Abstract: A process for casting a turbine wheel includes steps of identifying a metal composition from which the turbine wheel is to be cast, providing a mold that defines a cavity into which molten metal composition is to be poured for casting the wheel, providing a seed member made of the metal composition and having an equiaxed grain structure, disposing at least a portion of the seed member within the cavity of the mold, pouring the molten metal composition into the cavity such that the molten metal composition envelopes the portion of the seed member within the cavity, and controlling the process so that the portion of the seed member at least partially melts through contact with the molten metal composition and so that, upon cooling, the metal composition around the seed member solidifies with an equiaxed grain structure as precipitated by the equiaxed grain structure of the seed member.

Abstract: A process for making a turbine rotor includes steps of providing a shaft made of a first metal composition and having an integral pin projecting axially therefrom, providing a mold that defines a cavity for investment casting a turbine wheel, disposing the pin within the cavity of the mold, pre-heating the mold and the pin to a mold temperature, pouring a molten second metal composition into the cavity of the pre-heated mold such that the molten second metal composition envelopes the pin within the cavity, and controlling the process so that the pin acts as a chill member causing the second metal composition around the chill member to solidify with a finer equiaxed grain structure than would be the case without the chill member. The turbine wheel is joined to the shaft via the casting of the turbine wheel about the pin.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented method for estimating the cost of translating a body of text associated with a software application, wherein the software application is configured to perform one or more tasks. In particular the method comprises: determining one or more content types associated with the body of text, wherein each content type has an average word count per content unit; assigning a number of tasks associated with the software application to each content type, wherein each task has an associated number of content units; generating an estimated word count for each content type based on the number of tasks assigned to each content type and the average word count per unit for each content type; summing the estimated word count for each content type to generate an estimated word count for the body of text; and calculating an estimated translation cost based on the estimated word count.

Abstract: A multi-adjustable bicycle seat configured to conform to a cyclist having a flexible material suspended over the front and rear portions of a frame, wherein at least one adjusting mechanism causes the flexible material to adjust the tension throughout the seat, flatten or otherwise deform the seat to the desired comfort of a rider. The seat material may be completely removable from the frame portion.

Abstract: A method for identifying a geographic location of a financial transaction includes: storing, in a merchant database, a plurality of merchant data entries, wherein each merchant data entry includes at least a merchant identifier and a geographic location; receiving, by a receiving device, an authorization request for a financial transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least a plurality of data elements containing transaction information; identifying, by a processing device, a first data element in the plurality of data elements including a merchant identification; identifying, in the merchant database, a specific merchant data entry, wherein the merchant identifier of the specific merchant data entry corresponds to the merchant identification; transmitting, by a transmitting device, a reply to the authorization request; and transmitting, by the transmitting device, the geographic location included in the specific merchant data entry.

Abstract: A system is configured for authenticating a chip card interface device (CCID) during a transaction with the CCID. The system has a communication device configured for communicating with the CCID over a network and a processing device coupled with the communication device. The processing device is configured for receiving a transaction initiation communication from the CCID and instructing the communication device to communicate a request for authentication information including a random number to the CCID. The CCID encrypts the random number with a unique chip key (UCK) previously created with a master chip key (MCK). Then, the CCID communicates the encrypted random number to the system along with a serial number. The system recalculates the UCK using the serial number, encrypts a copy of the random number using the recalculated UCK and compares the encrypted copy with the encrypted random number received from the CCID to authenticate the CCID.

Abstract: A method and system for securing a handheld computing device is described. A personal encryption device may be physically connected to a handheld computing device. Responsive to the connection, a main screen user interface may be displayed on a display of the handheld computing device. The main screen user interface may include at least one cryptography option for a user of the handheld computing device. A user-defined input representative of selection of a first cryptography option of the at least one cryptography option may be received, and at least one cryptography process associated with the selected first cryptography option may be implemented by the handheld computing device and personal encryption device. The cryptography options may include encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and digital signature verification.

Abstract: A gate valve for mounting in a pipeline comprises a valve body and a gate mounted in the valve body so as to be movable between an open position, and a closed position where a valve opening formed in the valve body is closed by the gate. The gate comprises two opposed faces spaced from the transverse plane of the gate, at least one face being provided with at least two seals that each extend around the face one seal being located within the periphery of the other such that both seals, when the gate is in the closed position, seal against a seat of the valve body to seal against the pressure of fluid acting on the gate in use. In one embodiment, a gate has four seals in total, two on the upstream gate face and two on the downstream gate face.

Abstract: A method and system for securing a handheld computing device is described. A personal encryption device may be physically connected to a handheld computing device. Responsive to the connection, a main screen user interface may be displayed on a display of the handheld computing device. The main screen user interface may include at least one cryptography option for a user of the handheld computing device. A user-defined input representative of selection of a first cryptography option of the at least one cryptography option may be received, and at least one cryptography process associated with the selected first cryptography option may be implemented by the handheld computing device and personal encryption device. The cryptography options may include encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and digital signature verification.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation for use in personal care products, cleaning products and the like. Ideally, the formulation is a natural preservative and disinfectant formulation comprising activated water and grapefruit seed extract.

Abstract: A chip card interface device (CCID) is configured for protecting data stored at the CCID in the event of a compromise. The CCID has a housing and a compromise detection system including one or more detection devices configured for detecting a compromise of the housing. The compromise detection system is configured for generating a detection signal indicating the detected compromise. A data protection system is coupled with the compromise detection system and includes a memory device and a processing device coupled with the compromise detection system. The processing device is for receiving the detection signal and erasing data stored on the memory device based on the detection signal in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the processing device also activates a locking function for rendering itself inoperable based on the detection signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling a cardholder to authenticate and change a current PIN associated with a chip card using a chip card interface device (CCID) having a chip card input/output device configured for interacting with the chip card. A PIN entry device receives from the cardholder a current PIN, which is communicated to the chip card along with a verify command. The chip card compares the current PIN input by the cardholder with the PIN stored on the chip card. If the cardholder input is verified, the cardholder can input a desired new PIN. The CCID then communicates a locked PIN through a host to the issuing bank's backend system, which unlocks the PIN and stores the desired PIN. The backend system then creates a PIN change script including the new PIN and communicates the script to the chip card over the network. The chip card runs the script, which instructs the chip card to store the new PIN in place of the previous PIN.

Abstract: A system is configured for authenticating a chip card interface device (CCID) during a transaction with the CCID. The system has a communication device configured for communicating with the CCID over a network and a processing device coupled with the communication device. The processing device is configured for receiving a transaction initiation communication from the CCID and instructing the communication device to communicate a request for authentication information including a random number to the CCID. The CCID encrypts the random number with a unique chip key (UCK) previously created with a master chip key (MCK). Then, the CCID communicates the encrypted random number to the system along with a serial number. The system recalculates the UCK using the serial number, encrypts a copy of the random number using the recalculated UCK and compares the encrypted copy with the encrypted random number received from the CCID to authenticate the CCID.

Abstract: A gate valve is disclosed for mounting in a pipeline, the gate valve comprising a valve body and a gate mounted in the valve body so as to be movable between an open position, and a closed position where a valve opening formed in the valve body is closed by the gate. The gate comprises two opposed faces spaced from the transverse plane of the gate, at least one face being provided with at least two seals that each extend around the face one seal being located within the periphery of the other such that both seals, when the gate is in the closed position, seal against a seat of the valve body to seal against the pressure of fluid acting on the gate in use. A gate is disclosed having four seals in total, two on the upstream gate face and two on the downstream gate face.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented method for estimating the cost of translating a body of text associated with a software application, wherein the software application is configured to perform one or more tasks. In particular the method comprises: determining one or more content types associated with the body of text, wherein each content type has an average word count per content unit; assigning a number of tasks associated with the software application to each content type, wherein each task has an associated number of content units; generating an estimated word count for each content type based on the number of tasks assigned to each content type and the average word count per unit for each content type; summing the estimated word count for each content type to generate an estimated word count for the body of text; and calculating an estimated translation cost based on the estimated word count.

Abstract: A genetic deletion mutant live E. coli vaccine suitable for mass application to poultry, including chickens, is provided. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of Escherichia coli bacillosis infection and disease in which a live mutant aroA-gene deleted E. coli immunogen is administered to chickens, turkeys and the like via mass application routes such as coarse sprays and drinking water.

Abstract: A genetic deletion mutant live E. coli vaccine suitable for mass application to poultry, including chickens, is provided. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of Escherichia coli bacillosis infection and disease in which a live mutant aroA-gene deleted E. coli immunogen is administered to chickens, turkeys and the like via mass application routes such as coarse sprays and drinking water.

Abstract: A genetic deletion mutant live E. coli vaccine suitable for mass application to poultry, including chickens, is provided. Also provided is a safe and effective method to protect poultry against the ravages of Escherichia coli bacillosis infection and disease in which a live mutant aroA-gene deleted E. coli immunogen is administered to chickens, turkeys and the like via mass application routes such as coarse sprays and drinking water.

Abstract: An electrodeionisation apparatus comprising, successively: means defining an anode chamber, means defining one or more anion exchange chambers, means defining one or more mixed exchange chambers, means defining one or more cation exchange chambers, and means defining a cathode chamber, the anion, mixed and cation exchange chambers providing a flow path for water to be purified, is described. The present invention incorporates advantages of both separate resin bed and mixed resin bed technology.

Abstract: A method of cancer screening comprising the steps of administering the Blood CA 27,29 testing procedure; if the result is positive administering a mammogram; if the result is positive administering an needle biopsy; if the result is positive administering a PET scan; if the result is positive administering a blood tumor cell count. If all of the foregoing steps are positive, the cancer is treated by applying imiquimod transdermally to rotating sites, preferably by mixing ALDARA™ (imiquimod) 5% cream with an equal amount of H base cream ™, administering a BCG vaccination, and orally administering VALTREX™ (valacyclovir) twice daily. The foregoing treatment method is also effective in treating Type I diabetes, MS, and other epidermal cancers.