Abstract: A server support matrix system and method for measuring and pricing information technology services provided by small, midrange and large servers. The inventive system and method assigns capacity units to server systems based on size and applies the capacity units to categorize server systems for valuation. In addition, the inventive system and method provides for taking into account server application complexity, in the assignment of a usage type category, and different levels of support services which can be provided by the service provider. The variables of capacity unit, usage type and support service level are combined in a Server Support Matrix and are assigned costs based on their location in the matrix. The matrix allows service providers and customers to readily ascertain prospective charges and to project costs for next-generation servers.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for determining a cost differential resulting from a migration of computational workloads between computer platforms is disclosed herein. Information regarding current and planned hardware and software use on the computer platforms and the costs associated therewith is provided and supplemented with model data including historical data and industry averages. A cost and capacity measurement associated with the current and planned use and cost is derived. A required processing capacity migration between platforms is determined for a proposed computational workload migration therebetween and a resultant cost and capacity measurement is calculated for each platform to determine the resultant cost differential.

Abstract: In a gas turbine bucket having a shank portion and an airfoil portion having leading and trailing edges and pressure and suction sides, an internal cooling circuit, the internal cooling circuit having a serpentine configuration including plural radial outflow passages and plural radial inflow passages, and wherein a coolant inlet passage communicates with a first of the radial outflow passages along the trailing edge, the first radial outflow passage having a plurality of radially extending and radially spaced elongated rib segments extending between and connecting the pressure and suction sides in a middle region of the first passage to prevent ballooning of the pressure and suction sides at the first radial outflow passage.

Abstract: A method for facilitating refunds in a postage metering system includes the steps of receiving at a computer a request for a refund of a postage amount; using the computer for accessing a dispute account data base for identifying a dispute account associated with the request; determining, via the computer, if a value in the dispute account is acceptable for permitting a refund of the postage amount; and at times when the value is determined to be acceptable for permitting the refund of the postage amount, refunding the postage amount to a user of the postage meter. A system incorporates the method steps.

Abstract: A mail receipt terminal for accepting an envelope having evidence of postage applied thereto. The mail receipt terminal includes a controller module and an input scanner module and a printer module, both in operative communication with the controller module. The controller module includes a control system and a clock module. The input scanner module: (i) receives the envelope, (ii) scans the evidence of postage to determine its veracity, and (iii) rejects the envelope if the evidence of postage is determined to be improper. If the evidence of postage is determined to be proper, then the printer module prints a receipt including data thereon corresponding to the envelope where the receipt data includes a date/time stamp and an ID tracking number that uniquely corresponds to the envelope.

Abstract: A method and system for processing postage payments is described. In one configuration a digital pen is utilized to provide a mail piece identifier. The data provided is utilized to account for postage and verify payment of postage.

Abstract: A dynamic scale has a conveyor, a weighing pan, a weighing cell, sensors and an electronic control unit that, in addition to controlling the conveyor means (4), implements an evaluation of a number measured weight values that are obtained from the weighing cell and performs a measured value correction on the basis of specific parameters, and supplies a corrected weight value to a postage meter machine via an interface. A method for a control of the conveyor, evaluation of the measured values from the weighing cell, and formulation of a valid output weight value includes an overload check that is made by comparing a measured weight value lying in the middle of the number of measured values to at least one overload limit value, and formation of a decision parameter from the measured values, in a validity check, for comparison to at least one shutoff criterion. If the validity check determines that the measured values from the weighing cell are valid, they are used to form the output weight value.

Abstract: A method for printing indicia on mailpieces at an increased average speed. The system includes: a postal scale for determining a postage amount for a mail piece; a printer; and a postage meter responsive to the postal scale to control the printer to print an indicium representative of the postage amount. The postage meter further includes: a programmable controller; a secure mechanism for accounting for postage amounts expended; and an indicia generator.

Abstract: A system and method include means for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. A register means is provided and means for adjusting the register means to account for services when the cryptographic certificate is processed. In accordance with anther aspect, a system and method include a register means for storing funds. Means are provided for processing a digital token providing proof of postage payment and means are also provided for processing a cryptographic certificate adapted to provide security functionality. Means debit funds stored in the register means when the digital token is processed and when the cryptographic certificate is processed. Processing the cryptographic certificate may involve many functions such as providing security services and/or certificate management functions (including generating and verifying cryptographic certificates) and/or key management functions and/or access to any needed private keys to perform security services.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for verifying a player's eligibility for participation in on-line gaming. A method for verifying a player's eligibility to participate in on-line gaming includes performing one or more verification checks for the player. The method includes, for each verification check, requesting data about the player from one or more data source providers. The method includes receiving the data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes, for each verification check, calculating a check score based on received data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes calculating a verification score that is based on the check scores.

Abstract: A franking and prepayment machine, has a microprocessor that is connected to a display unit and to a keyboard, memory and interface components and digitally drives a printer module, and has an input unit that allows the input for the accounting mode. The microprocessor is programmed, given actuation or triggering of the input unit, changes the accounting mode at the user's option.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for maintaining a virtual-wait queue that controls access by customers to a physical resource such as a restaurant table. The method and system are especially adapted for use by customers operating Internet-enabled wireless devices. The system operates by maintaining a virtual-wait queue data structure capable of storing a plurality of entries. Each entry is representative of a customer. The system accepts an instruction from a premises I/O device indicating to either add or delete an entry to the data structure. The system also accepts an instruction from a network connection to either add or delete the remote customer into or from the virtual wait queue. The virtual wait queue system indicates to the remote customer the estimated time left in the queue, freeing the customer from the need to wait in line.

Abstract: An automated valuation system and method for: storing, in a database, a first feature element and an offered price for each of a plurality of specimens; generating, through the use of the first feature element and the offered price, a plurality of valuation coefficients, indicative of the actual value of each of the plurality of specimens; calculating, through the use of the plurality of valuation coefficients, the actual value of each of the plurality of specimens; and comparing, for each of the plurality of specimens, the actual value of the specimen to the offered price of the specimen to determine a cost indicator, wherein the cost indicator is indicative of the amount that the offered price of a specimen differs from the actual value of a specimen.

Abstract: A production mail system for producing a mailpiece including an inserter system for feeding a document in a path of travel and into an envelope. The document includes a control code printed thereon. The inserter includes a scanner located adjacent the path of travel for reading the control code on the document and a printer for printing a selected message on the envelope corresponding to the control code.

Abstract: A self-contained multi-function system for preparing mail items, the system comprising a general-purpose computer for preparing a document to be sent and for preparing secure postage metering or “franking” information, a digital imaging device connected to the general-purpose computer so as to print both the document to be sent, and at least a destination address for the document but not the postage imprint on an envelope that is to receive the document, and a folder/inserter connected both to the digital imaging device and to the general-purpose computer so as to receive and fold the printed document, and, once the document has been inserted in the envelope, so as to affix the postage imprint selectively by performing a write operation in a writable microcircuit of an electronic tag carried by the envelope or by the document.

Abstract: A catheter capable of both sensing myocardial electrical activity and delivering ablating energy within myocardial tissue is disclosed. The catheter comprises electrodes on the outer sheath and contains a movable fiber optic cable that can be percutaneously advanced beyond the catheter body and into the myocardium for myocardial heating and coagulation, or modification of tissues responsible for cardiac arrhythmias. The fiber optic tip is designed to diffuse ablating energy radially to ablate a larger volume of tissue than is possible with a bare fiber optic tip. In addition, the tip is treated so that energy is not propagated in a forward direction, thus helping to prevent unwanted perforation of the heart tissue. Also disclosed is a method of cardioprotection from ischemia comprising inducing local hyperthermia in heart tissue.

Abstract: Merchandise Return Label may be printed on a buyer's computer printer and paid for by the seller's postage meter. Goods mailed with the Merchandise Return Label will be considered metered mail. Returned goods may be delivered directly to the buyer, and postal employees will not have to manually complete the Merchandise Return Label. Since the mailing of the returned goods was paid for by a postage meter, the Post Office would not have to receive payment from the seller when the seller receives the package.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing non-postal route mail records and delivering mail items to non-postal route locations. Mail records are presented for processing. Mailers then extract non-postal route records from the input mail records and address mail items using address information derived from the non-postal route records. Items destined for a particular non-postal route location are weighed and postage is paid for those items according to their weight. The items are then transported by carrier to the target non-postal route location.

Abstract: A power plant for propeller aircraft has two propulsion devices, each having a propeller, an engine for powering the propeller, and a gear transmission interposed between the engine and the propeller. The transmission has a power input shaft connected directly to the engine, and a power output shaft supporting the propeller and rotated with respect to the input shaft about a hinge axis perpendicular to the output shaft. The gear transmission also has a single gear fitted to the output shaft and having two opposed sets of teeth meshing with a pair of pinions. One of the pinions extends coaxially with the hinge axis, and is connected to the input shaft by a single pair of gears.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatic mail operation with four state barcode are provided. An automatic mail operation processing system with four state barcode in accordance with the present invention includes customer barcode supporting system, mail operation supporting system, and automatic sorting system. The customer barcode supporting system converts information into four state barcode and prints the barcode on mail and mail receiving form when a customer supplies the information. The information is necessary for shipping the mail. The mail operation supporting system receives the mail and the mail receiving form, determines postal fee, and reports result of receipt to the customer through the customer barcode supporting system. The automatic sorting system reads the four state barcode on the mail and sorts the mail automatically.