Abstract: Techniques for detecting counterfeit checks include using sensors to determine correspondence between items detected on a check using machine vision. Correspondence between different items on a received check is used to generate a check score, which is compared to a risk-based threshold to determine how a transaction involving the check should be handled.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting counterfeit checks include using sensors to determine correspondence between a portion of sensed check information and related information; analyzing behavior related to accounts to a check deposit transaction; and controlling check depositing through user interface controls or communication. These techniques can be employed individually or in combination.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting counterfeit checks include using sensors to determine correspondence between a portion of sensed check information and related information; analyzing behavior related to accounts to a check deposit transaction; and controlling check depositing through user interface controls or communication. These techniques can be employed individually or in combination.

Abstract: A method for communicating between a utility and individual customer locations includes the step of communicating between the utility and customers and between the utility and customer equipment located at each individual customer location via the Internet or via an advanced utility meter. The method of communicating typically includes the additional steps of providing each individual customer location with an advanced utility meter and using each individual utility meter to communicate between the utility and the advanced utility meter, to communicate between the advanced utility meter and the individual customers and to communicate between the advanced utility meter and equipment locator and each individual customer location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating the square of a non-linear encoded signal having a value and a segment number includes an offset generator, a multiplier and a shifter. The offset generator receives the value of the encoded signal and adds an offset value to it thereby to generate a multiplicand. The multiplicand is squared by the multiplier and the output of the multiplier is conveyed to the shifter. The shifter shifts the output of the multiplier in accordance with the segment number thereby to generate the square of the encoded signal. The offset, multiplying and shifting steps can be performed in a single clock cycle.

Abstract: A wall-unit hanging system for hanging shelves, cabinets, drawers or the like on a wall is described. The system includes a mounting rail and one or more vertical panels. Each vertical panel has a cut-out portion and an associated bracket for securing the vertical panel to the mounting rail. The vertical panel is secured to the mounting rail by moving the panel perpendicularly with respect to the wall until the panel is flushed with the wall and the cut-out portion has received the mounting rail. The mounting bracket engages a projection in the mounting rail in order to secure the vertical panels to the mounting rail.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising a fishhook, a bag formed of open-mesh material closed at one end and open at the other end having a drawstring for drawing the open end closed thereby enclosing at least a portion of the fishhook within the bag, and a leader attached to the fishhook and extending through the closed end of the bag. The bait may be placed on the fishhook in the bag or in the bag without being placed on the fishhook and the bag then closed by the drawstring, the bait being readily visually and/or olfactorily attractive to fish by reason of the open-mesh characteristic of the bag and the barb of the fishhook readily penetrating the bag by reason of its open-mesh characteristic for being struck by a fish.