Abstract: Systems and methods for performing financial transactions are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for processing token data for a bank card transaction, the method includes: receiving a string of first token data from a token at a token reader; modifying the first token data and generating second token data, the second token data including modified token data; performing a modulo arithmetic operation on the second token data and determining a mod 10 check digit that will cause a modulo arithmetic check of the second token data to yield the same result as the modulo arithmetic check would yield on the first token data; and inserting the mod 10 check digit in the second data string and forwarding the second data string for the transaction.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, a network device implements a service profile for assisting control of a communications device use of a service on a network, in which the service profile includes service policy settings, and the service profile is associated with an ambient service plan for the communications device that provides for initial access to the service with limited service capabilities prior to activation of a new service plan for the communications device; and monitors use of the service by the communications device based on the service profile.

Abstract: A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and materials for delivering a cargo compound into a cancer cell. Delivery of the cargo compound is accomplished by the use of protein transduction domains derived from cupredoxins. The cargo compound may be a nucleic acid and specifically a DNA, RNA or anti-sense. The invention further discloses methods for treating cancer and diagnosing cancer.

Abstract: An exerciser apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a member having a substantially tubular exterior surface, said surface having a central longitudinal axis. The member has two or more receivers, said two or more receivers including a pair of receivers, axially-spaced from one another. A handle is provided for each receiver. The apparatus can be constructed from a tube, with each receiver being formed by a pair of radially-directed apertures formed through the tube and the handle provided for said each receiver being defined by a strip of the tube separating the pair of apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-piece bottle containing enteral feeding material and having a top end with a threaded section and a bottom end comprising a funneled connector port; and a threaded cap dimensioned to mate with the threaded section of the one-piece bottle; wherein the funneled connector port connects to an enteral feeding assembly; wherein the threaded cap provides a leak proof seal when tightened on the threaded section of the one-piece bottle, and allows venting of the bottle when loosened.

Abstract: A lighting system and apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features and functionality of the lighting system and apparatus provide easy access to the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. In addition, the features and functionality of some embodiments provide a lighting system that does not require ballasts, light sockets, or a multitude of wiring, and includes a modular design. Further, for some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while simultaneously limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: A technique for user notification involves modifying a title associated with a process to include information about an event that calls for user notification. A method according to the technique may include running a process, processing an event, generating a string of characters that includes information associated with the event, and displaying the string of characters as a title associated with the process. A system constructed according to the technique may include a client, a title array, an event processing engine, and a title provisioning engine.

Abstract: A system comprises a web server for posting matters of clients for bidding by contingency professionals, e.g., contingency lawyers and/or judgment collectors; a client matter engine for enabling a particular client to post a particular matter and to select a particular contingency professional bidding on the particular matter to handle the particular matter; a professional bidding engine for enabling the particular contingency professional to review at least a portion of the posted matters and to bid on the particular matter; and a bidding exchange engine for enabling the particular client and the particular contingency professional to communicate without exchanging direct contact information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides that may be variants, derivatives and structural equivalents of cupredoxins that inhibit the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues and animals. Specifically, these compositions may comprise azurin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and/or the 50-77 residue region of azurin (p28). The present invention further relates to compositions that may comprise cupredoxin(s), and/or variants, derivatives or structural equivalents of cupredoxins, that retain the ability to inhibit the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues or animals. These compositions may be peptides or pharmaceutical compositions, among others. The compositions of the invention may be used to prevent the development of premalignant lesions in mammalian cells, tissues and animals, and thus prevent cancer.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise an end-user device, including one or more processors configured to execute a payment component, the payment component configured to transmit, by the end-user device to a transaction server, an indication of a user desire to use a data service, the data service being outside a current service plan of the end-user device or available at a lower cost within a different service plan; receive a billing request from a transaction server in response to the indication of the user desire, the billing request including a service plan offer associated with the data service; and transmit a response to the billing request; wherein the end-user device is in secure network communication with the transaction server via a first network.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provides for systems and methods for multi-participant controller systems. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention enable two or more participants to take part in a multi-participant interactive software running on a computing system. In addition, some of these embodiments allow for multi-participant interactive software, such as a dance-oriented or music-based video game, to time-shift the scoring of inputs from each participant during an activity session.

Abstract: A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. A method for biomass fractioning comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.

Abstract: Wireless access points detect neighboring wireless access points in different subnets. Upon connecting with a wireless client, a wireless access point determines predictive roaming information for the wireless client. Predictive roaming information identifies the wireless client; its home network subnet; and includes connection information associated with the wireless client. The wireless access point forwards the predictive roaming information associated with a wireless client to neighboring wireless access points while the wireless client is still connected with the wireless access point. Neighboring wireless access points store received predictive roaming information. Upon connecting with a wireless client, a neighboring wireless access point determines if the wireless client matches the stored predictive roaming information.

Abstract: A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies (22) each adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling to the lifting links (14) of a pair of suspension cables. Each hook assembly has a hook member (34) pivoted for movement between a closed setting (FIG. 4) and an open setting (FIG. 5) and is of a load over center design. A single control mechanism (23) is provided for both hook assemblies and is connected thereto by way of a pair of flexible cables (24,25). A primary release mechanism (26,67,68,61) is arranged to pull the cables and so move the hook members to their open settings when the lifeboat is floating. Under emergency conditions when the hook assemblies are heavily loaded, an emergency release mechanism (28,75,72,57) is arranged to move the hook members (34) to their open settings notwithstanding the relatively large load thereon.