Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine has an intake conduit of thermoplastic material provided with an intake socket having an annular collar. At least one acoustic element is concentrically connected to the intake socket of the intake conduit, wherein the acoustic element is insertable into the annular collar. A closure surrounds the annular collar wherein the closure is a metal clamp having a metal strap and a metal clip. The metal clip effects a releasable clamping action with a variable diameter of the metal clamp.

Abstract: A system and method of electronically depositing negotiable instruments. The present invention imparts a process by which a negotiable instrument casher may electronically deposit negotiable instruments into a financial account held with a participating financial institution.

Abstract: A system and method of offering a redemption account that allows users to purchase in advance and subsequently redeem products and services from one or more vendors that are affiliated with the system. The present invention imparts a process by which users enrolled in a biometric authorization system can access a redemption account for advance purchased products and services by submitting their biometric data. Information stored in the user record can then be utilized to enable the fulfillment of the advance purchase.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine has an intake conduit of thermoplastic material provided with an intake socket having an annular collar. At least one acoustic element is concentrically connected to the intake socket of the intake conduit, wherein the acoustic element is insertable into the annular collar. A closure surrounds the annular collar wherein the closure is a metal clamp having a metal strap and a metal clip. The metal clip effects a releasable clamping action with a variable diameter of the metal clamp.

Abstract: A system and method of providing users with an accessible system and convenient method for conducting purchase benefit transactions. When enrolling in a biometric authorization system, a user may authorize the system to apply for purchase benefits on the user's behalf at subsequent transactions.

Abstract: A system and method of encouraging negotiable instrument cashing customers to establish accounts at financial institutions. The present invention imparts a process by which financial institutions may entice customers to open financial accounts by providing an incentive.

Abstract: A system and method of offering a redemption account that allows users to purchase in advance and subsequently redeem products and services from one or more vendors that are affiliated with the system. The present invention imparts a process by which users enrolled in a biometric authorization system can access a redemption account for advance purchased products and services by submitting their biometric data. Information stored in the user record can then be utilized to enable the fulfillment of the advance purchase.

Abstract: A system and method of allowing individuals to categorize transaction information. A user of the system may establish transaction identifiers that may be employed during or subsequent to a transaction in order to categorize transaction information.

Abstract: A system and method of providing users with an accessible system and convenient method for conducting purchase benefit transactions. When enrolling in a biometric authorization system, a user may authorize the system to apply for purchase benefits on the user's behalf at subsequent transactions.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling distribution of electronic information to a device through a non-bidirectional protocol is disclosed. At a user device, a segment of encrypted electronic information is retrieved. Identification data is sent from the user device using the non-bidirectional communications protocol, where the identification information includes at least one of information associated with a user, information associated with the user device, or information associated with the segment of encrypted electronic information. A copy of an encryption key for the segment is retrieved. A voucher is forwarded to the user device using the non-bidirectional communications protocol, the voucher including at least the encryption key associated with the segment. At the user device, the segment is decrypted using the encryption key for the segment.

Abstract: A plugin for an Integrated Design Environment is provided, including a set of commands for defining an appearance of a UI design window in the Integrated Design Environment. The appearance of the application design window simulates a display screen of a portable electronic device and the set of commands being related to one type of portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method of allowing individuals to categorize transaction information. A user of the system may establish transaction identifiers that may be employed during or subsequent to a transaction in order to categorize transaction information.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved mounting structures and methods for formation of window regulator systems for vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, a mounting structure for a window regulator system is provided. The mounting structure includes a main body defining cavity for rotatably receiving a portion of a pulley; and an engagement feature depending away from the main body, the engagement feature engaging the portion of the pulley and preventing movement of the pulley away from the main body, the engagement feature being substantially free of fasteners for preventing movement of the portion of the pulley away from the main body.

Abstract: The inclusion of metadata within an application description file allows a virtual machine to create an application descriptor file that may be registered with the mobile device operating system so that an icon associated with the application description file may be displayed in the main ribbon. Execution of an application defined by the application definition file may then be initiated by the selection, by the user, of the icon that is associated with the application definition file. This improves over the situation wherein execution of the application defined by the application definition file would require a selection of the runtime environment for the application and then the selection of the application.

Abstract: A wireless communication device may be configured with an application definition file, for interaction with an application executing at a server computing device. Using definitions for a user interface provided by the application definition file, the wireless device may present a user interface for the application. Preferably, the application definition file is an XML file. Based on differences between a source wireless communication device platform, for which screen control elements of the user interface found within the application definition file may be defined, and a desired destination wireless communication device platform, the screen control elements may be converted. Advantageously, the application definition file, when updated to include the converted screen control elements, may be used by a device executing the destination wireless communication device platform.

Abstract: A system and method of providing employers with an accessible system and convenient method for tracking the work of mobile workers. By obtaining customer biometric data upon the initiation and conclusion of a work session, an employer may ensure that a customer is billed for an appropriate amount of time.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for generating power aboard a marine vessel is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a Rankine Cycle device that includes at least one of each of an evaporator, a turbo-generator that includes a turbine coupled with an electrical generator, a condenser, and a refrigerant feed pump; (b) disposing the one or more evaporators within an exhaust duct of a power plant of the marine vessel; (c) operating the power plant; and (d) selectively pumping refrigerant through the Rankine Cycle device, wherein refrigerant exiting the evaporator powers the turbine, which in turn powers the generator to produce power.

Abstract: A system and method of providing employers with an accessible system and convenient method for tracking the work of mobile workers. By obtaining customer biometric data upon the initiation and conclusion of a work session, an employer may ensure that a customer is billed for an appropriate amount of time.

Abstract: An insert for reinforcing a flange component and an intake manifold for an internal combustion engine in which such an insert is used. The insert (14a) is open toward a longitudinal side (17) of the cylinder head flange (13), so that a mounting bolt does not have to be pushed through the passageways (16) formed by the insert, but can be inserted from the side. This offers advantages during mounting, since the intake manifold can be pushed onto pre-mounted bolts, which are subsequently tightened to fix the intake manifold. The intake manifold and the described insert are therefore particularly suitable for cost-effective mounting in tight spaces.

Abstract: An insert for reinforcing a flange component and an intake manifold for an internal combustion engine in which such an insert is used. The insert (14a) is open toward a longitudinal side (17) of the cylinder head flange (13), so that a mounting bolt does not have to be pushed through the passageways (16) formed by the insert, but can be inserted from the side. This offers advantages during mounting, since the intake manifold can be pushed onto pre-mounted bolts, which are subsequently tightened to fix the intake manifold. The intake manifold and the described insert are therefore particularly suitable for cost-effective mounting in tight spaces.