Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a transaction machine. The transaction machine may include a first transaction access point configured to provide a first set of transaction options and a second transaction access point configured to provide a second set of transaction options. An item cartridge may be shared between the first transaction access point and the second transaction access point. During a transaction, a routing mechanism may route an item from the item cartridge to an item dispenser of the first transaction access point or to an item dispenser of the second transaction access point.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media and apparatuses pre-processing a negotiable instrument, such as a check, are presented. An image of a portion of the check may be received, such as from a mobile device of a user. The portion provided in the image may include a convenience area of the check identifying an amount of the check as a numerical value and a quick response (QR) code. The QR code may contain data such as that contained in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line of the check. The image may be processed to identify one or more options available for continued processing of the check or for cancelling the transaction. The options may be provided to the user, such as via a user interface. In some examples, the user interface may be provided on the mobile device used to capture the image of the portion of the check.

Abstract: Codes, such as Quick Response (QR) codes, may be printed on a transaction receipt or displayed on a display unit of a workstation or self-service device (e.g., an ATM) to provide users with additional promotions or to service an error that may have occurred during the transaction. The code may be unique to the transaction and generated by the transaction device during the transaction. The code may encode information unique to the transaction, such as a unique identifier generated by the transaction device that links the code to a storage device storing additional information on the transaction. Users may scan the code to obtain additional promotion information or to contact a service agent to resolve an error.

Abstract: Video transaction machines (VTMs) facilitate communications and transactions between customers of a financial institution and video transaction resources, such as video agents, by establishing a video session between a VTM and a video agent workstation. After a computing device of the financial institution receives information identifying the customer, VTM, or VTM location requesting the services of a video agent, the computing device may place the customer in one or more virtual queues based on an overall visit time at the VTM location. In order to maintain a visit time at the VTM location below a predetermined visit time threshold, the controller may prioritize transactions at VTMs with longer visit times over transactions at VTMs with shorter visit times.

Abstract: A service level executable environment (SLEE) in a telecommunications network linking a PSTN and a packet (e.g., IP) network is provided. The SLEE includes a scripting language, a compiler adapted to compile scripts written with said scripting language into executables, and a plurality of dynamically loaded shared libraries, wherein the dynamically loaded shared libraries are distributed over the IP network and executables can utilize dynamically loaded shared libraries from different locations in the IP network.

Abstract: A service level executable environment (SLEE) in a telecommunications network linking a PSTN and a packet (e.g., IP) network is provided. The SLEE includes a scripting language, a compiler adapted to compile scripts written with said scripting language into executables, and a plurality of dynamically loaded shared libraries, wherein the dynamically loaded shared libraries are distributed over the IP network and executables can utilize dynamically loaded shared libraries from different locations in the IP network.

Abstract: A service creation switch (114) supports both tightly coupled and loosely distributed application server (AS) (126) functions, with the tightly coupled AS (126) functions residing in the switch (114), and the loosely coupled AS (126) functions carried out in a service level executable environment (SLEE) (34). The SLEE (134) utilizes DLLs to facilitate the distribution of services over a packet network.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of telecommunications. More particularly, this invention is a method and system for providing a service level executable environment in a telecommunications network linking a PSTN and a packet network. With reference to FIG. 3, the service level executable environment (34) includes a scripting language, a compiler adapted to compile scripts written with the scripting language, and a plurality of dynamically loaded shared libraries, wherein the dynamically loaded shared libraries are distributed over the IP network (107) and executables from the compiler can utilize dynamically loaded shared libraries from different locations in the IP network (107). The invention includes signaling gateways (10) connected to an SS7 network (90) for support of PSTN (92) signaling; service switches (14) coupled to the signaling gateways; and media gateways (16) for interworking the IP network (107) and the PSTN (92).

Abstract: A service creation switch (114) supports both tightly coupled and loosely distributed application server (AS) (126) functions, with the tightly coupled AS (126) functions residing in the switch (114), and the loosely coupled AS (126) functions carried out in a service level executable environment (SLEE) (34). The SLEE (134) utilizes DLLs to facilitate the distribution of services over a packet network.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for supplying information from a network, such as the Internet, through, for example, a computing device to consumers on request. An optically readable indicia on an object is optically scanned to create an electronic representation of the indicia. The indicia can be visible or invisible, including invisible ink barcoding and digital watermarking. The electronic representation is used by a computing device to communicate with a central server. The central server selects a network address from a plurality of addresses that are or may come to be associated with the indicia. Selection is made in response to selected criteria so that the indicia is associated with different addresses based upon differences in the selected criteria. The central server contacts a server at the selected network address and obtains information from the server associated with the address.

Abstract: A method and apparatus cultivates anchorage and nonanchorage cell in a reactor. A reactor includes a basket type packed bed and an internal recirculation device. The basket includes a top and bottom portion for allowing medium to flow uniformly through the basket. Medium flows downwardly from the top of the basket through the basket for providing gentle flow and preventing removal of cells from the carrier. Preferably, the carrier is formed of a fiber matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-place sterilization of a fermentation vessel assembly and media. Media can be contained in reagent bottles placed on the fermentation vessel assembly or can be contained in a fermentation vessel which is part of the fermentation vessel assembly. A removable shroud covers the fermentation vessel assembly and media during sterilization. Steam is applied inside the shroud for raising the temperature within the shroud to a sterilization temperature.

Abstract: A sparger for use in microcarrier fermentation systems is provided which includes a narrow, vertically extending outer chamber defined by a solid wall and a wall formed by a screen, wherein air or other gas is forced under pressure through a tube to the bottom of the chamber and from there to a distribution member for the release of the gas upwardly into the chamber. The top of the chamber is provided with exit openings which communicate to a point above the surface of the medium. In an alternate embodiment, gas is released at the bottom of an inner chamber defined by a wall formed with a plurality of screened windows.

Abstract: An improved agitator for use with a fermentation and tissue culturing vessel acting as a microcarrier culture vessel is provided. The agitator includes a hollow body assembly having an open end and a closed end and at least one tubulation communicating with the hollow body assembly at a location spaced from the open end thereof, the tubulation having an exit opening oriented such that movement of the agitator and the tubulation causes a suction or draft at the exit opening to cause flow of fluid from the open end of the hollow body assembly through the hollow body assembly and out through the tubulation exit opening. In this way, a microcarrier cell culture may be stirred in a smooth and non-erratic way thereby minimizing the detachment of the rounded growth cells from the microcarriers.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser pumps fluid in increments. The dispenser includes a computer which, on command, determines the volume of fluid dispensed per increment, the determined value constituting a calibration value which is stored in the memory of the computer. A controller which may include the computer as a component provides for dispensing a selected number of doses, each of a selected volume. The controller can also specify a time interval between the delivery of successive doses. The dispenser is particularly useful in combination with apparatus for charging petri dishes with agar.

Abstract: A lumber inspection and optimization system is disclosed combining the speed of electro-optic scanning for flaw detection with electronic data manipulation and computation for optimizing the utilization of the lumber in accordance with an order entry list specifying the dimensions, grade and priority of products desired to be cut from each board inspected by the system. The system receives input data from an order entry device and an electro-optical scanner. Digital scan data from the electro-optical scanner is electronically processed to form a flaw data buffer containing the edge location of all the detected flaws enlarged to compensate for defective material usually surrounding each flaw. Optimization of the material is accomplished by electronically comparing the order entry data with the location of the flaws in the flaw buffer to generate cut line data indicative of where the board is to be cut.

Abstract: A lumber inspection and optimization system is disclosed combining the speed of electro-optic scanning for flaw detection with electronic data manipulation and computation for optimizing the utilization of the lumber in accordance with an order entry list specifying the dimensions, grade and priority of boards desired to cut from each piece of lumber inspected by the system. The system receives input data from an order entry device and an electro-optical scanner. The digital scan data from the electro-optical scanner is electronically processed to form a flaw data buffer containing the edge location of all the detected flaws enlarged to compensate for defective material usually surrounding each flaw. Optimization of the material is accomplished by electronically comparing the order entry data with the location of the flaws in the flaw buffer to generate cut line data indicative of where the board is to be cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling petri dishes include the features of situating a stack of empty petri dishes at a dish-drop station where the stack rests with the lowermost petri dish of the stack on a stationary support. A moving structure engages this lowermost petri dish and moves it beyond the stationary support to a filling station, and during this movement of this lowermost petri dish to the filling station a lower dish member of the petri dish drops down from an upper lid member thereof and remains spaced beneath the upper lid member while being supported by a movable support which carries the lower dish member to the filling station. At the filling station a nozzle of a pump becomes situated in the space between the upper lid member and the lower dish member of the petri dish and fills a given quantity of agar into the lower dish member, whereupon this latter member and the upper lid member spaced thereover are moved to an elevating station.

Abstract: An electro-optical scanner system for generating digital flaw data for a lumber inspection and optimization system is disclosed. The electro-optical scanner system includes an optical scanner generating analog scan data having frequency components indicative of the surface characteristics of the material being scanned. A dual quantizer separates the high frequency components of the scan data indicative of cracks, checks or splits from the low frequency components and converts both the high and low frequency components to a digital format. A digital filter removes extraneous noise from the digital high frequency scan data and a scanner interface encodes the digital high frequency and digital low frequency data in a predetermined multi-bit data byte format which simplifies data manipulation for subsequent flaw analysis by a computer.

Abstract: A vessel, containing a culture medium or laboratory ware, is brought rapidly to sterilization temperature by circulating a mixture of steam and superheated water through a closely spaced jacket. The mixture of steam and superheated water is generated in a portion of the sterilizer which is exterior to the jacket and said mixture is circulated without the use of a pump. The sterilizer can be made in sizes small enough for bench-top operation and the sterilization procedure can be carried out with automatic control.