Abstract: Distributed ledger-based loyalty reward points reconciliation platforms are disclosed. Embodiments may include a distributed ledger-supported platform that may enable multiple loyalty points/currencies to be distributed by multiple unaffiliated third-parties (e.g., partner merchants) in a transparent, automated way that facilitates adding loyalty points/miles to end customer loyalty accounts as well as settlement between the program provider and the partner merchant. This may be in exchange for some a fixed or per transaction fee for the program provider. The platform may further facilitate the “burning,” or using, of points by reversing the transaction flow and deducting points from the customer loyalty account.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating payments and reward tracking are disclosed. In one embodiment, in a merchant information processing apparatus comprising at least one computer processor, a method for facilitating customer payments and reward tracking may include: (1) providing an interface for accessing a financial institution backend in a merchant interface; (2) receiving user information from the financial institution backend; (3) generating a merchant loyalty account for the user based on the user information received from the financial institution backend; and (4) providing merchant loyalty account information to the financial institution backend.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for genomic screening, genetic analysis, and gene discovery. In some embodiments the disclosed methods can detect large internal tandem duplications, or novel translocations, as well as identify the genomic breakpoint of novel translocations when only one of the two fusion partners is known or targeted. This is accomplished by employing a series of carefully selected capture probes to target genome-specific and disease-specific areas of target genes that harbor disease related somatic mutations, insertions/deletions or are involved in translocations.

Abstract: A vehicle detector and method for detecting the presence of a vehicle. The vehicle detector includes an array of ultrasonic transducers to direct and receive ultrasonic beams to and from a target. Further, the vehicle detector includes a control system for turning on and off the ultrasonic transducers and for generating data corresponding to the distance between the vehicle detector and the target, the speed of the target, and the direction of motion of the target; and for comparing the generated data to stored data to determine whether or not a vehicle is present. Finally, the vehicle detector includes output circuitry that directs a signal to an external device whether or not a vehicle is present.

Abstract: Systems and method for the management of biomarkers or biomarker associations subject to restricted access, such as by licensing fees, are provided. A license manager maintains license fee information on a number of biomarkers or biomarker associations. In one embodiment, a user may submit biological data for testing against one or more of the maintained biomarkers. The license manager determines which positive test results require use of licensed biomarkers or biomarker associations and may present this information to the user. In another embodiment, a set of biomarkers or biomarker associations may be submitted to determine if any biomarkers subject to license are included. The licensing manager determines whether licenses exist for included biomarkers and may return specific licensing information.

Abstract: Methods for screening a traveler for an evaluation of the traveler's physical condition or health status by obtaining at least one specimen from the traveler and subjecting the specimen to at least one test that is diagnostic for at least one parameter of the physical condition or health status of the traveler prior to or while the traveler undertakes a journey. Thereafter, the results of the diagnostic test are reported prior to or contemporaneous with the arrival of the traveler at the traveler's destination.

Abstract: A torsional vibration dampening assembly includes a hub having a radially outwardly extending flange with a plurality of openings formed therethrough. A pair of cover plates are supported on the hub for rotation relative thereto, each having a corresponding plurality of openings formed therethrough. A first stage vibration damper, including an annular central damper element having inner and outer rings secured thereto, extends between the second cover plate and the hub. A second stage vibration damper includes a spring damper assembly provided in each of the openings. Each of the spring damper assemblies includes a coiled spring having ends that react against first and second end caps. A movement restraining structure is provided for restraining the end caps from moving freely relative to one another under the urging of the spring. A hollow cylindrical isolation sleeve is disposed about each of the springs.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for synthesizing cDNA in vivo are disclosed, wherein a synthetic polynucleotide molecule which anneals in vivo to an RNA template molecule is utilized as a primer for reverse transcriptase in vivo.

Abstract: An automatic panning device adapted for use with camcorders and similar equipment includes a bi-directional electric motor which is connected to rotate a mounting plate upon which the camcorder is secured. A control circuit controls the direction and speed of rotation of the mounting plate so as to pan the camcorder back and forth throughout a predetermined angular displacement. In a first embodiment, the amount of such angular displacement is controlled by a pair of limit arms which are pivotably secured to the mounting plate. A proximity sensor is provided for sensing panning movement of the limit arms with the mounting plate to a predetermined location. When this occurs, the proximity sensor generates a signal to the control circuit to reverse the direction of rotation. In a second embodiment, the proximity sensor is provided on the mounting plate and is moved relative to a pair of limit targets slidably mounted on a housing for the device.

Abstract: A digital tracker in a cooperative collision avoidance system utilizing time division techniques, which is capable of generating track gates and determining critical values of tau (time to collision) for at least 16 targets during the same time frame, the maximum number of targets being limited essentially by the size of the logic memory elements used and the maximum range desired.