Abstract: A payment authentication service authenticates the identity of a payer during online transactions. The authentication service of the present invention allows a card issuer to verify a cardholder's identity using a variety of authentication methods, such as the use of passwords. Also, the only system participant requiring a certificate is the issuing financial institution. One embodiment of the invention for authenticating the identity of a cardholder during an online transaction involves querying an access control server to determine if a cardholder is enrolled in the payment authentication service, requests a password from the cardholder, verifies the password, and notifies a merchant whether the cardholder's authenticity has been verified. In another aspect of the invention, a chip card and the authentication service independently generate cryptograms that must match in order for the service to verify that the correct chip card is being used by the cardholder.

Abstract: Provided is a tamper proof outer wrapping with a reinforced tear zone. The reinforced tear zone includes a tear tape affixed between two layers of the wrapping material. A perforated line runs parallel to the reinforced tear zone on each of the reinforced tear zone. A tab is formed at one end of the reinforced tear zone. The tab is pulled to separate the reinforced tear zone from the remaining wrapping material and open remove the outer wrapping. The wrapping can be used on packages containing smoking articles such as cigarettes or orally consumed products such as candy or pouched tobacco products.

Abstract: One embodiment of an adapter card in accordance with the invention includes a circuit board connectable to a motherboard of a computer system. A logic chip is connected to the circuit board to provide functionality to the adapter card. One or more programmable devices are connected to the circuit board and store data read by the logic chip upon initialization. This data may include first character data to program the logic chip to have a first character and second character data to program the logic chip to have a second character. A switching mechanism is provided to switch between the first and second character data in response to an external input, thereby causing the logic chip to read one of the first and second character data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.

Abstract: Systems, methods and interfaces are disclosed for managing communications associated with a mobile communication device. Mobile communication devices process environmental inputs and transmit mobile communication device context information to a communication management system. The context information may, for example, reflect the motion and/or geographic location of the mobile device, and may reflect the risk associated with using the device to handle a call or other communications session. The communication management system uses the context information, optionally in combination with communication device profiles, to determine how to manage incoming and/or ongoing calls or other communication sessions. Mobile device users may also be inhibited from initiating communication sessions.

Abstract: In a coldset web offset printing process, a substrate, e.g. newsprint, is printed with the desired matter and is then coated on both sides essentially simultaneously with a clear varnish to a film weight no more than 2 gsm dry weight on each side.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of making high performance UV cross-linked polymer functionalized molecular sieve/polymer mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with either no macrovoids or voids of less than several angstroms at the interface of the polymer matrix and the molecular sieves. These UV cross-linked MMMs were prepared by incorporating polyethersulfone (PES) functionalized molecular sieves such as AlPO-14 and UZM-25 small pore microporous molecular sieves into a continuous UV cross-linkable polyimide polymer matrix followed by UV cross-linking. The UV cross-linked MMMs in the form of symmetric dense film, asymmetric flat sheet membrane, or asymmetric hollow fiber membranes have good flexibility, high mechanical strength, and exhibit significantly enhanced selectivity and permeability over polymer membranes made from corresponding continuous polyimide polymer matrices for carbon dioxide/methane and hydrogen/methane separations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cove illumination module for use in a plurality of illumination applications wherein a particular type of cove type illumination pattern is desired due to close proximity between the cove illumination module and a to-be-illuminated surface. The cove illumination module comprises a substrate to which a plurality of light-emitting elements is operatively connected. Optionally, the substrate can form a base portion of the cove illumination module. An external housing unit is sealingly mated with the substrate in order to environmentally seal the light-emitting elements. The external housing unit comprises one or more optical elements which can shape the beams of light emitted by the light-emitting elements under operating conditions and generate a desired illumination pattern on a lit surface, thereby providing a cove type illumination pattern.

Abstract: A four-point seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat is disclosed. Two shoulder belts are provided which are buckled together with a pair of lap belts. The convergence of the shoulder belts created at the buckles defines a V-shaped configuration which aids in occupant safety and comfort. Movably-adjustable retractors are provided to anchor the upper end of each shoulder belt to the vehicle seat. A movable headrest having a pair of laterally-adjustable belt loops is provided to further enhance occupant security and comfort.

Abstract: A wheel assembly and a method of using the wheel assembly are provided. The wheel assembly is attachable to various objects and capable of quickly and easily collapsing or folding to become more compact for more efficient and cost-effective transportation or shipping. It is then capable of being quickly and easily expanded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving LED's is disclosed, comprising the steps of receiving a desired intensity value, wherein the desired intensity value represents the desired intensity for the LED's; generating a first switching control signal, wherein the first switching control signal is a pulse width modulated signal whose duty cycle is based on the desired intensity value; switching the LED's on and off based on the first switching control signal, wherein the switching takes place when the desired intensity value is less than a first desired intensity value threshold; generating a desired constant current value based on the desired intensity value, wherein the desired constant current value represents the value of the desired constant current to drive the LED's; determining an actual constant current value, wherein the actual constant current value represents the value of the actual constant current driving the LED's; comparing the actual constant current value with the desired constant current value; and

Abstract: An regeneration system for use in a power system is disclosed. The regeneration system may include a source of intake air, an engine brake configured to reduce the speed of an engine by compression and release of the intake air, and a valve configured to divert a portion of the intake air to an auxiliary device. The regeneration system may further include a controller in communication with the engine brake and the valve. The controller may be configured to move the valve to reduce the portion of intake air diverted to the auxiliary device when the engine brake is active.

Abstract: A regeneration device for use in an exhaust treatment system is disclosed. The regeneration device has a first housing with a plurality of passages configured to receive coolant and injection fluid. A second housing is secured to the first housing and configured to receive coolant and injection fluid. The second housing has at least one cooling recess annularly disposed within the second housing to receive and circulate coolant in proximity to a tip end of the second housing.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a novel method and system for supporting dynamic Web content adaptation in the mobile Internet, while retaining the semantic coherence of the site's original contents. This is accomplished by analyzing, processing, and displaying web content using several algorithms. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is for use in a mobile Internet setting, the method and system of the present invention can be applied and customized for use in a broad range of settings and applications involving information layout adaptation and presentation across multiple platforms and devices.

Abstract: A system for selling digital media, comprising: a content server for providing a master source of digital content to the system; a retail server for maintaining a local cache of popular content, and for packaging content; a license server for maintaining licenses for each piece of digital content wherein the license server issues new licenses to the retail server at the time of sale and issues subsequent licenses to a consumer for extending content usage; a plug-in for accessing digital content in a single click; and a media tablet for providing a consumer interface for exploring the digital content of the system, the media tablet comprising an interface for connection by a portable device for content transfer; means for accepting payment; and means for interacting with the retail server.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the use of a formula that improves human and animal endurance, stamina, performance and other physical parameters. In one composition aspect, the formula or composition of the present invention includes a Flammulina velutipes extract and citrus peel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing latency in coordinated networks. The apparatus and methods relate to a protocol that may be referred to as the Persistent Reservation Request (“p-RR”), which may be viewed as a type of RR (reservation request). p-RR's may reduce latency, on average, to one MAP cycle or less. A p-RR may be used to facilitate Ethernet audiovisual bridging. Apparatus and methods of the invention may be used in connection with coaxial cable based networks that serve as a backbone for a managed network, which may interface with a package switched network.

Abstract: A system includes a server, a source client executable on a first electronic device configured to be in communication with the server. The source client is operable to automatically upload a file to the server in response to a user of the first electronic device placing the file in a first electronic folder. The source client is configured to associate a first network address with the first electronic folder in response to a user instruction. A recipient client is executable on a second electronic device configured to be in communication with the server. The second electronic device is located at the first network address. The recipient client is operable to receive from the server the uploaded file.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, an account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in an increase in the balance is a player's obtainment of an outcome that corresponds to both (i) a first payout that is displayed on a payout schedule of the gaming device, and (ii) an amount by which the balance of the account is to be increased. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in a disbursement is the obtainment by the player of a predetermined number of consecutive non-winning outcomes.

Abstract: A software layer for boosting the throughput of a computer file server by reducing the number of required mechanical accesses to the physical storage is provided. The throughput boost is achieved through the combination of extending the data requests along the file path and inserting double-buffered paths in front of each file accessed. The software layer resides on top of the file system, where it can extend requests along the file path, work with network requests arriving over any network using any protocol, and work with any storage system attached to the server. The software layer can also be used in a server to accelerate requests made by local applications in the server or it may be used in any other computer to accelerate requests made by local applications that require data from local storage.