Abstract: A virtual mailing system includes a virtual post office disposed in a virtual environment. A user in the virtual environment can request for the delivery of an electronic asset. A postage metering device, associated with the virtual post office, is operative to review the aspects of the delivery of the electronic asset and affix a postage amount. The postage metering device is also operative to process monetary funds relating to payment of postage for the virtual delivery of the electronic asset. The processing of monetary funds includes coordinating between virtual funds and real world funds so that virtual customers pay for delivery costs using virtual funds backed by real world currency. Through the virtual post office, electronic assets may then be virtually delivered to intended recipients within the virtual environment.

Abstract: An item handling system for and method of handling items in an item stream, the system comprising: a validation unit for validating an element containing an authentication code on each item in an item stream, wherein an item is assigned as being spoiled where the element does not satisfy at least one validation criterion; and a sorting unit for separating spoiled items from the item stream.

Abstract: A virtual mailing system includes a virtual post office disposed in a virtual environment. A user in the virtual environment can request for the delivery of an electronic asset. A postage metering device, associated with the virtual post office, is operative to review the aspects of the delivery of the electronic asset and affix a postage amount. The postage metering device is also operative to process monetary funds relating to payment of postage for the virtual delivery of the electronic asset. The processing of monetary funds includes coordinating between virtual funds and real world funds so that virtual customers pay for delivery costs using virtual funds backed by real world currency. Through the virtual post office, electronic assets may then be virtually delivered to intended recipients within the virtual environment.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing fluid pressure in a pipe connecting a well to a remote location, according to which a section of tubing is inserted into the pipe to define a space between the tubing and the pipe. Pressurized fluid is introduced into the pipe in a manner to displace the fluid in the pipe and reduce the fluid pressure in the pipe to prevent the formation of hydrates in the pipe.

Abstract: A baggage bin has a floor and side walls, and is lowerable from a housing. Guide bolts secured to one side wall are movably engaged in front and rear arcuate grooves with a common arc center point in the other side wall. A guide roller or slide block secured to one side wall is movably engaged in a linear guide track or groove on the other side wall. To lower the bin, it first moves linearly downward, until the rear guide bolt reaches an end of the rear groove, and then pivots about the rear guide bolt as the front guide bolt moves farther in the longer arc of the front groove, so that the front loading edge of the bin tilts downward. The components are simple, and the lateral space required between the side walls of the bin and the housing is small.

Abstract: A baggage compartment includes a support structure, a bin, and a guide. The bin defines an at least partially closed volume configured to store baggage. The guide connects the support structure and the bin. The guide is configured to move the bin along a first portion of a path linearly and a second portion of the path rotationally.

Abstract: A baggage compartment includes a support structure, a bin, and a guide. The bin defines an at least partially closed volume configured to store baggage. The guide connects the support structure and the bin. The guide is configured to move the bin along a first portion of a path linearly and a second portion of the path rotationally.

Abstract: A method of opening and closing a bin defining a partially enclosed volume configured to store baggage relative to a support structure. The method includes moving the bin linearly along a first portion of a path, and moving the bin rotationally along a second portion of the path.

Abstract: A system for verifying printed indicia. The system comprises an indicia generating apparatus adapted to create digitally signed indicia on an item having an associated value and an indicia verifying apparatus adapted to read the indicia on the item and verify that the item is valid. The item can be used as payment for a good or service.

Abstract: A baggage bin has a floor and side walls, and is lowerable from a housing. Guide bolts secured to one side wall are movably engaged in front and rear arcuate grooves with a common arc center point in the other side wall. A guide roller or slide block secured to one side wall is movably engaged in a linear guide track or groove on the other side wall. To lower the bin, it first moves linearly downward, until the rear guide bolt reaches an end of the rear groove, and then pivots about the rear guide bolt as the front guide bolt moves farther in the longer arc of the front groove, so that the front loading edge of the bin tilts downward. The components are simple, and the lateral space required between the side walls of the bin and the housing is small.