Abstract: A payment processing apparatus and a system or a method are provided that have a location-agnostic payment code, where the user does not have to check in to the merchant's location. Further, the reliance on the network connection is reduced by caching or storing payment codes at the user's mobile device. The payment codes may have expiration and may be used once. The payment codes may be revoked or canceled if the user's mobile device is compromised or stolen. In an embodiment, the payment codes may be generated and provided to the user's mobile device when the payment application at the user's mobile device is refreshed. For example, the payment application is refreshed based on user's payment history or payment habits. In another embodiment, the payment codes may be generated and provided to the user's mobile device when the user is within a predetermined distance from a merchant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for intercepting or cleaning-up plugins. The methods may include: obtaining performance attributes of a plugin; determining if the plugin meets a performance criterion based on the obtained performance attributes and empirical data; and intercepting or cleaning-up the plugin if the plugin does not meet the performance criterion. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the performance attributes of a plugin can be evaluated to determine whether the plugin meets a preset performance criterion, and the plugin can then be processed according to the result of the determination.

Abstract: An output short to ground protection circuit protects an electronic device when it is short circuited to ground. The protection circuit has an NMOS transistor coupled to the output power transistor. A fixed voltage generator is connected to a gate terminal of the NMOS transistor. A first voltage clamping circuit and a second voltage clamping circuit are provided. The voltage clamping circuits are utilized so as to limit the current outputted by the output power transistor when the short circuit occurs.

Abstract: The invention provides batter compositions including a structure-providing amount of a flour replacement ingredient comprising native starch in an amount of 70% by weight or more, and a protein source in an amount of 30% by weight or less, weight percentages based upon weight of the flour replacement ingredient; a sweetener in an amount effective to provide a water activity of 0.94 or less; and a fat source, wherein the batter composition has a pH of 6.5 or higher. Optionally, the flour replacement ingredient can further include a fiber source, a minor amount of modified starch, or a combination of these. In some aspects, the invention provides batter compositions including a novel leavening system.