Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for processing funds in distribution environments such as internet-based postage distribution environments. In exemplary embodiments, incentive programs are administered and managed within the system. These incentive programs can include discount programs, rebate programs and revenue sharing programs.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate generally to the integration of a shipping label with a customs form to provide a single label having postage, addressing, customs and other information for international shipping. In one embodiment, a method for generating an international shipping a package comprises the steps of providing shipping information associated with the package, the information comprising address information of the origin, address information of the destination, postage information including a postage amount due to a post service and a customs form number unique within the post service; processing a shipping label having the shipping information displayed thereon; and affixing the shipping label to the package.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate generally to the electronic recordation of the transfer of a package from a shipper to a responsible postal carrier. In one embodiment, a method of recording the acceptance of a package from a package shipper shipped via a post service includes the steps of: generating a unique header number to preface a record of package transactions made over a time period for a specific shipper, the header number being unique within the post service, wherein each package transaction is made with a centralized computer system and has an associated delivery confirmation number unique within the post service; transmitting the unique header number and transaction record to the post service; generating a scannable indicia representative of the unique header number; and scanning the indicia to confirm acceptance of the package by the post service, wherein the indicia is scanned by a post service representative.

Abstract: A method and system for using an indexing identifier (such as, e.g., a tracking ID or the combination of a postage vendor ID, user account, and piece count) to decrease the size of the postage indicium transmitted to an end user computer, or eliminate transmission of the postage indicium altogether, is provided. When the postage indicium for the end user computer is generated, it is stored, and the indexing identifier, rather than the postage indicium, is transmitted to the end user computer. The indexing identifier is applied to a mail piece, which is then scanned by the postal authority. The postal authority can obtain the stored postage indicium by reference to the indexing identifier. In this manner, the postal authority has access to the postage indicium without having to apply it to the mail piece. The indexing identifiers can optionally be used to index sender identification information for verifying that the sender of a mail piece is a trusted individual or entity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for applying pressure to a wearer of the device, that includes a band adapted for positioning on the wearer, an orb positioned on the band, and a mechanism for selectively varying the length that the orb extends outward from said band. The mechanism includes a dial that is mounted to the orb for user initiated selective rotation about its central axis. By rotating the dial, the orb moves towards or away from the band, thereby decreasing or increasing, respectively, the amount of pressure it will apply to the wearer.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing flat media comprises a media storage bin at a first end and a discharge chute at a second end, with a coarse media separator located adjacent the media storage bin and a rear conveyor which is intermittently driven to convey the media towards a singulation separator, having a front conveyor which delivers media to a transport conveyor and to a discharge chute. A sensor senses media at a location just before the singulation separator. Media from the bottom of the storage bin are pass through the coarse media separator and lie on the rear conveyor in shingled arrangement, and are pulled into the singulation separator one at a time. The rear conveyor works only when the sensor senses the absence of media.

Abstract: A method and system of providing postage indicia to a user. The method includes receiving an account number of the user at a computer server associated with a postage provider and receiving a request to print one or more postage indicia from the user at the computer server. The method further includes selectively prompting the user to enter an activation code associated with a plurality of postage labels by the computer server, wherein the prompting is waived if a predetermined parameter is satisfied; and sending, by the computer server, an authorization to print one or more postage indicia on at least one of the plurality of postage labels to the user if the activation code is valid.

Abstract: A printable postage sheet includes a plurality of substantially equally sized preprinted postage labels arranged in a matrix of n rows by m columns, where n and m are integers. The plurality of preprinted postage labels are symmetrically arranged in the printable postage sheet with respect to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Preprinted indicia on each of the preprinted postage labels are preprinted on generally the same location on all of the preprinted postage labels. The preprinted indicia are all oriented in a same orientation relative to the sheet. A printable area of each preprinted postage label is positioned on the label such that when indicia are printed on one or more of the preprinted postage labels, the indicia are positioned within the printable area irrespective of a right side up or upside down feeding orientation of the printable postage sheet into a printer.

Abstract: The invention provides a moulded micro-fibrous filter in which micro-fibres are held together by a binder, wherein the binder is a cured thermosetting acrylate resin.

Abstract: A method for preventing ethanol buildup in a column including providing a column with a bottom temperature and a next temperature above the bottom; providing a first advisory, wherein said first advisory comprises a temperature difference between said bottom temperature and said next temperature above the bottom that exceeds a first predetermined value, wherein a first action is taken should this first advisory occur; providing a second advisory, wherein said second advisory comprises a temperature depression of said bottom temperature of a second predetermined value, wherein a second action is taken should this second advisory occur, and providing a third advisory, wherein said third advisory comprises a temperature depression of said bottom temperature of a third predetermined value, wherein a third action is taken should this third advisory occur is provided.

Abstract: A method for improving rectifier column performance including positioning a temperature controller on the rectifier column feed tray, wherein said temperature controller is outside the fusel draw region, and controlling distillate composition or temperature, wherein said control is cascaded to the rectifier column flow control is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including an ethanol stream, wherein said ethanol stream contains greater than 5% of water; a dehydration means, wherein the water content of said ethanol stream is reduced to less than 5%; a desiccation means, wherein the water content of said ethanol stream is reduced to less than about 1%; a 200 proof receiver, wherein said 200 proof receiver comprises a sample port or a sensor to allow the percentage of water in the ethanol to be determined, and wherein said 200 proof receiver comprises an outlet; a heat exchanger to heat said ethanol stream with less than 1% water, and a mixing manifold downstream of said heat exchanger, wherein said heated ethanol stream with less than 1% water is combined with fusal oils from a fusal oil decanter is provided.

Abstract: A method for on-line cleaning of a heat exchanger in an ethanol plant, including providing heat exchanger, wherein said heat exchanger has an inlet, and an internal surface, wherein said internal surface has accumulated undesired solids; providing an antifoaming agent to said inlet, during normal operation; providing a caustic to said inlet, during normal operation, and cleaning the internal surface of said accumulated undesired solids, during normal operation is provided.

Abstract: A method for preheating beer including providing a first heat exchanger, comprising a first outlet stream at a first temperature; providing a second heat exchanger, comprising a hot heat transfer stream, a first flow control valve situated within said hot heat transfer stream, a second outlet stream at a second temperature, a temperature sensor situated within said second outlet stream; wherein said first outlet fluid comprises a first inlet stream, and a second flow control valve situated within said first inlet stream; determining said second temperature with said temperature sensor; comparing said second temperature to a predetermined temperature range; performing an operation selected from the group consisting of: maintaining said first flow control valve in a closed position, and maintaining said second flow control valve in an open position, if said second temperature is within said predetermined temperature range, modulating said first flow control valve in order to effect heat transfer between said ho

Abstract: A method for cleaning exchangers including providing a heat exchanger with a liquid contact side and a vapor contact side, providing acid to clean the liquid contact side, and providing caustic to clean the vapor contact side is provided. In the method, the exchanger may be a beer preheater. In the method, the acid may be sulfamic acid. In the method, the liquid contact side may be the beer side. In the method, the exchanger may be a plate-in-frame heat exchanger or a a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. In the method, the acid may be provided from a central storage tank. In the method, there may be a recirculation pump. In the method, the acid may be provided from a local storage tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the QT interval of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is provided wherein the end of the T wave is identified from ECG data. The end of the T wave is defined as the first time of intersection at which an upright T wave of a first set of derived ECG signal data intersects an inverted T wave of a second set of derived ECG signal data. The intersection of the two sets of ECG data is along an isoelectric line within the trough after the positive T wave peak when the superimposed isoelectric baselines from the upright and inverted ECG signals demonstrate the best least squares fit.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating oil from compressor condensate. It comprises a separator having an upper chamber provided with a condensate inlet and a filter housing containing a hydrophobic oleophilic substance so that in use condensate flows from the upper chamber through the filter housing under the action of gravity. The upper chamber contains a coalescing filter connected with the condensate inlet. In an alternative structure, a holding tank is series connected with a separator, and means is provided for supplying a de-emulsifying agent to condensate in the holding tank before the condensate is supplied to the separator. The above apparatus can carry out a method which comprises mixing the condensate with de-emulsifying agent, holding the mixture while emulsion cracking at least partly proceeds, and supplying the at least partly cracked emulsion to a separator containing a hydrophobic oleophilic substance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.