Abstract:
A system and method is provided for optimizing the use of credit resources. A financial system includes a database which stores customer credit/debit account information and use-consequence preference information. A master financial card is issued to the customer for all credit transactions. A host server receives information regarding the use of the master financial card and communicates with the database of information to decide the optimum credit card/account to which the purchase is to be applied.
Abstract:
A media display permits customization/personalization of a golf cart. The media display comprises a body having a top and bottom surface, and media, such as graphics, lettering or numbering. The media is associated with the body, such as by being located on the top or bottom surface of or being located within, the body. The media display is selectively connectable to a golf cart, preferably at the front or forward portion thereof for displaying the associated media. In accordance with a method, a golf cart is customized by locating a media display at the front of the golf cart, or by replacing or switching media display bearing different media with one another.
Abstract:
A gaming table provides for use of RFID technology to track chip movement on a table game and to infer an association between a wager and a player position based on a chip identifier of a chip placed on a particular position of the table. In some embodiments, previous position history of the chip is also taken into account in determining a player position associated with a wager.
Abstract:
An exemplary laser system is disclosed which includes a pump laser diode array and laser gain material, in which the array generates optical radiation having a predetermined total linewidth approximately 20 nm wide constructed from a plurality of individual wavelengths with a linewidth of up to 8 nm, the center wavelength of radiation being for example within the absorption band of laser gain material used at the center point of the operating temperature of the array. The system can include a highly reflecting plane mirror with periodic transmitting patches placed between the laser diode array and the laser gain material, the size of the transmitting patches being such that minimal pump radiation is lost.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for incentivizing payment means. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for incentivizing the use of cash payments for completion of in person transactions.
Abstract:
The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine genes encoding growth hormone receptor (GHR), ghrelin, leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) and their association with economically relevant traits in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations.
Abstract:
A rechargeable multiple cell battery pack has an application associated therewith that draws power from the battery pack. While the battery pack is in operation, voltage, current, state-of-charge (SOC), and impedance data are collected on a per-cell basis and an algorithm is performed to determine a state-of-charge for each individual cell of the battery pack consistent with predetermined criteria. The individual cells are charged to the respective, determined state-of-charge (SOC) levels.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed that equalize cell-to-cell imbalances in a multi-cell lithium battery system. A time-to-balance parameter is calculated for each cell at the beginning of charge, and balancing occurs for each cell having a positive time-to-balance at the beginning of charge. Alternatively, the time-to-balance parameter is calculated during operation of the battery system and equalization of the cells occur in-situ based on the time-to-balance values.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leptin promoter, and to methods for the identification of animals carrying specific alleles of these SNPs that are associated with circulating leptin levels, feed intake, growth rate, body weight, carcass merit and carcass composition. The present invention provides oligonucleotides that can be used as primers and/or probes to amplify and/or detect these SNPs, and provides methods for selecting and grouping animals, in particular bovines, according to genotype.
Abstract:
Coating production systems and methods which include ultrasonic dispersion and active cooling. The system includes a mixing reservoir and an ultrasonic disperser for ultrasonically dispersing an additive with another coating component within the mixing reservoir. The system also includes a heat exchanger in communication with the mixing reservoir to receive a mixture of the additive and another coating component from the mixing reservoir. The mixture is cooled by thermal energy transfer from the mixture to the heat exchanger. The cooled mixture is returned to the mixing reservoir.