Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for authenticating a user of a mobile device using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (“USSD”) protocol. The mobile device generates a One-Time Password (“OTP”) code and sends that OTP code to a telecommunications server that forwards the content of the USSD message to the application server using an included short code. The OTP code is also sent out to the application server outside of the USSD protocol. When the application server receives both transmissions, the application server compares the OTP codes of these transmissions and determines whether the codes match. If the OTP codes match, the application server determines that authentication is successful and transmits an authentication token to the mobile device that is used to secure communications between the mobile device and the application server.

Abstract: The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments of an impact protection device that comprises the following elements: a machine, a protective structural member, and a fluid holding member. The impact protection device is designed to protect a user from an impact to the protective structural member by dissipating a portion of the kinetic energy of the impact. Machine operation translates into a controlled movement between elements of the impact protection device that deform the fluid holding member, thereby displacing a fluid. This controlled movement also dictates a throttling profile that regulates the amount of damping; thereby managing the portion of kinetic energy dissipated. The machine can be a mechanical assembly incorporating levers, cams and or computerized controllers.

Abstract: Handgun holster devices are provided that allow a user to securely, comfortably and safely carry a handgun on their person. The holster may be integral with a support band configured to be worn on a body part of a user. The holster and support band may each be made from one or more flexible materials such that the device is lightweight, unobtrusive and comfortable to carry in a concealed manner. The holster includes a trigger guard that is sized, shaped and positioned to substantially cover the trigger of a holstered handgun, thereby preventing a user from inadvertently discharging the weapon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneous brewing and beverage dispensing, in which a brew basket is positionable in a beverage dispenser to permit brewing. The brew basket includes a novel shape that permits it to take advantage of current beverage dispenser configurations to ease the brewing process.

Abstract: A conductive pin configured for a quick connection system. The conductive pin has a non-conductive head and a conducting shaft with a conductive shaft bottom contact point. Beneath the head are a plurality of conducting contact arms in a X-configuration, each arm at a right angle to the next and separate to an adjacent conducting contact arm. The conducting shaft has a partial non-conductive sheath below the head. Rotating the conducting contact arms to contact points by rotating the conductive pin completes the circuit in the quick connection system.

Abstract: The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments of an impact protection device that comprises the following elements: a machine, a protective structural member, and a fluid holding member. The impact protection device is designed to protect a user from an impact to the protective structural member by dissipating a portion of the kinetic energy of the impact. Machine operation translates into a controlled movement between elements of the impact protection device that deform the fluid holding member, thereby displacing a fluid. This controlled movement also dictates a throttling profile that regulates the amount of damping; thereby managing the portion of kinetic energy dissipated. The machine can be a mechanical assembly incorporating levers, cams and or computerized controllers.

Abstract: Handgun holster devices are provided that allow a user to securely, comfortably and safely carry a handgun on their person. The holster may be integral with a support band configured to be worn on a body part of a user. The holster and support band may each be made from one or more flexible materials such that the device is lightweight, unobtrusive and comfortable to carry in a concealed manner. The holster includes a trigger guard that is sized, shaped and positioned to substantially cover the trigger of a holstered handgun, thereby preventing a user from inadvertently discharging the weapon.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, devices and processes that abate impact shocks by enacting a machine that redirects at least a portion of an impact force imposed along one trajectory to a reaction force distributed along another trajectory. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An RFID reader, tuning method and computer readable medium. A carrier signal is transmitted. A plurality of feedback signals produced in the RFID reader are measured when transmitting the carrier signal with a variable matching network set at a plurality of impedance values that are different from one another. It is determined which impedance value of the plurality of impedance values produced a feedback signal having a highest level of the plurality of feedback signals. The variable matching network is set to the determined impedance value.