Abstract: Embodiments provide a carry and storage device for storing a fishing lure having a hook and a body. In one instance, the device may comprise a device body having a fishing lure storage slot disposed inside the device body to receive a fishing lure and a lid. The lid is movable between an open position to expose the slot for placing the fishing lure inside and a closed position to cover the slot. In example embodiments, the lid includes a hook holding element disposed inside the lid, to receive at least a portion of the fishing lure hook in response to at least partial disposition of the fishing lure in the slot. The fishing lure hook, in response to a movement of the lid between the open and closed positions, pushes the fishing lure body inside the slot, to place the fishing lure substantially inside the slot.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for making reward point account balances liquid for the customer. In traditional systems, reward points issued to customers in their reward point accounts have limited redemption options. Embodiments discussed herein allow a user to provision their reward point account into a digital wallet. The user can then use the reward points to purchase goods and services using their reward point account as a payment source via the digital wallet. The result is that the reward point account balance becomes a liquid asset for the customer to use to purchase any goods and/or services at any merchant that accepts payments from a digital wallet. Further, due to real-time point conversion at the time of the transaction, the available point balance is always up-to-date for use through any access method available to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for making reward point account balances liquid for the customer. In traditional systems, reward points issued to customers in their reward point accounts have limited redemption options. Embodiments discussed herein allow a user to provision their reward point account into a digital wallet. The user can then use the reward points to purchase goods and services using their reward point account as a payment source via the digital wallet. The result is that the reward point account balance becomes a liquid asset for the customer to use to purchase any goods and/or services at any merchant that accepts payments from a digital wallet. Further, due to real-time point conversion at the time of the transaction, the available point balance is always up-to-date for use through any access method available to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a carry and storage device for storing a fishing lure having a hook and a body. In one instance, the device may comprise a device body having a fishing lure storage slot disposed inside the device body to receive a fishing lure and a lid. The lid is movable between an open position to expose the slot for placing the fishing lure inside and a closed position to cover the slot. In example embodiments, the lid includes a hook holding element disposed inside the lid, to receive at least a portion of the fishing lure hook in response to at least partial disposition of the fishing lure in the slot. The fishing lure hook, in response to a movement of the lid between the open and closed positions, pushes the fishing lure body inside the slot, to place the fishing lure substantially inside the slot.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a combined percutaneous scalpel and tissue dilator. Embodiments herein also improve (a) the process, and (b) the result of placement of percutaneous vascular access catheters and other similar devices by providing a combined scalpel-dilator that cuts with minimal tissue disruption the percutaneous access tract necessary for a catheter or other device.

Abstract: A method to form an asymmetric silicone copolymer, comprises effecting a monoselective hydrosilylation reaction between a dihydridosiloxane and a first aliphatically unsaturated compound in the presence of a precious metal hydrosilylation catalyst to form a reaction product comprising substantial monohydridosiloxane; and hydrosilylating the monohydridosiloxane with another different aliphatic unsaturated compound to form an asymmetric silicone copolymer.

Abstract: A workpiece is electrodischarge machined using a machining apparatus having a workpiece holder, an electrode holder having an electrode mounted thereto, and a power supply providing an electrical voltage and current. The workpiece is mounted in the workpiece holder, and the electrode is positioned adjacent to a machining location of the workpiece. The method further includes furnishing a source of a flow of conditioned water, directing the flow of conditioned water from the source into the machining location of the workpiece, without submerging the machining location in a liquid, and applying a voltage from the power supply such that an electrical current flows between the workpiece and the electrode holder so that metal is removed from the workpiece into the flow of conditioned water.

Abstract: A facial support mask supports the face of a patient in the prone position during surgical procedures in spaced relation above a support surface and in a variety of selectively fixed positions relative to the torso and the support surface. The mask has a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinal crescent arms; at least one cross-strut interconnected with the longitudinal crescent arms; an inflatable chamber attached to the crescent arms and adapted to contact the patient's forehead and sides of his face; means and securement strap for securing the mask to the patient's face. The mask may also include an integral secretion collection dish for draining away secretions during the surgical procedure.