Abstract: A needle apparatus for making a pinning hole in a composite material, the apparatus having a needle with a longitudinal axis, a collar fixed about the needle, a motor having an axis of rotation, and being fixed to the needle such that the needle can be rotated by the motor, the motor and the collar being situated within a motor housing, the motor housing having a first bush, and a second bush, wherein the collar is positioned between the first bush and second bush so as to prevent the needle from moving away from or towards the motor, but allow the needle to rotate freely around its longitudinal axis, wherein each needle apparatus further comprises a linear actuator connected to the motor such that the motor can be moved along the axis of rotation of the motor by the linear actuator.

Abstract: Encrypted information retrieval can include generating a database that is partitioned into shards each having a shard identifier, and database entries in each shard that are partitioned into buckets having a bucket identifier. A batch of client-encrypted queries are received. The batch of client-encrypted queries are processed using a set of server-encrypted data stored in a database. The processing includes grouping the client-encrypted queries according to shard identifiers of the client-encrypted queries, executing multiple queries in the group of client-encrypted queries for the shard together in a batch execution process, and generating multiple server-encrypted results to the multiple queries in the group of client-encrypted queries. The multiple server-encrypted results for each shard are transmitted to the client device.

Abstract: An end-user device operable in a retail store records a voice conversation held in the retail store. The recording is transmitted to a server for comparing it to recordings of other conversations from a plurality of other retail stores. The server makes a recommendation based on the comparing. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to an analytics system that collects real-time metrics data for various virtual or physical retail stores associated with a plurality of contact centers. The system performs real-time analytics of the collected metrics data for identifying a product or service. The processor modifies, based on the real-time analytics, a prior service or product to be offered by a particular retail store, with the identified service or product. The processor pushes the modified service or product for display on the end-user device use in the particular retail store.

Abstract: A payment card processing system and method includes a computing device in communication with a multi-party payment processing system and network for processing payment card transactions. The computing device accepts a foreign currency deposit into a virtual foreign currency account linked to a cardholder account designated for payment in a home currency, receives payment card transaction data, identifies a foreign exchange transaction between the cardholder and a merchant designated for payment in a foreign currency, and applies at least a portion of the foreign currency deposit in the virtual foreign currency account to satisfy the payment for the transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for collecting and analyzing data from a plurality of contact center tenants. A processor collects from a plurality of source devices over a data communication network, real-time metrics data for a plurality of contact centers. The real-time metrics data relates to a plurality of contact center factors. The processor stores the collected real-time metrics data in the data store, and generates benchmark data based on the collected real-time metrics data. The processor determines, for a particular contact center of the plurality of contact centers, performance of the contact center relative to the benchmark data. The processor further outputs a recommendation based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method of activating a payment card for use by a user are provided, wherein a processor associated with a network node is operated to: receive an indication of an identity of the payment card; associate the payment card identity with a first payment rule; receive registration information pertaining to the user; and responsive to determining that the registration information meets a predefined criterion, operating the processor to associate the payment card identity with a second payment rule different to the first payment rule.

Abstract: An end-user device operable in a retail store records a voice conversation held in the retail store. The recording is transmitted to a server for comparing it to recordings of other conversations from a plurality of other retail stores. The server makes a recommendation based on the comparing. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to an analytics system that collects real-time metrics data for various virtual or physical retail stores associated with a plurality of contact centers. The system performs real-time analytics of the collected metrics data for identifying a product or service. The processor modifies, based on the real-time analytics, a prior service or product to be offered by a particular retail store, with the identified service or product. The processor pushes the modified service or product for display on the end-user device use in the particular retail store.

Abstract: An end-user device operable in a retail store records a voice conversation held in the retail store. The recording is transmitted to a server for comparing it to recordings of other conversations from a plurality of other retail stores. The server makes a recommendation based on the comparing. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to an analytics system that collects real-time metrics data for various virtual or physical retail stores associated with a plurality of contact centers. The system performs real-time analytics of the collected metrics data for identifying a product or service. The processor modifies, based on the real-time analytics, a prior service or product to be offered by a particular retail store, with the identified service or product. The processor pushes the modified service or product for display on the end-user device use in the particular retail store.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating a customer's anonymous online experience and associating it to the customer once the customer is known. A server monitors and aggregates data on anonymous interactions between a customer and a website. The collected data is stored in a data store in association with a code. The server detects occurrence of a trigger event as the data is collected, and the code is provided to the customer in response to detecting the trigger event. When the customer presents the code at the retail store, a retail store device sends a message including the code to the server. The retail store device also provides other identification information of the customer. The server may then associate the anonymous data to customer based on the identification information.

Abstract: A vapor conduit for use in an apparatus for bulk vapor phase crystal growth, an apparatus for bulk vapor phase crystal growth, and a process for bulk vapor phase crystal growth are described. The vapor conduit is a flow conduit defining a passage means adapted for transport of vapor from a source volume to a growth volume, wherein a flow restrictor is provided in the passage means between the source volume and the growth volume and wherein the flow conduit further comprises a flow director structured to direct vapor flow downstream of the flow restrictor away from a longitudinal center line of the conduit and for example towards an edge of the conduit.

Abstract: The single use atomizer retains the look, feel, heft, and operation of the multi-use atomizers preferred by most doctors by replacing the standard multi-dose reservoir with a modified reservoir and shortening the inlet tube. The modified reservoir is equipped to accept a single-dose receptacle and with means to associate the single-dose receptacle with the standard nozzle, applicator, and trigger.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an invention comprising a treatment regime for chronic sinusitis. The regime includes destruction of biofilm and prevention of its formation achieved by a series of applications of compositions that comprise phenol, phenolic, or polyphenolic compounds as a contact/topical application to sinus membranes/tissue. The compositions may comprise phenolic or other compounds sourced naturally. Over-the-counter therapeutic use or in-office application or therapy are all possible implementations.

Abstract: According to one aspect there is provided a prepaid currency card (PPCC) vending machine comprising: PPCC storage; an electronic point of sale terminal (POS) configured to take payment from a user and initiate transmission of a payment received message, said message comprising a payment identification code (PIC); a controller configured to receive said payment received message; a card identifier configured to read an identification code (ID) of a PPCC held in a position in PPCC storage which is next to be dispensed from; a PPCC dispenser configured to dispense a PPCC from said PPCC storage in response to receipt of a dispense command from said controller; and a transmitter configured to transmit said PIC together with said card ID to a card issuer server. According to a second aspect there is provided a method for issuing a PPCC from such a vending machine.

Abstract: A system and method of activating a payment card for use by a user are provided, wherein a processor associated with a network node is operated to: receive an indication of an identity of the payment card; associate the payment card identity with a first payment rule; receive registration information pertaining to the user; and responsive to determining that the registration information meets a predefined criterion, operating the processor to associate the payment card identity with a second payment rule different to the first payment rule.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating a customer's anonymous online experience and associating it to the customer once the customer is known. A server monitors and aggregates data on anonymous interactions between a customer and a website. The collected data is stored in a data store in association with a code. The server detects occurrence of a trigger event as the data is collected, and the code is provided to the customer in response to detecting the trigger event. When the customer presents the code at the retail store, a retail store device sends a message including the code to the server. The retail store device also provides other identification information of the customer. The server may then associate the anonymous data to customer based on the identification information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for collecting and analyzing data from a plurality of contact center tenants. A processor collects from a plurality of source devices over a data communication network, real-time metrics data for a plurality of contact centers. The real-time metrics data relates to a plurality of contact center factors. The processor stores the collected real-time metrics data in the data store, and generates benchmark data based on the collected real-time metrics data. The processor determines, for a particular contact center of the plurality of contact centers, performance of the contact center relative to the benchmark data. The processor further outputs a recommendation based on the comparison.

Abstract: An end-user device operable in a retail store records a voice conversation held in the retail store. The recording is transmitted to a server for comparing it to recordings of other conversations from a plurality of other retail stores. The server makes a recommendation based on the comparing. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to an analytics system that collects real-time metrics data for various virtual or physical retail stores associated with a plurality of contact centers. The system performs real-time analytics of the collected metrics data for identifying a product or service. The processor modifies, based on the real-time analytics, a prior service or product to be offered by a particular retail store, with the identified service or product. The processor pushes the modified service or product for display on the end-user device use in the particular retail store.

Abstract: A method of calibration of a dataset for spectroscopically resolved radiation scanning, comprising the steps of: generating an apparatus condition specific calibration dataset of emergent radiation intensity information generated after interaction in the scanning zone of at least one standard object spectroscopically resolved into a plurality of frequency bands; providing a transferable database comprising a dataset of transferable data items of emergent intensity information for a range of component materials, each spectroscopically resolved into a plurality of frequency bands and linked to the condition specific calibration dataset; defining a reference calibration dataset; generating a transfer function between the data item and the reference calibration dataset; applying the transfer function to the transferable data item to generate a dynamic data item adjusted to the reference calibration; populating a data register with a dynamic dataset comprising a dataset of data items each dynamically adjusted to t

Abstract: A vapour conduit for use in an apparatus for bulk vapour phase crystal growth, an apparatus for bulk vapour phase crystal growth, and a process for bulk vapour phase crystal growth are described. The vapour conduit is a flow conduit defining a passage means adapted for transport of vapour from a source volume to a growth volume, wherein a flow restrictor is provided in the passage means between the source volume and the growth volume and wherein the flow conduit further comprises a flow director structured to direct vapour flow downstream of the flow restrictor away from a longitudinal centre line of the conduit and for example towards an edge of the conduit.