Abstract: An electronic smoke comprises a puff detection sub-assembly module. The puff detection sub-assembly comprises a first conductive surface, a second conductive surface and an insulated ring spacer separating the first and the second conductive surfaces at an effective separation distance. The first conductive surface, the second conductive surface and the insulated ring spacer are housed inside a metallic can. The first conductive surface is electrically connected to the metal can by a first conductive ring which is disposed between the first conductive surface and a ceiling portion of the metal can. The second conductive surface is electrically connected to an output terminal through a second conductive ring, the second conductive ring elevating the puff detection sub-assembly above a floor portion of the metal can and urging the first conductive ring against a ceiling portion of the metal can.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable program code executable by a processor to receive a transaction request from a user interface, and receive a user-identifier from the user interface, and the user-identifier associated with a user. The program code may be executable to send a first non-audible sound signal to initiate a multifactor authentication process during a first interval, and send a second non-audible sound signal during a second interval, where the second non-audible sound signal comprises a predetermined frequency pattern, associated with the user. The program code may also be executable to receive a third non-audible sound signal, where the third non-audible sound signal, at least in part, is utilized to determine whether to complete the transaction request or not. The first non-audible sound signal, the second non-audible sound signal, and the third non-audible sound signal may comprise a frequency greater than 15 kHz.

Abstract: A method includes generating, by a user device, an initial authorization request message for an interaction to obtain a resource from a resource provider. The user device transmits the initial authorization request message to a first node in a proxy network, wherein the first node processes the initial authorization request message and transmits a routing message to a second node in the proxy network based on the processing of the initial authorization request message, the second node being previously associated with the resource provider. The user device then receives from the second node and stores a pre-authorization approval indicator (PAAI). Upon delivery of the resource by an agent of the resource provider, the user device transmits an authorization request message including the pre-authorization approval indicator, wherein the agent device further processes and transmits the authorization request message to the proxy network for authorization by an authorizing entity.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample plate containing a plurality of samples includes aspirating simultaneously, from the sample plate, a first sample droplet from a first sample of the plurality of samples with a first pipette and a second sample droplet from a second sample of the plurality of samples with a second pipette. The sample plate also includes dispensing sequentially, from the first pipette and the second pipette, the first sample drop and the second sample drop into an open port interface (OPI).

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating dynamic conversational responses using two-tier machine learning models. The dynamic conversational responses may be generated in real time and reflect the likely goals and/or intents of a user. The two-tier machine learning model may include a first tier that determines an intent cluster based on a feature input, and a second tier that determines a specific intent from the cluster.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing macular, central or peripheral human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. These methods include: a) culturing stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in a retinal induction medium to initiate differentiation of the cells into RPE progenitor cells; b) culturing the RPE progenitor cells in a retinal differentiation medium to further differentiate the RPE progenitor cells into committed RPE cells; c) culturing the committed RPE cells in a retinal medium to form immature RPE cells; and d) culturing the immature RPE cells in a RPE maturation medium including a retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist and/or a canonical Wnt inhibitor, thereby producing macular, central or peripheral human RPE cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for using a third party dynamic QR code on a personal mobile device to complete a transaction at an ATM. The customer may stage a transaction using a mobile application on a mobile device. Upon the staged transaction being authenticated and approved, a machine-readable image may be transmitted to the mobile device. When the customer visits the ATM, the machine-readable image on the mobile device may be captured by the ATM and sent to an application server from the ATM. The application server may associate the ATM with the staged transaction that is staged using the mobile application, and send instructions to the ATM to dispense cash according to the staged transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed are directed to a computing system that performs steps for providing security group differencing for applications stored in a cloud-based computing environment. The computing system receives a request to update an application stored in a cloud-based computing environment from a first version of the application to a second version of the application. The computing system identifies a first set of security group rules for the first version of the application and a second set of security group rules for the second version of the application. The computing system determines security group differencing data based on the first set of security group rules and the second set of security group rules. Subsequently, the computing system determines a security score based on the security group differencing data and provisions an adoption rule based on a comparison between the security score and a predetermined security score threshold.

Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a cementing apparatus. The cementing apparatus, in one embodiment comprising a housing; a fixed member coupled with the housing, the fixed member having at least one fixed member fluid opening therein; and a moving member positioned downhole of the fixed member and movable between a circulating position and a cemented position, the moving member having at least one moving member fluid opening therein, the at least one moving member fluid opening linearly offset from the at least one fixed member fluid opening.

Abstract: A method for data transmission inside a rail-bound traffic system has of a plurality of field elements, in which the data transmission takes place via a flexible wireless transmission path between a sender field element and a control unit along available field elements. A data transmission system is for application of the method and a rail-bound traffic system having such a data transmission system. Furthermore, there is use of communication units on field elements of a rail-bound traffic system to form the data transmission system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure may read source data corresponding to a source variable and apply a transformation to the source variable to generate an output variable. Accordingly, one such method comprises receiving a request to access an output variable by applying one or more data transformations to input data; before applying an actual data transformation to the input data, identifying that a match exists with a database of prior data transformations that have been applied to source variables to generate derived variables; identifying that a source variable in the matching one or more data transformations is flagged as sensitive data; and processing the request to access the output variable subject to an access restriction in response to the identification of the source variable that is flagged as sensitive data.

Abstract: A multi-activation reamer optionally includes modular activation and pulse confirmation blocks for activating the reamer and confirming activation. A reamer activation signal may be communicated downhole, optionally using an activation sequence of drill string flow and rotation detectable by downhole sensors. An on-board controller receives the activation signal and opens an activation flow path in the activation block to hydraulically actuate the reamer arms. A pulse flow path is also opened in the pulse confirmation block, optionally using pressure from the activation flow path. Flow along the pulse flow path is modulated to generate a flow pattern detectable uphole of the reamer to confirm activation of the reamer.

Abstract: A downhole gas separator and pump assembly. The downhole gas separator and pump assembly comprises a drive shaft; a first fluid mover having an inlet and an outlet; a separation chamber located downstream of the first fluid mover and fluidically coupled to the outlet of the first fluid mover; a gas flow path and liquid flow path separator located downstream of the separation chamber, having an inlet fluidically coupled to the separation chamber, having a gas phase discharge port open to an exterior of the assembly, and having a liquid phase discharge port; and a second fluid mover mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, located downstream of the first gas flow path and liquid flow path separator, and having an inlet fluidically coupled to the fluid phase discharge port of the first gas flow path and liquid flow path separator.

Abstract: A toll transponder may receive transaction card data identifying a transaction card associated with a transaction account. The toll transponder may provide to a toll server device, and via a toll antenna of a toll collection system, a request for a transaction amount for a vehicle toll, and may receive a response requesting authorization for payment of the transaction amount. The toll transponder may determine, based on the response, an authorization request cryptogram for payment of the transaction amount, and generate an encrypted signal identifying the authorization request cryptogram, the transaction card data, and a toll transponder identifier identifying the toll transponder. The toll transponder may provide the encrypted signal to the toll server device via the toll antenna, and may receive from the toll server device, via the toll antenna, data indicating whether the transaction amount for the vehicle toll is approved.

Abstract: A card with an embedded location tracker that can assist with locating a misplaced, lost, or stolen card is described. The location tracking device is embedded into the material forming the card. Other devices can form a crowdsourced network covering a wide geographic area that may be used to detect signals from the location tracking device of the card using a short-range wireless communication technology. When the card becomes misplaced, lost, or stolen, the card holder or the card issuer may use the embedded location tracking device to determine the current location of the card. In one embodiment, a tamper mechanism may also be provided to disable a chip of the card in response to an attempt to deactivate, destroy, or remove the embedded location tracking device from the card.

Abstract: Methods and systems described in this disclosure are directed to creating a profile for a user that includes information content rules and information delivery rules. Upon detecting a triggering event, a set of information is created for the user based on the information content rules. The information is delivered to the user according to the information delivery rules.

Abstract: A user can associate a digital asset corresponding to a value with a transaction device to be used by another user. For example, a first user can load a digital asset corresponding to a cryptocurrency amount onto a transaction device, where the first user then provides the transaction device to a second user. The second user can utilize the cryptocurrency amount on the transaction device to conduct a transaction. The generation and use of digital assets can be managed using ledgers that store data in the form of block chains.

Abstract: A method may comprise introducing an ultrasonic device into a wellbore with a cement slurry therein; generating ultrasonic waves with the ultrasonic device, wherein at least a portion of the ultrasonic waves are transmitted into at least a portion of the cement slurry; creating cavitation within at least the portion of the cement slurry with at least the portion of the ultrasonic waves; and allowing the cement slurry to set to form a hardened mass.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a kit for forming a radio frequency container. The kit may include a top panel, a bottom panel having a raised support, at least one side panel configured to connect the top panel and the bottom panel, and an RF antenna configured for attachment to an interior surface of the container. The top panel, the bottom panel, and the at least one side panel may be configured to reflect and contain RF signals within the radio frequency container.