Abstract: A method of processing a digital invoice may include receiving, at the access device, a digital invoice for the transaction; sending, from the access device to an identity repository, information associated with the digital invoice; receiving, from the identity repository, a first signature for the digital invoice; providing, by the access device, a second signature for the digital invoice; and sending, from the access device, the first signature and the second signature for use in the transaction.

Abstract: A method of providing secure information for a transaction between an access device and a relying party device may include sending, from the relying party device to the identity repository, a first transmission. The first transmission may include the identifier. The identifier may be associated with a user account and the user account may be maintained by an identity repository. The first transmission may also include an information request. The method may also include sending, from the identity repository to the access device, a second transmission including a request to authorize the transaction. The method may additionally include sending, from the access device to the identity repository, a third transmission including an indication that the transaction has been authorized. The method may further include sending, from the identity repository to the relying party device, a fourth transmission comprising information responsive to the information request.

Abstract: Examples to prevent the return of a printed medium and to authorize access to supplemental material to a printed medium upon resale of the printed medium are described. An example method of preventing the return of a printed medium including a product identification code and a unique identification code includes verifying the authenticity of the unique identification code against a database of genuine unique identification codes. The product identification code identifies a type of printed medium, and the unique identification code is associated with the printed medium and not associated with other printed media having the same product identification code. The example method also includes providing a clearance status based on the verification, which authorizes the return of the printed medium when the unique identification code is valid and denies the return of the printed medium when the unique identification code is invalid.

Abstract: Composite load-bearing rotating rings suitable for use in fan sections of gas turbine engines, and processes for their fabrication. Such a ring has at least a first portion defining an integral abutment surface adapted to abut and retain hardware of a rotating machine, at least a second portion defining an integral flange adapted to secure the ring to a support structure of the rotating machine, and an insert. Each of the first and second portions and the insert contains a polymer matrix material and a fibrous reinforcement material, and the fibrous reinforcement material within the insert is oriented predominantly in a circumferential direction of the ring for carrying both circumferential and radial loads during rotation of the ring.

Abstract: A cloud-based broker service may be provided for computing devices in a distributed computing environment. The broker service may aggregate user accounts and user account credentials utilized for accessing online services by the computing devices. The broker service may monitor a context of the computing devices associated with the user accounts. The broker service may then utilize the context, data associated with the user accounts and data associated with the user account credentials to automate tasks and/or provide alerts associated with the data.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining a transaction authentication level includes receiving transaction information associated with a transaction between a user and a relying party, receiving relying party preferences, and determining a relying party authentication level based on the transaction information and the relying party preferences. The method also includes accessing user preferences, and determining a user authentication level based the transaction information and the user preferences. The method further includes determining the transaction authentication level using the user authentication level and the relying party authentication level.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for using information in conjunction with a data repository includes encrypting data associated with the information with an encryption key, sending at least the encrypted data to the data repository, and possibly deleting the information. The method also includes receiving a request for the information from a remote device, and sending a request for the encrypted data to the data repository. The method further includes receiving the encrypted data from the data repository, decrypting the encrypted data using the encryption key, and sending the information to the remote device.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of authorizing a transaction includes providing a processor, receiving a request for a proposed transaction from an entity, and retrieving a list of devices associated with the entity. The method also includes transmitting a notification related to the proposed transaction to the devices associated with the entity. The method further includes determining, using the processor, (a) that an approval is received from all the devices associated with the entity, or (b) that a predetermined time period has expired, and (c) transmitting an approval of the proposed transaction to a transaction processor. Or, determining, using the processor, (a) that a rejection is received from one or more of the devices associated with the entity; and (b) transmitting a disapproval of the proposed transaction to the transaction processor.

Abstract: A method for engine starting is provided. The method may include performing idle-stop operation, and during a subsequent re-start, applying multi-strike ignition operation for a first combustion cycle. In this way, improved engine starting may be achieved with reduced emissions.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating calls via electronic calendar is disclosed. A call list is associated by a user to a particular time and day within the electronic calendar. When the particular day and time arrives, the call list is forwarded to a service which executes the call list, and subsequently contacts the members of the call list. The system may initially query the callees through a prerecorded voice messaging system to determine which callees are present, and then establish a telephone connection based on responses to the queries. Once a connection is established, the user and the members of the list are linked to a conference bridge.

Abstract: A method for engine starting is provided. The method may include performing idle-stop operation, and during a subsequent re-start, applying multi-strike ignition operation for a first combustion cycle. In this way, improved engine starting may be achieved with reduced emissions.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for calculating a fee linked to an online financial transaction. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a fee calculation request linked to an online financial transaction associated with a fee type, a country code, and a client identifier; and then selecting, using a microprocessor, an initial base fee from either a default base fee determined by the fee type and the country code or from an overriding base fee associated with the financial transaction, wherein the initial base fee includes a transaction percentage and a fixed amount. The method further includes applying, using the microprocessor, at least one adjustment to the initial base fee to calculate a final fee, the at least one adjustment being applied when an associated condition set is determined to be true.

Abstract: A method for engine starting is provided. The method may include performing idle-stop operation, and during a subsequent re-start, applying multi-strike ignition operation for a first combustion cycle. In this way, improved engine starting may be achieved with reduced emissions.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing an anatomical feature during a magnetic resonance imaging process of the anatomical feature is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing, which defines a central opening to accommodate the anatomical feature. The apparatus further includes a coil member fixedly mounted in the housing. The coil member processes an RF signal. The apparatus further includes a first support member disposed at a side of the housing and a second support member disposed at an opposite side of the housing. The first and second support members are fixed with respect to the housing.

Abstract: The purpose of the device is to minimize drag and turbulence otherwise occurring at the rear of a semi trailer, in order to reduced the consumption of fuel by a semi tractor. This is accomplished using directionally flexible sheets of composite material, which create contours that taper towards a terminating edge to form a teardrop shape, as established by panels attached to the top and bottom of either door. Along the trailing edge of the main body, another vertical panel known as a wake separator maintains separation between confliction columns of air. An additional wake separator attached to the bottom of the device performs a similar function, and will facilitate collapse in the event of a collision.

Abstract: A system and method for notifying salespersons of customer communications including a target item is provided. Individual customers are mapped to one or more salespersons. Target items of interest to a salesperson are defined and a salesperson is associated with a customer. For each salesperson, on-line communication channels are monitored for the occurrence of a communications involving a customer associated with the salesperson and including a target item defined by the salesperson. When such an occurrence happens, a notification is directed to the salesperson. Salesperson access to the system and customer access to the on-line communication channels requires authorization.

Abstract: Composite load-bearing rotating rings suitable for use in fan sections of gas turbine engines, and processes for their fabrication. Such a ring has at least a first portion defining an integral abutment surface adapted to abut and retain hardware of a rotating machine, at least a second portion defining an integral flange adapted to secure the ring to a support structure of the rotating machine, and an insert. Each of the first and second portions and the insert contains a polymer matrix material and a fibrous reinforcement material, and the fibrous reinforcement material within the insert is oriented predominantly in a circumferential direction of the ring for carrying both circumferential and radial loads during rotation of the ring.

Abstract: A method for engine starting is provided. The method may include performing idle-stop operation, and during a subsequent re-start, applying multi-strike ignition operation for a first combustion cycle. In this way, improved engine starting may be achieved with reduced emissions.

Abstract: A method for operation of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine may include one or more combustion chambers, a fuel delivery system including a direct fuel injector coupled to each combustion chamber, an ignition system including one or more spark plugs coupled to each combustion chamber, a piston disposed within each combustion chamber, and an intake and an exhaust valve coupled to each combustion chamber, the internal combustion engine providing motive power to the vehicle. The method may include discontinuing combustion operation within the internal combustion engine responsive to idle-stop operation. The method may further include, during a direct-start, performing multi-strike ignition operation per combustion cycle via one or more selected spark plug(s) for at least a first combustion cycle in a combustion chamber following the discontinuation of combustion operation, the one or more selected spark plug(s) coupled to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method for operation of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine may include one or more combustion chambers, a fuel delivery system including a direct fuel injector coupled to each combustion chamber, an ignition system including one or more spark plugs coupled to each combustion chamber, a piston disposed within each combustion chamber, and an intake and an exhaust valve coupled to each combustion chamber, the internal combustion engine providing motive power to the vehicle. The method may include discontinuing combustion operation within the internal combustion engine responsive to idle-stop operation. The method may further include, during a direct-start, performing multi-strike ignition operation per combustion cycle via one or more selected spark plug(s) for at least a first combustion cycle in a combustion chamber following the discontinuation of combustion operation, the one or more selected spark plug(s) coupled to the combustion chamber.