Abstract: A system and method for authenticating identity during a financial transaction based, in part, on dynamic biometric factors such as body temperature, heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood sugar, vein pattern, skin pore pattern, and voice recognition. The biometric values are captured, aggregated, and patterned over time to create a unique biometric profile. When a transaction is initiated, current biometric values are captured and compared to the biometric patterns, and a biometric authentication determination is made based on the results. An overall identity authentication score is generated based on a combination of the biometric authentication determination and other identity authentication determinations such as a purchase pattern authentication determination or a location authentication determination. An identity authentication determination is made based on the overall identity authentication score and communicated to the merchant.

Abstract: A financial account proxy system receives a data packet from a first cardholder device. The data packet includes a limited use machine-readable code, receiver information corresponding to a second cardholder device, and one or more limitations. The machine-readable code, receiver information, and limitations are stored. The machine-readable code is associated with a primary account number of a financial account of the primary cardholder. A pre-authorization request message is transmitted to an issuer of the financial account, and pre-authorization details are received from the issuer. The limited use machine-readable code is transmitted to the second cardholder device. A transaction request authorization message is received from a POS terminal. The transaction request authorization message is associated with a transaction performed with the machine-readable code. The transaction request authorization message includes transaction details and the machine-readable code.

Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes container sections, each having a frame. A latch mechanism retains the frames against an infrastructure substrate. The latch mechanism has: a spring latch, latch receiver, and retaining hook. The container sections are movable between unlatched and latched positions. When unlatched, the container sections are movable relative to the substrate and when latched the frames of the container sections are retained in contact with mounting points of the substrate via the latch mechanism. The spring latch and the latch engage one another when the container sections are in the latched position, and the retaining hook engages with the frame to rotatably retain the frame. The spring latch and retaining hook include mounting flanges that are selectively slidably and fixedly mountable to mounting points of the infrastructure substrate in one or more positions defined by a size of the container sections.

Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes a first container section and a second container section, each of the first and second container sections having a structural frame. A blocking frame is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle cargo compartment. A latch mechanism selectively retains the structural frame of each of the first and second container sections in contact with the blocking frame. A position sensor is in communication with a position indicator. The position sensor detects a position of the first and second container sections relative to the blocking frame. The position indicator indicates a position of the first and second container sections relative to the blocking frame. A plurality of casters affixed to a bottom surface of the first and second container sections allows the first and second container sections to roll over the floor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using light switches to control lighting and other functions are disclosed. Each switch may be a manual switch that is mounted to a wall. A biasing device may be positioned proximate each switch. When a user moves the switch out of a first position and into a second position or toward a second position, the delivery of household power to one or more light units may be interrupted. However, when the user releases the switch, the biasing device may provide an immediate automatic return of the manual switch to the first position. The resulting short interruption in household power may be used as a signal for controlling operation of the one or more light units and/or other electronic devices installed at one or more lighting sites corresponding to the switch.

Abstract: A spring return cartridge for a rotary actuated valve includes a torsion spring having a spring-loaded intermediate portion extending between first and second end portions and a spring carrier sleeved with the torsion spring. The spring carrier includes a first portion rotationally fixed with the first end portion of the torsion spring, and a second portion rotatably coupled with the second end portion of the torsion spring, such that the second end portion of the torsion spring is rotatable with respect to the spring carrier, and with respect to the first end portion of the torsion spring, between first and second rotational limit positions, with the intermediate portion of the torsion spring biasing the torsion spring second end portion to the first rotational limit position and maintaining a spring-loaded condition in the first rotational limit position.

Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes a storage container having first and second sections. The first section defines a first partial volume of storage space and the second section defines a second partial volume of storage space. The system further includes a lock mechanism with a lock arm, lock handle, and pivot shaft defining an axis of rotation. The lock arm and handle are fixed for common rotation with the pivot shaft. The arm extends radially outward from the pivot shaft to a roller assembly. A lock track is disposed within the second section and extends from a fluted open portion to a closed end, with a continuous track portion disposed therebetween. The first and second sections are movable between at least closed and open positions. In the closed position, the roller assembly engages with the lock track and retains the first section in contact with the second portion.

Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes a storage container having first and second sections. The first section defines a first partial volume of storage space and the second section defines a second partial volume of storage space. The system further includes a lock mechanism with a lock arm, lock handle, and pivot shaft defining an axis of rotation. The lock arm and handle are fixed for common rotation with the pivot shaft. The arm extends radially outward from the pivot shaft to a roller assembly. A lock track is disposed within the second section and extends from a fluted open portion to a closed end, with a continuous track portion disposed therebetween. The first and second sections are movable between at least closed and open positions. In the closed position, the roller assembly engages with the lock track and retains the first section in contact with the second portion.

Abstract: A variety of active units that sense environmental variables and take various actions are described. In one embodiment, an active unit includes at least one sensor to detect a change in an environmental variable and generate a sensor signal and an action module configured to influence the environmental. The active unit may also include a communication module and a processor module configured to accept the sensor signal and determine if the environmental variable exceeds a threshold and to instruct the action module not to take action to influence the environmental variable, and instruct the communication module to transmit a signal to other active units that the environmental variable has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: A variety of active units that sense environmental variables and take various actions are described. In one embodiment, an active unit includes at least one sensor to detect a change in an environmental variable and generate a sensor signal and an action module configured to influence the environmental. The active unit may also include a communication module and a processor module configured to accept the sensor signal and determine if the environmental variable exceeds a threshold and to instruct the action module not to take action to influence the environmental variable, and instruct the communication module to transmit a signal to other active units that the environmental variable has exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: A guard assembly can be positionable in an installed position between a first roller and a second roller of a roller conveyor system. The guard assembly can include a first frame having a first contour shaped for receiving at least a portion of the first roller. The guard assembly can further include a second frame having a second contour shaped for receiving at least a portion of the second roller. The guard assembly can also include a biaser between the first frame and the second frame so as to urge the first frame toward the first roller and the second frame toward the second roller in the installed position.

Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes a first container section and a second container section, each of the first and second container sections having a structural frame. A blocking frame is sized and shaped to fit within a vehicle cargo compartment. A latch mechanism selectively retains the structural frame of each of the first and second container sections in contact with the blocking frame. A position sensor is in communication with a position indicator. The position sensor detects a position of the first and second container sections relative to the blocking frame. The position indicator indicates a position of the first and second container sections relative to the blocking frame. A plurality of casters affixed to a bottom surface of the first and second container sections allows the first and second container sections to roll over the floor.

Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes a storage container having first and second sections. The first section defines a first partial volume of storage space and the second section defines a second partial volume of storage space. The system further includes a lock mechanism with a lock arm, lock handle, and pivot shaft defining an axis of rotation. The lock arm and handle are fixed for common rotation with the pivot shaft. The arm extends radially outward from the pivot shaft to a roller assembly. A lock track is disposed within the second section and extends from a fluted open portion to a closed end, with a continuous track portion disposed therebetween. The first and second sections are movable between at least closed and open positions. In the closed position, the roller assembly engages with the lock track and retains the first section in contact with the second portion.

Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes a storage container having first and second sections. The first section defines a first partial volume of storage space and the second section defines a second partial volume of storage space. The system further includes a lock mechanism with a lock arm, lock handle, and pivot shaft defining an axis of rotation. The lock arm and handle are fixed for common rotation with the pivot shaft. The arm extends radially outward from the pivot shaft to a roller assembly. A lock track is disposed within the second section and extends from a fluted open portion to a closed end, with a continuous track portion disposed therebetween. The first and second sections are movable between at least closed and open positions. In the closed position, the roller assembly engages with the lock track and retains the first section in contact with the second portion.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems are provided. An ultrasound system according to some embodiments includes a console configured to selectively communicate with a first ultrasound imaging device and a second ultrasound imaging device. The console includes a housing, a computing device disposed within the housing, and a connector receptacle assembly coupled to the housing. The connector receptacle assembly includes a first connector bank including a first plurality of electrical connections; and a second connector bank including a second plurality of electrical connections. The connector receptacle assembly is selectively matable to a first connector of the first ultrasound imaging device via only the first connector bank and to a second connector of the second ultrasound imaging device via the first and second connector banks.

Abstract: Front-end circuitry for an ultrasound system comprises a beamformer FPGA integrated circuit, transmit ICs with both pulse transmitters and linear waveform transmitters and T/R switches, transmit control and receiver ICs, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) ICs. Only the transmit ICs require high voltages, and the transmit/receive switches are integrated in the transmit ICs, isolating the receiver ICs from high voltages. The transmitters can be trimmed to adjust the pulse rise and fall rates, enabling the transmission of pulses with low harmonic frequency content and thus better harmonic images.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission is disclosed, with a transmission apparatus which includes a planetary gear set having a ring gear and a sun gear. The variable speed transmission further includes a primary engine for powering the sun gear, a braking device engaging the ring gear, and a controller configured to alter the rotational speed of the ring gear by adjusting the braking device.

Abstract: Front-end circuitry for an ultrasound system comprises a beamformer FPGA integrated circuit, transmit ICs with both pulse transmitters and linear waveform transmitters and T/R switches, transmit control and receiver ICs, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) ICs. Only the transmit ICs require high voltages, and the transmit/receive switches are integrated in the transmit ICs, isolating the receiver ICs from high voltages. The transmitters can be trimmed to adjust the pulse rise and fall rates, enabling the transmission of pulses with low harmonic frequency content and thus better harmonic images.

Abstract: Front-end circuitry for an ultrasound system is described which comprises a beamformer FPGA integrated circuit, transmit ICs with both pulse transmitters and linear waveform transmitters, transmit control and receiver ICs, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) ICs. Waveform data for both the linear and pulser transmitters is stored in the transmit control and receiver ICs, saving pins on the FPGA, which is the conventional source of this data. The ADCs couple digital echo data to the FPGA for beamforming over serial bus lines, saving additional FPGA pins over a conventional parallel data arrangement. The inclusion of both pulser and linear waveform transmit capabilities in the transmit ICs enables the use of both types of transmitters in the formation of a multi-mode image, such as use of the pulsers for Doppler beams and linear transmitters for B mode beams in the formation of a colorflow image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using light switches to control lighting and other functions are disclosed. Each switch may be a manual switch that is mounted to a wall. A biasing device may be positioned proximate each switch. When a user moves the switch out of a first position and into a second position or toward a second position, the delivery of household power to one or more light units may be interrupted. However, when the user releases the switch, the biasing device may provide an immediate automatic return of the manual switch to the first position. The resulting short interruption in household power may be used as a signal for controlling operation of the one or more light units and/or other electronic devices installed at one or more lighting sites corresponding to the switch.