Abstract: A method for authenticating a check of a plurality of checks where the check was previously issued from a first party to a second party, including receiving first information from the first party, storing the first information in a file of a third party and receiving the check. The check has first party identifying information, a unique pseudorandom number of a pseudorandom sequence, and an amount. A status of activating the plurality of checks is determined. At least a portion of the first party identifying information included with the check, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the check amount included with the check are authenticated. The received check is authenticated if the first party, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the amount included with the check are authenticated and if the plurality of checks have been activated.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a check of a plurality of checks where the check was previously issued from a first party to a second party, including receiving first information from the first party, storing the first information in a file of a third party and receiving the check. The check has first party identifying information, a unique pseudorandom number of a pseudorandom sequence, and an amount. A status of activating the plurality of checks is determined. At least a portion of the first party identifying information included with the check, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the check amount included with the check are authenticated. The received check is authenticated if the first party, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the amount included with the check are authenticated and if the plurality of checks have been activated.

Abstract: A container features a pair of stacking features on its top and bottom walls enabling a plurality of such containers to be disposed in a vertically stacked configuration. One of these stacking features is a protrusion with a tip spaced from an outer surface of the respective wall and opposite sides depending from the tip on either side thereof towards the wall's outer surface, and the other one is a groove with a base recessed from an outer surface of the respective wall and opposite sides of the groove extending from the base on either side thereof towards the wall's outer surface. The groove of one such container is thus arranged to matingly receive the protrusion of another such container so that the two containers are interconnectable in the vertically stacked configuration.

Abstract: A security and escape apparatus for use with a window mounted in a wall at a position spaced above a support surface is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention track members of a first bar section are S-shaped in cross-section so as to carry a second bar section thereon and thereby allowing the bar members of the bar sections to be uniform in length. According to another aspect a release mechanism comprises an abutting portion which is positioned beneath the bar sections to retain the sections across a window opening. The abutting portion is positioned horizontally outwardly of the bar sections such that the bar sections can extend to form a ladder beneath the window opening. According to another aspect the apparatus includes a window frame mounting arrangement cooperative with the obstructing position for resisting dismantling of the apparatus.

Abstract: A container features a pair of stacking features on its top and bottom walls enabling a plurality of such containers to be disposed in a vertically stacked configuration. One of these stacking features is a protrusion with a tip spaced from an outer surface of the respective wall and opposite sides depending from the tip on either side thereof towards the wall's outer surface, and the other one is a groove with a base recessed from an outer surface of the respective wall and opposite sides of the groove extending from the base on either side thereof towards the wall's outer surface. The groove of one such container is thus arranged to matingly receive the protrusion of another such container so that the two containers are interconnectable in the vertically stacked configuration.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a check of a plurality of checks where the check was previously issued from a first party to a second party, including receiving first information from the first party, storing the first information in a file of a third party and receiving the check. The check has first party identifying information, a unique pseudorandom number of a pseudorandom sequence, and an amount. A status of activating the plurality of checks is determined. At least a portion of the first party identifying information included with the check, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the check amount included with the check are authenticated. The received check is authenticated if the first party, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the amount included with the check are authenticated and if the plurality of checks have been activated.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a check of a plurality of checks where the check was previously issued from a first party to a second party, including receiving first information from the first party, storing the first information in a file of a third party and receiving the check. The check has first party identifying information, a unique pseudorandom number of a pseudorandom sequence, and an amount. A status of activating the plurality of checks is determined. At least a portion of the first party identifying information included with the check, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the check amount included with the check are authenticated. The received check is authenticated if the first party, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the amount included with the check are authenticated and if the plurality of checks have been activated.

Abstract: A security and escape apparatus for use with a window mounted in a wall at a position spaced above a support surface is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention track members of a first bar section are S-shaped in cross-section so as to carry a second bar section thereon and thereby allowing the bar members of the bar sections to be uniform in length. According to another aspect a release mechanism comprises an abutting portion which is positioned beneath the bar sections to retain the sections across a window opening. The abutting portion is positioned horizontally outwardly of the bar sections such that the bar sections can extend to form a ladder beneath the window opening. According to another aspect the apparatus includes a window frame mounting arrangement cooperative with the obstructing position for resisting dismantling of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for securing financial information in payment instruments including generating a pseudorandom number sequence, generating an activation code, including a unique pseudorandom number of the sequence with each payment instrument of a plurality of payment instruments and issuing the plurality of payment instruments with the activation code to a customer. The activation code is associated with customer identifying information and each unique pseudorandom number of the sequence included with each payment instrument of the plurality of payment instrument. The plurality of payment instruments is activated with the activation code. A received payment instrument of the plurality of payment instruments is authenticated if the customer and the unique pseudorandom number of the sequence included on the received payment instrument are authenticated and if the plurality of payment instruments are activated.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a check of a plurality of checks where the check was previously issued from a first party to a second party, including receiving first information from the first party, storing the first information in a file of a third party and receiving the check. The check has first party identifying information, a unique pseudorandom number of a pseudorandom sequence, and an amount. A status of activating the plurality of checks is determined. At least a portion of the first party identifying information included with the check, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the check amount included with the check are authenticated. The received check is authenticated if the first party, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the amount included with the check are authenticated and if the plurality of checks have been activated.

Abstract: A system and method for securing financial information in payment instruments including generating a pseudorandom number sequence, generating an activation code, including a unique pseudorandom number of the sequence with each payment instrument of a plurality of payment instruments and issuing the plurality of payment instruments with the activation code to a customer. The activation code is associated with customer identifying information and each unique pseudorandom number of the sequence included with each payment instrument of the plurality of payment instrument. The plurality of payment instruments is activated with the activation code. A received payment instrument of the plurality of payment instruments is authenticated if the customer and the unique pseudorandom number of the sequence included on the received payment instrument are authenticated and if the plurality of payment instruments are activated.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce the time and complexity of IT classroom setup. The present invention leverages virtual machine technology to create a new learning platform. In one embodiment, the system includes a classroom computer having installed therein a virtual machine platform, virtual machines, and an exercise launcher. The system also includes a database for associating classroom exercises with one or more of the virtual machines. The launcher has a user interface that enables a student to select a classroom exercise. In response to the student selecting a classroom exercise, the exercise launcher determines the virtual machines associated with the selected exercise and requests the virtual machine platform to launch the determined virtual machines. In this way, the classroom computer is automatically configured to enable the student to perform the entire exercise.