Abstract: An inline chlorinator with a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end in communication with the swimming pool bringing water from the pool through the inlet end and back to the pool from the outlet end and an upper compartment having an electronics section is provided. It includes a power source coupling and an at least one sensor sensing changes in the power source coupling. A controller unit contained within the electronics section, the controller unit being electrically coupled to a power source and an at least one electrolytic plate. An at least one hours of operation counter is provided. A heat sink member is also provided and is in thermal communication with the controller, where the flow of the water in the swimming pool water purification system cools the heat sink member, controller unit, and the electronics in the electronics section.

Abstract: A user evaluation apparatus includes a parameter determination module which determines parameters of a user evaluation model required to calculate a degree of usage influence so as to maximize a target function. The target function may be defined using weight values, measurement data, and a failure information counting result. The apparatus also includes a user evaluation module which calculates and displays the degree of usage influence using the measurement data and the parameters of the user evaluation model.

Abstract: A computer system (10) for logistics, maintenance, and operations data visualization and method thereof are disclosed. The computer system is configured to receive maintenance and repair data from multiple sources on a platform, and uses maintenance codes and their respective narrative descriptions, part numbers, and other maintenance coding information as a basis for finding inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the received data. The system is also configured to correct these mismatches (refining of data) and perform multiple analysis functions of the refined data (most common occurrences, most frequently removed parts, repairs requiring most maintenance labor hours, highest-cost replacements, etc.). In addition, the system is also configured to calculate cost per operating hour/mile/day/etc., tracks removal of warranted components, and contains a predictive capability that becomes more accurate as additional data is acquired and continuously updated (data minding).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided for performing at least one service operation in association with at least one inspected item.

Abstract: A method of providing inventory control service to a point of sale, the method comprising: providing readers adapted to read a unique identifier (UID) of a purchased item and transmit the UID to a database together with a reader identification code (RIC) of a specific reader; implementing reading of UIDs by the readers as items are purchased; and allowing access to data transmitted from a designated set of readers to an authorized party.

Abstract: A service plan product providing a tangible representation of a service plan includes a support backer and a tag removably coupled with the backer. The tag includes service plan account identification means corresponding to a service plan account stored in a database and plan administrator contact indicia. The tag is configured to be removed from the backer and applied to a primary product for which the service plan is provided, and wherein only the service plan account identification means is required for the service plan administrator to access the database to identify details regarding the service plan account. Related systems and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A resource monitoring system that includes at least one resource monitoring device. The resource monitoring device is integrated in, connected to and/or interconnected to at least one resource consuming device. A remote monitoring location can optionally be provided to receive information from one or more resource monitoring device and to provide information concerning and/or related to at least one resource consuming device.

Abstract: The present invention compensates loss resulting from unexpected outcome of service or unanticipated product performance. A consumer is provided an option to purchase a warranty prior to or during product purchase or service engagement, the warranty offering pre-determined levels of award calculated from a probabilistic, multi-variable process. Each level of award is associated with a warranty purchase price and a degree of variation of actual outcome from expected outcome. For medical services, variables could include age and gender of the patient, skill level and history of the doctor, quality of the hospital, difficulty of the procedure, type of medical equipment used, prior condition of the patient, geographic location and patient profile. The warranty could require the physician to provide additional medical or surgical care, without charge, to optimize actual outcome prior to granting an award.

Abstract: In a system and method for initiating warranty coverage and providing warranty status for a manufactured item, an electronic device with a destructible extrusion is associated and supplied with the manufactured item, where detachment, unplugging, cutting, or tearing of the destructible extrusion is detected and initiates warranty coverage. The electronic device with the destructible extrusion is then attached in such a way as to require detachment, unplugging, cutting, or tearing of the destructible extrusion during an event that is appropriate to initiate warranty coverage. This may be the opening of the manufactured item's package, or it may be required before the manufactured item can be put to use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a proof of mailing service include receiving from a user a designation of a recipient to receive an item to be mailed, and receiving a free-form description of the item. Postage indicia is printed bearing an amount of postage for a mail piece containing the item. In response to the mail piece being processes by a postal authority, a transmission from the postal authority containing a scanned image of the mail piece is received. The recipient is then sent a notification that the item has been mailed, and the notification includes the free-form description of the item and access to the scanned image.

Abstract: Automated activation and provisioning technologies can be applied in a variety of scenarios. For example, an automated activation and provisioning server can translate user desired features into associated provisioning directives. The directives can then be sent to elements of a wireless communications network support system. Activation and provisioning for a rich set of features can thus be achieved without manual intervention or reaction to the user's choices. Receipt of the user's choices can be accomplished in real time via a user interface of a mobile wireless device or a web-based user interface.

Abstract: A warranty management system manages a plurality of variable duration warranties in which predefined but temporally unpredictable events trigger changes in warranty duration.

Abstract: Methods and means for device account based protection coverage are provided which allow for account holders to share a protection plan across a shared account, thereby covering a plurality of individual devices and discreet devices. Program users are able to manage their device protection in a manner more consistent with the way they use their device and services. Users are also able to purchase rate-tailored protection plans for all (or some) of the plurality of devices tied to the account, thereby facilitating cost-sharing of service fees with other members associated with the account. Account members can also share claims benefits across the protected group.

Abstract: In an example, a gaming device includes a license module, the license module arranged to determine, prior to allowing execution of program code of a game having an associated license, whether the license is a fixed term license or a continual term license, and, if the license is a fixed term license, check that the license is current before allowing the program code to execute. In an example, a method of controlling use of a game by a gaming device, the game having an associated license, includes determining prior to allowing the program code of the game to execute whether the license is a fixed term license or a continual term license, and, if the license is a fixed term license, checking whether the license is current before allowing the program code to execute.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the sale of a property includes providing a seller with a warranty on some or all of the seller's foreclosed and bank owned properties. The method then bills the seller for the warranty when the property is sold.