Abstract: A method, program and system for administering tests in a distributed data processing network are provided by the present invention. The invention includes combining predetermined test content and multimedia support material into a single encrypted test file. The multimedia support may include visual and audio files for presenting test questions. The invention then exports the encrypted test file to at least one remote test location. The test locations import and decrypt the encrypted test file and load the test content and multimedia support material into a local database. The test is administered on a plurality of client workstations at the testing location, wherein the test may include audio questions and verbal responses by participants. During the course of testing biometric data about test participants is recorded and associated with the test files and participant identification.

Abstract: A system for supporting patient care equipment alongside a patient support is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of arms supported by a support structure. The arms may be pivoted to either side of the patient support. The arms may be stored in a console. At least one of the arms may carry service conduits that provide medical air, oxygen, vacuum, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or electricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean cementing operations, and more particularly to an apparatus useful in loading cementing plugs and darts into tubulars, and methods of using such apparatus in subterranean cementing operations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of placing a compressible object having a cross-section within a tubular, including the steps of: reducing the cross-section of the compressible object; placing the compressible object with the reduced cross-section in a tubular; and releasing the compressible object within the tubular. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of reducing the radial cross-section of a compressible object. Other examples of apparatus of the present invention include apparatus for placing a compressible object into a tubular.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.

Abstract: A system for facilitating a check-cashing transaction in accordance with the present invention comprises a check-cashing apparatus and a host system in communication with the check-cashing apparatus. The check-cashing apparatus has input devices for receiving check data and identification data from a user. The host system includes one or more processors configured to receive check data, identification data, check image and membership data input by the user at the check-cashing apparatus. The host system can authenticate the identification data by applying a validation algorithm to the identification data or by cross-referencing the data against one or more databases containing validated identification data. If the check cashing apparatus includes a device for capturing biometric information, the identification data can also be authenticated by comparing the biometric information captured at the time of the transaction with stored biometric information relating to the user.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system 10 for collecting formation fluid at the surface of a well 12 includes a downhole jet pump 20 and a surface diaphragm pump 40 having a plurality of diaphragms 42. The jet pump includes a fluid nozzle 22, an intake 24 directing the formation fluid into a jet 26, a mixing tube 28 for mixing the power fluid and the formation fluid, and a diffuser 30 for converting the velocity of the mixed fluid to pressure. A flow meter 50 and a pressure sensor 52 monitor the quantity and pressure of the power fluid to the jet pump.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and computer program products for point of sale (POS) based capture of reference magnetic signatures. In one embodiment, a magnetic signature included in a request to authorize a transaction associated with a magstripe card is retrieved from a database. If the transaction is determined to be non-fraudulent, the magnetic signature is used to provide a reference magnetic signature for the magstripe card. A transaction is determined to be non-fraudulent, for example, if the transaction is not reported as being fraudulent for a designated period of time such as for three to four months. In another example, a transaction is determined to be non-fraudulent if an indication or a confirmation is received from a card member of the magstripe card that the transaction was valid.

Abstract: A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.

Abstract: A method and composition for inhibiting phagocytosis of blood cells. The method involves providing a nitrophenyl compound or thimerosal with administration of the compound to a host having an auto or alloimmune disease to inhibit phagocytosis of blood cells.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product to manage attestations. The attestations may be required for documents that include, for example, balance sheet accounts including financial information related to one or more business units of an organization. The system includes a database and one or more user interfaces. The database includes information related to one or more documents. The user interfaces are connected to the database and enable the users to interact with the database. The users may provide a positive or negative attestation corresponding to each document. Further, the users may add comments related to, for example, the positive or negative attestation. The attestations made by the users may be recorded in the database for future reference.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping threats (or vulnerabilities to attacks) based on a correlation of location data, such as wireless location data or a physical location, with an network address associated with a threat are provided. In one aspect, methods and systems include receiving threat data, retrieving location data, correlating the threat data with the location data to create map data, and generating a map, based on the map data, displaying a geographical location of the threat. Threat locations may be determined for wired and wireless telecommunications systems.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are used for saving through use of transaction cards. This is done through associating a transaction account of the transaction card with one or more deposit accounts. An amount of funds to be deposited from the transaction account into the deposit account is established. A number of times a deposit will be made is established. A time duration between the deposits when more than one deposit will be made is established. An event that initiates at least a first one of the deposits is established. The amount of funds from the transaction card account is deposited into the deposit account based on the above criteria.

Abstract: Mailpieces configured to mitigate flexure of frangible articles during handling by postal processing equipment. The mailpieces include spacers that intervene between the stress-sensitive article held by the mailer and a convex surface of a roller, drum, spindle, or other mechanical device used in the postal processing equipment for transporting the mailpieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the effects of a mechanical force on an object consisting of a solid material, according to which the deformations and stresses caused by the mechanical force at a plurality of points on the object are determined by means of a digital calculation method in an anelastic mode wherein the behaviour of the material is represented by a polycrystalline microscopic behaviour model using a maximum of ten grain blocks, the deformations of said grain blocks being determined from a maximum of six sliding systems, and optionally a maximum of seven grain joint blocks, the deformations of said grain joint blocks being determined from at least one system and a maximum of one hole block having a variable volumic fraction, the plastic deformations of said hole block being purely volumic.

Abstract: A service provider can increase customer loyalty to their brand by offering branded products related to their business for sale to the general consumer. Points may be awarded in the service provider's rewards program at an accelerated earning rate when the consumer purchases a branded retail product using a transaction account linked to the rewards program. Accumulated points may then be used in exchange for goods and services provided by the service provider. A discount rate certificate may be awarded to the customer when an account is opened in the rewards program. Once the customer has spent a certain monetary amount using the transaction account, the customer may be awarded preferred membership status in the service provider's rewards program. The preferred membership status is awarded regardless of whether the spending is direct spend or non-direct spend, and does not require a minimum amount of direct spend with the service provider.

Abstract: Wellbore servicing fluids and methods of using the same to service a wellbore in a subterranean formation are provided. A filter cake in the wellbore is contacted with the gravel packing fluid, which comprises an oil-soluble additive capable of removing the filter cake. The additive undergoes hydrolysis to produce an acid upon contacting water provided from, for example, water in the wellbore servicing fluid, connate water in the subterranean formation, water in the filter cake, water produced by the subterranean formation, water pumped into the wellbore, or combinations thereof. The acid dissolves particulates in the filter cake in situ. In an embodiment in which the wellbore servicing fluid serves as a gravel packing fluid, the fluid also deposits gravel along the face of the subterranean formation, forming a barrier against the migration of sand from the formation and into the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method measure physical parameters using a plurality of low-cost sensors coupled in series is provided. These sensors can be thermal sensors for measuring the temperature of a heating pad. Different types of sensors to measure temperature, moisture, pressure, or state change of a switch may be employed. Such sensors may be distributed throughout a building to concurrently monitor multiple physical parameters at numerous locations. The sensors are easily manufactured, thus reducing sensor cost. Costs are further reduce by the user of two wires to connect the series of sensors. Moreover, the wires can be run easily through conduit or cable troughs.

Abstract: An apparatus including a drill collar having an outer surface, an assembly for interaction with an earth formation coupled to the drill collar, the assembly including a first member to extend beyond the drill collar outer surface and a second member to extend beyond the first member and toward the earth formation to receive formation fluids. An apparatus including an MWD tool having an outer surface, a formation testing assembly coupled to the MWD tool, the formation testing assembly recessed beneath the outer surface in a first position and including a piston to extend beyond the outer surface to a second position and an inner sampling member to extend beyond the piston to a third position.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and computer program products for updating a reference magnetic signature of a magstripe card. In one embodiment, magnetic signatures from a magstripe card, each previously captured from a terminal during a transaction are retrieved from a database. The magnetic signatures are examined to identify if the magnetic properties of the magstripe card have changed. If a change is detected, a new reference magnetic signature is selected and/or created based on the magnetic signatures examined to identify the change and assigned to the magstripe card.