Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A system for and methods of processing non-traditional payment transactions on a traditional payment network is disclosed. More specifically, a payments system includes one or more payment program managers (PPMs), which are the providers of alternative payment products, in combination with one or more payment program processors (PPPs), which serve as processors for the PPMs. The PPMs and PPPs operate on a payment network, such as a traditional payment network. The payments system includes the utilization of traditional bank identification numbers (BINS) in order to process non-traditional transactions on a traditional payment network. Surrogate numbers are issued on BIN ranges to the non-traditional transactions in order to process them on the traditional payment network. Additionally, the payments system includes pricing structures that are associated with alternative payment products.

Abstract: The invention includes facilitating the substantially real-time transfer of loyalty points between accounts. The method and system include receiving a transfer request (e.g., consumer request, triggering event, etc) for a transfer of a certain number of loyalty points, accessing and analyzing the total number of loyalty points in the transferor account to determine if a sufficient number of points exist, analyzing the type/level of consumer and type/level of points to be involved in the transfer, deducting the requested loyalty points from the transferor account, determining if any rules exist for restricting or limiting the transfer of points, using a conversion engine to convert the point value to an appropriate point value in the transferee account and increasing the point balance in the transferee account.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a workstation management application. An identification of a user is obtained in a user interface. A listing of workstations that the user has accessed is rendered in the user interface. A selection of one of the workstations is obtained in the user interface. A listing of management tasks configured for the workstation is rendered in the user interface. One of a plurality of management tools is launched to perform a selected one of the management tasks for the workstation.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: An advertisement system that provides subscribers with the most relevant advertisements based on their individual purchase prediction of the various products and contextual information such as location, ongoing public events, festivals and personal events. The system customizes the advertisements to suit the audiovisual, language, and textual caption preferences of the subscribers. System provides for tracking of various promotional offers made to the subscribers from the time the offer is made to the time it is redeemed by the subscriber. System consists of methods to learn (a) purchase predictions (b) preferred streaming schedule and (c) the subscriber's preferences in terms of audiovisual aspects of the advertisements. Purchase prediction for individual subscriber is derived from historical purchase data by time series analysis and the influence of events such as co-purchases of other products and organized events such as sales exhibitions and festivals is derived based on Bayesian network models.

Abstract: A circulation control valve can include first and second valve devices and at least one opening which provides fluid communication between an interior longitudinal flow passage and an exterior of the valve. Fluid communication can be provided through each of the first and second valve devices in response to application of a respective one of first and second pressure differentials applied across the corresponding valve device via the interior longitudinal flow passage. Fluid communication in any direction through the opening may be permitted in response to application of the first pressure differential to the first valve device. Fluid communication through the opening may be prevented in response to application of the second pressure differential to the second valve device.

Abstract: Stimulation operations can be conducted by isolating portions of a subterranean formation adjacent to a highly deviated well bore. The planned settled height of a sand plug in a well bore adjacent a first zone of the subterranean formation is determined. The first zone is then perforated using a hydrajetting tool which is oriented so as to form perforations below the planned settled height of the sand plug.

Abstract: A user may schedule certificates of deposit (CDs) to be consolidated at maturity into an annuity, long term care insurance, or life insurance. The user provides information pertaining to their certificates of deposits, such as amount and maturity dates, and recommendations may be provided regarding consolidating the CDs by rolling them into annuities or insurance.

Abstract: Methods of forming one or more fractures in a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore including the steps of providing a high ionic strength treating fluid that comprises water and one or more sulfonated gelling agent polymers wherein the high ionic strength treating fluid comprises one or more water soluble salts in a concentration of greater than about 8% by weight of the treating fluid, and introducing the treating fluid into the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures therein.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: The invention comprises a timepiece including a middle part (4) and a bezel (6) capable of rotating on the middle part (4), the bezel (6) and the middle part (4) delimiting between them an annular chamber (38) in which there is arranged a sealing gasket (40) with a U-shaped profile. A compression member (42) such as an O-ring type joint with a smooth external surface is housed in the sealing gasket (40).

Abstract: The case (1) for cosmetic products, typically in the form of paste or compact powder cakes, comprises a hollow base (2, 3) having an upper opening (16), a cover (15) closing said upper opening and a support (4) arranged inside said hollow base, said support comprising at least a first support surface (7) and a second support surface (8), the first and second support surfaces each comprising at least one compartment (10) intended to receive a cosmetic product (9), is characterized in that the support cooperates in a mobile manner with said hollow base so that the support can be turned inside the hollow base to present said first support surface or said second support surface through the upper opening.

Abstract: Well screen fabrication. A method of fabricating a well screen includes the steps of: providing a filter portion having an inner dimension, and then increasing the inner dimension, the providing and increasing steps being performed prior to installing the well screen in a wellbore. Another method of fabricating a well screen includes the steps of: providing a base pipe having an outer dimension, providing a filter portion having an inner dimension less than or equal to the outer dimension, then increasing the inner dimension to greater than or equal to the outer dimension, and then decreasing the inner dimension. Another method of fabricating a well screen includes the steps of: providing a base pipe having an outer dimension, providing a filter portion having an inner dimension, and then providing an interference fit between the inner and outer dimensions.

Abstract: Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase of the fluid and both pressure and temperature exposed to the actuator. A method of controlling a phase change of a fluid in a well system includes the steps of: flowing the fluid through a flow control device in the well system; and adjusting the flow control device in response to both pressure and temperature in the well system.

Abstract: A method for collecting an analyte species from a sample is provided, the method of collection potentially being supplemented to give a method of preparing a sample for analysis and/or a method of analysis. The method including providing part of a sample in a substrate, causing the sample to migrate to an interface between the substrate and a second substrate due to the action of an electrical potential difference, the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species of the second substrate being balanced by or exceeded by the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate and the bulk flow velocity of the second substrate being in an opposing direction to the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte species in the second substrate. In this way substantial concentration of the analyte species at the interface is provided. Subsequently the species can be conveyed away from the interface for further preparation and/or analysis.

Abstract: A placement apparatus comprising an anvil roller, a die roller communicatively associated with the anvil roller, and a bump transfer roller communicatively associated with the vacuum roll. The invention also provides a process for placing articles on a web, comprising the steps of providing a stream of articles, placing the articles on the anvil roller, moving the anvil roller, moving an output web, and periodically bringing the output web into communicative association with the anvil roller whereby the articles are transferred to the output web at a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A molded plastic mascara brush having an elongated flexible core with multiple bristles projecting radially therefrom, and a shape-sustaining wire extending longitudinally through the core. The wire may be bendable, enabling a desired curvature to be imparted to the brush. Additionally or alternatively, with the core and bristles molded integrally and at least some bristles disposed in rows extending lengthwise of the core, bristles may be spaced around the core at unequal angular distances, and/or bristles of at least one row may decrease progressively in length, and/or bristles may be disposed in tandem zones that differ from each other in bristle density, and/or some bristles may be disposed in rows and others of smaller diameter disposed in clusters.

Abstract: A connector apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally coplanar walls and a support between the first and second walls. The first wall includes a first guiding surface and a first stopping surface extending at a first angle to the first guiding surface. The second wall includes a second guiding surface opposite at least a portion of the first guiding surface and generally facing towards the first guiding surface, a second stopping surface extending from the second guiding surface and away from the first guiding surface, and a third stopping surface extending at a second angle to the second stopping surface. The support has a fourth stopping surface, and the fourth stopping surface is disposed at third and fourth angles to the first and third stopping surfaces respectively.