Abstract: Systems and methods to safely transport passengers are described. The system broadcasts over a network, to at least one forward operating base, (FOB) a request for linkage. The system is located in a vehicle that travels on land and is utilized for bidirectional communication with a first system unit type for detecting the presence of a passenger in the vehicle and a second system unit type for communicating different alert types. The first system unit type includes a first child seat control unit and the second system unit type includes at least one FOB including a first FOB. The system receives and registers the first FOB as being linked and receives an occupant present message from the first child seat. The system identifies a temperature inside the vehicle as exceeding a predetermined threshold and communicates a temperature alert message to the first FOB.

Abstract: A lock nut system includes a nut, a keeper engagement with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut, and a keeper retaining member. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and a radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and is engageable with the nut to hold a keeper axially such that keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member in such that that the separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.

Abstract: A system for semi-moveable objects is described. The system comprises a container device including capture mechanism material; a plurality of securing devices including a first plurality of securing devices; and instruction information providing instructions to install a collection device to capture a lightweight object by cutting the capture mechanism material to generate a capture mechanism and fastening the capture mechanism with a securing devices to a semi-moveable object and a supporting structure, the collection device comprising the capture mechanism including a first capture mechanism, and the securing devices including a first type of securing device, the securing devices including a first portion of securing devices and a second portion of securing devices, the first portion of securing devices to fasten the first capture mechanism to a supporting structure and the second portion of the first plurality of securing devices to fasten the first capture mechanism to a semi-moveable object.

Abstract: A method for automated settlement of cardholder rebates includes: storing account profiles, each profile including data related to a merchant transaction account associated with a merchant registered in a rewards program including a merchant identifier and merchant funding rate; receiving a transaction message for a payment transaction, the transaction message including a plurality of data elements configured to store data associated with a transaction amount, transaction time and/or date, transaction account number, and specific merchant identifier; identifying a specific account profile including the specific merchant identifier; calculating a rebate amount based on the transaction amount; generating a data file, the data file including a transaction data entry associated with the payment transaction including the transaction time and/or date, transaction amount, specific merchant identifier, and calculated rebate amount; and automatically transmitting the data file to a financial institution associated wit

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for automatically and programmably preparing food. Devices include a container that includes a cavity configured to store at least one food ingredient, where the cavity defines an internal volume of the container. The devices also include a first plate coupled to a first end of the container, where the first plate includes at least one hole configured to receive the at least one food ingredient. The devices further include a second plate coupled to a second end of the container, and a plurality of thermoelectric devices coupled to the container, where the plurality of thermoelectric devices is configured to exchange thermal energy with the container. The devices also include a first thermal conduit coupled to a first side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric devices, and a second thermal conduit coupled to a second side of each of the plurality of thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A latching assembly has a tubular housing having an inner surface that defines an inner bore and an outer surface. A latch moves between a latch position that extends out from the outer surface and an unlatched position that is retracted from the latch position. A latching actuator moves between a first axial position that moves the latch to the latch position and a second axial position that moves the latch to the unlatched position. A manual release moves axially in response to a mechanical force to selectively move the latching actuator to the second axial position.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating a security device at a local network location for providing a secure access from the local network location to a remote network location are provided. A security device is registered by installing private security software on the security device that generates an asymmetrical encryption key pair including an encryption key and a decryption key. The encryption key is stored only on the security device and the decryption key is stored only on a remote server. Embodiments of the present invention provide increased security by not storing the encryption key on the remote server so that attackers stealing data from the server cannot pretend to a user having the registered security device. A corresponding system for authenticating a security device is also provided.

Abstract: The present technology provides a method, system and computer program product for managing the synchronization of a mobile electronic device, wherein management and adjustment of the synchronization process can be provided at least in part on a session by session basis. The synchronization process may be configurable via a user interface. Aspects of the user interface, such as prompts or degree of user configurability, may be adjusted depending on one or more factors, such as link effective speed or expected synchronization time.

Abstract: A latching assembly has a tubular housing having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an inner bore. Latch members are carried by the housing that have a latch position that extends out from the outer surface and a release position that is retracted from the latch position. A plurality of gripping members are pivotally attached to the housing. The gripping members are pivotally attached to the tubular housing and move between a gripping position wherein the gripping members extend into the inner bore and a retracted position. An actuator engages the latch members and the gripping members and moves between a first position and a second position. The actuator moves the latch members from the latch position to the release position and the gripping members from the retracted position to the gripping position as the actuator moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Humidifying apparatus includes a body comprising a chamber into which water is supplied by a water tank. An air flow is generated over water stored in the chamber, and a humidifying system humidifies the air flow with water from the chamber. Water in the chamber is irradiated by an ultraviolet radiation emitting lamp. The lamp forms part of a cartridge removably locatable within the body so that the lamp is received within an ultraviolet radiation transparent tube of the chamber. The body includes a plurality of supports for supporting the cartridge therebetween. Each support has a curved track for guiding movement of the cartridge towards the tube, the tracks being shaped to orient the cartridge for insertion of the lamp into the tube as the cartridge moves along the tracks towards the tube.

Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.

Abstract: A lock nut system includes a nut, a keeper engagement with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut, and a keeper retaining member. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and a radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and is engageable with the nut to hold a keeper axially such that keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member in such that that the separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.

Abstract: A system for semi-moveable objects is described. The system comprises a container device including capture mechanism material; a plurality of securing devices including a first plurality of securing devices; and instruction information providing instructions to install a collection device to capture a lightweight object by cutting the capture mechanism material to generate a capture mechanism and fastening the capture mechanism with a securing devices to a semi-moveable object and a supporting structure, the collection device comprising the capture mechanism including a first capture mechanism, and the securing devices including a first type of securing device, the securing devices including a first portion of securing devices and a second portion of securing devices, the first portion of securing devices to fasten the first capture mechanism to a supporting structure and the second portion of the first plurality of securing devices to fasten the first capture mechanism to a semi-moveable object.

Abstract: A lock nut system includes a nut, a keeper engagement with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut, and a keeper retaining member. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and a radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and is engageable with the nut to hold a keeper axially such that keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member in such that that the separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.

Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.

Abstract: System and method for providing access to remote computing services in an application server are described, where the authentication and authorization processes are separated, excluding service access privileges from the authenticating process and transferring the privileges to the authorization process. A client device and a user are authenticated, and upon successful authentication, the authorization process is performed, including establishing an authorization connection between the client device and the server computer; at the server computer, detecting and verifying the authorization connection; and upon successful verification, allowing access of the client device to the service on the server computer.

Abstract: A lock nut system includes a nut, a keeper engagement with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut, and a keeper retaining member. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and a radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and is engageable with the nut to hold a keeper axially such that keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member in such that that the separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for providing access to remote computing services are described. The method includes authenticating a user and a client device; establishing a connection to a server computer including: a server program executing on the server computer detecting the connection; the server program creating a blocking process on the server computer to block access of the user to a service on the connection, authorizing, using a client program executing on the client device and the server program, the user to use the service on the server computer including: terminating the blocking process, the user using the service; and the user closing the connection to the server computer. Embodiments of the present invention provide secure remote access to computing services.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for preparing food. In some embodiments, a food preparation device may include a container that includes a cavity that may define an internal volume of the container. The food preparation device may also include a first plate coupled to a first end of the container. The first plate may include at least one hole configured to receive the at least one food ingredient. Also included may be a second plate coupled to a second end of the container and a mixing device coupled to the first plate. The mixing device may be configured to mix at least a portion of the internal volume of the container. The food preparation device may also include a heat transfer device coupled to the container. The heat transfer device may be configured to exchange thermal energy with the internal volume of the container.