Abstract: A master brake cylinder is described for a brake system of a motor vehicle as having a hydraulic cylinder that has a plurality of hydraulic connections, in which at least one hydraulic piston is mounted so as to be displaceable axially in a direction of actuation and in a relief direction, the hydraulic piston being displaceable against the force of a spring element in the direction of actuation, the hydraulic piston having at least one lateral wall opening that, in at least one sliding position, opens into an inner chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus include an atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) analyte electrode defining an analyte discharge axis into an APGD volume, and a plurality of APGD counter electrodes having respective electrical discharge ends directed to the APGD volume, wherein the APGD analyte electrode and the APGD counter electrodes are configured to produce an APGD plasma in the APGD volume with a voltage difference between the APGD analyte electrode and one or more of the AGPD counter electrodes. An electrode can be integrated into an ion inlet. Apparatus can be configured to perform auto-ignition and/or provide multi-modal operation through selectively powering electrodes. Electrode holder devices are disclosed. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A technology is provided for invoking a random linear network coding (RLNC) communications protocol between a client and server in a network. In one example, a synchronize message requesting a network connection to a server can contain an indication that a client supports the RLNC communications protocol to encode and decode data packets using random linear network coding. The server can analyze the synchronize message for the indication that the client supports the RLNC communications protocol and send an acknowledge message to the client indicating that the server supports the RLNC communications protocol. Thereafter, the server can listen on a communications channel for a connection request sent by the client to communicate with the server using the RLNC communications protocol.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and utilizing a digital pass with user verification and autofill formatted data is disclosed. Initially, a request is received for the digital pass to be generated for a user. The request includes identification (ID) information that is added to a database. An image is defined for the digital pass, the image incorporating at least a portion of the ID information therein and being editable only by the digital pass management system. The digital pass, which includes the image and a non-image portion that is editable by the user, is generated. At least a portion of the ID information is autofill formatted ID information for utilization with at least some portion of an application. The digital pass is transmitted to the user's mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method for combining at least two similarly managed credit accounts into a single ONE card account is described. The system identifies a given cardholder having a plurality of similarly managed credit accounts. Generates a single ONE card account for the given cardholder. Incorporates the plurality of similarly managed credit accounts into the single ONE card account. Manages any future transactions for each of the plurality of similarly managed credit accounts via the single ONE card account. Provides, to the given cardholder, a single ONE card account statement, the single ONE card account statement containing information previously provided separately by each of the plurality of similarly managed credit accounts.

Abstract: A pedal-force simulator device is described as having a housing in which an actuable pressure plunger is mounted in an axially displaceable manner, and having at least two coil springs, which are disposed parallel to one another between an end face of the pressure plunger and an axial stop of the housing. It is provided that at least one disk spring is interposed between the coil springs and the axial stop and/or between the coil springs and the pressure plunger in each case.

Abstract: Methods and systems for malting a granular material. Systems in accordance with various embodiments include a first tank, a second tank positioned below the first tank, and a transfer device operably positioned between the first tank and the second tank. The transfer device includes a plurality of pipes for transferring material from the first tank to the second tank.

Abstract: Managing information pertaining to anonymous and/or known customer activity is disclosed. When a retailer's website is accessed, ID information is obtained for the user's computing device. The ID information is used to search for a customer. Once a customer is identified, the browser information is obtained and added to a customer data file of the identified customer. Similarly, when a customer's mobile device has entered a physical store, a device ID for the mobile device will be obtained. The device ID is used to search for the customer associated with the device ID. Once identified, tracking information is obtained and added to the customer data file of the identified customer. The information in the customer data file is used to develop a customer profile for the identified customer based on all identified customer activity.

Abstract: A system and method for adding a virtual credit account to a mobile device is disclosed. The system receives a contact information for a customer at a store's electronic device, the contact information comprising: at least one of a device identifier (ID) and a user ID, the contact information being part of a request for a pre-existing credit account to be added to the customer's mobile device. An access to an account lookup/verification for the pre-existing credit account is provided to the customer's mobile device, the access generate an out-of-band verification. the request for the pre-existing credit account to be added to the customer's mobile device in conjunction with the out-of-band verification is provided by the customer's mobile device. The pre-existing credit account is then added to the customer's mobile device in a digital format allowing the customer to make a purchase.

Abstract: A capturable code for automatically formatting and addressing a text message to apply for an offer is disclosed. The method interacting with, via a mobile device of a user, a capturable code and automatically generating a text message on the mobile device in response to the interaction. The automatic generation automatically provides an address for the text message, and automatically formats the text message. Providing, at the mobile device and into the text message, at least one device identifier (ID) for the mobile device and a user identifier (ID). Sending, via the mobile device, the text message to the address. Receiving, at the mobile device, a prepopulated form, which is prefilled with user specific information. Verifying, at the mobile device, the user specific information. Receiving, at the mobile device and upon a credit approval, a new credit account in a ready-to-use format.

Abstract: A two device authentication for a credit application is disclosed. The method accesses, via a user's computing system, a web-based credit application and provides a phone number for a user's mobile phone. Receives, on the user's mobile phone, a code from the web-based credit application and provides the code to the web-based credit application, the code indicative of a second device authentication of the user. Receives, at the web-based credit application, a first device identifier (ID) associated with the user's computing system, a second device ID associated with the user's mobile phone, and a user's ID. Utilizes the first device ID, the second device ID, and the user ID to obtain a user specific information useable for populating the web-based credit application; and prepopulates the web-based credit application with the user specific information.

Abstract: A system in which the device connecting the brake pedal to the brake actuator includes a control rod and a thrust rod guided in a cylinder, connected to the rod by a ball joint and returned by a spring. The end of the rod comprises a spherical cap having a spherical front bearing surface and a flat rear surface, perpendicular to the axis of the rod. A centering sleeve freely surrounding the control rod presses with its front edge against the rear face of the cap, pushed by a centering spring bearing on the thrust rod and on the centering sleeve to tilt the spherical cap and the rod toward the axis of the thrust rod.

Abstract: A hydraulic block includes pedal travel simulator for a hydraulic power-assisted vehicle braking system includes a piston that is displaceable in a cylinder, a piston spring that acts on the piston against the displacement, and a stroke limiter limiting the displacement. A characteristic curve of such a pedal travel simulator is set.

Abstract: A method (purge procedure) for purging a decoupled brake system including: a brake fluid reservoir, a master cylinder, a brake circuit connected to the wheel brakes, a pump equipped with a plunger. A segment of the brake circuit to be purged is isolated by closing the solenoid valves at the extremities of the segment, a vacuum is created with the plunger, and an extremity of this segment is placed in communication with the exterior to evacuate the trapped air bubble.

Abstract: A master brake cylinder for a braking system of a motor vehicle, including a hydraulic cylinder which includes multiple hydraulic connections and in which at least one hydraulic piston is mounted axially displaceably in an actuating direction and in a relief direction, the hydraulic piston being displaceable in the actuating direction against the force of a spring element, and a restraint which limits the maximum spring relief being assigned to the spring element. The restraint includes a restraining cylinder and a restraining piston mounted axially displaceably in the restraining cylinder, the restraining cylinder having at least one lateral-wall opening so that an interior of the restraining cylinder is connected to an interior of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A technology is provided for improving computer network throughput. Data located in memory of a processing device may be identified. The data packets located in the memory may be sent through a tunneling interface to encapsulate the data packets using a tunneling protocol on a first computing device. Alternatively, the data packets can be sent through a split proxy interface system. The data packets received in the interface may also be encoded using random linear network coding (RLNC) to form encoded packets, using a processor. Further, the encoded packets may be sent across a packet network to a second computing device.

Abstract: A system in which the device connecting the brake pedal to the brake actuator includes a control rod and a thrust rod guided in a cylinder, connected to the rod by a ball joint and returned by a spring. The end of the rod comprises a spherical cap having a spherical front bearing surface and a flat rear surface, perpendicular to the axis of the rod. A centering sleeve freely surrounding the control rod presses with its front edge against the rear face of the cap, pushed by a centering spring bearing on the thrust rod and on the centering sleeve to tilt the spherical cap and the rod toward the axis of the thrust rod.

Abstract: A line ascender for enabling a person to ascend a line including a receiver which tapers laterally to the line to receive the line laterally and a clamp provided for clamping the received line responsive to weight of the person. Advantageously, an errant rope can be readily received within the tapered receiver for re-engagement by the clamp.

Abstract: An actuating device of a brake system controlled by a brake pedal and/or a brake management system for supplying brake circuits with pressurized brake fluid includes a master cylinder, an electric motor, a ball/nut screw transmission, a nut, a screw, and a free connection rod. The master cylinder is connected to the brake circuits and has a primary piston. The electric motor is controlled for a braking action. The ball nut/screw transmission is configured to transform rotary movement of the electric motor into a translational movement of the primary piston. The nut is blocked from moving in translation, free to rotate, and driven by the electric motor. The screw is free to move in translation but blocked from rotating. The free connection rod is pressed between a base of the primary piston and the screw in order to transmit a thrust of the screw to the primary piston.

Abstract: A master brake cylinder is described for a brake system of a motor vehicle as having a hydraulic cylinder that has a plurality of hydraulic connections, in which at least one hydraulic piston is mounted so as to be displaceable axially in a direction of actuation and in a relief direction, the hydraulic piston being displaceable against the force of a spring element in the direction of actuation, the hydraulic piston having at least one lateral wall opening that, in at least one sliding position, opens into an inner chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.