Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: To improve security for processing of financial transactions on a customer's account, particularly for users of mobile devices, the examples authenticate the customer or user in an effective manner and/or transfer funds upon successful authentication, using intelligence of the customers' mobile devices. The present approach uses an identifier of the mobile device or user at the mobile device. The user is authenticated for a particular desired transaction based on some number of authentication factors, one or more of which is a biometric input. The user authentication technique, e.g. factors used and/or precision of matching of received user authentication factors to reference factors, can be varied based on a variety of parameters, such as transaction amount, time, device location, history of prior transactions or history of other aspects of device usage. The processing avoids storage of sensitive customer data, e.g. account number at a merchant and/or at the customer's mobile device.

Abstract: To improve security for processing of financial transactions on a customer's account, particularly for users of mobile devices, the examples authenticate the customer or user in an effective manner and/or transfer funds upon successful authentication, using intelligence of the customers' mobile devices. The present approach uses an identifier of the mobile device or user at the mobile device. The user is authenticated for a particular desired transaction based on some number of authentication factors, one or more of which is a biometric input. The user authentication technique, e.g. factors used and/or precision of matching of received user authentication factors to reference factors, can be varied based on a variety of parameters, such as transaction amount, time, device location, history of prior transactions or history of other aspects of device usage. The processing avoids storage of sensitive customer data, e.g. account number at a merchant and/or at the customer's mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid. For use with public or semi-public outlets, the modularized interface comprises a module and a smart socket, where the module is integrated within or capable of being connected to, the vehicle's charging interface. The module is normally disabled, but is enabled only after the end user is authenticated, the smart socket and its associated meter have been identified, and the module and the end user's account with the local utility are validated. The module meters the energy consumption, and, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, indicating termination of the charging session, the metered data is communicated to the utility for updating the end user's account, and the module is disabled. The module is also capable of use with conventional outlets located, for example, in private residences.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: One or more tubular cleaning devices and methods for cleaning a tubular are provided herein. The tubular cleaning device can include an inner tubular member having an inner tubular member inner bore formed therethrough. The inner tubular member can include a housing formed on a first portion thereof, a first connection end adjacent the housing, and a second connection end opposite the first connection end.

Abstract: An apparatus for soaking wood chips or chunks in a liquid and draining the liquid from the wood chips or chunks includes at least a container and a lid. The container includes a sidewall and a bottom surface. The bottom surface and at least a portion of the sidewall are contiguous for containing a liquid therein and for holding the wood chips or chunks within the liquid. The lid has at least one aperture and may be removably coupled to the container. The method places the wood chips or chunks into the apparatus, places all or part of the apparatus into a soaking medium or otherwise fills the apparatus with a soaking medium, soaks the wood chips or chunks, drains the soaking medium from the apparatus, and then positions the wood chips or chunks in a useful position for cooking either with further manipulation or by placement of the entire apparatus in the cooking area.

Abstract: One or more tubular cleaning devices and methods for cleaning a tubular are provided herein. The tubular cleaning device can include an inner tubular member having an inner tubular member inner bore formed therethrough. The inner tubular member can include a stop formed on a first portion thereof, a first connection end adjacent the stop, and a second connection end opposite the first connection end.

Abstract: A projectile having a launching assembly attached thereto is provided for marking a remote location with a marking media. The marking media is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The launching assembly includes a media reservoir defining a cavity and a plurality of supports extending outward from the media reservoir along a longitudinal axis. The supports secure the marking media within the cavity in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap and a resilient nose cone are attached to the media reservoir, surrounding the marking media, to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target.

Abstract: An arrow having an arrowhead assembly attached thereto is provided for marking a remote location with a marking media. The marking media is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The arrowhead assembly includes a media reservoir defining a cavity and a plurality of supports extending outward from the media reservoir along a longitudinal axis. The supports secure the marking media within the cavity in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap and a resilient nose cone are attached to the media reservoir, surrounding the marking media, to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid. For use with public or semi-public outlets, the modularized interface comprises a module and a smart socket, where the module is integrated within or capable of being connected to, the vehicle's charging interface. The module is normally disabled, but is enabled only after the end user is authenticated, the smart socket and its associated meter have been identified, and the module and the end user's account with the local utility are validated. The module meters the energy consumption, and, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, indicating termination of the charging session, the metered data is communicated to the utility for updating the end user's account, and the module is disabled. The module is also capable of use with conventional outlets located, for example, in private residences.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: An arrow (20) having an arrowhead assembly (30) attached thereto is provided for marking a remote location with a marking media (22). The marking media (22) is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The arrowhead assembly (30) includes a media reservoir (46) defining a cavity (52) and a plurality of supports (54) extending outward from the media reservoir (46) along a longitudinal axis (L). The supports (54) secure the marking media (22) within the cavity (52) in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap (62) and a resilient nose cone (70) are attached to the media reservoir (46), surrounding the marking media (22), to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for soaking wood chips or chunks in a liquid and draining the liquid from the wood chips or chunks includes at least a container and a lid. The container includes a sidewall and a bottom surface. The bottom surface and at least a portion of the sidewall are contiguous for containing a liquid therein and for holding the wood chips or chunks within the liquid. The lid has at least one aperture and may be removably coupled to the container. The method places the wood chips or chunks into the apparatus, places all or part of the apparatus into a soaking medium or otherwise fills the apparatus with a soaking medium, soaks the wood chips or chunks, drains the soaking medium from the apparatus, and then positions the wood chips or chunks in a useful position for cooking either with further manipulation or by placement of the entire apparatus in the cooking area.

Abstract: A fuel information system, e.g., for use in conjunction with fuel storage containers, is provided. The fuel information system will include a separate or stand alone system that can be fastened to, disposed about, or affixed, to the fuel storage container that is capable of providing data to a user of the container relating to the contents and/or characteristics of the fuel contained within the fuel storage container. The data on the fuel information system can include, without limitation: (1) the type of fuel being stored (e.g., leaded, unleaded, grade (e.g., regular, mid-grade, premium); (2) the fuel/oil mixture ratio, if applicable; (3) whether or not a stabilizing agent has been added to the fuel; (4) the date the fuel was added to the container; and (5) a location or place for “where used” information indicating the type(s) of equipment the particular fuel is intended to be used in.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for soaking wood chips or chunks in a liquid and draining the liquid from the wood chips or chunks includes at least a container and a lid. The container includes a sidewall and a bottom surface. The bottom surface and at least a portion of the sidewall are contiguous for containing a liquid therein and for holding the wood chips or chunks within the liquid. The lid has at least one aperture and may be removably coupled to the container. The method places the wood chips or chunks into the apparatus, places all or part of the apparatus into a soaking medium or otherwise fills the apparatus with a soaking medium, soaks the wood chips or chunks, drains the soaking medium from the apparatus, and then positions the wood chips or chunks in a useful position for cooking either with further manipulation or by placement of the entire apparatus in the cooking area.