Abstract: A self-service terminal (12) is described. The terminal (12) may be an ATM, and has a user interface (30,34) comprising a synthetic character (84). The terminal (12) is coupled to a database (24) that includes information about users of the terminal (12). The terminal (12) is operable to present an adapted character to a user, where one or more aspects of the character (84) have been adapted to reflect changes in the user. A method of interacting with a user at a self-service terminal, and a self-service terminal system (10) are also described.

Abstract: A hand-held control device (10) for controlling a terminal (30) connectable by a communications network to an addressed resource. The device (10) comprises address input means for scanning and recognizing a text address (26) of the resource, such as a URL, e-mail address or telephone number, and command output means for uploading address information from the device (10) to the terminal (30) whereupon the terminal (30) is caused to connect to the addressed resource.

Abstract: A computer-assisted educational system. Educational courses are provided, comprising individual lessons. The lessons are stored at one, or more, servers, and are transmitted to remote computers over a network, such as an internet. Students utilize the remote computers to participate in the lessons. At any given time, the remote computer displays the lessons available to a student, so that, for a given course, the student is not held in lock-step with the other students, but may study the lesson's of the student's own choice. This freedom is subject to any requirements of certain lessons which require prerequisite lessons be completed. The prerequisites must be completed first.

Abstract: An improved process for clearing bank checks. Paper bank checks are digitized, and the paper checks are placed into storage. The digitized versions are used in the check-clearing process. When paper versions of the checks are required, as when a check is needed for evidence in a lawsuit, a paper version is printed from the corresponding digitized version, each paper version bearing a unique serial number, wherein no two serial numbers are alike. At that time, selected data from the printed check is stored in a database. A recipient of the printed check is allowed access to the database, to verify authenticity of the printed check.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14) having a port (78) for transferring data is described. The terminal (14) includes a program (94) for informing a user about one or more electronic collectables (100) that a user can request, and for transferring a requested electronic collectable (100) to the user. The electronic collectables (100) typically comprise an image (104), an associated description (106) of the image, and file format information (102). A portable device (24) for accessing such a terminal (14) is also described. The device (24) comprises a program (50) for receiving a transferred electronic collectable (100) and for presenting at least part of the transferred electronic collectable so that a user of the device (24) can view an image and text portion of an electronic collectable (100) downloaded from the terminal (14).

Abstract: A system for determining whether a record-to-be-added to a database is a duplicate of an existing record. The database is first processed, to generate a library of signatures, one for each record. For example, assume each record contains a phrase. The signature may be a concatenation of the first letters of each word in the phrase. Thus, the signature for “Cats like milk” would be CLM. After generation of the library, when a new record is to be added to the database, a signature is generated for the new record. That signature is compared with the library. In this example, if the new record is “Cats like milk,” and if “CLM” is not found in the library, then it is conclusively known that “Cats like milk” is not present in the database. The new record can be added, without fear of duplication. However, if “CLM” is found in the library, that fact is not dispositive.

Abstract: An actuator for adjustable stator vanes in a gas turbine engine. A torque tube is rotatable about its axis, and supports devises which connect to links. The links are connected to rings, and rotate the rings when the torque tube rotates, thereby adjusting stator vanes connected to the rings. A linear actuator, having a motion axis parallel to the torque tube, drives the torque tube, through a linear-rotary convertor. The invention occupies less space on the engine, and requires no adjustment of the linear-rotary convertor after installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart card and to a method of operating the smart card in which the smart card has input/output means enabling the smart card to receive and transmit data regarding individual financial transactions. The smart card has a microprocessor which incorporates a read only memory, a random access memory and input/output ports. The smart card is able to communicate through the ports when suitably positioned within a smart card reader. The internal operations of the smart card are controlled by the microprocessor as determined by program microinstructions that are stored in the read only memory. The microinstructions include a number of application programs enabling the smart card to conduct financial transactions, other related applications and transaction logging operations. The smart card has a secure area and an unsecured area within the random access memory.

Abstract: A model of consumer behavior in a transaction environment such as customers moving around a bank branch, is generated from an artificial life algorithm to create a number of agents. In each agent, a genetically encoded drive, equivalent for example to hunger, is defined so as to correspond to a transaction need such as the need for cash. Interaction rules, such as navigation rules, are set for interaction between the agents and a first representation of an environment, and the program is run and the agents observed, then compared with real human behavior. The best matched agents are selected and the program run again, the steps being repeated until a required level of comparison with real behavior is reached. The model can then be used with different transaction environments to study customer behavior and to select the best branch layout or the like.

Abstract: A system for managing resources, which can take the form of (a) computer-compatible information, such as data files and programs, and (b) non-computer-compatible information, such as data contained on microfiche, and (c) physical objects. The resources are located at geographically diverse sites. The invention contains a descriptive profile for each resource, and allows any user to search all profiles, and to search the profiles according to “fields” (a database term), such as by location of the resources, or by category of the resources. The user can order delivery of a selected resource, and the system causes delivery of the resource to be executed, irrespective of the form (e.g., physical object) of the resource. If a resource takes the form of software, the invention provides a facility for detecting updates to the software, and automatically downloading the undated software to a user's computer.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a displayable information resource and tailoring retrieved information to a user's requirements comprises a tag reader (18), a decoder (34) for identifying a coded resource address (38) carried by a tag (28), and access means for accessing the identified resource. A display means (14, 22, 24, 48) displays information loaded from the accessed information resource. The disclosed embodiment employs printed RF tag technology, and the information resource is an Internet, intranet or extranet resource whose address (38) is a URL. The disclosed apparatus is embodied in an item of furniture, more specifically a table (10, 52). The tag reader (18) reads a tag (28) when a tagged item (26) is placed onto a support surface (14), and a display is presented by the support surface (14). The tagged item can, for example, be a product or its packaging, a ticket or token, or a letter or information sheet.

Abstract: A combustion case for a gas turbine engine. A typical combustion case is generally cylindrical or conical. Apertures penetrate the case, from the outer surface, through the case, to the inner surface. The apertures act as concentration points for stress. To dissipate the stress, bosses buttress the apertures, with each aperture having two bosses: one on the outer surface of the case, and another on the inner surface of the case. The invention eliminates the latter bosses. The invention dissipates stress by providing an array of T-slots on the inner surface.

Abstract: A fluid multiplexer for delivering lubricant to bearings in a gas turbine engine. The bearings are adjacent bearing races on a shaft. Lubricant passages within the shaft extend from the races to scoops on the surface of the shaft. A nozzle ejects a jet of lubricant across open space toward the scoops. As the shaft rotates, the scoops sequentially cross the jet, each scoop collecting a charge of lubricant, which it delivers to its passage.

Abstract: A system for automated configuration of computer peripherals. Peripherals are equipped with identification codes, which can be read by a computer, and which identify the type of peripheral. The computer stores a look-up table of configuration modes required for each peripheral type. When the computer polls a peripheral, and learns, from the identification code, that a peripheral type has changed, the computer orders a re-configuration of necessary equipment, to accommodate the change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to data processing apparatus, such as an automatic teller machine, comprising a manual data entry device, a data processor to process information entered by the data entry device and an output display to present output data generated by the data processor. The output display comprises the usual cathode ray tube display and an additional image projector which can be selected to display personal data which it is intended to should remain out of view of a bystander. The image projector includes a pair of light sources adapted to project beams of light focused to a view point within a prescribed field of view in front of the apparatus. Modulating devices modulate the light to convey images of the output data to the view point. The beams of light are focused so as to pass through the pupil of each eye and form images on the retina without the intermediary of a screen. In an alternative embodiment the data processing device may dispense with the cathode ray tube display.

Abstract: Apparatus for simplification of engine core removal for maintenance of gas turbine engines. Ordinarily, to remove a high-pressure compressor in a twin-spool engine, many components of the engine must be removed, such as parts of a booster, in order to gain access to a mounting nut which is threaded onto a shaft supporting the high-pressure compressor. The removal is necessary because the nut must be extracted from the engine after disengagement from the shaft. Under the invention, this removal-of-components is largely eliminated, by providing a stowage location for the nut within the engine. The nut is removed, and then threaded onto a set of threads specifically provided for storage of the nut, and for nothing else.

Abstract: An instructional system. Private lessons are given to students, through a web site. The private lessons explain general principles of a topic. Then, the students participate in a remote conference, wherein a facilitator further explains the general principles, and provides examples of their application.

Abstract: The invention concerns remote conferencing systems of the multi-media type. An example of a “single-medium” conference system can be found in presently available telephone conferencing systems. The single medium is sound, or voice. In the conference, multiple parties, at different locations, are linked together by the telephone system and can speak to each other. With “multi-media” conferencing, multiple parties are linked by both video and audio media: the parties can see, as well as hear, each other. Further, the invention shows the parties a common display, which functions as a “conference table.” Still further, any party can modify the display, by “writing” on it, or by pointing to different parts of it; the other parties can see the modifications. Further still, the invention allows parties to “whisper” to each other, without the knowledge of other parties, as in an actual conference.

Abstract: An approach to restoring the cross-section of a bent tube to circularity. The tube is placed into a fixture, so that pressurization does not remove the bend. Liquid is placed into the tube, and pressurized. Pressure is increased until the wall of the tube undergoes plastic deformation, and becomes circular.

Abstract: A heat recovery system. Gas turbine engines are tested in test cells. Exhaust from the engines is ducted into an exhaust pipe which is vented to the atmosphere. To prevent heat in the exhaust from damaging the exhaust pipe, cooling water is sprayed into the pipe. The cooling water is boiled into steam, which is also vented to the atmosphere. The invention recovers heat from the cooling water, as opposed to losing the heat to the atmosphere in the form of steam.