Abstract: In various embodiments, a system and a method of implementing bad beat insurance are disclosed. After a stage of a portion of a game is played, it is determined that a player is favored to win the portion of the game. After the portion of the game is completed, it is determined that the player has suffered a bad beat. The player is compensated at least partially for a loss that the player incurred as a consequence of suffering the bad beat.

Abstract: A system and method suitable for storing multiple product lines in an automated warehouse environment are disclosed. The storage system includes a frame containing a plurality of stacks of containers, a first handling device capable of lifting a plurality of containers from a stack in a single operation, and a second independently moveable handling device capable of lifting a single container and moving the container laterally. The first and second handling devices can work together to remove a target container quickly and with minimum use of resources.

Abstract: A method of increasing near-wellbore rock strength so as to mitigate or remediate lost circulation events through increased hoop stress in the near-wellbore in a subsurface formation comprises a) cooling a near-wellbore region of the formation, b) allowing a lost circulation material to enter the cooled near-wellbore region; and c) heating the near-wellbore region.

Abstract: A multiple hearth furnace in which in a gas space above at least one hearth an annular baffle is provided above the rabble arms of that hearth. The annular baffle modifies gas flow in the gas space, in particular gas residence times above the hearth. This in turn can enhance performance of the furnace, for example in respect of carbon monoxide emissions.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Abstract: A system and method suitable for storing multiple product lines in an automated warehouse environment are disclosed. The storage system includes a frame containing a plurality of stacks of containers, a first handling device capable of lifting a plurality of containers from a stack in a single operation, and a second independently moveable handling device capable of lifting a single container and moving the container laterally. The first and second handling devices can work together to remove a target container quickly and with minimum use of resources.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system and a method of implementing bad beat insurance are disclosed. After a stage of a portion of a game is played, it is determined that a player is favored to win the portion of the game. After the portion of the game is completed, it is determined that the player has suffered a bad beat. The player is compensated at least partially for a loss that the player incurred as a consequence of suffering the bad beat.

Abstract: An integrated seismic system and method for monitoring seismic parameters of a subsurface structure is provided. The integrated seismic system includes a plurality of mobile satellite nodes, a seismic cable and a base station. Each of the mobile satellite nodes has sensor stations operatively connectable thereto for collecting seismic data from the subsurface structure. The seismic cable operatively links the plurality mobile satellite nodes and the sensor stations. The base station includes a seismic acquisition unit for receiving seismic signals from the mobile satellite nodes via the seismic cable and generating seismic parameters therefrom.

Abstract: A method for providing payer information on a payer device includes providing a payer device that includes at least one physical state change component moveably coupled to the payer device. Payer information is received over a network. The payer information is then determined to be associated with a physical state change instruction in a non-transitory, machine-readable medium of the payer device. The at least one physical state change component is then actuated according to the physical state change instruction to provide the payer information to a payer by changing the physical state of the payer device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing purchase recommendations and a budget to a user. The purchase recommendations can be for discretionary products for the user or for gifts for others. The purchase recommendations and the budget can be based upon the amount of discretionary money available for the user to make such purchases and for whom the purchases are to be made. The purchase recommendations and the budget can be further based upon purchase histories, wish lists, and calendars.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concealing information regarding products purchased as gifts for others, such as the intended gift recipient. Often, opportunities exist for a gift recipient to inadvertently or intentionally obtain information regarding a gift to be given or already given to them. For example, such information can be readily available via sources such as social media and other websites, as well from account statements. Such information can be omitted from websites, account statements, and the like, at least until such a time that the user wants for the information to be available.

Abstract: A method for providing payer information on a payer device includes providing a payer device that includes at least one physical state change component moveably coupled to the payer device. Payer information is received over a network. The payer information is then determined to be associated with a physical state change instruction in a non-transitory, machine-readable medium of the payer device. The at least one physical state change component is then actuated according to the physical state change instruction to provide the payer information to a payer by changing the physical state of the payer device.

Abstract: A method of increasing near-wellbore rock strength so as to mitigate or remediate lost circulation events through increased hoop stress in the near-wellbore in a subsurface formation comprises a) cooling a near-wellbore region of the formation, b) allowing a lost circulation material to enter the cooled near-wellbore region; and c) heating the near-wellbore region.

Abstract: Methods and systems can facilitate enhanced planning and spending during travel. According to an embodiment, each travel destination of a trip can have one or more payment events or purchases associated therewith. The purchases can be prepaid, such as prior to the trip. Recommendations for the purchases can be made by the system based, at least in part, upon the user's spending history and/or social network indications.

Abstract: A method for providing an indication of financial strength includes receiving a financial indicator and a predetermined spending budget status from a user. The predetermined spending budget status is associated with a spending budget for the user that has at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then associated with the predetermined spending budget status. A payment request that includes one of the at least one payment accounts is then received from a merchant. A current spending budget status is then determined using the spending budget and the at least one payment account. The financial indicator is then sent to the merchant for provision to the user in response to the current spending budget status being included in the predetermined spending budget status.

Abstract: A method for visualizing a financial goal includes receiving a selection of a financial goal from a user device of a user over a network. The financial goal includes a plurality of financial sub-goals, each of which is associated with a different image in a database. A plurality of first financial data is retrieved from user accounts of the user, and a first financial goal status is determined using the first financial data. An image for each financial sub-goal of the financial goal is provided based on the first financial goal status in order to display a storyboard having a plurality of images for visualizing progress related to the financial goal on a display device. As the financial goal status changes according to financial data retrieved from the users accounts, the image displayed for may financial sub-goal may be changed, visually indicating the users progress towards their financial goals.

Abstract: A method for providing contingent payments includes receiving, from a first user through a user device over a network, a contingent payment request. The contingent payment request is stored in a database. A contingent payment intent is provided on a user profile that is associated with the first user. The user profile is monitored. When it is determined that at least one contingent payment factor in the contingent payment request has been satisfied by a second user, funds are transferred from a user account associated with the first user to a merchant account in order to purchase a first product that is associated with the contingent payment request. In an embodiment, the second user may provide a coupon on the user profile that satisfies the at least one contingent payment factor and results in the purchase of the first product using the user account.

Abstract: A method for providing credit to a user includes receiving user data associated with the user and location data associated with a location from a user device of the user over a network. User spending data for the user at the location is then retrieved from a database using the user data and the location data, and the user spending data is used to determine a location-based credit score for the user at the location. In some embodiments, merchant data for the location may also be retrieved to determine whether the location is a trusted merchant location and/or to help determine the location-based credit score. A location-based credit line for the user at the location is created in a database, and a location-based credit offer is sent to the user device over the network that includes an indication of the location-based credit line for the user at the location.

Abstract: A method for incentivizing donations using virtual currencies includes determining that a user associated with a game and determining a location of the user. A charity provider is then identified that is both associated with the game and within a predetermined distance of the location. A donation incentivization message is then sent to the user that includes an identification of the charity provider. A plurality of redemption codes are also sent to the charity provider. A first redemption code of the plurality of redemption codes that is associated with the user and a donation from the user to the charity provider is received. The first redemption code is then used to credit a user account that is associated with the user with a virtual currency amount that is determined using the donation.

Abstract: A method for providing contingent payments includes receiving, from a first user through a user device over a network, a contingent payment request. The contingent payment request is stored in a database. A contingent payment intent is provided on a user profile that is associated with the first user. The user profile is monitored. When it is determined that at least one contingent payment factor in the contingent payment request has been satisfied by a second user, funds are transferred from a user account associated with the first user to a merchant account in order to purchase a first product that is associated with the contingent payment request. In an embodiment, the second user may provide a coupon on the user profile that satisfies the at least one contingent payment factor and results in the purchase of the first product using the user account.