Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for implementing an interactive loyalty reward program for transactions conducted at transaction terminals, for instance, consumer purchase transactions conducted at a point-of-sale terminal. The system includes a server configured to monitor and identify qualifying transactions under the reward program. The server also coordinates operation of consumer-facing devices accessible to the consumer at the point-of-sale. The consumer-facing devices include an interactive value generator (IVG), which is configured to provide a game-like experience to consumers and interactively generates unspecified reward values for qualifying transactions. A loyalty reward application executing on the transaction terminal is also provided to guide consumer interaction with the IVG and communicate the generated reward values to the server.

Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flow-through measurement system, having a measuring tube for an electrically conductive medium, a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field running at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube, at least two measuring electrodes which tap the measurement voltage induced in the electrically conductive medium, and an evaluation unit, wherein the measuring electrodes have measuring contact which are accessible externally on the measuring tube, and the measuring tube together with the measuring electrodes form a first functional unit, and counter-contacts corresponding to the measuring contacts, the magnetic field generating device and the evaluation unit form a second functional unit in a measurement system housing.

Abstract: Oil well pipe component comprising a threaded portion, at least part whereof is coated with a layer of a corrosion-inhibiting material, that has been applied to at least the part of the threaded portion of the oil well pipe component by means of a method comprising a cataphoresis step from an aqueous bath, said method comprising—providing the oil well pipe component comprising a threaded portion; —immersing at least part of the threaded portion of the pipe component in a cataphoresis bath comprising water and suspended particles of corrosion-inhibiting material, and provided with an anode and a cathode means, the pipe component being connected to the cathode means; —inducing a current through the bath, in order to provide the corrosion-inhibiting material with a positive charge; —depositing a layer of the positively charged corrosion-inhibiting material onto the pipe component; and—removing the immersed part of the pipe component with the layer of corrosion-inhibiting material from the cataphoresis bath and a

Abstract: A lanyard style holder designed to secure a smokeless cigarette or personal vaporizer device around the neck, shoulder or waist of a user. A lanyard includes a holder cradle with multiple apertures configured to hold a smokeless cigarette device in the central aperture and corner apertures designed to couple a plurality of cords, thereby creating a loop. The loop is then placed around the neck or across the chest of a user wherein a smokeless cigarette device oriented upright is inserted into the central aperture.

Abstract: A magnetic-inductive flow-through measurement system, having a measuring tube for an electrically conductive medium, a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field running at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube, at least two measuring electrodes which tap the measurement voltage induced in the electrically conductive medium, and an evaluation unit, wherein the measuring electrodes have measuring contact which are accessible externally on the measuring tube, and the measuring tube together with the measuring electrodes form a first functional unit, and counter-contacts corresponding to the measuring contacts, the magnetic field generating device and the evaluation unit form a second functional unit in a measurement system housing.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for providing escaping routes for the flux and gases generated to move away from the solder joint in the process of solder joint formation.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for providing escaping routes for the flux and gases generated to move away from the solder joint in the process of solder joint formation.

Abstract: A method for deploying a product through multiple phases includes defining work streams for deploying the product, where each work stream is defined for a set of components of a client environment. For each work stream and for each phase, a set of predefined tasks are identified for the phase, a computer processor gathers for the phase a set of instruments specific to the work stream for performing the set of predefined tasks, and the set of instruments are stored in a data repository of a deployment framework. The set of predefined tasks for the phase is common amongst the work streams.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter for mass flow measurement of a flowing medium having a measuring tube, a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field at least partially passing through the measuring tube, having two electrodes for tapping into a measurement voltage induced in the flowing medium and having a housing incorporating the measuring tube, the magnetic field generator and the electrodes, wherein the measuring tube has a cross section that varies along its length and the cross section in the mid-section of the measuring tube is smaller than at its ends, preferably the cross section of the measuring tube being rectangular in its mid-section, optionally also square, and wherein the housing preferably has a circular cross section. At least one reinforcement, preferably two, is provided in the mid-section of the measuring tube joining the measuring tube and the housing.

Abstract: A process for validating the identity of individuals and the individuals' belonging to a group, organization or large community of millions of people, as well as within computer environments and in real life, wherein an individual concerned requests the validation of an individual's identity; the individual concerned chooses the validation level wherein he or she seeks to be validated; the requirements are consulted for the individual to validate his or her own identity at the chosen validation level; the individual concerned is informed about the requirements to validate the user's identity; the individual concerned decides whether to continue with the validation process at the chosen level of validation or chooses to change the level of validation; the individual concerned enters data of the individual who will validate his or her own data and data from the individuals, or the verifiers who will validate his or her identity; the verifiers receive a set of validation questions that has to be answered in orde

Abstract: A sand consolidation system and a method for use of the system is provided. The consolidation system includes an emulsion having an oil phase and an aqueous phase, wherein the emulsion contains a source of insoluble silica particles and a source of calcium hydroxide, wherein the calcium hydroxide particles are present in the oil phase, and the insoluble silica particles are contained in the aqueous phase. Both types of particles must have average particle sizes which will fit into the pores of the formations.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter for mass flow measurement of a flowing medium having a measuring tube, a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field at least partially passing through the measuring tube, having two electrodes for tapping into a measurement voltage induced in the flowing medium and having a housing incorporating the measuring tube, the magnetic field generator and the electrodes, wherein the measuring tube has a cross section that varies along its length and the cross section in the mid-section of the measuring tube is smaller than at its ends, preferably the cross section of the measuring tube being rectangular in its mid-section, optionally also square, and wherein the housing preferably has a circular cross section.

Abstract: A sand consolidation system and a method for use of the system is provided. The consolidation system includes an emulsion having an oil phase and an aqueous phase, wherein the emulsion contains a source of insoluble silica particles and a source of calcium hydroxide, wherein the calcium hydroxide particles are present in the oil phase, and the insoluble silica particles are contained in the aqueous phase. Both types of particles must have average particle sizes which will fit into the pores of the formations.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for ensuring secure payment transactions. The invention provides for a chargeable and dischargeable security (CDS) system that allows users/account holders to have greater control over access to their accounts. The CDS-system may include a CDS-instrument, such as a credit or debit card that can be charged with funds located in a first account and then discharged either automatically or manually so that the potential for fraud and misuse are significantly reduced.

Abstract: Low-alloy carbon steel for the manufacture of seamless pipes having improved resistance to corrosion, particularly the “sweet corrosion” that occurs in the media rich in CO2, for using in exploration and production of oil and/or natural gas. The steel contains: 1.5-4.0% by weight of Cr, 0.06-0.10% by weight of C, 0.3-0.8% by weight of Mn, not more than 0.005% by weight of S, not more than 0.015% by weight of P, 0.20-0.35% by weight of Si, 0.25-0.35% by weight of Mo, 0.06-0.9% by weight of V, approximately 0.22% by weight of Cu, approximately 0.001% by weight of Nb, approximately 0.028% by weight of Ti, not more than a total value of O of 25 ppm, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: Low-alloy carbon steel for the manufacture of seamless pipes having improved resistance to corrosion, particularly the “sweet corrosion” that occurs in the media rich in CO2, for using in exploration and production of oil and/or natural gas. The steel contains: 1.5-4.0% by weight of Cr, 0.06-0.10% by weight of C, 0.3-0.8% by weight of Mn, not more than 0.005% by weight of S, not more than 0.015% by weight of P, 0.20-0.35% by weight of Si, 0.25-0.35% by weight of Mo, 0.06-0.9% by weight of V, approximately 0.22% by weight of Cu, approximately 0.001% by weight of Nb, approximately 0.028% by weight of Ti, not more than a total value of O of 25 ppm, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A process for automatically controlling water level in a washing machine having a motor drive coupled to energize a motor that drives the agitator is provided. The process allows for selecting a target water level based on one or more water-level selection signals. The method further allows for measuring a parameter indicative of the water level based on an actual inertial response of the agitator. A comparing step allows for comparing the actual agitator inertial response against a target agitator inertial response, and a selecting step allows for selectively actuating one or more water valves for allowing passage of water so as to adjust the water level of the washing machine based on deviations between the actual agitator inertial response and the target agitator inertial response.

Abstract: A process and system for controlling respective agitator motion patterns in a washing machine having a motor drive coupled to energize a motor that drives the agitator is provided. The process allows for selecting a desired agitator motion pattern based on one or more pattern selection signals. The process further allows measuring one or more parameters indicative of the actual agitator motion pattern. A comparing step allows for comparing the actual agitator motion pattern against the desired agitator motion pattern, and an adjusting step allows for adjusting one or more control signals supplied to the motor drive for correcting deviations between the actual agitator motion pattern and the desired motion pattern.