Abstract:
A real-time sourcing system is described herein that matches consumers with service requests to providers that perform the requested services. In addition, the system automates communication between consumers and providers. The real-time sourcing system provides automated and integrated end-to-end management of a transaction. The system receives a request from a consumer that describes a particular service needed by the consumer, and sends notifications to registered providers based on the requested service. The system receives an offer from one or more notified providers that indicates terms under which the provider would perform the requested service, and sends offers that match the consumer's criteria to the consumer for evaluation. The system receives an acceptance of an offer from the consumer. Thus, the real-time sourcing system reduces the time involved with finding providers to perform services, and provides consumers with more relevant selections of providers to perform services.
Abstract:
A trailer may include an extension that is sized and configured to extend the length of the trailer. Advantageously, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped in a standard-sized container. In particular, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped within a 92 inch container. The extension may also extend the length of the trailer to allow, for example, items that are about 96 inches or 8 feet in length to be positioned in the trailer. Thus, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped in a standard-sized container and allow the trailer to carrying items such as drywall or sheets of plywood that are 8 feet in length.
Abstract:
A personal table including a table top supported by a support assembly is disclosed. The table top is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic and the support assembly preferably includes a first leg and a second leg that are pivotally connected. The legs desirably have a generally X-shaped configuration when the legs are placed in an upright position and the legs can be collapsed into a storage position. Each of the legs may include a lower portion, a body portion and an upper portion that is preferably selectively connected to the table top. The legs, for example, can be connected to the table top by inserting the upper portions of the legs into leg receiving recess. Desirably, the table top includes a plurality of leg receiving recesses and the legs can be selectively attached to the leg receiving recesses in order to vary the height of the table.
Abstract:
The combination comprising a figure element mounted on the bill of a cap. The figure element includes a removable compartment and the mounting means comprises an elongated threaded screw member having an enlarged head at one end engageable through a hole in the bill. A washer is disposed between the screw head and the bill. An enlarged tapered flexible ring is mounted between the outer surface of the bill and the bottom compartment. A lock washer threads on the shank of the screw remote from the head end. The flexible ring permits limited turning of the compartment when the screw is turned to a locked position to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the compartment from the figure element.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for searching an electronically stored table of information including a plurality of table entries and facilitating high speed searching of a table to provide a longest matching entry. The table searching method uses at least one memory unit having a table of information including a plurality of data entries. The table of information has a plurality of search keys associated with the plurality of data entries and the plurality of search keys form a tree structure based on a prefix length for each of the search keys. The plurality of search keys are expanded such that each of the plurality of search keys has two lowest level search keys associated therewith that cover a lowest level of the tree structure. A binary search of the lowest level search keys is performed based on a search value to determine a longest prefix match. A data entry of the plurality of data entries is output based on said longest prefix match. The method is also applicable to routing data in an internet router where the routing of data packets depends on address information stored in the table of information.
Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods are described herein for adjusting a relationship between dialog and non-dialog signals in an audio program. In an example, information about a long-term dialog balance for an audio program can be received. The long-term loudness dialog balance can indicate a dialog-to-non-dialog loudness relationship of the audio program. A dialog loudness preference can be received, such as from a user, from a database, or from another source. A desired long-term gain or attenuation can be determined according to a difference between the received long-term dialog balance for the audio program and the received dialog balance preference. The long-term gain or attenuation can be applied to at least one of the dialog signal and the non-dialog signal of the audio program to render an audio program that is enhanced according to the loudness preference.
Abstract:
The disclosed process comprises freeze-drying a biodegradable implant device comprised or one or more polyesters to thereby reduce moisture content in the device.
Abstract:
There is disclosed methods and apparatus for decomposing a signal having a plurality of channels into direct and diffuse components. The correlation coefficient between each pair of signals from the plurality of signals may be estimated. A linear system of equations relating the estimated correlation coefficients and direct energy fractions of each of the plurality of channels may be constructed. The linear system may be solved to estimate the direct energy fractions. A direct component output signal and a diffuse component output signal may be generated based in part on the direct energy fractions.
Abstract:
A lighting apparatus and method of use provides for increasing the visibility of a cyclist. The lighting apparatus includes a plurality of lights that may be arranged in a linear array to facilitate attachment to elongate members of a bicycle. The plurality of lights can be mounted on a substrate that is received in a mounting member, which in turn can be attached to a bicycle. Alternatively, the lighting apparatus may be formed integrally as part of a bicycle. Attachment of one or more lighting apparatuses to a bicycle can provide for increased visibility of a cyclist from the front, the rear, or the side, and may be configured to provide increased visibility when it is either dark or light outside.
Abstract:
The disclosed process comprises freeze-drying a biodegradable implant device comprised or one or more polyesters to thereby reduce moisture content in the device.