Abstract: An apparatus that authenticates the contents of identification documents provided by different issuers having machine-readable and/or human readable information is disclosed. The contents of the identification documents are verified without encountering any human error. The verified contents of the identification documents may be used for identification purposes such as age restricted purchases, preordained organ donors or possible criminal prosecution. The verified contents of the identification documents may be logged to provide ID checking compliance and/or may be transferred to a remote computer for additional processing or logging.

Abstract: A method for detecting a specific sequence, a mutation and/or a polymorphisms, including a SNP, is based on the use RecA or a RecA-like recombinase protein and the process of allele specific oligonucleotide extension. RecA coated, specific DNA oligonucleotide probes (RecA filaments) are used for homology searching in duplex DNA. Location of homologous sequences results in the formation of D-loop or double D-loop structures containing a duplex regions comprising the oligonucleotide probe and one strand of the target DNA. Probes are selected to terminate with their 3′ end at the site of the mutation or the SNP, such that extension depends on correct nucleotide pairing, which occurs only when the probe is annealed to a target DNA which comprises the allele complementary to the 3′ end of the probe. Successful extension is diagnostic of the specific sequence, mutation or SNP. Also provided are compositions and kits useful for practicing the above methods.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method for receiving a financial transaction request in the form of a paging message and processing the financial transaction request according to a specific set of instructions. The method may include the steps of receiving a financial transaction request in the form a paging message, processing the financial transaction request to determine if sufficient funds are available to execute the transaction, executing the financial transaction, sending a transaction confirmation message in the form of a paging message, and generating an ACH file that includes the requested financial transaction. Another aspect of the invention is a transaction processor system adapted receive and process financial transactions requests by using the steps described above.

Abstract: A programming apparatus that authenticates the contents of driver licenses having both human recognizable information and machine readable information is disclosed. The contents of the driver licenses are verified without encountering any human error. The verified contents of the driver licenses may be transferred to a remote computer for other identification purposes such as preordained organ donors or possible criminal prosecution.

Abstract: A process and device for installing an encoder receiver transmitter (ERT) (30) onto a gas meter (20) prevents incorrect installation that otherwise requires meter (20) replacement. The device is a guide bracket (10) having a slot (14) for guiding an input gear (32) of an ERT (30) into engagement with a drive mechanism gear (22) of a gas meter (20). During installation, the customary index and lens are removed so that the drive mechanism gear (22) is exposed; next, the guide bracket (10) is mounted to the meter (20) by placing fasteners (16) through the mounting holes (12) in guide bracket (10) and into the index holes (24) in meter. Once the guide bracket (10) is secured, the input gear (32) is slipped through the slot (14) and a screw (36) is loosely threaded into the upper-right installation hole (34) in the ERT (30) and through the upper-right casing hole (26) in the meter (20) so that the ERT (30) pivots about this point.

Abstract: A method for detecting mutations, such as a single base change or an addition or deletion of about one to four base pairs, is based on the use of an immobilized DNA mismatch-binding protein, such as MutS, which binds to a nucleic acid hybrid having a single base mismatch or unpaired base or bases, thereby allowing the detection of mutations involving as little as one base change in a nucleotide sequence. Such a method is useful for diagnosing a variety of important disease states or susceptibilities, detecting the presence of a mutated oncogene and for isolating or removing by affinity chromatography duplex DNA molecules containing mismatches such as error-containing molecules in PCR-amplified DNA samples. Also provided are kits useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A photocopy-resistant document which has a background pattern or logo which is printed with solvent-sensitive, dye based ink and a method of making such a document. The presence of this photocopy-resistant background pattern or logo makes it impossible for a would-be forger of a face-value note such as a bank check to duplicate the original document as a color photocopy. It also makes it impossible for a printing plate to be made based on a photocopy of the document. Besides being photocopy-resistant, the indicia printed with the solvent-sensitive ink are washed away when acetone or bleach solvent is applied to the surface of the document. A fluorescence material can also be added to the solvent-sensitive ink to make the indicia printed with the ink fluorescent under black light.

Abstract: A photocopy-resistant document which has a background pattern or logo which is printed with solvent-sensitive, dye based ink and a method of making such a document. The presence of this photocopy-resistant background pattern or logo makes it impossible for a would-be forger of a face-value note such as a bank check to duplicate the original document as a color photocopy. It also makes it impossible for a printing plate to be made based on a photocopy of the document. Besides being photocopy-resistant, the indicia printed with the solvent-sensitive ink are washed away when acetone or bleach solvent is applied to the surface of the document. A fluorescence material can also be added to the solvent-sensitive ink to make the indicia printed with the ink fluorescent under black light.

Abstract: A sorting system in which uniquely coded garments are hung on transport carriers, also having unique identification bar codes. The garment transport carriers include a connector for removably attaching garments or garment hangers and a hook which engages the transport rails so that the carrier can be moved along the rails and throughout the sorting system. Such a hook is used with slick-type rails, screw-type conveyor rails and even channel-type rails, or a rotatable wheel may be mounted on the carrier for movement of the carrier along rails, including channel-type rails. The transport carrier bar code is read as it progresses through the sorting system and is compared with a computer data base of garment information to determine the sorting route. The garment identification is initially correlated in the computer data base before sorting with the carrier identification code.

Abstract: A sorting system in which uniquely coded garments are hung on trolleys, also having unique identification bar codes. The trolley bar code is read as it progresses through the sorting system and is compared with a computer data base of garment information to determine the sorting route. The garment identification is initially correlated in the computer data base before sorting with the trolley identification code. Once all garment trolleys and associated garments of a lot have been identified and correlated by the computer, an algorithm is carried out for assigning a sort value to each trolley. A master distributor switch then distributes the garment trolleys a first time to a plurality of sort paths based upon a least significant digit of the sort value. Second and subsequent digits of the sort value of each trolley are employed to recirculate and resort the garment trolleys to the plural sort paths to complete the sorting operation with the parallel paths.

Abstract: A cover for preventing water from entering a golf bag while removing clubs therefrom comprises a tubular sleeve formed of a water impervious, flexible material. The sleeve has upper and lower openings with an elastic band extending around and integral with the lower opening, and an absorbent cloth collar fastened around the upper opening. The lower opening of the tubular sleeve is larger than the diameter of the golf bag. The elastic band of the lower opening effectively draws said lower opening into relatively tight contact with the outer surface of the golf bag. The length of the sleeve is such that at least a portion of said sleeve extends a sufficient distance from the golf bag to collapse the sleeve whereby the upper opening is positioned in substantially the same direction as the lower opening. The length of the sleeve is approximately the same as the golf bag.