Abstract: A bionic cochlea includes a fluid filled vessel having a flexible window disposed in one or its walls. The flexible window flexes when exposed to an acoustic pulse to produce an acoustic pressure pulse in the fluid inside the vessel. A plurality of piezoelectric nanowires is disposed on a flexible membrane disposed within the fluid filled vessel. The nanowires vibrate in response to at least one predetermined wavelength in the acoustic pressure pulse and produce electrical signals. Electrical wires in communication with the nanowires receive the electrical signals and pass these signals through the walls of the vessel to the mammalian auditory nerve.

Abstract: A bionic cochlea includes a fluid filled vessel having a window disposed in one of its walls and a flexible fluid filled tube in fluid communication at one end with the vessel through the window. The other end of the tube has a diaphragm in communication with the ossicles of a mammalian ear. The diaphragm flexes when exposed to an acoustic pulse to produce an acoustic pressure pulse in the fluid inside the tube and vessel. A plurality of piezoelectric nanowires is disposed within the fluid filled vessel. The nanowires vibrate in response to at least one predetermined wavelength in the acoustic pressure pulse transmitting through the fluid and produce electrical signals. Electrical wires in communication with the nanowires receive the electrical signals and pass these signals to the mammalian auditory nerve.

Abstract: A radiant heat barrier insulation system includes a first substrate with a first layer of aluminum thereon. The system also includes a second substrate with a second layer of aluminum thereon. The first substrate is positioned to oppose the second substrate such that a gap is defined between the first substrate and the second substrate. The gap is filled with a randomly-oriented nest of carbon nanotube fibers.

Abstract: A bionic cochlea includes a fluid filled vessel having a flexible window disposed in one of its walls. The flexible window flexes when exposed to an acoustic pulse to produce an acoustic pressure pulse in the fluid inside the vessel. A plurality of piezoelectric nanowires is disposed within the fluid filled vessel. The piezoelectric nanowires vibrate in response to acoustic pressure pulses transmitting through the fluid and produce electrical signals. Electrical wires in communication with the piezoelectric nanowires receive the produced electrical signals and pass these signals to the mammalian auditory nerve.

Abstract: In a scenario where a buyer purchases at least one of goods and services from a seller via an intermediary, at at least one of the intermediary and a third party, an indication is obtained that payment to the intermediary from the buyer is appropriate. Responsive to the indication, the at least one of the intermediary and the third party initiates a pull payment, via a payment card network, for an on-file payment card account number of the buyer. Responsive to success of the pull payment, the at least one of the intermediary and a third party initiates a push payment to the seller.

Abstract: One inventive step includes facilitating obtaining a payment file associated with a buyer (for example, directly from the buyer, or from a third party partner). The file includes data specifying a first form of payment from the buyer to a first biller and data specifying a second form of payment, different than the first form of payment, from the buyer to a second biller. Other inventive steps include facilitating appending first stored data to the data specifying the first form of payment to the first biller, to effectuate payment to the first biller by the first form of payment; and facilitating appending second stored data to the data specifying the second form of payment to the second biller, to effectuate payment to the second biller by the second form of payment.

Abstract: One inventive step includes facilitating obtaining a payment file associated with a buyer (for example, directly from the buyer, or from a third party partner). The file includes data specifying a first form of payment from the buyer to a first biller and data specifying a second form of payment, different than the first form of payment, from the buyer to a second biller. Other inventive steps include facilitating appending first stored data to the data specifying the first form of payment to the first biller, to effectuate payment to the first biller by the first form of payment; and facilitating appending second stored data to the data specifying the second form of payment to the second biller, to effectuate payment to the second biller by the second form of payment.

Abstract: An attachment assembly quickly and securely mounts an outboard motor on a boat transom. Side frame members are disposed in a laterally spaced-apart relationship by two interconnected lateral frame members. A laterally extending cam member is rotatably connected to the side frame members and laterally extends the length between the side frame members. A cam rotating mechanism is connected to the cam member to selectively impart its rotational displacement and a lateral inverted-U-shaped transom channel is formed in the side frame members and is disposed adjacent to the cam member. The rotational displacement of the cam member effects an outward displacement of an outer surface of the cam member into the inverted-U-shaped transom channel to compressively engage and secure a transom by the cam member across the entire width of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to enable a third party service provider of EIPP services to initiate authorization and settlement of payment card payments with invoice line item data (Level III data), on behalf of either Buyer/Payers or Supplier/Payees to credit card acquirers and/or transaction processors. Payment initiation is based on submission of either a pre-approved invoice or order confirmation validated against a purchase order, or an invoice approved by the Buyer/Payer organization and scheduled for payment.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an electronic invoice presentment and payment management service. The system and method automatically link electronic purchase orders, invoices, receipt-of-goods documents, and other transaction-related information to a payment card transaction, such as a purchasing card transaction. The system may be used in conjunction with existing infrastructure and the systems currently employed by a buyer organization and a supplier organization. The system provides for the delivery of Level III data (invoice detail) with every payment card transaction and automatically inputs this Level III detailed transaction data into the buyer's accounts payable system and enterprise resource planning system.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an electronic invoice presentment and payment management service. The system and method automatically link electronic purchase orders, invoices, receipt-of-goods documents, and other transaction-related information to a payment card transaction, such as a purchasing card transaction. The system may be used in conjunction with existing infrastructure and the systems currently employed by a buyer organization and a supplier organization. The system provides for the delivery of Level III data (invoice detail) with every payment card transaction and automatically inputs this Level III detailed transaction data into the buyer's accounts payable system and enterprise resource planning system.

Abstract: Directional piezoelectric devices and methods for their manufacture are provided that improve the quality of piezoelectric device mediated signal detection and provide new thermal imaging devices. The devices can provide over an order of magnitude improved signal to noise ratio compared with previously known devices. The devices may be used along with new head mounted acoustic technologies for improved voice communication systems in inherently noisy environments. The head mounted technologies utilize microphones that are activated by pressure wherein the applied trigger pressure further serves to improve efficiency of the microphones. Also provided are head pieces that include both microphones and speakers that are particularly useful for harsh environments such as those encountered by fire fighters. The head pieces are capable of further functions related to contact with the head of the user, such as reporting physiological variables of the user, along with oral communications.

Abstract: A noise suppressing microphone employing a thin film of piezoelectric material sandwiched between two conductive layers, one of which is laminated to a flat inflexible laminate. The sandwich is embedded in a mechanical sound filter except for one exposed face which is placed in contact with a user's body for sound pickup.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit couples a microphone's output to a radio's microphone input. A tap circuit is coupled to the microphone's output for extracting an audio signal therefrom. An amplifier circuit having DC blocking circuitry is coupled to the tap circuit. An audio transformer is also provided with its primary and secondary windings defining a turns ratio of approximately 1:1. The primary winding has a characteristic DC resistance that is less than approximately 100 ohms. The secondary winding has an impedance that is within a prescribed impedance range of the microphone input. A driver circuit is coupled between the amplifier circuit and audio transformer for continuously driving the audio transformer.

Abstract: A head-supported two-way communication system. The system combines a thin bstrate forehead or head-bone microphone, a noise filter embedding the microphone, a universal impedance matcher connecting the microphone to a two-way radio, an unobstructed and unfettered-access push-to-talk switch, and a pair of rigidly positionable noise protected speakers, all secured to a head-supported structure permitting proper location of the embedded microphone, the switch, and the speakers for a particular user and application.

Abstract: A sound transducer, which may be a microphone or a speaker, is constructed using a metallic film sandwich of piezoelectric film as the active element. The sandwich is laminated to a flat inflexible substrate, such as a printed circuit board, over substantially its entire surface area, so that it operates as a transducer without flexing the piezoelectric film. Since the piezoelectric film is less sensitive in this mode than when it flexes, either the area of the sandwich must be large, or, as a microphone, the transducer must be subject to powerful sound waves. Such powerful sound waves are most easily achieved by either putting the microphone in physical contact with the sound source or placing the microphone in a contained pressure-field with the sound source. This entire package is then provided with impedance matching to connect it to an external point where the resulting signal can be used, is provided with a ground shield, and is encased in waterproof layers.

Abstract: A new apparatus for displaying and recording an image viewed by a marksman or shooter through a weapon sight is described. A beam splitter is mounted at the eye end of the weapon sight and bends part of the image intended for the shooter 900.degree. to a righting prism which bends the image another 900.degree., for a total of 180.degree.. The image from the righting prism is directed to the input of a miniature video camera mounted over and parallel with the weapon sight. The video camera transmits the image to a remote miniature video display and to a remote video recorder. By bending the image a total of 180.degree., the video camera can be mounted in a low profile position over the weapon sight such that the overall balance of the weapon is minimally upset.