Abstract: A service uses a system of servers and specialized interfaces to facilitate transfer of value from a gift card to an open loop card of a user. The service may support user-facing interfaces that interact with customers. The service may also support an API-based interface with a gift card processor to obtain gift card value, effect the value transfer, and confirm that the gift card value has been depleted. The service may also include a programmatic interface to various transaction processor services such as associating the transferred value with a personal account number of the user, a merchant associated with the original gift card, transaction monitoring, and messaging services that provide status information to the user.

Abstract: A processing system for fuel transactions analyzes transactions for symbols indicating a purchase amount and directs information about the purchase to a loyalty platform. The loyalty platform may identify and communicate in real time or near real time with a personal device associated with the purchaser of the fuel. A user interface of the personal device may allow the purchaser to review and select options for processing the fuel purchase using value from a loyalty program account. The selected option may be used to modify fuel purchase parameters prior to settlement of the transaction or simply add points to the user loyalty program account.

Abstract: A processing system for fuel transactions analyzes transactions for symbols indicating a purchase amount and directs information about the purchase to a loyalty platform. The loyalty platform may identify and communicate in real time or near real time with a personal device associated with the purchaser of the fuel. A user interface of the personal device may allow the purchaser to review and select options for processing the fuel purchase using value from a loyalty program account. The selected option may be used to modify fuel purchase parameters prior to settlement of the transaction or simply add points to the user loyalty program account.

Abstract: A processing system for fuel transactions analyzes transactions for symbols indicating a purchase amount and directs information about the purchase to a loyalty platform. The loyalty platform may identify and communicate in real time or near real time with a personal device associated with the purchaser of the fuel. A user interface of the personal device may allow the purchaser to review and select options for processing the fuel purchase using value from a loyalty program account. The selected option may be used to modify fuel purchase parameters prior to settlement of the transaction or simply add points to the user loyalty program account.

Abstract: A processing system for fuel transactions analyzes transactions for symbols indicating a purchase amount and directs information about the purchase to a loyalty platform. The loyalty platform may identify and communicate in real time or near real time with a personal device associated with the purchaser of the fuel. A user interface of the personal device may allow the purchaser to review and select options for processing the fuel purchase using value from a loyalty program account. The selected option may be used to modify fuel purchase parameters prior to settlement of the transaction or simply add points to the user loyalty program account.

Abstract: A processing system for fuel transactions analyzes transactions for symbols indicating a purchase amount and directs information about the purchase to a loyalty platform. The loyalty platform may identify and communicate in real time or near real time with a personal device associated with the purchaser of the fuel. A user interface of the personal device may allow the purchaser to review and select options for processing the fuel purchase using value from a loyalty program account. The selected option may be used to modify fuel purchase parameters prior to settlement of the transaction or simply add points to the user loyalty program account.

Abstract: A processing system for fuel transactions analyzes transactions for symbols indicating a purchase amount and directs information about the purchase to a loyalty platform. The loyalty platform may identify and communicate in real time or near real time with a personal device associated with the purchaser of the fuel. A user interface of the personal device may allow the purchaser to review and select options for processing the fuel purchase using value from a loyalty program account. The selected option may be used to modify fuel purchase parameters prior to settlement of the transaction or simply add points to the user loyalty program account.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an outer cannula having a distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a sharp bevel facilitating insertion of the needle assembly into a subject. The needle assembly further includes an inner cannula slidably disposed coaxially in the lumen of the outer cannula and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inner cannula having a blunt distal end portion extending beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula whenever the inner cannula is in the extended position. The needle assembly further includes a bias coupled to the inner cannula in a manner favoring automatic positioning of the inner cannula at the extended position. The needle assembly includes a valve located in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula to allow fluid to exit the subject through the inner cannula, and to prevent ingress of fluid into the subject.

Abstract: A service uses a system of servers and specialized interfaces to facilitate transfer of value from a gift card to an open loop card of a user. The service may support user-facing interfaces that interact with customers. The service may also support an API-based interface with a gift card processor to obtain gift card value, effect the value transfer, and confirm that the gift card value has been depleted. The service may also include a programmatic interface to various transaction processor services such as associating the transferred value with a personal account number of the user, a merchant associated with the original gift card, transaction monitoring, and messaging services that provide status information to the user.

Abstract: A systems of servers and algorithms allows merchants to refund value, for example, for refunds on returned goods or for other customer satisfaction reasons. The system receives the request for credit from a merchant refund session as well as a target financial instrument associated with the customer receiving the credit. The system then creates a specialized monitor for the customer's transactions to identify transactions made with that merchant and applies the previously credited funds for purchases made at the merchant. These credits may be made in real time at the register during a purchase or via a statement credit. The credit may also be applied to partner brands associated with the merchant by expanding the scope of the monitor.

Abstract: A system of servers and algorithms allows merchants to award value to a customer when certain criteria have been met, such as buy $100 worth of clothing and get a $20 credit toward a future purchase. Unlike a gift card, the funding for the award is held by the merchant until the award is used, at which time the award funds are transferred to the user's designated account, such as an open loop credit or debit card.

Abstract: A service uses a system of servers and specialized interfaces to facilitate transfer of value from a gift card to an open loop card of a user. The service may support user-facing interfaces that interact with customers. The service may also support an API-based interface with a gift card processor to obtain gift card value, effect the value transfer, and confirm that the gift card value has been depleted. The service may also include a programmatic interface to various transaction processor services such as associating the transferred value with a personal account number of the user, a merchant associated with the original gift card, transaction monitoring, and messaging services that provide status information to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating tension pneumothorax. A needle assembly may include an outer cannula defining a lumen and having a distal end portion with a sharp bevel, and an inner cannula slidably-disposed through the lumen of the outer cannula. The inner cannula moves between an extended and retracted position and includes a blunt distal end portion configured to extend beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula when the inner cannula is in the extended position. The blunt distal end portion can retract within the lumen of the outer cannula when the inner cannula is in the retracted position, thereby exposing the sharp bevel. The needle assembly further includes a bias disposed inside the housing and coupled to the inner cannula. A proximal end portion of the inner cannula is configured to extend through the housing when the inner cannula is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes an outer cannula having a distal end portion, the distal end portion comprising a sharp bevel facilitating insertion of the needle assembly into a subject. The needle assembly further includes an inner cannula slidably disposed coaxially in the lumen of the outer cannula and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inner cannula having a blunt distal end portion extending beyond the sharp bevel of the outer cannula whenever the inner cannula is in the extended position. The needle assembly further includes a bias coupled to the inner cannula in a manner favoring automatic positioning of the inner cannula at the extended position. The needle assembly includes a valve located in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula to allow fluid to exit the subject through the inner cannula, and to prevent ingress of fluid into the subject.

Abstract: A system of servers and algorithms allows merchants to receive value on behalf of a customer as a gift from a third party or for the merchant to proactively award value to the customer. The system receives an indication of credit sponsored by the merchant for a personal account number (PAN) of the customer. The system then creates a specialized monitor for the customer's transactions to identify transactions meeting certain criteria, including merchant, and applies the credited funds for the purchases. These credits may be made in real time at the register during a purchase or via a statement credit when the customer's bill is processed. The scope of the monitoring process may be expanded to partner brands or co-marketing partners. As the funds are applied, the system generates a settlement message to transfer funds from the merchant to an issuer associated with the PAN or other clearinghouse.

Abstract: A service uses a system of servers and specialized interfaces to facilitate transfer of value from a gift card to an open loop card of a user. The service may support user-facing interfaces that interact with customers. The service may also support an API-based interface with a gift card processor to obtain gift card value, effect the value transfer, and confirm that the gift card value has been depleted. The service may also include a programmatic interface to various transaction processor services such as associating the transferred value with a personal account number of the user, a merchant associated with the original gift card, transaction monitoring, and messaging services that provide status information to the user.

Abstract: A system of servers and algorithms allows merchants to award value to a customer when certain criteria have been met, such as buy $100 worth of clothing and get a $20 credit toward a future purchase. Unlike a gift card, the funding for the award is held by the merchant until the award is used, at which time the award funds are transferred to the user's designated account, such as an open loop credit or debit card.

Abstract: A systems of servers and algorithms allows merchants to refund value, for example, for refunds on returned goods or for other customer satisfaction reasons. The system receives the request for credit from a merchant refund session as well as a target financial instrument associated with the customer receiving the credit. The system then creates a specialized monitor for the customer's transactions to identify transactions made with that merchant and applies the previously credited funds for purchases made at the merchant. These credits may be made in real time at the register during a purchase or via a statement credit. The credit may also be applied to partner brands associated with the merchant by expanding the scope of the monitor.

Abstract: A manually operable pump for the effective removal of fluids to include blood, blood clots, fluid, and air from a body cavity of a subject is provided. The manually operable pump is adapted to be connect to a range of fluid conduits and is equipped with one-way valves that effectively permit flow of fluid through the pump in only one direction. The sensitivity of the one-way valves is such that when properly positioned, fluid can flow through the valves and out of the pump without manual compression of the pump and with the aid of gravity power alone.

Abstract: A manually operable pump for the effective removal of fluids to include blood, blood clots, fluid, and air from a body cavity of a subject is provided. The manually operable pump is adapted to be connect to a range of fluid conduits and is equipped with one-way valves that effectively permit flow of fluid through the pump in only one direction. The sensitivity of the one-way valves is such that when properly positioned, fluid can flow through the valves and out of the pump without manual compression of the pump and with the aid of gravity power alone.