Abstract: In various embodiments, a programmable apparatus for use in a computing environment is provided. The apparatus may include a business rules engine having at least one rule executable by a mainframe system and stored based on an extensible language; and, a business rules engine builder interface configured to access the business rules engine and which permits user selection from among different rules collections in the business rules engine.

Abstract: An automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records has sensing devices adjacent a card reader slot. The sensing devices enable detection of a fraudulent card reading device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for verifying that a registrant is authorized to use a particular payment instrument are presented. A registering service initiates one or more verifying transactions involving the instrument. The registrant contacts the issuing financial institution to dispute the transaction and verifies his or her identity to the issuing financial institution, resulting in the registering service being contacted and verifying to the registering service that the registrant owns or controls the payment instrument.

Abstract: A disclosed method comprises scanning a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on a package to generate scanned data, and generating a handling instruction for the package based on the scanned data. The handling instruction can be executed to route the package to a tip position within a hub facility for directing the package to the next location along its route, and/or to pre-load the package in a vehicle for delivery to the package's final destination. Related systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for the ultrasonic testing of a workpiece (2) in a curved area of its surface, in particular of a workpiece (2) made of a fiber composite material, an ultrasonic test head (10) is acoustically coupled to the workpiece in this area, and includes an ultrasonic transducer arrangement (12) comprising a plurality (N) of individually driveable transducer elements (20i) which are arranged next to one another. In chronologically successive test cycles, a number (n) of transducer elements (20i) are respectively combined to form a group and are driven in a plurality of test pulses within this test cycle in a time delayed manner with respect to one another such that the transmitted ultrasound beam (30a-d) in this test cycle is swept within a predetermined angular range (?1, ?2), so that one of the number of echo signals, corresponding to the number of test pulses, for each group is received from different directions of the workpiece (2).

Abstract: A double pin connector with hydraulic connect and seal assembly having a top portion. The top portion has an upper tubular portion. The upper tubular portion engages an intermediate tubular portion. The intermediate tubular portion has an upper flow path in fluid communication with the first hydraulic connector and a plurality of seals comprising at least one second hydraulic flow path seal.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a tubing section with multiple sensors at a consistent speed to improve the analysis and grading of tubing retrieved from an oil well. An analysis speed can be pre-set or input based on the tubing being analyzed and the sensors employed. The analysis data can be retrieved and charted based on whether the data was obtained within the required analysis speed. The data can then be displayed for grading and color-coded based on the data obtained within the required ranged and that obtained outside the range. Further, the display can remove the data obtained outside the required range and link together the remaining data to improve the grading process of the tubing sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to livin-derived peptides with pro-apoptotic activity. More specifically, the present invention provides peptides p30-Livin ? and p28-Livin ?, derived from Livin ? and ?, respectively, as well as compositions thereof. These herein described peptides display pro-apoptotic activity. Thus, another object of the present invention is the use of the peptides or compositions thereof for the enhancement and/or induction of apoptosis, as well as for the treatment of cancer. Finally, the invention also provides a method of enhancing the sensitivity of cells to death-inducing treatments or agents through the use of the peptides of the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to defoaming methods and compositions for well treatment fluids. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of defoaming a well treatment fluid, comprising combining a defoaming composition with the well treatment fluid, wherein the defoaming composition comprises an amide of a carboxylic acid, a polypropylene glycol, an ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohol, an ethoxylated alcohol comprising from 3 carbons to 6 carbons, and a hydrophobic silica in an amount of up to about 3% by weight of the defoaming composition.

Abstract: A method and system for encryption and decryption of data files on a web-based computer system includes encrypting the data file in a memory subsystem, such as RAM, storing the encrypted data file in one or more of a plurality of memory locations, analyzing and modifying the encrypted data file, retrieving and decrypting the modified data file, and displaying the decrypted data file on a web browser. The computer system may include one to three servers. The data file may be encrypted and decrypted using any dual-key encryption algorithm, such as PGP, or a single key algorithm. Data transmitted into and out of the computer system may be via an SSL/HTTPS protocol to provide additional security.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for inserting a flexible, inflatable and electrically heatable bladder conveying and installing a thermally responsive repair material into the interior of a pipe. The device is portable and can be used to repair pipe accessible from only one location.

Abstract: An operator of a well service rig can retrieve and monitor a display of data on the position of a block during rod and tubing insertion and removal. The operator inputs into the system a minimum and maximum height range that he wants the block to operate within. Data is provided to the operator, in real-time, on a charted display relative to the maximum and minimum position input by the operator to assist the operator in evaluating the position of the block prior to a crown-out or floor-out. In addition methods are provided for evaluating the activities conducted by a rig based on evaluation of the block position data in order to supervise a rig operation from an off-site site location. Furthermore, the technology allows the operator or supervisor to determine the speed of the block during operations by evaluating encoder velocity data provided by an encoder velocity chart.

Abstract: A method of localizing the source of a particulate produced with a fluid through a wellbore is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (A) providing marking composition comprising at least one marker that: (i) is capable of binding with a particulate; and (ii) has a detectable property distinguishable from the particulate; (B) introducing the marking composition: (i) through a wellbore; and (ii) into contact with at least a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by the wellbore; (C) obtaining a fluid produced through the wellbore; and (D) analyzing a particulate produced with the produced fluid for the presence of the marker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dengue virus tetravalent vaccine containing a common 30 nucleotide deletion (?30) in the 3?-untranslated region of the genome of dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, or antigenic chimeric dengue viruses of serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Abstract: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters generally contain a number of transmembrane helices. The present invention provides synthetic peptides derived from these transmembrane helices. The peptides inhibit ABC transporter function, presumably by disrupting the structure of the ABC transporter. Negatively charged residues are added at the extracellular terminus to promote correct orientation of the peptide in the membrane, and residues considered to aid solubility may be added at that terminus to increase solubility. Exemplary ABC transporters that can be inhibited by these peptides include MDR1, MRP1, MRP2 and BCRP. The invention further provides nucleic acids encoding the peptides, expression cassettes comprising the nucleic acids, and host cells expressing the expression cassettes. The invention further provides a simple and inexpensive assay for determining whether a potential chemotherapeutic agent can inhibit the activity of P-gly-coprotein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating a delivery sequence sort plan for automated sorting of mailpieces to a carrier sequence sorter. The delivery sequence sort plan is generated based on information about an incoming mail batch, such that the sort plan is created just prior to the delivery sequence processing of the incoming mail batch.

Abstract: New methods and systems for subterranean fracturing for hydrocarbon wells. A plan of the fracture propagation and in-fracture proppant distribution is used with a real-time model of the status of the fracture dimensions and in-fracture proppant concentration to automatically control flow rates and properties of a fracturing fluid flow stream being used to induce and prop the fracture. Real-time measurements of the status of the fracture are made using surface and/or down-hole sensors. Real-time control over the flow rate and properties of a fracturing fluid flow stream are made by manipulating the fracturing fluid supply equipment. Real-time modifications of the fracturing model are made by comparing fracture sensor measurements of actual fracture dimensions to the predicted dimensions, and then adjusting the model for inaccuracies. Real-time updates to the fracturing plan are made by comparing actual fracture and propping results to desired results, and then adjusting to achieve optimal results.

Abstract: A system, that incorporates one or more enclosures constructed around one or more objects at which, “hot work” is to be performed at a facility at a first location containing flammable or combustible materials. The one or more enclosures are capable of being simultaneously and independently controlled and monitored by a single control and monitoring system which is capable of being in radio communication with a control system at a second, but remote, location.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Azalea plant named ‘Robleo’, characterized by its unique blooming time, upright dense and globose growth habit, and attractive large semi-double multi-colored flowers.