54results about How to "Eliminating and reducing cost" patented technology

Systems and methods for visible light communication are disclosed. In part, illumination devices and related systems and methods are disclosed that can be used for general illumination, lighting control systems, or other applications. The illumination devices synchronize preferentially to the AC mains to produce time division multiplexed channels in which control information can be communicated optically by the same light source that is producing illumination. Such illumination devices preferentially comprise LEDs for producing illumination, transmitting data, detecting ambient light, and receiving data, however, other light sources and detectors can be used. The physical layer can be used with a variety of protocols, such as ZigBee, from the Media ACcess (MAC) layer and higher.

A mobile station provides arbitration and hand-off between two or more differently formatted computer and / or telecommunication networks. To facilitate the mobile station arbitration and hand-off, the mobile station operates at a given location in which it can communicate according to a first protocol via a first-access system and at which it can communicate according to a second protocol via a second-access system. At the given location, the mobile station arbitrates between communicating real-time media according to the first protocol via the first-access system and communicating real-time media according to the second protocol over the first protocol via the second-access system.To carry out the arbitration, mobile station may be provisioned with one or more arbitration policies. Based on these arbitration policies, the mobile station commits resources to carry on a communication session via a selected access system. When the arbitration policies comprise a preferred-network attribute, such as a preferred-network threshold, the mobile station arbitration may be performed by a comparison function. This comparison function may include ascertaining a preferred-network metric and communicating voice content according to the first protocol via the first-access system when the preferred-network metric surpasses the preferred-network threshold or communicating voice content according to the second protocol over the first protocol via the second-access system when the preferred-network metric does not surpass the preferred-network threshold.

A method and system for generating and presenting invoices or bills from a biller to a payer. The bills are generally sent to the payer on a branded virtual site to look like the biller's website. Single or multiple bills will be presented to the payer through email notifications. The payer would have the option of paying the entire bill or portions of the bill utilizing various methods of payments, such as e-checks, paper checks, credit or debit cards as well as automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account. The payer would also have the option of electing a paperless billing system instead of receiving both email as well as paper notifications of a particular bill or bills.

A private wireless network is able to provide wireless telecommunication services to subscriber mobile stations that also subscribe to a public wireless network. The private wireless network includes a private base transceiver station (BTS), a private mobile switching center (MSC), and a gateway service control point (SCP). The private BTS provides a private network wireless coverage area within which the mobile station can communicate with the base transceiver station over an air interface. The gateway SCP has a private network database containing private network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A private network data record includes a private network service profile and a private network locator address. The public wireless network has a home location register (HLR) with a public network database containing public network data records for subscribing mobile stations. A public network data record includes a public network service profile and a public network locator address. When a subscriber mobile station is active on the private wireless network, the private network locator address identifies the private MSC, and the public network locator address identifies the gateway SCP. By providing the private network wireless coverage area so that it overlaps the public network's wireless coverage area, the subscriber mobile station may be handed off between the private and public wireless networks.

A system for providing a single point of sale for transactions involving at least one of transfer of real estate, maintenance of real estate, improvement of real estate, and selection of an ancillary service, the system comprising a user interface device to allow a user to input and retrieve information specific to at least one of the transfer of real estate, the maintenance of real estate, the improvement of real estate, and the selection of the ancillary service, a database wherein information specific to at least one of the transfer of real estate, the maintenance of real estate, the improvement of real estate, and the ancillary service resides and financial information specific to the user, and real estate data specific to real estate also resides, wherein the user can use the user interface device to at least one of sell real estate, purchase real estate, secure a line of credit, use the line of credit to maintain the real estate, use the line of credit to improve the real estate, and use the line of credit to purchase the ancillary service, and wherein a user is able to obtain information about a service provider without providing user specific information.

An online electronic marketplace in which carriers bid for loads tendered by shippers, and shippers purchase the most attractive transportation services. The system described herein efficiently matches loads and capacities, lowers transaction costs, and creates value through enhanced visibility to information resulting in efficient transportation and financial transactions. According to specific embodiments, the present invention combines a neutral marketplace patterned after a stock exchange, with the electronic format of an Internet auction site to create a trading system for the logistics industry.

A release fitting for releasably holding at least one line to at least one item, the release fitting having a first body part, a second body part, and a third body part, the first and second body parts pivotably secured to the third body part, a bolt with a first bolt portion connected to a first portion of the first body part and a second bolt portion connected to a first portion of the second body part, at least one pin suitable for attaching thereto the at least one line, the first body part having a recess for releasably receiving an end of the pin, the bolt initially holding apart the first portion of the first body part and the first portion of the second body part to thereby maintain a second pin end in the recess, the third body part connected to the at least one item, bolt cutter apparatus for selectively cutting the bolt to release the at least one line from the pin.

Processing a signature debit card transaction as a credit card transaction when the debit card account contains insufficient funds to perform the transaction. The invention may include receiving transaction information comprising a transaction amount and signature debit card identification information from a point of sale terminal in a primary message format, generating a message in a secondary message format from the data contained in the primary message, transmitting the message in a secondary message format to a debit processing system that maintains an account associated with the signature debit card, receiving a response message from said debit processing system indicating whether the transaction amount is allowed based on the account balance of the account associated with the signature debit card and performing credit settlement of the signature debit card transaction when the response message indicates that said transaction amount is not allowed.

An online electronic marketplace in which carriers bid for loads tendered by shippers, and shippers purchase the most attractive transportation services. The system described herein efficiently matches loads and capacities, lowers transaction costs, and creates value through enhanced visibility to information resulting in efficient transportation and financial transactions. According to specific embodiments, the present invention combines a neutral marketplace patterned after a stock exchange, with the electronic format of an Internet auction site to create a trading system for the logistics industry.

An apparatus and method are provided for generating sterile infusion fluid from non-sterile infusion fluid produced by a machine. In one embodiment, the sterile infusion fluid is produced by a sterile fluid generating device that is an ancillary device designed to operate in conjunction with the existing machine. For example, the sterile fluid generating device is used in conjunction with a dialysis machine according to one embodiment resulting in sterile infusion fluid being produced.

A method for performing quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy of a gas, includes providing a light source configured to introduce a laser beam having at least one wavelength into the gas such said at least one molecule within in the gas is stimulated generating an acoustic signal, accumulating the acoustic signal in a resonant acoustic detector, generating a resonant absorption signal (SA) relative to the gas concentration by at least one tuning fork serving as resonant acoustic detector, generating additionally a resonant intensity signal (SI) proportional to the intensity of the laser beam travelling through the gas, and providing an output signal (SGC) from said absorption signal (SA) and said intensity signal (SI) being independent of the intensity of the light relative to the presence or concentration of the gas.

A method for performing quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy of a gas, includes providing a light source configured to introduce a laser beam having at least one wavelength into the gas such said at least one molecule within in the gas is stimulated generating an acoustic signal, accumulating the acoustic signal in a resonant acoustic detector, generating a resonant absorption signal (SA) relative to the gas concentration by at least one tuning fork serving as resonant acoustic detector, generating additionally a resonant intensity signal (SI) proportional to the intensity of the laser beam travelling through the gas, and providing an output signal (SGC) from said absorption signal (SA) and said intensity signal (SI) being independent of the intensity of the light relative to the presence or concentration of the gas.

A method and apparatus where the output from a high intensity light source is controlled to produce well-exposed images / videos and to reduce automatically the intensity when an unsafe issue is detected in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like. The method and apparatus overcome problems to control light sources that have high-frequency noise, slow-response time, nonlinearity, and non-monotonic response time and to protect the patients' tissues from possible overheating / burning and the eyes of personnel and patients from possible direct exposure to high intensity light used in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like.

A remote telemetry system utilizing dual communication pathways comprising low-cost remote communications devices operating on existing wire-based communications systems, wireless communications systems, and / or a combination thereof, to provide real-time reading and control of the remote telemetry units. A central controller directs the operation of the remote telemetry units and receives data from the remote telemetry units. The central controller is configured to utilize a conventional broadcast communications channel to transmit commands to individual remote telemetry units, each of which is assigned a unique identification code. Signals broadcast from the central controller are received at receivers associated with each remote telemetry unit, which performs a directed operation if a unique identification code included in the broadcast signal matches the identification code assigned to the remote telemetry unit. Each remote telemetry unit is provided with access to a conventional shared two-way communication pathway for return communication to the central controller. The shared two-way communication pathway is inactive unless specifically activated by a remote telemetry unit upon receipt of a signal from the central controller. In this manner, a large number of remote telemetry units may be provided with regulated access to a single shared two-way communications channel.

Network architectures, apparatus, methods, and processes related to WiFi enabled devices (e.g., tablets and cellular phones) and wireless local area networks. In certain non-limiting embodiments, network architectures, apparatus, methods, and processes for providing or handling data offloading from congested cellular networks. In other non-limiting embodiments, network architectures, apparatus, methods, and processes pertaining to shared WiFi networks and / or infrastructures.

A process and system for producing a H2-containing product gas and purified water from an integrated catalytic steam-hydrocarbon reforming and thermal water purification process. Raw water, such as salt water, is heated by indirect heat transfer with reformate from the catalytic steam reforming process for purifying raw water in one of a multiple effect distillation process and a multi-stage flash process.

A system for providing interactive live communication between at least two users remotely situated from each other, wherein each user has an executing multimedia device and a communication platform application stored in the executing multimedia device and has a graphical user-interface through which users carry out all user-performed operations. Over a network interface, the platform application receives live video and audio data of a live event conducted by a first user and outputs in real time the received video and audio data to the first and a second user, transmits live video and audio data comprising the second user's input and outputs in real time the transmitted video and audio data to the two users thereby establishing live two-way interactive communication between the two users, and displays during the live event to at least the second user, at least one item associated with the content of the live event.

Methods of preparing a controlled release fertilizer include obtaining an amino acid fermentation byproduct liquor, and converting ammonium in the amino acid fermentation byproduct liquor to magnesium ammonium phosphate to obtain the controlled release fertilizer.

A lockout system for preventing a person from accessing electronic information using a computer or cable / ADSL modem, the system comprising a case housing a circuit capable of accessing electronic information and a locking device including a reading device configured to receive user input, the locking device configured to enable and disable the access of electronic information in response to the user input.

A discharge electrode using carbon fibers, nanofibers and / or nanotubes to generate the corona discharge. The invention contemplates carbon fiber electrodes with or without a polymer matrix to form a composite, and a supporting configuration in which the fibers are wrapped helically around a supporting rod that extends along the length of the electrode. Another supporting configuration includes the fibers stretched across the gas flow path. Yet another supporting configuration includes mounting the fibers along the length of the support rod substantially parallel to the rod.

A discharge electrode using carbon fibers, nanofibers and / or nanotubes to generate the corona discharge. The invention contemplates carbon fiber electrodes with or without a polymer matrix to form a composite, and a supporting configuration in which the fibers are wrapped helically around a supporting rod that extends along the length of the electrode. Another supporting configuration includes the fibers stretched across the gas flow path. Yet another supporting configuration includes mounting the fibers along the length of the support rod substantially parallel to the rod.

A single-stage process for drying and grinding of mustard bran, such as wet mustard bran, in a single unit operation in a continuous manner. Heat-treated and ground mustard bran is achieved in a unique process described herein that combines these different treatments in a single-stage operation. The granulated mustard bran product obtained from the single-stage treatment of wet bran is useful in a wide variety of foodstuffs, such as a stabilizer, extender, thickener, binder, flavorant, and so forth.

The present invention is directed to a system and method for ensuring a controlled supply source of web material 34 to be dispensed through at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24. The method involves providing at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 to a web material provider 26 or 28 at reduced or no charge, providing exhausting means 14, 16 or 18 to the web material provider 26 or 28 for periodically activating at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 in return for consideration 40, transferring at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 from the web material provider 26 or 28 to an end user 32 at reduced or no charge to the end user 32, wherein the web material provider 26 or 28 provides web material 34 to be dispensed from at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 to the end user 32 in return for consideration and transferring the exhausting means 14, 16 or 18 to the end user 32 for periodically activating at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 in return for consideration 40 from the end user 32 which consideration is built into the consideration the end user gives to the product provider 26 or 28 so that the additional consideration for the activation means is transparent to the end user 32. The system comprises a dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 for dispensing web material 34, a credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 for storing a predetermined number of credits 36 corresponding to a predetermined amount of web material 34 to be dispensed by a dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24, wherein the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 interacts with the dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 to provide credit information to the dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 corresponding to at least a portion of the credits 36 on the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18, a reading device 42 interacting with the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 for reading at least a portion of the credit information 36 stored on the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 and an activation device 44, in communication with the reading device 42, selectively activating the dispenser in response to credit information received from the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18.

System and process for producing a H2-containing product gas and purified water from an integrated H2-producing reforming and thermal water purification process. Raw water, such as salt water, is heated by indirect heat transfer with reformate from the H2-producing reforming process for purifying raw water in a multiple effect distillation process.

A method for transferring real property ownership includes locating real property having an identified owner. A non exclusive purchase option is prepared to acquire interest in a land trust associated with the real property when predetermined conditions are satisfied. An offer is presented to the owner including an agreement for an investor to assume responsibility for the real property, and the purchase option for the real property in exchange for the owner establishing a revocable inter-vivos land trust associated with the real property and naming the investor as a remainder agent and co-beneficiary to the trust. A qualified independent 3rd party that meets the not-for-profit requirements of U.S. Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 501(c) is nominated as a trustee of the trust. A limited and revocable power of attorney is executed that gives the investor co-beneficiary limited power over property management for the real property.

A method and apparatus where the output from a high intensity light source is controlled to produce well-exposed images / videos and to reduce automatically the intensity when an unsafe issue is detected in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like. The method and apparatus overcome problems to control light sources that have high-frequency noise, slow-response time, nonlinearity, and non-monotonic response time and to protect the patients' tissues from possible overheating / burning and the eyes of personnel and patients from possible direct exposure to high intensity light used in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like.

The present invention is directed to a system and method for ensuring a controlled supply source of web material 34 to be dispensed through at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24. The method involves providing at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 to a web material provider 26 or 28 at reduced or no charge, providing exhausting means 14, 16 or 18 to the web material provider 26 or 28 for periodically activating at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 in return for consideration 40, transferring at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 from the web material provider 26 or 28 to an end user 32 at reduced or no charge to the end user 32, wherein the web material provider 26 or 28 provides web material 34 to be dispensed from at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 to the end user 32 in return for consideration and transferring the exhausting means 14, 16 or 18 to the end user 32 for periodically activating at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 in return for consideration 40 from the end user 32 which consideration is built into the consideration the end user gives to the product provider 26 or 28 so that the additional consideration for the activation means is transparent to the end user 32. The system comprises a dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 for dispensing web material 34, a credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 for storing a predetermined number of credits 36 corresponding to a predetermined amount of web material 34 to be dispensed by a dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24, wherein the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 interacts with the dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 to provide credit information to the dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24 corresponding to at least a portion of the credits 36 on the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18, a reading device 42 interacting with the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 for reading at least a portion of the credit information 36 stored on the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18 and an activation device 44, in communication with the reading device 42, selectively activating the dispenser in response to credit information received from the credit carrying device 14, 16 or 18.

A method for separating a sample using high pressure flash chromatography is provided. The method comprises the steps of: i) providing a pressurized vessel containing an adsorption material; ii) pressurizing a compressible fluid, optionally containing a cosolvent, to create a mobile phase; iii) premixing the sample with the mobile phase or optionally placing the sample in the pressurized vessel; iv) eluting the mobile phase through the pressurized vessel, to obtain a separated sample; v) heating the mobile phase containing the separated sample after the mobile phase exits the pressurized vessel to remove the compressible fluid; and iv) collecting the separated sample. The pressurized vessel contains an adsorption material having a particle size of 10-100 microns, and the pressure of the adsorption vessel is held at 50-350 bar during elution. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out the above method.

A method for separating a sample using high pressure flash chromatography is provided. The method comprises the steps of: i) providing a pressurized vessel containing an adsorption material; ii) pressurizing a compressible fluid, optionally containing a cosolvent, to create a mobile phase; iii) premixing the sample with the mobile phase or optionally placing the sample in the pressurized vessel; iv) eluting the mobile phase through the pressurized vessel, to obtain a separated sample; v) heating the mobile phase containing the separated sample after the mobile phase exits the pressurized vessel to remove the compressible fluid; and iv) collecting the separated sample. The pressurized vessel contains an adsorption material having a particle size of 10-100 microns, and the pressure of the adsorption vessel is held at 50-350 bar during elution. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out the above method.