Abstract: An implementation of the inventive concept enables an outside entity to alter user's internet experience on a system-wide level. Specifically, inventive system enables a merchant, a distributor or any other entity to send contextually-relevant messages directly to the user's computer. Upon the receipt of the messages by the controller application residing on the user's computer, the messages are shown to the user by being incorporated into representation of various resources viewed by the user. For example, the received messages are incorporated into web pages viewed by the user by means of code injection. This way, the merchant, distributor or any other entity may provide targeted advertising to the user in a contextually relevant manner. Specifically, the controller application residing on the user's computer may detect requests for specific resources issued by the user in accordance with a predetermined criteria and incorporate the aforesaid received messages into those selected resources.

Abstract: An event network system can provide user-friendly grouping of articles, or “events views,” which can comprises multiple automatically obtained digital content items related to a specified event. The event network system can accomplish this by discovering digital content, analyzing it, searching for and retrieving additional related digital content, producing an similarity graph indicating the relatedness of identified digital content, and producing event views for sufficiently related digital content items. The event views can encapsulate, summarize, tag, and link the related digital content items in a manner that allows for easy user consumption. The event network system can also determine events to include in a thread of recommended events, e.g. based on an interest score for a user. A user can also search an event network, which can provide suggested results based on a freshness score.

Abstract: A nicotine delivery system is disclosed. The nicotine delivery system comprises an actuating mechanism and a housing that has a longitudinal axis and defines a chamber that is configured to receive a plunger and has an outlet for the passage of formulation out of the chamber. The actuating mechanism comprises an actuator and an actuation member. The actuator cooperates with the actuation member such that when a plunger is received in the chamber the plunger and the chamber slide relative to each other in an axial direction by a predetermined incremental distance upon each operation of the actuator to displace a predetermined volume of formulation from the chamber through said outlet.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for client management are presented. Inactive clients in the client population based on a lack of client use of a service offering for a predetermined period of time is determined. Customized electronic messages to the inactive clients are generated and sent. Timed subsequent electronic messages to clients who remain inactive after the receipt of the first electronic messages are further generated and sent. Statistics associated with client activity is calculated. The calculated statistics are caused to be displayed.

Abstract: A system, method, and device comprising a virtual badge are disclosed. A virtual badge can be displayed on a cell phone or in another linked portable device, and for security purposes, has images which can be scanned, and the capability to alternate colors and/or self-destruct on a pre-set schedule. Whether for after a disaster or for daily use, the system uses cell phones or mobile devices loaded with specialized software. Using plugin technologies, the system optionally can enable field collected photos and notes on customizable forms to be mapped, tracked, and time/date stamped—including in a 100% disconnected environment. A modifiable virtual badge can aid in inventory, accountability, organization, and efficiency. The system can be employed by the “Whole Community”—citizens, businesses, not-for-profits, and government agencies—for social media, business, cleanup, insurance adjusters, or personnel focused on day to day operations or on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Abstract: This disclosure provides techniques for pooling and searching network security events reported by multiple sources. As information representing a security event is received from one source, it is searched against a central or distributed database representing events reported from multiple, diverse sources (e.g., different client networks). Either the search or correlated results can be filtered and/or routed according at least one characteristic associated with the networks, for example, to limit correlation to events reported by what are presumed to be similarly situated networks. The disclosed techniques facilitate faster identification of high-relevancy security event information, and thereby help facilitate faster threat identification and mitigation. Various techniques can be implemented as standalone software (e.g., for use by a private network) or for a central pooling and/or query service. This disclosure also provides different examples of actions that can be taken in response to search results.

Abstract: A system, methods, and devices comprising a virtual badge are disclosed. The virtual badge can be displayed on an electronic device or on another linked or unlinked portable device. For use in both emergency and non-emergency scenarios, the virtual badge comprises images and data which can be scanned, and the capability to alternate colors and/or self-destruct on a pre-set schedule. The system, methods, and devices may use a self-destruct mechanism which renders the virtual badge unusable. Using plugin technologies, the system optionally can enable field collected photos and notes on customizable forms to be mapped, tracked, and time/date stamped, including in a 100% disconnected environment. A modifiable virtual badge can aid in credentialing via certifications and qualifications, inventory, accountability, organization, and efficiency.

Abstract: Photovoltaic array performance monitoring is disclosed herein. A photovoltaic array performance monitoring system may include a data acquisition unit coupled with reference and ambient photovoltaic panels. The reference photovoltaic panel is equipped with a soiling removal unit which periodically removes deposited soiling materials from an active photovoltaic collection area of the reference photovoltaic panel. The ambient photovoltaic panel accumulates light obscuring soiling materials at a rate approximately equal to those of a proximate photovoltaic array. The data acquisition unit periodically sends electrical energy measurements of the reference and ambient photovoltaic panels to a computing system. Over time, the electrical energy output differential between the reference and ambient photovoltaic panels exceeds a predetermined threshold. The computing system evaluates the electrical energy measurements and determines when it would be cost-effective to clean the photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A device and system for use before and after a disaster which incorporate a “Whole Community” response is illustrated. The system can be readily customized for use in other markets and scenarios and easily adapted into uses by emergency management. The device incorporates a GPS radio and/or cell phones with, pre-programmed instructions which are uploaded automatically in the device's memory via wireless technology prior to the unit's first use. Radios on the units can enable the searchers to audibly communicate with each other without cell towers. The system can be employed by cleanup teams, insurance adjusters, and any number of pre/post response teams focused on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery operations. The system can contain a modifiable and functional, virtual badge and can export data gathered in the field, as well as integrate this data with other, pre-existing software via software APIs contained within the system and cell phone software.

Abstract: A system, methods, and devices comprising a virtual badge are disclosed. The virtual badge can be displayed on an electronic device or on another linked or unlinked portable device. For use in both emergency and non-emergency scenarios, the virtual badge comprises images and data which can be scanned, and the capability to alternate colors and/or self-destruct on a pre-set schedule. The system, methods, and devices may use a self-destruct mechanism which renders the virtual badge unusable. Using plugin technologies, the system optionally can enable field collected photos and notes on customizable forms to be mapped, tracked, and time/date stamped, including in a 100% disconnected environment. A modifiable virtual badge can aid in credentialing via certifications and qualifications, inventory, accountability, organization, and efficiency.

Abstract: A system, method, and device comprising a virtual badge are disclosed. A virtual badge can be displayed on a cell phone or in another linked portable device, and for security purposes, has images which can be scanned, and the capability to alternate colors and/or self-destruct on a pre-set schedule. Whether for after a disaster or for daily use, the system uses cell phones or mobile devices loaded with specialized software. Using plugin technologies, the system optionally can enable field collected photos and notes on customizable forms to be mapped, tracked, and time/date stamped—including in a 100% disconnected environment. A modifiable virtual badge can aid in inventory, accountability, organization, and efficiency. The system can be employed by the “Whole Community”—citizens, businesses, not-for-profits, and government agencies—for social media, business, cleanup, insurance adjusters, or personnel focused on day to day operations or on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Abstract: A Secure Remote Peripheral Encryption Tunnel (SeRPEnT) can be implemented in a portable embedded device for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) with a much more restricted attack surface than a general purpose client computer. The SeRPEnT device can comprise a small, low-power “cryptographic switchboard” that can operate in a trusted path mode and a pass-through mode. In the trusted path mode, the SeRPEnT device can tunnel connected peripherals through the client to a server with Virtual Machine (VM)-hosted applications. In the pass-through mode, the SeRPEnT device can pass-through the connected peripherals to the client system, allowing normal use of the local system by the user. SeRPEnT can also enable secure transactions between the user and server applications by only allowing input to the VMs to originate from the SeRPEnT device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for contract assurance are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a document, the document including a keyword; determining a location of the keyword within the document; searching for a value associated with the keyword; responsive to identifying the value associated with the keyword, storing a location of the value; generating a template based on the location of the keyword and the location of the value; extracting the value from the document using the template; and responsive to extracting the value, storing and associating a label and the extracted value in a second document, the label associated with the keyword. Another disclosed embodiment includes program code for causing a processor to execute such a method.

Abstract: An apparatus that securely positions a typical earbud-type earphone outside of the ear canal which allows users to concurrently listen to sounds from the speaker and sounds from the outside environment. It is comprised of an earhook that rests over and behind the user's ear with a fastener connected to one end to grip the stem of a conventional earbud. When the speaker is repositioned just outside of the ear canal, there is nothing physically blocking the entrance of the ear canal, thus allowing the user to hear what is going on around them. This provides a much safer manner in which a user can listen to their audio device. The apparatus is fully adjustable allowing the user to control the amount of outside noise that is heard along with the sounds from the earbud speaker by varying the proximity of the speaker to the ear canal.

Abstract: A Secure Remote Peripheral Encryption Tunnel (SeRPEnT) can be implemented in a portable embedded device for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) with a much more restricted attack surface than a general purpose client computer. The SeRPEnT device can comprise a small, low-power “cryptographic switchboard” that can operate in a trusted path mode and a pass-through mode. In the trusted path mode, the SeRPEnT device can tunnel connected peripherals through the client to a server with Virtual Machine (VM)-hosted applications. In the pass-through mode, the SeRPEnT device can pass-through the connected peripherals to the client system, allowing normal use of the local system by the user. SeRPEnT can also enable secure transactions between the user and server applications by only allowing input to the VMs to originate from the SeRPEnT device.

Abstract: Photovoltaic array performance monitoring is disclosed herein. A photovoltaic array performance monitoring system may include a data acquisition unit coupled with reference and ambient photovoltaic panels. The reference photovoltaic panel is equipped with a soiling removal unit which periodically removes deposited soiling materials from an active photovoltaic collection area of the reference photovoltaic panel. The ambient photovoltaic panel accumulates light obscuring soiling materials at a rate approximately equal to those of a proximate photovoltaic array. The data acquisition unit periodically sends electrical energy measurements of the reference and ambient photovoltaic panels to a computing system. Over time, the electrical energy output differential between the reference and ambient photovoltaic panels exceeds a predetermined threshold. The computing system evaluates the electrical energy measurements and determines when it would be cost-effective to clean the photovoltaic array.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides dry powder inhalers, containers for carrying a dose of dry powder medicament particles for dry powder inhalers, and a hinge that, while enjoying broader applicability, may be used in such inhalers.

Abstract: A device and system for use before and after a disaster which incorporate a “Whole Community” response is illustrated. The system can be readily customized for use in other markets and scenarios and easily adapted into uses by emergency management. The device incorporates a GPS radio and/or cell phones with, pre-programmed instructions which are uploaded automatically in the device's memory via wireless technology prior to the unit's first use. Radios on the units can enable the searchers to audibly communicate with each other without cell towers. The system can be employed by cleanup teams, insurance adjusters, and any number of pre/post response teams focused on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery operations. The system can contain a modifiable and functional, virtual badge and can export data gathered in the field, as well as integrate this data with other, pre-existing software via software APIs contained within the system and cell phone software.

Abstract: A device and system for use before and after a disaster which incorporate a “Whole Community” response. The system can be readily customized for use in other markets and scenarios and is easily adapted into uses by emergency management. The device incorporates a GPS radio and/or cell phones with very simplified, pre-programmed instructions which are uploaded automatically in the device's memory via wireless technology prior to the unit's first use. Radios on the units can enable the searchers to audibly communicate with each other without cell towers. The system can be employed by cleanup teams, insurance adjusters, and any number of pre or post response teams focused on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery operations. The system can also export data gathered in the field as well as integrate this data with other, pre-existing software via software APIs contained within the system and cell phone software.

Abstract: A consumer at a merchant store can scan, with a user mobile device, a barcode generated by the merchant to make a payment. The information contained in the barcode include a merchant identifier, a total amount, and information about the items purchased. A payment provider processes the information received from the user device and notifies the merchant if the payment is approved. A digital receipt may be generated and stored for future use.