Abstract: A distribution system ensuring that the amount of renewable energy coupons distributed is correlated to and commensurate with the aggregate amount of renewable energy generated by the plurality of renewable energy generators. In general, the present invention makes it possible to securely authenticate a user and then permit renewable energy coupon purchases over the user's laptop or mobile phone. It makes it possible for power generation data to be aggregated across several renewable energy power generating companies (and their systems) and collectively provide renewable energy coupons to all their customers, wherein the amount of coupons issued are in correlation to the actual amount of electricity generated across all of the renewable energy power generating companies.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that provide a vehicle spotter service, which includes a vehicle inspection, vehicle history report and other vehicle information concerning the condition of a vehicle, requested by a potential purchaser of a vehicle at an automobile auction in order to facilitate the decision of the potential purchaser to purchase or not to purchase the vehicle. The exemplary method includes an optional guarantee that vehicle spotter services requested by a potential purchaser of a vehicle at an auto auction are accurate and do not contain any material errors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selecting racehorse candidates. Provided herein are methods for increasing the likelihood of selecting candidates that will be high earners, while reducing the likelihood of selecting candidates that will be low earners, on the basis of certain cardiac measurements.

Abstract: A business method for popularity creation and marketing includes the steps of the following process: transferring popularity (rating, celebrity, reputation, exclusive, fame, importance, prestige) from a popularity bearer with higher rate of popularity to a popularity bearer with lower rate of popularity (rating); increasing the rate of popularity of the popularity bearer who transfers his/her own popularity; increasing the rate of popularity of the popularity bearer who receives another person's popularity; increasing the number of bearers who receive popularity from the popularity bearer who transfers popularity; creating, via computer, telecommunication system or other ways, a new compound product of certain design between them. The created compound product includes permanent and variable parts.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a system for offering digital photography services in combination with a single-use digital camera that includes a provider and a distribution system. One or more cameras are offered and provided by the provider in combination with digital processing services for processing digital pictures and/or a product, e.g., a printout of the photographs, a photobook, a recording medium such as DVD, CD with print data of the photographs, etc.

Abstract: A method of producing a calendar of a calendar year includes providing a photo contest having an entry period of time, accepting photographs entered into the photo contest by contestants during the entry period of time to establish a pool of photographs to be judged, and judging the photographs of the pool of photographs to produce photo contest winners comprising a calendar year photograph cover winner, and calendar month photograph cover winners. The method further includes providing a calendar including a calendar cover and a register of calendar days of calendar weeks of calendar months of a calendar year, the calendar cover incorporating the calendar year photograph cover winner, and the register incorporating the calendar month photograph cover winners each relating to one of the calendar months.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique unemployment insurance underwriting system. In one embodiment of the invention, the unemployment insurance underwriting system receives a request to enroll in the unemployment insurance from a user. The system then receives data associated with the user from a financial institution. The system then determines the benefits to be paid to the user based, in some cases, on the data received from the financial institution. The system then determines whether the user qualifies to enroll in the unemployment insurance based on the benefits and the user data. In an embodiment of the invention, the unemployment insurance provides benefits for monthly expenses to users that have become involuntarily unemployed.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a non-biased, centrally-cleared financial instrument, and method of electronic clearing and settling such a financial instrument is provided. The non-biased, centrally-cleared financial instrument of the present invention is to be centrally cleared and can be traded or transacted either on or off an exchange or trading platform, whether traded as a future or other type of financial instrument. The non-biased, centrally-cleared financial instrument of the present invention has a terminal value such that the terminal value offsets co-movement of variation margin and investment return on the variation margin during the life of the financial instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique unemployment insurance marketing system. In one embodiment of the invention, the unemployment insurance marketing system determines selection criteria for the unemployment insurance product. The system then receives data associated with a user, the data received from a financial institution. The system compares the selection criteria with the user data to determine whether the user qualifies to receive an offer. If the user qualifies to receive an offer, the system offers the unemployment insurance to the user. In another embodiment of the invention, the offer is customized to the user's expenses. For example, the offer may be customized based on user's expenses in an online bill payment system.

Abstract: A method, system and/or computer program product for selling a primary security into a public market on which a corresponding secondary security is concurrently offered for sale at a secondary market price that includes determining the secondary market price of the secondary security; offering the primary security for sale at a primary market price that is the same as the secondary market price; selling the primary security to a buyer at the primary market price; such that the primary security is offered for sale and sold by a seller and/or on behalf of the seller, and the seller is the issuer of the primary security; the primary security is a registered shelf offering; and during the selling, the primary security is indistinguishable from the secondary security to the buyer.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating the shipment of specialized shipping containers for livestock on shipping vessels over extended periods, including methods of loading livestock onto specialized shipping containers and methods for arranging such shipments of livestock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data recorder for munitions. The data recorder includes a power source, a processor, and an acceleration sensor. The data recorder further includes a trigger validation feature which is operably coupled to the data recorder to verify the occurrence of a secondary environmental/input event. This envisioned data recorder can contain a digital or analog device as a primary or secondary trigger. Data from an accelerometer is stored in FRAM memory.

Abstract: Low-income housing projects generate federal low-income housing tax credits. Previously, due to numerous impediments, investing in tax credits results in a negative, or at best a neutral effect on the investor's EBITDA for financial accounting purposes. The present invention relates a method that allows for a more efficient syndication of the available tax credits that generates positive EBITDA to investors at a lower cost.

Abstract: A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant. The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information into the radio frequency identification tag at the battery manufacturing plant. The battery manufacturing information includes a battery algorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, a system and method are illustrated to bill a lister using consolidated leads received from potential renters. The system and method include receiving from at least one potential renter, at least one lead directed to a property listing associated with a lister. The system and method include consolidating two or more leads received from the same potential renter into a lead group. The system and method further include billing the lister according to the number of distinct leads received from potential renters counting each lead group as a distinct lead. In some example embodiments, the system and method further include setting a specified listing period for the lister and checking whether the specified listing period has expired before counting a received lead.

Abstract: A seller, having previously sold a product to an original purchaser subject to a buyout-provision condition, determines if the buyout-provision condition is satisfied. If the buy-out provision condition is satisfied, the seller retakes the product from the original purchaser and resells the product to a subsequent purchaser.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a monolithic floor for use with a hot slag bucket. The monolithic floor improves the lifespan of the bucket when used with hot slag by reducing warpage caused by heating and cooling and thus significantly reduces the cost of owning and operating the hot slag bucket.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates generally to a method of selling absorbent articles having graphics disposed upon them. The graphics are visually coordinated to clothing. The clothing may be an article of clothing and/or a line of clothing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for doing business by using one or more biomarkers (e.g., a subject's genetic polymorphisms) to improve the research, development, testing, commercialization and/or marketing of a drug by identifying those subjects for whom the particular drug is likely to be more effective.

Abstract: A right-angle electrical connector is configured to be mounted onto an upper mounting surface of a substrate that defines a bottom surface opposed from the upper mounting surface so as to define a thickness. The connector includes a connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts retained by the connector housing. The connector housing overhangs an edge of the substrate and extends down with respect to the upper surface to a depth from the upper mounting surface that is less than the thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method of providing heightened debit and/or credit card security is presented. The debit and/or credit card may be void of any information printed on the card that may provide identification of the user, an account number associated with the card, an expiration date for the card, etc. In some examples, a portion of this information may be provided, but not all pieces of information, in order to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized use, such as during an on-line transaction where a user must input information generally found on the face of or rear of the card itself.

Abstract: A financial educational planner is disclosed for imparting basic lessons on financial management and, over mid to long term, to develop the savings habit. The planner allows a user to watch how the money is earned, spent and saved, and how the money saved grows due to interest, bonus and investments. Most importantly, the planner is used to guide the user to manage and plan the money to afford the desired items or life-style in the future. The planner comprises an expense account worksheet (14), a savings account worksheet (16) and a plurality of tokens (18) representing monetary denominations. The tokens (18) are affixable on the worksheets having a layout which may be provided with boxes or cells representing periodic units for affixing the tokens (18). Specially-marked boxes (20) may be provided at predetermined intervals on the worksheet (16) to allow for rewards.

Abstract: A method, a machine-readable storage medium and a system are provided for enhancing computer rules in a computer application. In an embodiment, a rule is accessed from a set of computer rules provided by a computer application. The rule includes a number of fields, e.g., an attribute field and an enhancement type field. In response to receiving an input attribute and an input enhancement type, the rule is updated in the set of computer rules. The updated rule is implemented and operation of the updated rule in the computer application is altered based on the inputs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for electronic commerce. By way of example, in one embodiment such methods and apparatus enable a buyer's digital data processor to make requests to an on-line store to view purchase options for a selected product/service as well as to view benefits for consummating those transactions. Further, a store's electronic display/register or a handheld computing device may enable a shopper in a physical store to view such information and earn benefits. Those benefits may differ by item and seller and may include money and/or points. With such money and/or points having been accumulated through on-line and brick and mortar store purchases, e.g. in buyer's account, a buyer's digital data processor can facilitate redemption of the money and/or points at the same or other stores, for example to purchase additional items or for other purposes.

Abstract: A microbrowser allows a user to configure types of objects to be blocked from download by providing a web page content web server with a set of non-advertisement web objects for a web page, the web page containing at least one inclusion method to one or more advertisement objects stored on an advertisement server separate from the non-advertisement web objects; receiving by the web server a battery condition and a nape request for the web page from a networked client device; and responsive to the battery condition being low, transmitting the non-advertisement web objects from the web page content web server to the networked client device, thereby avoiding incremental battery energy consumption of the networked client device to process, execute and display the advertisement web objects by restricting download of the advertisement web objects from the advertisement server to the networked client device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for a non-industrialized, sustainable, minimally processed organic dairy industry that provides the highest quality milk and milk derivative products that is end-to-end from ground-to-cow-to-dairy-to-distribution-to-consumer, and centered on low temperature batch or vat pasteurization in which the product is minimally processed, for which product certificates, which include a numerical score and/or a corresponding color code that rank organic, minimally processed products as the high quality. The product certificates can also be applied to non-milk products, such as, but not limited to, meats, fowl, fish, vegetables, nuts, fruits, eggs, etc.

Abstract: A method of selling absorbent articles wherein the absorbent articles are co-packaged sets of absorbent articles bearing similar and/or related graphics.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and methods of design and revenue generation are disclosed. These systems comprise structures capable of supporting solar panel at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. These systems may be installed in confined spaces. These systems also comprise structures that are customizable, allowing an installation to be configured with a desired lighting and environmental effect. The methods discussed herein describe processes for achieving desired design effects based on natural elements. Moreover, the methods discussed herein describe processes for reducing the costs of generating solar energy and/or reducing the costs of providing a solar structure.

Abstract: Techniques for conducting a promotion of a product or service, managing various promotion activities, and rewarding promotion partners are disclosed. An incremental sales (e.g., incremental sales volume, revenue, and profit) analysis due to a promotion is performed and a fee is assessed based on a result of the incremental sales analysis. In some embodiments, performing the incremental analysis includes assigning to a control group a first subset of a plurality of target customers associated with the promotion, assigning to an offer group at least a second non-overlapping subset of the plurality of target customers, providing to at least the offer group but not to the control group an offer associated with the promotion, and determining an incremental change in sales of the product contributed by the customers in the offer group—as compared to sales contributed by the customers in the control group.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention offers no medical bill public health care to provide transparency of pricing and minimal prime cost of accounting by compensating in bulk a budget or an appropriate part of the budget of a medical organization by a medical bank which expenses are compensated by retailing financial obligations among clients of said bank supposed patients of PHC. Another embodiment of the invention is to get automation of medical accounting due to averaging financial streams in respect to a virtual average patient. Yet another embodiment is to get an automated medical budget comprising a total net of secured medical accounts to collect medical parts of tax payments, other medical contributions and debts and to be used either commercially or like a budgeted source.

Abstract: Actions associated with entering information into different fields of an electronic form are monitored. The types of support provided for entering the information into the different fields can be dynamically varied according to monitored user actions or according to the context or categories of users, fields, or forms. Different types of query or search engines can be used to further identify the context, intent, or meaning of information entered into the different fields. The identified context, intents, or meanings are then used to provide further on-line support. Other analytics of both field entries and user actions can also be used to provide addition help when entering information into the on-line forms.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for improvement of beta cell function in a subject using an anti-IL-1? antibody or fragment thereof.

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 for providing targeted messaging for improved outcomes of communications intended to improve behaviors may include determining a profile category of an entity based at least on a correlation of personal information of the entity to characteristics of at least one of a plurality of profile categories, selecting a communication plan defining communication attributes to be employed in communicating with the entity regarding a patient care protocol based at least on the profile category determined, and directing communication of at least one message to the entity in accordance with the communication plan. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A method for selling individual containers used for the storage of fresh foods comprising the steps of providing individual containers in store and adjacent a fresh food product to be purchased, and charging the shopper for the container on a per container basis separately from the food purchased. The bags or containers used in the method of the invention will include at least one feature or characteristic that adds value for the consumer over and above the bags currently provided for free by grocery stores in the produce section.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for managing the risk of dronedarone/calcium channel blockers interaction by using dronedarone or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL), with a recent episode of AF/AFL and associated cardiovascular risk factors, who are in sinus rhythm or who will be cardioverted to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization, said patients also expecting to receive a calcium channel blockers treatment, by performing the following steps: a—initiate calcium channel blockers treatment at a low dose; b—performing a electrocardiogram (ECG) verification of good tolerability; c—increase of calcium channel blockers dose only if results in step b) are satisfying.

Abstract: The invention is a system for monitoring real organizations, the system having a digital community of participating member organizations which like a shadow, follow the operations of real organizations, where a shadow organization promotes transparency of a counterpart real organization's operations by illuminating, scrutinizing and informing a global public forum on the actions of the counterpart real organization; and players, where a player is a voting citizen member of the digital community, and can optionally actively participate as an employee of a clear shadow organization. The clear shadow organization can be founded by the real organization, such as the counterpart real company, or another real entity. To heighten interest the system can include a gaming component, where players and organizations are recognized, even rewarded, for their success at achieving transparency. The digital community embraces all people, from all over the world, with one precondition: civility must be observed and practiced.

Abstract: A system and method for securely measuring and tracking exercise performed by individuals and energy generated by human powered devices is provided. An amount of exercise and/or energy generated is quantified and converted to reward points usable in a rewards incentive program. Exercise performed and/or energy generated on exercise equipment is measured by measurement apparatus on the equipment. Reward points are issued locally to a user's portable stored value device or card, or may be accumulated on a remotely administered user account. A user interface disposed locally with the exercise equipment receives a user identification and provides credits to the user's stored value device or card, or provides notification to the user of credits being provided to the remote user account. A redemption point in communication with remote user accounts communicates over a network to verify sufficient credits and authorizes rewards to a user commensurate with available credits.

Abstract: A sleeve containing an insert forming a cup holder is described. The inserts are placed in the sleeve. The sleeve is customizable by varying the color, writing and bar coding. The individual business may also display their logo on the sleeve or insert. These cup holders are personal to the user and can be repeatedly used. This enables the individual business to save money. The sleeve and insert as cup holder can be made up of recyclable material. The user may use a device implanted on or in a sleeve to pay and/or order the product using the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for managing a survey with a plurality of segments is disclosed. First, one or more segments of the survey is presented to a plurality of respondents. An estimated completion rate is derived for at least one of the segments of the survey and may be based upon a number of respondents presented with the respective segment of the survey, and a number of respondents completing the survey. Quota group progress counts of at least one of the segments of the survey for each of the quota groups is derived. Estimated completion counts of each of the quota groups for at least one of the segments of the survey is also derived. The counts are based upon the corresponding quota group progress counts and the estimated completion rates. The method includes closing the survey to subsequent additional respondents of a given quota group.

Abstract: A wearer selectable removably attachable promotional pocket cover comprises a single body unit generally arrow in shape including two modules: a cover module and an insert module continuously and seamlessly joined together. An attachment means enables the promotional pocket cover to be temporarily attached to and from a pre-existing garment pocket at will. Awareness, support, and spirit, are raised for a specific cause by utilizing the promotional pocket cover with a specific promotional adornment affixed upon the cover module. In addition, money is raised for a single and specific cause, whether it is a school sport's team booster organization, or a charitable organization, by selling the promotional pocket covers having a promotional adornment affixed thereon that is readily identifiable with that specific cause. A promotional pocket cover, pattern and method of construction, and method of installation and use are described and claimed.

Abstract: A ring including a shank having indicators at predetermined locations on an inner surface of the shank, where the indicators identify preferred positions for setting gemstones. The preferred positions may be based on the number of and sizes of the gemstones and/or on a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A system and method of monetizing a Poem To a Loved One including the steps of: providing at least one manufactured item that may be impressioned thereon having at least one indicia; impressionably printing the Poem To a Loved One on the manufactured item; distributing for sale the manufactured item having the Poem To a Loved One impressioned thereon; and selling the manufactured item(s) to create at least one monetization. The system may be monetized as a gift-kit including manufactured item(s) having indicia consisting of the Poem To a Loved One impressioned thereon, and a greeting card. The gift-kit is suitable for festive occasions such as Mother's Day, Christmas, Birthday or other such occasion(s).

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: The present invention comprises a freeze-dried, dairy or dairy-substitute composition comprising a dairy or dairy-substitute ingredient and an emulsifier and methods of using same to promote and/or improve child development.

Abstract: A method of generating revenue for an educational entity having an athletic department includes providing a display supporting structure erected at an accessible location, and arranging for athletes that have associations with the athletic department of the educational entity to each be presented with an option of having a display element customized to present viewable information on the athlete in exchange for a respective financial contribution. In response to receipt of each financial contribution, the display element is customized to display the athlete information thereon, and then supported on the display supporting structure for viewing by passersby. Revenue can be generated in perpetuity, as new athletes entering and later graduating from the educational institution provide an ongoing source of contributors.

Abstract: A method of calculating the cost saving for producing a metallic component by the use of a powder metal process is provided. The method includes the steps of analyzing the current production method of the component, usually machining, to determine the current unit cost. The customer would agree to purchase an agreed supply of components for an agreed period of time. The production of the component utilizing powder metal process is then analyzed to determine the powder metal unit cost. The savings for production of the component utilizing the powder metal process is then presented to the customer. The customer would, then agree to purchase an agreed supply of components.

Abstract: To reduce a chunk of the 2.3 trillion a year healthcare cost in the U.S. Solve-A-Crisis is a floating vessel/ship/very large floating platform equipped with a fully functional hospital (which is run by a contracted JCI accredited hospital) standing in international waters, which is also a preferred surgical hospital by the U.S. insurance companies. Surgeries/Procedures performed at Solve-A-Crisis will be at the rates of non U.S. international JCI accredited hospitals but will be paid for by the U.S. insurance companies. Surgeries outside the United States typically cost at around 20-50% of those performed in the U.S. Out of the 50-80% money saved in getting surgery on board the ship, the patient will receive a bonus check of a percentage ranging from 10-50% of the cost difference. That way the total healthcare bill comes down to about 50-70%. Saving the U.S. trillions every year.

Abstract: Described are methods of distributing a viscosity reducing solvent to a set of wells terminating in an underground oil reservoir where the variation in the net solvent injection rate is minimized. The net solvent injection rate is the difference between the total solvent injection rate and the total solvent production rate from the set of wells, for example on an instantaneous or daily rate basis. Minimizing this variation can reduce costs associated with surface solvent storage, subsurface solvent storage, and solvent supply, since solvent supply often is least expensive when supplied at near a fixed rate. One option is to operate well pairs and to inject solvent into one well of the pair while producing oil and solvent from the other well of the pair. These methods are particularly useful in solvent-dominated, cyclic or non-cyclic, viscous oil recovery processes.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable auctioning of segmented advertisement insertion opportunities, e.g., segmented avails, associated with distributed content. In at least some embodiments, bids from advertisers to place advertisements in conjunction with a segmented avail are obtained. The bids that are obtained can have different durations (e.g., 60, 30, 15 seconds) that can be selectively enabled by a segmented avail in various combinations to fill a total duration of the segmented avail. Ranking criteria and/or logic can be applied to rank the bids one to another. In at least some embodiments, the bids are ranked within groups corresponding to different time durations. Bids can be allocated to the segmented avail by testing one or more combinations of the bids and selecting a winning combination based at least in part upon a sum of the ranks associated with bids in the combination.