Abstract: An apparatus for and method of determining the price of financial derivatives such as options. One preferred embodiment of the invention employs a discretized partial differential linear complementarity problem (PDLCP) based system to determine the forward pricing of financial instruments such as vanilla American options. In this embodiment, an optimization problem in the form of a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) is implemented to derive implied volatilities of the assets underlying the subject derivatives. The implied volatilities thus derived are used as inputs in the PDLCP-based system to accurately determine the forward pricing of the subject derivatives.

Abstract: An electronic cash register for registering sales of commodities sold to a customer is stored with a list of predetermined commodities to be recommended to customers. The predetermined commodities are compared one after another according to priority orders with the commodities sold and extracts items in the predetermined commodities which are different from the commodities sold. Then, the extracted items are displayed on a monitor display, and are recommended to the customer.

Abstract: An automated payment system for a plurality of remote merchants includes a clearinghouse server, a plurality of customer tags and a plurality of local merchant systems. The clearinghouse system includes a customer database and merchant database. A customer joining the clearinghouse service is provided with a customer tag, such as an RFID transponder, which stores a tag identification number. Each remote merchant includes a local merchant system which includes a reader, point-of-sale system, a customer database and a transaction database. The reader is adapted to automatically retrieve the tag identification number from a customer tag when the customer tag is within an associated reading area, such as a stopping location of drive-through lane or a short-term parking stall. The customer's order is entered and processed on the point-of-sale system which is adapted to handle both standard cash transactions and authorized cashless transactions.

Abstract: The mention relates to a new method and system for enabling three-party charitable gift giving. A host operates a central server, such as a web site, and potentially other support services, such as telephonic support. A gift giver visits the host web site and selects a donation amount and a gift recipient. The host then transmits the charitable gift to the gift recipient, along with a unique code which enables the gift recipient to redeem the charitable gift. The gift recipient then visits the host web site, selects a charity from a list of available options, and the gift is sent to the selected donee charity by the host.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating and ordering customized branded merchandise over a computer network. A Internet site is provided that allows a consumer to create and order customized branded merchandise, such as bottles of soda. A customer may visit the WWW site utilizing a standard WWW browser executing on a computer. Once the customer has registered with the WWW site, the customer may place an order for an item of customized branded merchandise. The customer may also be asked to identify a graphic image for customizing the requested merchandise. The graphic image may be a digital photograph taken by the customer or other type of graphic image. Once the customer has identified a graphic image, the graphic image may be displayed for editing. The customer may be permitted to crop the graphic image or perform other types of image manipulations. A preview of the cropped or manipulated image may also be provided for the customer.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing a computer-implemented, multi-party merchandizing service. This service engenders a buying experience that parallels the best aspects of an “in-store” buying experience, but engenders other aspects which can be advantageously provided by a computer system, such as the shopper being able to prepare a list of multiple third parties for whom the shopper desires to purchase selected items. In effect, this list “tags along” with the shopper as the shopper completes an automated search for items to purchase. Then, the shopper can associate a selected item located during the search with individual names on the list, and then initiate an order-fulfillment activity to complete the shopping experience.

Abstract: A coin validator is provided with at least two reference positions (U, D) for determining a diameter related characteristic of a coin being validated. In order to reduce the running to the testing station, the timing of a trailing point of the coin passing a first reference position (U) is used to determine the diameter related characteristic. Embodiments using optical inductive and piezo-electric sensors associated with the reference positions are disclosed. An inductive sensor for a coin validator comprises an elongate coil, which, when in use, is arranged such that the magnetic field is substantially constant across the width of the passageway. The use of coils of this type have the advantage of wrap around coils but enable the coin passageway to be shallower and be opened. A coin validator is described wherein the backwall of a coin passageway is movable to and fro so that the depth of the coin passageway can be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus that allows competing as well as complementing suppliers, vendors, service providers, purveyors, and other types of sellers internal inventory management as well as controlled design and publication of presentations for external near real-time interactive access to buyer-centered presentation, sales, distribution, and confirmation systems as well as other traditional media advertising and outreach. The Automated Media Presentation Generator including a Publication and Placement Control Engine, integrates a Distributed Sales and Inventory Control structure with Processing and Communications Resource Saver, and further provides a Reservation, Access, and Verification System replacing traditional ticket and confirmation methods.

Abstract: A data processing system for creating and administering a bond issue by a bond manager for a municipal taxing authority of a community. The apparatus includes a database configured to store for retrieval selected information regarding creation and administration ofthe bond issue, an element for storing and processing data representing information needed to determine bond utilization in the community governed by the municipal taxing authority, and an element for storing and processing data representing information about a specific real estate purchaser, the real estate to be purchased, the use to which the real estate will be put, and projected purchaser income and income growth to predict whether participation in a primary bond issue would be financially beneficial to the purchaser.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a plurality of documents from a first compartment to a second compartment. The apparatus comprises a plunger assembly having a paddle adapted to contact the documents, and at least one outwardly extending arm hingedly connected to the plunger assembly. A gate is disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment forming a document supporting surface. The gate has an open position and a closed position. At least one lever extends from the gate, the lever being in a first position when the gate is in the closed position and the lever being in a second position when the gate is in the open position. The gate moves from the closed position to the open position when the paddle urges the documents against the gate from the first compartment towards the second compartment.

Abstract: A fastener for splicing ends of conveyor belts together is provided having a rivet that is pre-inserted thereto to provide speed and ease in installation. The rivet is held in an aperture of the upper plate by an interference fit at the lower end thereof. Preferably, the interference fit is achieved by knurling of the lower end portion of the rivet shaft to create raised interference portions or ridges integral therewith that are sized to be in an interference fit in the upper plate aperture. The remainder of the shaft can be sized to provide clearance between it and the aperture. An applicator machine tool is also provided for automatically securing a strip of the pre-inserted rivet fasteners to a belt end in a fast and efficient manner. The tool uses operating members to first drive pilot nails through the belt lower surface into registry with the rivets, and thereafter the rivets are driven coordinated with the pilot nails that are withdrawn back through the belt.

Abstract: A robotic arm has a pair of gripper fingers designed to grip a variety of containers, including capped and uncapped test tubes as well as containers having unique gripping means. The fingers each have upper and lower projections separated by a groove, the respective projections facing each other when mounted to grippers on the robotic arm. The projections and groove serve to firmly hold the containers as well as self-align the unique gripping means on initially unaligned containers within the fingers as the fingers close around the containers. The fingers have clearance to avoid contact with caps on capped test tubes. Stops are provided at the top of each finger to engage one another and prevent fully closed fingers from deforming. The robotic arm may be transported along a rail mounted above the instrument and a gripper assembly, having a gripper arm, mounted to the robotic arm may be rotated above the instrument to move the container to various locations within the instrument.

Abstract: A database server and a Citrix®-type direct access server electronically interconnected between said database server and a plurality of subscribers, each of which gain secure access into a server via a modem and an internet service provider (ISP). Thin client access provides for electronic transfer of billing and data entry to each direct access subscriber upon request. Browser based subscribers use forms processing to transfer data into the database server which utilizes an appropriate application software therein to produce billing invoices and statements to clients and customers of each corresponding subscriber. Thin client access also provides real time electronic viewing and query access regarding data and billings stored in the database server by each corresponding direct access subscriber. A home page of a website of the system provides access via an ISP to the database server by a plurality of browser-based subscribers.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a partitioned front panel section including a drop out coin slot assembly. The partitioned front section includes an intermediary bracket that is carried on a cabinet of the vending machine. The intermediary bracket has one or more depending blades. A coin slot assembly includes one or more coin receiving mechanisms attached thereto. A backside of a major bracket of the coin slot assembly defines one or more gaps to capture each of the depending blades of the intermediary bracket. The coin slot assembly is placed in an opening of the vending machine front panel and moved so that the blades of the intermediary bracket are engaged by and received in the gaps of the coin slot assembly. A front cover panel has a locking mechanism and is secured over a remaining open portion of the front panel. The front panel cover includes one edge that engages a portion of the cabinet and is then pivoted into place and secured by a three point locking mechanism.

Abstract: An adaptable string detector for currency validators has an infrared emitting diode on one side of the note path and an infrared phototransistor on the other. The phototransistor is connected to a window comparator and to an EEPOT. The EEPOT establishes a quiescent value for the output of the phototransistor to lie within the window of the window comparator. If a string or other retrieving implement is attached to a piece of currency traveling along the note path, the output of the phototransistor falls outside of the window, signaling that the note is to be rejected and no goods, services, or change is exchanged therefor.

Abstract: A system and method of consolidating information for display which relies on codes. The system includes a database including a plurality of types of information besides price to be displayed by an electronic price label and a computer. The computer schedules messages for transmission to the electronic price label, including a message containing the information. The computer identifies a number of the types of information to be displayed by the electronic price label, obtains the number of the types of information from the database, determines parameters for storing and displaying the number of types of information, and creates a code incorporating the number of types of information and the parameters for storing and displaying the number of types of information.

Abstract: The shoe size scanner system is an automated system for use in retail stores, and particularly in shoe stores. The scanner system has a base unit which interfaces with the store's computerized inventory system, and a plurality of remote units which interface with the base unit. The remote units include at least the input device of a bar code scanner, and may be either fixed mount or portable, handheld scanning units. The fixed mount units are positioned in fixed locations, such as display shelves or tables and may be used by either store clerks or customers. The handheld units are intended for use by sales clerks, and may be supported by a neck strap, arm band, or belt clip. According to the shoe size scanner system, each shoe on display in the store has a bar code affixed thereto which encodes an identifier number corresponding to the model of the shoe.

Abstract: A robotic arm has a pair of gripper fingers designed to grip a variety of containers, including capped and uncapped test tubes as well as containers having unique gripping means. The fingers each have upper and lower projections separated by a groove, the respective projections facing each other when mounted to grippers on the robotic arm. The projections and groove serve to firmly hold the containers as well as self-align the unique gripping means on initially unaligned containers within the fingers as the fingers close around the containers. The fingers have clearance to avoid contact with caps on capped test tubes. Stops are provided at the top of each finger to engage one another and prevent fully closed fingers from deforming. The robotic arm may be transported along a rail mounted above the instrument and a gripper assembly, having a gripper arm, mounted to the robotic arm may be rotated above the instrument to move the container to various locations within the instrument.

Abstract: A currency processing machine in which a user deposits funds including coins of mixed denominations and paper notes is provided. The currency processing machine comprises means for receiving and counting the paper notes, a hopper for receiving the coins of mixed denominations, and means for determining the amount of the deposited funds. A sorting device sorts the mixed coins into denominations. A coin receptacle station for each denomination receives the sorted coins. Each of the coin receptacle stations includes a plurality of coin receptacles for holding the sorted coins and a coin distribution mechanism for selectively distributing the sorted coins between the plurality of coin receptacles.

Abstract: A coin handling device, as a first invention, comprising a cable (20), a liquid guide means (61) for guiding liquid falling via a cable guide hole (10a) into a device body (2), a liquid storing means (62) and a liquid discharging means (63). A coin handling device, as a second invention, wherein a coin selection unit (101, 201) comprising a coin guide means (181), a liquid collecting means (182) and a liquid discharging means (183) is equipped with a liquid flow-in means (184) for allowing liquid falling via the coin guide means (181) to flow into those portions of the coin selection unit (101, 201) other than the liquid sorting means (182), a liquid passing means (185) and a liquid flowout means (186, 216) for continuously feeding the passed liquid to the liquid discharging means (183).