Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that prevent fraudulent transactions involving a machine and a machine account. The system and method generate a profile for a machine and continuously identify and validate the machine to allow a machine account to be used for conducting transactions. The system and method use information or data provided by the machine for authentication. The data provided by the machine includes any combination of sensor data, historical data, activity data, location data, transaction data and any other data related to the machine and its actions. The machine sends or initiates requests for transactions. The requests are analyzed and allowed to be completed or the requests are declined.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing cargo molecules attached to elements that improve the function of the cargo molecules in the body of a subject. The compositions are useful for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Furthermore, the invention outlines ways in which these compositions can be produced; the core molecule can be functionalized, via bioorthogonal click chemistry, in such a way as to impart modular characteristics. This functionalization simultaneously allows for loading of biologically relevant cargo and provides stabilization to the overall structure of the molecule.

Abstract: Aspects of a system and apparatus for accessing online services subject to limitations and restrictions are disclosed. An operator, also referenced herein as a vendor or subscriber, access a third party host server. The operator provides a plurality of data parameters describing a scope and extent of user privileges with respect to one or more services available to the server via a network or internet connection. A user may download an application and use the services, including providing funds through an account funded by the user where applicable. The user's access to the service at issue may be subject to the data parameters at the server, which may provide limitations or restriction on the use of the service by the server, or which, in appropriate cases, may deny service.

Abstract: Aspects of a storage device include performing offline transactions to access a service without Internet availability. A user may download, from a server onto a wireless device, an application in which a vendor of one or more services holds a vendor account. The user funds an account with the application. Thereupon, the user enters a region without Internet access, the region including one of the vendor services. Upon requesting access to the service using a local network connection, the user requests access and receives a response to tender payment. The payment is deducted locally and recorded, after which the service may be accessed. Upon reestablishing Internet access, officially executing the transaction via the server.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative apparatus and method for onboard spacecraft location determination and navigation by employing observations of extrasolar planetary star systems. In one apparatus embodiment a gas absorption cell is placed between a sensor and the light from a reference star system with at least one exoplanet, such that the sensor can detect the spectrum through the gas absorption cell. Radial velocities can be calculated via Doppler Spectroscopy techniques and incorporated into a spacecraft navigation solution. Additional embodiments incorporate other spacecraft sensor or system data to derive a filtered navigation solution. The present invention can enable and enhance significant mission capabilities for future manned and unmanned space vehicles and missions.

Abstract: In various applications, the system provides a method for processing audio signals, including: receiving a request for audio content; receiving an identifier encoded in a personal audio device comprising a transducer for playing audio; retrieving at least one parameter associated with the identifier; and processing the audio content using at least the request, the identifier and the at least one parameter, wherein the processing is customized for the personal audio device based on the at least one parameter associated with the identifier.

Abstract: An optic having a refractive-index gradient comprises first and second materials. The first material includes at least one nanoparticle species and has a first volume-fraction profile and a first refractive index n1(?) varying in dependence on wavelength ?. The second material includes at least one polymer species and has a second volume-fraction profile and a second refractive index n2(?) varying in dependence on the wavelength ?. The first and second volume-fraction profiles define the refractive-index gradient of the optic, where, for a longer wavelength ?R and a shorter wavelength ?B: n1(?B)?n2(?B) and n1(?R)?n2(?R) differ by less than a threshold T that limits optical power in the optic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to operating an MR system in which MR signals of an object under examination are acquired in an examining region using a multi echo imaging sequence, in which an RF excitation pulse and a plurality of RF refocusing pulses are applied. The techniques include determining a first accumulated phase of a magnetization in the object under examination. Then, a second accumulated phase of the magnetization in the object under examination is determined due to concomitant magnetic fields occurring between a second pair of consecutive RF pulses. Finally, it is determined whether a deviation from the predefined relationship is larger than a threshold and, if this is the case, a measure is applied in view of the fact that the deviation is larger than the threshold.

Abstract: Coating compositions that include one or more epoxy resin compositions, one or more metal-containing compound and one or more curing agents are described. The compositions can be applied to steel substrates, including steel substrates such as steel pipe to resist attack by sour gas. When applied to a substrate and cured, these coating compositions demonstrate reduced permeability to hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A nanocomposite-ink refractive gradient optic with variable focus optic comprising a first optical-element, a second optical-element, each the optical-elements comprised of a cured nanocomposite-ink wherein the first and second optical-element have a cubic volumetric gradient complex optical index such that when arranged in tandem along an optical axis the optical power varies based on linear translation with respect to another.

Abstract: A suture passer which is sized and shaped to be inserted through the femoral notch during a meniscal repair. The suture passer includes upper and lower jaws that may be straight or that may have an angled offset in relation to the common axis of the suture passer in order to gain an indirect access to meniscal tissue in a constricted space. The jaws of the suture passer may be angled, either to the left or to the right, up to 45 degrees from the central axis of the shaft. The suture passer is also able to grasp meniscal tissue prior to suture passing. A nitinol needle housed within one of the jaws can then be deployed to pass a preloaded suture through the tissue to be captured on the opposite side of the tissue.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a hull of a vessel includes a cleaning head configured to contact the hull of the vessel and to move relative to the hull. The cleaning head includes cleaning elements for removing at least a portion of biofouling on the hull, a cable connected to the cleaning head and coupled to a winch for connecting the cleaning head to the vessel, a pulley system that includes a sheave disposed near the bow and between the cleaning head and the winch and through which the cable is routed, and a control system in communication with the cleaning head.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing an image of an object on a platen and including a platen having a surface for receiving the object, wherein the platen is transmissive to an optical wavelength of light, an illumination module configured to illuminate at least a portion of the object with light from an illumination source, and an optical sensing module configured to receive the light from the illumination source after the light interacts with the at least a portion of the object. The light from the illumination source is spatially patterned prior to reaching the object. The illumination module can be configured to create the spatially patterned illumination and/or the platen may include a patterned optical coating creating the spatially patterned illumination. The spatially patterned illumination can include a plurality of discrete areas (e.g., a stepped pattern) of different illumination intensity and/or a gradient of different illumination intensity.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for assisting in positioning an accessory unit on a patient for a magnetic resonance examination. Also disclosed is a magnetic resonance apparatus, which is designed to perform a method for assisting in positioning an accessory unit on a patient for a magnetic resonance examination. A corresponding computer program product is also disclosed, which is designed to perform a method for assisting in positioning an accessory unit on a patient for a magnetic resonance examination, and an electronically readable data storage medium containing the computer program.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions containing cargo molecules attached to elements that improve the function of the cargo molecules in the body of a subject. The compositions are useful for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Furthermore, the invention outlines ways in which these compositions can be produced; the core molecule can be functionalized, via bioorthogonal click chemistry, in such a way as to impart modular characteristics. This functionalization simultaneously allows for loading of biologically relevant cargo and provides stabilization to the overall structure of the molecule.

Abstract: Described herein includes a puncture mechanism for a beverage appliance or machine that can be configured to puncture a pod containing a beverage medium (e.g., a flavoring agent). The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce lateral movement of one or more engagement members to securely hold a beverage pod. The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce relative axial movement between an anvil and the secured beverage pod to puncture a seal of the beverage pod.

Abstract: Provided are novel prodrug salts of selective aquaporin inhibitors, their use as pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and novel processes for their synthesis and novel intermediates for use in their synthesis. Also provided is use of a compound for the prophylaxis, treatment, and control of aquaporin-mediated conditions. Aquaporin inhibitors, e.g., inhibitors of AQP4 and/or AQP2, may be of utility in the treatment or control of diseases of water imbalance, for example edema (particularly edema of the brain and spinal cord), hyponatremia, and excess fluid retention, as well as diseases such as epilepsy, retinal ischemia and other diseases of the eye, myocardial ischemia, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, myocardial hypoxia, congestive heart failure, sepsis, and neuromyelitis optica, as well as migraines.