Abstract: Examples of a system for generating and confining a compact toroid are disclosed. The system comprises a plasma generator for generating magnetized plasma, a flux conserver for receiving the compact toroid, a power source for providing current pulse and a controller for actively controlling a current profile of the pulse to keep plasma's q-profile within pre-determined range. Examples of methods of controlling a magnetic lifetime of a magnetized plasma by controlling a current profile of the current pulse are disclosed.

Abstract: A peptide attached to a nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) selectively directs the nanoparticles to neurons in a tissue or organism.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating targeted promotional offers for specific subscribers to an Internet based service. A database that stores details regarding subscriber purchases is accessed for purchased items data relating to a specific subscriber's purchases. This purchased items data is then analyzed to determine the specific subscriber's buying patterns. From this analysis of what the specific subscriber has previously purchased, a suitable item or service is determined to be offered to the specific subscriber to the Internet based service. The promotional offer may be made in conjunction with the gathering of customer or survey feedback data by way of questionnaires.

Abstract: A peptide attached to a nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) selectively directs the nanoparticles to neurons in a tissue or organism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining relative business volume for a given time frame between a specific retail establishment and other comparable retail establishments. A database storing retail transactions for multiple retail establishments is accessed for data relating to retail transactions for a specific retail establishment. These transactions are for a specific time period in question. Retail transactions for other retail establishments that are comparable to the specific retail establishment are also retrieved for the same time period. These transactions for the other establishments are then aggregated to render the data anonymous. The aggregated data is then processed on a per-retail establishment basis and compared to the data for the specific retail establishment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the processing of payments to retail establishments using mobile computing devices. A user of a mobile computer device takes a digital image of a specific bar code at a retail establishment. A token is then derived from the bar code and the token is transmitted by the device to a server with whom the device and its user are registered with. The retail establishment packages the details regarding the proposed purchase by the user along with a token derived from the same bar code. The retail establishment then sends the package to the same server. The server then checks the two tokens received and, if they match, then the server effects payment from one of the user's payment options to the retail establishment. Both the user and the retail establishment are then notified of the payment.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating targeted promotional offers for specific subscribers to an Internet based service. A database that stores details regarding subscriber purchases is accessed for purchased items data relating to a specific subscriber's purchases. This purchased items data is then analyzed to determine the specific subscriber's buying patterns. From this analysis of what the specific subscriber has previously purchased, a suitable item or service is determined to be offered to the specific subscriber to the Internet based service. The promotional offer may be made in conjunction with the gathering of customer or survey feedback data by way of questionnaires.

Abstract: An apparatus for refurbishing an elevator guide post includes at least one cutting mechanism configured to remove material along a side face of the guide post to expose a new side face. Material can be removed from two side faces of the guide post new side faces on generally opposing sides of the guide post. Replacement boards can be installed onto the new side faces so that desired dimensions of the guide post are formed.

Abstract: A spinal cage system for inserting a spinal cage assembly into a spine to separate and support adjacent spinal vertebrae, includes a first cage member; a second cage member; and an articulating mechanism adapted to connect the first cage member to the second cage member and to permit the first and second cage members to move relate to each other. An insertion instrument is adapted to capture the spinal cage assembly for insertion of the spinal cage assembly into a spine and to rotate the first and second cage members relative to each other to achieve a desired orientation in the spine.

Abstract: The present invention prompts a user to accept, install and execute unauthenticated computer applications. When the user accepts the application, information relating to the application files may be added to a prompt exclusion list (PEL). In this way, further downloads or execution of the same applications may be performed without prompting the user. The integrity of the application is checked before it is run. If the integrity does not match the stored integrity, the application is terminated. A revocation list is maintained that denies any applications on the revocation list from executing even if they contain signed certificates and are from trusted sources.

Abstract: The present invention prompts a user to accept, install and execute unauthenticated computer applications. When the user accepts the application, information relating to the application files may be added to a prompt exclusion list (PEL). In this way, further downloads or execution of the same applications may be performed without prompting the user. The integrity of the application is checked before it is run. If the integrity does not match the stored integrity, the application is terminated. A revocation list is maintained that denies any applications on the revocation list from executing even if they contain signed certificates and are from trusted sources.

Abstract: Provided are a method and system for automatically generating survey questions, receiving customer response feedback, and associating the feedback with purchase information. Purchase information is stored at the time of purchase and the customer is given an identifier for the purchase. Then, at the customer's convenience, either at the point of sale or through a networked computer, the customer can provide responses to questions that are automatically generated based on the items purchased, preferences and previous feedback. Survey questions are displayed and feedback responses are stored, analyzed and associated with purchase information in real time.