Abstract:
A system and method for implementing a merchant loyalty program is disclosed. The invention includes receiving purchase data, wherein the purchase data comprises a consumer account code, a purchase amount, and a service establishment code; associating the service establishment code with a merchant proprietor rewards account code; calculating a reward amount based on the purchase amount; and, crediting a merchant proprietor reward account with at least a portion of said reward amount.
Abstract:
Light transmission may be controlled using a system that includes a linear polarizing means and an ellipticity increaser associated with a display. The ellipticity increaser is configured and oriented with respect to the linear polarizing means for increasing the ellipticity of light passing from the linear polarizing means through the ellipticity increaser. The system also includes an ellipticity adjuster and a linear polarizer spaced away from the display. The ellipticity adjuster is oriented with respect to the linear polarizer for increasing the ellipticity of light passing from the linear polarizer through the ellipticity adjuster. The ellipticity increaser and adjuster are disposed between the linear polarizing means and the linear polarizer, and are configured and oriented with respect to each other for reducing ellipticity of light passing from the linear polarizing means through the ellipticity increaser and adjuster to the linear polarizer.
Abstract:
Light transmission in a vehicle may be controlled using a system that includes a linear polarizing means and an ellipticity increaser associated with a display in the vehicle. The ellipticity increaser is configured and oriented with respect to the linear polarizing means for increasing the ellipticity of light passing from the linear polarizing means through the ellipticity increaser. The system also includes an ellipticity adjuster and a linear polarizer associated with a window of the vehicle. The ellipticity adjuster is oriented with respect to the linear polarizer for increasing the ellipticity of light passing from the linear polarizer through the ellipticity adjuster. The ellipticity increaser and adjuster are disposed between the linear polarizing means and the linear polarizer, and are configured and oriented with respect to each other for reducing ellipticity of light passing from the linear polarizing means through the ellipticity increaser and adjuster to the linear polarizer.
Abstract:
Phosphorylated glucomannan polysaccharide compositions are shown to effectively enhance healthy immune function. Dosage forms including pills, sprays, functional foods and cosmetics may achieve this benefit while being essentially free of storage protein from nongerminated seeds of Ricinus communis.
Abstract:
A deheader valve is fitted onto an existing or new coke drum by initially positioning the body and valve, and then raising the valve to mate with the flange using a lifting device other than a chain fall. The vertical positioning of the deheader valve is preferably accomplished with a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, winch, scissor jack, ratchet jack, screw jack, and so forth. The distance traveled by the valve using these devices is more than 2 cm, commonly at least 20 cm, and in some installations up to 40 cm or more. In retrofit situations an oil inlet is provided in a side wall of the drum above the bottom drum flange.
Abstract:
Disclosed are systems and methods for removing electrically-conductive contaminants entrained in airstream. The airstream is preferably redirected to separate the electrically-conductive contaminants from the airstream. The separated electrically-conductive contaminants may then be oxidized.
Abstract:
An apparatus for flame containment in electronic devices is provided. One embodiment comprises an apparatus for preventing flames from exiting an electronic device via at least one air vent structure of the electronic device. The apparatus comprises a frame and a plurality of louvers coupled to the frame, the plurality of louvers being oriented so as to prevent flames from exiting the electronic device via the at least one air vent structure when the apparatus is situated adjacent to the at least one air vent structure.