Abstract: A currency exchange platform for conducting currency exchanges and transactions in a social pool is described. The currency exchange platform receives a request for an amount of a first currency from a first user in a social pool. The request includes an indication of a type of the request and a preference for delivery of the funds. The currency exchange platform then matches the request with a matching account in the social pool, and, responsive to the preference for delivery indicating an automated teller machine (ATM) for delivery of the funds, delivers at least a portion of the requested amount of the first currency to the first user via the ATM.

Abstract: There is provided a door release mechanism for use with a container having at least one door moveable between a closed position and an open position. There is also provided a container system for holding and dispensing a material. The container system comprises a container body for holding material, the container body comprising at least one opening. The container system comprises at least one door moveable between a closed position in which the at least one door occludes the at least one opening, and an open position. The container system comprises the door release mechanism, which is coupled to the container body. The door release mechanism comprises at least one sliding member being moveable between a first position and a second position, in which the sliding member can be retained, and door connecting member connecting the sliding member to the moveable door.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving, by one or more processors of a computing device and from one or more third-party servers, a request to transfer funds from a first financial account to a second financial account. The request is associated with a user account of the one or more third-party servers and comprises a plurality of parameters. The method comprises selecting, by the one or more processors and based on at least a subset of the plurality of parameters and financial-network data, a financial network, of a plurality of financial networks, over which to transfer the funds. The subset of the plurality of parameters comprises at least one of a cost priority parameter and a speed priority parameter. The financial-network data includes data associated with the plurality of financial networks. The method further comprises initiating, by the one or more processors, transfer of the funds over the selected financial network.

Abstract: A currency exchange platform for conducting currency exchanges and transactions in a social pool is described. The currency exchange platform sets up exchange funds in a plurality of exchange accounts associated with a plurality of users of the social pool. The plurality of users are associated with each other through a social network. The currency exchange platform receives a request for an amount of a first currency from a first user in the social pool, matches the request with a matching account of the plurality of exchange accounts in the social pool. The matching account includes the first currency. The currency exchange platform delivers at least a portion of the requested amount of the first currency to the first user.

Abstract: Techniques for global account consolidation are generally described. An example server system is configured to group a first financial account associated with a first country and a second financial associated with a second country to form a consolidated global account, and to receive a transaction request associated with the consolidated global account for the first and second financial accounts. The example server system is further configured to determine an exchange rate applicable to the transaction request between respective currencies of the first and second countries, to deduct a first transaction amount from the first financial account based on the transaction request and the exchange rate, and to add a second transaction amount to the second financial account based on the transaction request and the exchange rate, the adding and deducting being responsive to determining that the first and second financial accounts are both included in the consolidated global account.

Abstract: A process for making modified N-acetylated chitosan comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous solution of chitosan in aqueous acid; b) mixing the resulting solution of step a) with an acetylating agent in a chitosan:acetylating agent sub-stoichiometric amount; and c) allowing the chitosan and acetylating agent to react for a length of time sufficient for substantial completion of the acetylation reaction.

Abstract: A process for making modified N-acetylated chitosan comprising the steps of: a) forming an aqueous solution of chitosan in aqueous acid; b) mixing the resulting solution of step a) with an acetylating agent in a chitosan:acetylating agent sub-stoichiometric amount; and c) allowing the chitosan and acetylating agent to react for a length of time sufficient for substantial completion of the acetylation reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid detergent composition comprising a C1-C3 alkyl carbonate salt.

Abstract: A system provides via multiple communications channels flexible nutritional counseling that encourages users to adhere to a sensible diet. The system may recommend a compliant meal having nutritional content that is within certain dietary parameters applicable to the user. However, the system may also recommend a non-compliant meal having nutritional content that is not within the dietary parameters, but is a sensible choice in view of constraints that make it impossible or infeasible to select a compliant meal. Thus, the system may recommend a meal that is not an optimal selection, but that is a best selection from among a set of non-compliant options. Accordingly, the user has flexibility to deviate from optimal choices as practically necessary or desirable. The user confirms meals actually consumed, and the system can account for an indulgence when recommending a next meal, and/or send a motivational message to the user encouraging compliant behavior.

Abstract: A grinding machine for sharpening the blades of a mower. The grinding machine includes a lifting system for raising the mowing machine onto an operating platform where the blades are sharpened. A rotationally driven grinding wheel traverses its drive shaft in a controlled manner for sharpening each blade. A remotely mounted motor is coupled, by means of a flexible link and a motor coupling, to the mower's blade cylinder for rotating the blade cylinder during sharpening. The motor coupling is mounted to an adjustable mounting assembly for adjustment of the grinding machine to a variety of mower sizes and configurations. The lifting system includes a hydraulic cylinder which, upon extension, engages a drive chain to raise a lifting platform.