Abstract: Metal oxides and method for forming the method oxides are provided. The disclosed functional metal oxides are single crystalline or polycrystalline metal oxides, such as, for example, SrVO3, and have dimensions, phase purity, and crystalline quality previously unachievable. The disclosed methods include a combination of a gas atmosphere, vacuum sintering, and laser-based directional solidification of a seed rod in contact with a feed rod that is scalable for production quantities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pooling credit and business information are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes an input and a data processing facility structured to process credit information received at the input from one of a plurality of unrelated users. The apparatus also includes a data storage device structured to store the processed credit information received from the plurality of unrelated users and a search engine responsive to a request from a requestor for credit information to search the data storage device for responsive credit information. The apparatus further includes an output for outputting the responsive credit information to the requester. The apparatus may also include an accounting facility cooperating with the search engine to charge a search fee to the requester of the responsive credit information without disclosing lender identification information associated with the credit information.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for measuring at least one characteristic (12) related to presence of particles. The device (10) includes a light source unit (16) for emitting light into a region (18) containing particles (20), with the light source being configured to emit light from a plurality of locations in a manner so that the emitted light follows a desired intensity distribution (22), the desired intensity distribution (22) being desired for the measurement of the at least one characteristic (12). In preferred embodiments the intensity distribution is Lambertian.

Abstract: A single easy to use system enables both developers and users to manage their applications, licenses and billing transactions. A developer portal allows a developer to manage her applications, features, code protection, packages, billing, licenses and users. A customer portal module enables a user to manage his applications, subscriptions, orders, billing information and licenses. A license activation module provides a mechanism to enforce the license of an application and offers an easy way for a user to perform license activations and license procurements. The licensing system provides a single integrated, end-to-end solution for application licensing that is application framework agnostic. The solution enables a developer to create a single protected application that they can then distribute to their users. Users are then able to use the licensing system to easily activate a license for that application, or quickly acquire a new one in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: Software developers compete with larger software publishers using a system and method for certifying, protecting, licensing, packaging, distributing, promoting, monetizing, and supporting software applications. A certification module determines compliance with mandatory criteria. A protection module enables the developer to specify portions of the application subject to protection against malfeasance. A licensing module includes a selection of licenses from which the developer can choose. A packaging module is used by the developer to make flexible combinations of different licenses into a saleable unit. Using a distribution module, the developer can then distribute the software application, updates and patches to end users. A promotion module makes products available in online catalogues for end users. A monetization module allows end users to purchase the applications, issuing activation keys and enabling payment. A management module enables end users to manage purchases and licenses.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for measuring at least one characteristic (12) related to presence of particles. The device (10) includes a light source unit (16) for emitting light into a region (18) containing particles (20), with the light source being configured to emit light from a plurality of locations in a manner so that the emitted light follows a desired intensity distribution (22), the desired intensity distribution (22) being desired for the measurement of the at least one characteristic (12). In preferred embodiments the intensity distribution is Lambertian.

Abstract: A method and system for processing tax pertaining to a transaction between a seller and buyer. The transaction triggers a tax due to a tax imposing jurisdiction (TIJ). The transaction has been authorized to be financed for the tax due to the TIJ by a financing network. First transaction data fields are received as data that includes an indication of the tax due to the TIJ and is sufficient for determining the tax due to the TIJ. Second transaction data fields are generated as a copy of the first transaction data fields. A tax transaction identification is assigned to the transaction and appended to the second transaction data fields. An audit and verify process is performed on the second transaction data fields. Results of the audit and verify process are merged into the second transaction data fields. The second transaction data fields are transferred to a transaction data warehouse.

Abstract: A semi-circular LED array that is comprised of independent high intensity LED components and which in combination, will emit a focused single wavelength of highly accurate and precise frequency, in accordance with the Lambertian principle. The resultant combined light source can then be used in combination with an integrating nephelometer, for purposes of precise ambient air quality monitoring. The entire LED array and housing chamber can be easily interchanged to facilitate separate and different wavelength light sources, as required. The user can, when desired, easily remove the entire LED array, and replace with another LED array of different total wavelength capability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pooling credit and business information are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes an input and a data processing facility structured to process credit information received at the input from one of a plurality of unrelated users. The apparatus also includes a data storage device structured to store the processed credit information received from the plurality of unrelated users and a search engine responsive to a request from a requestor for credit information to search the data storage device for responsive credit information. The apparatus further includes an output for outputting the responsive credit information to the requester. The apparatus may also include an accounting facility cooperating with the search engine to charge a search fee to the requester of the responsive credit information without disclosing lender identification information associated with the credit information.

Abstract: A method for operating an upright wet extractor having a base and a handle. The base includes a floor cleaning tool and has a hand held cleaning tool permanently attached thereto. A motor fan unit is operated to generate a suction force and this suction force is selectively communicated to a suction inlet of one of the hand held cleaning tool and the floor cleaning tool. When the suction force is communicated to the hand held cleaning tool suction inlet, pressurized cleaning fluid is also supplied to that tool, and when the suction force is supplied to the suction inlet of the floor cleaning tool, a brush unit is rotated in the floor cleaning tool.

Abstract: An upright wet extractor includes a base assembly, a manipulative handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, and a motor driven agitator brush. A cleaning solution dispensing tank is removably attached to the handle assembly by a pivotable latch member. In a floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by gravity from the dispensing tank to a floor cleaning spray nozzle through a supply tube which is controlled by a pinch valve. In an attachment hose cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by a motor driven pump from the dispensing tank to an attachment hose spray nozzle which is controlled by a trigger valve. A suction motor/fan assembly is carried by the base assembly which is selectively in fluid communication with a floor suction nozzle in the floor cleaning mode and an attachment hose suction nozzle when in the attachment hose cleaning mode.

Abstract: An upright wet extractor includes a base assembly, a manipulative handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, and a motor driven agitator brush. A cleaning solution dispensing tank is removably attached to the handle assembly by a pivotable latch member. In a floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by gravity from the dispensing tank to a spray nozzle through a supply tube controlled by a pinch valve. In an attachment hose cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by a motor driven pump from the dispensing tank to an attachment hose spray nozzle controlled by a trigger valve. A suction motor/fan assembly is carried by the base assembly which is selectively in fluid communication with a floor nozzle in the floor mode and a hose nozzle in the attachment mode. Conversion between floor mode and attachment mode is carried out by manual operation of a knob of a multi-functional valve/switch assembly.

Abstract: An upright wet extractor includes a base assembly, a manipulative handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, and a motor driven agitator brush. A cleaning solution dispensing tank is removably attached to the handle assembly by a pivotable latch member. In a floor cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by gravity from the dispensing tank to a spray nozzle through a supply tube controlled by a pinch valve. In an attachment hose cleaning mode, cleaning solution is selectively supplied by a motor driven pump from the dispensing tank to an attachment hose spray nozzle controlled by a trigger valve. A suction motor/fan assembly is carried by the base assembly which is selectively in fluid communication with a floor nozzle in the floor mode and hose nozzle in the attachment mode. Conversion between floor mode and attachment mode is carried out by manual operation of a knob of a multi-functional valve/switch assembly.