Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to flexible, user-adapted, continuous searching, on behalf of a particular user, for points of interest relevant to the user's current location within a specifically computed personal region of interest. In a general case, the personal region of interest is computed as a function of the user's level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest. The level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest may, in turn, be based on two or more of the user's location, the current date and time, a history of the user's interaction with the POI-searching system, including user-initiated searches and user selections from displayed search results, a user profile developed for, and continuously updated on behalf of, the user, and a current context for the search, as specified by a search query or by other context-specifying means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature the determination of normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyraminein raw human plasma with minimal sample pretreatment using a weak cationic extraction media to provide a selective sample clean-up and HILIC chemistries as indicators of pheochromoacytoma.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to flexible, user-adapted, continuous searching, on behalf of a particular user, for points of interest relevant to the user's current location within a specifically computed personal region of interest. In a general case, the personal region of interest is computed as a function of the user's level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest. The level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest may, in turn, be based on two or more of the user's location, the current date and time, a history of the user's interaction with the POI-searching system, including user-initiated searches and user selections from displayed search results, a user profile developed for, and continuously updated on behalf of, the user, and a current context for the search, as specified by a search query or by other context-specifying means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high efficiency hybrid solar cell preferably comprised of a static concentrator, a dichroic mirror, a first cell stack comprising two cells, the first cell being a GaInP cell and the second cell being a GaAs cell and a second cell stack comprising three cells, the first cell being a Si cell, the second cell being a GaInAsP cell and the third cell being a GaInAs cell. The dichroic mirror provides a separation of the solar light into two spectral components, one component of light with photons of energy?Eg that impinges upon the first cell stack and one component of light with photons of energy<Eg that impinges upon the second cell stack.

Abstract: Various system embodiments of the present invention are directed to an automated concierge system through which users of the automated concierge system can request and obtain many types of information and services. Unlike traditional search engines and electronic query-processing interfaces, the automated concierge systems provide much greater flexibility with respect to means of access, including types of electronic devices and communications media that can be used to access the concierge services, greater flexibility in the timing of responses to information and service requests, more efficient information and service provision, and access to a much broader range of information sources and service providers.

Abstract: A method, system and products thereby for enhanced customer loyalty program with improved access to restaurant information. The system having a server configured to perform operations including storing data including at least an identifier associated with a customer account in the customer rewards program, the identifier corresponding to a registered credit card number. The server may be further configured to receive the data from a merchant terminal relating to a qualified purchase, the merchant terminal being located at one of the plurality of independent merchants participating in the closed coalition customer rewards program, and verify a customer's membership in the closed coalition customer rewards program. Additionally, the server may be further configured to transfer an award associated with the qualified purchase transaction to the customer account, and process a customer's directive for redeeming the award for use at the participating restaurant.

Abstract: A method and system for promoting customer loyalty to an anchor business within a certain geographical region from a plurality of participating merchants. The system having a server configured to store data including an identifier associated with a customer account in a customer rewards program. The server may receive the data and purchase transaction amount from a merchant terminal, verify a customer's membership in the customer rewards program, and transfer an award associated with the purchase transaction amount to the customer account. Additionally, the server may process customer's directive for redeeming the award for use at the anchor business.

Abstract: A media delivery system that may be used for tracking the number and type of human impressions of media content rendered by the system during the time the media was rendered is provided. The media delivery system includes a rendering device for rendering media content, an environmental sensor for sensing impressions and other environmental variables and a computing device configured to gather data related to the external states detected by the environmental sensor. The data may be provided to a backend server for correlating the data to the rendered media content. The system may include rules that interpret that data and may cause the system to custom select, tailor or control future playback of media on the system.

Abstract: A method, system and products thereby for enhanced customer loyalty program with improved access to restaurant information. The system having a server configured to perform operations including storing restaurant data of a participating restaurant in a database and retrieving the restaurant data in response to a search engine command. The server may be further configured to receive electronic notification from the participating restaurant of a qualified purchase transaction associated with a customer account in a customer rewards program. Additionally, the server may be further configured to transfer an award associated with the qualified purchase transaction to the customer account, and process a customer's directive for redeeming the award for use at the participating restaurant.

Abstract: A closed loop loyalty, recognition and rewards program for merchants. Each merchant decides upon their own rewards criteria and similar or analogous identification systems are used to identify customers who are loyal customers of several merchants in a community. This works in conjunction with a system for identifying a customer's product based upon equity accumulation, the system having a memory and a remote processor. The consumer is issued for example, a chip in one embodiment which is RFID enabled and when the consumer enters the business their data comes up on the screen and loyalty programs that are customized for that merchant based upon the frequency of visits by the consumer, may be accessed. The two criteria for rewards are based upon number of visits and a timeframe specified by the merchant, likewise the system is designed so the merchants can communicate with their consumers and invite them to special events or make them aware of special offers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to flexible, user-adapted, continuous searching, on behalf of a particular user, for points of interest relevant to the user's current location within a specifically computed personal region of interest. In a general case, the personal region of interest is computed as a function of the user's level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest. The level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest may, in turn, be based on two or more of the user's location, the current date and time, a history of the user's interaction with the POI-searching system, including user-initiated searches and user selections from displayed search results, a user profile developed for, and continuously updated on behalf of, the user, and a current context for the search, as specified by a search query or by other context-specifying means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to flexible, user-adapted, continuous searching, on behalf of a particular user, for points of interest relevant to the user's current location within a specifically computed personal region of interest. In a general case, the personal region of interest is computed as a function of the user's level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest. The level of disposition towards the searched-for points of interest may, in turn, be based on two or more of the user's location, the current date and time, a history of the user's interaction with the POI-searching system, including user-initiated searches and user selections from displayed search results, a user profile developed for, and continuously updated on behalf of, the user, and a current context for the search, as specified by a search query or by other context-specifying means.

Abstract: A system for publishing advertising media on a plurality of media delivery systems, each configured to render media and gather environmental data while rendering the media. The system includes a front-end system in communication with the plurality of media delivery systems. The front-end system is configured to permit an advertiser to select at least one of the plurality of media delivery systems on which to render advertising media and is further configured to accept advertising media uploaded by the advertiser. The system further includes a back-end system in communication with the front-end system and the plurality of media delivery systems. The back-end system is configured to upload the advertising media to the selected media delivery systems for rendering and is further configured to upload the environmental data from the plurality of media delivery systems.

Abstract: A back-channel media delivery system that may be used for tracking the number and type of human impressions of media content rendered by the system during the time the media was rendered is provided. The back-channel media delivery system includes a rendering device for rendering media, an environmental sensor for sensing impressions and other environmental variables and a computing device configured to play media on the rendering device, and gather data related to the external states detected by the environmental sensor. The system may include rules that interpret that data and may cause the system to custom select, tailor or control future playback of media on the system.

Abstract: A back-channel media delivery system that may be used for tracking the number and type of human impressions of media content rendered by the system during the time the media was rendered is provided. The back-channel media delivery system includes a rendering device for rendering media, an environmental sensor for sensing impressions and other environmental variables and a computing device configured to play media on the rendering device, and gather data related to the external states detected by the environmental sensor. The system may include rules that interpret that data and may cause the system to custom select, tailor or control future playback of media on the system.

Abstract: A reclosable film structure for a package is disclosed, in particular a reclosable lap seal, comprising a multiple layer film with an interior pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and methods of manufacture thereof. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer is positioned between a first and a third layer on either side of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer and is continuous throughout the package. The package is heat sealed at an open end to initially close the package by folding over an outer lap seal segment onto an inner lap seal segment and heat-sealing together. Upon opening the package at the lap seal, the package delaminates between the first and second layers along one of the lap seal segments, thus exposing the pressure sensitive adhesive layer to facilitate reclosing the package, oriented away from the package interior and away from the food removal path to maintain the adhesion strength by avoiding food contact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include information services, methods and systems to facilitate gathering and management of information by home users and professional users of information gathering, processing, and distribution services, and user interfaces through which users communicate with information services. In one embodiment of the present invention, a central information gathering, processing, and distribution service provides a simple, but robust and highly functional, interface to remote home users and professional users to allow the home users and professional users to continuously receive updated information gleaned from continuous searching of the Internet and other information sources by the information service. The interface allows users to define, refine, and stably store interests that define information searches continuously carried out, on behalf of the user, by the information gathering, processing, and distribution service.

Abstract: A syringe, for use in the delivery of a dose of a therapeutic agent entrained within a pressurized fluid flow, includes an upstream portion, an intermediate portion, a downstream portion, and an actuator mechanism for initiating a flow of the fluid through the syringe. The upstream portion is interfaced with a source of fluid under pressure. The intermediate portion, which is interposed between the upstream and downstream portions, includes first and second members that are coupled together to provide a closed pocket for containing the dose. One of the first and second members is moveable relative to the other within the syringe to provide an open configuration in which the pocket is opened to expose the dose for entrainment by the fluid as it flows through the intermediate portion and to and through the nozzle. Also provided is a capsule formed from the first and second members.

Abstract: An issuer distributes to its customers a premium to attract and retain consumers. The premium comprises a checkbook having a number of partially pre-printed checks from a number of merchants. The checks are redeemable at the merchants for a predetermined amount of money towards a purchase. The consumer fills out certain information when presenting the check so that the transaction appears to be performed using a check as the method of payment while the consumer is still able to receive the financial benefit often accompanying the use of coupons. The remaining transaction amount is made using conventional payment methods.

Abstract: A method and system for using free registration of branded network credit and debit cards to provide transaction-based marketing to merchants and businesses. For each purchase made using a registered credit or debit card at a registered merchant, a marketing fee related to the transaction amount is paid by the registered merchant. Commission fees are distributed from the marketing fee to the marketer(s) responsible for registering the merchant and to the marketer(s) responsible for registering the cardholder. In addition, usage fees may be paid to the marketer responsible for the sale or circulation of registered debit cards.