Abstract: A voltage driving apparatus for a portable fluid pump comprising a power source arranged to provide a direct current, a DC gain unit electrically connected, in use, to receive a voltage from the power source and output an amplified voltage, and a DC to AC conversion unit arranged, in use, to receive the amplified voltage from the DC gain unit and output a periodic waveform to drive a piezoelectric actuator in the portable fluid pump. The output periodic waveform comprises a first discrete voltage level and a second discrete voltage level. Each period of the waveform comprises the first voltage level for a first length of time and a second voltage level for a second length of time.

Abstract: A voltage driving apparatus for a portable fluid pump comprising a power source arranged to provide a direct current, a DC gain unit electrically connected, in use, to receive a voltage from the power source and output an amplified voltage, and a DC to AC conversion unit arranged, in use, to receive the amplified voltage from the DC gain unit and output a periodic waveform to drive a piezoelectric actuator in the portable fluid pump. The output periodic waveform comprises a first discrete voltage level and a second discrete voltage level. Each period of the waveform comprises the first voltage level for a first length of time and a second voltage level for a second length of time.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein are directed to systems and methodologies that assist in the management and operations of a venue, such as a movie theater or arena. Such assistance is provided by integrating data/information from distinct systems and/or sources into a single system. Advantages of such a system include, but are not limited to, sensing the presence of patrons at designated locations within the venue (e.g., patrons, visitors and the like), determining unauthorized seating, allowing patrons to request service at the venue and provide an overall improved patron experience in the interest of improving revenue through repeat visits, and increasing patron spending during each visit to the venue.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein are directed to systems and methodologies that assist in the management and operations of a venue, such as a movie theater or arena. Such assistance is provided by integrating data/information from distinct systems and/or sources into a single system. Advantages of such a system include, but are not limited to, sensing the presence of patrons at designated locations within the venue (e.g., patrons, visitors and the like), determining unauthorized seating, allowing patrons to request service at the venue and provide an overall improved patron experience in the interest of improving revenue through repeat visits, and increasing patron spending during each visit to the venue.

Abstract: A body washing device, a method for holding a washcloth using the body washing device, and a method for washing a body are provided. The body washing device includes first and second hand-held devices configured to hold a washcloth therebetween for easily cleaning portions of the body that are difficult to reach using only the washcloth.

Abstract: An enhanced natural language information retrieval technique tokenizes an incoming query, comparing the tokenized representation against a collection of query templates. Query templates include a first portion having one or more query patterns representative of a query and in a form suitable for matching the tokenized representation of an incoming query. Query templates also include one or more information retrieval commands that are designed to return information relevant to those query patterns in its first portion. The enhanced natural language information retrieval technique selects those query templates that are determined to be most relevant to the incoming query (via its tokenized representation) and initiates one or more information retrieval commands associated with the selected query templates.

Abstract: A body washing device, a method for holding a washcloth using the body washing device, and a method for washing a body are provided. The body washing device includes first and second hand-held devices configured to hold a washcloth therebetween for easily cleaning portions of the body that are difficult to reach using only the washcloth.

Abstract: An enhanced natural language information retrieval technique tokenizes an incoming query, comparing the tokenized representation against a collection of query templates. Query templates include a first portion having one or more query patterns representative of a query and in a form suitable for matching the tokenized representation of an incoming query. Query templates also include one or more information retrieval commands that are designed to return information relevant to those query patterns in its first portion. The enhanced natural language information retrieval technique selects those query templates that are determined to be most relevant to the incoming query (via its tokenized representation) and initiates one or more information retrieval commands associated with the selected query templates.

Abstract: An enhanced natural language information retrieval technique tokenizes an incoming query, comparing the tokenized representation against a collection of query templates. Query templates include a first portion having one or more query patterns representative of a query and in a form suitable for matching the tokenized representation of an incoming query. Query templates also include one or more information retrieval commands that are designed to return information relevant to those query patterns in its first portion. The enhanced natural language information retrieval technique selects those query templates that are determined to be most relevant to the incoming query (via its tokenized representation) and initiates one or more information retrieval commands associated with the selected query templates.

Abstract: A resilient securing system for shoes. The securing system is comprised of an elastic shoelace threaded through the eyelets of a traditional, lace-up style shoe tensioned and secured by an adjustable tensioner converting a traditional lace-up style shoe into a slip-on style shoe. Optional end pieces may also be used to secure and prevent laces from flopping as well as add an attractive, finished look to the shoe.

Abstract: An enhanced natural language information retrieval technique tokenizes an incoming query, comparing the tokenized representation against a collection of query templates. Query templates include a first portion having one or more query patterns representative of a query and in a form suitable for matching the tokenized representation of an incoming query. Query templates also include one or more information retrieval commands that are designed to return information relevant to those query patterns in its first portion. The enhanced natural language information retrieval technique selects those query templates that are determined to be most relevant to the incoming query (via its tokenized representation) and initiates one or more information retrieval commands associated with the selected query templates.