Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for payment system that uses one-time use tokens for securely facilitating and controlling user purchases using company funds. A user (e.g., driver) may generate a request to make a purchase using a user application. The request may be sent to a server running a payment system that may generate a one-time use token for the purchase of an item (e.g., fuel). The one-time use token may have an expiration time and may only be redeemable at certain locations (e.g., fueling stations) that have been preapproved. The system may send the user application running on the user device the token for purchasing fuel and approved locations. The user may input the token to a controller at an approved location which may request that the server authenticate the token and approve the purchase. Once authenticated and approved, the controller may permit the purchase of the desired item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for rapidly ranking network nodes according to input ranking criteria. The links (i.e., first-order paths) between nodes are expressed in a first-order path matrix, which is used to generate nth-order path matrices as nth powers of the first-order path matrix and summed as a power series to generate a surrogate ranking operator (SRO) representing as a single matrix operation a sum over paths of all orders. Thus, in contrast to conventional ranking methods that require multiple recursive steps to account for the interrelatedness of linked nodes, a ranking is produced by multiplying the SRO by a state vector representing the input ranking criteria.

Abstract: A control system is provided for control of an organic material handling system. A modular system and method for improving the receiving, processing, storing, and transloading of bulk materials such as organic waste. A system includes at least a receiving module to receive material, a storage module, a discharge module, and a control system. Systems can be adapted with additional modules, such as processing modules and transfer modules, depending on the site and materials to be handled. The storage module has a levelling component for levelling out the organic material stored therein, and a removal component for discharging the organic material. The control system interfaces with the modular components and local operators, and provides remote reporting and monitoring.

Abstract: A storage module is provided for an organic material handling system. The storage module has a levelling component for levelling out the organic material stored therein, and a removal component for discharging the organic material. A modular system and method is described for improving the receiving, processing, storing, and transloading of bulk materials such as organic waste. A system includes at least a receiving module to receive material, a storage module, a discharge module, and a control system. Systems can be adapted with additional modules, such as processing modules and transfer modules, depending on the site and materials to be handled. A control system interfaces with the modular components and local operators, and provides remote reporting and monitoring.

Abstract: A modular system and method for improving the receiving, processing, storing, and transloading of bulk materials such as organic waste. A system includes at least a receiving module to receive material, a storage module, a discharge module, and a control system. Systems can be adapted with additional modules, such as processing modules and transfer modules, depending on the site and materials to be handled. The storage module has a levelling component for levelling out the organic material stored therein, and a removal component for discharging the organic material. A control system interfaces with the modular components and local operators, and provides remote reporting and monitoring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication.

Abstract: A search engine system capable of displaying indicative information to a user from searches performed by entities connected directly or indirectly to the user, wherein said system includes at least one host computer processor connectable to one or more network(s), a database accessible over said network(s), a plurality of data input devices connectable to said network(s) said search engine being accessible over said network(s).

Abstract: According to an aspect, an inflatable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, the pump bulb having an outer surface, the pump bulb having a horizontal projection disposed on the outer surface and a vertical projection disposed on the outer surface.

Abstract: A self-sealing container is formed from a blank comprising panels and end flaps connected along fold lines with the panels and the end flaps being foldable along the fold lines to form the container. The container includes a securing feature that seals the container in a closed position, with the securing feature providing a visual indication of opening if the container is opened from the closed position. After the container is opened, the securing feature provides a closure feature that allows the container to be closed.

Abstract: A securable clip includes a first elongated rectangular portion and a second elongated rectangular portion connected along a common edge. The clip includes at least one locking peg, at least one receiving hole configured to receive the at least one locking peg, and a frangible portion. The frangible portion provides a visual indication that the clip has been opened. The releasing of the locking peg prevents the clip from being reclosed, reused, or sealed again.

Abstract: A method for identifying VLANs associated with a network includes gathering actual network element configuration data from a plurality of network elements in the network, wherein the actual network element configuration data identifies one or more VLANs that at least some of the plurality of network elements are actually allocated to; correlating the actual network element configuration data with administrative VLAN data; and determining one or more VLANs that are not commonly identified in both the actual network element configuration data and the administrative VLAN data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a customized exercise protocol to a computing device of a user. As the user performs the exercise protocol, one or more cameras of the computing device can track the user's movements. The user's movement are assessed to determine if proper form and technique is being used.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The location of the delivery device can be determined as it is lowered to the ground using image tracking. The UAV can include an imaging system that captures image data of the suspended delivery device and identifies image coordinates of the delivery device, and the image coordinates can then be mapped to a location. The UAV may also be configured to account for any deviations from a planned path of descent in real time to effect accurate delivery locations of released payloads.

Abstract: A method of forming unique, private, personal, virtual social networks on a social network system that includes a database storing data relating to corresponding user entities. The method includes: a first user entity sending an invitation to a second user entity, recording in the database the second user entity as a direct contact of the first user entity and determining that third user entities, directly connected to the second user entity, are indirect contacts. A unique, personal, social network formed from direct and indirect contacts is thereby created for each user entity. Each user entity is able to control privacy of its data with respect to other user entities depending on the connection factor to that other entity and/or that other entity's attributes. Each user entity is able to take the role of provider or participant in applications where the provider provides an item or service to the participant.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for a flow duct and a method for determining a component status of an operational component disposed within a flow passage of the flow duct utilizing the system are provided. In one exemplary aspect, the system includes at least two sensors that are disposed within the flow passage and configured to sense a characteristic of a fluid flowing therethrough. The sensors may be averaging sensors. Each sensor extends circumferentially about an axial centerline defined by the flow duct. The sensors are arranged in an overlapped arrangement. Particularly, the sensors extend circumferentially about the axial centerline such that the sensors physically overlap one another circumferentially. Additionally, the sensors may be disposed within the same or substantially the same plane axially. Signals generated by the sensors may be utilized to monitor and control the fluid and various operational components disposed within the flow passage.

Abstract: A system includes an electric generator, a power electronics system, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The electric generator includes a turbine wheel, a rotor, and a stator. The turbine wheel is configured to receive process gas and rotate in response to expansion of the process gas flowing through the electric generator. The rotor is configured to rotate with the turbine wheel. The electric generator is configured to generate electrical power upon rotation of the rotor within the stator. The power electronics system is configured to receive the electrical power from the electric generator and convert the electrical power to specified power characteristics. A heat transfer fluid receives waste heat from the power electronics system through the first heat exchanger. The heat transfer fluid transfers the received waste heat to the process gas through the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an inflatable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid; an inflatable member; and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the inflatable member, the pump assembly including a pump bulb, the pump bulb having an outer surface, the pump bulb having a horizontal projection disposed on the outer surface and a vertical projection disposed on the outer surface.

Abstract: A method for Point-in-Time Visualization system management is provided. The method comprises receiving organizational structure queries from user interfaces, creating organizational hierarchy database queries from the organizational structure query, and converting the results of those queries into entity change parameters lists and organizational tree structures for display on the user interface. The displayed organizational tree structure and entity change parameters can be filtered via controls available on the user interface.

Abstract: A self-sealing container is formed from a blank comprising panels and end flaps connected along fold lines with the panels and the end flaps being foldable along the fold lines to form the container. The container includes a securing feature that seals the container in a closed position, with the securing feature providing a visual indication of opening if the container is opened from the closed position. After the container is opened, the securing feature provides a closure feature that allows the container to be closed.