Abstract: Metal transaction cards with removable indicia are provided. In some approaches, a transaction card may include a metal body having a first main side and a second main side, and an identification chip coupled to the first main side of the metal body. The transaction card may further include an exterior layer along the second main side, the exterior layer containing identifying indicia, wherein at least a portion of the exterior layer is removable from the second main side by at least one of: a set of perforations through the exterior layer, and a channel provided along an outer edge of the second main side.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for displaying proprietary information within a multi-layer quick response code may be disclosed. An individual may use a unique quick response code scanner within a mobile application on a mobile device to read a quick response code affixed to an item or product. Through the mobile application, the quick response code scanner may read information embedded within the quick response code unique to the mobile application. The individual may be linked to content hosted on or accessed via a web portal associated with the mobile application. The individual may then be presented with information accessed from a variety of data sources, including from sources other than the retailer of the item, or with proprietary information unique to the mobile application provider.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for alkane activation with single- or bi-metallic catalysts on crystalline mixed oxide supports.

Abstract: Al—Fe—Si alloys having optimized properties through the use of additives are disclosed. In some aspects, an alloy includes aluminum in a first amount, iron in a second amount, silicon in a third amount, and an additive in a fourth amount. The additive is selected from the group consisting of a non-metal additive, a transition-metal additive, a rare-metal additive, and combinations thereof. The first amount, the second amount, the third amount, and the fourth amount produce an alloy with a stoichiometric formula (Al1-xAx)3Fe2Si where A is the additive.

Abstract: A system for gasification of a material includes a plasma generator interfaced to a reaction chamber. A feedstock such as pulverized coal is fed into a plasma jet created by the plasma generator and is gasified by the high temperatures of the plasma jet. The gas produced is then collected, filtered, and utilized, for example, in generating of electricity.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques provide and control applets for transaction cards. More specifically, embodiments discussed here include permitting or denying applets of transaction cards based on whether they are enabled or disabled. Embodiments may also include enabling and disable applets for transaction cards.

Abstract: A tree protection system including a flexible UV-stable first layer including a plurality of openings between about 5 mm and about 9 mm formed therein, the first layer configured to protectively surround at least a base of a tree, and a unitary fastener adapted to secure overlapping opposed portions of the first layer together during protectively surrounding the at least a base of a tree in response to application of a single force directed toward the opposed portions.

Abstract: A tube yoke end fitting for coupling to a shaft tube of a drive shaft assembly includes a tubular first portion having a first end and a second end. The first end configured for coupling to the shaft tube. The tube yoke end fitting includes a second portion including a pair of ears extending outwardly from the second end of the first portion. The pair of ears is diametrically spaced from each other with respect to the first portion. Each of the pair of ears includes an aperture formed therethrough. A yoke length of the tube yoke end fitting measured from a center of each of the apertures to the first end of the first portion is greater than an ear span of the tube yoke end fitting measured between outer surfaces of the pair of ears.

Abstract: Aspects described herein may relate to a transaction exchange platform using a streaming data platform (SDP) and microservices to process transactions according to review and approval workflows. The transaction exchange platform may receive transactions from origination sources, which may be added to the SDP as transaction objects. Microservices on the transaction exchange platform may interact with the transaction objects based on configured workflows associated with the transactions. Processing on the transaction exchange platform may facilitate clearing and settlement of transactions. Some aspects may provide for dynamic and flexible reconfiguration of workflows and/or microservices. Other aspects may provide for data snapshots and workflow tracking, allowing for monitoring, quality control, and auditability of transactions on the transaction exchange platform.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having a hollow interior and food is receivable within said hollow interior. A heating element is associated with the housing and a support body supports food within the hollow interior. The support body includes a body having a plurality of diffuser ribs. A plurality of channels is formed between the plurality of diffuser rib and at least one of the plurality of diffuser ribs and the plurality of channels is operable to deflect a relatively downward flowing fluid relatively horizontally across said support body.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product perform automatic load profiling to optimize a wrapping operation performed with a stretch wrapping machine. Automatic load profiling may be performed, for example, to determine a density parameter for a load that is indicative of load stability such that one or more control parameters may be configured for a wrapping operation based upon the density parameter. Automatic load profiling may also be performed, for example, to detect a load with a nonstandard top layer, e.g., a load with a top or slip sheet, a load with an easily deformable top layer, a load with a ragged top surface topography and/or a load with an inboard portion, such that a top layer containment operation may be activated during wrapping to optimize containment for the load.

Abstract: A system and method for routing customers to an automated teller machine (ATM) is disclosed herein. A computing system receives, from a client device, a request to locate an ATM. The request includes a constraint of a desired ATM. The computing system identifies a plurality of ATMs proximate a location of the client device. The computing system pings the plurality of ATMs proximate the location of the client device to identify attributes associated with each respective ATM. The computing system receives the attributes from the plurality of ATMs proximate the location of the client device. The computing system compares the attributes from each respective ATM to historical ATM usage statistics associated with the client device. The computing system routes a user of the client device to a target ATM from the plurality of ATMs based at least partially on the historical ATM usage statistics.

Abstract: A computerized method for enforcing a set of policies on a first network device is disclosed. The computerized method includes operations by logic processing on the first network device including detecting movement of the first network at a speed above a predetermined threshold and presence of a wireless transceiver, implementing the set of policies on the first network device, wherein implementation of the set of policies is configured to restrict functionality of the first network device according to a predefined list of functionalities, monitoring sensory data associated with the first network device, determining that the sensory data violates a first policy of the set of policies, and responsive to determining that the sensory data violates the first policy, transmitting an alert to an administrator. An additional operation includes transmitting a message to the wireless transceiver to perform a scan for additional network devices.

Abstract: A retractable aerodynamic panel for an automotive truck cargo bed comprises a first support rail adapted to be mounted onto a top edge of a first side wall of an automotive truck bed and a second support rail adapted to be mounted onto a top edge of a second side wall of an automotive truck cargo bed, a panel adapted to be mounted onto a tailgate of the automotive truck cargo bed, the panel adapted to extend between a retracted position, wherein the automotive truck cargo bed is substantially open, and a deployed position, wherein the panel extends outward from the tailgate across a portion of the automotive truck cargo bed between the top edges of the first and second side walls, the panel supported between side walls within the support rails, and an actuator adapted to selectively extend the panel between the retracted and deployed positions.

Abstract: The present double door gate apparatus has a first lowermost frame member with a first inner end and a second lowermost frame member with a second inner end. The first and second inner ends are spaced apart and engaged by a first connector that engages exterior portions of the inner ends and a second connector that engages interior portions of the inner ends. First and second gates have inner ends that confront each other more closely than the inner ends of the lowermost frame members confront each other.

Abstract: An modular apparatus for generating electrical power in a borehole penetrating the earth includes a body comprising first and second mechanical connectors at opposing ends and first and second electrical connectors at the opposing ends, the mechanical connectors and the electrical connectors being configured to connect with the same type of corresponding connectors on another modular apparatus when the modular apparatus and the another modular apparatus are stacked together. The modular apparatus further includes: an electrical generator having a rotor and stator in mechanical communication with the first and second mechanical connectors and in electrical communication with the first and second electrical connectors; and a turbine wheel coupled to or integrated with the rotor and comprising one or more turbine blades that are configured to interact with fluid flowing through the borehole causing the turbine wheel to rotate and the rotor to rotate in order to generate the electrical power.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimizing engine climate control performance and fuel economy in engines configured with start/stop capabilities. Climate control inhibits of start/stop actions are adjusted as a function of operator driving habits and climate control inputs and preferences. The approach enables climate performance to be improved while also allowing for frequent idle-stop operation.