Abstract: An apparatus for reducing static electricity includes an ionizer that generates ions for neutralizing static electricity, a blower that produces a current of air for moving the ions to a desired location, and a motion detector operatively connected to the blower. Upon detecting motion, the motion detector activates the blower, which disperses ions to reduce static electricity at the desired location. The apparatus can include a heater for heating the current of ionized air. In addition, the motion detector can be operatively linked to the ionizer and heater so that they are also activated upon detection of motion. The blower can be linked to a timer such that it runs for a predetermined amount of time upon activation by the motion detector, or the blower can run continuously until the motion detector no longer detects any motion. The apparatus is particularly useful for reducing static electricity around fuel dispensers.

Abstract: A method of transmitting files from a remote source to a computer is provided. The computer is connected to a local area network (LAN) and an alternative transmission path. The alternative transmission path can include a video server and a broadband switch. Both the LAN and the alternative path are connected to a common router. The router includes bypass logic for routing the file to the computer either through the LAN or the alternative path. The alternative path can be used for the transmission of large files to prevent overloading the LAN.