Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: Methods for determining parameters of a semiconductor material, for example, non-classical substrates such as silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, strained silicon-on-insulator (sSOI) substrates, silicon-germanium-on-insulator (GeOI) substrates, and strained silicon-germanium-on-insulator (sGeOI) substrates are described. The method provides steps for transforming data corresponding to the semiconductor material from real space to reciprocal space. The critical points are isolated in the reciprocal state and corresponding critical energies of the critical points are determined. The difference between the critical energies may be used to determine a thickness of a layer of the semiconductor material, in particular, a quantum confined layer.

Abstract: Methods for determining parameters of a semiconductor material, in particular non-classical substrates such as silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, strained silicon-on-insulator (sSOI) substrates, silicon-germanium-on-insulator (GOI) substrates, and strained silicon-germanium-on-insulator (sGeOI) substrates. The method provides steps for transforming data corresponding to the semiconductor material from real space to reciprocal space. The critical points are isolated in the reciprocal state and corresponding critical energies of the critical points are determined. The difference between the critical energies may be used to determine a thickness of a layer of the semiconductor material, in particular, a quantum confined layer.

Abstract: A cosmetic bandage (1) and method for its manufacture for external application to a wound, injury, blemish or other disfigurement of the human skin to help facilitate healing and for providing cosmetic benefits. The bandage (1) preferably includes a transparent backing layer (2) and an adhesive layer (5) applied to the first side (10) of the backing layer (2). An absorbent pad (3) is attached to a portion of the first side (10) of the backing layer (2). The topside (20) of the absorbent pad (3) is visible through the transparent backing layer (2). The top side (20) of the absorbent pad (3) is coated or embedded with one or more nontoxic pigment compositions which are derma or skin matching, having a melanin likeness in appearance so as to substantially match human skin tones and colors. A method for manufacturing a cosmetic bandage (1) is useful in the external application.

Abstract: A process of forming a structure by diffusion bonding and superplastic forming includes forming a pack from at least one skin sheet and at least one core sheet, placing the pack in a mould and heating it. A gas is injected between the skin sheet and the core sheet to urge the skin sheet against an internal face of the mould, thereby forming a cavity. Gas is also injected on the other side of the core sheet to urge it against the skin sheet, and gas pressure is maintained on said side of the core sheet thereby forming a diffusion bond between the skin sheet and the core sheet. Helium gas is used to maintain a regulated pressure of helium in the cavity between the skin sheet and the core sheet, which allows such gas trapped between the skin sheet and the core sheet to diffuse through the core sheet.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for configuring and/or providing a configurable point-of-sale system. Various methods of the present invention include providing a point-of-sale device and coupling it to a communication network. One or more transaction systems are accessible to the point-of-sale device via the transaction network, instructions are loaded to the memory of the point-of-sale device allowing it to access the transaction system. Various systems include a plurality of point-of-sale devices communicably coupled to various transaction systems via a communication network. The point-of-sale devices can be configurable to access one or more of the various transaction systems.

Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and reporting institutional investments provides a single platform for daily investment accounting, compliance, performance, and risk reports for investment portfolios held at single or multiple custody/safekeeping locations. The method involves retrieving transaction data from multiple independent financial institutions and storing it in a database in a standardized format and retrieving security data from one or more security information service providers and storing it in the database. The method further involves applying a uniform set of customized accounting, compliance, risk and performance parameters to the transaction data and security data stored in the database and, in response to a user request, calculating and reporting selected data to the user in accordance with the uniform accounting, compliance, risk and performance parameters.

Abstract: The instant invention provides microspheres and related processes and pharmaceutical compositions useful in the controlled delivery of a wide variety of active ingredients. In one embodiment, the microspheres comprise an active ingredient dispersed within a polymeric composition comprising a first pH insensitive hydrophobic polymer and second pH sensitive hydrophobic polymer, wherein the microspheres, in an aqueous environment having a pH of around 5 or greater, release the active ingredient in a substantially zero-order profile. In another embodiment, the microspheres comprise an active ingredient dispersed within a polymeric composition comprising a first pH insensitive hydrophobic polymer and second water-swellable polymer, wherein the microspheres, in an aqueous environment, release the active ingredient in a substantially zero-order profile. In both of these embodiments, the microspheres are prepared by a non-aqueous emulsion solvent evaporation method.

Abstract: Ornamentations for wheel assemblies that are rotatably mounted on the hub assemblies of the wheel assemblies and configured to produce a variety of visual and/or audible effects. The ornamentations develop a spinning motion as the wheels rotate and remain spinning for a period of time after the rotation of the wheels is stopped. The ornamentations are generally disc shaped and can include light and/or sound generating elements. The ornamentations can be used in conjunction with spoked wheels such as bicycle wheels.

Abstract: Ornamentations for wheel assemblies that are rotatably mounted on the hub assemblies of the wheel assemblies and configured to produce a variety of visual and/or audible effects. The ornamentations develop a spinning motion as the wheels rotate and remain spinning for a period of time after the rotation of the wheels is stopped. The ornamentations are generally disc shaped and can include light and/or sound generating elements. The ornamentations can be used in conjunction with spoked wheels such as bicycle wheels.

Abstract: The instant invention is an adjustable prosthetic socket. The adjustable prosthetic socket of the instant invention includes a cup, a lateral wall, and a brim. The cup includes a lateral cutaway portion, a lower closed portion, and an upper open portion. The brim is adapted for adjustable mounting in said cup via said upper open portion while the lateral wall is adapted for adjustable mounting in said lateral cutaway.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting a substantially transparent injection molding material. The injection molding material contains a fluorescent colorant, which is invisible when not exposed to ultraviolet light, but becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light. A method of detecting the injection molding material involves exposing the injection molding material to ultraviolet light and examining the material during exposure.

Abstract: Amplification primers, hybridization probes and associated assay methods of the invention allow the detection and quantification of enterovirus nucleic acids. A broad range of enteroviruses serotypes may be detected. The amplification methods are highly specific and selective for enterovirus, compared to rhinovirus nucleic acids, for example. Further, the high sensitivity and speed of the assay allows detection of fewer than 500 copies of enteroviral genomes in as little as one hour.

Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more point-of-sale devices for effectuating value transfers. In particular implementations, various point-of-sale devices are in communication with various transaction systems. Thus, a transaction can be effectuated from one point-of-sale device to another utilizing one or more of the communicably coupled transaction systems. The transaction systems can include, but are not limited to, money transfer systems, fraud detection systems, check acceptance systems.

Abstract: Keyless inking and dampening systems and methods are disclosed which employ application, subtractive and dampening roller systems to control the ink/dampening fluid film on the form roller. A clean-up roller removes residual ink from non-image areas on the printing plate.

Abstract: Keyless inking systems and methods are disclosed which employs a main form roller and a smaller clean-up roller, both in contact with a rotating printing plate. Separate application and subtractive roller systems control the ink film on the form roller. The clean-up roller removes residual ink from non-image areas on the printing plate. The clean-up roller is in ink communication with the main form roller through a vibrating roller. Mechanisms are provided to selectively engage and disengage the various rollers.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for effectuating transactions using a point-of-sale device. The present invention is applicable to a broad range of transaction types including but not limited to, money or other value transfers, value transfers, check acceptance protocols, loyalty program utilization, fraud detection, and the like. The methods of the present invention provide the ability to fulfill the various transaction types through access to one or more transaction systems accessible to the point-of-sale device. Thus, in some instances, a common point-of-sale device can be used to effectuate different transaction types depending upon which transaction systems are accessible to the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A portable disc holder comprises a frame member 1 adapted to circumferentially surround a disc at the disc's edges and being at least partially in contact therewith to restrain planar movement of the disc when held in the frame member, the frame member 1 including flange means 7, 8 for preventing or inhibiting planar movement of the disc, and remote from the flange means 7, 8 on a generally opposite portion of the frame member 1 a resiliently moveable means 7, 8 adapted to restrain planar movement of an adjacent edge portion of the disc when the disc is mounted in the frame member 1, the resiliently moveable flange means 7, 8 permitting entry of the disc into the frame member 1 following resilient deformation of the flange.