Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting convenient and secure mobile transactions between a payment terminal and a mobile device, e.g., in a fueling environment, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the payment terminal and the mobile device conduct a mutual authentication process that, if successful, produces a session key which can be used to encrypt sensitive data to be exchanged between the payment terminal and the mobile device. Payment and loyalty information can be securely communicated from the mobile device to the payment terminal using the session key. This can be done automatically, without waiting for the user to initiate a transaction, to shorten the overall transaction time. The transaction can also be completed without any user interaction with the mobile device, increasing the user's convenience since the mobile device can be left in the user's pocket, purse, vehicle, etc.

Abstract: A solid hydrogen reaction system and method of liberating hydrogen gas includes the utilization of a reactor having a body that defines a reaction chamber, having a first narrow end and a second wider end such that the reactor has an increasing cross-sectional area from the first end toward the second end, for facilitating a reaction to liberate hydrogen gas stored in a hydrogen storage solid located within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A starter battery is provided comprising a plurality of pouch-type prismatic cells stacked to form an array and configured to output a voltage sufficient to start a vehicle engine. The starter battery further includes a housing configured to contain the array wherein the housing includes a tray and a lid attached with the tray such that the housing provides a compressive force sufficient to prevent cell delamination and to constrain expansion or swelling of the cells during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for a host vehicle comprises an input for receiving a signal indicative of a target object, an output for transmitting at least one of an acceleration message, an engine control message and a transmission control message and a processor having control logic. The control logic transmits the acceleration message to request a negative acceleration of a host vehicle in response to a signal indicating a detected target object in order to maintain a predetermined following time behind the detected target object and transmits a transmission control message to request the transmission to shift to neutral in response to the negative acceleration having a value less than a predetermined negative acceleration value.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for monitoring a fuel level of a vehicle. The fuel may be a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas. An electronic control unit may be able to receive a signal from one or more sensors. The electronic control unit may provide a command to drive a fuel gauge to display the fuel level. The electronic control unit may determine the gauge command based on the received signal and a filling compensation scheme. The electronic control unit may be initialized through a user interface. A filling compensation scheme may be selected during initialization. The electronic control unit may be capable of communicating various sensors, gauges, devices, controls and/or other ECUs of varying specifications.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a media stream and generating first and second encodings of the media stream, the first encoding associated with a first key frame interval and the second encoding associated with a second key frame interval greater than the first key frame interval. The method also includes receiving, from a destination device, a request to generate a media clip, the request identifying a start point. The method further includes generating the media clip based on first sequence of frames of the first encoding and second sequence of frames of the second encoding. The first sequence begins at a first frame corresponding to the start point and ends at a second frame corresponding to a transition point. The second sequence begins at a third frame following the transition point and ends at a fourth frame corresponding to a stop point.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for facilitating communication between a forecourt controller and a fuel dispenser. In certain aspects, a fuel controller translator is provided for translating commands transmitted between the forecourt controller and the fuel dispenser. For example, where the forecourt controller transmits commands that are compatible with the payment terminal, but not with the fuel controller, the fuel controller translator can translate the commands received from the forecourt controller into a format compatible with the fuel controller. Conversely, the fuel controller translator can translate commands received from the fuel controller into a format that is compatible with the forecourt controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bandwidth-limited video transport are configured to receive (or otherwise discern) a selection of video parameter limits that correspond to a bandwidth limit and apply the video parameter limits to an input video stream to enforce the bandwidth limit while preserving video quality. Methods may include adjusting the video stream one parameter at a time until the adjusted video stream meets the bandwidth limit. Parameters to be adjusted may include image resolution, frame rate, image compression, color depth, bits per pixel, and/or color encoding. In some embodiments, the image resolution is reduced first, the frame rate is reduced next, and the image compression is increased last. The extent and/or order of the adjustments of the parameters may be selected by the user, based on the content of the video stream, and/or based on the bandwidth limit.

Abstract: A carton (90) includes a first panel (12) and a second panel (20) in overlying relationship with each other so as to form a composite wall and a handle structure (H) formed in the composite wall. The handle structure includes a first end portion formed from the first panel, a grip portion (32,36) extending from the first end portion into an access opening (A1,A2,A3) in the composite wall and a second end portion disposed under the first panel and coupled to the grip portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.

Abstract: A cellular fiber monitoring module (CFMM) for a remote cellular tower site is implemented by providing monitoring for fiber connections between mobile carrier's broadcast ground equipment and its corresponding antenna equipment located on the cellular tower. Each monitoring module includes a fiber optic monitor pass though module which integrates the necessary monitoring data for each base transceiver station (BTS) equipment including, fiber port pass/fail status, peak to peak level measurement, optical degradation, BTS fault status, etc. The CFMM can be used as a stand-alone device or integrated into an on-site monitoring system.

Abstract: Wall blocks, veneers, veneer connectors, walls, and methods of constructing walls are provided. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing walls in which a veneer panel is attached to a wall block with a connector and in which the front faces of the veneers have a desirable texture.

Abstract: Systems and processes may provide for commerce at a fuel dispenser. In one general aspect, a system and process at a fuel dispenser may have the ability to present a user interface including data regarding at least one merchant remote from the fuel dispenser's fueling facility and to determine if ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received. If ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received, the system and process may have the ability to present a user interface regarding payment data. The system and process may also have the ability to determine if payment data has been received and, if payment data has been received, generate a message regarding the ordering data for a remote merchant computer.

Abstract: A method for planting a field with a seed planter is provided. The method includes moving the seed planter across the field such that the seeds of a first seed type and seeds of a second seed type are both dispensed in a single row. According to this embodiment, a first seed disc of the seed planter is configured to dispense seeds of the first seed type equidistant relative to adjacent seeds of the first seed type, and a second seed disc is configured to dispense the seeds of the second seed type not equidistant relative to adjacent seeds of the second seed type.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices to detect perforation of the bowel, for example, resulting from surgical procedures, such as laparoscopy, diagnostic procedures, such as colonoscopy, medical conditions, such as diverticulitis, and trauma. The present disclosure also relates to filtration systems and electrical connector assemblies for use in the methods and devices.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately and efficiently testing a HEPA filter in a sterile environment, such as a clean room, by creating a closed-loop system. The system includes a multi-port interface including at least a challenge port and a verification port, each port being in communication with an area upstream from the HEPA filter. Through the challenge port, test substances are introduced to a supply air duct that is in communication with a HEPA filter. Through the verification port, a concentration of the test substances can be measured for comparison with a concentration that passed through the HEPA filter, i.e. downstream from the HEPA filter. As such, test substances can be dispersed throughout the air conditioning system before interacting with the HEPA filter, and accurately measured. The closed loop between the ports provides an accurate measurement of the concentration of test substances to test the HEPA filter.

Abstract: Various avionics systems may benefit from providing remote L-band smart antennas. For example, smart antennas may be used in connection with transponders and other avionics equipment. The smart antenna may incorporate functionality that may obviate the need for coaxial RF cabling. According to certain embodiments, an avionics system may include an antenna having at least a radio frequency function included therewith. The avionics system may also include a data bus connecting the antenna to a digital receiver at avionics processing hardware.

Abstract: A diagnostic testing utility is used to perform online path diagnostic tests to troubleshoot components in a path that contribute to performance degradations and check application level data integrity, while traffic is allowed to flow as normal. To perform the diagnostic tests, two HBA or CNA ports at each end of a path are identified and used to send test frames to perform the diagnostic tests. The entire diagnostic procedure is performed without taking any ports or servers offline.

Abstract: A beverage making machine may employ a mixing chamber to mix a beverage medium with a precursor liquid, such as carbonated water. The mixing chamber may have a precursor liquid inlet coupled to a precursor liquid supply, a beverage medium chamber to receive a beverage medium into the beverage medium chamber, and a dispense outlet from which beverage medium and precursor liquid are dispensed, e.g., into a user's cup. The beverage medium chamber may include a chamber inlet coupled to the precursor liquid inlet, e.g., so precursor liquid can enter the chamber when a pressure is low in the beverage medium chamber, and a chamber outlet downstream of the chamber inlet that is coupled to the dispense outlet, e.g., so that beverage medium can exit the chamber.