Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing and activating gift cards and advertising so as to provide a gift card mall in the home of a gift giver are described. The system can include a unitary single-sheet form, a package envelope, an activation system, a delivery system, and a redemption system. The system can also include a publication. A plurality of the forms can be inserted into the package envelope for delivery to the gift giver. The gift giver can select one or more of the gift cards for activation and delivery to a gift recipient. The gift recipient can then redeem the activated gift received from the gift giver for a redemption item sold or provided by a retailer, service provider, or manufacturer. The redemption item can be a good, service, or money. The redemption item can be purchased at an online shopping mall, by telephone, or in a retail store.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for providing a widget are described. The widget is portable, embeddable and for dynamically displaying multimedia content. The method and system include receiving a request corresponding to the widget and performing an authentication corresponding to the request. The method and system also include fulfilling the request if the authentication is successful.

Abstract: A MLM recruitment method is provided with helping an originator to enlist participants as first-tier distributors; and requiring each first-tier distributor to buy an item of goods, finish one of the sub-steps of recruiting the participants as second-tier distributors in a first predetermined period of time so that the first-tier distributor become permanent members, and each second-tier distributor being required to recruit participants in the first predetermined period of time so that the second-tier distributor become permanent members; and requesting the originator to extend a second predetermined period of time to continue the recruitment if failing first sub-step and recruiting participants as the second-tier distributors in the second predetermined period of time so that the first-tier distributor become permanent members, and each second-tier distributor required to recruit sales people in a third predetermined period of time so that the second-tier distributors become permanent members; and create a

Abstract: A method for purchasing natural stone includes the steps of choosing a stone, measuring pieces of an environment in which the stone is to be placed, laying out measurements of pieces of the environment upon a slab of the stone, virtually cutting pieces of the slab according to the measurements in a first way, and, recreating the environment with the virtually cut pieces of the slab.

Abstract: A hand sanitizer dispensing system includes a support case, a container, and a fabric sleeve. The support case may be adapted to be secured to an air vent in an automobile, and includes a body defining an inner volume for receipt of the container. The container includes a product reservoir and a pump in communication with the product reservoir. The fabric sleeve is adapted to be received on the container to allow for personalization of the dispensing system, and the support case may be transparent so that the fabric sleeve is visible. In certain embodiments, the container may be provided with a cap, and pumps including plastic components with infused fragrances may be provided separately for attachment to the container upon removal of the cap.

Abstract: The event souvenir bracelet and card comprises a bracelet and card displaying an identifying name or logo of an event inside a transparent package with an information packet containing information about the event. The card contains stored, retrievable data allowing it to function as a money card, such as a stored value card or gift card. In a second aspect of the inventions, a wearable bracelet contains a device allowing data to be transmitted to and from the bracelet. The data is stored on an RFID device allowing use of the bracelet as a wearable ticket, as an identification and location device, and as a gift card, credit/debit card or stored value card.

Abstract: A customizable fluid product dispensing system includes a container including a volume of fluid product, a pump secured to the container and in fluid communication with the fluid product, and a cover assembly positioned over a portion of the pump and secured to the pump or container. The pump may include a plastic component infused with a fragrance for imparting the fragrance to the fluid dispensed from the system. The cover assembly may also include a plastic component with an infused fragrance for providing an air freshening function to the dispensing system. A vignette may be provided on the cover assembly, and may correspond to the fragrance of one or both of the pump and cover assembly. An air freshener base unit is provided to interact with the dispensing systems or with common desktop type dispensers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of aggregating and valuing intellectual property in a financial exchange. The present invention provides means whereby holders of intellectual property rights may sell, or license intellectual property to an aggregator and receive shares of stock or cash for the contribution based on the aggregated value of the intellectual property held by the aggregator.

Abstract: Presently disclosed is a pharmaceutical sample distribution device including a sample tray configured to contain pharmaceutical samples for distribution to patients, a pharmaceutical information compartment adapted to contain informational materials associated with the pharmaceutical samples; and a patient privacy bag dispenser adapted to dispense patient privacy bags for transporting pharmaceutical samples and informational materials. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical product marketing system including a promotions tray configured to contain a promotional item for distribution to patients corresponding to a pharmaceutical product, and a patient privacy bag dispenser. A method for dispensing pharmaceutical samples is also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique for improving collaboration between relevant parties in a commercial transaction involves sending a timely alert to stakeholders with regard to a presumably fraudulent transaction. A system constructed in accordance with techniques described in this paper can integrate multiple stakeholders and service providers. The system can facilitate alerting stakeholders of a presumably fraudulent transaction and/or enabling stakeholders to alert other stakeholders.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing CDN service providers are provided. A network storage provider storing one or more resources on behalf of a content provider obtains client computing device requests for content. The network storage provider updates request processing information based on the process requests for content. The network storage provider then makes a recommendation regarding initialization of a CDN service provider as a function of the updated request processing information. Subsequent client computing device requests for resources can be provided to the recommended CDN service provider utilizing alternative resource identifiers.

Abstract: A method of providing heat to a user, comprising an energy retailer offering a supply energy over a contract period at a given amount of energy per use period.

Abstract: The content of an operating instruction to each worker in a manufacturing process is controlled in the following way based on a manufacturing direction to the worker and on manufacturing achievement, work proficiency, and the like of the worker for the manufacturing direction. A deviation between a manufacturing direction and manufacturing achievement is calculated. Manufacturing direction parameters acting as factors of the calculated deviation are specified for each product to be manufactured. The above information is stored in a deviation factor database. For a new manufacturing direction, manufacturing direction parameters therein are checked against the deviation factor database to determine alarm information to be given to a worker on a manufacturing line, and the determined alarm information is outputted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detectable warning panels, and in particular to detectable warning panels that display text and/or other graphic information such as commercial messages, trademarks, logos, directions, slogans, pictures, names, product illustrations, emblems, promotional information related to a product or service, Quick Response Codes, matrix code, two-dimensional bar code, optical machine-readable labels, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An improved approach is described for allowing designers to identify and utilize suitable IP for an electronic design. An architecture is provided that includes an IP portal and/or chip estimator to identify suitable IP from a catalog of IP, which is integrated with a hosted design environment to use and test that IP for the user's specific electronic design. An authorization mechanism may be used to control access to the IP from the IP catalog. This approach greatly enhances the probability that IP suppliers will be successfully connected with the target consumers of those IP blocks.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, computer program product, and related computer implemented methods to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card including a user-designed external face using a chit, the chit being defined by an identification mechanism representing a financial commitment to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card in an amount associated with a value paid for the chit, are provided. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a service that enables a consumer to purchase, at the storefront of a retail establishment, a chit card that the consumer can subsequently redeem through a graphical user interface of an Internet website for a closed-loop retail prepaid card with a user-designed external face. The user-designed closed-loop retail prepaid card, for example, can be subsequently printed and delivered to an intended recipient. Advantageously, such a service can be made available to any retail establishment that uses a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mold control and extended shelf life methods and compositions for preparing edible dough-based products, such as, for example, breads, by treating the surface of the dough used to prepare the edible product with at least one preservative and at least one pH adjusting agent prior to or during baking. The present invention is also directed to methods and compositions for preparing edible dough-based products, such as, for example, breads, by treating the surface of the dough used to prepare the edible product with a at least one pH adjusting agent prior to or during baking.

Abstract: A clip with two elongated members each having a forward end defining a gripping portion; a rear end defining a pinching portion and a centrally disposed pivot portion about which each memnber pivots. A resilient member in the form of a spring acts to bias the gripping portions into abutment with each other and to hold the elongated members together. The invention is to provide a simple arrangement for attaching and wearing a jewelry accessory item to one's clothing and gear and to allow the wearer the ability to easily add, remove, trade, exchange, collect, or replace ornamental pendants and the like to the decorative clip.

Abstract: An investment structure and method including a fixed component and a contingent component for investing funds. The fixed component invests a portion of the funds in fixed income securities and generates principal plus fixed interest. The contingent component invests another portion of the funds in non-fixed income investments and generates contingent interest. The fixed interest is selectively distributed or re-invested in the fixed component, and the contingent interest is re-invested in the contingent component in order to boost the trading pool for that component and potentially increase the return on investment. One or more limited partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations or other limited liability entities invests the contingent component.

Abstract: An elevator device having a computer system associated therewith for determining a risk of failure in the elevator device and for determining an inspection schedule to mitigate the risk. The computer system includes a module for determining an acceptable risk score, a module for determining an inspection schedule based on said risk score, a module for determining an increase in risk score proportional to a time elapsed since an expected inspection in the inspection schedule if the expected inspection has been missed, a module for determining a tolerance within the inspection schedule based on the increased risk, and a module for specifying an inspection schedule and an inspection tolerance based on the determined schedule and the determined tolerance.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods for assisting consumers in transitioning from a current absorbent product to a future absorbent product. Also described are transition aids for assisting in this transition. In particular, the transition aids provide a consumer with a means for comparing different characteristics of their current absorbent product with characteristics of a future absorbent product.

Abstract: A feedback method for promoting consumption includes providing a feedback rule, providing an ABC vein principle, providing a manufacturer alliance principle, providing a co-branded card system, and providing a network construction. Thus, the feedback method builds a system of a merchandise discount and a sale feedback bonus to increase the personal connection vein and the affiliated manufacturers and to connect the supply of the production terminal and the demand of the consumer terminal so as to decrease the cost of products and to increase the demand for products such that the consumers can purchase cheaper products, and the manufacturers can obtain more orders.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the number of takeoff and landing slots and increasing gate capacity at airports with slot controls, including airports that are constrained from operation by curfews that limit the hours when aircraft can operate. The present method is intended to be used in connection with an aircraft that is equipped with onboard wheel drive means capable of translating torque through aircraft wheels and controllable to move the aircraft independently on the ground quietly and efficiently to a runway for takeoff without reliance on the aircraft's engines or the use of external tow vehicles.

Abstract: Cigarette lighters and packaged lighters are provided for. The lighters and packaged lighters are provided with a manufacturer coupon. Methods for providing manufacturer coupons for dissemination to a target consumer group also are provided for. Preferred embodiments of the novel methods comprise packaging a cigarette lighter for retail distribution. The lighter is packaged with a removable coupon sheet. The coupon sheet provides a substrate on which said manufacturer coupon is imprinted and is removable by a consumer. The manufacturer coupon is redeemable by a consumer and includes machine readable code associated therewith to facilitate automated processing of the coupon.

Abstract: The disclosed invention addresses a very unique problem and provides a format of interaction to assist people to effectively interact in any situation through an embodiment of a mark, which is situated in any type of location or event where people assemble, with strangers. The mark may be a symbol, a script or a logo or a combination of any or all of these. The mark may be displayed on electronic display means possibly with remote accessibility. The mark may be accessed through a web site to locate the position of the mark at any location in any country in any location where people tend to group normally. The actual design of the mark will be as authorised and can change upon authorisation by inventor. However, the mark may be used for display only by users which are authorised.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this document is related to field of pesticides and their use in controlling pests.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides multi-component food products having a wet food component and a dry food component. The multi-component food product is shelf-stable and does not include any artificial preservatives. Methods for providing a shelf-stable multi-component food product having a wet food component and a dry food component without artificial preservatives to a consumer are also provided, as are methods for marketing such a shelf-stable multi-component food product.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of computer systems and processes for managing real and personal property. One aspect of the invention is directed to capturing history of a (real) property, which may include a description of the property, the personal property located on the real property, the projects and maintenance performed or to be performed on the property and their impact on the owner's tax basis in the property. Another aspect of invention allows for sharing of this history with an online community and for transferring the history (or portions thereof) on sale to a buyer.

Abstract: A system and method to: Protect the process used to hedge Class II handler milk price exposure and to allow the Class II handler to control the use of the process for its customers, producers, or others who are deemed suitable to the Class II handler and are willing to compensate the Class II handler to utilize the process for their hedging requirements. In one aspect of the invention, the Class II handler will be able to offer to its customers a way to transparently hedge (or set) its milk price as a component of its finished goods cost in a fashion that is correlated in accordance to all FASB and Sarbanes-Oxley financial reporting requirements, and provide a competitive advantage over others. The system and method can be applied in analogous ways to buyers and suppliers of different components used for different finished goods.

Abstract: A blood glucose and lifestyle tracking apparatus is disclosed. The blood glucose and lifestyle tracking apparatus provides a method for recording both blood glucose values for fasting, postprandial, and preprandial time periods and lifestyle factors.

Abstract: A method for evaluating applicants for employment includes conducting a hiring event at a desired location, in which a plurality of applicants seeking employment can be present. The hiring event can include a speed interview phase, in which each applicant undergoes a series of successive interviews of limited duration, with each interview conducted by a different interviewer. The hiring event can also include a video phase, in which each applicant is given a plurality of questions and instructed to select one of the plurality of questions and answer the selected question in front of a video camera recording the applicant. The performance of each applicant in one phase of the hiring event is evaluated and used to determine whether each applicant may participate in another phase of the event.

Abstract: A communications manager of an enterprise receives an add-conference request to host a conference by the enterprise from an organizer client, wherein the conference to enable an anonymous user that does not have enterprise credentials to join the conference. The communications manager sends an add-conference response to the organizer client indicating that the conference is organized.

Abstract: A method for tracking sales leads, including a lead clearing house logging receipt in a log of one or more encrypted leads received from a participant of the lead clearing house, the one or more leads including personal lead information having been encrypted with a one-way hash algorithm; comparing the received one or more encrypted leads with stored encrypted leads to find any matches; updating the log related to the one or more encrypted leads with unencrypted log information associated with the matching one or more encrypted leads; and communicating a status to the participant based on the log relating to the one or more leads.

Abstract: A two tier system of marketing cleaning products. The tiers are differentiated by artwork showing a first tier to have cleaning products usable for certain cleaning tasks and a second tier to have corresponding cleaning products. The cleaning products of the second tier may be marketed to the consumer as being better than the cleaning products of the first tier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a plurality of seating systems and a frame for use in a passenger aircraft. A first seating system in the plurality of seating systems may have different dimensions from a second seating system in the plurality of seating systems. A frame may be configured to be connected to the plurality of seating systems.

Abstract: A method and system for locating harvested material comprises receiving material data including material location data on a material location of harvested material within a work area. Background data is obtained. A location-determining receiver determines a forwarder location of a forwarder. An estimator estimates economic cost factors associated with corresponding candidate paths or segments of candidate paths between the forwarder location and the material location. A selector selects a preferential planned path between the forwarder location and the material location consistent with the material data, background data, and minimization of the economic cost factors.

Abstract: The inventive technology may involve, in particular embodiments, novel use of a non-porous, high surface energy stationary phase to adsorb, in reversible fashion, the most polar component of a resins fraction of an input hydrocarbon when a mobile phase is passed over the stationary phase. Such reversible adsorption prevents irreversibly adsorption of such components on active stationary phase(s) downflow of the non-porous, high surface energy stationary phase, thereby conserving stationary phase costs and increasing resolution of resins elutions, and accuracy of hydrocarbon component results. Aspects of the inventive technology may also involve a novel combination of a solubility based asphaltene component fractionating and analysis method and an adsorption chromatography method for separating and/or analyzing saturate, aromatics and resins components of an input hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring compliance with a hygiene protocol is disclosed. The movement of person within or otherwise associated with a facility may be tracked and hygiene requirements may be imposed based on the movement. In monitoring hygiene compliance, a number of hygiene levels may be defined that are associated with difference hygiene requirements. A hygiene level may be associated with an individual and that level may be raised or lowered based on hygiene related activity associated with the individual. An individual's hygiene level and/or his compliance with multi-level hygiene requirements may be tracked through the use of monitored hygiene stations and/or location tracking stations.

Abstract: Selecting an advertisement is disclosed. A preference event associated with a first advertisement is received from a first user. A quality score for the first advertisement is determined based at least in part on the received preference event. An advertisement fulfillment request is received. The request is responded to by selecting an advertisement based at least in part on the quality score of the first advertisement.

Abstract: A method of generating revenue for a governmental entity is achieved by identifying a stationary structure supporting a traffic information sign on a first side; making provisions for inclusion of commercial advertisement on an unused second side portion of the stationary structure; executing a licensing agreement between an interested party and the governmental entity for use of the unused second side portion of the stationary structure for commercial advertisement, wherein the executed licensing agreement includes an agreed upon royalty payable to the governmental entity; applying a commercial advertisement on the unused second side portion of the stationary structure; and collecting the agreed upon royalty from the interested party to generate revenue for the governmental entity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include transfer account systems, computer program products, and associated computer-implemented methods of providing prioritized payments from the proceeds of automatic or direct deposits. Embodiments of the present invention include routing automatic deposit information to a financial institution computer managing a prioritized payment program and formulating an outgoing ACH file with both an entry for an automatic deposit destined for a customer account and an entry for a pre-authorized prioritized payment to a select creditor, so that the automatic deposit is credited to the customer account and relatively instantaneously any prioritized payment is debited from the customer account. According to embodiments of the present invention, the customer account can be a prepaid card account so that a customer has effective access on the prepaid card only to a net value of funds.

Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.

Abstract: Methods for selecting transportation parameters for transporting parts from at least one point of part supply to at least one point of part demand in a manufacturing facility include determining a physical relationship between the at least one point of part supply and the at least one point of part demand, selecting a transportation route type from a preselected group of transportation route types based at least in part on the physical relationship, selecting an automated guided carrier type from a preselected group of automated guided carrier types based at least in part on the transportation route type, determining a need for traffic control based at least in part on the transportation route type, and if it is determined traffic control is needed, selecting a traffic control type from a preselected group of traffic control types based at least in part on the transportation route type.

Abstract: Methods of selling or offering for sale at least one unaltered duplicate part of print media, such as from a magazine or newspaper, separate to that which is otherwise dispensed or offered for sale as a combined multi-part unit.

Abstract: A system for storing data during a video telephony call includes a portable terminal which requests data storing; a base station connected to the portable terminal and requests storing of the data to a recording server; a recording server which requests a user registration and data storing to a data management server, and transmits a message indicative of the start of the data storing to the base station; and a data management server which provides the storage of the recorded data.

Abstract: A time saving method of arranging passenger waiting area seating and transport vehicle boarding and instruction to greatly reduce passenger loading time, frustration and irritation and to save fuel and engine time.

Abstract: A word coinciding with a key word input by speech and a word related to the word are set as retrieval candidate words based on a word dictionary in which words representing formal names and aliases of the formal names are registered in association with a family attribute indicating a familiar relation among the words. Content related to any one of retrieval words selected out of the retrieval candidate words and a word related to the retrieval word is retrieved.

Abstract: A device and advertising method utilizes a sound and light display device, which often holds a bottle of a beverage to be dispended, and customer based remote which is distributed to customers in any number of ways. In one embodiment the sound playing device can be incorporated into a chiller. In one embodiment the sound playing device is incorporate into a stand for the beverage bottle. Other display devices are also possible. Examples include, but are not limited to, a small audio sound playing device, a beverage sign or sculpture which also evokes the brand. More than one type of remote can be created, allowing different types of customers to have different control levels or access to different areas of an establishment.

Abstract: A method and system to treat a patient with a specific disease state, based on ICD coding, with prescription medications approved by the FDA for that disease state without regard to dosage, quantity or schedule, and calculating a cost to treat the primary or secondary ICD coding based on a fee structure adjusted for a fixed period of time, and which factors in drugs being excluded and be reflected in the cost offered to the patient or health plan.

Abstract: An apparatus and method enabling completion of chain of custody services and hands fee collection of urine samples. The technician installs a barrier in a toilet above its water level. Then verifies the donor's identity and directs him to empty his pockets of all contents and remove all accessories from his hands, checks his axillary regions for foreign objects and directs him to wash his hands. The technician installs a collection unit on the toilet seat and directs him to urinate onto the collection unit while under observation at all times. The technician retrieves a urine sample in a sample cup, seals it, and disposes of the used collection unit. The technician directs the donor to sign a record log verifying that he observed the sample collection process and that a new collection unit was used. The technician completes required documentation for the sample and processes it for analysis.