Abstract: A separation membrane, suitably for oil and water separation. The membrane including a porous substrate layer and an active layer arranged over at least a part of the substrate layer. The active layer includes a hydrophilic agent and a superhydrophilic agent. Also described is a method of producing the separation membrane and a drain valve comprising the membrane.

Abstract: A separation membrane, such as for pressure-assisted oil and water separation. The membrane includes a porous substrate layer and an active layer arranged over at least a part of the substrate layer. The active layer is at least partially crosslinked and comprises a superhydrophilic agent. Also described is a method of producing the separation membrane and a drain valve comprising the membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed risk rules is disclosed. The method receives, at a subsystem, a subset of rules from a main rules system. The subsystem then determines that a communication to the main rules system is disrupted. The subsystem utilizes the subset of rules to make at least one business decision. After determining that the communication to the main rules system is operational, the subsystem provides a reconciliation data file including the at least one business decision to the main rules system.

Abstract: In a method of validating a customer in an electronic transaction, an electronic interface of a vendor requests a first set of personal information to validate a customer. The first set of personal information is requested as a portion of a transaction between the electronic interface and a customer device used by the customer. Responsive to the customer's authorization, the electronic interface receives from the customer device an encrypted token which includes a second set of personal information which identifies the customer and encompasses at least a portion of the first set of personal information. The encrypted token is provided to the customer device from a third-party via an application on the customer device and is configured with the second set of personal information prior to the transaction. The electronic interface completes the transaction using the second set of personal information decrypted from the encrypted token to validate the customer.

Abstract: In a method of validating a customer in an electronic transaction, an electronic interface of a vendor requests a first set of personal information to validate a customer. The first set of personal information is requested as a portion of a transaction between the electronic interface and a customer device used by the customer. Responsive to the customer's authorization, the electronic interface receives from the customer device an encrypted token which includes a second set of personal information which identifies the customer and encompasses at least a portion of the first set of personal information. The encrypted token is provided to the customer device from a third-party via an application on the customer device and is configured with the second set of personal information prior to the transaction. The electronic interface completes the transaction using the second set of personal information decrypted from the encrypted token to validate the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed risk rules is disclosed. The method receives, at a subsystem, a subset of rules from a main rules system. The subsystem then determines that a communication to the main rules system is disrupted. The subsystem utilizes the subset of rules to make at least one business decision. After determining that the communication to the main rules system is operational, the subsystem provides a reconciliation data file including the at least one business decision to the main rules system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an intermediary to manage a point exchange across a plurality of different reward programs and across a plurality of users (e.g., disparate retailers as well as disparate consumers) are disclosed. One method receives a plurality of first reward program points from an entity; each point having a monetary value for the date it was issued. A total monetary value of the plurality of first reward program points is determined. The total monetary value is exchanged into an equivalent value of an intermediary currency. The entity requests one or more second reward program points. A current value of each second reward program point is obtained and the equivalent value in the intermediary currency is determined. An amount of intermediary currency is exchanged for the one or more second reward program points. The one or more second reward program points are provided to the entity.

Abstract: A system and method for private label account number protection is described. A method receives, at a retail computing system, a private label credit account number being proffered to make a private label credit purchase. A request for authorization for the purchase is provided from the retail computing system to a private label credit account provider over a dedicated connection between the retail computing system and the private label credit account provider. The retail computing system receives an authorization token from the credit account provider and stores the authorization token in place of the private label credit account number.

Abstract: Systems and methods to predict bidding behavior are described. The system identifies a listing that includes listing information that describes an item that is being auctioned on a network-based marketplace. The system further identifies bid classification information based on the number of bids received for the item. Finally, the system predicts whether no more bids are expected to be received for the item based on the classification information.

Abstract: Systems and methods to predict bidding behaviour are described. The system identifies a listing that includes listing information that describes an item that is being auctioned on a network-based marketplace. The system further identifies bid classification information based on the number of bids received for the item. Finally, the system predicts whether no more bids are expected to be received for the item based on the classification information.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating aerodynamic objects from an aerodynamic vehicle includes a first element, aerodynamically configured to create nose-down pitching moment, mounted to the object surface, a second element mounted to the first element and projecting into an oncoming airstream such that when enabled, the passing air tears the apparatus from the surface which otherwise supports it. The first element is a body designed to be conformal with the object surface to which it is mounted, and includes a forward end projecting into the oncoming airstream and a rearward end, and is secured to said object surface at the rearward end thereof. A flexible gasket is interposed between the first element and the object surface. The second element comprises a forward end directed toward the oncoming airstream and a rearward end, with the second element being mounted to the first element at the rearward end of the second element.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating aerodynamic objects from an aerodynamic vehicle includes a first element, aerodynamically configured to create nose-down pitching moment, mounted to the object surface, a second element mounted to the first element and projecting into an oncoming airstream such that when enabled, the passing air tears the apparatus from the surface which otherwise supports it. The first element is a body designed to be conformal with the object surface to which it is mounted, and includes a forward end projecting into the oncoming airstream and a rearward end, and is secured to said object surface at the rearward end thereof. A flexible gasket is interposed between the first element and the object surface. The second element comprises a forward end directed toward the oncoming airstream and a rearward end, with the second element being mounted to the first element at the rearward end of the second element.