Abstract: An irrigation tracking and control system includes a control module attached an irrigation system, with a GPS receiver in the module for tracking movement of the distal end of the irrigation system. A microprocessor in the module processes position information and status information regarding the irrigation system and transmits the same via a cellular telephone network to a web server hosting a website. The information is downloaded to the website, and predetermined consumers may access the information on the website.

Abstract: A device for separating ions from a fluid stream is disclosed. The device includes a conduit eccentric and parallel to an axis of rotation. An inductor coil surrounds the conduit and forms a magnetic field parallel to the axis. The conduit has an inlet and three outlets. The outlets are arranged at different radial distances from the axis. The coil and the conduit are rotatable relative to one another about the axis. Fluid flows through the conduit to the outlets and the ions therein experience a force as they move perpendicular to the magnetic field. Ions of one polarity move toward the axis and exit the conduit from the innermost outlet. Ions of an opposite polarity move away from the axis and exit the conduit from the outermost outlet. Fluid substantially devoid of ions exits from the middle outlet. A method of generating gas from ion streams is disclosed.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a mechanism for accepting deposited items. Deposited items can be provided to the machine in envelopes passed out of the machine to a user. An empty envelope in an envelope holding container (132) is passed through a transport (124) and presented to the user through an opening (244). The user can insert deposit items in the presented envelope. The envelope containing inserted deposited items can then be placed by the user back through the opening (244), causing it to be stored in a deposit-holding container (128). The machine also includes a printer that can print transaction indicia on a deposited envelope. A wiper comprising a resilient squeegee is able to remove excess ink from nozzles of the printer.

Abstract: A device for separating ions from a fluid stream is disclosed. The device includes multiple chambers in fluid communication with one another. A first chamber has an inlet, and a last chamber has an outlet. The inlets and outlets of intermediate chambers are connected to one another so that fluid flows in a circular pattern through each chamber. A magnetic field extends through the chambers perpendicular to the flow. The magnetic field induces a force on the ions, moving ions of one polarity to ward the center of the chambers and ions of the opposite polarity toward the periphery of the chambers. Each chamber has an outlet for drawing fluid from the chamber center. The circulation direction reverses in each chamber allowing both positive and negative ions to exit via the outlets. Fluid of reduced ion concentration exits the outlet channel.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a mechanism for accepting deposited items. Deposited items may be provided to the machine in envelopes which are first passed to a user from an envelope storage area (132) in the machine through a transport (124) and which are presented to the user through an opening (244). An envelope storage and dispensing device (134) is operative to assure that only a single envelope is delivered to the user. A user may thereafter include deposit items in the dispensed envelope. The deposited items are passed through the opening (244) and are deposited in a deposit-holding container (128). The deposited items may be marked with indicia corresponding to the transaction or properties of the deposited item where the envelope originally dispensed to the user for holding the deposited item.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a mechanism for accepting deposited items. Deposited items may be provided to the machine in envelopes which are first passed to a user from an envelope storage area (132) in the machine through a transport (124) and which are presented to the user through an opening (244). An envelope storage and dispensing device (134) is operative to assure that only a single envelope is delivered to the user. A user may thereafter include deposit items in the dispensed envelope. The deposited items are passed through the opening (244) and are deposited in a deposit-holding container (128). The deposited items may be marked with indicia corresponding to the transaction or properties of the deposited item where the envelope originally dispensed to the user for holding the deposited item.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a mechanism for accepting deposited items. Deposited items may be provided to the machine in envelopes which are first passed to a user from an envelope storage area (132) in the machine through a transport (124) and which are presented to the user through an opening (244). An envelope storage and dispensing device (134) is operative to assure that only a single envelope is delivered to the user. A user may thereafter include deposit items in the dispensed envelope. The deposited items are passed through the opening (244) and are deposited in a deposit-holding container (128). The deposited items may be marked with indicia corresponding to the transaction or properties of the deposited item where the envelope originally dispensed to the user for holding the deposited item.

Abstract: A novel Internet advertising system and method is provided in which a targeted advertisement is embedded into a multimedia presentation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the targeted advertisement is chosen from a group of advertisements and is inserted into the presentation to an individual user based on the specifications of an advertiser. In another preferred embodiment, in addition to targeting the advertisement to an individual user, the advertisement embedded into the multimedia presentation is provided with a hyperlink to a website chosen by the advertiser.

Abstract: A unmanned banking center for location within a building. The banking center is remote from a central banking facility, but is electronically coupled thereto to convey data therebetween. The unmanned center is arranged to have patrons come to it to conduct various transactions typically done at a conventional bank branch and includes a master computer, flooring, plural pivotable seats, and first, second, and third transaction stations. The first station is a kiosk-like enclosure containing a automated teller machine. The second station comprises plural baffled wall sections, each mounting a respective telephone. The third station houses a video monitor and an interactive video terminal. The telephones are connected to master computer, which in turn is connected by modem to the main computer system of the financial institution operating the remote banking center.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling including a drive shaft reciprocable on an axis; an actuator shaft mounted for reciprocating rectilinear motion on the axis; and a coupling mechanism for transmitting reciprocating motion of the drive shaft to the actuator shaft; the coupling mechanism including a pivot joint allowing relative pivotal movement between the drive shaft and the actuator shaft, and a translational joint allowing relative translational movement between the drive shaft and the actuator shaft in directions transverse to the axis, the translational joint having a flexible link connecting the pivot joint and the drive shaft.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography system including a liquid pump having a pumping chamber, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a purge port, all communicating with the pumping chamber; a separation column; an outlet valve connected between the outlet port and the separation column and adapted to control liquid flow therebetween; a source of mobile phase; an inlet valve connected between the inlet port and the source and adapted to control liquid flow therebetween; and a purge valve connected to the purge port.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography system including a liquid pump having a pumping chamber, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a purge port, all communicating with the pumping chamber; a separation column; an outlet valve connected between the outlet port and the separation column and adapted to control liquid flow therebetween; a source of mobile phase; an inlet valve connected between the inlet port and the source and adapted to control liquid flow therebetween; and a purge valve connected to the purge port.

Abstract: A sock and method for manufacturing the same utilizes a formable or "puff" ink. The ink is applied by screen printing to the upper heel area of the sock and the ink is heat set. The ink rises upon setting (curing) to form a friction producing surface on the back of the sock above the heel. The printed surface prevents to sock from sliding into the shoe during periods of exercising such as walking, jogging or other physical activities.

Abstract: An attaching assembly is disclosed which permits attachment of ceramic fiber to a back plate. The assembly includes a stud retainer plate having a perforation, such as at the center of the plate. The stud retainer plate can be affixed to a perforate backing element, e.g., a metal mesh. On the side of the stud retainer plate opposite the backing element, there is a tube retainer. This tube retainer is secured to the stud retainer plate. An elongated, removable tube can be inserted into the tube retainer. A stud can be inserted through the removal tube, and through the retainer plate perforation and perforate backing element. The stud is then welded to a back plate, e.g., a solid furnace wall. A refractory element inserted in the retainer plate perforation insulates the stud from the retainer plate to prevent arcing during welding.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus including a rotor; a drive coupled to the rotor; an inner ring adapted to pivotally support an annular array of inner containers having open upper ends; an inner coupling coupled between the rotor and the inner ring so as to cause rotation thereof and resultant centrifugal force induced inward pivotal movement of the upper ends into the centrifuge positions; an outer ring adapted to pivotally support an annular array of outer containers having open upper ends and displaced outwardly from the inner array in a direction transverse to the rotational axis of the rotor means; an outer coupling coupled between the rotor and the outer ring so as to cause rotation thereof and resultant centrifugal force induced inward pivotal movement of the upper ends of the outer containers into centrifuge positions; and an inner orientation mechanism for preventing movement of the upper ends of the inner containers into their centrifuge positions.

Abstract: A scoop for picking up particulate, granular, or penetrable solids. The scoop itself is a rugged one-piece construction that has a bucket member which is pushed into solids to be scooped in a normal "open" position. The scoop is constructed in the shape of a wedge to facilitate entry into the mass of solids and allows the force exerted on the scoop by the solids to assist in closing of the scoop.

Abstract: A multiple-function hand useful in automated laboratory operations, particularly liquid transfer operations. A gripper and a piston operated syringe are made compatible on a single function by mounting such that their mechanical actuating mechanisms are operated parallel to one another, while the operating vector of the syphon, i.e., the direction of piston movement and direction of gripper lift are at right angles one to the other.

Abstract: An insulation supporting apparatus for use in attaching blankets of insulation to a surface, such as the wall of a high temperature furnace, including an elongated stud which can be attached at one end to the wall such as by welding or the use of a bolt, so that the stud extends perpendicularly from the wall, the stud having an elongated slot intersecting the plane of the stud longitudinal axis, and an elongated tine member slideably receivable in the slot in the stud so that the longitudinal axis of the tine extends substantially parallel the plane of the wall. The ends of the tine are pointed so that blankets of insulation can be impaled on the tine after which the stud and tines hold the insulation to th wall.

Abstract: A compact robot of the 3-axis type comprising a base-mounted motor control system with means to sense the position of a robot arm through a servo-system comprising position-sensing potentiometers mounted in the motor control system and a feed-back control system to co-ordinate the vertical and horizontal movement of a robot arm.

Abstract: A compact robot of the 3-axis type comprising a base-mounted motor control system with means to sense the position of a robot arm through a servo-system comprising position-sensing potentiometers mounted in the motor control system and a feed-back control system to co-ordinate the vertical and horizontal movement of a robot arm.