Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a universal-type pump casing that allows for coupling to various piping couplers, for various sizes of fluid lines. This can allow the pump casing to accept the majority of current fluid line coupling, for various fluid line sizes used with these types of pumps, thereby eliminating the need to have a different casing for each different sized fluid line. A universal-type pump casing with a proximal end engaged with a pump bracket, and a distal end affixed to an end plate to define the pumping chamber. A first and second port can have an opening of a predetermined diameter, with a port face that can couple with various modular port flanges, to provide different port flange configurations.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a universal-type bracket that incorporates a substantially uniform diameter through-bore. This allows the bracket to accept current sealing arrangements used in these types of pumps, while providing the same or better sealing options as current individual designs. The single through-bore can have multiple undercut features for holding a pump shaft bushing, with an increased wall thickness to allow for an appropriate interference fit with the walls of the through-bore, for example, similar to previous designs. Retaining ring grooves can be added to the through-bore, and retaining rings may be used to provide a positive shoulder for the seal or packing rings to seat against inside the bore. This may allow for various sealing options, such as stuffing seals, one-piece barrier seals, cartridge seals, BTR seals, component seals, and more.

Abstract: A pump technology that provides for more effective and efficient transfer of liquids, such as petroleum products and components, to and through pipelines. Such a technology can comprise a type of external gear pump that creates higher flow, resulting in higher pressures in the pipeline, to move the liquids, while providing for longer pump life, simpler and less maintenance, and fewer undesired conditions, with a smaller footprint, in a cost-effective system. Further, one or more portions of the pump can be configured to be easily replaceable to provide for maintenance in place, and provide for longer pump life. Additionally, one or more portions of the pump can be constructed with or coated with abrasive resistant material that extends the life of the external gear pump. Such material can also reduce the friction between surfaces and improve the life of the external gear pump under poor feeding conditions.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a pump technology that provides for more effective and efficient transfer of liquids, such as petroleum products and components, to and through pipelines. Such a technology can comprise a type of external gear pump that creates higher flow, resulting in higher pressures in the pipeline, to move the liquids, while providing for longer pump life, simpler and less maintenance, and fewer undesired conditions, with a smaller footprint, in a cost-effective system.

Abstract: A pump technology that provides for more effective and efficient transfer of liquids, such as petroleum products and components, to and through pipelines. Such a technology can comprise a type of external gear pump that creates higher flow, resulting in higher pressures in the pipeline, to move the liquids, while providing for longer pump life, simpler and less maintenance, and fewer undesired conditions, with a smaller footprint, in a cost-effective system. Further, one or more portions of the pump can be configured to be easily replaceable to provide for maintenance in place, and provide for longer pump life. Additionally, one or more portions of the pump can be constructed with or coated with abrasive resistant material that extends the life of the external gear pump. Such material can also reduce the friction between surfaces and improve the life of the external gear pump under poor feeding conditions.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a pump technology that provides for more effective and efficient transfer of liquids, such as glycol products, in a glycol dehydration system. Such a technology can comprise a type of external gear pump that can effectively handle harsh conditions associated with glycol dehydration system at high pressures, while providing for longer pump life, effective operations at higher temperatures, and operations that account for thermal shock; with improved sealing capability, in a cost-effective system. An example pump may comprise hardened internal components, improved clearances, a jacket to mitigate thermal shock, and/or a thermal shock plate to mitigate thermal shock.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a pump technology that provides for more effective and efficient transfer of liquids, such as petroleum products and components, to and through pipelines. Such a technology can comprise a type of external gear pump that creates higher flow, resulting in higher pressures in the pipeline, to move the liquids, while providing for longer pump life, simpler and less maintenance, and fewer undesired conditions, with a smaller footprint, in a cost-effective system.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for identifying a primary disk storage medium that is higher in a boot order than a secondary disk storage medium in a software RAID, and testing for a hardware failure of the primary disk storage medium during the BIOS power-on self test. The boot order of the disk storage mediums in the software RAID is automatically changed to position the secondary disk storage medium in the RAID higher in the boot order than the primary disk storage medium in response to detecting a hardware failure in the primary disk storage medium. The operating system is then booted from the disk storage medium that is highest in the boot order. A hardware failure may be detected by reading and verifying a predetermined portion of the boot partition of the disk storage medium.

Abstract: Methods for providing a user state file enabling interactions between virtual and real world identities include determining a real world identity of a user and determining a virtual world identity of the user. An associated user designation is provided for a first and a second associated user. A real world identity and/or a virtual world identity is determined for the associated users. The first associated user has at least a real world identity and the second associated user has at least a virtual world identity. A communication history is established between the user and the first and second associated users, the communication history including communications in the real world and/or the virtual world. The user state file is generated based on the determined real world and virtual world identities of the user and the associated users and the communication history between the user and the associated users.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for identifying a primary disk storage medium that is higher in a boot order than a secondary disk storage medium in a software RAID, and testing for a hardware failure of the primary disk storage medium during the BIOS power-on self test. The boot order of the disk storage mediums in the software RAID is automatically changed to position the secondary disk storage medium in the RAID higher in the boot order than the primary disk storage medium in response to detecting a hardware failure in the primary disk storage medium. The operating system is then booted from the disk storage medium that is highest in the boot order. A hardware failure may be detected by reading and verifying a predetermined portion of the boot partition of the disk storage medium.

Abstract: A portable communication device is equipped with a camera and visual cue detection circuitry. The visual cue detection circuitry is configured to detect visual cues embedded into images and/or products. Upon detection of an embedded visual cue, the portable communication device is configured to initiate a secondary action, such as launching a game for playing or a media file for viewing, or reporting non-genuine or counterfeit products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing multimedia content are disclosed. In an exemplary method, such as might be implemented a portable multimedia device, stored media data pre-associated with a current location of the multimedia device is retrieved. The retrieved media data is mixed with real-time sensor input collected by the multimedia device to obtain mixed media data, and the mixed media data is rendered at the multimedia device, using, for example, a display device and/or speaker devices. The retrieved media data or the real-time sensor input, or both, may comprise digital audio data, digital video data, or both.

Abstract: Methods for remotely controlling actions of a virtual world identity of a user include transmitting instructions to the virtual world identity of the user from a mobile terminal associated with a real world identity of the user. The instructions are transmitted as a voice call, a text message and/or an instant message (IM). Updated information associated with the transmitted instructions is received from the virtual world identity of the user at the mobile terminal. The updated information includes an identification of a condition triggering transmission of the updated information.

Abstract: Methods for providing a user state file enabling interactions between virtual and real world identities include determining a real world identity of a user and determining a virtual world identity of the user. An associated user designation is provided for a first and a second associated user. A real world identity and/or a virtual world identity is determined for the associated users. The first associated user has at least a real world identity and the second associated user has at least a virtual world identity. A communication history is established between the user and the first and second associated users, the communication history including communications in the real world and/or the virtual world. The user state file is generated based on the determined real world and virtual world identities of the user and the associated users and the communication history between the user and the associated users.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling reliable verification of items being purchased using a self checkout system. The self checkout system is equipped with a verification mark dispenser and verification mark detectors that respectively dispenses a mark on an item as the item is being scanned for purchasing and then verifies, by detecting the mark on the item, that the item being bagged (or passed through the tunnel) is the same item that was scanned. When a customer scans an item for purchase, and if purchase transaction is successful, a mark (made of a non-reactive but detectable material or ink) is placed on the exterior packaging of the item. When the item is placed in the tunnel, the detector, sensitive to the activation of the specific marking and located at or in the tunnel, detects the marking on the item. If the activated marking is not detected by the detector, an alert condition is triggered.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling reliable verification of items being purchased using a self checkout system. The self checkout system is equipped with a verification mark dispenser and verification mark detectors that respectively dispenses a mark on an item as the item is being scanned for purchasing and then verifies, by detecting the mark on the item, that the item being bagged (or passed through the tunnel) is the same item that was scanned. When a customer scans an item for purchase, and if purchase transaction is successful, a mark (made of a non-reactive but detectable material or ink) is placed on the exterior packaging of the item. When the item is placed in the tunnel, the detector, sensitive to the activation of the specific marking and located at or in the tunnel, detects the marking on the item. If the activated marking is not detected by the detector, an alert condition is triggered.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for detecting false purchases is disclosed. The method includes detecting a motion across a product identifier in a self-service terminal and monitoring for a product identifier. In response to failing to detect the product identifier, an alert signal is transmitted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods which facilitate use of a commercial transaction system by service employees and by customer users. The system responds to the presence and motions of a user to effectuate selection of elements for the transaction—such as selection of products or services—and validation of payment.

Abstract: File system views are created for each application executed by a user, where this user-specific view comprises operating system files needed to run the application and file system changes made with this application for this user. Changes made to the file system during execution are allowed (in accordance with the user's permissions), but by default, those changes are not visible to other applications or to other users. Optionally, a user or administrator may specify that one or more file system views are to be accessible from other views. The view-specific isolation of file system changes applies also to system files and meta-data alterations that might be made to the operating system. In one alternative approach, file system views may be created for an application without regard to individual users, where that application's view is then used for all users who execute the application.

Abstract: Associating and/or disassociating a mobile point-of-sale scanner device with a particular shopper. Shoppers may be identified, for example, using biometrics or by scanning a loyalty card. As an example of using biometrics, the shopper's fingerprint may be scanned as a trigger of the scanner is activated to scan an item's barcode. The fingerprint is preferably transmitted, along with the scanned barcode, to a server or other device for comparison to previously-stored information. The scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the fingerprint corresponds. In another embodiment, scanned loyalty card information is preferably transmitted (optionally, along with a scanned barcode), such that the scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the loyalty card corresponds.