Abstract: A flexible, dual ball joint assembly used for increasing the wear life of a mud motor. The ball joint assembly includes an drive shaft with a drive shaft hollow ball joint. An outer circumference of the hollow ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft ball bearings. An inner circumference, inside the hollow ball joint, includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft grooves. Also, the ball joint assembly includes an annular shaped torque coupler with a torque coupler ball joint. An outer circumference of the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart torque coupler ball bearings. The torque coupler ball bearings are received in the drive shaft grooves for providing lateral movement between the drive shaft and the torque coupler. An outer circumference of the torque coupler next to the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of torque coupler lobes equally spaced apart therearound.

Abstract: A system and method for providing incentives for products and services to consumers in real time. A retailer or service provider determines that they have unused capacity or unsold inventory and creates an incentive for consumers to optimize their use of resources. The retailer or service provider determines the level of the incentive, the time window during which it will be offered, and the quantity of consumers that can receive the incentive. The retailer or service provider updates a database with the incentive. A consumer uses an application from a portable electronic device or a web based application and chooses a set of filter parameters to locate an offer that will fill their needs. The database is queried based on the filter parameters and a set of incentives is generated which is sent to the consumer. The consumer chooses an incentive and is given a coupon or offer code to redeem for the incentive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite filters and methods for preparing same. More specifically, it is directed to filter laminates of multiple discrete layers of material bonded together, with at least one of the layers being an asymmetric membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies, such as carbon-based, inorganic cement, or ceramic bodies. Methods disclosed herein may comprise applying a bidirectional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step. Also disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies comprising a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein are shaped bodies made by a process comprising applying a bi-directional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step, and shaped bodies made by a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein is a bidirectional gas flow furnace for the heat treatment and/or the controlled oxidation of a shaped body.

Abstract: A game of skill uses an upright frame with transverse target bars and a plurality of projectiles adapted to be thrown by opposing players towards the target bars. The projectiles have weighted members connected by a flexible securing member. A score is registered when the securing member fo the projectile becomes entangled on one of the target bars.

Abstract: A user wearable display apparatus containing a light source that emits light and is positioned so as to illuminate a design on the surface of the display apparatus and attract viewers. The display apparatus also contains a power supply that provides power to the light source. In some embodiments, the invention may also include a promotional display member that displays advertising or sponsoring information. This promotional display member is configured to attach to display apparatus and surround the design on the front surface of the display apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite filters and methods for preparing same. More specifically, it is directed to filter laminates of multiple discreet layers of material bonded together, with at least one of the layers being an asymmetric membrane.

Abstract: A computer system for tracking the interest of visitors and vendors in a trade fair. The system has a plurality of sets of tokens, where each set of tokens has a unique ID which is associated with a visitor. A data entry device compatible with the sets of tokens is connected to a computer. A database is maintained by the computer and stores the associations between the unique IDs and the visitors. The database further stores a list of the vendors. For each vendor in the list, the database creates a second set of associations between the vendor and the unique IDs in response to the tokens being placed in communication with the data entry device. Each token placed in communication with the data entry is representative of the visitor associated with the token having an interest in the vendor which is being processed.

Abstract: A method of administering a silent auction using a computer-implemented auction system includes receiving a bid on an item up for auction from the user via a computer system. Encoded information embodied in a computer-readable recording medium is captured via the computer system, and the computer system recognizes the user based on the encoded information. The computer system processes the bid in response to successful recognition of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to composite filters and methods for preparing same. More specifically, it is directed to filter laminates of multiple discreet layers of material bonded together, with at least one of the layers being an asymmetric membrane.