Abstract: An aerial vehicle includes an airframe; vertical propulsion units, and a controller. The vertical propulsion units are mounted to the airframe and include propellers oriented to provide vertical propulsion to the aerial vehicle. The vertical propulsion units are physically organized in quadrants on the airframe with each of the quadrants including two or more of the vertical propulsion units. The controller is coupled to the vertical propulsion units to control operation of the vertical propulsion units. At least two of the vertical propulsion units in each of the quadrants are adapted to counter-rotate from each other during flight of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems that can help an aerial transport service provider (ATSP) determine how to distribute and redistribute unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) amongst a plurality of UAV deployment stations located throughout a geographic area. In accordance with example embodiments, the ATSP system can take one or more performance metrics for item providers into account when determining how much UAV transport capacity to allocate to different item providers for a given time period. The ATSP can then determine how to distribute UAVs amongst different UAV nests in advance of and/or during the given time period, such that each item provider's allocated UAV transport capacity is available from the UAV nest or nest(s) that serve each item provider during the given time period.

Abstract: A system and method for providing behavior-based credit availability is presented. The described systems and methods may allow for a financial institution to raise a customer's credit line access beyond an initial amount without re-checking a customer's ability to pay. To this end, a customer may be pre-qualified for a credit limit up to a certain amount, but be granted line access to only a portion of that amount. If pre-established behavioral requirements are met, the customer may then receive line access to more of the pre-qualified line of credit, up to the full amount of the pre-qualified credit limit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a device (1) and method for performing steps of a multi-step process in parallel. The device (1) and method feature a rotor assembly (13) having vessel stations (33) and stator assembly (15) having work positions. The rotor assembly (13) rotates the vessels (17) to the work stations to perform steps of a multi-step process at the same time.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve piston and/or plug that exudes silicone oil when stressed or squeezed while providing antimicrobial agents within and on the surface of the piston and/or plug. The pliant valve piston may have an integrally formed plug and one or more ports or a separately formed plug located inside a plastic housing. The plug cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port or a Luer inlet, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.

Abstract: Techniques for providing pre-qualified and guaranteed financial products are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a computer-implemented method for providing a guaranteed financial product to a customer. The computer-implemented method may include receiving, from a communications device, customer information associated with a user. The computer-implemented method may also include determining, using a financial institution communications device, a credit score and an assessment of the credit-worthiness of the user based on the customer information. The computer-implemented method may further include outputting, to the communications device, the credit score and the assessment of the credit-worthiness of the user.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve piston and/or plug that exudes silicone oil when stressed or squeezed while providing antimicrobial agents within and on the surface of the piston and/or plug. The pliant valve piston may have an integrally formed plug and one or more ports or a separately formed plug located inside a plastic housing. The plug cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port or a Luer inlet, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve piston and/or plug that exudes silicone oil when stressed or squeezed while providing antimicrobial agents within and on the surface of the piston and/or plug. The pliant valve piston may have an integrally formed plug and one or more ports or a separately formed plug located inside a plastic housing. The plug cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port or a Luer inlet, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve piston and/or plug that exudes silicone oil when stressed or squeezed while providing antimicrobial agents within and on the surface of the piston and/or plug. The pliant valve piston may have an integrally formed plug and one or more ports or a separately formed plug located inside a plastic housing. The plug cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port or a Luer inlet, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.

Abstract: A screw assembly for use with an electrical connector securing a conductor includes a threaded body configured to be releasably coupled to a coupling portion of the connector. A contacting structure includes a plate spaced from the threaded body and has a flat contacting surface configured for contacting the conductor. The plate is coupled to the threaded body. The plate is rotatable relative to the threaded body when the threaded body is coupled to the coupling portion of the connector. The plate is restricted from movement away from said threaded body when the threaded body is not coupled to the coupling portion of the connector. A spacer may be positioned between the plate and the threaded body and is configured to urge the plate away from the threaded body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the activation and use of a temporary financial card are provided. A customer may cause a temporary financial card to be activated and associated with a value, and may give the card to a recipient who may use the temporary financial card to conduct financial transactions.

Abstract: A screw assembly for use with an electrical connector securing a conductor includes a threaded body configured to be releasably coupled to a coupling portion of the connector. A contacting structure includes a plate spaced from the threaded body and has a flat contacting surface configured for contacting the conductor. The plate is coupled to the threaded body. The plate is rotatable relative to the threaded body when the threaded body is coupled to the coupling portion of the connector. The plate is restricted from movement away from said threaded body when the threaded body is not coupled to the coupling portion of the connector. A spacer may be positioned between the plate and the threaded body and is configured to urge the plate away from the threaded body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a device (1) and method for performing steps of a multi-step process in parallel. The device (1) and method feature a rotor assembly (13) having vessel stations (33) and stator assembly (15) having work positions. The rotor assembly (13) rotates the vessels (17) to the work stations to perform steps of a multi-step process at the same time.

Abstract: A system for thermometry-based breast assessment has an analog electronic sensor and an adjustable mechanical harness. In order to sample breast surface temperature, and to collect, store, and display data relating thereto, the system has remote data-logging control. The system allows breast temperatures to be measured, with great accuracy and reliability, for selected periods for up to seven days at any desired rational sampling rate. Collected breast surface temperature data may then be uploaded into a computer for elaboration using a dedicated computer program. Breast surface temperatures may be measured at a specific point during the menstrual cycle, determined by progesterone levels in the urine when the system is used to determine the risk of breast cancer occurring later in women who do not currently have the disease or it may be used at other times for other purposes.