Abstract: A system and method provide rewards or loyalty incentives to card member customers. The system includes an enrolled card member customer database, an enrolled merchant database, a participating merchant offer database and a registered card processor. The registered card processor receives a record for charge for a purchase made with an enrolled merchant by an enrolled card member customer and uses the record of charge to determine whether the purchase qualifies for a rebate credit in accordance with an offer. If the purchase qualifies for a rebate credit, the registered card processor provides the rebate credit to an account of the enrolled card member customer. The registered card processor also provides for electronic notification of rewards offers in response to purchases conforming to a specific set of merchant criteria. The system provides a coupon-less way for merchants to provide incentives to customers, and notify customers of other available offers.

Abstract: A system, computer product and method for presenting a competitive comparison of a recommended financial transaction instrument. A set of questions is presented to a consumer in order to determine psychographic characteristics of the consumer. At least one subset of questions is presented based on answers to the set of questions, the at least one subset of questions relating more specifically to available benefits. A tailored financial transaction instrument is recommended having benefits which are based on answers to the at least one subset of questions. At least one similar competitive financial transaction instrument is presented to the consumer.

Abstract: The initial systems analysis of a new data source fully defines each data element and also designs, tests and encodes complete data integration instructions for each data element. A metadata cache stores the data element definition and data element integration instructions. The metadata cache enables a comprehensive view of data elements in an enterprise data architecture. When data is requested that includes data elements defined in a metadata cache, the metadata cache and associated software modules automatically generate database elements to fully integrate the requested data elements into existing databases.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates access to a restricted service related to secure transactions via a network. The present invention allows a user to select a minimum security level of authentication for its own login to a restricted service. The user's selected minimum security level of authentication may be registered in an authentication method system, so that the user must use the selected minimum security level for authentication in order to gain access to the restricted service. Alternatively, the user may specify that the selected minimum security level for authentication may be over-turned by the user, or optionally re-set to a new authentication method depending on the needs of the user. As such, the present invention allows the user the flexibility to select its own authentication method for accessing a restricted service.

Abstract: System that focuses electron beams in an electro-static area to a laminar flow of electrons with uniform distribution of current density and extraordinary demagnification includes a housing having a first interior portion and a second interior portion electrically insulated from the first interior portion. The second interior portion has an electric field-free space. An electrode system is disposed in the first interior portion and includes a cathode assembly and at least one anode assembly. The cathode assembly generates an electron beam that passes through each anode assembly and then into the electric field-free space in the second interior portion. A position of a crossover point on a longitudinal axis maybe regulated by varying dimensions of a substantially cylindrical portion of the anode assembly and a substantially cylindrical portion of a near-cathode electrode assembly.

Abstract: Methods and compositions utilizing a drilling fluid comprising sub-micron precipitated barite having a weight average particle diameter below about 1 micron. Methods include a method comprising circulating a drilling fluid in a well bore, wherein the drilling fluid comprises: a carrier fluid; and a weighting agent that comprises sub-micron precipitated barite having a weight average particle diameter below about 1 micron are disclosed. In some embodiments, the drilling fluid may comprise an invert emulsion. In some embodiments, the sub-micron precipitated barite has a particle size distribution such that at least 10% of particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.2 micron, at least 50% of the particles in the of the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.3 micron and at least 90% of the particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.5 micron.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus allowing a downhole line to be fed between downhole tubular members. The clamping apparatus can include a first and second half, each including: support arms with inner surfaces, connecting walls, and grips. The first and second halves can be selectively connectable. The clamping apparatus can include handles, hinges, and latches. A system for feeding a downhole line between an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member can include an outer tubular member disposed about an inner tubular member, wherein the clamping apparatus is disposed about the inner tubular member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making purchases at a merchant point-of-sale (POS) device using a mobile device. Transaction information may be communicated from the POS device to the mobile device and an authorization from the purchaser to proceed with the transaction returned to the POS device from the mobile device. After authorization, the POS device may communicate the transaction information together with an identifier of the mobile device to a financial institution to process payment. The financial institution may confirm the transaction with the purchaser at the mobile device using the identifier of the mobile device. Upon receiving a confirmation response from the mobile device, the financial institution may then transfer funds from a purchaser account to a merchant account. A confirmation of the transfer may be provided to the merchant and the purchaser, after which, the transaction may be completed at the merchant POS device where a receipt is printed and provided to the purchaser.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against S. epidermidis and other related staphylococci are provided. The immunogenic compositions can include immunogenic conjugates of poly-?-glutamic acid (such as ?DLPGA) polypeptides of S. epidermidis, or related staphylococci that express a ?PGA polypeptide. The ?PGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against S. epidermidis, or other staphylococci, in subjects to which the conjugates are administered. A method of treating an infection caused by a Staphylococcus organism that expresses cap genes is also disclosed. The method can include selecting a subject who is at risk of or has been diagnosed with the infection by the Staphylococcus organism which expresses ?PGA from the cap genes. Further, the expression of a ?PGA polypeptide by the organism can then be altered.

Abstract: A downhole tool may include a generally hollow piston having a trigger element extending therefrom, the piston configured to slide along an axial cavity extending through a tubular body of the tool. The trigger element may move from a first position where the trigger engages a support on the body and the piston is fixed, to a second position where the trigger disengages and the piston is released. The tool may also include a generally tubular relief sleeve releasably coupled with the piston using a shear pin, while the trigger element is in the first position, and disposed between the trigger and an extension of the piston, to allow the sleeve to slide between the trigger and the extension after shearing of the pin. The piston, sleeve and pin may be configured to allow the sleeve to release from the piston in response to the shearing of the pin.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for establishing a personal identification number (PIN). The systems and methods provide techniques to begin a remote session with a customer, prompt the customer to select a PIN to associate with a financial account card during the remote session, and receive the PIN from the customer during the remote session.

Abstract: Method for improving selectivity and productivity during purification of charged macromolecules and particles by electrofiltration by means of membranes in the electric filed. The ratio between the electric field and the permeate flow through the membrane is kept constant.

Abstract: A debit-card withdrawal-fee payment method includes receiving selection of a first account to which withdrawal-fee payments are to be directed, receiving notification of a debit-card transaction withdrawal-fee amount associated with a second account, and making a withdrawal-fee payment to the first account in the withdrawal-fee amount.

Abstract: A fluid treatment canister that may be used with, or independent of, a fluid treatment system, comprises a treatment housing, a first treatment housing end that is covered, and a second treatment housing end. A barrier support is coupled with the second treatment housing end, and includes a first and second barrier support portions, and is capable of receiving a barrier disposed between the first and second barrier support portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibratory parts feeding system having an electromagnetic securement system for operatively coupling a feeder bowl, inline feeder, and/or hopper bin to their respective base drive units. The securement system includes a metallic plate and a mounting portion, wherein the metallic plate is affixed to or integrated into the feeder bowl, inline feeder, or hopper bin and the mounting portion, which includes an electromagnet, is affixed to or integrated into the base drive unit. The metallic plate and mounting portion are designed to interface with one another, and when the electromagnet is energized, the metallic plate is secured to the base drive unit by the mounting portion.

Abstract: A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.

Abstract: A radial flow valve includes a plurality of flow openings, a first piston and a second piston, the first and second pistons being independently actuable relative to one another, and a sleeve operatively coupled to the second piston, the sleeve adapted to be positioned so as to cover the plurality of flow openings. A method includes positioning a radial flow valve in a subterranean well bore having an upper zone pressure and a lower zone pressure, increase a pressure within the valve to a value above the upper zone pressure to release a first piston within the valve and, after releasing the first piston, reducing the pressure within the valve to a value that is less than the lower zone pressure to thereby cause a second piston within the valve to move and thereby permit fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: Methods comprising providing a carrier fluid comprising an aqueous-based component, a water-soluble relative permeability modifier, and gravel particulates wherein the water-soluble relative permeability modifier suspends at least a portion of the gravel particulates; and introducing the carrier fluid into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, such that the gravel particulates form a gravel pack near the well bore. In some embodiments, the carrier fluid is substantially free of a viscosifying agent.

Abstract: To temporarily redirect a customer's mail from a current mailing address to a temporary mailing address a request to temporary redirect the customer's mail is received. The request specifies at least one type of mail to redirect, the temporary mailing address, how to redirect the mail, and when to redirect the mail. The customer's mail is directed to the temporary mailing address according to the request.

Abstract: Downhole drilling vibration analysis uses acceleration data measured in three orthogonal axes downhole while drilling to determine whether drilling assembly's efficiency has fallen to a point where the assembly needs to be pulled. In real or near real time, a downhole tool calculates impulse in at least one direction using the measured acceleration data over an acquisition period and determines whether the calculated impulse exceeds a predetermined acceleration threshold for the acquisition period. If the impulse exceeds the threshold, the tool pulses the impulse data to the surface where the calculated impulse is correlated to efficiency of the assembly as the drillstring is used to drill in real time. Based on the correlation, operators can determine whether to pull the assembly if excessive impulse occurs continuously over a predetermined penetration depth.