Abstract: A rewards system operator receives one or more files from a payment card processor containing payment card transaction information for qualifying payment card transactions made with linked payment cards at one or more merchants participating in a rewards program. The rewards system operator directly debits the merchants for any fees owed under the rewards program. The rewards system operator gives users of the linked payment cards a reward for making qualifying purchases under the rewards program.

Abstract: A rewards system operator receives one or more files from a payment card processor containing payment card transaction information for qualifying payment card transactions made with linked payment cards at one or more merchants participating in a rewards program. The rewards system operator directly debits the merchants for any fees owed under the rewards program. The rewards system operator gives users of the linked payment cards a reward for making qualifying purchases under the rewards program.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a reinforced packaging paper by applying a residual fluid from the pre-treatment of lignocellulose waste with a water-alcohol mix to the packaging paper and the subsequent drying thereof. The residual fluid has a solid fraction in suspension of 1-70% by weight/volume relative to the total, with lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes; and a liquid fraction of 30-99% by weight/volume relative to the total, containing between 0.04 and 2.07 g/L glucose, between 0.31 and 14.57 g/L xylose, between 0.09 and 3.46 g/L arabinose, between 0.083 and 12.40 g/L acetic acid, and between 0.004 and 8.73 g/L furfural. The method improves the efficiency of the cellulose pulp residual fluids in the process of reinforcing a packaging paper, and is suitable for all types of raw cardboard or paper.

Abstract: A rewards system operator receives one or more files from a payment card processor containing payment card transaction information for qualifying payment card transactions made with linked payment cards at one or more merchants participating in a rewards program. The rewards system operator directly debits the merchants for any fees owed under the rewards program. The rewards system operator gives users of the linked payment cards a reward for making qualifying purchases under the rewards program.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing copolymer comprising moieties derived from ethylene and an .alpha.-olefin in the presence of a metallocene catalyst system, said process comprising continuously supplying into a liquid-phase reaction zone a feed of ethylene, a feed of liquefied .alpha.-olefin, a feed of diluent, a feed of metallocene catalyst system, and continuously drawing out a reactor effluent produced thereby; and in accordance with a procedure comprising (a) setting the rate of metallocene system feed to a fixed molar rate; (b) introducing said ethylene feed at a fixed rate as required to produce the desired molar quantity of copolymer product per unit time; (c) setting the total rate of all feeds and the volume of said liquid-phase reaction zone to a fixed residence time, said residence no less than the minimum required to substantially eliminate molecular ethylene from said effluent; (d) performing an isokathic adjustment of the ethylene/.alpha.

Abstract: A system of flood protection for buildings having a foundation which is not permeable to water consists of a lower continuous skirt of plastic film secured by a waterproof seal to the foundation and an upper continuous skirt of plastic film secured to an upper level of the building above the maximum projected rise of flood waters. Both the lower continuous skirt and the upper continuous skirt extend completely around the building and are of a size and shape permitting each skirt to be unfolded or unwound to meet the other. The edges of each skirt have suitable waterproof sealing means, such as a zip-lock seal, permitting the skirts to be sealed together in water proof relation to protect the building against rising waters. Upper and lower peripheral enclosures are provided on the building in which the upper and lower continuous plastic film skirts are stored when not in use.