Abstract: In some examples, deterring a third party from copying a product or process may include scanning code to generate scanned code. Text in the scanned code may be read and/or at least one image in the scanned code may be recognized. The text and/or the at least one image may be analyzed to determine whether the code includes a specified trademark. Based on a determination that the code includes the specified trademark, an indication of authenticity of the code may be generated.

Abstract: A computing device including a location determinator including a position detector, a merchant information detector, and a category or subcategory detector. The computing device also includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media embodying computer-readable instructions, which can determine at least one of category or sub-category of a potential transaction based on information derived from the location determinator, retrieve account information of a plurality of payment applications, retrieve reward rules associated with each of the plurality of payment applications, determine available rewards based on each of the retrieved reward rules, based on the determine available rewards, rank each of the plurality of payment applications, and communicate information of a highest ranked payment application to a point of sale terminal.

Abstract: A barrier capable of being removably secured to a protective collar. The barrier can include a fastener and a partition, wherein the fastener is capable of positioning the partition inside the protective collar or about an outer arcuating edge of the protective collar.

Abstract: A method and product to detect a starting edge of a roll of material are described. The roll of material includes a composition, an apparatus, or a combination thereof, which provides the detectable edge.

Abstract: A barrier capable of being connected to a protective collar having an outer arcuating edge and a method for connecting the barrier to the protective collar is provided. The barrier can include a fastener and a wall, wherein the fastener is capable of positioning the wall inside or on the outer arcuating edge of the protective collar.

Abstract: An egg cracking device and method that includes (i) a rod having a proximal end and a distal end and (ii) a hollow body having a predetermined mass and slidably arranged around the rod. Alternatively, the egg cracking device includes (i) a hollow body having an edge and designed to be disposed over and about an end portion of an egg, (ii) a rod connected to the hollow body and arranged such that the center of the rod and the center of the hollow body are aligned by their longitudinal axes, and (iii) an object slidably arranged around the rod.

Abstract: A dispensing unit that includes a chamber capable of housing a plurality of first objects having at least one of rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible characteristics. The dispensing unit also includes a sensor capable of detecting presence of a second object, a dispensing mechanism capable of dispensing one of the plurality of first objects in response to the sensor detecting the second object, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the dispensing mechanism. Preferably, the controller is capable of activating the dispensing mechanism in response to receiving a signal from the sensor. Additionally, the dispensing unit includes at least one power source capable of providing power to at least one of the sensor, the dispensing mechanism, and the controller.

Abstract: A method and product to detect a starting edge of a roll of material are described. The roll of material includes a composition, an apparatus, or a combination thereof, which provides the detectable edge.