Abstract: A linked account instrument is used to access funds in an existing demand deposit account held at a financial institution. Merchant or other transactions are first processed against a demand deposit account via an electronic authorization network. If the demand deposit account does not have sufficient funds, the transactions may be processed as a credit charge against an designated credit account. The demand deposit account may subsequently be swept at predetermined times in search of funds to defray the overdraft. If adequate funds are present, they will be withdrawn from the demand deposit account, and the credit account will be cleared. Otherwise, the instrument holder's daily purchasing abilities may be temporarily suspended until the credit account is settled. The processing of overdraft amounts may be on a FIFO, smallest-first or other basis.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of an aircraft includes a capture device and first and second pole pairs. The first pole pair includes first top and bottom poles respectively placed near first top and bottom portions of the capture device. The first pole pair is configured to move from a first position, in which the pole pair holds the capture device in an open position to capture the aircraft, to a second position, in which the pole pair holds the capture device in a closed position to contain the captured aircraft after impact of the aircraft on the capture device. The second pole pair includes second top and bottom poles respectively placed near second top and bottom portions of the capture device. The second pole pair is also configured to move from the first position to the second position. Further, energy elements are coupled on one end to a respective top or bottom portion of the capture device and on another end to a respective top or bottom pole.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for facilitating electronic funds transactions is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method may comprise the steps of: issuing a transaction card to a cardholder by associating the transaction card with a demand deposit account from which the cardholder is authorized to electronically disburse funds; receiving an authorization request for an attempted transaction between a merchant and the cardholder, the authorization request containing information associated with the transaction card and the attempted transaction; processing the authorization request based on one or more predetermined business rules; authorizing the transaction without immediately settling the transaction against the demand deposit account of the cardholder; and settling the transaction, at a time subsequent to the execution of the transaction, through automated clearing house (ACH) from funds retained within the demand deposit account of the cardholder.

Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of an aircraft includes a capture device and first and second pole pairs. The first pole pair includes first top and bottom poles respectively placed near first top and bottom portions of the capture device. The first pole pair is configured to move from a first position, in which the pole pair holds the capture device in an open position to capture the aircraft, to a second position, in which the pole pair holds the capture device in a closed position to contain the captured aircraft after impact of the aircraft on the capture device. The second pole pair includes second top and bottom poles respectively placed near second top and bottom portions of the capture device. The second pole pair is also configured to move from the first position to the second position. Further, energy elements are coupled on one end to a respective top or bottom portion of the capture device and on another end to a respective top or bottom pole.

Abstract: A linked account instrument is used to access funds in an existing demand deposit account held at a financial institution. Merchant or other transactions are first processed against a demand deposit account via an electronic authorization network. If the demand deposit account does not have sufficient funds, the transactions may be processed as a credit charge against a designated credit account. The demand deposit account may subsequently be swept at predetermined times in search of funds to defray the overdraft. If adequate funds are present, they will be withdrawn from the demand deposit account, and the credit account will be cleared. Otherwise, the instrument holder's daily purchasing abilities may be temporarily suspended until the credit account is settled. The processing of overdraft amounts may be on a FIFO, smallest-first or other basis.

Abstract: A launcher includes a plurality of launch tubes for stowing and launching a plurality of air vehicles. A central air manifold is operatively connected to an air storage tank; a first launch tube air manifold is operatively connected to a first group of the launch tubes and operatively connected to the central air manifold. The first launch tube air manifold has a separate port corresponding to each launch tube of the first group of launch tubes. A release valve mechanism is removably mounted in one of the ports of the first launch tube air manifold, the release valve mechanism controlling the passage of launch air between the first launch tube air manifold and the launch tube corresponding to the port in which the release valve mechanism is mounted. A plug is removably mounted in each of the ports not occupied by the release valve mechanism.