Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-executable instructions for automatically processing promotion redemptions are provided. An exemplary method includes linking promotion information with an account of a customer in a database. The promotion information pertains to a promotion for a product or service offered by a merchant. The method includes receiving a request to provide payment for a transaction using the customer account. The request includes an amount of the transaction and an identifier of the customer account. The method further includes retrieving the promotion information from the database based on the identifier, verifying that the transaction is eligible for the promotion based on the retrieved promotion information, and adjusting the amount of the transaction based on the retrieved promotion information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-executable instructions for operating a payment processing system are provided. An exemplary method includes receiving a request to determine a transaction capability of a merchant's transaction system. The request is received from a requester at a payment processing system. The method includes determining the requested transaction capability based on merchant data retrieved from a database of the payment processing system. The transaction capability of the merchant includes information indicating compatibility of the merchant's transaction system with one or more features of the payment processing system. The method further includes transmitting, using the payment processing system, the transaction capability to the requester in response to the request.

Abstract: An implant, system and method for use in replacement of a tooth. The implant can include a first threaded portion, a connecting member opposite the first threaded portion for attaching to a replacement tooth, a driver head positioned between the threaded portion and the connecting member, and a transmucosal collar disposed between the driver head and the first threaded portion.

Abstract: A driver device (10) inserts orthodontic miniscrews for orthodontic procedures. The driver device (10) has a handle portion (12) for gripping by an orthodontic professional and a driver (20) for applying a predetermined torque to an orthodontic miniscrew. The handle portion (12) includes a plurality of displays for providing a variety of feedback concerning the operation of the device and a plurality of controls to control operation of the device. Indicia, such as color indicators, on the orthodontic screws and the driver device (10) correspond to particular zones on the patient's skull and jaw where the orthodontic screw maybe implanted, as correlated by an atlas of the skull and jaw utilizing corresponding indicia.

Abstract: An implant, system and method for use in replacement of a tooth. The implant can include a first threaded portion, a connecting member opposite the first threaded portion for attaching to a replacement tooth, a driver head positioned between the threaded portion and the connecting member, and a transmucosal collar disposed between the driver head and the first threaded portion.

Abstract: A ball and socket prosthetic joint device. A plurality of curved rigid segments are embedded within and extend out of a polymeric cushion to form a discontinuous hemispherical bearing surface for slidable engagement with a continuous hemispherical bearing surface.

Abstract: A mop head connector for a wringer type sponge mop includes a pair of substantially identical shell halves, each shell half having a face and opposing sidewalls extending from the face. The sidewalls of the respective shell halves are positioned in cooperating contact to form the assembled mop head connector. At least one protruding tab portion, a first type of preferred latch member, is provided on a sidewall of each shell half. At least one groove portion, a second type of preferred latch member, is provided on an opposite sidewall of each shell half. The groove portions are positioned to receive respective protruding tab portions on the opposing shell half to hold the shell halves in assembled relation without the use of external mechanical fasteners. The interlocking latch members are crimped together to permanently retain the shell halves in an assembled relation. In addition, an end portion of an elongate handle is positioned within mop head connector.

Abstract: A cleaning sponge connection for a wringer type sponge mop is disclosed. A latch hook at a lower end of an operating rod has a free end portion of a predetermined length and a non-circular cross-sectional shape. An elongate sponge clamp includes an elongate upper wall and a pair of opposing side walls which retain a sponge. The sponge clamp has at least one arch integrally formed in the elongate upper wall thereby defining a latch passageway extending longitudinally along the elongate upper wall. The latch passageway receives the free end portion of the latch hook to removably secure the sponge clamp to the operating rod. The latch passageway has a non-circular cross-sectional opening corresponding to the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the free end portion of the latch hook for preventing rotational movement of the sponge clamp about the latch hook.

Abstract: A high strength self-consolidating particle comprised of a particulate substrate, a substantially cured inner resin coating and a fusible curable outer resin coating.

Abstract: An improved thermal shock resistant and generally thermal resistant ceramic composition is disclosed. The ceramic composition is compounded of aluminum oxide as a primary constituent with additives in a preferred form comprising zirconium oxide plus manganese oxide or titanium oxide, or both, interacted by exposure to high temperature. The additives increase the thermal shock resistance of the fired ceramic composition, with retention of elevated temperature strength properties. The ceramic compositions are prepared as high density solid shapes or as porous structures. The solid shapes formed into machine components show improved resistance to rapid thermal excursions, differential thermal gradients and elevated temperatures. Open cell ceramic foams of the ceramic composition are useful for hot filters, such as for filtering molten metal as well as in reaction supporting applications, where such ceramic foam structures are subject to rapid temperature and pressure transients.

Abstract: An improved thermal shock resistant and generally thermal resistant ceramic composition is disclosed. The ceramic composition is compounded of aluminum oxide as a primary constituent with additives in a preferred form comprising zirconium oxide plus manganese oxide or titanium oxide, or both, interacted by exposure to high temperature. The additives increase the thermal shock resistance of the fired ceramic composition, with retention of elevated temperature strength properties. The ceramic compositions are prepared as high density solid shapes or as porous structures. The solid shapes formed into machine components show improved resistance to rapid thermal excursions, differential thermal gradients and elevated temperatures. Open cell ceramic foams of the ceramic composition are useful for hot filters, such as for filtering molten metal as well as in reaction supporting applications, where such ceramic foam structures are subject to rapid temperature and pressure transients.

Abstract: An improved particulate material for use in treating subterranean formations as a proppant and/or as a fluid loss agent in hydraulic fracturing and as a screening material in gravel packing comprised of heat curable particles capable of forming a cohesive mass, said particles comprised of a high strength center, a coupling agent chemically bound to the center with a heat curable resin coated over the center.

Abstract: A high strength self-consolidating particle comprised of a particulate substrate, a substantially cured inner resin coating and a fusible curable outer resin coating.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved particulate material for use in treating subterranean formations as a proppant and/or as a fluid loss agent in hydraulic fracturing and as a screening material in gravel packing comprised of heat curable particles capable of forming a cohesive mass, said particles comprised of a high strength center, a coupling agent chemically bound to the center with a heat curable resin coated over the center.

Abstract: A high strength self-consolidating particle comprised of a particulate substrate, a substantially cured inner resin coating and a fusible curable outer resin coating.

Abstract: A method of preventing collapse of performation tunnels extending from a well bore into a subterranean formation by filling the tunnels with self-consolidating resin coated particles and curing the resin coated particles into a permeable matrix.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprising hydraulically fracturing the formation and filling the fractures with a self-consolidating proppant. The proppant is consolidated and the formation then acidized to produce channels of increased conductivity adjacent the consolidated proppant.

Abstract: First and second tubular pole members are formed of rolled sheet metal material and provided with a lock seam defining a reinforcing rib extending inwardly and longitudinally along each pole member. The second pole member has a smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of the first pole member and is telescopically received within and spaced inwardly of the inwardly extending reinforcing rib of the first pole member. The light-weight construction of the pole members permits easy manipulation of the extension handle and the lock seam reinforcing rib provides sufficient rigidity and strength to prevent lateral bending of the pole members, even when the extension handle is fully extended. A locking device is provided for permitting telescopic adjustment of the length of the extension handle and for maintaining the extension handle in the adjusted position. The locking device includes threadably interconnected first and second tubular members which are molded of plastic for economical reasons.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation comprised of placing in or adjacent the formation a quantity of free-flowing, heat curable particles comprised of a high strength center, a coupling agent chemically bound to the center, a heat curable resin coated over the center; and causing said free flowing particles in or adjacent the formation to form a cohesive mass.

Abstract: The cleaning sponge connection of the present invention may be easily and quickly connected and disconnected with the lower end of the usual operating rod by simply changing the angular position of the cleaning sponge and slipping the free end of the latch hook into and out of a latch tunnel formed on the cleaning sponge support channel. The present connection requires that the cleaning sponge operating mechanism position the cleaning sponge in only two positions, that is, the wringing and cleaning positions and requires no extraneous connecting devices such as bolts and nuts or latching plates and the like.