Abstract: Probes, probe blades, tools for probe blades, blade holders, and probe systems for electrically testing a device under test (DUT). In some examples, the probe blades are configured to provide a Kelvin electrical connection with the DUT. In some examples, the probe blades include an alignment structure configured to engage with a blade holder when the probe blade is received within a blade-receiving region of the blade holder. The blade holders are configured to separably and operatively attach a probe blade to a probe system. In some examples, the blade holders include the probe blade. The probe systems are configured to electrically test the DUT and include the blade holder.

Abstract: A method and system to increase life of a direct current (DC) battery that powers an electronic device is disclosed. In one embodiment the system includes a first stage to convert the DC from the battery to an alternating current (AC), and a second stage to covert the AC from the first stage to a regulated direct current.

Abstract: A method and system to increase life of a direct current (DC) battery that powers an electronic device is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting neural tissue (e.g., neurons) from anoxia and spreading depression (SD) involve inhibiting the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) pathway. It was discovered that the PKG pathway plays a crucial role in regulating SD and tolerance to anoxia in the central nervous system (CNS). Inhibition of the PKG pathway greatly reduces SD and increases tolerance to anoxia (i.e., hypoxia), while activation of the pathway exacerbates SD pathology. The compositions and methods can be used to treat any condition associated with SD or anoxia, including stroke, spinal cord injury, neurogenerative disease, dizziness, headaches, and migraines.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting neural tissue (e.g., neurons) from anoxia and spreading depression (SD) involve inhibiting the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) pathway. It was discovered that the PKG pathway plays a crucial role in regulating SD and tolerance to anoxia in the central nervous system (CNS). Inhibition of the PKG pathway greatly reduces SD and increases tolerance to anoxia (i.e., hypoxia), while activation of the pathway exacerbates SD pathology. The compositions and methods can be used to treat any condition associated with SD or anoxia, including stroke, spinal cord injury, neurogenerative disease, dizziness, headaches, and migraines.

Abstract: A system to automatically block a telephone number is provided. The system, in one example embodiment, comprises a detecting module to detect a refused telephone call; a counter to be adjusted (e.g., incremented) in response to the refused telephone call; a processing module to determine a value of the counter; and a blocking module to block the telephone number based on the value of the counter. The counter is incremented in response to each refused telephone call.

Abstract: A method is described to verify the identity of a user. The method, in one example embodiment, comprises obtaining automatic number identification (ANI) data or billing telephone number (BTN) data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunications network; obtaining identification data associated with a subscriber, said identification data being different from the ANI data or the BTN data; searching a first database using the ANI data or the BTN data to determine first reference subscriber data; searching a second database using the identification data to determine second reference subscriber data; comparing the first reference subscriber data to the second reference subscriber data; and verifying an identity of the subscriber based on the comparing.

Abstract: A method of, and system for, processing payment for a transaction is provided. The method includes providing a user with an option to select payment for the transaction from an account associated with a communication line via which an electronic terminal is connected to a communication network. The communication line is typically a subscriber line and, accordingly, the account is a telephone account associated with the subscriber line. When a user transacts with a vendor for goods and/or services, the user may request to process payment using the telephone account instead of using a credit or debit card. The method includes investigating data using the telephone number associated with the subscriber line and, selectively approving the transaction dependent upon an outcome of the investigation. The invention extends to a transaction processor interface and to and a transaction validation module. The invention also extends to computer program products including the invention.

Abstract: A method is described of providing validation data associated with a subscriber line of a telecommunication network using a validation system. The method includes obtaining line data of the subscriber line wherein the line data is suitable for interrogating a line identification database (LIDB). The method interrogates the LIDB with the line data to obtain reference subscriber data associated with the line data, and processes the reference subscriber data to obtain validation data associated with the subscriber line. The method includes identifying a local exchange carrier (LEC) associated with the subscriber line to determine if a billing arrangement exists between the validation system and the LEC. The invention extends to a subscriber line validation system to validate a subscriber line of a communication network.

Abstract: A method of, and system for, processing payment for a transaction is provided. The method includes providing a user with an option to select payment for the transaction from an account associated with a communication line via which an electronic terminal is connected to a communication network. The communication line is typically a subscriber line and, accordingly, the account is a telephone account associated with the subscriber line. When a user transacts with a vendor for goods and/or services, the user may request to process payment using the telephone account instead of using a credit or debit card. The method includes investigating data using the telephone number associated with the subscriber line and, selectively approving the transaction dependent upon an outcome of the investigation. The invention extends to a transaction processor interface and to and a transaction validation module. The invention also extends to computer program products including the invention.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing the internet on a per-time basis, through an Internet service provider (ISP), includes an access station. Application software is provided to an electronic terminal, from which Internet access may be attempted. Upon initiation of the application, the access station is dialed, and a number of processing steps serve as a precondition to permitting the electronic terminal to access the Internet through the Internet service provider. In particular, upon an initial attempt to access the Internet, the access station sets up an account in which the telephone number from which access is attempted is utilized for subsequent billing purposes. The access station further determines whether the telephone number from which access is desired is within an acceptable network, is associated with an undesirable credit risk, and is a valid telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing the Internet on a per-time basis, through an Internet service provider (ISP), includes an access station. Application software is provided to an electronic terminal, from which Internet access may be attempted. Upon initiation of the application, the access station is dialed, and a number of processing steps serve as a precondition to permitting the electronic terminal to access the Internet through the Internet service provider. In particular, upon an initial attempt to access the Internet, the access station sets up an account in which the telephone number from which access is attempted is utilized for subsequent billing purposes. The access station further determines whether the telephone number from which access is desired is-within an acceptable network, is associated with an undesirable credit risk, and is a valid telephone number.