Abstract: A method and system for executing a transaction is described. A payment obligation for a transaction is issued including a transaction value and details of goods and/or services to be provided by a seller following the transaction. An acceptance of the payment obligation is received from the buyer. A determination may be made regarding whether there is sufficient insured credit issued by an insurer for the buyer to cover the transaction value. A funder may be instructed to pay seller funds covering the transaction value following the buyer's acceptance of the payment obligation. A payment to reimburse the funder such that the transaction is executed may be received from the buyer.

Abstract: A back pain treatment system includes a patient support, a radiation source, a radiation delivery mechanism, and a treatment planning computer adapted to control the radiation delivery mechanism. The treatment planning computer is programmed to deliver radiation from the radiation source to a treatment volume including a blood vessel.

Abstract: Method for assessing damages of keratin fibers using color measurements and area measurements. Said methods are useful for assessing the degree of damages of keratin fibers and also to compare the damages of fibers of different origin, different portions of fibers and/or fibers treated with different cosmetic, chemical and/or mechanical treatments. Said methods are also useful for supporting advertising claims about the efficacy of a treatment.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods enable an individual to simulate real estate/financial transactions over time, provide accounting and cash flow management for management of real estate investments, and track property values for rental properties taking into account tenant creditworthiness (tenant credit score) and the like. The computer system calculates a tenant reliability score (TRS) that can be used when an individual real estate investor is contemplating whether to enter into a lease with a tenant. A lower TRS would alert the landlord that the tenant may not be a good risk which would decrease the expected future value of rental property. A simulator preferably incorporates the TRS into cash flow projections such that the investor could compare different potential tenants and. Financial tracking modules enable the real estate investor to track the equity value of his or her real estate investments, cash flow, and to provide data useful for buy/sell decisions.

Abstract: A vertical elongated kiosk with a floor-engaging portion is equipped with a handle and optional wheels adjacent a rear surface to facilitate is mobility. A deck region has a dispenser which may include a spout from which hand/surface sanitizer is dispensed in response to a motion sensor. Electrical power is provided alternatively by a storage battery which may be recharged by a solar panel or an ac outlet plug. A wireless receiver/transmitter communicates with a remote base computer to control and monitor the operation of the kiosk. Informational displays, both video and placard, can be accommodated and a business card dispenser provided.

Abstract: Cart securing structures are provided for securing shopping carts. In one embodiment, the structures include a body having a pair of spaced stops with an intermediate trough. In use, the wheels of the cart are rolled along an upwardly extending face of one of the stops, over the stop and into the trough between the stops. In one embodiment, advertising is located on the surfaces of one or more of the stops. In one embodiment, an electronic display is located on one of the faces of the structure and a control system is provided for presenting advertising and other information using the display.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing lyric information for a song within an audio signal. This may be done, for example, to allow a user to sing along with a song the user hears on a radio. To provide the lyric information, an interactive service may be accessed. A sample of an audio signal that includes at least a portion of the song may be captured. The sample of the audio signal may provided to the interactive service. Lyric information may then be received for the song at a user device. The user device may also display the lyric information in synchrony with the rendering of the song within the audio signal to, for example, allow the user to sing along with the song.

Abstract: A system and method for lowering carbon emissions in the workplace by assigning green job scores for job seekers and entities based on job classifications, job requirements, job responsibilities, job time evaluation, efficiency units, renewable units etc., in the performance of their tasks to sustain and renew energy in the work place. Employers seeking to fill job vacancies are assigned a green job score by the system for each job based on job category and seek and hire applicants with resume attributes that match the green score requirements. The system and method uses renewable units, keyword method, and a green job grading module, to scan, search, and evaluate a job applicant's resume to generate a green job score based on the applicants job history. In this embodiment, the job seeker can use the job seeker's dashboard to view green ratings for jobs listed by employers and aggregated percentages by job classification, companies, departments, city, state, country, and zip code.

Abstract: Selecting an installation rack for a device in a data center including obtaining physical size and power of the device; judging, according to the physical size and power of the device, whether rack space, rack total power, and rack unit power density of a rack in the data center satisfy predetermined requirement after the device is added into the rack; and selecting a rack that satisfies the predetermined requirement as an installation rack.

Abstract: A process or method for providing complete and/or lifetime economic, emotional, and physical protection or support to people who suffer or become victims of retaliation (persecution) because they have reported corruption, abuse, incompetence, fraud, mismanagement or any other unlawful or pervasive activities in governments and businesses across the globe (world). This process or method will use all aspects of laws & regulations, telecommunications & technologies, the internet & computer programs, finance & accounting, satellites & databases, and human assets & social engineering.

Abstract: A method for defining requirements for features to be used in an automobile design. The requirements are developed and documented using a template-based method and software tool which helps authors write logically correct requirements. The requirements development method includes scanning a requirement for data variables, and ensuring that such variables are used in a consistent way from one requirement to another. The method also ensures that all resultant requirements will have the same format, which improves readability and proper interpretation by others. The result is that requirements developed using this method and software tool are assured of being clear, concise and accurate.

Abstract: A computer readable medium includes executable instructions to form a report; process trust values, where each trust value characterizes the accuracy of an attribute of the report; combine trust values to provide an aggregate trust value associated with the report; and supply a user with the report and the aggregate trust value.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and framework for augmenting any retail transaction system with information about the involved customers. This invention provides a method to combine the transaction data records and a customer or a group of customers with the automatically extracted demographic features (e.g., gender, age, and ethnicity), shopping group information, and behavioral information using computer vision algorithms. First, the system detects faces from face view, tracks them individually, and estimates poses of each of the tracked faces to normalize. These facial images are processed by the demographics classification module to determine and record the demographics feature vector. The system detects and tracks customers to analyze the dynamic behavior of the tracked customers so that their shopping group membership and checkout behavior can be recognized. Then the instances of faces and the instances of bodies can be matched and combined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an index for measurement and comparison of recycling, reuse, and disposal of waste within and among organizations. Some embodiments feature computer display of information regarding recycling, reuse, and disposal. Other embodiments include computer storage media including instructions that, when implemented, allow one to display information regarding recycling, reuse, and disposal.

Abstract: This invention concerns in general treatment of diseases and pathological conditions with anti-VEGF antibodies. More specifically, the invention concerns the treatment of human patients susceptible to or diagnosed with cancer using an anti-VEGF antibody, preferably in combination with one or more additional anti-tumor therapeutic agents for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: The practice of overbooking, where a service provider promises to service more customers than she will be able to in expectation that some customers will cancel their request, has been widely implemented in industries such as hotels and airlines. Overbooking has not widely been used for event tickets. This is likely due to the availability of the secondary market, which allows people with tickets who know beforehand that they cannot attend the event to sell their ticket to someone else. Additionally, the danger of having more people arrive with tickets than there are seats in a venue is large because fans are often emotional. The present invention overcomes these limitations by using previous attendance records to accurately predict future attendance. This allows an event organizer to overbook with confidence that it will be very unlikely too many people will show up with tickets compared to the number of seats available.

Abstract: The invention provides various antibodies that bind to lymphotoxin-?, methods for making such antibodies, compositions and articles incorporating such antibodies, and their uses in treating, for example, an autoimmune disorder. The antibodies include murine, chimeric, and humanized antibodies.

Abstract: Methods and systems of establishing a program to maximize weight loss include determining an energy deficiency and an exercise regimen for a particular female individual based on an increased concentration or level of at least one ovarian hormone, such as an oestrogen or progesterone. The increased concentration of the at least one ovarian hormone may be determined by calculating a phase of a menstrual cycle of the female subject. The daily energy deficiency may be calculated and an exercise regimen determined based on the phase of the menstrual cycle. By decreasing the daily energy deficiency and increasing the exercise regimen while the concentration of at least one ovarian hormone is increased, weight loss (i.e., fat loss) may be maximized.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: Methods of cleaving double-stranded DNA that can be recognized and cleaved by a rationally-designed, I-CreI-derived meganuclease are provided. Also provided are recombinant nucleic acids, cells, and organisms containing such recombinant nucleic acids, as well as cells and organisms produced using such meganucleases. Also provided are methods of conducting a custom-designed, I-CreI-derived meganuclease business.

Abstract: A method for conducting a group-based activity includes providing a master visual art work suitable for reproduction. A copy of the master visual art work is made and divided into a plurality of divided pieces. Each of the divided pieces is paired with a corresponding blank piece having substantially the same shape as the corresponding divided piece. Each of the pairs is distributed to at least one participant of the group-based activity, and the participants are instructed to reproduce the divided piece on the blank piece using supplies distributed with each of the pairs. The reproduced pieces are collected and assembled to form a reproduction of the master visual art work.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for outsourcing healthcare patient billing, thereby significantly reducing the billing and collections burden for healthcare providers, and simplifying the payment process for patients. Patients subscribe to a healthcare funding club, and establish one or more funding sources, such as an unsecured loan, a credit card, a pre-funded escrow account, a tax preferred funding account, and/or direct checking account withdrawal. Healthcare providers are paid at least a patient-responsible portion by the club, and the club obtains reimbursement from the funding source(s). The insurance portion of an insurance-covered service can be obtained by the healthcare provider, the healthcare club, or the patient. Branding can be included that is uniform across healthcare providers, and/or specific to each healthcare provider. A healthcare club card can be provided to the patient and used to pay for healthcare services, and consolidated, periodic healthcare expense statements can be provided to patients.

Abstract: A method for regulating exchanges between a buyer and a seller comprises the steps of: identifying a problem to be solved; submitting the problem to a broker; preparing a deal concerning the problem to be submitted to potential sellers of at least one solution to the problem; launching the deal to the potential sellers; submitting at least one solution within a particular time period by the potential sellers; filing intellectual property protection to each solution; submitting each solution from each potential seller to a selection panel; analyzing each solution and rating each solution; and communicating each rated solution to a buyer for selection.

Abstract: A method for building consumer loyalty and aiding specific identification of consumer products is disclosed. A first consumer product having a first product label thereon and marketed under a brand includes a removable first identifier to be used during subsequent shopping for readily and uniquely re-identifying the particular product for which it is intended. The first identifier includes shrunk versions of selected indicia from the product label in a not-to-scale manner, selected indicia being shrunk to different degrees such that critical identifying indicia on the first identifier is easily readable and comparable to the first product label. The product container can include a second identifier for a second consumer product distinct from the first consumer product. If the first product label is revised to a second product label, the second product label can include an image of the first identifier for comparison by the consumer.

Abstract: Methods of developing equations for objectively assigning or predicting an apparent age are disclosed. Advantageously, the equations of objective apparent age may be based on a relatively small number of critical parameters combined in a way that accounts for all or most of the apparent skin aging in a defined population or sub-population. Despite the relatively small data collection requirements, the present invention includes an objective model of apparent age that is useful for evaluation of products, useful for predicting treatment outcomes and useful for predicting the effects of deteriorative factors. The formalization of an Objective Apparent Age Score allows one to identify the biophysical and biochemical parameters that mostly influence an individual's apparent age, and can be used to select specific anti-aging treatments with increased chances of visible success. The Objective Apparent Age Score may also be used to support marketing claims.

Abstract: The method of auctioning license plates provides for the public auctioning of state-issued, motor vehicle license plates. The method includes the step of first establishing a market value data set for a plurality of license plates. Next, the market value data set is stored in a market value database, which is recorded in computer readable memory associated with an auction server. An online auction is then established for at least one license plate to be sold. Once up for auction, bidders bid on the at least one license plate. Once bidding has closed, the at least one license plate is sold to the highest bidder, and funds are transferred from buyer to seller. Following the sale, transfer of ownership of the at least one license plate is recorded in a motor vehicle administration database, and both sales and property taxes associated with the sale of the license plate are assessed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the manufacturing, inventorying, and supplying of medical components. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes fabricating individual subcomponents of a modular medical device system as finished goods. The finished subcomponents may then be sterilized, stocked, and inventoried and, upon request from a consumer, the individual subcomponents may be supplied to the consumer. For example, the consumer may be a hospital, a surgeon, or a sales representative. Once the individual subcomponents are received by the consumer, the individual subcomponents may then be assembled by the consumer to form a final, implantable medical device.

Abstract: A system for virtually staging property to market real estate including a computing device communicably linked to a computer network, a database accessible by the computing device containing a plurality of images of household items, and software executing on the computing device for receiving a digital photograph of a room of the property from a user via the computer network, retrieving at least one of the plurality of images from the database, digitally editing the retrieved image into the received digital photograph, and transmitting the edited digital photograph to the user via the computer network.

Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for the creation of enhanced bonds. Enhanced bonds are backed by the security of a credit default swap contract without the need for separate purchase thereof. A bond dealer is able to exchange a traditional bond instrument, which has been issued in a manner that permits the exchange, for enhanced bonds by selling the credit default swap contract to an eBond LLC and tendering the exchangeable bonds for eBonds through the bond indenture trustee. The enhanced bond facilitator calculates the exchange rates for these instruments at the time of exchange based on several variables, including the cost of the underlying credit default swap contract for a desired level of protection.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising R-1234ze(E), R-32 and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a).

Abstract: A mobile, multi-room display environment. The display environment has a first room, the first room having a first set of sensory cues, and a second room, the second room having a second set of sensory cues substantially different from the first set of sensory cues. The first and second rooms are designed for temporary use and can be easily disassembled for transport from one location to another.

Abstract: A system and process is disclosed for providing a financial product having a return correlated to a benchmark with a reduced tracking error over time.

Abstract: A non-counterfeit replica of a real U.S. paper bill and a method of promoting a business with a non-counterfeit replica of a real U.S. paper bill having an obverse side and a reverse side which is oppositely positioned one from the other. A dollar denomination is disposed on the obverse and reverse sides of the non-counterfeit replica of a real U.S. paper bill which is an unavailable amount between $1 and $100,000,000 and contact related information of a provider of the non-counterfeit replica of a real U.S. paper bill is disposed on at least one of the sides of the non-counterfeit replica of a real U.S. paper bill.

Abstract: A method of obtaining information in a specific area from at least two persons having a defined level of knowledge in that specific area. A host, upon receiving a question for information, operates a web site platform for the exchange of information using the web site to send the question to each of the at least two persons for a response together with a suggested fee for a response to the question. Where the fee is not precisely fixed and at least one response to the question is received via the web site, a value is determined by subscribers to the website.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method provides a user with access to a plurality of power providers, allows the user to purchase power from at least one power provider out of the plurality of power providers, and allows the user to charge a battery or operate equipment using the purchased power.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a financial instrument for the energy market is created. The financial instrument comprises a derivative instrument related to accounts receivable or accounts payable or both. In a preferred embodiment, the derivative instrument normally consists of two sets of linked swaps. In the first set, the seller exchanges two things with a third party: (i) the right for payment of accounts receivable within a month from the buyer is exchanged for the right to payment of such accounts receivable within a week from the third party; and (ii) the obligation to deliver energy to the buyer is exchanged for the obligation to deliver to the third party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for paying for an existing report are provided. In the method, an existing report for which a first structure of entities is identified is received. Thereafter, a set of other reports for which respective second structures of entities are identified is received. A weighting for other reports in the set of other reports is assigned, based on the respective structures. A payment for the existing report is extracted based on the weighting, a selected scoring rule, and the set of other reports.

Abstract: A luggage tag for identifying luggage and providing promotional material includes a substrate comprising an elongated portion for forming a loop with which to attach the tag to a piece of luggage; a first scratch surface portion on the substrate which is removable to reveal a first printed indicator; and a second scratch surface portion on the substrate which is removable to reveal a second printed indicator, wherein, if the first and second printed indicators match, the tag is a prize winner. The substrate has a detachable portion, the second scratch surface being disposed on the detachable portion of the substrate. The elongate portion for forming the loop and the first scratch surface are disposed on a main portion of the substrate which remains as the luggage tag after the detachable portion is detached.

Abstract: A heat transfer composition comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), difluoromethane (R-32) and 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a).

Abstract: A medical collaboration method and a system supporting that method. The collaboration is between a diagnosing physician, a radiation physician and a third party provider. In some embodiments the method and system provide peer review, concurrence and coordinated planning and implementation of radiation treatment/therapy. The methodology of the collaboration can include mandatory steps, and sign-off approvals prior to proceeding, and policies and procedures to ensure cooperation. The system may include the creation, transmission of, and sharing of computer-based, digital files, and online collaboration tools.

Abstract: A removable sleeve cover may comprise a frusto-conical body, an insulation liner, and a window pocket frame. The frusto-conical body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The interior surface is configured for receiving a liquid container. The insulated liner may be coupled to the inner surface of the body. The window pocket frame may be attached to the outer surface of the removable sleeve cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a novel approach to customer queuing, customer relationship tracking, and/or directed advertising. Customers may be notified by text message or by cell phone call when they reach the head of the line, and they may respond to the automated notification. The venue collects key contact information from its patrons that can be used to connect with them at a later time. The present disclosure eliminates reliance on expensive pager systems, allows customers to roam more freely, and gives hosts and hostesses more freedom in acquiring and disposing of customers. The system is also configurable to the venue's attributes some examples of which include smoking/non-smoking, inside/outside, number of tables, and wait time algorithms for customer wait time prediction.

Abstract: A method of reducing greenhouse gases while simultaneously generating carbon credits includes mitigating greenhouse gases at unregulated landfill sites or mitigating greenhouse gases at regulated landfill sites in excess of the required mitigation activities, obtaining carbon credits in an amount created by the mitigation efforts and selling or using the carbon credits in an open market to, for example, offset the costs of the mitigation efforts or to fund or support other greenhouse gas emission activities.

Abstract: A method of operating a venture capital investment business, comprising establishing a business entity; the business entity establishing an investment fund; establishing a fund managing entity of the investment fund, the fund managing entity attending to administrative matters relating to the investment fund and making investment decisions for the fund; the investment fund having investors that provide capital contributions to the fund, the fund managing entity also providing capital contributions to the fund, the fund utilizing the contributions to invest in portfolio entities; the investors receiving a general participation interest in the fund, and the fund managing entity receiving a carried interest in the fund; providing the investors that have provided at least a threshold capital contribution to the fund with stock rights in the business entity to enable such investors to become shareholders in the business entity; the business entity securing a portion of IPO shares that become available in the portf

Abstract: Systems, methods and processes teach by specific examples how the cost of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) can be totally offset and turned into profits during coal powered electricity generation from revenue and co-benefits. The process is provided whereby fly ash-carbon mixtures, or de-volatilized coal char, or anthracite coal culm is co-fired in an air-cooled, slagging combustor with limestone or similar slag fluxing materials converts the ash into cementitious slag with properties similar to ground granulated blast furnace slag.

Abstract: The disclosure provides coffee products and methods for selling, promoting, and advertising coffee products as well as generating revenue from same.

Abstract: A system and method for providing media and/or advertising content determines content and/or parameters responsive to physical and/or physiological information about a viewer detected by a micro-impulse radar (MIR).

Abstract: A system and method for capturing, processing, and presenting information includes having customers provide initial information and additional information for use in creating a product for presenting all or a portion of the provided information. A feature of the system and method includes mining the customer-provided information to include other relevant information, not directly supplied by the customer, in the product. A further feature of the system and method includes using the customer-provided information to generate targeted advertising in the form of targeted coupons or other offers for the customer. A further feature of the system and method includes inviting the customers to create an online registry to provide information for use in creating the product.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for providing promotions at vending machines, such as by providing vending machine subscriptions to a category of products, are disclosed.