Abstract:
A platform facilitates buyers, sellers, and third parties in obtaining information related to each other's transaction histories, such as a supplier's shipment history, the types of materials typically shipped, a supplier's customers, a supplier's expertise, what materials and how much a buyer purchases, buyer and shipper reliability, similarity between buyers, similarity between suppliers, and the like. The platform aggregates data from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, customs data associated with actual import/export transactions and facilitates the generation of reports as to the quality of buyers and suppliers, the reports relating to a variety of parameters that are associated with buyer and supplier quality.
Abstract:
An airbag and horn switch module, for use in a vehicle, is provided and includes an inflatable airbag cushion configured to provide restraint to the occupant, an inflator configured to inflate the airbag cushion, and a housing having a base and a plurality of walls extending from the base thereby forming a cavity configured to house the airbag cushion. At least one wall of the housing has at least one tab protruding therefrom. The module also includes a switch assembly including an electronic switch and an actuator, and a cover having a wall with at least one opening configured to receive the tab of the housing to thereby slideably couple the cover to the housing. The cover is configured to slideably couple to the housing prior to installation of the electronic switch by aligning the tab of the housing with the opening in the cover. The cover is configured to slide relative to the housing when the cover is depressed by the occupant, whereby the cover displaces the actuator into engagement with the electronic switch thereby activating the horn assembly of the vehicle.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
Abstract:
A heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley and a second rotatable pulley spaced from the first rotatable pulley. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at an SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element includes a first wire, a second wire, and a matrix joining the first wire and the second wire. The first wire and the second wire are in contact with the pulleys, but the matrix is not in contact with the pulleys. A timing cable is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at a timing pulley ratio, which is different than the SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element converts a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.
Abstract:
A method of forming unique, private, personal, virtual social networks on a social network system that includes a database storing data relating to corresponding user entities. The method includes: a first user entity sending an invitation to a second user entity, recording in the database the second user entity as a direct contact of the first user entity and determining that third user entities, directly connected to the second user entity, are indirect contacts. A unique, personal, social network formed from direct and indirect contacts is thereby created for each user entity. Each user entity is able to control privacy of its data with respect to other user entities depending on the connection factor to that other entity and/or that other entity's attributes. Each user entity is able to take the role of provider or participant in applications where the provider provides an item or service to the participant.
Abstract:
The patent involves the use of a personal Storage Device with memory which can store the unique biometrics of its registered owner for the purposes of identification; can record the unique biometrics of any person attempting to use the device; can confirm whether the user is the registered owner of the device; can control access to electronic devices and their consumption; can monitor and record the operational activity of its user; can store pre-defined value, duration and budgetary constraints; can compare operational activity to pre-defined values, durations and budgetary constraints; can store legal tender value; can visually indicate when it is electronically operative; can be electronically locked and de-activated; and can connect and communicate directly or remotely to other electronic devices. The device can be used in the identification and elimination of problem gamblers from gaining personal access to electronic gaming machines and other gambling devices or services whilst either physically present at a gambling venue or through their remote access to a gambling venue or gambling service via the internet, interactive television, intranets, extraneous, telephones or other digital communication services. In its USB derivative format the device can connect directly or remotely to the ubiquitous USB outlet of electronic devices without the need for additional and expensive electronic reader or writer hardware
Abstract:
A quick connector with an accessory housing. The accessory housing receives a system sensing device such as an absolute pressure sensor or a differential pressure sensor in fluid tight relation to the housing. A receptacle portion is arranged to connector the sensor to measuring instrumentation.
Abstract:
A security monitoring system provides for the secure transport of a bulk foodstuff container. The system includes an electromechanical locking mechanism allowing access by only authorized persons, a positional locator for determining the geographical position of the bulk foodstuff transport container, and a controller associated with the transport container. The controller controls operation of the electromechanical locking mechanism, stores data received from the electromechanical locking mechanism and the positional locator, and communicates with a remote data processor in near real time. A handheld user interface device is configured to control operation of the controller, to process and store data received from the controller, and to communicate with the remote data processor. Unique identifiers are provided for the bulk foodstuff transport container, the transport vehicle, any storage container from which or into which a bulk foodstuff is transferred, and any authorized operator of the security monitoring system.