Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to share policy information. The policy information may be associated with a smart contract. Accordingly, the policy information may be encrypted using a public key for the smart contract and compiled into a block of the blockchain. In response to a request to provide access to the information to a particular node, the private key for the smart contract may be encrypted using the public key for the particular node and compiled into a block of the blockchain.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing a blockchain comprising a plurality of immutable sales records corresponding to sales made by agents of an entity are provided. According to certain aspects, a transaction request indicating a sale made by an agent of the entity may be received at a first node. A block including a sales record indicating the sale made by the agent may be added to a blockchain and transmitted to another node for validation. The first node may add the block to a copy of the blockchain, where the block may be identified by a hash value that references a previous block in the blockchain that includes at least one additional sales record.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and/or processing a blockchain to maintain data security for confidential and/or personal data are provided. According to certain aspects, the disclosed data security techniques may enable access sharing functionality utilizing the blockchain. For example, access sharing may be utilized to file documents, share policy information, and/or comply with an audit. The data security techniques disclosed herein also enable the use of smart contracts to transfer funds associated with payment obligations and/or other forms of blockchain based payments, comply with anti-money laundering requirements, report industry data, validate interest payments and/or maintain agent sales data. Data security may be achieved through the use of public key/private key encryption techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanically attached connections of conduits may include a conduit gripping member, a drive member, and a seal member, the drive member causing axial movement of the conduit gripping member to indent into an outer surface of the conduit when the assembly is pulled-up, the drive member causing the seal member to form a zero clearance seal at a location that is axially spaced from the conduit gripping member. The zero clearance seal may comprise a face seal arrangement including a gasket, and the conduit gripping member may be a ferrule, ring or other device that can grip and optionally seal against the conduit outer surface. The assembly may include a sensing function for detecting or sensing a characteristic or condition of an assembly component or the fluid or both. In one embodiment, a body coupling member has a two piece construction of a main body and a conduit socket insert. A flared fitting embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanically attached connections of conduits may include a conduit gripping member, a drive member, and a seal member, the drive member causing axial movement of the conduit gripping member to indent into an outer surface of the conduit when the assembly is pulled-up, the drive member causing the seal member to form a zero clearance seal at a location that is axially spaced from the conduit gripping member. The zero clearance seal may comprise a face seal arrangement including a gasket, and the conduit gripping member may be a ferrule, ring or other device that can grip and optionally seal against the conduit outer surface. The assembly may include a sensing function for detecting or sensing a characteristic or condition of an assembly component or the fluid or both. In one embodiment, a body coupling member has a two piece construction of a main body and a conduit socket insert. A flared fitting embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus comprising a housing, a transparent panel with a first and second surface, and a conductive coating disposed proximate to the second surface, wherein the coating has a high visible light transmittance and a low electrical surface resistance. The gaming apparatus also comprises a grounded metallic strip coupled to the coating and located at a perimeter of the coating, a value input device, and a mechanically rotatable reel that is disposed in the housing so that the mechanically rotatable reel is visible to a player of the gaming apparatus through the transparent panel and the coating. Also included is a controller that comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of a game incorporating the mechanically rotatable reel.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus comprising a housing, a transparent panel with a first and second surface, and a conductive coating disposed proximate to the second surface, wherein the coating has a high visible light transmittance and a low electrical surface resistance. The gaming apparatus also comprises a grounded metallic strip coupled to the coating and located at a perimeter of the coating, a value input device, and a mechanically rotatable reel that is disposed in the housing so that the mechanically rotatable reel is visible to a player of the gaming apparatus through the transparent panel and the coating. Also included is a controller that comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of a game incorporating the mechanically rotatable reel.

Abstract: An cup holder for a variety of beverage containers adjustable to accommodate a wide range of container sizes and types. The holder comprises a back plate 10, an upper bracket 30, a lower cover plate 40, and an adjustable door-mounting bracket 20. The upper bracket 30 comprises a pair of extendable opposing arms 31 and 32 extending horizontally from the upper bracket 30 at an angle less than perpendicular, defining an adjustable space between them for insertion of a beverage container. A snack attachment mechanism 37 is provided on one or both arms. The upper bracket 30 with extendable arms 31 and 32 is folded downward against the back plate 10 when not in use. The lower cover plate 40 extends horizontally and serves as a platform on which a beverage container may rest, folding upward over the upper bracket and against the holder back plate 10 when not in use, presenting when closed a covered and protected beverage holder.