Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing microtransactions. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., either as a regular transaction or as a microtransaction. Then, upon receipt of the purchase information by an appropriate recipient, such as an interchange entity or an alternate interchange entity, the purchase information is processed to effect the microtransaction, if so classified, between the customer and the merchant.

Abstract: An adjustable-length bail extension includes a tubular outer link member, an inner link member axially movable within the bore of the outer member, and an adjustment mechanism for releasably clamping the outer member to the inner member at any of multiple locking positions defined by sets of locking grooves formed at axial intervals on the inner member. The adjustment mechanism is operable between a locked position wherein a collet assembly linked to the outer member engages a selected locking groove set and thereby enables axial load transfer between the inner and outer members; and an unlocked position wherein the collet assembly does not lockingly engage any locking grooves, such that the inner member is axially movable within the outer member to enable adjustment of the overall length of the adjustable-length bail extension by repositioning the collet assembly to engage the inner member at a different locking position.

Abstract: A downhole motor has a bearing mandrel rotatably disposed within a housing, plus an impact adapter disposed above and connected to the bearing mandrel and rotatable therewith. The impact adapter has upwardly-projecting teeth engageable with downwardly-projecting teeth on a drive mandrel disposed above and coaxially aligned with the impact adapter. The drive mandrel is both rotatable and axially movable within the housing, and relative to the impact adapter. By means of a cam assembly and a helical spring (or other energy storage means) associated with the drive mandrel, rotation of the drive mandrel causes upward movement of the drive mandrel within the housing, thus compressing the spring. Further rotation causes instantaneous dropping of the drive mandrel, releasing energy stored in the spring, and causing the application of rotational and/or axial impacts to the bearing mandrel, and thus to a drill bit connected to the bearing mandrel.

Abstract: An adjustable-length bail extension includes a tubular outer link member, an inner link member axially movable within the bore of the outer member, and an adjustment mechanism for releasably clamping the outer member to the inner member at any of multiple locking positions defined by sets of locking grooves formed at axial intervals on the inner member. The adjustment mechanism is operable between a locked position wherein a collet assembly linked to the outer member engages a selected locking groove set and thereby enables axial load transfer between the inner and outer members; and an unlocked position wherein the collet assembly does not lockingly engage any locking grooves, such that the inner member is axially movable within the outer member to enable adjustment of the overall length of the adjustable-length bail extension by repositioning the collet assembly to engage the inner member at a different locking position.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing microtransactions. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., either as a regular transaction or as a microtransaction. Then, upon receipt of the purchase information by an appropriate recipient, such as an interchange entity or an alternate interchange entity, the purchase information is processed to effect the microtransaction, if so classified, between the customer and the merchant.

Abstract: A downhole motor has a bearing mandrel rotatably disposed within a housing, plus an impact adapter disposed above and connected to the bearing mandrel and rotatable therewith. The impact adapter has upwardly-projecting teeth engageable with downwardly-projecting teeth on a drive mandrel disposed above and coaxially aligned with the impact adapter. The drive mandrel is both rotatable and axially movable within the housing, and relative to the impact adapter. By means of a cam assembly and a helical spring (or other energy storage means) associated with the drive mandrel, rotation of the drive mandrel causes upward movement of the drive mandrel within the housing, thus compressing the spring. Further rotation causes instantaneous dropping of the drive mandrel, releasing energy stored in the spring, and causing the application of rotational and/or axial impacts to the bearing mandrel, and thus to a drill bit connected to the bearing mandrel.

Abstract: A method for automatic watering of a zone on a worksite by a watering truck is provided. The method includes identifying a boundary of the zone on the worksite. The method further includes determining a position and heading of the watering truck on the worksite. The method further includes detecting if the position and the heading of the watering truck on the worksite is such that the watering truck is within the identified boundary of the zone. The method also includes selectively triggering one or more spray heads of the watering truck based, at least in part, on the detection.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting spring preloading in a downhole tool. In an apparatus, a mechanism includes a nut and a piston. The nut is configured to axially compress a spring in the downhole tool. The piston is coupled to the nut. Extension of the piston causes the nut to rotate and compress the spring. The nut is configured to maintain compression of the spring after the piston retracts.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing microtransactions. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., either as a regular transaction or as a microtransaction. Then, upon receipt of the purchase information by an appropriate recipient, such as an interchange entity or an alternate interchange entity, the purchase information is processed to effect the microtransaction, if so classified, between the customer and the merchant.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing microtransactions. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., either as a regular transaction or as a microtransaction. Then, upon receipt of the purchase information by an appropriate recipient, such as an interchange entity or an alternate interchange entity, the purchase information is processed to effect the microtransaction, if so classified, between the customer and the merchant.

Abstract: A method and system of the present invention are directed to expediting payments for scheduled delivery (e.g., same day delivery, next day delivery) to various payees or recipients. A computer implemented method and system for expediting payments may include receiving recipient data and payment data from a customer at a remote location; wherein recipient data comprises recipient identifier and payment data comprises payment type and delivery time; obtaining a payment instrument based at least in part on the payment data; debiting an amount of the payment instrument from an account identified by the customer; and delivering the payment instrument to a facility; wherein the facility delivers the payment instrument to a recipient identified by the recipient data entered by the customer.

Abstract: A method and system of the present invention are directed to expediting payments for scheduled delivery (e.g., next day delivery) to various payees or recipients. A computer implemented method and system for expediting payments may include receiving recipient data and payment data from a customer at a remote location; wherein recipient data comprises recipient identifier and payment data comprises payment type; obtaining a payment instrument based at least in part on the payment data; debiting an amount of the payment instrument from an account identified by the customer; and delivering the payment instrument to a facility; wherein the facility delivers the payment instrument to a recipient identified by the recipient data entered by the customer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adjusting spring preloading in a downhole tool. In one embodiment, a mechanism includes a nut and a piston. The nut is configured to axially compress a spring in the downhole tool. The piston is coupled to the nut. Extension of the piston causes the nut to rotate and compress the spring. The nut is configured to maintain compression of the spring after the piston retracts.

Abstract: The method and system of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing a microtransaction, wherein the microtransaction is a low monetary amount. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The merchant submits the purchase information for processing of the purchase information. Thereafter, the purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., as a result of the purchase being classified as a microtransaction.

Abstract: A system and method for computer-implemented method for setting up customer bill payment information associated with a first financial account maintained by a first financial institution in a second account maintained by a second financial institution is provided. A request to transfer bill payment information from a first account with a first financial institution into a second account with a second financial institution is received from a customer, wherein the first account comprises first customer bill payment information, and wherein the transfer request comprises account access information usable to access the first account. The customer bill payment information is acquired by the second financial institution using a computer. The customer bill payment information is set up in the second account.

Abstract: The method and system of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing a microtransaction, wherein the microtransaction is a low monetary amount. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The merchant submits the purchase information for processing of the purchase information. Thereafter, the purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., as a result of the purchase being classified as a microtransaction.

Abstract: The method and system of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing a microtransaction, wherein the microtransaction is a low monetary amount. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The merchant submits the purchase information for processing of the purchase information. Thereafter, the purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., as a result of the purchase being classified as a microtransaction.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for managing transactions. The system includes a data input portion that communicates first information regarding a payment request, as well as a decision reference data store for communicating second information regarding parameters for use in determining a payment option for the payment request. The system also includes a processor. The processor inputs the first information and the second information. Then, the processor selectably determines the payment option to direct a transmission of funds from at least one payment source to at least one payee account based on an optimization determination performed by the processor. The optimization determination may provide savings to the institution processing the transaction, or alternatively, may provide savings to the customer initiating the transaction, for example.

Abstract: A method and system of the present invention are directed to expediting payments for scheduled delivery (e.g., same day delivery, next day delivery) to various payees or recipients. A computer implemented method and system for expediting payments may include receiving recipient data and payment data from a customer at a remote location; wherein recipient data comprises recipient identifier and payment data comprises payment type and delivery time; obtaining a payment instrument based at least in part on the payment data; debiting an amount of the payment instrument from an account identified by the customer; and delivering the payment instrument to a facility; wherein the facility delivers the payment instrument to a recipient identified by the recipient data entered by the customer.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for managing transactions. The system includes a data input portion that communicates first information regarding a payment request, as well as a decision reference data store for communicating second information regarding parameters for use in determining a payment option for the payment request. The system also includes a processor. The processor inputs the first information and the second information. Then, the processor selectably determines the payment option to direct a transmission of funds from at least one payment source to at least one payee account based on an optimization determination performed by the processor. The optimization determination may provide savings to the institution processing the transaction, or alternatively, may provide savings to the customer initiating the transaction, for example.