Abstract: One variation of a method for hosting a real-time sports contest includes, during a live sporting event: transmitting a contest feed to a user portal executing on a mobile device accessed by a user; and tracking a user score. The method further includes, during a pre-play window: generating a prompt to select a predicted outcome, in a set of outcomes, for execution within the live sporting event during a live-play window succeeding the pre-play window; assigning the prompt a reward value; transmitting the prompt to the user via the user portal; and, in response to receiving selection of a first predicted outcome, in the set of outcomes, assigning the first predicted outcome to the user. The method further includes, during the live-play window, in response to the first predicted outcome corresponding to an actual outcome executed during the live-play window, updating the user score based on the reward value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to allowing a more secure initial, and continuous authentication of virtual private network (VPN) tunneling. The device of the present invention contains its own microprocessor and operating system which connects to the host system via a universal serial bus (USB) or another coupling mode. The present invention involves executing and storing of the VPN software, certificates, credentials and sensors on the device, which allows for more security and manageability as opposed to executing the VPN on the host system. The device continuously authenticates the presence of the user via biometrics or the presence of second device, including a smartphone, a smartwatch, an NFC ring or a custom device with a microprocessor, via Quick Response (QR) Codes, Near-Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) proximity authentication to activate or deactivate the VPN tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to allowing a more secure initial, and continuous authentication of virtual private network (VPN) tunneling. The device of the present invention contains its own microprocessor and operating system which connects to the host system via a universal serial bus (USB) or another coupling mode. The present invention involves executing and storing of the VPN software, certificates, credentials and sensors on the device, which allows for more security and manageability as opposed to executing the VPN on the host system. The device continuously authenticates the presence of the user via biometrics or the presence of second device, including a smartphone, a smartwatch, an NFC ring or a custom device with a microprocessor, via Quick Response (QR) Codes, Near-Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) proximity authentication to activate or deactivate the VPN tunnel.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a system having an engine linked to the turbine blade of a turbocharger to generate electricity. The turbine blade is associated with a housing of the turbocharger, which housing is in fluid communication with an exhaust stream of the engine. The turbine blade is configured to be driven by the exhaust stream. A generator may be associated with the turbine blade via a shaft, wherein when the turbine blade is driven by the exhaust stream, the generator generates electricity.

Abstract: A touchpad (50) having multiple regions that may be linked to various commands or functions within a graphical user interface (GUI). Preferably, a cursor control region (54), a scroll control region (56), and a pan control region (58) are defined on the touchpad. Movement of a contact point in the cursor control region causes movement of a cursor in the GUI. Movement of a contact point in the scroll control region or the pan control region causes scrolling or panning, respectively, of the workspace in the GUI. The multiple regions may be mapped onto a single touchpad member (80) or each region identified with a separate touchpad member.