Abstract: A networked and computerized system is disclosed for providing funding allocations, savings, and discounts to certain individuals at the time of purchase from a retail outlet. Specifically, savings and discounts may be provided to SNAP recipients (such as products not eligible for SNAP discounts) by manufacturers when certain products are purchased. The individuals eligible for such discounts are determined based upon the payment information and/or based on their eligibility under the SNAP program. Manufacturers may provide credits back to the retailer as compensation for the savings and discounts. Discounts can be taken at the time of purchase or may be transferred to another account. Funding allocations may be provided to a digital wallet of a qualifying consumer to assist with the purchase of qualifying products. Funding allocations may be made by manufacturers before the purchase transaction takes place, such that no credit need be provided to the retailer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for completing sales to a consumer with a new card that combines the process of dispensing pre-purchased commodities from a customer account at the point of sale as well as the ability to complete the transaction with a credit and debit function. The present invention includes a distributed system having at least a part for sales of a commodity and at least one a part for dispensing of a commodity. The distributed system includes a communication connection between the parts. A first entity uses the first part of the distributed system to sell commodities to a consumer to be dispensed at a later time. The consumer obtains the commodities in differing amounts from the amounts sold from a second entity. The second entity uses the second part of the distributed system and the communication link between the first and second parts of the distributed system to verify amounts available to be dispensed to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for completing sales to a consumer with a new card that combines the process of dispensing pre-purchased commodities from a customer account at the point of sale as well as the ability to complete the transaction with a credit and debit function. The present invention includes a distributed system having at least a part for sales of a commodity and at least one a part for dispensing of a commodity. The distributed system includes a communication connection between the parts. A first entity uses the first part of the distributed system to sell commodities to a consumer to be dispensed at a later time. The consumer obtains the commodities in differing amounts from the amounts sold from a second entity. The second entity uses the second part of the distributed system and the communication link between the first and second parts of the distributed system to verify amounts available to be dispensed to the consumer.

Abstract: A process for quantitative and qualitative analysis for identifying compounds in a sample mixture involves the identification of a set of reference spectra selected according to a measured condition of the sample, which collectively define a composite spectrum which best matches a spectrum produced from the sample. The compounds associated with respective reference spectra of the identified set are the compounds that are determined to be likely to be present in the sample. Quantities of the compounds may be determined from the intensities of certain representative peaks associated with the compounds, relative to the intensity of a peak associated with a reference compound which is unaffected by the measured condition of the sample. A measured condition may be pH of the sample, for example, and an accurate measurement of pH can be obtained from the test spectrum. Thus, given a test spectrum of a sample and given a set of reference spectra, the process can identify and quantify compounds present in the sample.

Abstract: A computer implemented process for producing a representation of a reference spectrum for a reference solution having a first pH condition, for use in determining the composition of a test sample, is disclosed. The process involves producing a position value for at least one peak of the reference spectrum in response to a measured pH condition of the test sample, and a property of at least one peak in a base reference spectrum for the reference solution, the base reference spectrum being associated with a pH condition of the reference solution that is different from said measured pH condition.