Abstract: A virtual container includes an application computer program and metadata representing the operating system requirements. The virtual container is stored on a computer-readable storage medium for delivery to an end user for copying to a target computing device. The virtual container is equivalent to a virtual appliance minus an operating system. The virtual container is executable on an existing logical partition (LPAR) of the target computing device that provides a virtual operating system for the application of the virtual container, where the virtual container is specifically executable within a workload partition (WPAR) of the LPAR. The virtual container is also executable on a new LPAR of the target computing device, where the end user provides a guest operating system to run within the new partition for the virtual container, such that addition of the guest operating system to the virtual container renders the virtual container as a virtual appliance.

Abstract: Various consumer interface platforms are converged to facilitate user access to an electronic network of wallets. The functions of both remote and NFC payment, among other interface platforms, give the purchaser access to a single electronic wallet for online E-commerce and a variety of mCommerce scenarios, some including brick and mortar, face-to-face (F2F), and/or point-of-sale (POS) transaction payments. The network of wallets has a network operator intermediating payment transactions between merchants and wallet providers. In this way, the parallel consumer interface platforms, such as remote platform enabling e-commerce payments, an NFC platform, and/or others, into a single converged payment platform that is usable in either or both transaction settings.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for using a financial transaction card number system of a payment processing network as part of offer and gift distribution, verification and redemption systems. In an embodiment, a method receives indication of acceptance of an offer from a consumer and initiates processing of consumer payment using a financial transaction card number associated with the consumer. The method sends an intelligent transaction card (ITC) number to be used with a redemption code to purchase products or services contained in the offer. In another embodiment, a system generates and redeems a dynamic gift by requesting a gift code based on controls for the gift. Upon receiving indication that the gift has been redeemed, the system receives the gift code and authorization from a merchant and checks validity of the gift based on the controls. The system approves the gift redemption if the redemption is within the controls.

Abstract: A virtual container includes an application computer program and metadata representing the operating system requirements. The virtual container is stored on a computer-readable storage medium for delivery to an end user for copying to a target computing device. The virtual container is equivalent to a virtual appliance minus an operating system. The virtual container is executable on an existing logical partition (LPAR) of the target computing device that provides a virtual operating system for the application of the virtual container, where the virtual container is specifically executable within a workload partition (WPAR) of the LPAR. The virtual container is also executable on a new LPAR of the target computing device, where the end user provides a guest operating system to run within the new partition for the virtual container, such that addition of the guest operating system to the virtual container renders the virtual container as a virtual appliance.

Abstract: A grab bar assembly for use with a bathtub includes a substantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges. The grab bar assembly also includes a coupling assembly extending downward from the base for attachment to an upstanding wall of the bathtub and an armrest connected to and extending laterally from the base. The armrest is positioned above and running along the bathtub wall. Finally, the grab bar assembly includes a handgrip extending upwardly from the base. The handgrip includes at least one support arm and a substantially triangular shaped handle having a forward surface, rearward surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends from the at least one support arm along the bottom surface.

Abstract: A bedpan providing ease of use, comfort, and cleanability. The bedpan includes a body member defining a reservoir shaped and dimensioned for receiving bodily waste. The body member includes a closed base section adapted for retaining bodily wasted deposited within the bedpan and an open support section. The support section includes a central opening providing access to the reservoir defined by the body member. The central opening is defined by first and second inwardly inclined walls extending from a first end of the body member toward a second end of the body member. The support section further includes a forward support surface adjacent the first end of the body member. The forward support surface has a forward end adjacent the base member and a rearward end adjacent the first and second inwardly inclined walls, wherein the forward support surface is generally horizontal and tapers downwardly as it extends toward the base section.

Abstract: A bedpan providing ease of use, comfort, and cleanability. The bedpan includes a body member defining a reservoir shaped and dimensioned for receiving bodily waste. The body member includes a closed base section adapted for retaining bodily wasted deposited within the bedpan and an open support section. The support section includes a central opening providing access to the reservoir defined by the body member. The central opening is defined by first and second inwardly inclined walls extending from a first end of the body member toward a second end of the body member. The support section further includes a forward support surface adjacent the first end of the body member. The forward support surface has a forward end adjacent the base member and a rearward end adjacent the first and second inwardly inclined walls, wherein the forward support surface is generally horizontal and tapers downwardly as it extends toward the base section.

Abstract: A toilet seat apparatus including a base member adapted for selective attachment to a toilet, a unitary one-piece seat pivotally secured to the base member such that the seat may rotate forward, and an energy storing strut including a first end coupled to the base member and a second end coupled to the seat.

Abstract: A quick release hinge assembly for a toilet seat is disclosed. The assembly including a pair of fasteners each having a flange for engaging a toilet bowl when attached thereto and a head spaced above the flange. An anchor plate having a pair of slots formed on the bottom side thereof which cooperate with the heads of the fasteners to secure the anchor plate to a toilet bowl. The anchor plate further including a resiliently biased latch formed in the top surface thereof which locks and unlocks the anchor plate from one of the fastener heads to permit the anchor plate to slide off of the fasteners and a pair of spaced hinge mounting supports extending from the anchor plate to which a toilet seat and lid can be pivotally coupled.

Abstract: A toilet seat provides a lifting operation to assist a user to safely engage and disengage a toilet. A toilet seat is pivotally arranged to swing between two positions, an incline position and a horizontal position. While the seat is in the incline position, a user may approach it from a slightly bent standing position. By pushing against the seat, the user's weight loads an energy storing strut and forces the seat to lower gently into its horizontal position. After which, the user may benefit from energy stored in the strut. The seat applies a pressure which lifts the user from the toilet and into a natural standing position. In some versions, the seat is powered by a compressed gas strut which is loaded by a user's weight when the user engages the device. The loaded strut energizes the pivoting seat to provide a force which operates to remove the user from the toilet. Additionally, the seat may be arranged with armrests so the user's arm strength may be used to aid the transition to and from the toilet.

Abstract: An article and method are disclosed for controlling the build-up of static electricity within a clothes dryer by adding the article to the dryer along with a load of fabrics to be dried. The article comprises a bladder formed from a waterproof, moisture-permeable material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Within the bladder is a sponge or other water-absorbent material. The article releases sufficient moisture during tumbling of the article with the fabrics to prevent the build-up of static electricity on the fabrics. To avoid loss of moisture from the bladder when it is not in use and during the early portions of the dryer cycle, the waterproof material utilized can be one that is moisture-impermeable at room temperature, but that becomes moisture-permeable at the elevated temperatures that exist within the dryer during the later portions of the dryer cycle. The article includes a fill spout for adding water and other fabric conditioning agents to the bladder.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is adapted to reduce residual static in clothing items. The sidewall of the drum carries conductive tumbling vanes and a conductive projection. The vanes engage clothing items at the periphery of the dram interior. The projection penetrates further into the drum to contact clothing items that tend to locate there when the dryer is very full. The projection curves in the direction of drum rotation to avoid trapping clothing against the drum side wall. The vanes and projection are coupled to the ground terminal of an electrical main to dissipate static charges gathered from the clothing. To enhance electrical coupling to the rotary drum, a copper ring is mounted around the drum and a copper contact plate is supported from the dryer housing and spring-biased to engage the copper ting. Residual static is further reduced with a grounded conductive plate located near the bottom of the dryer opening that accesses the drum.