Abstract: A system that facilitates the coupling of a plurality of clients to one or more merchants utilizing a network to conduct commerce over the network is disclosed. When a client initiates a connection with a merchant, the merchant responds to the request for connection by transmitting one or more messages back to the client to determine a particular payment processing which entails determining a suitable payment instrument, a payment protocol and standard message formats for conducting the electronic commerce. The payment protocol comprises a message format, a protocol associated with the message format and a weight associated with each of the items associated with the payment processing. The weight is provided by both the client and the merchant to facilitate dynamic negotiation of a mutually acceptable payment processing. The negotiation results in the exchange of standard message formats that the client and the merchant are equipped to process efficiently and securely.

Abstract: An aid for marine navigation includes a low-light video camera mounted within a weather-proof enclosure on a vantage point of a marine vessel for improved night vision. A conventional video camera is also mounted with the low-light video camera for daytime viewing. Video signals from the cameras are automatically selected depending on light conditions for transmission to a cabin of the vessel. Motors rotate the housing in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane for enabling remote-controlled aiming of the cameras from the helm of the marine vessel. Sensors provide information on azimuth and elevation of the cameras for overlaying the video signal transmitted from the camera housing with this information for display with the video image on a monitor near the helm. Information on longitude and latitude, as well as vessel velocity and direction, from a global satellite positioning system receiver is also displayed.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a rotating shaft relative to a structure in which a first magnetized member is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, a support member is connected to the structure and at least one damper member connects the support member to a second magnetized member for supporting the second magnetized member in a portion relative to the first magnetized member. The respective magnetic fields of the first and second magnetized members are such that radial deflective movement of the shaft, and therefore the first magnetic member, causes corresponding radial movement of the second magnetized member which is dampened by the damping member.

Abstract: A control panel for digital input having multiple rotary knobs without absolute minimum and maximum settings feeds knob position information back to an operator by providing a display of the knobs with position indicators. The display is updated according to real adjustment of the knobs. This arrangement allows the knobs to be assigned to different inputs and the apparent positions of the knobs to be changed without requiring moving the real knobs. In a preferred embodiment the control system is applied to an audio mixer panel.

Abstract: Fluid conducting coupling includes a coupler having a first end, a second end for receiving a free end of a connector having a catch disposed on the free end, a flow passageway extending through the first and second ends of the coupler, and a side opening extending transversely through the second end of the coupler. An arm has a first end pivotably connected to the coupler at the opening and a second end extending therefrom. A protuberance is disposed at the first end of the arm for engaging the catch. The arm is pivotable between a coupled position in which the second end of the arm is closer to the coupler and in which the protuberance extends through the side opening in order to engage the catch and obstruct movement of the connector toward and away from the second end of the coupler, and an uncoupled position in which the second end of the arm is further from the coupler and the protuberance does not obstruct movement of the connector.

Abstract: A magnetic tool organizer has a top body member having a plurality of spaced apart body member apertures of a size and shape for accommodating at least one surface of a tool. The apertures are organized in a planar array according to an outline of at least one surface of a tool. The magnetic organizer has a bottom body member, and a magnetic segment having a plurality of spaced apart apertures complimentary to at least part of the top body member apertures. The magnetic segment is interposed between the top body member and the bottom body member.

Abstract: The present invention is an interactive system for reading cards. The system comprises a card bearing an image and encoded information and a talking hand-held card reader for reading the encoded information on the card and playing back an audible message associated with the image or encoded information. In one aspect, the invention is also a talking hand-held card reader having a housing which is shaped to resemble a person, place, aspect or thing associated with the image or encoded information on the card being read.

Abstract: An assembly of two sets of universal mounts for interlocking with stock handlebar clamps to secure a larger diameter handlebar to a motorcycle or comparable vehicles. The two sets of universal mounts are used for mounting larger diameter handlebars to motorcycles or comparable vehicles. The two sets of the universal mounts are interlocked with the stock handlebar clamps. Each set of the universal mount has an upper mount and a lower mount. Each mount has a semi-cylindrical groove, where the larger diameter handlebar is fitted between the semi-cylindrical grooves of the upper and lower mounts respectively. Each lower mount has a protruding arch which is respectively positioned within the respective stock handlebar clamp, and thereby interlocks with the respective stock handlebar clamp.

Abstract: A computer implemented transaction processing system is presented for processing transactions between an application and one or more transaction processors. The system utilizes a first communication link between the application and a transaction processor interoperability component. Then, the system determines which of the one or more transaction processors will process transactions for the application and establishes a communication link between the transaction processor interoperability component and the transaction processor that will process transactions for the application.

Abstract: A portable table is provided with a seat that is temporarily anchorable to a chair by sifting thereon. A slidable member is slidably held by the seat and disposed in a plane generally parallel to the seat. The slidable member has a proximal end slidably connected to the seat and has a distal end slidable to a position space generally in front of the seat. A first hinge is attached to the distal end of the slidable member and has a closed hinge position and an open hinge position. A foldable member is attached at a proximal end to the first hinge and is attached at a far end to a second hinge. The second hinge has a closed hinge position and an open hinge position, such that when the first hinge is in its open hinge position, the foldable member is disposed upwardly from the slidable member.

Abstract: An improved cage assembly for ball check valves includes an insert comprising a unitary structure formed from STELLITE.RTM. having a passageway therethrough. A ball is positioned in the passageway of the insert for movement between two positions one of which secures the passageway against the flow of fluids therethrough. The insert is positioned in an insert receiving cavity formed in the lower end of an upstream housing. A downstream housing has a shoulder which engages the insert to secure the insert in the cavity. The downstream housing is secured to the upstream housing by friction welding or by inertia welding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically sorting and feeding flat articles. The method stacks flat articles into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a plasma (70) within a vacuum chamber (50) comprising a high density plasma source (10) is disclosed wherein the source (10) comprises a top layer (13) and a bottom layer (11) electrically connected to and spaced apart from each other, in a manner to adjust the fields generated by the source (10), hence the uniformity of the plasma (70), wherein the top and bottom layers (13, 11) are formed by a plurality of conductive loops.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously isolating the flow of blood in a nasal cavity and withdrawing the blood from the nasal cavity is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting a catheter into the nasal cavity. The catheter is composed of a tube and a duct and a forward end capable of being enlarged to form a balloon. Once the catheter is positioned in the nasal passage, air is pumped into the catheter through the tube to inflate the balloon. The inflated balloon forms a seal within the nasal cavity that prevents the flow of blood beyond the seal.Simultaneously, blood is drawn into the catheter by applying a suction force to the duct. Suction may be accomplished by attaching a vacuum at the opposite end of the catheter and connecting it to the duct. The blood is drawn into the duct through a plurality of holes that connect the periphery of the catheter with the duct. The blood thus drawn into the duct is removed from the nasal cavity and disposed away from it.

Abstract: An architecture is disclosed allowing a server to communicate bidirectionally with a gateway over a first communication link, over which service requests are initiated by the server. In response to a transaction received from a host legacy system at the gateway, the gateway parses one or more transaction response values from the host message, maps the one or more transaction response values to a canonical response code, and stores the canonical response code in a transaction log. According to a broad aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, communication networks that employ transactions between applications must effectively manage transactions that flow over the network. In addition, networking systems must also detect counterfeit transactions, especially, when the networking systems are utilized for financial transactions. An active, on-line database is utilized as a transaction log to track original requests, valid retrys and detect fradulant transactions.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating layers comprising a stack of material includes an elongate blade having a relatively sharp distal end, a handle pivotally supported at the proximal end of the blade, and a hammer supported on the handle for striking the proximal end of the blade to drive the blade between selected layers comprising the stack of material. After the blade has been inserted between the selected layers to a predetermined extent, the handle is pivoted into a perpendicular orientation relative to the blade and is utilized to pivot the blade through an arc of 90 degrees, thereby separating the selected layers of material to permit the insertion of a spacer therebetween. The foregoing steps are repeated until the selected layers of material have been fully separated.

Abstract: A diversity reception system for use in narrow-band radio frequency communication systems includes a plurality of receivers that each generate a detected signal from a received radio frequency signal. The diversity reception system switches between receivers to output a high quality audio signal. The system selects a receiver having the highest quality reception at any given time by using a detected signal having the highest relative signal-to-noise ratio when the detected signals have less than a preselected threshold signal-to-noise ratio and a detected signal having the highest relative signal strength when one or more of the receivers is generating a detected signal having a signal-to-noise ratio at or above the preselected threshold signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: An electronic monetary system provides for transactions utilizing an electronic-monetary system that emulates a wallet or a purse that is customarily used for keeping money, credit cards and other forms of payment organized. Access to the instruments in the wallet or purse is restricted by a password to avoid unauthorized payments. A certificate form must be completed in order to obtain an instrument. The certificate form obtains the information necessary for creating a certificate granting authority to utilize an instrument, a payment holder and a complete electronic wallet. Electronic approval results in the generation of an electronic transaction to complete the order. If a user selects a particular certificate, a particular payment instrument holder will be generated based on the selected certificate.

Abstract: Shaped charge liners are formed from an alloy of nickel, tin, and copper, which is first formed into a powder, and then pressed into strips. The pressed strips of powdered alloy are next sintered and then cold rolled. Thereafter, the powdered, pressed, and sintered alloy strips are formed into shaped charge liners, for example, by stamping. The shaped charge liners may be heat treated either before or after the forming step.