Abstract: Embodiments enable a system operatively connected with a block chain distributed network to use the block chain distributed network for validation (i.e., authorization) of a payment transaction. The system receives a transaction record associated with a payment transaction, wherein the transaction record comprises transaction data indicating a payor, a payee and an amount; accesses a distributed ledger stored in the memory device, wherein the distributed ledger is updated based on communications from a block chain distributed network; and, using payment transaction logic, determines whether the transaction record represents a valid transaction by, e.g., communicate the transaction record to a validating node for validation of the transaction record. Once validated, the system (or validating node) communicates validation of the transaction record to the block chain distributed network, e.g.

Abstract: A composition for treating a water system or membrane fluid system, such as a reverse osmosis system, to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. The composition may be a solid dissolved by water or solvent in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations. For certain systems, the method also comprises draining some existing water in the water system to remove prior treatment compositions and filling or rinsing the system with fresh water prior to adding the treatment composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for making asymmetric laminate structures and methods for reducing bow in asymmetric laminate structures, the methods comprising differentially heating the laminate structures during lamination or differentially cooling the laminate structures after lamination. Also disclosed herein are methods for reducing bow in asymmetric laminate structures, the methods comprising subjecting at least one substrate in the laminate structure to asymmetric tempering or annealing prior to lamination. Further disclosed herein are laminate structures made according to such methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing a pump including a housing and a cam received within the housing that is rotatable relative to the housing. The cam includes an axis of rotation. The pump further includes a retainer plate operable to abut the cam to restrict movement of the cam in a first direction along the axis of rotation. The pump further includes a biaser, such as a spring, operable to place a first constant force in the first direction on the retainer plate.

Abstract: Truck toolboxes are disclosed. Methods of making and using truck toolboxes are further disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes a carcass reinforced by a carcass ply extending from a first bead to a second bead and a belt structure including a first portion and a second portion. The belt structure is disposed radially outward of the carcass ply in a crown portion of the pneumatic tire. The first portion includes a belt with a belt width extending axially from a first shoulder portion of the crown portion to a second shoulder portion of the crown portion. The second portion includes a plurality of bands with band widths less than the belt width. One of the bands has a first group of cords oriented in a first direction relative to a centerline of the pneumatic tire and a second group of cords oriented in a second direction relative to the centerline of the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for consumption based subscription frequency recommendations. A system configured to practice the example method first evaluates purchase statistics for an item to determine a consumption frequency. The system receives from a user a request for the item, and presents to the user a subscription recommendation based on the consumption frequency. The system can also provide recommendations for accessories by evaluating purchase statistics for an item to determine an accessory for the item, wherein a number of times the accessory is purchased with the item exceeds a threshold, receiving from a user a request for a subscription for recurring purchases of the item, and presenting to the user a recommendation to include the accessory as part of the subscription.

Abstract: A lens processing system used for removing a lens blank (98, 110) from an edging block (40). The system includes an elongated collet (22) that engages the mating edging block (40). The block (40) includes an enlarged groove (41) that receives a pair of blades (65, 66) extended upwardly from the floor (75) of the collet (22). Each lens blank (98,110) is formed to include a series of surface markings (191,192) to verify proper functioning of the edging machine that forms a finished lens. Each lens blank also includes a series of circular markings (117,133) arranged in diagonal rows to verify the accurate drilling of bores with the lens blank (98,110).

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to glass-ceramic substrates with a III-V semiconductor layer, for example, a GaN layer that can be used in LED lighting devices. The glass-ceramics material is in the anorthite-rutile (CaAl2Si2O8+TiO2) family or in the cordierite-enstatite (SiO2—Al2O3—MgO—TiO2) family.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for non-intrusive geo-location determination associated with transaction authorization. The invention enables one or more transactions initiated by a user to be authenticated and/or validated based on, at least in part, determined locations of the user relative to the locations of the one or more transactions. The user location is determined by transmitting one or more queries to a user device. The system determines the validity of the one or more transactions based on at least comparing the transaction location to the user location, before enabling further processing of the one or more transactions. The present invention is advantageous since it enables authentication/authorization of one or more transactions associated with the user by utilizing the user location, while precluding any inadvertent privacy concerns.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for payment vehicle agnostic payment tokenization. In this way, the invention provides a means for a user to use a token for a transaction at a merchant without the merchant making infrastructural changes. The token may be specifically coded for merchant recognition and identification that the merchant's infrastructure is not capable of processing the received token. Instead of declining the transaction, code is implemented into the token that the merchant recognizes and routes the token to the invention infrastructure for authorization. The infrastructure then correlates the token to the appropriate account and finalizing authorization and payment routing based on the correlation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for authorizing payment credentials and transactions associated with a user digital wallet by automatic and real time utilization of one or more payment credentials applicable and optimal for a transaction initiated by the user. The invention enables a mobile digital wallet application on a user device to determine optimal payment credentials based on one or more transaction parameters comprising geographic location, transaction amount and user authentication associated with the transaction. Transmission of the optimal payment credential causes the receiving system to recognize the one or more transaction parameters and enables the system to process the transaction in accordance with the geographic location, transaction amount and/or the user authentication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are used in a token based financial transaction system, whereby individual tokens associated with one or more financial accounts provided to one or more third parties. Embodiments credit an amount of a virtual currency in at least one bank account of a customer, wherein the at least one bank account has an associated amount of funds that is increased by the credit of the amount of virtual currency; generate a payment token associated with the at least one bank account of the customer; receive a transaction request to process a transaction using the token; determine that the transaction request is associated with a transaction having a transaction amount less than or equal to the amount of funds associated with the at least one bank account; and approve and settle the transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for improving the digital wallet storage system by providing hardware and software capable of provisioning, allocating, and compartmentalizing generated tokens for transaction utilization. In this way, the invention allows a user to switch out payment vehicles, payment accounts, merchants, or authorized user for one or more tokens. Thus the provisioning and allocation system allows for manipulation and provisioning of tokens, such that a user device may control the one or more payment accounts, payment vehicles, authorized users, time/date of use, and the like for each token accumulated by a user.

Abstract: An appliance is provided having a cabinet with at least one compartment for positioning of a drawer. The drawer may be moved into and out of the at least one compartment and the drawer comprises a food container. The drawer includes a geared assembly having a gear rack and pinion gear which inhibit wobble of the drawer when the drawer is pulled from the at least one compartment or is pushed into the at least one compartment.

Abstract: A gravity separator that uses the upthrust of an upwardly flowing fluid to separate desired particulate from a material composite of a plurality of particulate is provided. The gravity separator may include a vertically oriented flow tube that is fluidly connected to an inlet tube, an outlet tube and a collection container, wherein the outlet tube is oriented upward from the inlet tube, which in turn is upward from the collection container. The inlet tube may receive a material composite including a plurality of non-desired particulate, conforming desired particulate and non-confirming desired particulate, which are subject to upthrust through the segment of the flow tube between the inlet tube and the outlet tube, the teetering chamber, so that only the conforming desired particulate sinks to the collection container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for the production of fermentative products such as ethanol and butanol. The present invention also provides methods for separating feed stream components for improved biomass processing productivity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic device comprising a first terminal (e.g. a source terminal), a second terminal (e.g. a drain terminal), a semiconductor channel connecting the first and second terminals and a gate terminal to which a potential may be applied to control a conductivity of the channel. The method comprises a first exposure of a photoresist from above the substrate using a mask and a second exposure from below, wherein in the second exposure the first and second terminals shield a part of the photoresist from exposure. An intermediate step reduces the solubility of the photoresist exposed in the first exposure. A window is formed in the photoresist at the location which was shielded by the mask, but exposed to radiation from below. Semiconductor material, dielectric material and conductor material are deposited inside the window to form a semiconductor channel, gate dielectric, and a gate terminal, respectively.

Abstract: A composition for treating a water system or membrane fluid system, such as a reverse osmosis system, to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. The composition may be a solid dissolved by water or solvent in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations. For certain systems, the method also comprises draining some existing water in the water system to remove prior treatment compositions and filling or rinsing the system with fresh water prior to adding the treatment composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a position of a movable component. One system includes a controllable source of varying magnetic flux. In a particular embodiment, the magnetic flux is directed through a magnetic sensor using a first flux concentrator and a second flux concentrator. The sensor generates a sensor signal that is provided to an electrical circuit designed to demodulate the signal. The demodulated signal is provided to a controller. The controller converts the signal and calculates the position of the second flux concentrator relative to the first flux concentrator. The controller may take a predetermined action based on the calculated position of the second flux concentrator.