| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090004318 | Induction tunnel coil - A system for supplying processed material includes a barrel for transporting the processed material, having a chamber and an electrically conductive wall enclosing the chamber. The barrel has a length and an outer surface. Thermal insulation extends along at least a portion of the length and around the outer surface and provides an exterior surface whose contour is uniform and formed without grooves. A coil comprising an electric conductor is encased in an electrical insulating sheath. The coil contacts and encircles the exterior surface in loops forming an induction winding that extends along at least a portion of the length and around the exterior surface in a spiral path. An induction power supply is used for supplying alternating current to the coil at a relatively high frequency. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090056856 | Synchronized temperature contol of plastic processing equipment - A system for processing plastic feed material includes a machine having a barrel and a screw that rotates in a repetitive cycle in the barrel. An induction winding encircles and extends along an outer surface of the barrel. A control system includes a controller that determines a duty cycle referenced to a length of the machine cycle in response to an error between a desired barrel temperature and a current barrel temperature. The controller electrically connects the power supply to the induction winding at least once during each cycle for a period whose length corresponds to the duty cycle. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090057300 | Heating system for plastic processing equipment having a profile gap - A system for processing plastic feed material includes a barrel having an upstream feed section and a downstream output section. A screw, supported for rotation in the barrel, cooperates with an inner surface of the barrel to form a path in which the feed material moves toward the output section. A heating system includes an induction winding encircling and extending along a portion of an outer surface of the barrel, and a gap interposed between the induction winding and the barrel and having a nonuniform thickness that varies around the periphery and corresponds to a varying wall thickness of the barrel. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20100108662 | Plasticating Barrel With Integrated Exterior Heater Layer - A plasticating barrel is provided with a primary heating system having at least one laminated ceramic heater, where the ceramic heater has an electrical insulating layer interposed between the ceramic heater layer and an outer wall of the barrel, and the longitudinal length of the ceramic heater is arranged over a portion of the barrel length. A secondary heating system may also be provided and overlaps, at least in part, the primary heating system. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110823 | Combined Screw Design and Heating Mechanism for Low Shear Resins - The apparatus and method that best results in low shear to melt shear-sensitive materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylics and/or resins with fiber fillers, without sacrificing process speed and/or cycle time, comprises the use of a barrel, screw and induction heating coil. The screw, in this case, preferably includes a low volumetric compression ratio, a relatively short feed section, an extended transition section, and a typical metering section. | 05-06-2010 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080283477 | Merchandise security system - A merchandise security system includes a rail adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure, which can be a shelf or a wire rack display. The rail includes a first longitudinally extending channel. At least one tile is mounted to the rail. The at least one tile extends away from the rail so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The at least one tile includes a protrusion which is accommodated in the first rail channel to enable a sliding movement of the tile in relation to the rail. This construction allows selective access to any desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080284181 | Receptacle securing device - A receptacle securing device designed to at least partially secure a receptacle in a generally static position during manipulation of contents in the receptacle. The receptacle securing device includes a base member that is designed to receive a bottom of a receptacle, at least one pressure pad that is designed to receive user generated pressure, and a plurality of arm members that are connected to the base member. At least one of the arm members is designed to pivot toward and grippingly engage the receptacle when the receptacle is positioned on the receptacle securing device. The receptacle securing device can be designed to be foldable upon itself to facilitate its shipping and transport by minimizing its size profile. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090280228 | BEVERAGE STIRRING DEVICE - A beverage stirring device comprising:
| 11-12-2009 |
| 20100072094 | TOOL BIT HOLDER - A tool bit holder for releasably supporting a plurality of tool bits in a supported position wherein each tool bit has an elongated bit body extending from a working end to a tool end. The tool end of the bit being shaped to be received by a tool and the working end being shaped to engage an object such as a fastener. The bit further including an elongated side wall extending between the working and tool ends. The holder includes a frame having a plurality of spaced bit receiving nests and each of these nests has a bit opening shaped to receive one tool bit. The nests further including a flexible member movable relative to the tool bit opening and movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position such that the nest engages the elongated wall of the tool bit when the flexible member is in the engaged position and the associated bit is in the supported position thereby preventing relative movement between the nest and the associated bit. Further, the nest allows the tool bit to move relative to the opening when in the disengaged position. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100179457 | VIBRATING ANESTHESIA DEVICE - A hand-held vibrating tool is provided to create an anesthesia effect on a patient's skin when the tool is touched to the skin. The tool includes a body which is easily grasped by the user and a removable tip having forked prongs for touching the skin. A small electric motor is housed within the body and is powered by batteries, with an on/off switch to control actuation of the motor. The motor generates vibrations which are transmitted through the prongs to the patient's skin, and thereby create a numbed zone prior to a medical procedure, such as an injection. Interchangeable tips are provided with differently spaced prongs to create smaller or larger anesthetized zones for the patient. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100218685 | MICROWAVE COFFEE MAKER - A beverage maker that includes a container having a bottom wall, side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to foam a container cavity and a lid. The bottom wall includes a drain opening to enable liquid to drain from the container cavity. The lid is designed to be movable between an open and closed position. The lid forms a cover over a top of the container cavity. The lid includes a filter rib that extends partially into the container cavity when the lid is in a closed position. A drain plug is provided to control a flow of liquid through the drain opening. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100308083 | LIQUID PUMP - A liquid pump creates a fountain type of dispenser for a container. The liquid pump includes a top portion, an elongated body and a bottom portion. The bottom portion at least partially includes an electric motor that is designed to draw fluid into the bottom portion when the electric motor is activated. The bottom portion is fluidly connected to the elongated body and the elongated body is fluidly connected to the top portion such that fluid that is drawn into the bottom portion is designed to flow out of the bottom portion and into the elongated body and then out of the elongated body and into the top portion. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110150601 | Mounting System and Method - A mounting system, comprising an insertion component configured to be partially inserted into but not through a hole in a first panel of a wall assembly with an elongated anchor having a hub and at least one anchor tab. An elastic holding member is configured to connect the insertion component and the anchor and the anchor located on a first side of a first panel is configured to be inserted through the insertion component opening defining the hole in the first panel. The holding member pulls the insertion component and the anchor toward each other when the insertion component and the anchor are located on opposite sides of the first panel and separated by approximately a first panel thickness. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110220593 | MERCHANDISE SECURITY SYSTEM - A merchandise security system includes a merchandise display having a first display member and a second display member vertically spaced from the first display member. At least one tile is mounted to the first display member. The at least one tile is movable between a first position blocking access to a desired column of associated merchandise stored on one of the first and second display members to a second position allowing access to the desired column of the associated merchandise. A lock member is operatively connected to the at least one tile for restricting movement of the at least one tile from its first position. The lock member is movable from the locked position where at the lock member interferes with movement from the at least one tile from its first position to an unlocked position which enables the at least one tile to be moved from its first position to its second position for allowing access to the desired column of associated merchandise. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110271635 | WALL ANCHOR SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, described herein is a wall anchor system includes an insert that is positionable within a hole in a wall. The wall anchor system further includes an anchor that is insertable into and passable through the insert. Additionally, the wall anchor system includes an elastic member that couples the insert and anchor. The insert and anchor remain coupled via the elastic member as the anchor is inserted into and passes through the insert. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20120144576 | PORTABLE DISPOSABLE TOILET - A portable toilet that includes a top section, a bottom section, a side wall, and a door system. The top section includes a top wall slot. The bottom section includes a bottom wall slot. The side wall includes a top edge that is removably insertable into the top wall slot. The side wall includes a bottom edge of that is removably insertable into the bottom wall slot. The door system includes a door frame and at least one door. The door frame includes first and second wall side slots. A first side of the side wall is removably insertable into the first wall side slot, and a second side of the side wall is removably insertable into the second wall side slot. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145758 | SHOPPING CART SHELF - A shelf for use with a shopping cart. The shelf includes a carrier section and a connection arrangement. The carrier section is designed to be connected to a front end of the shopping cart. The carrier section includes a front wall, a back wall, a mid-section, and a cavity. The cavity is formed by the front wall, a back wall, a mid-section and is designed to receive goods placed in the carrier section. The front wall is designed to move relative to the mid-section to enable a top opening in the cavity to expand and contract. The connection arrangement is designed to secure the carrier section to the front end of the shopping cart. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120160785 | MERCHANDISE SECURTY SYSTEM - A merchandising system includes a mounting member adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure. A tile is connected to the mounting member. The tile extends away from the mounting member so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion located in a first plane and a protrusion located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The protrusion is linked to the mounting member. The tile is configured to be movable in relation to the mounting member thereby allowing selective access to a desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The connection between the protrusion and the mounting member enables movement of the tile in relation to the mounting member via at least one of pivoting and sliding. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120180704 | SCISSOR LIFT PALLET LIFTER - A pallet lifter for raising and lowering a pallet. The pallet lifter includes a pallet platform, a lifting frame that supports the pallet platform, and a movement mechanism that controllably causes the pallet platform to raise and lower. The pallet platform includes a top surface designed to support a pallet, two side walls and a back wall. The lifting frame includes two sets of legs. One end of one or both of the two legs of each set of legs is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the pallet platform as the pallet platform is raised and lowered. The movement mechanism includes a motor and a threaded rod. The electric motor is designed to cause the threaded rod to rotate in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to cause said pallet platform to raise and lower. | 07-19-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080197176 | FILE FOLDER - File folders are provided having bent hangers from which a receptacle is suspended so that the top of the receptacle is beneath a rail-engaging portion of the hangers and/or beneath a top of the rail or other supporting structure of office storage equipment. The hangers of the file folder may also be collapsible for use outside the office storage equipment. The hangers may also have a grip, or handle, for removal of the file folder from the office storage equipment. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20090302050 | BIASED PAPER DISPENSING DEVICE - Disclosed is a biased paper dispensing device for dispensing paper. The dispensing device has a housing with an elongated body for containing paper. The housing has a lift system which may include a tray for holding the paper, a pulley system having pulleys, and elastic tubing. The tray holds the paper horizontally in the housing, and is moved vertically within the housing to dispense the paper. The lift system is used to lift or lower the paper and to bias the paper within the housing toward the lid or opening. A paper guide device for guiding paper into alignment with the opening may be provided. The opening may include at least one lateral opening portion permitting paper exposed in the opening to be withdrawn laterally therefrom. Flanges for holding the paper within the opening, and for allowing easy insertion of paper into the housing, are also provided. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100024234 | SELF-EXTENDING ELONGATE MEMBER AND USE THEREOF - A measuring device is provided that may be selectively configured between an extended condition and a collapsed condition. The device includes a first member, second member, flexible housing, and securing means. Each member has a proximal end, distal end, and convex surface. The convex surfaces are flexible such that the members may bend about a bending axis of the device and resilient such that the convex surfaces are biased toward their stable convex shape and the device is biased toward the extended condition. The first and the second members are disposed within the flexible housing to form a covered pair having a proximal end and a distal end. The apex of the convex surface of the first member is opposite the apex of the convex surface of the second member when the members are disposed within the flexible housing. The securing means secures the measuring device in the collapsed condition. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100078929 | REFILLABLE AND REUSABLE PAD - An apparatus for supporting a pad of paper comprising a plurality of sheets joined together at a joined edge portion, the joined edge portion having at least one hole therethrough is disclosed. In some aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a substantially rigid support member configured to support the pad of paper, the support member including a front surface; a receiving member provided at an edge portion of the support member, the receiving member providing an opening extending across the front surface of the support member and configured to receive the joined edge portion of the pad of paper being engaged with the front surface; and at least one fastener member provided at the edge portion of the support member and projecting forwardly therefrom, the at least one fastener member being spaced from the opening of the receiving member and being configured to be received in the at least one hole in the joined edge portion of the pad of paper being engaged with the front surface of the support member so as to removably secure the pad of paper to the support member in cooperation with the receiving member. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20110101669 | REFILLABLE AND REUSABLE PAD - An apparatus for supporting a pad of paper comprising a plurality of sheets joined together at a joined edge portion, the joined edge portion having at least one hole therethrough is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substantially rigid support member including a front surface and a back surface, the support member configured to support the pad of paper at an edge portion of the support member, wherein the edge portion includes a recess that is arranged to allow a portion of the plurality of sheets to be accessed from the back surface of the support member; and at least one fastener member provided at the edge portion of the support member and projecting forwardly therefrom, the at least one fastener member being configured to be received in the at least one hole in the joined edge portion of the pad of paper being engaged with the front surface of the support member so as to removably secure the pad of paper to the support member. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110226844 | FILE FOLDER - File folders are provided having bent hangers from which a receptacle is suspended so that the top of the receptacle is beneath a rail-engaging portion of the hangers and/or beneath a top of the rail or other supporting structure of office storage equipment. The hangers of the file folder may also be collapsible for use outside the office storage equipment. The hangers may also have a grip, or handle, for removal of the file folder from the office storage equipment. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20120292358 | HARD-SHELL CARGO CARRIER - A cargo carrier adapted to be removably mounted to a roof of a vehicle includes a body portion and an interior space defined by the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes a lid portion that provides access to the interior space. The lid portion is releasably attachable to the body portion by relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion. The cargo carrier further includes at least one mechanical fastening assembly slidingly engageable with a complementary fastening assembly, wherein the mechanical fastening assembly prevents relative motion between the lid portion and the body portion. Another embodiment of the cargo carrier includes a lid cover constructed to coact with a space defined by the lid portion and the body portion. The lid cover creates mechanical interference to prevent relative linear motion between the lid portion and the body portion. | 11-22-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090205953 | ELECTROPLATING CELL WITH HYDRODYNAMICS FACILITATING MORE UNIFORM DEPOSITION ACROSS A WORKPIECE DURING PLATING - An apparatus for establishing more uniform deposition across one or more faces of a workpiece in an electroplating process. The apparatus employs eductors in conjunction with a flow dampener member and other measures to provide a more uniform current distribution and a more uniform metal deposit distribution as reflected in a coefficient of variability that is lower than conventional processes. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20110017608 | ELECTROCHEMICAL ETCHING AND POLISHING OF CONDUCTIVE SUBSTRATES - A method for electrochemically etching a metal layer through an etch-resist layer pattern using a non-active electrolyte solution is described. The method is particularly useful in fabrication of advanced fuel delivery systems for land-based power generation turbines and aerospace turbine engines; of components for advanced thermal management in aerospace electronic devices and in cooling channels; of stents used in medicine; and of microchannels for sensors, chemical reactors, and dialysis and the like. In one embodiment of the invention the metal layer is copper and the non-active electrolyte solution is a mixture of sodium nitrate and sodium chloride and a pulse electric current is employed to accomplish the electrochemical etching. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110209991 | ELECTROPLATING CELL WITH HYDRODYNAMICS FACILITATING MORE UNIFORM DEPOSITION ON A WORKPIECE WITH THROUGH HOLES DURING PLATING - A method and apparatus for establishing more uniform deposition across one or more faces of a workpiece in an electroplating process. The apparatus employs eductors in conjunction with a flow dampener member and other measures to provide a more uniform current distribution and a more uniform metal deposit distribution as reflected in a coefficient of variability that is lower than conventional processes. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110303553 | ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MACHINING STRONGLY PASSIVATING METALS - An electrochemical machining system for metals and alloys having a strongly passivating character including an electrolyte solution that is free of hydrofluoric acid, an electrode in contact with the electrolyte solution, a workpiece spaced apart from the electrode and in contact with the electrolyte solution and a power source including a first electrical lead electrically coupled to the electrode and a second electrical lead electrically coupled to the workpiece, the power source being configured to pass an electric current between the electrode and the workpiece, wherein the electric current includes anodic pulses and cathodic pulses, and wherein the cathodic pulses are interposed between at least some of the anodic pulses. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120091000 | ELECTROLYTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILTERING AN AQUEOUS PARTICULATE SUSPENSION - An electrolytic filtration method and apparatus for the concentration and collection of suspended particulates from aqueous solutions is disclosed. The electrolytic cell contains at least an anode and a cathode, and in one embodiment contains a plurality of anodes and cathodes. The electrolytic cell also contains a filter, and in one embodiment the filter is a moving belt filter. While not bound by theory, the electrolytic filtration method and apparatus is based on the electrophoretic movement of algae particles suspended in an aqueous solution away from the filter under the influence of an electric field. In one embodiment the electric field is a pulsed waveform with unidirectional voltage or current pulses. In another embodiment, the electric field is a pulsed waveform with bidirectional voltage or current pulses. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120091002 | ELECTROLYTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONCENTRATING AN AQUEOUS PARTICULATE SUSPENSON - An electrolytic method and apparatus for the concentration and collection of suspended particulates from solutions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solution is an aqueous solution and the suspended particles are algae particles. The electrolytic cell contains at least an anode and a cathode, and in one embodiment contains a plurality of anodes and cathodes. While not bound by theory, the electrolytic method and apparatus is based on the electrophoretic movement of algae particles suspended in an aqueous solution under the influence of an electric field. In one embodiment the electric field is a pulsed wavefrom with unidirectional voltage or current pulses. In another embodiment, the electric field is a pulsed waveform with bidirectional voltage or current pulses. | 04-19-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20110030654 | Two-Stroke Uniflow Turbo-Compound Internal Combustion Engine - A reciprocating two-stroke uniflow internal combustion (IC) cylinder and multiple cylinder engine, the cylinder having a cylinder wall and a cylinder head, the cylinder head having an exhaust port, a fuel injector, and a spark means disposed through the cylinder head, a piston reciprocally mounted in the cylinder for movement alternately through compression and power strokes, and a scroll plenum extending unidirectional around the outside of the cylinder wall and having an inlet and a plurality of swirl ports disposed through the cylinder wall providing fluid communication from the scroll plenum into the cylinder chamber, wherein the plurality of swirl ports enter the cylinder chamber tangentially with respect to the axial centerline of the cylinder, and wherein the plurality of swirl ports are subject to opening and closing in response to movement of said piston. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20120096853 | Two-Stroke Uniflow Turbo-Compound Internal Combustion Engine - A radial, two-stroke uniflow internal combustion (IC) cylinder and multiple cylinder engine, the cylinder having a cylinder wall and a cylinder head, the cylinder head having an exhaust port, a fuel injector, and a spark means disposed through the cylinder head, a piston reciprocally mounted in the cylinder for movement alternately through compression and power strokes, and an inlet swirl port disposed through the cylinder wall providing fluid communication into the cylinder chamber, and having an annular exhaust air manifold in exhaust gas communication with each exhaust ports, and an exhaust-driven radial in-flow turbine that drives the inlet air compression. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120174881 | FULL EXPANSION INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A two-stroke, uniflow, full expansion internal combustion (IC) engine having cylinders that include a cylinder wall and a cylinder head having an exhaust port with exhaust valve, a fuel injector, and a spark means in the cylinder head, and a piston mounted in the cylinder for reciprocal stroke movements of compression and power between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The cylinder has a swirl inlet port passing through the cylinder wall at the bottom of the cylinder that is covered and uncovered in response to the reciprocal movement of the piston. The cylinder is operated through a cycle where the exhaust port is held in an open position for a portion of the compression stroke movement of the piston, to provide a delay in the onset of the compression phase of the cylinder cycle. | 07-12-2012 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090083525 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT FACILITATE MANAGEMENT OF ADD-ON INSTRUCTION GENERATION, SELECTION, AND/OR MONITORING DURING EXECUTION - The subject invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate display, selection, and management of context associated with execution of add-on instructions. The systems and methods track add-on instruction calls provide a user with call and data context, wherein the user can select a particular add-on instruction context from a plurality of contexts in order to observe values and/or edit parameters associated with the add-on instruction. The add-on instruction context can include information such as instances of data for particular lines of execution, the add-on instruction called, a caller of the instruction, a location of the instruction call, references to complex data types and objects, etc. The systems and methods further provide a technique for automatic routine selection based on the add-on instruction state information such that the add-on instruction executed corresponds to a current state. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083698 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT FACILITATE MANAGEMENT OF ADD-ON INSTRUCTION GENERATION, SELECTION, AND/OR MONITORING DURING EXECUTION - The subject invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate display, selection, and management of context associated with execution of add-on instructions. The systems and methods track add-on instruction calls provide a user with call and data context, wherein the user can select a particular add-on instruction context from a plurality of contexts in order to observe values and/or edit parameters associated with the add-on instruction. The add-on instruction context can include information such as instances of data for particular lines of execution, the add-on instruction called, a caller of the instruction, a location of the instruction call, references to complex data types and objects, etc. The systems and methods further provide a technique for automatic routine selection based on the add-on instruction state information such that the add-on instruction executed corresponds to a current state. | 03-26-2009 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090045094 | Pharmaceutical Blister Card Package - A pharmaceutical child-resistant fold-over card package with secure, sealed edges having: front, middle and rear panels of non-tear-resistant conventional card stock, each panel having a top and a bottom side, aligned in a stack with each top side facing in the same direction; at least one hole in such front panel, and at least one formed blister with a closed portion and an open portion, protruding through such top panel and away from the middle and bottom panels, a pharmaceutical preparation inside of such blister, and a thin sheet of material covering such open portion of such blister to retain the position of such preparation inside such blister; a first set of perforation lines in such card along and approximately one quarter inch inside of each outside exposed perimeter edge of each such panel; a set of perforated holes in middle panel aligned with such hole in such top panel such holes having the geometric shape of such preparation, the size of such hole in the top panel being such that such preparation narrowly passes through such hole, and such hole in the middle panel being smaller in size than such hole in such top panel; a second set of perforation lines in the interior of such middle and rear panels and surrounding the area under the at least one blister, to form a perforated window under such blister and to form a tear tab adjacent to and outside of such perforated window; adhesive tear strips affixed to the bottom of the middle panel aligned with such tear tabs and crossing such perforated window area; and adhesive material that straddles such first set of perforation lines, and other adhesive material outside of such perforated window area, on the bottom side of the front panel and the top side of the rear panel, so such top, middle, and rear panels are affixedly aligned, so that the package is securely assembled and so that any tear of any exposed edge of such card is interrupted at any of such first set of perforation lines, and so that access to such capsule can be achieved by peeling a desired tab, tearing away the adjacent perforated window, and pressing a desired capsule or group of capsules through the foil and out such window by exerting pressure on the blister from the top side of the front panel. | 02-19-2009 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20110196720 | METHOD FOR EFFECTING GOOD HAND HYGIENE PRACTICES - An online system and method for improving individual hand hygiene practices includes a central program manager including a processing unit, server, and memory necessary for interactive internet communication with a host of users. Each user or participant may access the software program when, where and however she/he desires, provided internet access is available. The online learning system and method maintained by the program manager is divided into three sessions, each comprising a module, each module being tailored to educate the participant about hand hygiene practices and to elicit from the participant a self-assessment of any shortcomings that the participant may perceive himself/herself as having in the area of hand hygiene. The participant may then develop a hand hygiene self-improvement plan, focusing on a number of such deficiencies, which will be the focus of attention of the participant in a real world setting with dispensing apparatuses until the participant selects the time and place to work on next module. During the interim period of time, the program manager, through internet communication, sends email and pop-ups to the participant to further encourage, educate, and make the participant aware of the hand hygiene practices of particular interest. Several progressive stages or modules of this type are employed, each evoking from the participant a commitment to change, and each intercommunication being of a personalized nature, and directed specifically to the needs evidenced by the self-improvement plan of the participant. | 08-11-2011 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20090313106 | System and Method for Granting Promotional Rewards to Both Customers and Non-Customers - Systems and methods of attracting and retaining customers of a Banking institution through an incentive program is disclosed, comprising: operating a promotional program, comprising the dispensing of a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and operating a rewards program, wherein upon a customer completing a triggering behavior, a specified reward is granted to the customer. Systems and methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises dispensing a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated checking machine (ATM). | 12-17-2009 |
| 20110131097 | System and Method for Granting Promotional Rewards to Both Customers and Non-Customers - Systems and methods of attracting and retaining customers of a Banking institution through an incentive program is disclosed, comprising: operating a promotional program, comprising the dispensing of a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and operating a rewards program, wherein upon a customer completing a triggering behavior, a specified reward is granted to the customer. Systems and methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises dispensing a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated checking machine (ATM). | 06-02-2011 |