Abstract: A set-top box with enhanced features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network. The guest configuration profile may further enable the control of in-room amenities, such as temperature control, lighting, shades, and availability, for example.

Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: An embodiment of a storage device for medical products includes a cabinet defining an enclosure having a plurality of compartments. In addition, the storage device includes a plurality of storage containers, each storage container configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of compartments. Further, the storage device includes an actuation assembly including a plurality of arms that are configured to engage the plurality of storage containers so as to secure the plurality of storage containers in the plurality of compartments. Still further, the storage device includes a release mechanism that is configured to simultaneously actuate each of the plurality of arms to release the plurality of storage containers from the plurality of compartments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and method for deploying a fiber optic network. Distribution devices are used to index fibers within the system to ensure that live fibers are provided at output locations throughout the system. In an example, fibers can be indexed in multiple directions within the system. In an example, fibers can be stored and deployed form storage spools.

Abstract: System and method provide wireless distributed lighting control systems implementing a secure peer-to-peer, self-organizing and self-healing mesh network of actuators and system inputs. The system and method can be designed specifically for indoor and outdoor lighting where actuators include in-fixture, on-fixture and circuit control modules with ON/OFF and full range dimming capabilities, and system inputs include occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight sensors and switches. A unique messaging protocol facilitates wireless and wired communication between actuators and system inputs, and provides web-based commissioning and monitoring of the lighting control system using a wireless access point accessible from a local network or Internet which can provide an intuitive and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Abstract: A locking system that controls access to a parcel storage box having a lockable door or lid with an electrically controllable locking mechanism. The locking system includes an optical scanner for scanning a barcode on a parcel that includes tracking information. A communication module transmits the tracking information to a separate computing system over a wireless network and then receives a response from the computing system indicating whether or not the transmitted barcode information is associated with an expected delivery. Electrical circuitry opens the locking mechanism if the tracking information is associated with an expected delivery.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing a virtual value-bearing card associated with only non-personally identifying information is disclosed. A remote internet enabled device, an input device, a network coupling, and a card dispenser communicate to convert physical or electronic currency, wherein the converted funds are immediately available to the user with a virtual value bearing card stored on an application hosted on an internet enabled device. The converted funds are simultaneously available on a physical card. The input device is configured to receive input to scan a code graphically provided by the internet enabled device. The code includes only non-personally identifiable information. The network coupling is configured to send the new account request to an acquirer processor and to receive an approval response from the acquirer processor.

Abstract: A parcel box includes a weather resistant housing, a temperature control system, a communication module, and electrical circuitry. The weather resistant housing includes a lockable door for providing access to a protected cavity configured for receiving a parcel for temporary secure storage of the parcel. The temperature control system selectively controls a temperature inside the protected cavity. The communication module receives delivery data including an estimated delivery time for the parcel. The electrical circuitry operates the temperature control system to adjust the temperature of the protected cavity to within a preferred temperature range prior to the estimated delivery time of the parcel and maintains the temperature for at least a specified period of time.

Abstract: A locking system that controls access to a parcel storage box having a lockable door or lid with an electrically controllable locking mechanism. The locking system includes an optical scanner for scanning a barcode on a parcel that includes tracking information. A communication module transmits the tracking information to a separate computing system over a wireless network and then receives a response from the computing system indicating whether or not the transmitted barcode information is associated with an expected delivery. Electrical circuitry opens the locking mechanism if the tracking information is associated with an expected delivery.

Abstract: A parcel box includes a weather resistant housing, a temperature control system, a communication module, and electrical circuitry. The weather resistant housing includes a lockable door for providing access to a protected cavity configured for receiving a parcel for temporary secure storage of the parcel. The temperature control system selectively controls a temperature inside the protected cavity. The communication module receives delivery data including an estimated delivery time for the parcel. The electrical circuitry operates the temperature control system to adjust the temperature of the protected cavity to within a preferred temperature range prior to the estimated delivery time of the parcel and maintains the temperature for at least a specified period of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting a consumer in negotiating with a plurality of sellers for the purchase of products and/or services are provided. A consumer provides search criteria for generating a list of potential sellers to participate in the negotiations. From this list, the consumer selects a plurality of sellers to receive invitations to participate in the negotiations. Invitations are then sent to each of the sellers selected by the consumer inviting each of the sellers to participate in the negotiations. Each of the sellers may opt-in or opt-out of the negotiations. Once all sellers have opted-in or opted-out, either directly or indirectly, the negotiations with the sellers that have opted-in begin. During a pre-determined time period, each of the participating sellers may update quotes for the purchase of the product. At the end of the time period, the consumer may select the winning seller and complete the transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting a consumer in negotiating with a plurality of sellers for the purchase of products and/or services are provided. A consumer provides search criteria for generating a list of potential sellers to participate in the negotiations. From this list, the consumer selects a plurality of sellers to receive invitations to participate in the negotiations. Invitations are then sent to each of the sellers selected by the consumer inviting each of the sellers to participate in the negotiations. Each of the sellers may opt-in or opt-out of the negotiations. Once all sellers have opted-in or opted-out, either directly or indirectly, the negotiations with the sellers that have opted-in begin. During a pre-determined time period, each of the participating sellers may update quotes for the purchase of the product. At the end of the time period, the consumer may select the winning seller and complete the transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for use of an enhanced aiming system which includes a marker displayed at a first position in an aiming scope, a user input of a start position and an ending position to measure a desired impact zone, a calculator for determining a range to the target based on the known dimension of the impact zone and the magnification value of the aiming scope, and a display in the aiming scope for showing an aiming point dot or bar to compensate for projectile drop at the calculated range, and optionally for windage and optionally for moving target hold-over.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining wheel assembly alignment comprises a contact assembly, a light source, and a light beam receiving assembly. The contact assembly engages the wheel assembly to define a plane of orientation of the wheel assembly and the light source projects a beam of light with respect to the contact assembly. The light beam receiving assembly receives the light beam and forms an image of the light beam indicating the orientation of the wheel assembly with respect to a predetermined position. The receiving assembly may include a Fresnel lens for directing the received light beam to a target and a camera device for imaging the light beam on the target, with the camera device adapted to provide toe and camber information of the wheel assembly based on the location at which the light beam impinges upon the target. The contact assembly may be pressed against the wheel assembly without being secured thereto.

Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.

Abstract: A system and method for use of an enhanced aiming system which includes a marker displayed at a first position in an aiming scope, a user input of a start position and an ending position to measure a desired impact zone, a calculator for determining a range to the target based on the known dimension of the impact zone and the magnification value of the aiming scope, and a display in the aiming scope for showing an aiming point dot or bar to compensate for projectile drop at the calculated range, and optionally for windage and optionally for moving target hold-over.

Abstract: A gunsight reticle defines a system of dimensioned indicia spaced at specific separations to improve aiming accuracy of a gun. The indicia may include perpendicularly intersecting center vertical and center horizontal hairlines, and four (or more or less) horizontal range-marker lines disposed at specific angular separations below the horizontal hairline in bisected relationship with the center vertical hairline. Spacing of the range marker lines below the center horizontal hairline is proportional to bullet drop at selected ranges, depending upon ballistic characteristics of bullet used. Relative lengths of said range-marker bars on each side of the central vertical crosshair are proportional to a specific crosswind (say 10 mph) at target range reflected by respective range marker. The method involves employing this reticle to determine distance to target, and using distance thus determined to ascertain a precise aiming point on the reticle.