Author: claimsbot

1. A method comprising:
receiving a database query language statement to initiate a read-only transaction within a database management system and an indicator specifying that uncommitted data item values modified in other transactions are to be read within the read-only transaction;
initiating the read-only transaction within the database management system; and
taking a data snapshot of a most recently modified data item values of data items specified in the query language statement for use within the read-only transaction and holding the data snapshot in memory.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein modified, uncommitted data items within the database are identified by the database management system through a data versioning mechanism.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the data versioning mechanism maintains at least two snapshots of a data items values that are the subject of an updatable transaction.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the database management system maintains at least one global snapshot of data item values.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the database management system generates and maintains a data snapshot of data items specified in query language statements of each active transaction within the database management system.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the indicator specifying that uncommitted data item values modified in other transactions are to be read overrides a default setting specifying that only committed data item values are to be read.
7. A non-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions thereon which when processed by a suitably configured computing device causes the computing device to:
receive a database query language statement to initiate a read-only transaction within a database management system and an indicator specifying to use either committed or uncommitted data item values of data items specified in the query language statement;
initiate the read-only transaction within the database management system;
when the query language statement specifies that uncommitted data item values modified in other transactions are to be read within the read-only transaction, take a data snapshot of a most recently modified data item values specified in the query language statement for use within the read-only transaction and hold the data snapshot in memory;
when the query language statement specifies that only committed data item values are to be read within the read-only transaction, take a data snapshot of committed values of data items specified in the query language statement for use within the read-only transaction and hold the data snapshot in memory.
8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7, wherein modified, uncommitted data items within the database are identified by the database management system through a data versioning mechanism.
9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the data versioning mechanism maintains at least two snapshots of a data items values that are the subject of an updatable transaction.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the database management system maintains at least one global snapshot of data item values.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the database management system generates and maintains a data snapshot of data items specified in query language statements of each active transaction within the database management system.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the indicator specifying that uncommitted data item values modified in other transactions are to be read overrides a default setting specifying that only committed data item values are to be read.
13. A system comprising:
one or more data storage devices;
a database management system to manage data stored in at least one of the one or more data storage devices, the database management system operable to:
receive a database query language statement to initiate a read-only transaction within the database management system and an indicator specifying that uncommitted data item values modified in other transactions are to be read within the read-only transaction;
initiate the read-only transaction within the database management system; and
take a data snapshot of a most recently modified data item values of data items specified in the query language statement for use within the read-only transaction and holding the data snapshot in memory.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein modified, uncommitted data items within the database are identified by the database management system through a data versioning mechanism.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the data versioning mechanism maintains at least two snapshots of a data items values that are the subject of an updatable transaction.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the database management system maintains at least one global snapshot of data item values.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein the database management system generates and maintains a data snapshot of data items specified in query language statements of each active transaction within the database management system.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the indicator specifying that uncommitted data item values modified in other transactions are to be read overrides a default setting specifying that only committed data item values are to be read.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An electronic device comprising:
a main body defining a receiving space,
a camera module comprising an outer frame, two first shafts, an inner frame, two second shafts, and an image capturing unit, the outer frame being received in the receiving space and rotatably suspended by the two first shafts;
wherein the inner frame is received within the outer frame and rotatably suspended by the two second shafts, the first shafts are substantially perpendicular to the second shafts, the image capturing unit is received in the inner frame.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving space is formed by two opposite side surfaces of the main body and a bottom surface of the main body connecting the two side surfaces, the two side surfaces define two first shaft holes aligned with each other to receive the two first shafts, respectively.
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the outer frame and the first shafts are hollow and define an interior space to allow wires of the image capturing unit running therethrough.
4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the outer frame is received in the receiving space with a first clearance formed between the outer frame and the receiving space, and the first shafts rotatably fit into the first shaft holes respectively, thereby the outer frame is received in the receiving space and rotatable about the first shafts.
5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the second shafts are hollow and the interior thereof communicate with the interior space, thereby the wires of the image capturing unit received within the interior space can run out through the second shafts.
6. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the inner frame is received in the outer frame with a second clearance formed between the outer frame and the inner frame, and the second shafts rotatably fit into the second shaft holes respectively, thereby the inner frame is received in the outer frame and rotatable about the second shafts.
7. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the inner frame defines a first through hole and a second through hole in an upper plate, the first through hole and the second through hole are coaxial and communicate with each other, the first through hole is adjacent to the interior space and communicates with the interior space, the diameter of the first through hole is less than that of the second through hole.
8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the image capturing unit comprises a lens, a lens holder, an image sensor, and a printed circuit board (PCB), the lens is received in the first through hole and coupled to the lens holder, the image sensor is received with lens holder and mechanically and electrically disposed on the PCB.
9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the image capturing unit further comprises a cover for sealing the second through hole to protect the lens from damage.
10. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the wires of the image capturing unit extend from the PCB and go out through the interior space of the inner frame, to the interior of the second shafts, to the interior space of the outer frame, to the interior of the first shafts, and finally to the outside of the camera module to the interior of the electronic device.
11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the outer frame is substantially a hollow rectangular tube.
12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving space is recessed from an upper portion of the electronic device.
13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the inner frame is substantially a hollow cube.

1. A system for settling a transaction, comprising:
a server arrangement configured to receive communications from a user, the server arrangement further configured to seek available financial information pertinent to the transaction from at least one source external to the user, the server arrangement comprising:
a rules based engine including rules established on behalf of a party to the transaction, the rules based engine configured to process data from the available financial information and present a first transaction settlement offer set comprising a plurality of selectable monetary offers to the user specifically determined for the user based on available financial information and at least one decision made by the rules based engine, each selectable monetary offer determined to facilitate settlement of the transaction;

wherein the server arrangement is further configured to provide a data entry field to the user for use when none of the plurality of selectable monetary offers appeal to the user, and may receive a desired amount to be paid per month from the user, and use the rules based engine to process information comprising the desired amount to be paid per month and present a second transaction settlement offer set to the user including the desired amount to be paid per month and a plurality of offers including a number of months in a payment schedule and a lump sum payment that must be made immediately based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the server arrangement further comprises a parsing module configured to receive the available financial information and parse information based on the rules established on behalf of the party to the transaction.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the server arrangement further comprises a portfolio management module configured to manage a portfolio comprising a plurality of transactions based on actions taken by multiple users and aspects associated with the portfolio.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the user comprises a debtor and the transaction comprises a debt owed by the debtor.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the rules based engine relies on at least one dictionary employed to translate received information into information used within the server arrangement.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the server arrangement further comprises a payment processing module configured to present the user with at least one payment option related to at least one offer in the first or second transaction settlement offer set.
7. A system configured to settle a financial transaction between a user and a party to the financial transaction, comprising:
a server arrangement comprising:
a rules engine configured to process available data regarding the financial transaction using rules established on behalf of the party to the financial transaction;

wherein the server arrangement is configured to present a first transaction settlement offer set comprising a plurality of selectable monetary offers to the user specifically determined for the user based on at least one decision made by the rules engine, each selectable monetary offer determined to facilitate settlement of the financial transaction, and the server arrangement is further configured to provide a data entry field to the user for use when none of the plurality of selectable monetary offers appeal to the user, and may receive a desired amount to be paid per month from the user, and determine a second transaction settlement offer set including a plurality of offers based on the desired amount to be paid per month received from the user, wherein the second transaction settlement offer set includes the desired amount to be paid per month from the user and a plurality of installment payment options including a number of months in a payment schedule and a lump sum payment that must be made immediately based on at least one decision made by the rules engine.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the user comprises a debtor and the transaction comprises a debt owed by the debtor.
9. A method of settling a financial transaction between a debtor entity and a creditor entity using a computing device, comprising:
presenting a first transaction settlement offer set to the debtor entity specifically determined for the user based on at least one decision made according to rules established by the creditor entity, the first transaction settlement offer set comprising at least one selectable monetary offer determined to facilitate settlement of the financial transaction;
providing a data entry field to the user for use when the at least one selectable monetary offer does not appeal to the debtor entity, and receiving a desired amount to be paid per month from the debtor entity; and
using the rules established by the creditor entity to process the desired amount to be paid per month and determine and present a second transaction settlement offer set to the debtor entity including a plurality of offers based on and including the desired amount to be paid per month and a plurality of installment payment options including a number of months in a payment schedule and a lump sum payment that must be made immediately based on at least one decision made according to the rules established by the creditor entity.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the computing device comprises one from a group consisting of a personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, wireless telephone or other telephone, smart phone, tablet computing device, handheld PC, and digital camera.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising seeking financial information pertinent to the debtor entity, and when the financial information is available, receiving the financial information prior to the processing.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising processing the financial information using the rules established by the creditor entity.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the transaction comprises a debt owed by the debtor entity.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the rules based engine is configured to operate on information received based on rules provided on behalf of the creditor entity.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method employs:
a parsing module configured to receive information and parse information based on the rules established on behalf of the creditor entity; and
a portfolio management module configured to manage a portfolio comprising a plurality of transactions based on actions taken by multiple debtor entities and aspects associated with the portfolio.
16. A system for settling a transaction, comprising:
a server arrangement configured to receive communications from a user and seek available financial information regarding the user and pertinent to the transaction from at least one source external to the user, the server arrangement comprising:
a rules based engine including rules established on behalf of a party to the transaction, the rules based engine configured to process data from the available financial information and present a first transaction settlement offer set to the user based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine, the first transaction settlement offer set comprising a plurality of simultaneously presentable selectable offers specifically determined for the user to facilitate settlement of the transaction;

wherein the server arrangement is further configured to batch process information relevant to settling the transaction and compute at least one formula before determining the first transaction settlement offer set comprising a plurality of selectable monetary offers to the user and providing a data entry field to the user for entry of a desired amount to be paid per month from the user for use when none of the plurality of selectable monetary offers appeal to the user, and determine a second transaction settlement offer set including a plurality of offers based on and including the desired amount to be paid per month provided by the user and a plurality of installment payment options including a number of months in a payment schedule and a lump sum payment that must be made immediately based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the server arrangement further comprises a parsing module configured to receive the available information and parse information based on the rules established on behalf of the party to the transaction.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the server arrangement further comprises a portfolio management module configured to manage a portfolio comprising a plurality of transactions based on actions taken by multiple users and aspects associated with the portfolio.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the user comprises a debtor and the transaction comprises a debt owed by the debtor.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the rules based engine relies on at least one dictionary employed to translate received information into information used within the server arrangement.
21. The system of claim 16, wherein the server is further configured to receive acceptance of one individually selectable offer of the second transaction settlement offer set and process a user payment for the lump sum payment.
22. The system of claim 16, wherein the server arrangement further comprises a payment processing module configured to present the user with at least one payment option related to at least one offer in the transaction settlement offer set.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. Rotary machine for compression and decompression, comprising
a disc-shaped rotor (2) having a first rotation axis (3) which is at right angles to the plane of the rotor (2) and is situated in an orientation plane (1);
a substantially disc-shaped swing element (4) having a second rotation axis (5) which is situated in the plane of the disc-shaped swing element (4) and in the orientation plane (1), wherein the second rotation axis (5) makes an angle (\u03b1) with the first rotation axis (3) in the orientation plane (1);
a substantially spherical housing (8) which surrounds the rotor (2) and the swing element (4) and, in combination therewith, forms four (de)compression chambers;
a connecting body (6) which positions the rotor (2) and the swing element (4) slidably with respect to one another in the housing (8), and seals the four (de)compression chambers;

wherein the device is furthermore provided with a power drive (9) and a mechanical connection between the power drive (9) and the rotor (2), wherein the power drive (9) is configured to deliver power to the rotary machine or to take off power from the rotary machine.
2. Rotary machine according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body (6) is a substantially cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis (7),
wherein the connecting body (6) is provided with a slot-shaped opening (2b; 2c) for slidably accommodating the swing element (4) therein, and with an outer surface which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis (7) adjoining the rotor (2), wherein the longitudinal axis (7) of the connecting body (6) is situated in the plane of the rotor (2).
3. Rotary machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotor (2) is provided with a rectangular opening (2b) in which the connecting body (6) is accommodated so as to be movable.
4. Rotary machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotor (2) is provided with a substantially hourglass-shaped opening (2c) in which the connecting body (6) is accommodated so as to be movable.
5. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the angle (\u03b1) is smaller than 80\xb0.
6. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the angle (\u03b1) is adjustable by displacing the second rotation axis (5).
7. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the compression chambers are provided with volume-reducing elements (11).
8. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the shape of the spherical housing (8) is flattened along the second rotation axis (5).
9. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the rotary machine furthermore comprises one or more ports (16) in the housing (8) for each compression chamber.
10. Rotary machine according to claim 9, wherein the power drive (9) is configured to drive the rotor (2), as a result of which power is generated on the one or more ports (16).
11. Rotary machine according to claim 9, wherein the power is delivered to the one or more ports (16) and the power drive (9) is configured to take off power from the rotary machine.
12. Rotary machine according to one of claims 9-11, furthermore comprising a port belt (15) which is rotatably accommodated with respect to the housing (8) and comprises slots which correspond to the two or more ports (16) in the housing (8).
13. Rotary machine according to claim 12, wherein the port belt (15) has a mechanical connection with the rotor (2).
14. Rotary machine according to claim 12, wherein the port belt (15) has a mechanical connection with the swing element (4).
15. Rotary machine according to one of claims 9-14, provided with three port belts (15a-15c) on one side of the rotor (2) and associated outlet ports (16a), inlet ports (16b) and flush ports (16c).
16. Rotary machine according to one of claims 9-15, provided with two port belts (15a, 15b) on one side of the rotor (2) which are configured to rotate about the first rotation axis (3) at half the angular speed of the rotor (2), and associated outlet ports (16a) and inlet ports (16b).
17. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-16, wherein the connecting body (6) and the swing element (4) form one integrated swing element (21).
18. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-16, wherein the connecting body (6) and the rotor (2) form one integrated rotation element (25).
19. Rotary machine according to one of claims 1-18, wherein the rotary machine furthermore comprises a generator.
20. Rotary machine according to claim 19, wherein one or more elements of the generator are integrated with the rotary machine.
21. Rotary machine according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the generator comprises a stator part and a rotor part, wherein the rotor part is driven via the rotor, and the stator part is attached to the housing of the rotary machine.
22. Method for operating a rotary machine according to one of claims 1-21, comprising taking off power or delivering power to the rotary machine via the disc-shaped rotor (2).