Abstract: Technologies for preprocessing transaction authorization records for clearing data batch file generation include a settlement processing server. The settlement processing server receives transaction authorization records corresponding to authorized transactions. The transaction authorization records are appended to an initial authorization stream. The initial authorization stream is closed and the transaction authorization records appended thereto are split into substreams. The settlement processing server preprocesses the transaction authorization records in each of the substreams. While the transaction authorization records appended to the substreams are preprocessed, the settlement processing server initializes another authorization stream and appends newly received transaction authorization records thereto. A clearing data batch file is generated based at least in part on the transaction authorization records appended to each of the substreams. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods of powering a radio that is mounted on a tower of a cellular base station are provided in which a direct current (“DC”) power signal is provided to the radio over a power cable and a voltage level of the output of the power supply is adjusted so as to provide a substantially constant voltage at a first end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply. Related cellular base stations and programmable power supplies are also provided.

Abstract: A column-mounted shifter for a transmission includes a housing adapted to mount on a steering column and a shaft supported for rotation within the housing. A lever is operably coupled to the shaft and extends radially therefrom. The lever is pivotal between a series of positions corresponding to a series of modes of the transmission. Rotation of the lever causes rotation of the shaft within the housing. A sensor is configured to sense rotation of the shaft and output a signal indicative of the position of the lever. An actuator arrangement is connectable with the shaft and is configured to rotate the lever from one of the positions to another of the positions.

Abstract: An integrated ocular fluid management system that, in one instance, includes a first chamber connected to a first input line and a first output line. A second chamber is connected to a second input line and a second output line. A first pump communicates with the first output line. A second pump communicates with the second input line. A first pressure regulator communicates with the first chamber. A second pressure regulator communicates with the second chamber. A first diaphragm is in the first chamber; and a second diaphragm is in the second chamber. A first controller controls at least one of the first pump and the first pressure regulator to maintain the first diaphragm in a predetermined position. A second controller controls operation of at least one of the second pump and the second pressure to maintain the second diaphragm in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Methods of powering a radio that is mounted on a tower of a cellular base station are provided in which a direct current (“DC”) power signal is provided to the radio over a power cable and a voltage level of the output of the power supply is adjusted so as to provide a substantially constant voltage at a first end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply. Related cellular base stations and programmable power supplies are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for remote management of payment terminals. Public keys, or other security elements can be received from a certification authority and distributed to the payment terminals. A merchant, or other entity affiliated with the payment terminals, can monitor the status of the software and security elements of the payment terminals.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a standoff to be coupled to a telescoping steering column, the standoff configured to be mounted adjacent an end stop opening in the steering column and to prevent a flexible cover mounted above the steering column from entering the end stop opening.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for remote management of payment terminals. Public keys, or other security elements can be received from a certification authority and distributed to the payment terminals. A merchant, or other entity affiliated with the payment terminals, can monitor the status of the software and security elements of the payment terminals.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a standoff to be coupled to a telescoping steering column, the standoff configured to be mounted adjacent an end stop opening in the steering column and to prevent a flexible cover mounted above the steering column from entering the end stop opening.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical cutting apparatus for cutting biological material including a handle, an outer tube attached to the handle and having a closed tip, a port formed in a side wall of the outer tube with a cusp formed by two or more intersecting surfaces, and an inner tube slidable within the outer tube and having a longitudinal axis and an open tip. The inner tube is in fluid communication with the handle, and the cusp of the port and the open tip interface during a cutting motion to fracture and cut biological materials and direct cut materials radially inward into the port.

Abstract: A surgical hand tool includes a handle that has an inner cavity. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical hand tool also includes a primary tube extending outwardly from the cavity at the distal end, a reinforcing slider slidably disposed over the primary tube, and a biasing member coupled to the handle that biases the reinforcing slider away from the handle. The surgical hand tool also includes a retention mechanism coupled to the handle, the retention mechanism configured to engage and disengage with the reinforcing slider to control relative movement between the reinforcement slider and the handle.

Abstract: Ocular fluid management systems and methods of operating the same. One ocular fluid management system includes a chamber, a diaphragm, a sensor, and a controller. The chamber includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to an input line for receiving fluids into the first portion and an output line for discharging fluids from the first portion. The diaphragm is contained in the chamber and changes position based on a pressure difference between the first and second portions. The sensor detects a position of the diaphragm and transmits a signal based on the detected position. The controller is configured to receive the signal and control operation of at least one of a peristaltic pump and a vacuum pump based on the signal to maintain the diaphragm in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for remote management of payment terminals. Public keys, or other security elements can be received from a certification authority and distributed to the payment terminals. A merchant, or other entity affiliated with the payment terminals, can monitor the status of the software and security elements of the payment terminals.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for remote management of payment terminals. Public keys, or other security elements can be received from a certification authority and distributed to the payment terminals. A merchant, or other entity affiliated with the payment terminals, can monitor the status of the software and security elements of the payment terminals.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a device to support structure has (i) a first side and (ii) second and third sides that extend perpendicularly from opposite edges of the first side in the same direction, such that the second and third sides are parallel to each other. The bracket supports a first mounting configuration in which the first side is attached to a face of the device and the second side is attached to a plane of the support structure such that the side of the device is perpendicular to the plane of the support structure. The bracket also supports a second mounting configuration in which the third side is attached to the face of the device and the second side is attached to the plane of the support structure such that the face of the device is parallel to the plane of the support structure.

Abstract: An integrated ocular fluid management system that, in one instance, includes a first chamber connected to a first input line and a first output line. A second chamber is connected to a second input line and a second output line. A first pump communicates with the first output line. A second pump communicates with the second input line. A first pressure regulator communicates with the first chamber. A second pressure regulator communicates with the second chamber. A first diaphragm is in the first chamber; and a second diaphragm is in the second chamber. A first controller controls at least one of the first pump and the first pressure regulator to maintain the first diaphragm in a predetermined position. A second controller controls operation of at least one of the second pump and the second pressure to maintain the second diaphragm in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Techniques of dynamic pricing for physical stores are described. A server handling purchase transactions of multiple physical stores can aggregate sales data on goods and services and determine a pattern. The server can determine that sales of an item of goods or services at a particular physical store deviate from the pattern at a particular time. Upon determining that sales price of the item significantly correlates to the deviation, the server can determine a suggested price for correcting the deviation. As an experiment, the server can conduct an experiment of selling the item at the suggested price at the particular time for a given time period. The server can present results of the experiment to an operator of the physical store.

Abstract: A stowing steering column is provided for use with an autonomous vehicle that is capable of traveling at a slower rate of speed and a higher rate of speed, depending on the situation. The slower speed, that of about 20 mm/sec, is the “standard” speed that is utilized during regular stowage and unstowage of the steering wheel under ordinary conditions. The higher rate of speed is necessary in a situation where a possible impact event is sensed and the steering wheel must be extended back to the original design intent position in case the airbags need to be deployed or the vehicle operator needs to over-ride the system for an evasive maneuver. The slower rate of speed is preferably about 20 mm/sec while the higher rate of speed is preferably about 40 mm/sec.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe including an optical fiber, a flexible tubular sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve relative to an axis, and a straightening sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber relative to the axis, and positioned between the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber along the axis.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable hammock that includes a hammock body, a pair of suspension straps, and a stuff sack. The suspension straps are attached to opposite ends of the hammock body. The stuff sack includes two open ends and a partition therebetween. One of the straps extends through the partition. The stuff sack remains on the one strap when the portable hammock is suspended between two objects. The portable hammock may be self-stored within the stuff sack, in which case the one strap is on one side of the partition, and the other strap and the hammock body are on the other side of the partition. The stuff sack includes cinch cords at the open ends for selectively closing the ends. The stuff sack includes a carrying strap, which also serves as a compression strap.