Abstract: A web-based financial software application that emulates short message service (SMS) based text payment. The software allows entry of financial transactions in detailed form to allow for normal budgeting, accounting, and tracking methods, then translates the pending transaction from the detailed form into a text-based format compatible with the SMS payment network and transmits and confirms the payment as would normally be done via a mobile device. Optionally, the transmission of the text-based payment may occur through a secure link to simplify the payment process. The software also permits entry of transactions in the SMS-compatible format and translates these entries into a detailed form to allow for budgeting, accounting, and tracking. The software then searches for corresponding payees, and allows the user to select from found matching payees to automatically fill in the remaining payee information, or permits the user to manually enter additional information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a financial software module or process for tracking, allocating, documenting, and facilitating the reimbursement of expenses. The module or process includes budgeting, incurring, recording, and tracking expenses, allocating expenses for reimbursement, documenting expenses, and facilitating the reimbursement of the expenses. The initial receipt of expenses may occur automatically or manually, and expenses are tracked more easily as the expenses may be entered and tracking may begin as soon as the expenses are incurred. Documentation of received and tracked expenses may be provided and linked to the tracked expenses. Because expenses may be tracked and documented immediately upon incurring the expenses, the reimbursement of the expenses is facilitated and accelerated. The module or process works equally well with cash expenditures, and allows for the continual monitoring of budgets from multiple accounts to prevent unknowing overspending beyond budgeted amounts.

Abstract: An alignment device and method for delivering a light beam to an optical application, such as an optical trap having a pair of lenses with overlapping focal regions for trapping a particle therein. The alignment device includes a light source for generating a beam of light, a support member, an optical fiber, a collimating lens, and actuators. The optical fiber includes an input end for receiving the beam of light, and a generally rigid portion extending from the support member and terminating in a delivery end for emitting the beam of light. The collimating lens collimates the emitted beam of light. The actuators exert forces on the generally rigid portion such that it pivots about a pivot point of the optical fiber at the support member. The collimated beam of light pivots about an optical pivot point as the optical fiber pivots about the pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated, mobile method for remotely managing the resources of a job-based business through real-time allocation of the resources among a set of user-defined virtual spending accounts. The method enables the user to establish two layers of virtual accounts. One layer comprises job accounts that represent individual jobs or projects. The other layer comprises allocation accounts that represent categories of transactions such as “materials,” “labor,” “facilities,” and “insurance.” The user uses these virtual accounts in conjunction with actual accounts to track the user's transactions in real time. The user may also use the present invention to create and remotely transmit purchase orders and invoices, keep a record of employees, enter employee time sheets, process payroll, and allocate and reconcile incoming and outgoing transactions between the various virtual accounts.

Abstract: An optical trap and method for measuring both transverse and longitudinal forces on a trapped particle. Laser light sources generate first and second light beams that are focused to the trap region in a counter-propagating manner for trapping the particle. Detectors measure changes in power deflections of the light beams leaving the trap region, and changes in power concentrations of the light beams leaving the trap region. A processor calculates the transverse forces on the particle based upon the measured changes in the power deflections of the light beams, and calculates the longitudinal forces on the particle based upon the measured changes in the power concentrations of the light beams. A single beam optical trap and method are also disclosed, where the second optical beam is generated by a reflection of the first optical beam off of the trapped particle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods and apparatus for the generation, transmission, storage and manipulation of electronic receipts which communicate itemized purchase transaction information. Preferred embodiments comprise wireless vendor devices and wireless purchaser devices which transmit electronic receipts at a point-of-sale for documentation of a purchase transaction. Further processing of the electronic receipt information may be performed with a purchaser device or with a secondary computing device after subsequent receipt transmission to that secondary device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and distributing a software application that includes one or more categories that sweep information to one or more products provided by a professional at the end of a predefined period of time. The professional is engaged to distribute the software application to current and potential customers. Upon identifying a customer, the professional introduces the software application to the customer. Because the professional is familiar with the software application, he/she is able to provide a personal endorsement of the program to the customer. If the customer purchases the software application, the professional provides ongoing follow-up and support to the customer. As such, implementation of the present invention allows for the distribution of a software application using a channel that is closer to the customer and that provides added credibility to the program.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods and apparatus for the generation, transmission, storage and manipulation of electronic receipts which communicate itemized purchase transaction information. Preferred embodiments comprise wireless vendor devices and wireless purchaser devices which transmit electronic receipts at a point-of-sale for documentation of a purchase transaction. Further processing of the electronic receipt information may be performed with a purchaser device or with a secondary computing device after subsequent receipt transmission to that secondary device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated, mobile method for remotely managing the resources of a job-based business through real-time allocation of the resources among a set of user-defined virtual spending accounts. The method enables the user to establish two layers of virtual accounts. One layer comprises job accounts that represent individual jobs or projects. The other layer comprises allocation accounts that represent categories of transactions such as “materials,” “labor,” “facilities,” and “insurance.” The user uses these virtual accounts in conjunction with actual accounts to track the user's transactions in real time. The user may also use the present invention to create and remotely transmit purchase orders and invoices, keep a record of employees, enter employee time sheets, process payroll, and allocate and reconcile incoming and outgoing transactions between the various virtual accounts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronic coupon issuance transmission and management. Wireless vendor devices and wireless purchaser devices transmit electronic coupons at a point of sale for coupon redemption. Further processing of the electronic coupon information may be performed with the purchaser device or with a secondary computing device after subsequent coupon transmission to that secondary device. The electronic coupons may incorporate a numerous variety of discount types as well as include various information such as purchaser profiles and coupon use histories. The electronic coupons may either be stored locally on the purchaser device or be a reference location on a network for the merchant to get coupon information from. The electronic coupons are also designed to allow the individual purchaser to automatically organize his or her coupons. Some electronic coupons can additionally be set to automatically delete upon expiration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that provide for automated financial resource allocation and accountability among various groups of budgeted accounts, which are overlaid on at least one actual account. The method provides for the user to establish the accounts to be budgeted. The user then establishes a preset spending allocation amount for each account. Each time the user makes a spending allocation for that particular account, the account reflects the amount spent and notifies the user of the remaining amount allocated for that account during a given period. Thus, the user has a more accurate accounting of an established budget with respect to the established accounts, the resources allocated to each account, and the funds actually spent from each account.