Abstract: Some embodiments implement end-to-end certificate pinning for content intake from various content providers and for content distribution to various end users. To ensure secure retrieval of content provider content, the content distributor pins the content provider to one or more certificate authorities. Accordingly, the content distributor only retrieves content from a sender identified as the content provider when the sender identity is verified with a certificate issued by a certificate authority pinned to the content provider. To ensure secure delivery of content from the content distributor to an end user, the content distributor modifies the pinset of the user browser to pin the content distributor to one or more certificate authorities. Thereafter, the user browser only accepts content from a sender identified as the content distributor when the sender identity is verified with a certificate issued by a certificate authority pinned to the content distributor in the browser pinset.

Abstract: An interface and device architecture for a payment device. An interface between a payment application installed in a payment device and one or more value-add applications (such as loyalty programs, transit applications, etc.) that are also installed in the payment device. The API or interface design permits communications and data transfer between the payment application and one or more value-add applications. This reduces (and in some cases may prevent) the need for back-end server processing of data that may be relevant to both a payment transaction and to a function of the value-add application. Similarly, the same or another API or interface may enable communications and data transfer between a value-add application and the payment application.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging of loose product includes a loading station, a box forming station and an uploading station. The loading station includes moveable chutes in spaced apart relation. Each chute has an open top, an open upstream end, and an open downstream end. The open top is configured to receive loose product while moving along a first feed path. The box forming station is operable to partially erect boxes in spaced apart relation with first and second open sides and align the first open side of each box with the downstream end of a corresponding chute while moving along a second feed path. The unloading station includes a stationary vacuum head in communication with the second open side of each box. The vacuum head provides a continuous vacuum source along the second feed path operable to move loose product from the chute into the boxes.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining a cell population enriched for tumor-reactive T cells, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a bulk population of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a sample of peripheral blood; (b) specifically selecting CD8+T cells that also express PD-1 and/or TIM-3 from the bulk population; and (c) separating the cells selected in (b) from unselected cells to obtain a cell population enriched for tumor-reactive T cells are disclosed. Related methods of administering a cell population enriched for tumor-reactive T cells to a mammal, methods of obtaining a pharmaceutical composition comprising a cell population enriched for tumor-reactive T cells, and isolated or purified cell populations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An environment provided by a financial entity in which buyers and sellers may be brought together to initiate and complete a transaction for the purchase of a property for sale or rental. The environment enables sellers to list items together with relevant information that buyers may need to understand the item. Buyers may apply for financing, insurance or other related services to receive approval to purchase properties. A mechanism by which the seller and buyer may communicate enables a negotiation process, scheduling and other processes associated with the sale or rental. After an agreement is reached between the buyer and seller, components associated with the environment, such property and casualty and banking may complete the necessary paperwork, etc. to close the deal.

Abstract: An exercise tool assembly for operating a downhole tool auxiliary to a primary actuator system of the downhole tool includes a cylinder mandrel configured to be received in the central bore of the downhole tool. A piston mandrel is in and sealed with the cylinder mandrel. The exercise tool assembly is configured to couple to an actuator sleeve of the downhole tool and to couple to the downhole tool at a location apart from the actuator sleeve. The piston mandrel is responsive to a change in pressure in the central bore to translate relative to the cylinder mandrel and translate the coupling with the actuator sleeve relative to the coupling at the location apart from the actuator sleeve.

Abstract: A server-side biometric authentication system is disclosed that can split data knowledge and processes, so that extensive collusion would be required in order for a fraudster to compromise the system. Biometric data provided by a user during authentication can be matched with a combination of pieces of a biometric template stored across two or more server(s), rather than on a consumer device as is typically done. More specifically, at the time of enrollment, a biometric template can be split into two or more fragments. Each of the fragments can be encrypted and stored on a template storage server. At a later point in time, during authentication, biometric data provided by a user (e.g., from a fingerprint) can be compared against a reconstructed version of the biometric template where each fragment of the template is retrieved from a matcher computer and combined together.

Abstract: Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle identification card is provided to an insured that includes proof of automotive insurance information and charge account information. The card may include an insurance policy covering the insured's vehicle, the VIN number of the vehicle, and other information about the vehicle such as the vehicle's make and model. The card may include account information that allows the card to be used like a credit card. The card may further include means for wirelessly updating information and providing a display to the user, which includes, but is not limited to, a housing, a memory module, a processor, one or more displays, and a power source.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes a multi-user collaboration tracking system 1) detecting an initiation of a collaboration session during which a plurality of users interact with a whiteboard space displayed on a single physical display associated with a computing device, 2) detecting an interaction event performed with respect to the whiteboard space during the collaboration session, 3) identifying a user included in the plurality of users as having performed the interaction event, and 4) associating the interaction event with the user. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods structured to interrogate a plurality of sensor assemblies, where each sensor assembly may have one or more transmissive optical sensors. The plurality of sensor assemblies can be arranged to couple between two optical fibers. The interrogation can include generating optical signals to each sensor assembly such that each sensor assembly can be selectively and individually interrogated using semiconductor optical amplifiers. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure responsive downhole tool comprises a power piston pressure relief valve that is selectively activated and deactivated to allow pressure-related operations to be conducted. The pressure relief valve will not open until the power piston is activated, which also requires the operating element (ball valve, for example) to be opened, thereby avoided situations in which the ball valve is inadvertently placed in the Lock Open position.

Abstract: An example method for attaching a ball grid array chip to a circuit board includes providing an adapter for attaching a chip with a plurality of solder balls to a circuit board, the adapter having an adapter substrate made from a material having substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the substrate used in the chip and having at least one electrical contact site on a mounting surface of the adapter substrate for engaging a solder ball on the ball grid array chip and a plurality of lead wires extending from each side of the adapter substrate. At least one of the lead wires is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact site on the adapter substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for adaptively compressing data based on compression parameters. In one embodiment, a method for compressing a dataset is disclosed, including filtering a dataset based on occurrence of an event, and determining a quality of information index indicating a measure of quality of the dataset based on a quality of information estimation function. The method may include comparing the quality of information index with a list of indices stored in a lookup table to identify a target quality of information index and corresponding compression parameters, wherein the target quality of information index is indicative of a reference measure of quality of the dataset applicable for deriving statistical inferences based on analysis of the dataset. Also, the method may include inputting the compression parameters in a compression algorithm for compressing the dataset to achieve the target quality of information index for the analysis.

Abstract: Systems, gateway computers, and methods for using a gateway abstraction layer and application platform interfaces for conducting service transactions are disclosed. A gateway abstraction layer computers can receive service requests in multiple message formats or communication protocols, transform those service requests into other message formats to process the service using one or more networks or third-party service providers. The results of the service request can then be translated back to the message format in which the original service request was received. The gateway abstraction layer can be maintained using update messages received from service providers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing proppant in a portion of a subterranean formation (e.g., in a fracturing operation) using two or more immiscible fluids are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise: introducing into a well bore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation alternating stages of a first treatment fluid comprising one or more proppants, and a second treatment fluid comprising a lesser concentration of proppants than the first fluid, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are substantially immiscible in one another, and wherein the alternating stages of the first and second treatment fluids are introduced into the well bore at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation.