Abstract: A network computer system that determines metrics related to effort and cost on the part of deliverers who deliverer items for delivery orders. The network computer system can implement operations to facilitate or mitigate features that cause deliverers to expend effort or cost when completing delivery tasks.

Abstract: A network computer system that determines metrics related to effort and cost on the part of deliverers who deliverer items for delivery orders. The network computer system can implement operations to facilitate or mitigate features that cause deliverers to expend effort or cost when completing delivery tasks.

Abstract: A network computer system that determines metrics related to effort and cost on the part of deliverers who deliverer items for delivery orders. The network computer system can implement operations to facilitate or mitigate features that cause deliverers to expend effort or cost when completing delivery tasks.

Abstract: A network computer system that determines metrics related to effort and cost on the part of deliverers who deliverer items for delivery orders. The network computer system can implement operations to facilitate or mitigate features that cause deliverers to expend effort or cost when completing delivery tasks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lateral via to provide an electrical connection to a buried conductor. In one instance, the buried conductor is a through via that extends along a first dimension, and the lateral via extends along a second dimension that is generally orthogonal to the first dimension. In another instance, the second dimension is oblique to the first dimension. Components having such lateral vias, as well as methods for creating such lateral vias are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lateral via to provide an electrical connection to a buried conductor. In one instance, the buried conductor is a through via that extends along a first dimension, and the lateral via extends along a second dimension that is generally orthogonal to the first dimension. In another instance, the second dimension is oblique to the first dimension. Components having such lateral vias, as well as methods for creating such lateral vias are described herein.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic electrical generator including an initiator charge mechanism, one or more field poles and an armature that creates a magnetic field, and a coil that produces an electric current is disclosed herein. The armature is positioned within a bore extending through the one or more field poles, and the initiator charge mechanism is positioned in proximity to the armature. The initiator charge mechanism when activated creates a pressure that drives the armature from one end of the bore to the other end of the bore. As the armature travels through the field poles, it creates an alternating magnetic flux in the field poles inducing an alternating current in the coil. The coil then carries the current to a storage device, for example a capacitor and/or battery, or applies the current to one or more other devices as an ignition charge.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic electrical generator including an initiator charge mechanism, one or more field poles and an armature that creates a magnetic field, and a coil that produces an electric current is disclosed herein. The armature is positioned within a bore extending through the one or more field poles, and the initiator charge mechanism is positioned in proximity to the armature. The initiator charge mechanism when activated creates a pressure that drives the armature from one end of the bore to the other end of the bore. As the armature travels through the field poles, it creates an alternating magnetic flux in the field poles inducing an alternating current in the coil. The coil then carries the current to a storage device, for example a capacitor and/or battery, or applies the current to one or more other devices as an ignition charge.

Abstract: An interface application enables a campaign manager to manage the transfer of virtual credits to a user upon completion of an action that benefits a provider of goods or services. The campaign manager provides a link to the provider of goods or services. When a user clicks through to this link, the interface application directs the user to perform the desired action. Upon completion of the action, the application deposits a credit to the user's virtual account. Because the virtual transaction is performed by the provided interface application, the logistics associated with launching and executing the campaign are low enough to facilitate hi-volume, low-cost incentive programs.

Abstract: Virtual goods, such as Facebook credits or Farmville animals, are offered as an incentive to acquire new customers or reacquire former customers. Using a simple click-through process, a customer may receive a given number of virtual credits, or a particular virtual item, upon satisfying a given requirement, such as a purchase above a given amount, a subscription to a mailing list, submission of a preference profile, and so on. Initial tests have indicated that a substantial number of customers prefer receiving such virtual items in lieu of a cash rebate or other cash-based discount, even when the actual cost associated with the virtual item is the same as, or lower than the amount of the cash-based discount. In a preferred embodiment, a third-party campaign manager facilitates the execution and management of the incentive campaign.

Abstract: Deferred premium annuities and accompanying methods are described herein. In some instances, a deferred premium annuity allows a purchaser (e.g., an individual) to pledge assets rather than pay cash up front to purchase an annuity. In these instances, an annuity provider then issues an annuity to the purchaser. In some instances, the provider then may then receive ownership of or an interest in the pledged assets upon death of the purchaser unless the purchaser pays for the annuity before the death of the purchaser.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, processes, engines and computer program products are provided for preempting advertisements in a broadcast. In one exemplary system, a method is provided that includes determining one or more advertisements in a schedule that are available for preemption, identifying rules for preempting advertisements and automatically preempting the one or more advertisements using an advertisement from available inventory if the rules are satisfied.