Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the rate of pressure applied to an air controlled device. The apparatus includes a flow restrictor, a regulator, and a dome loaded regulator. The regulator is configured to be operatively connected to a pressure source and is set to a first selected pressure. The flow restrictor is arranged to control the rate of applying pressure to the air controlled device after the first pressure is reached. The dome loaded regulator is in communication with the regulator and the flow restrictor such that the regulator and the flow restrictor alternately determine the flow rate from the pressure source to the air controlled device. The method includes setting a predetermined parameter and automatically reducing the rate of applying pressure to the air controlled device after the predetermined parameter is reached.

Abstract: A system for merchants to electronically process statistically-analyzed checks and receive payment on the same electronically from a third-party service provider while the image of the check writer's check is stored electronically and the payment itself is presented through the normal check-processing system.

Abstract: An internet based payment validation system links a customer computer to a third party processor computer after the customer, communicating with the a merchant computer over the Internet, indicates a desire to pay for a purchase directly and not with a credit card. The processor computer receives information from the customer identifying the customer then applies the identification to a statistical database indicating whether a payment obligation is likely to be honored. The processor computer then returns to the merchant computer an indication of whether a payment obligation should be accepted.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A globe stand construction for mounting a globe from a single support arm includes hemisphere sections connected together by a polar axis pin mounted in a bushing plate which includes a radial, equatorial axis passage for receipt of a single pin projecting from a single support arm mounted on a base positioned beneath the globe.

Abstract: A system for merchants to electronically process statistically-analyzed checks and receive payment on the same electronically from a third-party service provider while the image of the check writer's check is stored electronically and the payment itself is presented through the normal check-processing system.