Abstract: A platform and program for enhancing the value and desirability of a credit card (or other payment product) to a card holder and encouraging increased use of the card as a payment device by rewarding the card holder based not only on qualifying purchases but on miles traveled in connection with travel ticket or travel pass purchases. The inventive program leverages qualifying transaction information and other data (e.g., Level 3 Data) which automatically flow with such transaction information. The rewards redeemed by the card holder according to the inventive platform and program are not tied to a particular provider of goods or services, and reward fulfillment is managed through the card issuer or its fulfillment agent.

Abstract: A position measuring apparatus includes at least one bearing, a rod of magnetizable material guided in the at least one bearing, a linear magnetic field sensor, and a magnet disposed next to the linear magnetic field sensor. The rod includes a cutout, and the magnet is arranged in the cutout within an enveloping cylinder lateral surface around the rod.

Abstract: A headset connector assembly that includes a connector plate, a casing, and electrical contact members is provided. The connector plate can have a first mating surface, a second mating surface, and at least two apertures existing between the first and the second mating surfaces. The casing can have a first side in contact with the first mating surface and a second side. The casing can include a protruding cavity member for each of the at least two apertures. Each protruding cavity member can extend from the first side and be constructed to fit within one of the at least two apertures. Each protruding cavity member can house an electrical contact member.

Abstract: A new technique for accelerating the computational speed of a computer algorithm is provided. The inventive technique can be applied to video compression/decompression algorithms, optical character recognition algorithms, and digital camera zooming applications.

Abstract: An audio jack can allow electrical connections between an audio plug and an electronic device. The audio jack can include a series of pogo pins operative to extend into an audio jack cavity to provide conductive contacts for an audio plug placed within the audio jack. When an audio plug is inserted in the audio jack, the deflectable tips of each pogo pin can deflect and contact audio plug contact portions or regions. The end of the pogo pins opposite the deflectable tips can be coupled to an appropriate electronic device component, such as a printed circuit board, flex circuit, cable, or any other suitable component to provide a conductive path for signals between the audio plug and the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly.

Abstract: Plugs with core structural members and methods for manufacturing plugs with core structural members are provided. A plug can include a core structural member that may increase the structural integrity of the plug. The plug can further include contact pads and traces, and each trace can electrically couple with one of the contact pads and extend along a plug axis towards the proximal end (e.g., base section) of the plug. In orientation-specific embodiments, the traces may be disposed on the surface of the plug. However, in other embodiments, the traces may be disposed below but near the surface of the plug. The plug may also include one or more insulating layers to prevent contact pads and traces from shorting.

Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.

Abstract: New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are as defined herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and/or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided.

Abstract: An improved absorbency material for absorbency applications comprised of a cellulosic fibrous material wherein said cellulosic fibrous material such as pulp is a cold alkali solution treated material at a treatment temperature of less than about 50° C.; a process for improving absorbency and other characteristics of said pulp.

Abstract: Certain poly(oxyalkylene) colorants are disclosed along with method of preparation thereof. A method of using these colorants as fluorescent security taggants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A printing ink is disclosed containing: non-water soluble polymeric surfactant; and water as a dispersed phase, wherein the non-water soluble polymeric surfactant stabilizes the water to form a stabilized emulsion heatset printing ink.

Abstract: A shoe wear out sensor (100,210,310) includes at least one detector (104,312) for sensing a physical metric that changes as a sole of a shoe wears out, a processor (102) configured to process the physical metric over time to determine if the shoe is worn out, and an alarm (106) for informing a user of the shoe when the sole is worn out. A body bar sensing system (500) includes a housing (502) with at least one detector (506) for sensing a physical metric that indicates a repetition movement of the housing when attached to the body bar, a processor (504) for processing the physical metric over time to determine repetitions thereof, and a display (508,512) for informing a user of the repetitions. A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor.

Abstract: An electronic device can be provided with a user interface component and a cooling component contained within a housing. The housing may include at least one surface having an opening formed therethrough, and the user interface may include one port formed therethrough. The user interface port may provide at least a first portion of a passageway between the housing opening and the cooling component. The passageway may allow fluids to be exchanged between the cooling component and the housing opening for cooling the electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method and a financial income protection product are provided for enabling individuals who are approaching or are in retirement to ensure future sources of income with a reduced initial monetary outlay than conventional income protection products such as, for example, annuities. Income benefits are provided to the individuals only when they need it, i.e., either when market returns have not kept pace with expectations and/or when the individuals have lived beyond the point in time at which their expected wealth expires.

Abstract: A valve control unit including three valve units for two brake channels of an electropneumatic brake system is provided. Each valve unit is embodied as a valve modulator device for a braking pressure control circuit including an air inlet valve with a primary solenoid and a bleed valve with a secondary solenoid. Each modulator device armature includes a common solenoid guide arrangement controlled by the magnetic flux of a common magnetic coil. Independent operation of the armatures is achieved whereby flux through the secondary solenoid is weakened by a shunt in the flux circuit which causes a switching delay for the secondary solenoid relative to the primary solenoid. The magnetic resistance of a non-magnetic disc effects switch-off acceleration in the flux circuit with energized secondary solenoid, weakens the field and causes the secondary solenoid to revert to a spring-loaded base state at a higher flux than the primary solenoid.

Abstract: An electronic unit housing includes (i) a receiving space for receiving a printed circuit board, (ii) at least one foot, which is designed to fasten the electronic unit housing onto a base, and is disposed to the side of the receiving space relative to a projection of the receiving space onto the base, and (iii) a venting device, which opens on the underside of the electronic unit housing facing the base.

Abstract: Methods of calibrating a pixel correction function for compensating for vignetting in an optical device include exposing an optical device to a reference object in order to generate pixel data of at least part of an image of the reference object. A pixel correction function is provided including a first number of unknown constant values. Pixel data of a second number of sample points is provided from the pixel data of the at least part of the image. The second number is equal to the first number or the first number plus one. The constant values are determined using the pixel data of the second number of sample points. The method allows a pixel correction function to be calibrated with a small number of sample points, thereby simplifying calibration processes for individual optical devices, and thus reducing the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A media player according to the invention is provided. The media player may include a scroll wheel and a housing including a retention ledge. The retention ledge may maintain the position of the scroll wheel with respect to the housing. A flexible printed circuit may also be included in the media player. The flexible printed circuit may include a first face and a second face. The first face may contact the scroll wheel. The second face may include tactile dome switches. Compressible shims may also form a portion of the media player and may be adjacent the second face. The compressible shims may control the distance between the scroll wheel and the retention ledge.

Abstract: To detect a defect or failure of a compressed air load circuit in a compressed air system for vehicles, pressure is measured in compressed air load circuits and evaluated in an electronic control unit, which briefly shuts off the compressed air load circuits, measures pressure values and/or determines pressure gradients during the shutoff time and compares the pressure values and/or the determined pressure gradients with a respective threshold value, identifies defective circuits and definitively shuts off circuits detected as defective if the results are below the threshold value.