Abstract: An automated teller machine (10) comprises a fascia (12) having a check entry/exit slot (56), and a check processing module (60) for processing checks entered via the slot (56). The terminal (10) includes a control means (86), biometric data capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) and a check transport mechanism (70) for transporting checks between the slot (56) and the printer (74). The control means is arranged to cause the printer (74) to print a representation of a biometric characteristic of a user onto a check during an attempt to deposit the check in the terminal (10).

Abstract: Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems are able to provide wireless communications at increased data rates. These systems involve using a plurality of antennas on both the transmitter and receiver and the problem of how to accommodate such structures in user terminals, which are often required to be hand held then arises. An antenna arrangement which is suitable for MIMO communications and which can be incorporated into a user terminal such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) is described. A pair of co-polarised umbrella monopoles and a slot antenna are incorporated into a flap which extends at approximately 90° to the body of the PDA. A fourth monopole is mounted and protrudes from the PDA itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, a kit, and an apparatus for detecting and analyzing genetic material from a biological sample. The method can be used to analyze samples from a wide variety of sources, including tissues, blood, plasma, sera, mucus, urine, saliva, sweat, semen, and cultures, as well as analyzing samples of contaminated water, food, beverages, and other items.

Abstract: A biometric system (10) for assisting a user in providing a biometric reading is described. The system (10) comprises: a biometric capture unit (12) for capturing biometric data from a user; and feedback means (30) for providing the user with an indication of the extent to which a measurement has been captured. The feedback means (30) may be implemented by a display, a loudspeaker (508), or both. The system may also include anonymizing means (66) for providing the feedback means (30) with an anonymized version of the data measured from the biometric capture unit (12).

Abstract: Previous MIMO systems have used spatially diverse antenna elements in order not to reduce the number of orthogonal channels that can be realized. The present invention recognizes that this leads to large antenna sizes, as compared to multiple beam antenna systems which use closely spaced antenna elements. In order to provide a compact antenna unit, while still allowing a MIMO system to be exploited, the present invention recognizes that polarization diversity only can be used in a MIMO system without the need for spatially diverse antenna elements. Closely spaced antenna elements are used and this enables a compact MIMO antenna unit to be provided. In addition, such MIMO systems with polarization diversity but no spatial diversity can advantageously be used in line of sight situations and also combined with multi-beam antenna systems to further increase capacity.

Abstract: A method of providing immediate assistance to a user of a targeted messaging system is described. The method involves: identifying a message appropriate for presenting to the user (step 220); presenting the message to the user (step 222); offering to summon a human agent knowledgeable about products associated with the message (step 222); and summoning an agent to speak with the user in response to the user accepting the offer (step 224). The method may use a campaign server to supply the appropriate message. A self-service terminal, such as an ATM, may be used to present the message.

Abstract: A telecommunications device that is configured to form a connection with another telecommunications device without user intervention; select software that is available on that other device, and receive a copy of that software.

Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans paintbrushes, arts & crafts brushes, artist brushes and cosmetic brushes and comprises a tank with an open top for containing cleaning fluid, a brush frame, rotating cleaning brushes, a motor housing and top cover. The rotating cleaning brushes, together with the stationary cleaning brush, remove paint or cosmetic materials from the brushes to be cleaned. The rotating and stationary cleaning brushes each bear a bristle portion comprising tufts, which are configured in a specialized tightly packed pattern to optimize cleaning the paintbrushes artists brushes, arts & crafts brushes or cosmetic brushes to be cleaned.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wireless network arrangement in which nodes comprise multi-faceted multi-beam antennas and in which wireless backhaul is provided using those multi-faceted multi-beam antennas. In particular, the invention is directed to a wireless communication node comprising: an antenna defining a first wireless coverage area and a second wireless coverage area. The first wireless coverage area extends in a first beam pattern and the second wireless coverage area extends in a second beam pattern and the second beam pattern comprises at least one directional beam having a direction which is variable. Associated apparatus, methods, programs, and subscriber services are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for transmitting data between a first node and a second node in a communications network, for example a wireless network. The method comprises the steps of selecting a transmission channel from a predetermined set of transmission channels according to probability information and transmitting data using the selected channel. The probability information is based on a determination of a characteristic of previous transmissions using each of said set of channels. The invention is also directed to a method of selecting a channel at a node in a communications network for communication with a second node.

Abstract: The invention relates to improving the quality of a received downlink signal in a time division multiple access wireless cellular communications network. The method of the invention comprises measuring a signal quality characteristic at a user equipment and comparing this to a threshold to determine it a desired signal quality level exists. It so then a certain level or type of service on the downlink can be effected. It not, the method comprises identifying an interferer signal or signals and removing at least one of such interferer signals by arranging for it to either not be transmitted on the same TDMA timeslot as the downlink signal or to be transmitted at a lower power, for example, in said timeslot.

Abstract: A system and method classify cardiac complexes based on cardiac information derived from two or more cardiac signals. Two or more cardiac signals containing cardiac complexes are monitored. A cardiac complex in the two or more cardiac signals is isolated in an analysis window. The morphology of the cardiac complex in each of the two or more cardiac signals is then compared to the morphology of a template cardiac complex representing a predetermined cardiac condition. Based on this comparison, the cardiac complex is classified as either belonging or not belonging to the predetermined cardiac condition.

Abstract: Provided is an antenna adapted to transmit a first channel on at least two adjacent fixed beams of a plurality of fixed beams defining a coverage area, with each pair of adjacent fixed beams of the plurality of fixed beams partially overlapping and having substantially orthogonal polarizations. The antenna has a respective transmitter adapted to transmit on each of the plurality of fixed beams a respective unique composite signal, each composite signal containing said first channel and a respective unique traffic channel.

Abstract: A system for use in controlling and/or testing an underwater hydrocarbon production system, has a number of control modules for controlling well trees. The control modules are provided, not at the trees, but at a control centre for location underwater. The trees are in communication with associated ones of the control modules.

Abstract: The present invention provide methods for utilizing spent leukodepletion filter devices as a source of material for the isolation and analysis of genomic DNA (gDNA), including polymorphism, genotyping, and pharmacogenomic studies. Cellular retentate with the filter contains leukocytes, which are lysed to release the nuclei. The nuclei are lysed or ruptured to release genomic DNA, which is then isolated and used for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: The paintbrush-cleaning device includes a housing with an open top, a bottom drain and a central space, containing paintbrush-cleaning liquid therein. A pair of rotatable radial brushes brackets the paintbrushes in the central space and are powered by an electric motor connected to the housing. A number of spaced upwardly directed jet nozzles are disposed in the central space and direct streams of cleaning liquid under pressure upwards towards the paintbrushes. An impeller pump may be connected to a manifold in the central space, from which manifold the jet nozzles extend. Two radial brushes may be used, with the members disposed opposite each other adjacent the sides of the top opening. The radial brushes bear a bristle portion comprising cleaning bristles, which is configured in a spiral along the length of the radial wound brush.

Abstract: A medium for storage and subsequent analysis of a genetic material includes a support for immobilizing the genetic material thereon and allowing subsequent elution of the genetic material therefrom and a coating functionally associated with the support for enabling cellular lysis and releasing the genetic material from the lysed cells while stabilizing the immobilized released genetic material. A method of storing the genetic material and subsequently analyzing the genetic material includes the steps of immobilizing the genetic material on a support while enabling cellular lysis and release of genetic material from the lysed cells and stabilizing the immobilized released genetic material on the support. The genetic material is then eluted to generate a soluble genetic material fraction. The eluted genetic material can be analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for device for obtaining and storing genetic material. The device has a support and a head portion. The head portion is composed of a solid matrix for sorbing genetic material and a preserving mechanism for the protection of genetic material from degradation. Additionally, the present invention provides for a method of storing a sample of genetic material onto the swab device. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes polyester material as the solid matrix.

Abstract: To reduce costs in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmit or receive diversity wireless communications systems an arrangement is described whereby the number of transmit or receive chains can be reduced. Switched antenna selection is used at the transmitter or receiver. Particular advantages are found for nomadic and high speed mobility MIMO user terminals where improvements in capacity are found. In addition improved ability to deal with the effects of spatial fading is achieved. Embodiments using directional antennas in combination with switched selection are also described. These are particularly advantageous for compact user equipment intended for nomadic or mobile use.