sample volume and an analysis volume; a long membrane within the housing that physically separates the sample volume from the analysis volume; a sensor configured to measure a concentration for each of the analytes in the analysis volume; and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The housing is configured to receive a flow of the sample solution through the sample volume and the long membrane is configured to permeate the at least two analytes from the sample solution into the analysis volume. Multiple inlets and long membranes may be interconnected in a series or parallel arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane inlet for chemical analysis with fixed volume sample degassing of a plurality of analytes within a sample solution. The membrane inlet comprises a housing, a membrane within the housing, a sensor, and a controller. The housing includes a sample volume, an analysis volume, an inlet of the sample volume, an outlet of the sample volume, and an exhaust outlet of the analysis volume. The housing is configured to receive a flow of the sample solution through the sample volume, the membrane physically separates the sample volume form the analysis volume, and the membrane is configured to permeate the plurality of analytes from the sample solution into the analysis volume. The sensor is configured to measure a concentration for each of the analytes of the plurality of analytes in the analysis volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system for receiving electromagnetic radiation (EMR) signals from a plurality of sources or directions. A communication system comprises a transmission section surrounding an antenna section. The transmission section can be made of concentric layers of lens elements, mirror elements, or refraction medium. The layers allow incoming EMR to be directed to the antenna section through reflection or refraction. The antenna section can be made of a plurality of antenna elements such that each antenna element detects incoming EMR signals from different angles of origin even when the signals are received simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel device and method of generating and bagging dialysate for continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD). The procedure involves the use of standard hemodialysis (HD) equipment and the device of the present invention. The device of the present invention is an adapter configured to be used with standard hemodialysis equipment.

Abstract: Aquatic storage systems, including systems with one or more internal compartments designed to equally distribute the mass of cargo placed therein, lids for sealing the compartments, and one or more drains to clear water from the compartments. In some examples, the aquatic storage system includes a mounting system for securing the storage system to a watercraft. In some further examples, the aquatic storage system includes a configurable ballast system.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting data in the form of instant messages over a computer network. The broadcast system 100 preferably includes a messaging manager 200, an integration engine 300, a subscription manager 400, a scheduler 500, and a broadcast engine 600. The messaging manager 200 interfaces with all other components and provides a multi-threaded, run-time engine that coordinates the integration, triggering, scheduling, and message delivery activities for scalable broadcast applications. The integration engine 300 provides a system for “exposing” Web services and “consuming” external data streams. The subscription manager 400 includes an event watcher, which monitors the state of the external environment it interacts with, and an event dispatcher, which collects event subscriptions and ensures the instant delivery of events to all subscribers by way of the broadcast engine.

Abstract: Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website.

Abstract: Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website.

Abstract: Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the invention relate to providing incentives related to product services. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for providing an incentive related to a vehicle maintenance service is provided. The method may include receiving a registration request from a customer. The registration request may include a vehicle identification number of a vehicle associated with the customer. Further, the method may include determining a maintenance reminder trigger for a maintenance service for the vehicle based on the registration request and vehicle data stored in a database and sending a maintenance reminder for the maintenance service to the customer. Additionally, a request for offers may be received from the customer to a plurality of vendors that are configured to provide the maintenance service. Also, a bid may be received from each vendor for providing the maintenance service, and provided to the customer.

Abstract: Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide advice to a customer that is purchasing a vehicle. For example, a customer may use a hand-held device while at a dealership, or use a computer, to enter terms of a deal, such as financing information. The customer may use the device to send the information electronically to a remote system associated with a financing company. The system evaluates the deal and returns information to the customer via the device indicating whether the deal is fair. Furthermore, the system may also transmit to the customer a report indicating how to improve the deal for the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide online auctions or sales of vehicle repossession rights wherein the winning bid or buyer receives the right to repossess a vehicle. Using an Internet website maintained by a server, a user may view repossessed property, such as a vehicle, place a bid, or purchase the right to repossess the vehicle. The original vehicle owner's financing company then forwards legal title to the buyer. Furthermore, the buyer may transfer payment electronically to the financing company.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow a customer to obtain a monthly payment and view possible financing options while shopping for a vehicle on a dealership's lot. A server may receive a VIN, calculate a monthly payment based on customer parameters, and transmit a message to a wireless device being used by the customer. The message may provide a monthly payment amount and possible financing options for a particular vehicle. The customer may also may input parameters, such as a down payment and an amount of a trade-in, if applicable, so that the parameters are taken into consider when determining financing options.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a purchase package for a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving, at a financial account provider, information associated with a purchase package for a purchase transaction between a first merchant and the customer for a vehicle provided by the first merchant. The purchase package may include a first option provided by a second merchant and has at least one attribute that has been negotiated between the first and second merchants prior to the purchase transaction. The purchase package may include a purchase package cost based on at least the at least one attribute and a cost of the vehicle. The method may further include providing, by the financial account provider, a financial account for the customer to finance the purchase package cost.

Abstract: Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website.

Abstract: Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website.

Abstract: Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the invention relate to a computer-implemented method for providing an offer for a vehicle desired by a customer at a discounted price. The method may comprise receiving a vehicle request from the customer including characteristics of the vehicle desired by the customer and a location associated with the customer, electronically transmitting contact data associated with the customer to a dealer associated with the vehicle desired by the customer, and electronically sending a confirmation of an offer to provide the desired vehicle at the discounted price to the customer, wherein the confirmation does not include pricing information associated with the vehicle.