Abstract: A method of performing cryptocurrency transactions requiring a private key includes: establishing a connection from a smart wallet to a user device; receiving a transaction request requiring the private key; disabling the connection; retrieving the private key to a private key memory; processing the transaction; clearing the private key memory; enabling the connection; and sending a completion message. A method of performing cryptocurrency transactions requiring a private key includes: establishing a connection from a user device to a smart wallet; receiving a transaction request requiring the private key; sending the transaction request to the smart wallet; determining that the smart wallet is disconnected from the user device; waiting for the smart wallet to reconnect; and receiving a response from the smart wallet. A smart wallet includes: a storage; a private key storage; and a communication module that is able to communicate with a user device across at least one channel.

Abstract: A low power internet of things (IoT) device includes: a power source; a controller coupled to the power source; a selectively enabled power converter coupled to the power source; and a selectively enabled communication module coupled to the power converter. An automated method of controlling a low power IoT device includes: monitoring a set of hardware triggers; determining whether a set of communication criteria has been met; enabling a communication module of the IoT device if the set of communication criteria has been met; and disabling the communication module after determining that communication has been completed. A low power IoT system includes: a low power IoT device including: a power source; a controller coupled to the power source; a selectively enabled power converter coupled to the power source; and a selectively enabled communication module coupled to the power converter; and a server.

Abstract: A pickling process for descaling metal includes a two-stage filtering process to remove pickling liquor fog, mist, and/or vapors from a gas collected during the descaling process. The process includes a two-stage filtering arrangement that includes a first stage filter, which is arranged to remove a liquid phase of the pickling liquor from the gas, and a second stage filter, which is arranged to remove a gaseous phase of the pickling liquor the said gas. The recovered pickling liquor can advantageously be recycled for reuse because it is recovered in a relatively higher concentration that has heretofore been possible.

Abstract: A method of providing one of a good or a service to at least one entity at one of a payment, rate, or price that is capped at a pre-determined amount. The method includes producing an offer for the entity, wherein the offer represents at least one of a capped maximum payment, a capped maximum rate, a capped maximum usage, a capped maximum consumption, or a capped maximum price amount. The method also includes providing the good or service to the entity at one of a payment, rate, or price that may fluctuate, wherein the payment, rate, or price cannot exceed the capped maximum payment, capped maximum rate, capped maximum usage, capped maximum consumption, or capped maximum price amount.

Abstract: A method of providing one of a good or a service to at least one entity at one of a payment, rate, or price that is capped at a pre-determined amount. The method includes producing an offer for the entity, wherein the offer represents one of a capped maximum payment, a capped maximum rate, or a capped maximum price amount and receiving an insurance premium. The method also includes providing the good or service to the entity at one of a payment, rate, or price that may fluctuate, wherein the payment, rate, or price cannot exceed the capped maximum payment, capped maximum rate, or capped maximum price amount and paying an insurance proceed when an actual price of the good or service exceeds the capped maximum payment, capped maximum rate, or capped maximum price amount.