Abstract: A rub rail system for a vessel including a rigid track extrusion attached to a vessel, a resilient flexible fender extrusion, and a shock absorbing inner core. The inner core is disposed in the fender extrusion and the core is substantially softer than the fender extrusion. The fender extrusion is configured to matingly engage the track extrusion. The fender extrusion has an upper barb engaging an upper receiving cavity of the track extrusion and a lower barb engaging a lower receiving cavity of the track extrusion. The track extrusion has an upper tang engaging an upper recess of the fender extrusion and a lower tang engaging a lower recess of the fender extrusion. The track extrusion also includes an upper lip configured to engage a top portion of the perimeter of the vessel and a lower lip configured to engage a lower portion of the perimeter of the vessel.

Abstract: A method for effecting transfer of a payment amount to a merchant during a transaction between a customer and the merchant includes determining, using a processing device, a funds shortfall, accessing a funds sharing network comprising a plurality of users, identifying one or more of the users of the funds sharing network, requesting funds from the identified one or more users, and applying funds received from the one or more users to the funds shortfall. In some embodiments, identifying one or more of the users includes determining whether one or more of the users are indebted to the customer, determining levels of connection between two or more of the users and the customer, and developing a hierarchy of users based on the indebted users and the levels of connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charged particle beam generator comprising multiple charged particle beam generator units. In particular, the present invention is concerned with apparatus for generating a high-energy, high-current proton beam such as are used in accelerator driven subcritical reactors. The present invention provides a method of generating a composite proton beam using a proton beam generator comprising multiple proton beam generator units. A negative hydrogen ion source is used to generate a beam of negative hydrogen ions in each unit. The negative hydrogen ions are stripped to create a proton beam in each unit, that is accelerated beam and guided to a common point where the beams are merged to form the composite proton beam.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system comprises an interface and one or more processors. The interface receives a search request indicating that a buyer requests to search for properties to evaluate. The one or more processors determine one or more buyer preferences that describe preferred characteristics for the properties according to the buyer. The one or more processors also determine whether an available property located proximate to a device associated with the buyer satisfies at least a threshold amount of the buyer preferences. If the available property satisfies at least a threshold amount of buyer preferences, the interface communicates a notification recommending that the buyer evaluate the available property.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for determining a payment strategy for using at least some funds from a first account to make two or more payments on a second account during a single pay period. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account includes a payment due date and a minimum payment due; (2) determining a number of payments to make on the second account; (3) determining a payment amount for each payment, such that the total payment amount for all of the payments is sufficient to at least offset the minimum payment due; and (4) determining a triggering event for each payment, such that each of the payments is made on or before the payment due date.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention allow a primary user to add dependent users to one or more accounts (e.g., shared accounts) of the primary user, in order to control and monitor the transactions made by a dependent user who is authorized to make purchases using the user computer systems that are linked to the primary user's shared account. The shared account can be a credit account, a debit account, a credit line account, a pre-paid account, or any other type of account that can be used to pay for products. In other embodiments of the invention the primary user may be linked to the dependent user account, be it a shared account or the dependent user's own account, in order to receive notification alerts regarding the transactions that the dependent user is trying to make.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer in an audible format. The system includes a consumer device and a payment terminal located proximate the point of sale. The consumer device, either a mobile device carried by the consumer or an immobile device also located proximate the point of sale, communicates with the payment terminal and receives transaction information such as product identity or amount information. The consumer device then produces sound waves audible to the consumer based on the communicated transaction information using one or more private and/or public listening devices. This audible transaction process can be performed automatically during a transaction or can be implemented based on consumer preference.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer via consumer-readable communications. In one embodiment, a payment terminal proximate the point of sale communicates a transaction information signal to the mobile device. The mobile device communicates the transaction information to the consumer in a consumer-readable format such as audible sound waves. In some embodiments, the consumer-readable communications include requests for consumer input. The consumer input is received by an input device proximate the mobile device and communicated to the payment terminal. In some embodiments consumer input is received by the payment terminal as well as the mobile device, and in some embodiments, the consumer chooses whether to use the mobile device as an interface or only to use the payment terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide currency solutions for the visually impaired by, for example, providing automated teller machines (ATMs) or other cash dispensers configured to dispense folded bills to the customer. The bills are folded based on denomination to allow the customer receiving the bills from the cash dispenser to be able to identify the denomination of each bill. In some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to automatically identify whether the customer prefers to receive folded bills and, in some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to fold and dispense bills according to customer preferences.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for determining a payment strategy for using at least some funds from a first account to make two or more payments on a second account during a single pay period. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account includes a payment due date and a minimum payment due; (2) determining a number of payments to make on the second account; (3) determining a payment amount for each payment, such that the total payment amount for all of the payments is sufficient to at least offset the minimum payment due; and (4) determining a triggering event for each payment, such that each of the payments is made on or before the payment due date.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy for offsetting liabilities and/or attributing rewards. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for transferring offsetting funds from a first account to a second account. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account has incurred a liability; and (2) transferring funds from the first account to the second account in an amount sufficient to offset the liability. In some embodiments, the determining step automatically triggers the transferring step, either immediately, nearly immediately, or sometime after the occurrence of the determining step.

Abstract: A mass marketable decorative window treatment system employs adjustable-width valance pieces or overlays that can be hung from a conventional curtain rod on which a rod sleeve has been mounted. Segmented hook and loop fastener means are employed on both the valance pieces and on a curtain rod subassembly so that the decorative window treatment components need not be permanently secured to a board as required with similar custom window treatments. The width of individual valance pieces, such as, but not limited to, swags and jabots and flat overlays can be adjusted so that the standard size components can be used for different size windows.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hats, and more specifically to multi-function hats that provide the wearer with an enhanced sporting or fashion experience. The present invention pertains to an article of headwear with an integrated incision for maintaining and holding a portion of the wearer's hair outside the hat. This function is not only a fashion benefit but also is a safety function in that it keeps the wearer's hair away from the wearer's eyes by pulling the hair away from the wearer's face to the back of the head. The integrated incision also enables the article of headwear to stay on the wearer's head.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, acid isostere, or hydrolyzable ester thereof, are disclosed. Methods of making and using the compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A treat ball includes a transparent chamber for holding treats and end caps on the transparent chamber. At least one of the end caps includes one or more lobes, which causes the treat ball to roll in a non-uniform manner. Additionally, at least one of the end caps includes an opening into the chamber, and an adjustable mechanism configured to fully close the opening and to reveal the opening to varying degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing nonwoven fibrous webs. The apparatus comprises an extrusion die, first and second fluid supplies in cooperation with the die, first and second extrusion capillaries, first counterbores allowing fluid communication between first capillaries and first supply and second counterbores allowing fluid communication between second capillaries and second supply, each first counterbore having at least two first capillaries extending therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hats, and more specifically to multi-function hats that provide the wearer with an enhanced sporting or fashion experience. The present invention pertains to an article of headwear with an integrated incision for maintaining and holding a portion of the wearer's hair outside the hat. This function is not only a fashion benefit but also is a safety function in that it keeps the wearer's hair away from the wearer's eyes by pulling the hair away from the wearer's face to the back of the head. The integrated incision also enables the article of headwear to stay on the wearer's head.

Abstract: A fuel composition containing a major amount of a fuel suitable for use in a compression-ignition engine is disclosed. The fuel contains one or more hydrocarbon components boiling within the diesel boiling range, at least one of which hydrocarbon components has been treated with a metal adsorbing or absorbing material in a different physical phase from the hydrocarbon component(s), preferably to reduce the level of at least one metal, more preferably the level of at least one heavier metal, most preferably the level of zinc, in said at least one hydrocarbon component. The emission of NOx, and optionally particulates, is reduced from the exhaust of a compression-ignition engine when such fuel composition is introduced into the combustion chambers. The treatment includes physical separation of the hydrocarbon component from the metal adsorbing or absorbing phase.

Abstract: A fuel composition containing a major amount of a fuel suitable for use in a compression-ignition engine, which fuel contains one or more hydrocarbon components boiling within the diesel boiling range, at least one of which hydrocarbon components has been treated with a metal adsorbing or absorbing material in a different physical phase from the hydrocarbon component(s), preferably to reduce the level of at least one metal, more preferably the level of at least one heavier metal, most preferably the level of zinc, in said at least one hydrocarbon component, said treatment including physical separation of the hydrocarbon component from the metal adsorbing or absorbing phase, is used to operate a compression-ignition engine, and/or a vehicle which is driven by a compression-ignition engine, for the purpose of reducing subsequent formation of deposits, preferably combustion related deposits, during engine operation in the compression-ignition engine into which the fuel composition is introduced and/or of removin

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing cardiac hypertrophy in a mammal, comprising manipulating levels of RBP, retinoids, or an affiliated signaling and regulatory pathway in the mammal. Preferably, the method comprises reducing or inhibiting the level of RBP or retinoids or their signaling pathway, or an affiliated signaling pathway, via a dietary, genetic, protein-based, or pharmacologic approach, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical composition suitable for the method.