Abstract: A system for interfacing predetermined services to a user at a fixed location includes a processing platform running an operating system. The system further includes a data store for storing configuration information for enabling the operating system to interface with available physical system resources through the physical system resource interface associated therewith. A communication resource for interfacing with the operating system allows communication of the operating system with a central office for downloading configuration information to selectively enable ones of the available physical system resources to interface with the operating system through associated ones of the physical system resource interfaces in accordance with the configuration information and the predetermined service selected by a user. A plurality of configurations is stored in the data store, and each is associated with a predetermined service and one or more of the available physical system resources.

Abstract: A distributed transaction system for enabling users to conduct transactions using services from third party service providers includes a central processing center with one or more communications interfaces to facilitate transactions initiated by users at a plurality of kiosks wherein each of the kiosks includes a user interface enabling a user to access a user selected service and a data store for storing configurations associated with services provided by the third party service providers, whereby a user interfaces with one or more of physical system resources of the kiosk to open a user identity session such that the kiosk is operative to facilitate at least one first user action with the physical resources to initiate a financial transaction and the central processing center is operative to execute at least a second action to facilitate the transaction and to communicate with a financial institution.

Abstract: A meter installation system has a hollow support arm with a first end and a second end and a central vertical portion there between. A retention device has a vertical slit defining a first edge and a second edge. A coupling bar lies adjacent to the first edge. A swivel is secured in line with the hollow coupling bar and has a flexible strap coupled between the swivel and the second edge to enable the diameter of the cylindrical retention device to vary. A crank adjacent to the first end of the support arm allows the user to supply rotational energy. A series of beveled gears transmit rotational energy from the crank through the hollow support arm and to the swivel to facilitate changing the retention device between the open position and the closed position.