Abstract: There is disclosed a transaction processing server (300), comprising: means (304) for receiving a request (224) to initiate a transaction, the request including user identification data (220) and monetary value authorization data; validating means (302) for validating the monetary value authorization data; processing means (302) for processing the monetary value authorization data to select monetary value data (210) corresponding to the monetary value authorization data; storing means (306) for storing data representing an association between the user identification data (220) and the monetary value data (210); and output means (302) for outputting a monetary value identifier (228) associated with the monetary value data (210). The invention finds particular application in the field of transferring monetary value from a sender to a recipient.

Abstract: An ion spectrum analysing apparatus (1) comprising an electric field generation arrangement (3, 4, 5) which, in use, is operative to accelerate ions into a flight tube (7), and further comprising a detector (6), and recording apparatus (8) which is operative to record data representative of the spatial distribution of scattered ions impacting on the detector, and in use the recording apparatus is triggered at multiple times to record spatial distribution data relating to respective times-of-arrival of the ions.

Abstract: A siphonic, gravity-powered toilet is provided that includes a toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl. The toilet bowl has a rim channel provided along an upper periphery thereof and a direct-fed jet channel that allows fluid, such as water, to flow from the inlet of the toilet bowl assembly to the direct-fed jet outlet port into the interior of the toilet bowl, in the sump of the bowl. The rim channel includes at least one rim channel outlet port. In this toilet, the cross-sectional areas of the toilet bowl assembly inlet, the inlet port to the rim channel, and the outlet port to the direct-fed jet channel are configured so as to be optimized to provide greatly improved hydraulic function at low flush volumes (no greater than about 6.0 liters per flush). The hydraulic function is improved in terms of bulk removal of waste and cleansing of the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a showerhead that allows a bather to switch among at least three different water delivery functions. In the first function, the showerhead delivers a concentrated fluttering spray at a rate not to exceed 1.5 GPM (5.75 GPM). In the second function, the showerhead delivers a combined spray pattern, wherein the fluttering spray and a radially dispersed precision spray are simultaneously delivered to the bather at a rate not to exceed 2.0 GPM (7.57 L/min) for the combined water flow. In the third function, the showerhead delivers the precision spray pattern at a rate not to exceed 2.0 L/min (7.57 GPM). The combination spray pattern is effected without compromising either the desirable massaging and cleaning effect of water delivery or the inherent water conservation benefits.

Abstract: A flexible package is defined by an inner package layer and a surrounding outer package layer. The inner and outer layers define a tubular body and opposing end portions. A first region of weakness is provided within the outer package layer and is spaced from one end of the package. The region of weakness within the outer packaging layer forms an opening mechanism for the outer layer to expose the inner packaging layer. A second region of weakness is provided within the inner package layer and is spaced from the end of the inner package. The second region of weakness positioned offset from the first region of weakness, to permit the two opening mechanism to be separately activated.

Abstract: A cochlear implant provides electrical pulses to neurons and is configured to convert the excitation signal into a sparsified signal for electrically stimulating the neurons, thereby reducing the redundancy of the stimuli applied to the neurons. A signal analyser is configured to perform dimension reduction or factorisation of said excitation signal in the time domain or in the frequency domain followed by a sparse transform, the resulting relatively clean output signal providing the input to an inverse transformation step to create the sparsified signal. The dimension reduction or factorisation can be performed by principal component analysis (PCA), and the sparse transform can be performed by independent component analysis (ICA).

Abstract: The invention includes a method of increasing the substantivity of a personal care composition to hair, skin or nails by preparing a composition of an aqueous phase, a non-aqueous phase and a neutralized amino acid ester that is a reaction product of a neutral amino acid having a non-polar side chain with a long chain fatty alcohol and is represented by formula (I): wherein R1 is an alkyl group; R2 is a linear or branched carbon chain; and the amine group of the amino acid is neutralized with an acid. The composition is substantially free of petrochemicals and/or derivatives of petrochemical materials. The aqueous phase and the non-aqueous phase are emulsified by the neutralized amino acid ester. Other methods and an emulsifiers that is the neutralized amino acid ester are included. Because the neutralized amino acid ester and the compositions do not contain petrochemical-derived ingredient, the products are natural.

Abstract: A breakdown spool is provided having a barrel and at least one flange formed separate from the barrel. The barrel has an insertion end that includes an annular ring spaced from the axial end and projected radially from the barrel winding surface. The flange includes a receiving channel for receiving the insertion end of the barrel to form the completed spool. The receiving channel includes a first portion for receipt of the end of the barrel and a second portion for receiving the annular ring. The second portion is recessed within the support surface such that the annular ring aligns with the support surface on the flange. A locking mechanism is provided for axially securing the insertion section of the barrel within the receiving channel of the flange.

Abstract: A vehicle having a plurality of wheels and elements, to drive at least one wheel to propel the vehicle is provided with a frame and a power supply assembly for delivering power to the drive elements. The power supply assembly includes a battery and a housing structure surrounding the battery. The power supply assembly is removeably supported on the vehicle frame. A latching mechanism is provided having a pivoting actuator. The actuator moves between a locking position and a release position. The actuator movement displacing a pin disposed in combination with the housing between a locking position, wherein the pin fixedly engages the power supply assembly to the frame, and a release position, wherein the pin disengages and permits the power supply assembly to be removed from the frame.

Abstract: A nut and an assembly including such a nut are described herein, wherein the nut includes an outer shell having an outer surface, an inner circumferential surface having a inwardly extending flange, and an upper rim portion; and an insert piece having an upper outwardly extending portion and a plurality of downwardly extending projections, wherein each of the projections has an outer surface and an inner surface, a portion of the inner surfaces of the projections is configured to engage a nut-receiving surface and the outer portion of the projections is configured to engage the inner circumferential surface of the first outer shell such that upon a pushing action of a user the inwardly extending flange on the outer shell presses upwardly on the upper outwardly extending portion of the insert piece so that the portion of the inner surfaces of the projections configured to receive a nut-receiving surface moves outwardly and upon removal of the pushing action, portion of the inner surfaces of the projections con

Abstract: An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically configuring, managing, and maintaining a network device or VPN using a public network such as the Internet. Initial configuration of a network device or VPN occurs upon a user entering minimal information via a simple HTML page. After receipt of this minimal information, the present invention automatically configures the network device or VPN without user intervention. Thereafter, a user may modify the network device or VPN configuration via an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand graphical user interface. Parameters are presented such that a user simply checks and unchecks boxes, or clicks on radio buttons, to configure network device parameters. Upon completion of the selection, the user clicks on save, and the configuration is automatically modified. In addition, upon a significant change to any network device, the changed network device automatically initiates reconfiguration of the network device or VPN with zero input from a user.