Abstract: A system and method for automated aircraft boarding uses an iris recognition system for check-in and boarding. The passenger is enrolled once and assigned an account number. The passenger thereafter makes reservations using that account number. On arrival at the airport, the passenger is identified using an iris recognition system and automatically checked in for the flight, without the use of cards or other identification. Entry to the aircraft at the gate may also be provided with an iris recognition station. In one preferred embodiment, baggage check and baggage reconciliation are also performed using iris recognition. In its preferred embodiment, the disclosed system and method enhances customer convenience by eliminating tickets, boarding passes, and identification steps, while improving aircraft security.

Abstract: A system and method of collecting payments uses an automated system to generate a draft, payable to the creditor and drawn on the payor's checking account, pursuant to the payor's authorization. The draft is then executed by the debt collector as authorized signatory for the payor, and deposited into the payee's account to complete payment. The automated system has an input screen which shows necessary information for generation of the draft, and may be read to the system operator over the telephone by the authorizing payor. When verification is complete, the system generates a paper bank draft payable to the payor, using MICR ink so that the draft can be processed in the banking system like an ordinary check. The signature block of the draft is made for the collection agent "as authorized signatory for" the payor. The system provides for an authorization code to be given to a client system to permit printing of a specified additional number of checks.

Abstract: A high-speed air-supported vehicle capable of multiple mode operations as both a water-contacting vehicle and an aircraft includes an aero roll-stabilizing plan form, a stabilizing ski/hydrofoil below a planing surface of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form for providing stabilization and lift to the plan form in at least one mode of operation, the ski/hydrofoil being mounted to a front underside of a hull portion of the aero roll-stabilizing plan form and being mounted forward of a center of gravity of the plan form, whereby a leading edge of said plan form is kept at a substantially constant level with respect to a surface of water during at least one mode of operation. A stabilizing ski provides stabilization and lift in at least one mode of operation. A flexible ski mount is provided for mounting the stabilizing ski to the aero roll stabilizing plan form.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of contact adhesives to secure separate sheets of multiple ply documents together during the printing and collating process to form finished documents, such as integrated letters and envelopes, billing statements, invoices, etc. The contact adhesive patterns are alternatingly offset or staggered on facing surfaces of adjacent sheets, either in a continuous feed interfolded stack or in a stack of separate sheets. In this manner, the adjacent sheets remain free of one another, as the contact adhesive disposed on each facing surface does not come in contact. Yet, the adhesive pattern on every other sheet is identical, to allow corresponding sheets from another like stack to be glued to those of the first stack. Different staggered adhesive arrays may be provided, to allow the assembly of documents having various numbers of plies therein, and for the forming and assembly of address labels to properly configured envelopes, etc.

Abstract: The cellular telephone data communication system and method involves the use of a mobile data processing interface and a cooperating static data processing interface to effectively transmit data over a cellular telephone system. Each data processing interface includes a processor which operates in the transmitting mode to add an error control correction data format to data received from an external data source. The data is divided into packets and provided to a modem which is uniquely operated to eliminate the action of the modem scramble system and to remain active in spite of a carrier signal loss. The modem is deactivated or disconnected by a disconnect signal from the processor, and when carrier signal loss occurs, this disconnect signal is provided only after the lapse of a delay period without the resumption of the carrier signal.