Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a system for processing transactions is provided that comprises a transaction processing circuit configured to receive transaction data relating to one or more transactions for the purchase of software applications from a digital application store. The transaction processing circuit is further configured to apply one or more business rules to the transaction data and to generate one or more transaction summary files. The transaction summary files are transmitted to a payment system configured to perform, based on the transaction summary files, at least one of recording revenue related to the transactions and causing payment to be distributed to developers of the software applications. At least a portion of the transaction processing circuit is implemented using a shared, scalable computing system.

Abstract: Eyeglass frame elements may include a bridge and temples, and for an accessory attached to eyeglasses, one or more clips. Each of these elements includes an attachment point to the lens. For this attachment point a terminal portion of a metal wire is received through a first of two apertures formed through a lens adjacent an edge thereof. A remaining portion of the metal wire is received through a second of the two apertures. A first bend in the metal wire between the terminal portion and the remaining portion located is formed between the two apertures. This first bend is adjacent to a surface of the lens. A second bend in the metal wire is formed adjacent the second of the two apertures so that at least part of the terminal portion is adjacent an outside edge of the lens.

Abstract: Eyeglass frame elements may include a bridge and temples, and for an accessory attached to eyeglasses, one or more clips. Each of these elements includes an attachment point to the lens. For this attachment point a terminal portion of a metal wire is received through a first of two apertures formed through a lens adjacent an edge thereof. A remaining portion of the metal wire is received through a second of the two apertures. A first bend in the metal wire between the terminal portion and the remaining portion located is formed between the two apertures. This first bend is adjacent to a surface of the lens. A second bend in the metal wire is formed adjacent the second of the two apertures so that at least part of the terminal portion is adjacent an outside edge of the lens.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a system for processing transactions is provided that comprises a transaction processing circuit configured to receive transaction data relating to one or more transactions for the purchase of software applications from a digital application store. The transaction processing circuit is further configured to apply one or more business rules to the transaction data and to generate one or more transaction summary files. The transaction summary files are transmitted to a payment system configured to perform, based on the transaction summary files, at least one of recording revenue related to the transactions and causing payment to be distributed to developers of the software applications. At least a portion of the transaction processing circuit is implemented using a shared, scalable computing system.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a water tank to provide water to a mixing manifold. Liquid concentrate stored in a reservoir feeds to the mixing manifold. Downstream of the mixing manifold is a mixing bowl receiving powdered ingredients from a hopper. Pumps such as peristaltic pumps, move the fluid. The whole process is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A positive batten inversion system for control of the battens used to stiffen the leech of a sail for a sailboat comprises a pair of control lines for each batten that extends beyond the backstay run up from the tack, along either side of the luff of the sail, to blocks secured to the sail near the luff and slightly below an imaginary line connecting the batten centerline to the luff. From the blocks, the lines run out to the leech and are secured to the leech just above the after end of the battens. Accordingly, the lines cross the battens at a very acute angle. Tensioning the lines causes the batten to be inverted and/or compressed, allowing it and the leech of the sail to pass by the backstay.

Abstract: A plant support device includes a base that connects to a supporting post. The base may comprise a plate including a series of receptacles that connect to the supporting post and position the post in a generally vertical orientation. The receptacles may be formed as cups extending from the base, or as recesses formed into the base. The base may be releasably connected to the floor of a container such as a flowerpot or planter. The base may further include spacers capable of creating an aeration gap within the container. The base may also include slots that limit the rotation of the base when positioned within the container. The supporting post may be formed from a series of axially connectable pole sections.

Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising a) a dynamically vulcanized rubber, b) a thermoplastic resin, and c) optionally a synthetic oil, where the thermoplastic vulcanizate is substantially devoid of mineral oils.

Abstract: The invention features dilute solutions of rigid rod or extended rod lyotropic liquid crystalline polymers prepared from high concentration polymerization mixtures. The invention also features methods of preparing such dilute solutions which utilize high mechanical shear to induce mix the high concentration solution with a diluent. The invention further provides articles of manufacture, including films and fibers, having a porous microstructure which are prepared from the dilute homogeneous solutions of the invention.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes arc coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid polymer electrolyte membranes (SPEMs) which include a co-processed mixture of a substrate polymer and an ion-conducting material membrane, or more preferably include a membrane comprising a polymer blend of a substrate polymer and an ion-conducting material. SPEMs of the present invention are useful in electrochemical applications, including fuel cells.

Abstract: A method for ablating tissue in or around the heart to create an enhanced lesion is provided. The distal end of a catheter including a needle electrode at its distal end is introduced into the heart. The distal end of the needle electrode is introduced into the tissue. An electrically-conductive fluid is infused through the needle electrode and into the tissue. The tissue is ablated after and/or during introduction of the fluid into the tissue. The fluid conducts ablation energy within the tissue to create a larger lesion than would be created without the introduction of the fluid.