Abstract: Cooling systems and methods for controlling the temperature of motors of gas compression systems of chillers are disclosed. Certain systems utilize a centrifugal, two stage compressor equipped with a motor between the stages. The cooling system provides a low velocity refrigerant spray on at least one or both ends of the motor without requiring additional pumping energy from the motor to deliver the refrigerant spray.

Abstract: Cooling systems and methods for controlling the temperature of motors of gas compression systems of chillers are disclosed. Certain systems utilize a centrifugal, two stage compressor equipped with a motor between the stages. The cooling system provides a low velocity refrigerant spray on at least one or both ends of the motor without requiring additional pumping energy from the motor to deliver the refrigerant spray.

Abstract: A refrigerant motor/compressor employs both a serviceable shaft-grounding device and a ceramic coating to protect a rolling element bearing that could otherwise be damaged by high frequency induced common mode voltage and current originating from an inverter that includes a plurality of IGBTs (insulate gate bipolar transistors). The shaft-grounding device includes a stranded copper wire brush that rides against an axial end of the shaft and a high frequency stranded grounding wire that conducts the induced current away from the shaft. The shaft-grounding device is sized and positioned so that it can be momentarily removed for inspection without having to evacuate the refrigerant. The ceramic coating provides an electrical insulating surface on a bearing bracket and other parts that support the bearing. The coating comprises titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide to provide a surface that is sufficiently hard and tough to resist damage during assembly, thereby maintaining the coating's integrity.

Abstract: A system for producing a mailpiece for delivery in accordance with a Value Added (VA) service. The system comprises a computer processor having Value Added Services (VAS) program code adapted to operate in combination with the processor's print driver code. Further, the VAS program code is operative to receive operator input data in connection with a Value Added Service. Additionally, the system includes at least one peripheral device, operating in combination with the VAS program code, for (i) determining charges in connection with the mailpiece based upon the VA service and (ii) printing VAS data/postage indicia on the mailpiece. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a VAS database for collecting VAS data and performing various accounting services (e.g., charge-back, financial tracking) or producing a manifest document when using a Manifest Mailing System.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. An inserter system for assembling mailpieces is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a mailing control file. The inserter system scans control documents included in the mailpieces to identify corresponding mailpiece records. The records include information identifying a selected method of evidencing payment of postage for particular mailpieces. The system can include a plurality of envelope feeders at least some of which are loaded with envelopes pre-marked with evidence of payment, and can also include a plurality of mechanisms for franking mailpieces prepared with blank envelopes. A data processing system for generating document sets which include control documents is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of managing and recovering from the failure of cryptographic devices in a secure transaction processing system including a database, a plurality first cryptographic devices and a standby cryptographic device. Each of the first cryptographic devices periodically generates and sends to the database a total freshness counter record and generates and sends to another of the first cryptographic devices a digital signature and time stamp record. Upon failure of a first cryptographic device, the standby cryptographic device requests and receives the current total freshness counter record and digital signature and time stamp record for the failed first cryptographic device, and uses the digital signature and time stamp record to verify that the total freshness center record is most current. If so verified, the standby cryptographic device assumes the operation of the failed first cryptographic device.

Abstract: A system and method that allows mailers of all sizes to pay for permit mail without presenting cash or a check at the time of induction is provided. A permit payment aggregator establishes a master account with the postal system for the payment of permit mail. A plurality of mailers each establish a separate account with the permit payment aggregator and transfer control of payment of mail inducted under their respective permit imprints to the permit payment aggregator. When the mailer desires to send a mailing, a request for payment of postage is made to the permit payment aggregator, which processes the information related to the mailing. The induction site communicates with the permit payment aggregator and the mailing as presented is compared with the information processed by the permit payment aggregator. If the mailing is accepted, the master account is debited for payment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a track and trace capabilities for checks in the mail stream and in the bank check clearing system are described. A mailing machine facilitates the association of a confirmation tracking number with a mail piece and a check. The track and trace system provides for tracking the check through the mail stream and also through the bank check clearing system using the confirmation tracking number.

Abstract: A method for temporarily assigning secure boxes for the transfer of objects when the person who placed the objects in the box and the person who removed the objects from the box are known to the administrator of the system, wherein the system is not owned by the people who placed or removed objects from the box. The depositor of the object is informed of the most desirable location of a box for delivering objects to a recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for authorizing payment to a seller upon delivery of an item to a buyer. The method includes registering each seller and each buyer with a transaction server or database. An identifier, such as a bar code is generated and affixed to the package of the item. The identifier is associated with the seller and is used to trace the package through a delivery system until the package reaches the buyer. At the buyer location, the identifier is scanned and data is transmitted to a transaction database indicating that the package has arrived. Upon notification of arrival to the buyer, the buyer account is debited to pay for the item. A notice may then be sent to the buyer and the seller indicating that the transaction has been completed.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and maintaining databases of user profiles and value ratings for information sources, and for generating lists of information sources having high estimated values. User controlled systems for accessing information sources through the internet or other networks are monitored by a server. The server updates the user profiles and computes value ratings associated with the user profiles for various information sources in accordance with monitored information. Estimated values for information sources to a particular user are obtained as a function of the value ratings associated with profiles of other users and the degree of similarity between the particular user's current profile and other user profiles. Previous profiles are not deleted when updated but are retained and treated substantially as other profiles in computing value estimates. Information sources can be other users.