Abstract: An automated self service method of and system for cashing checks, typically without human intervention. The system includes a check cashing database that contains customer records for registered customers. A plurality of administration modules are provided with which individuals may register themselves and their checks and communicate with customer service representatives. A check cashing server communicates with the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server receives check cashing requests from the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server processes check requests by comparing information in the request with criteria derived from the check cashing database. If the check request satisfies the criteria, the check cashing server, without human action or intervention, instructs the check cashing transaction module to dispense cash to the customer.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sealing unsealed surgical suture packages by applying heat and sealing pressure substantially simultaneously to both the sealed edge and the unsealed edge of an unsealed surgical suture package, thereby forming a sealed surgical suture package.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing durable press garments by inserting garments constructed of a cellulose fiber-containing fabric into an apparatus capable of tumbling the garments about a generally horizontal axis in such a manner as form a tunnel defined by the garments. The method tumbles the garments and injects a durable press resin into the tunnel in the form of a mist to impregnate the garments with the durable press resin. The method dries the impregnated garments and cures the dried garments.

Abstract: A foldable article indicia strip and method for size labeling a foldable article garment. A strip of flexible material has indicia repeatedly printed along a first major surface thereof. The indicia are printed using symbols having a height no greater than the width of an edge of said foldable article. A second major surface of the strip has a pressure sensitive adhesive material bonded thereto. In use, the second surface of the strip is affixed to a foldable article at a predetermined position whereby sizing information of the foldable article can be determined by reading said strip when the foldable article is folded.

Abstract: A package for maintaining a needle-suture product in a sterile condition includes a peelable foil container in which a peripheral heat seal defines a cavity for retaining a suture packet. The packet has a plastic tray and a stiff paper lid secured to the tray by hinged paper cleats extending into sockets in the tray. The lid covers most of the area of the tray, leaving an uncovered portion for accessing a needle mounted in the tray. A suture attached to the needle is coiled in a peripheral track in the tray so that an extended length of suture material can be retained in a relatively small space. The container has top and bottom aluminum foils with differentiated polymeric coatings on their interior surfaces, which are thermally fused to form the seal. Unsealed foil flaps are provided at one end of the container to enable peeling apart the foils to open the package.

Abstract: A system for accessing and analyzing data through a central processing unit. The system includes a non-modal user interface to provide a user access to the system. A number of application graphics objects allow the user to visually interact with a plurality of analysis objects through the non-modal user interface. The plurality of application analysis objects allow a user to interactively create an analysis network for analyzing one or more databases. A plurality of application data access objects automatically interprets the analysis network and allows the system to access required databases and to generate structure query language required to access and analyze the databases as defined within the analysis network.

Abstract: Automated packaging of surgical needle-suture assemblies includes a framing operation in which adjacent sheets of polymer coated aluminum foils are conveyed through a sequence of steps in an apparatus which produces frames containing plastic packets of needle-suture assemblies. The apparatus pulls a web of foil off a large diameter feed roll and maintains web alignment as it travels down line through the apparatus by a system that optically detects transverse movement of the web as it is fed into the apparatus and adjusts the position of the feed roll relative to the centerline of travel using a hi-directional stepper motor. Discontinuities in the polymer coating on the top surface of the web of foil are automatically detected so that remedial steps can be taken to avoid processing defective sections of the web. A vision system having video cameras connected to a specially adapted computer enables monitoring the product travelling through the apparatus to detect various defects in the product formation.

Abstract: A method for making sterile suture packages employs a frame assembly line, a sterilization line and a blanker/cartoner line. A web of foil is advanced in a series of movements through the frame assembly line to assemble a frame containing needle-suture assemblies in a plurality of cavities in the frame, the frame having top and bottom aluminum foils with heat seal coatings on their facing surfaces. The cavities are formed in the bottom foil of each frame by a combination of pressurized air and mechanical plugs which are forced against the bottom foil and an underlying die having recesses for defining the cavities. A blanking operation following sterilization and sealing separates individual packages, each containing one needle-suture assembly, from the frame. The packages are then conveyed by belts through inspection stations and reoriented for loading into shipping cartons.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling perforations in a well casing to reinitiate water flow into the casing to restore operation of a well. The apparatus includes a pneumatic drill mounted within a housing which is capable of being lowered into a well casing. The drill is moveable by remote control between a rest position and a working position within the housing to cause a drill bit to pass through a port in the housing to drill perforations at selected locations in the well casing.

Abstract: A system for accessing and analyzing data through a central processing unit. The system includes a non-modal user interface to provide a user access to the system. A number of application graphics objects allow the user to visually interact with a plurality of analysis objects through the non-modal user interface. The plurality of application analysis objects allow a user to interactively create an analysis network for analyzing one or more databases. A plurality of application data access objects interpret the analysis network and allow the system to access required databases and to generate structure query language required to access and analyze the databases as defined within the analysis network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of operation of polyphase AC induction motors. The method and apparatus utilizes a microprocessor to tune a motor control system such that time interval on at least two phases of a multi-phase power source such that the time intervals between turn-on of bi-directional switches and the time of sensing the resultant inrush currents of the two phases on two motor stators are maintained substantially constant as the load is varied.

Abstract: A passive passenger restraint system adapted for use with aerial, cable-supported chairlifts includes a passive restraint that is driven by the motion of the chairlift. A seatbelt automatically deploys across the laps of the passengers. The seatbelt restrains the passengers until the end of the trip and then releases the restraint just before unloading the passengers. After unloading, the restraint system automatically resets for the next passengers and the next deployment cycle. A similar passenger restraint system for use in vehicles restrains passengers individually using a shoulder belt and a lap belt.

Abstract: A system for accessing and analyzing data through a central processing unit. The system includes a non-modal user interface to provide a user access to the system. A number of application graphics objects allow the user to visually interact with a plurality of analysis objects through the non-modal user interface. The plurality of application analysis objects allow a user to interactively create an analysis network for analyzing one or more databases. A plurality of application data access objects interpret the analysis network and allow the system to access required databases and to generate structure query language required to access and analyze the databases as defined within the analysis network.

Abstract: An apparatus for configuring multiple compartments within a standard horse trailer alternately provides a traditional tacking compartment when a horse is loaded in the trailer or a large privacy compartment for changing attire or other activities requiring privacy. The apparatus includes a slidable wall and a pivoting upper portion, both of which can be moved and secured in a number of positions relative to each other and to the trailer depending upon the function desired.

Abstract: A device for removing stains from fabric is a household laundry appliance that mechanically removes stains or spots from fabric. A piston/nozzle assembly lowers from a piston housing in the device until it contacts the non-stain side of the fabric. Multiple nozzles force cleaning solution through the stained fabric at a high pressure, thereby exculpating the particles causing the stain. The cleaning solution flows through the fabric, through a screen below and into a reservoir in the hollow base of the device. The cleaning solution may be recycled for later use.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and replacing a coronary balloon catheter during coronary angioplasty comprises a double catheter. A guiding catheter is inserted into the opening of a coronary artery. An auxiliary balloon catheter is disposed axially inside the guiding catheter, and is secured along the side wall of the guiding catheter. A balloon is secured near the distal end of the auxiliary balloon catheter.

Abstract: An improved condiment pump has a container and a lid. A cylinder extends downwardly into the container and contains a piston and a piston rod. A lower ball valve is located near the bottom of the cylinder, and a side arm tube extends upwardly from the upper ball valve. An upper ball valve is located at the top of the side arm tube, and a spout extends upwardly from the upper ball valve. A plug covers the upper end of the upper ball valve. A spout extension extends downwardly into the upper ball valve to maintain the ball a predetermined distance from a hole in the plug, permitting passage of condiment chunks through the spout.

Abstract: A cylindrical three dimensional picture capable of being viewed through an angle of 360.degree. includes a cylinder surrounded by a 3D photograph, in turn surrounded by a flexible lenticular lens through which a film strip, subsequently developed into the photograph, is exposed and the subsequent photograph viewed, resulting in an image of a subject which appears to have been shrunken and enclosed within the cylinder. The film strip is exposed to sequential multiple images taken of a subject by a multiple imaging camera as the subject rotates 360.degree.. The film strip is exposed to the multiple images through a lenticular lens as the lens and film are rotated 360.degree. in a first embodiment, and is exposed to the multiple images linearly through a flat lenticular lens as the lens moves linearly across the projection beam of the multiple images in a third embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: The batch size of materials required for each process within a workstation based on a given shipment schedule, as well as the values of several other workstation variables that are determinative of workstation and factory performance are determined. With this information, the user of the invention may schedule production for the factory or spot and prioritize workstations requiring the most improvement, and determine the character and quantity of improvement.