Abstract: A transaction product, which is configured to interface with and receive electrical power from an electrical socket, includes a support member, an electrical circuit and an account identifier. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member and includes an electrical plug and an electrically driven device electrically coupled with the electrical plug. The electrical plug includes at least two blades extending from the support member. The at least two blades are configured to interface with the electrical socket such that electrical power from the electrical socket is transferred to the electrically driven device via the electrical plug. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and a glow article. The housing includes an account identifier adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. The glow article is enclosed within the housing and is configured to be selectively removed from the housing and manipulated to initiate chemical luminescence of the glow article. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for working a component to reduce a propensity for advanced dynamic change analyzes affects of a StressWave process on at least one location on a size and shape of the component. The component is also analyzed as to the affects of adding at least one feature on a size and shape of the component. A beginning shape of the component is then extrapolated.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck and method for clamping a workpiece is provided. The ESC comprises a clamping plate having a clamping surface, and one or more electrodes. An electric potential applied to the one or more electrodes selectively clamps the workpiece to the clamping surface. A punch is operably coupled to the clamping plate and an electrical ground, wherein the punch comprises a trigger mechanism and a punch tip. The punch tip translates between extended and retracted positions, wherein a point of the punch tip is proud of the clamping surface when the punch tip is in the extended position. The punch tip is configured to translate toward the clamping surface upon clamping the workpiece to the clamping plate. Upon reaching the retracted position, the trigger mechanism imparts an impact force to the punch tip, forcing the punch tip into the workpiece and providing an electrical ground connection to the workpiece.

Abstract: A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed therein. Moreover, each leg member has an inner tissue-contacting surface and an outer compression-receiving surface, both of which include features to provide a more secure ligation of the vessel or duct. A method for ligating vessels is also provided.

Abstract: A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed therein. Moreover, each leg member has an inner tissue-contacting surface and an outer compression-receiving surface, both of which include features to provide a more secure ligation of the vessel or duct. A method of ligating vessels is also provided.

Abstract: A stored-value card including a housing and an object. The housing defining a storage cavity and including a door and an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The door is configured to transition between a closed position where the door covers an opening to the storage cavity and an open position where the opening is uncovered. The object stored within the housing is at least partially removable from the housing when the door is in the open position. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulic and/or variable valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may include a hydraulic valve actuation system operatively connected to an engine valve. First and second control valves may be operatively connected to the hydraulic valve actuation system and adapted to selectively release hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic valve actuation system independent of one another. The first control valve is preferably a solenoid actuated trigger valve and the second control valve is preferably a mechanically or hydraulically actuated valve.

Abstract: A transaction product, which is configured to interface with and receive electrical power from an electrical socket, includes a support member, an electrical circuit and an account identifier. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member and includes an electrical plug and an electrically driven device electrically coupled with the electrical plug. The electrical plug includes at least two blades extending from the support member. The at least two blades are configured to interface with the electrical socket such that electrical power from the electrical socket is transferred to the electrically driven device via the electrical plug. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction product includes an electrical assembly, a housing at least partially enclosing the electrical assembly, a connection cable, and an account identifier. The connection cable includes a first end, which is coupled with the housing and in electrical communication with the electrical assembly, and a second end, which is opposite the first end, is spaced from the housing, and includes an electrical connector configured to selectively interface with a electrical device separate from the financial transaction product. The account identifier is affixed to the housing and links the housing to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value vessel includes an end wall, a side wall, and an account identifier. The side wall extends around and away from the end wall to define a chamber therebetween. The chamber is configured to repeatedly receive one or more products for consumption by a bearer of the stored-value vessel. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal and immovably included on at least one of the end wall and the side wall. The account identifier links the stored-value vessel to an account or record such that the stored-value vessel is configured to facilitate use of the stored-value vessel as one of payment toward a purchase of one or more of goods and services and an inventory tracking mechanism. Related vessels, cups and associated methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A method for working a component to reduce a propensity for advanced dynamic change analyzes affects of a StressWave process on at least one location on a size and shape of the component. The component is also analyzed as to the affects of adding at least one feature on a size and shape of the component. A beginning shape of the component is then extrapolated.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and a glow article. The housing includes an account identifier adapted to link the stored-value card to a financial account or a financial record. The glow article is enclosed within the housing and is configured to be selectively removed from the housing and manipulated to initiate chemical luminescence of the glow article. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, controlling exhaust gas temperature in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine during positive power operation of the engine are disclosed. Control of exhaust gas temperature may be desired to improve emissions performance in the engine, which is often dependent upon exhaust gas temperature. One or more temperature probes may be used to first determine the actual exhaust gas temperature of the engine while it is operated in a positive power mode. Next, an ECM or similar device may be used to determine a temperature difference between the actual exhaust gas temperature and a desired exhaust gas temperature for emissions performance. Based on the determined temperature difference, one or more cylinders of the engine may continue to be operated in positive power mode while one or more cylinders of the engine are switched to operating in a selected engine braking mode.

Abstract: Data generated at a telecommunications network switching node is selectively delivered to one or more data receiving device (e.g., data “collection box”) connected to the network, and command and control signaling is transmitted from the data receiving device to the switching node. This bi-directional communication is carried out in a manner compatible with voice grade lines. In an exemplary application, call identifying information, referred to in the TIA/EIA Standard as CDC (Call Data Channel) Messages, is delivered from an Intercept Access Point (IAP) switch that provides telephone service to a subject of an authorized surveillance order, to a law enforcement data collection box, utilizing Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signals. Control signals are sent from the data collection box to the IAP switch utilizing Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signaling.

Abstract: A financial transaction product includes a media player, a housing, and an account identifier. The media player is configured to receive and store compressed digital media files and to convert the compressed digital media files into sound waves. The housing at least partially encloses the media player. The account identifier links the housing to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value product includes a toy automobile and a panel. The toy automobile includes a body and wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The panel is coupled to the body and includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card assembly. Stored-value product assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value products, methods of using a stored-value product and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Lost motion systems and methods for providing engine valves with variable valve actuation for engine valve events are disclosed. The system may include a master piston hydraulically linked to a slave piston, and a dedicated cam operatively connected to the master piston. The slave piston may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the master piston in a common housing. The slave piston is adapted to actuate one or more engine valves. The slave piston may incorporate an optional valve seating assembly into its upper end. A trigger valve may be operatively connected to the master-slave hydraulic circuit to selectively release and add hydraulic fluid to the circuit.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating electromagnet assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a includes forming a first helix and a second helix, each helix having a first end and a second end and a substantially oval cross-section, the cross-section having a major axis, each helix being configured to concentrate electromagnetic flux at a midpoint on the major axis. Each helix is bent at an angle and offset from the major axis, resulting in a first planar surface including the major axis and a second planar surface. The first and second helixes are oriented such that the outer edges of the respective second planar surfaces coincide and the outer edges of the respective first planar surfaces are in diametric opposition. The first and second helixes are affixed by their respective second planar surfaces, and electrically connected by their respective second ends.

Abstract: An electromagnet assembly for supplying a region of concentrated electromagnetic flux is provided. The assembly includes a flat strip of an electrically conductive metal. The strip has a first and a second opposite planar surfaces at least one of which is covered by a dielectric material. The strip has first and second end portions. The strip is wound in a coil including at least one first loop and one second loop and disposing the second opposite planar surface in the first loop substantially-adjacent the first opposite planar surface in the second loop. The coil is disposed about an axis of symmetry configured to concentrate electromagnetic flux at a midpoint on the axis of symmetry. First and second electrical terminals are connected at the first and second end portions, respectively.