Abstract: A system and method for enrolling check-writing customers in an automated payment program for paying recurring bills from a merchant with a financial presentation device (FPD) such as a debit or credit card instead of a check. An enrollment module receives a list of target customers that pay recurring bills by paper checks. An enrollment form is then sent out to the targeted customers. The enrollment form preferably requires minimal effort by the customer, for instance, requiring only a signature. Responsive to the enrollment forms that have been returned by the targeted customers which signify their desire to enroll in the automated payment program, the enrollment module receives a list of such customers. Based on the received list of customers, the enrollment module generates enrollment information which is sufficient to enable the merchant to enroll the customers in the automated payment program.

Abstract: A cheese processing system includes a vat and a knife extending into the vat. A drive mechanism is configured to move the knife in a horizontal direction through the vat. The knife continuously reciprocates in a vertical direction as the knife moves in the horizontal direction through the vat.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a food product portioning apparatus comprising: a rotary-to-linear movement device; a support device, such as a platform, connected to the rotary-to-linear movement for receiving the food product thereon and moveable to position the food product at a predetermined height; and a cutting apparatus to portion the food product at the predetermined height. Also disclosed is a method of portioning food product at a predetermined size. Applicable food products can include, but are not limited to, cheese and various other soft, malleable, portionable food products.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing and feeding dry powders without using pressurized air are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample holder, a suction probe, a vacuum means and a positional means. The suction probe is positioned above dry powders in the sample holder, a space between the suction probe and the sample holder is substantially small that allows non-pressurized ambient air to form an high velocity downward air flow when a vacuum is applied to the suction probe. A change of air flow direction at an orifice of the suction probe generates a high shear force above the dry powders, which disperses the dry powders into an airstream. The apparatus feeds the dry powder airstream to a particle analyzer with a controlled rate. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in sizing particles using laser diffraction or image analysis techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a food product portioning apparatus comprising: a rotary-to-linear movement device; a support device, such as a platform, connected to the rotary-to-linear movement for receiving the food product thereon and moveable to position the food product at a predetermined height; and a cutting apparatus to portion the food product at the predetermined height. Also disclosed is a method of portioning food product at a predetermined size. Applicable food products can include, but are not limited to, cheese and various other soft, malleable, portionable food products.

Abstract: A magnetic disk drive design provides reduction of vibration and acoustic noise, and damping of mechanical resonances to mechanical components such as a base assembly. Based on applications of the principles of constrained layer damping, a layer of adhesive material is inserted between the base assembly and a circuit board assembly. In this manner, numerous advantages are provided, including reducing the acoustic noise produced by the drive, providing damping to structural resonances in the drive, and reliable attachment of the circuit board to the base assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a magneticf actuator lock for the head positioning actuator of a disk drive. The magnetic actuator lock comprises a magnet, and first and second stop means, one of which is attached to the head positioning actuator. The stop means constitute a low reluctance pathway for magnetic flux, thus attracting and "latching" the two stop means together. This magnetic actuator lock does not require an additional permanent magnet but may use the magnetic force of the permanent magnet in a voice coil motor.