Abstract: A system and method for detecting spectrum of colors that is indistinguishable to a color blind individual and modifying the colors to fade in or out to the shade of same color, is provided. While the partial color blind user is enabled to view and better distinguish colors that were problematic earlier, the present invention achieves a significant reduction in power consumption of the display device with this modified color set.

Abstract: A system of the present invention uses an identity provider to provide the authentication services for multiple service providers. An identity provider communicates with one or more service providers. A user that wishes to gain access to a service provider is authenticated through the use of the identity provider. A user desiring to access a service provider is first authenticated by the identity provider. The identity provider determines if the user meets the desired class level and provides various information related to the authentication. When the user attempts to access a second service provider that is associated with the same identity provider, the second service provider accesses the identity provider and determines that the user was recently authenticated. The identity provider then transmits the relevant information regarding the authentication process to the second service provider, which can then allow or deny the user access to the second service provider.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating cross-platform authentication. The apparatus may include at least one memory and at least one processor configured to detect that a visual token includes data indicating one or more authentication credentials for accessing a communication device in response to scanning the visual token. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to communicate the authentication credentials of the detected visual token to the communication device to request the communication device to determine whether the authentication credentials are valid for a user. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to enable access to the communication device in response to receiving an indication from the communication device that the authentication credentials of the detected visual token are valid. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to the card data corresponding to stored data for a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction with the machine. The machine includes a plurality of hardware devices and a terminal processor. The terminal processor is operative to cause a hardware device to process sheets in carrying out transactions involving financial transfers. A device processor in a hardware device is operative to communicate certain condition data associated with the hardware device to a portable device.

Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method of a) placing a hydrojetting tool into a subterranean formation; b) introducing a jetting fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid, a stabilizing agent, and a cutting agent into the subterranean formation by use of the hydrojetting tool at a rate sufficient to create at least one fracture; c) introducing a slug fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid and a degradable diverting agent into an annulus formed between the hydrojetting tool and the subterranean formation; d) introducing a propping fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid and proppants coated with a consolidating agent into the annulus formed between the hydrojetting tool and the subterranean formation; and e) placing the proppants in the fracture.

Abstract: A system and method for activating and funding prepaid cards at the point of sale by making innovative use of existing point-of-sale devices and existing credit/debit card acceptance networks and processes. The invention obviates the need to implement new/different technology at point-of-sale terminals that are widely used at retail outlets. This invention makes use of the existing credit and charge card systems and processes, including industry standard message formats, to settle funds and fees between the seller and the issuer of the prepaid card, thus further reducing the expense and time-to-market for product distribution.

Abstract: Expansion of unidirectional datacasting includes the use of backchannel communication link(s) for clients communication with the datacasting infrastructure, producing a closed-loop or bidirectional system, possibly for both the acknowledgement of datacasting message receipts and a request-response service over datacasting. In one implementation, a server creates a message including a data object and a data object identifier associated with the data object. The server datacasts the message via the broadcast medium to client device(s). A given client device receives the message datacasted by the server via the broadcast medium, creates a given message including the data object identifier, and sends the given message to the server via a given backchannel. The server receives the given message including the data object identifier from the given client device via the given backchannel and records the receipt of the given message for the data object identifier.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the disclosure allow a user to take advantage of offers via a mobile application. In response to a purchase associated with the offer is made, the transaction information may be processed by the system, such that, the credit and debit associated with the purchase are transmitted to the transaction account and the merchant. The transaction information may be further processed to determine whether the particular transaction is eligible for a reward. Where the transaction is eligible for a reward, the credit and debit associated with reward are transmitted to the transaction account and the sponsoring entity. The offers may be based on the location of the mobile device and/or location of the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine-readable form configuration (and associated method). Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for interpreting at least one user mark (and associated methods). In one example, a plurality of user marks may be interpreted. In another example, the machine-readable form may be a lottery play slip, survey, test, or the like. In another example, the system may interpret user mark(s) made on a lottery play slip, survey, test or the like. In another example, the system may interpret user mark(s) made on a paper or the like having non-planar distortion(s).

Abstract: A method is described that provides a notification to the sender or mailer of a mailpiece when the addressee of the mailpiece has changed address. One step in the method includes creation of an updated delivery code that may comprise both the forwarding address of the addressee, the sender's address information, and corresponding barcodes. The postal delivery system sends the mailed item to the forwarding address and provides the sender with the updated information for the addressee. The notification can occur by electronic message systems or delivery of a physical notification.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing prepaid cash alternatives and resolving exceptions related to the sale of prepaid cash alternatives such as traveler's cheques or prepaid cards. Reports of sales may be reviewed to identify exceptions, and information explaining the exceptions may be made available electronically. Sellers may be notified of exceptions by e-mail, which may include a link or address to information explaining the exceptions. The information may be provided in real time through a secure site on a network, such as the Internet. A company may contract with business partners to sell the prepaid cash alternatives to customers, and the business partners may report the sales to the company via reports. After being notified of exceptions, business partners may provide corrected information or new information to resolve the exceptions.

Abstract: A shopping cart includes an expandable cargo compartment having opposite first and second ends, a frame to which the cargo compartment is attached, a handle disposed proximate the first end of the cargo compartment, and a foldable child seat disposed proximate the second end of the cargo compartment, wherein folding the child seat increases a capacity of the cargo compartment and wherein the child seat comprises a seat back pivotally attached to the frame. In another aspect, a shopping cart comprises a frame, a cargo compartment attached to the frame, a handle attached to the frame, and a foldable child seat. The foldable child seat comprises a rod pivotally attached to the frame, a seat back attached to the rod, a sleeve configured to slide upon the rod, and a seat bottom hingedly attached to the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of severing a well string that extends into an oil well from an oil platform with a deck includes supporting upper and lower sections of the well string, the lower section supported at the platform deck with a deck located string support. A shear mechanism cuts the well string at a position that can be above the deck located string support. The upper section is then lifted a selected distance and the deck located string support again supports the string at a position below the cut.

Abstract: A system for managing a knowledge model defining a plurality of entities is provided. The system includes an extraction tool for extracting data items from disparate data sources that determines if the data item has been previously integrated into the knowledge model. The system also includes an integration tool for integrating the data item into the knowledge model that integrates the data item into the knowledge model only if the data item has not been previously integrated into the knowledge model. Additionally, a relationship tool for identifying, automatically, a plurality of relationships between the plurality of entities may also be provided. The system may also include a data visualization tool for presenting the plurality of entities and the plurality of relationships.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in a fluid pathway, a flow blockage disposed in the fluid pathway, and a retaining member configured to maintain the flow blockage within the fluid pathway and allow access to the flow blockage within the fluid pathway. The flow blockage substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway.

Abstract: A variety of configurations are disclosed for modular tradeshow display systems that can be assembled without the use of tools or other specialized machinery.

Abstract: An inventory of service parts may be managed by assessing a company's capability, optimizing the inventory and implementing a management program based on the assessment and optimization. Optimizing target stock levels for the inventory of parts may be accomplished by calculating an inventory baseline for understanding information about the currently held inventory; developing a service strategy for a set of segments; quantifying a service level for each of the segments; analyzing the segments and their service levels for identifying at least one logistically distinct business; assigning each of the segments to a “best-fit” planning model for indicating each segment's deployment, replenishment, forecasting and review characteristics; identifying a probability distribution function for estimating a demand process of each of the segments; and calculating a target stock level for each segment.

Abstract: Technician control, in which a control system is configured to control scheduling and dispatch operations for work orders being handled by technicians. Multiple technician devices are each associated with one or more technicians, are configured to communicate, over a network, with the control system, and also are configured to provide output in response to communications that are received from the control system and that are related to the scheduling and dispatch operations performed by the control system. A set of scheduling configuration options may be pre-defined and user input weighting at least one of the scheduling configuration options relative to other of the scheduling configuration options may be received. A scheduling application used by the control system to perform scheduling operations may be configured based on configuration data that reflects the weighting and scheduling operations may be performed using the configured scheduling application.

Abstract: Of the many embodiments provided, one embodiment is a drill bit mold assembly comprising: a mold having a bottom and at least one side; a core centrally disposed within the mold; and a filter disposed above the bottom of the mold and within a space formed between the at least one side of the mold and the core.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wing nut including an arcuate body, an arcuate insert, a retaining ring, and a support member. The arcuate body defines a first portion of a mounting thread and the arcuate insert defines a second portion of a mounting thread. The arcuate insert and the arcuate body are complementary to one another such that when connected, the arcuate insert and the arcuate body define an upper ring and a collar and the first and second portions of the mounting thread define a complete mounting thread for receiving a threaded male pipe end. The retaining ring is for securing the collar, and the support member is for securing the upper ring. The wing nut is designed to replace an existing wing nut on a hammer union connection that has deformed lugs. The wing nut can be safely replaced in the field without any special equipment or training.