Abstract: Disclosed is an ash or debris management system for an appliance such as a charcoal grill. The system includes a sifter tray with openings that can be exposed by manually or automatically oscillating the sifter tray back and forth. The sifter tray can include ridges with angled faces that push the debris toward the sifter openings to better facilitate movement of the debris. In this manner, debris such as ash can be removed from the appliance with ease.

Abstract: A method and system provides for scanning a check and/or cash to create an electronic image of the front and the back of the check and/or cash. The image is then processed and transmitted electronically to a central location. The image may be recreated into a paper form at the central location, resembling the original paper check or cash, including a machine-readable regeneration of the MICR code line data captured from the original instrument. Paperless processing of checks and cash is thus provided, including local voiding and storage of the check without requiring immediate pickup, while still allowing the transaction to be process.

Abstract: A method and system provides for scanning a check and/or cash to create an electronic image of the front and the back of the check and/or cash. The image is then processed and transmitted electronically to a central location. The image may be recreated into a paper form at the central location, resembling the original paper check or cash, including a machine-readable regeneration of the MICR code line data captured from the original instrument. Paperless processing of checks and cash is thus provided, including local voiding and storage of the check without requiring immediate pickup, while still allowing the transaction to be process.

Abstract: A method and system provides for scanning a check and/or cash to create an electronic image of the front and the back of the check and/or cash. The image is then processed and transmitted electronically to a central location. The image may be recreated into a paper form at the central location, resembling the original paper check or cash, including a machine-readable regeneration of the MICR code line data captured from the original instrument. Paperless processing of checks and cash is thus provided, including local voiding and storage of the check without requiring immediate pickup, while still allowing the transaction to be process.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for routing e-mails based on the recipient's physical address. The system includes an e-mail server that contains a database that maps physical addresses to e-mail addresses of users. The e-mail server is connected to a network such as the global Internet. The e-mail server includes an electronic mailbox for each physical address in the database. The system also includes a receiving host that is used to connect to the e-mail server via the Internet to enable a recipient user to check e-mail. The e-mail server runs an authoritative process by which user login and password information is checked to assure a secure system. The system also has a parcel delivery notification feature that allows a buyer expecting a parcel to receive delivery status information regarding the particular parcel being shipped to the buyer.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for semantic interoperability through an innovative method to transmit a smaller set of XML data using unique UDEF Identifier tagging and common objects model.

Abstract: A system and method for providing traffic information is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises, for each segment of a route between an origin point and a destination point, performing a time-dependent journey planning calculation, based on a time during which a vehicle is predicted to be travelling through the segment, to produce a segment result; forming at least one route result, the at least one route result being formed based on a plurality of the segment results; storing the at least one route result in a digital storage means; and accessing the rapid access means for use in responding to a user request for traffic information for a journey between the origin point and the destination point.

Abstract: A system and method for merchant function assumption of Internet checking and savings account transactions enables a service provider to take over all merchant type transactions and provide a merchant, such as an Internet merchant, with an approved order and appropriate credit for the transaction. A service provider server receives an electronic check or a payment instruction for the merchant from a customer. The payment instruction includes, for example, the originator's digital certificate and payment and purchase information, including the originator's checking or savings account number. The payment instruction is automatically sent to a customer's bank's server, which confirms the availability of funds for the payment. A confirmation of the availability of funds is automatically sent to the merchant, and a credit for the payment is automatically sent to the merchant's account.

Abstract: A system for scheduling traffic capable of planning journeys, each having a plurality of transit points, comprising means for receiving scheduling criteria including transit point data and map data, said map data comprising one or more routes, each route defined in terms of a plurality of route-sections, a data repository comprising historical speed data for each route-section, historical speed data for a particular route-section being represented for a predetermined time on a particular day, means for generating forecast speed information for a traffic unit on each said route-section based on said historical speed data, and processing means for planning a journey including a plurality of transit points in dependence on said scheduling criteria and forecast speed information. A method of operating a traffic scheduling system and a computer program are also claimed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for a customer and merchant to perform an on-line, and in some cases, real-time financial transaction from a personal computer or similar processing terminal over a public access communications network utilizing a universally acceptable electronic financial transaction instruction that debits a customer's selected account and notifies a merchant that a credit is due or forthcoming and a service provider. The financial transaction instruction is provided in a secured format for transactions sent over the public access communications network, which is external from any other conventional open or closed communication channels used for performing financial transactions.

Abstract: A system is provided for use as a source of information and for providing to a user who makes a request for information, an answer to that request. The system includes an information library that includes at least a human resource profile source that typically includes details on a number of persons to whom the request can be selectively sent and from whom an answer is obtained. The system selects the recipients of the request on the basis of the human resource profiles and can also store answers and other information to which subsequent requests can be referred as well as other selected information sources. The system includes refinements such as the optional division of a human resource profile into aspects of interest and expertise; those aspects can be further divided into areas of specific subject matter.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for routing e-mails based on the recipient's physical address. The system includes an e-mail server that contains a database that maps physical addresses to e-mail addresses of users. The e-mail server is connected to a network such as the global Internet. The e-mail server includes an electronic mailbox for each physical address in the database. The system also includes a receiving host that is used to connect to the e-mail server via the Internet to enable a recipient user to check e-mail. The e-mail server runs an authoritative process by which user login and password information is checked to assure a secure system. The system also has a parcel delivery notification feature that allows a buyer expecting a parcel to receive delivery status information regarding the particular parcel being shipped to the buyer.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an on-line ATM/POS transaction utilizing checking or savings account funds over a public access network is disclosed. The invention comprises creating an electronic financial transaction instruction comprising card information and security information that are encrypted for secure transmission over the public access network. The card information identifies a checking or savings account number of a purchaser. The security information identifies a personal identification number associated with the identified account number that authorizes the use of the account number in an on-line ATM/POS transaction. The financial transaction instruction is decrypted by a financial institution and reformatted to form a transaction request suitable for transmission over an on-line ATM/POS transaction system. The transaction request is then processed like a typical ATM or merchant POS on-line ATM/POS transaction.