Abstract: Disclosed embodiments may provide a framework to implement post-purchase tender switches. For example, following a transaction made with a particular payment instrument, a customer may be offered the ability to apply for a preferred payment instrument and/or to switch his or her tender type to the preferred payment instrument for the previous transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments include an ingestible capsule comprising a housing including a therapeutic payload carrying compartment; a power supply; a release mechanism; and a sensing mechanism, the sensing mechanism being sensitive to an environment external to the housing; the ingestible capsule being configured for passage through a GI tract of a subject mammal, during which passage: the sensing mechanism is configured to output a signal varying according to a GI tract environment, wherein the sensing mechanism comprises one or more sensors from among: a VOC gas sensor; a TCD gas sensor; a reflectometer formed by a transmission antenna of the ingestible capsule connected in series with a directional coupler configured to measure a reflected signal from the transmission antenna; and an accelerometer; the release mechanism is configured to cause a therapeutic payload to be released into the GI tract from the therapeutic payload carrying compartment at a release timing determined according to the output signal.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement for the infinitely variable transmission (IVT) that utilizes oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load. The invention provides the torque amplitude control system that is a compact device that adjusts the torque amplitude by controlling the phase angle between the forward and aft drive units for the IVT. The IVT is transmission which transfers the engine torque and power to the driveshaft, differential and wheels of an automobile. The torque is generated from centrifugal forces of masses in the forward and aft drive unites of the input assembly.

Abstract: A kinetic energy storage device, a pumpjack inertia capacitor (PIC), for use with an oil well pumpjack, the PIC includes a primary shaft assembly to transfer power and torque between a prime mover of the oil well pumpjack, a flywheel assembly having one or more flywheels, and an output assembly, the one or more flywheels absorb and then transfer torque to an oil well pumping unit to enable the oil well pumping unit to operate at a near constant speed; and the one or more flywheels enable the prime mover to operate at a near constant speed and a near constant power.

Abstract: A dock and boat protection system includes a flexible sheet, fasteners, and a plurality of colinearly aligned marine fenders. The sheet has an envelope portion sized to at-least-partially surround fenders when conformed there-around, and an edge portion extending from the envelope portion and configured to engage a dock, wherein the edge portion is secured to the dock by the fasteners.

Abstract: A kinetic energy storage device, a pumpjack inertia capacitor (PIC), for use with an oil well pumpjack, the PIC includes a primary shaft assembly to transfer power and torque between a prime mover of the oil well pumpjack, a flywheel assembly having one or more flywheels, and an output assembly, the one or more flywheels absorb and then transfer torque to an oil well pumping unit to enable the oil well pumping unit to operate at a near constant speed; and the one or more flywheels enable the prime mover to operate at a near constant speed and a near constant power.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for direct coupling of a capacitive sensor to a delta-sigma converter are described. One apparatus includes a sensor, a charge coupling circuit configured to transfer at least a portion of charge generated by the sensor to an integrating circuit, a first charge feedback circuit configured to feed back charge to the sensor, a second charge feedback circuit configured to feed back charge to the integrating circuit, a comparing circuit configured to detect accumulated charge at the integrating circuit for a current cycle to determine a polarity of charge feedback for a subsequent cycle, and a logic circuit configured to provide a digital output corresponding to the sensed quantity and also configured to provide the polarity of charge feedback determined by the comparing circuit to the first charge feedback circuit and also to the second charge feedback circuit.

Abstract: A dock and boat protection system includes a flexible sheet, fasteners, and a plurality of colinearly aligned marine fenders. The sheet has an envelope portion sized to at-least-partially surround fenders when conformed there-around, and an edge portion extending from the envelope portion and configured to engage a dock, wherein the edge portion is secured to the dock by the fasteners.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for direct coupling of a capacitive sensor to a delta-sigma converter are described. One apparatus includes a sensor, a charge coupling circuit configured to transfer at least a portion of charge generated by the sensor to an integrating circuit, a first charge feedback circuit configured to feed back charge to the sensor, a second charge feedback circuit configured to feed back charge to the integrating circuit, a comparing circuit configured to detect accumulated charge at the integrating circuit for a current cycle to determine a polarity of charge feedback for a subsequent cycle, and a logic circuit configured to provide a digital output corresponding to the sensed quantity and also configured to provide the polarity of charge feedback determined by the comparing circuit to the first charge feedback circuit and also to the second charge feedback circuit.

Abstract: ‘Pinnacle’ is a new and distinct variety of blueberry plant that has the following unique combination of desirable features outstanding in a new variety. 1. Early season ripening when prices remain high. 2. Consistently good yields of large size fruit. 3. High percentages of fruit in very large diameter categories which are tailored for premium market outlets. 4. Very good fruit color and quality and excellent fruit firmness. 5. Fruit with very good post-harvest shelf-life.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is provided with a frame adapted to be removably attached to a cooler. The wheel assembly includes a frame adapted to be removably attached to a cooler; a first wheel attached to a first end of the frame and a second wheel attached to a second end of the frame; and at least one protrusion extending from the frame, wherein the protrusion is adapted to be received by a void formed in a cooler such that the wheel assembly is moveable between a first position wherein the frame is attached to the cooler and a second position wherein the frame is unattached to the cooler.

Abstract: A transmission utilizing oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load was previously patented by this inventor (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,062,096, 6,044,718, and 7,481,127). The transmission has a rotatable input member and a rotatable mass. The transmission also has a member with an eccentric offset, with the rotatable mass rotatably coupled to the offset and being eccentric with respect to the offset. The present invention provides several improvements to the previous patents including belt or chain for the rotating masses to improve load carrying capacity and improvements to the control system using inertia control. FIG. 1 shows the fully assembled transmission.

Abstract: A transmission utilizing a translating gear and links to provide a high speed ratio in a small, efficient package. A gear set has an input and an output, with a speed ratio between the input and the output. The gear set has one gear that rotates and that provides a circular path for another gear. The rotational gear is attached to the input or the output. The other gear is engaged with the rotational gear and translations on a circular path. The second gear is connected with linkages to the other of the input or the output which resembles a crankshaft.

Abstract: A transmission utilizing a translating gear and links to provide a high speed ratio in a small, efficient package. A gear set has an input and an output, with a speed ratio between the input and the output. The gear set has one gear that rotates and that provides a circular path for another gear. The rotational gear is attached to the input or the output. The other gear is engaged with the rotational gear and translations on a circular path. The second gear is connected with linkages to the other of the input or the output which resembles a crankshaft FIG. 1 shows the fully assembled transmission.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is improved with blower for agitating particulate matter by means of directed air pressure. The air agitation system replaces or augments the beater bar arrangement in traditional household vacuum cleaners. The blower is combined with a vacuum cleaner to increase cleaning effectiveness. The blower pushes dirt and debris into the vacuum cleaner air duct, while the vacuum produced by the vacuum cleaner pulls dirt and debris into the vacuum cleaner air duct. The combination of pushing and pulling increases the magnitude of the forces acting on the dirt and debris and enables heavier debris like sand to be easily abstracted from the floor.

Abstract: A drilling rig control system adapted for easy interface between a compressed air supply and a drilling rig clutch and brake. Both manual and automatic controls are provided to initiate the device to interrupt and vent the compressed air supply to the clutch and concurrently communicate compressed air to the brake to cause it to engage the drum winding the cable for the rig. Over-pull sensors monitor cable tension and initiate valves in the control system to initiate the compressed air interruption and rerouting upon any sense of over-pull.

Abstract: A portable electric grill including an exhaust fan for indoor grilling is disclosed. The present grill is constructed to permit its supporting frame to be folded from an open position wherein the horizontally disposed grilling plates are supported by folding leg members to a closed position wherein the grilling plates are folded vertically along with the leg members for convenient portability and storage. The present grill provides heating elements associated with each grilling plate, which permits the grilling plates to be selectively energized. An air filter is disposed within the air intake of the exhaust fan utilizing filter media capable of capturing particulate matter of a size range found in cooking fumes generated by the grill. In an alternative embodiment the present grill is designed to permit operation in an either an unfolded or a folded position and also includes a detachable exhaust fan module for the user's convenience.

Abstract: A packet switching integrated circuit chip is configured to receive packets, e.g., RapidIO™-compliant packets, from a plurality of external sources, and selectively passes data in the received packets to a plurality of external recipients. The chip is configured to pass first received packets without modification and to terminate second received packets and preprocess payloads thereof to produce new packets. The chip may be configured to perform signal sample processing operations on the second received packets, such as bit extension, bit truncation, bit reordering and/or bit arithmetic operations. The chip may be further configured to manage the first and second received packets based on destination addresses in the received packets.

Abstract: A transmission utilizing oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load was previously patented by this inventor (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,062,096, 6,044,718, and 7,481,127). The transmission has a rotatable input member and a rotatable mass. The transmission also has a member with an eccentric offset, with the rotatable mass rotatably coupled to the offset and being eccentric with respect to the offset. The present invention provides several improvements to the previous patents, including belt or chain for the rotating masses to improve load-carrying capacity and improvements to the control system using inertia control. FIG. 1 shows the fully assembled transmission.

Abstract: ‘Pinnacle’ is a new and distinct variety of blueberry plant that has the following unique combination of desirable features outstanding in a new variety. ‘Pinnacle’ provides season ripening when prices remain high and consistently good yields of large size fruit. In addition, ‘Pinnacle’ provides high percentages of fruit in very large diameter categories, which are tailored for premium market outlets, very good fruit color and quality, excellent fruit firmness and fruit with very good post-harvest shelf-life.