138results about How to "Economy of scale" patented technology

A comprehensive system effectuates global electronic commerce on the Internet across frontiers of nations, cultures, and languages. Referral Websites serving various locales offer Buyers the opportunity to view products for purchase. A Buyer selects categories of products for viewing by using drop-down menus that organize products into a clear taxonomy that can be expressed across all languages. Having selected a category of products for viewing, a Buyer receives, from a multi-version relational database, a version of marketing information about each product. The version is one automatically sent from the database to match the Buyer's language, culture, and nationality, as deduced from the use of a particular Referral Website. A shopping cart allows Buyers to select a product for purchase in an interactive way that encourages completion of the purchase. Products can be offered with custom options and in wholesale quantities. Personalized Web pages allow comprehensive customer service after a sale.

An method for billing a wireless subscriber for fixed location service is disclosed where the rating of a call is determined in part by the location of the subscriber as indicated using call detail record information recorded in the switch and information in a rating profile, typically stored in a billing system. The rating profile maintains a defined billing rate that is applied for calls associated with the subscriber occurring in the defined serving location as typically identified by an antenna and antenna sector.

An analyte monitoring system is provided. The system may include a housing (200) and a visual display (206) on the housing (200), the visual display (206) having at lease one visual indicator position next to a corresponding marking (208, 210, 212, 214 and 216) on the housing (200). The system may include a processor (60) driving the visual display (206), wherein the processor (60) runs software that is modifiable to provide a variable user interface on the visual display (206). The system may include a wireless communication to allow applets or programs to be down-loaded by the processor (60).

The present invention provides methods and apparatus to uniquely determine fabrication details associated with objects, such as identification documents, artwork and limited issue works, using open cryptographic techniques. A cryptographic signature is created using a private key. The private key is uniquely associated with fabrication details such as a workstation, operator, fabrication equipment, fabrication materials, etc. A public key corresponds with the private key; and therefore, the public key is associated with the fabrication details. Successfully decoding the cryptographic signature with the public key uniquely identifies the fabrication details.

A local content server system (LCS) for creating a secure environment for digital content is disclosed, which system comprises: a communications port in communication for connecting the LCS via a network to at least one Secure Electronic Content Distributor (SECD), which SECD is capable of storing a plurality of data sets, is capable of receiving a request to transfer at least one content data set, and is capable of transmitting the at least one content data set in a secured transmission; a rewritable storage medium whereby content received from outside the LCS may be stored and retrieved; a domain processor that imposes rules and procedures for content being transferred between the LCS and devices outside the LCS, and a programmable address module which can be programmed with an identification code uniquely associated with the LCS. The LCS is provided with rules and procedures for accepting and transmitting content data. Optionally, the system may further comprise: an interface to permit the LCS to communicate with one or more Satellite Units (SU) which may be connected.

Developing decision-making skills of a user through practice in a simulated environment comprises defining a simulated situation to be influenced by the user including a set of objects that are represented by an attribute-characteristic representation, presenting information concerning a current state of the simulation, obtaining decisions from the user that at least partially determine object designs to be evaluated, evaluating an object design using a value function having multiple optima, updating the simulation with the results from the evaluation, and permitting continued practice by selectively repeating several of these steps. A system executes simulation software that simulates such a situation on a processor, and includes evaluation software for selecting and evaluating design objects by applying a value function having multiple optima. At least one terminal and communication links are provided for information transfer and implementation of the simulated situation. Diagnosis of the user's cognitive approach is also disclosed.

Systems, apparatus and methods are provided through which an injector system automates a process of injecting an individual dose from a multiple dose of a radiotracer material. In some embodiments, the injector system includes a first dose calibrator system that receives a multidose vial of a radiotracer, a second dose calibrator system, an injection pump and an intravenous needle. In some embodiments, the first dose calibrator system and the multidose vial have an integrated shape. In some embodiments, the first dose calibrator system includes a pneumatic arm that receives the multidose vial.

In one aspect, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a dispensing station dispenses a large quantity of a radiotracer to one or more positron emission tomography imaging stations. In some aspects a quality control unit verifies the quality of the radiotracer. In some embodiments, components of the system are coupled by a local area network. In some aspects, each positron emission tomography imaging station includes an injector system, a physiological monitoring device, and a positron emission tomography scanner. All of the devices can be controlled by a computer system.

Methods and apparatus providing a dynamically sized, highly scalable and available server farm are disclosed. A Virtual Server Farm (VSF) is created out of a wide scale computing fabric (“Computing Grid”) which is physically constructed once and then logically divided up into VSFs for various organizations on demand. Each organization retains independent administrative control of a VSF. A VSF is dynamically firewalled within the Computing Grid. Allocation and control of the elements and topology in the VSF is performed by a Control Plane connected to all computing, networking, and storage elements in the computing grid through special control ports. No physical rewiring is necessary in order to construct VSFs in many different configurations, including single-tier Web server or multi-tier Web-server, application server, database server configurations.

A local content server system (LCS) for creating a secure environment for digital content is disclosed, which system comprises: a communications port in communication for connecting the LCS via a network to at least one Secure Electronic Content Distributor (SECD), which SECD is capable of storing a plurality of data sets, is capable of receiving a request to transfer at least one content data set, and is capable of transmitting the at least one content data set in a secured transmission; a rewritable storage medium whereby content received from outside the LCS may be stored and retrieved; a domain processor that imposes rules and procedures for content being transferred between the LCS and devices outside the LCS; and a programmable address module which can be programmed with an identification code uniquely associated with the LCS. The LCS is provided with rules and procedures for accepting and transmitting content data. Optionally, the system may further comprise: an interface to permit the LCS to communicate with one or more Satellite Units (SU) which may be connected to the system through the interface, which SUs are capable of receiving and transmitting digital content; at least one SU; and / or at least one SECD. The SECD may have a storage device for storing a plurality of data sets, as well as a transaction processor for validating the request to purchase and for processing payment for a request to retrieve one of the data sets. The SECD typically includes a security module for encrypting or otherwise securitizing data which the SECD may transmit.

A system and method for encryption, transmission and decryption of data based on a publicly or other wide area broadcast random number sequence. Encryption is by a selected subsequence from the broadcast random number sequence, the selection being at a sample time relative to a synchronization event, with the sample time calculated based on a private key. Decryption uses the same private key to select the same subsequence from the broadcast random number sequence, as detection by the sender and receiver of the synchronization event and a sampling time based on a commonly known private key allows the sampling to be synchronous. Alternative embodiments employ trusted agents if the tender and receiver do not have a common private key.

A chassis having systems responsive to a nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes preassembled modules to enhance ease and simplicity of chassis assembly. The chassis is preferably configured to minimize the possibility of a preassembled module being incorrectly positioned within the chassis. Methods for advantageously employing preassembled modules to assemble vehicle chassis are also provided.

A method of manufacturing an orthopedic implant is provided. The method includes creating a 3D model of an orthopedic implant having a solid portion and a porous portion and selectively adjusting a physical property of at least one of porosity of the porous portion, lattice thickness of the porous portion, beam profile of the porous portion, and topography of the 3D model. The entire implant is then additively manufactured based on the 3D model.

A vehicle chassis is controlled remotely using a drive-by-wire system and a propulsion system, such as fuel cell technology. The remote control feature takes advantage of drive-by-wire technology in that the control signals used in powering, driving and controlling a chassis are electrical as opposed to mechanical signals. In this manner, the electrical impulses are used to remotely control the vehicle, which enables remote movement of the chassis during manufacturing, assembly, and shipping, as well as parking and docking and undocking of the chassis with a corresponding body.

A content storage method and system for use in a content distribution network are provided. A personal file locker is established on the network for a user. A content-storage-request database is established. The database tracks requests by the user for placing video programs into the user's file locker for personal use by the user. Upon the broadcasting of a video program for which there exists a request by the user to place the video program into the user's file locker, the requested video program is stored in the user's file locker. The stored video program is then made available to the user for viewing. Alternative approaches to content storage methods and systems are also described, including the use of a buffer enhancement to enable the performance of operations on “live” television.

In a telecommunications system where the price of communications is established by the network operator ("the seller") in accordance with actual or predicted demand in such fine increments that it becomes "dynamic" from the user's perspective because the prices vary to such a high degree that individual users ("buyers") are unable to execute a rational economic decision without incurring prohibitively high transaction costs. The present invention provides a method to reduce the transaction costs of such a system by determining and storing individual users' "threshold prices" for a variety of communications and circumstances. By comparing the network operator's offered price for the communication with the user's pre-determined threshold price, and executing a decision automatically based on the results of the comparison, the invention significantly reduces the transaction costs to the user and network operator to the point where dynamic pricing becomes viable and beneficial for both the seller and buyer.

A method, computer program and system for consuming reusable software assets, said assets being described with elements and attributes, said assets containing at least one variable element (VPs) themselves containing at least one variant. The user executes a program on a computer by first choosing the asset to be consumed. A decision tree corresponding to the asset is traversed, each decision point corresponding to a variable element. The decision point is processed by asking the user inputs to modify the variants of the corresponding variable elements. The modified variable elements are stored. The dependency of the decision point is indicated by a dependency attribute in the variable element.The program can stop at the initiative of the user or when the decision tree is completely traversed. When the decision tree has been partially traversed, the program can be restart after the last decision point processed starting from the partially modified corresponding variable element.

A front hood assembly has a front hood of a motor vehicle that is hinged to the chassis of the motor vehicle via a hinge, the front hood being lockable via at least one hood lock. The hinge is plastically deformed under the impact of a collision with a pedestrian. The assembly provides a protection for pedestrians that is technically feasible and can be implemented at low costs.

An apparatus and method for selectively configuring a first PCI Express connector and a second PCI Express connector. The apparatus includes a PCB (printed circuit board) having a PCI Express first connector and a PCI Express second connector mounted thereon. A translation device connector and a bridge component are also mounted on the PCB. The bridge component is coupled to the first connector, the second connector, and the translation device connector. The translation device connector is adapted to couple to a translation device in either a first orientation or a second orientation, wherein the first orientation configures the first connector for a first number of lanes and the second orientation configures the first connector and the second connector for a second number of lanes.

The IMPROVED and TRANSPORTABLE COOKING AND SMOKING BARBEQUE APPARATUS is an apparatus that is often called a Smoker. The device may be utilized as a stand alone Smoker to cook and smoke various foods such as meat and fish, fruits and vegetables. The device may be freestanding or on a portable set of wheels or trailer. The main components of this invention are comprised of a cooking chamber with a food rotisserie, a firebox, a draft system for controlling the air, and various options to enhance the convenience of the device. These main components have additional features to improve the start-up time to attain the temperature desired and sealing features which permit the smoke and heat to be well controlled.

A system for emergency crew return and down-mass orbit comprising a stowable, self-contained, deployable maneuvering reentry vehicle for automated, on-demand reentry to ground for cargo of 1-10 kilograms or up to single or multiple human use for evacuation of orbital facilities. The system includes a deployable “aeroshell” that is contiguous (a single geometric object—surface or hollow shape—that can morph in 3D shape), modular (a collection of modular components externally acting as a contiguous shape, but morphed in 3D via actuators contained in each modular member to create a general asymmetric geometry), or discontiguous (a collection of independently controlled surfaces or bodies that morph to form desirable asymmetric drag configurations). The system contains traditional spacecraft guidance, navigation and control, propulsion, and attitude control elements, in addition to communications, power, and actuator energetics systems for controlling the vehicle aeroshell shape during reentry, thus, minimizing the landing footprint of the vehicle.

A dummy hair clipper head which conforms to those dimensions of the head of a hair clipper (its stationary blade) which are necessary for its compatibility with attachment guide combs. This dummy hair clipper head provides a base onto which the attachment guide combs can be attached, and by which they can be held, allowing them to be organized within a kit among other uses. The dummy hair clipper head can be connected to a tool to allow the combs to be used with that tool, such as a pair of scissors to create a scissor comb, or including a conduit through the dummy hair clipper head to be used as a vacuum comb, a dryer comb, and a liquid dispensing comb.

A chassis having systems responsive to nonmechanical control signals and a simplified body-attachment interface includes regions optimized for energy absorption from an impact to the chassis periphery. A structural frame defines open spaces within which chassis systems are positioned. Material configured to absorb energy from an impact to the chassis periphery is located between the chassis periphery and the open spaces.

A process for co-producing synthesis gas and power includes producing a synthesis gas comprising at least CO and H2 by reacting a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock with oxygen, the synthesis gas being at a first temperature, separating air from a compressed air stream by means of at least one ion transport membrane unit thereby producing a permeate stream consisting predominantly of oxygen and a reject stream of oxygen-depleted air at a second temperature which is lower than the first temperature, indirectly heating the reject stream of oxygen-depleted air with the synthesis gas and at least partially expanding, the heated reject stream of oxygen-depleted air through at least one turbine to generate power, producing an at least partially expanded reject stream of oxygen-depleted air, and feeding at least a portion of the permeate stream consisting predominantly of oxygen to the synthesis gas generation stage to provide oxygen for production of synthesis gas.

The present invention provides a hierarchical packaging of electronic equipment that includes a first order assembly and a second order assembly. The first order assembly includes a plurality of modules and a means of mechanically supporting, interconnecting, powering, cooling and managing said modules. The second order assembly includes a plurality of the first order assemblies, and a means of mechanically supporting, interconnecting, powering, cooling and managing said first order assemblies.

The invention capitalizes upon the absence of an engine compartment forward of the passenger compartment in the vehicle body and provides a frontal impact energy dissipation compartment forward of the passenger compartment. The frontal impact energy dissipation compartment is filled with an energy absorption structure, such as an aluminum honeycomb structure. Alternatively, a bulkhead member extends across the vehicle at the forward end of the passenger compartment to enhance structural integrity of the forward end of the vehicle. The bulkhead member may be integrated with air flow systems, cross-car structural support, safety airbags, slidable driver interface, speakers, etc.

An accelerated vehicle development process includes establishing a common, standardized interface system whereby different types of vehicle bodies may be attached to a single chassis design. Chassis and bodies are designed, manufactured and validated independently of each other in accordance with the standardized interface system, thereby accelerating the development process. As new bodies are designed to mate with the previously manufactured and validated chassis, the newly designed bodies may be developed more quickly in response to market demand and attached to the previously validated chassis.