Abstract: Methods for modifying a B-tree are disclosed. According to an implementation, a computing device receives requests for updates to a B-tree, groups two or more of the requests into a batch that are destined for a particular node on the B-tree, but refrains from modifying the node until a buffer of a node above it is full (or will be full with this batch of requests). Once the buffer is full, the computing device provides the requests to that particular node. The techniques described herein may result in the computing device carrying out fewer of reads from and writes to storage than existing B-tree maintenance techniques, thereby saving time and bandwidth. Reducing the number of reads and writes also saves money, particularly when the storage is controlled by a third party SaaS provider that charges according to the number of transactions.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the use and application of a distributed vibration sensing system in, for example, a well application. The technique enables selection of a desired gauge length to achieve an optimum trade-off between the spatial resolution of a distributed vibration sensing/distributed acoustic sensing system and signal-to-noise ratio. The optimum gauge length can vary according to specific factors, e.g. depth within a well, and the present technique can be used to account for such factors in selecting an optimal gauge length which facilitates accurate collection of data on dynamic strain.

Abstract: Methods for modifying a B-tree are disclosed. According to an implementation, a computing device receives requests for updates to a B-tree, groups two or more of the requests into a batch that are destined for a particular node on the B-tree, but refrains from modifying the node until a buffer of a node above it is full (or will be full with this batch of requests). Once the buffer is full, the computing device provides the requests to that particular node. The techniques described herein may result in the computing device carrying out fewer of reads from and writes to storage than existing B-tree maintenance techniques, thereby saving time and bandwidth. Reducing the number of reads and writes also saves money, particularly when the storage is controlled by a third party SaaS provider that charges according to the number of transactions.

Abstract: A construction board comprising a foam layer, an pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that is at least partially cured, and a release liner.

Abstract: A heated fluid conduit has a body with a semi-conductive material disposed therein with an electrical power supply coupled to the conduit to provide a voltage across the conduit and a current therethrough, heating the fluid conduit. A fluid conduit heating system comprises a semiconductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit and an electrical power supply coupled to the ends of the sleeve to provide a voltage across the sleeve and a resulting current through the semiconductive sleeve, heating the sleeve and conduit Alternatively, one terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve or conduit, and another terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to the sleeve or conduit therebetween, to provide parallel heating circuits.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes a plurality of extruded composite building panels for mounting to a wall that can be repaired or refinished. The panels include a plurality of ribs for contacting the wall and a lip for overlapping one of the plurality of panels immediately below. The wall panel system includes joint clips and flashings that over lap seams between abutting panels.

Abstract: A heated fluid conduit has a body with a semi-conductive material disposed therein with an electrical power supply coupled to the conduit to provide a voltage across the conduit and a current therethrough, heating the fluid conduit. A fluid conduit heating system comprises a semiconductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit and an electrical power supply coupled to the ends of the sleeve to provide a voltage across the sleeve and a resulting current through the semiconductive sleeve, heating the sleeve and conduit Alternatively, one terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve or conduit, and another terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to the sleeve or conduit therebetween, to provide parallel heating circuits.

Abstract: A computer-implemented platform (1000) for conducting an electronic payment transaction between a user (104) and a merchant (102, 103) is provided. The platform (104) includes a computer system (100) configured for the generation of a data structure containing payment data; a mobile device (106, 800) associated with a user (104) configured to use the data structure generated by the computer system (100) to communicate an electronic message reflecting payment instructions; and a merchant or processing terminal (102, 103, 108) configured for communication with the mobile device (106) to receive the electronic message, and formulate a request to process the electronic payment transaction. Corresponding methods and computer-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A temperature controlled case includes: a housing that defines a display area configured to receive one or more products; an opening across a front of the housing that provides access to the display area; a cooling system configured to keep the display area at a predetermined temperature; and a door coupled to the housing. The door is movable between a full close position and a full open position, such that when the door is in the full close position, the door partially covers the opening to create a gap between the door and the opening.

Abstract: A dual evaluation mode method for use with computer software that includes the acts of determining, for certain functions and expressions within input computer code, whether each function and expression may have any recursive dependencies, generating eager evaluation mode executable code for one or more elements of the input computer code based on the act of determining and providing both eager evaluation mode executable code and non-eager evaluation mode executable code to runtime software that supports both eager and non-eager evaluation modes.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises a juice extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion that is inserted into a skin of a fruit, the juice extractor containing a cavity for collecting juice directly from the fruit, said bottom portion having an external surface with a plurality of openings through which pulp and seeds larger than each of said plurality of openings do not pass and juice flows and collects in said cavity; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion, and comprising a spray pump partially disposed within and extending from the top portion of the spray dispenser, the bottom portion of the spray dispenser detachably coupled with the top portion of the juice extractor, the spray pump comprising a tube having a lower end disposed within the cavity and terminating within a void enclosed by said external surface, for collecting juice directly from the fruit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and apparatus for securing equipment to a structure. Some aspects relate to an apparatus with clamp flanges and a clamping mechanism that engages a piece of equipment and secures the equipment from tipping or other movement relative to an attached structure such as a vehicle bed, storage container or display platform. Some aspects relate to an actuating clamp arm working in conjunction with a lateral retainer spring arm to effectuate a clamping action on the equipment to be secured.

Abstract: A temperature controlled case is provided that includes an enclosure defining an airspace for receiving products therein, a refrigeration system configured to circulate a refrigerant through an expansion device and at least one cooling element to cool the airspace and a control module having a first predetermined setpoint corresponding to a first cooling mode and a second predetermined setpoint corresponding to a second cooling mode. The control module is configured to determine which one of the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode the refrigeration system is to operate within and to apply the corresponding predetermined setpoint for reference in modulating a position of the expansion device.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises: inserting a device into a skin of a fruit to collect juice, said device comprising a juice extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the juice extractor having an edge that is inserted into said skin, the juice extractor containing a cavity, said edge enclosing a substantially closed external surface having openings through which some solids do not pass and juice flows and collects in said cavity; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion and a spray pump, the spray dispenser detachably coupled with the juice extractor, the spray pump comprising a spray outlet connected to a tube; directing said spray outlet in a desired direction; and activating said spray pump to cause juice collected within said cavity to flow within the tube through the spray outlet to spray the juice in the desired direction.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises a juice extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion that is inserted into a skin of a fruit, the juice extractor containing a cavity for collecting juice directly from the fruit, said bottom portion having an external surface with a plurality of openings through which pulp and seeds larger than each of said plurality of openings do not pass and juice flows and collects in said cavity; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion, and comprising a spray pump partially disposed within and extending from the top portion of the spray dispenser, the bottom portion of the spray dispenser detachably coupled with the top portion of the juice extractor, the spray pump comprising a tube having a lower end disposed within the cavity and terminating within a void enclosed by said external surface, for collecting juice directly from the fruit.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled case is provided including a rear wall spaced apart from an intermediate wall, forming a cavity therebetween. The intermediate wall includes a first set of openings disposed below a second set of openings. A deck may be disposed proximate to the first set and the shelves proximate to the second set of openings. Each shelf may include a shelf base and cover, the cover having openings through which air may be directed. An air distribution system having an air diverting device provides for improved air flow and cooling of products within the case. The air diverting device directs a first portion of an air flow toward the deck and permits a second portion to be directed toward the shelves. The air diverting device may direct the first portion of the air flow through the cavity and towards the deck, or away from the cavity and towards the deck.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises a device for spraying liquid, comprising: a liquid extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the liquid extractor adapted to be inserted into a liquid source, the liquid extractor comprising a portion defining a cavity for collecting liquid from the liquid source; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion, and comprising a spray pump partially disposed within and extending from the top portion of the spray dispenser, the bottom portion of the spray dispenser configured to be coupled with the top portion of the liquid extractor, the spray pump comprising a tube having a lower end disposed within the cavity for collecting liquid from the liquid source. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the bottom portion of the liquid extractor comprises a lower end having a concave surface defining a plurality of openings.

Abstract: A method of analyzing program execution status for use with a computer software debugger that includes identifying one or more non-deterministic execution steps in the program in one or more threads and recording a state of program properties at non-deterministic execution steps to enable determination of prior program execution status.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises: inserting a device into a skin of a fruit to collect juice, said device comprising a juice extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the juice extractor having an edge that is inserted into said skin, the juice extractor containing a cavity, said edge enclosing a substantially closed external surface having openings through which some solids do not pass and juice flows and collects in said cavity; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion and a spray pump, the spray dispenser detachably coupled with the juice extractor, the spray pump comprising a spray outlet connected to a tube; directing said spray outlet in a desired direction; and activating said spray pump to cause juice collected within said cavity to flow within the tube through the spray outlet to spray the juice in the desired direction.