Abstract: A personal check includes a substrate defined to be written on and to be transferable from a first person to a second person. The personal check also includes: check characterizing indicia printed on the substrate, and at least three different types of identification indicia printed on the substrate such that the identification indicia are not removed from the substrate when the substrate is transferred from the first person to the second person. These identification indicia include a picture of at least the face of the first person, an alphanumeric physical parameter identifying an at least approximately visually discernable physical characteristic of the first person, and a predetermined signature of the first person. In one implementation, the check characterizing indicia and the identification indicia are interposed on the substrate. A plurality of these personal checks are comprised in a checkbook.

Abstract: A combined parking meter and electric energy dispensing apparatus and method can automatically provide, in response to receiving a payment, either parking time or electric energy. When electric current is being consumed by a connected electric vehicle, the invention operates in an electric energy dispensing mode and allocates a received payment thereto. When no electric current flows from the apparatus, then the invention functions in a parking meter mode and allocates the received payment thereto.

Abstract: Interlocking blocks for erecting a wall assembly formed by building blocks laid up in end to end abutting relation by multiple staggered block courses. The blocks of the wall assembly are characterized by at least one opening extending between its top and bottom surfaces with an upstanding endless tongue on its top surface surrounding the opening and nested by a rabbeted recess around the opening in the bottom surface nesting the endless tongue when one block is superposed on another. Coextensive grooves, formed in block side walls, receive furring strips. Nailable material blocks selectively secured to end surfaces of the blocks define wall openings.

Abstract: A plurality of different types of building blocks are fabricated to include a respective coding for each different type, which coding in the preferred embodiment is a color pigmentation. Associated with the building blocks is a pattern marked with indicia which define, by full-scale markings, locations of the lowermost building elements of the predesigned, pre-engineered structure to be constructed by the present invention. Associated with the coded building materials and pattern is a coded diagram depicting the completed predesigned, pre-engineered structure by means of coded objects, coded in correspondence with the coded building materials, showing the numbers and location of each type of building material within the structure. The manufacturing of a kit of these elements and the method of erecting the structure from such a kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a device with a prepurchased, selectable quantity of power from a primary power source includes a mechanism for receiving a medium of exchange, such as a money receiving mechanism. The apparatus further includes an outlet for coupling the device to the apparatus and for switchably connecting the device to a primary power source. The apparatus further includes an electronic computer which responds to the medium of exchange receiving mechanism to control the outlet so that the appropriate amount of prepurchased power is provided to the device connected thereto.

Abstract: A parking meter-type apparatus for recharging the batteries of an electric vehicle when parked. The apparatus includes an electric outlet socket, connected with a municipal source of electrical energy, connectable with a vehicle mounted battery charger. The apparatus is manually actuated after inserting a coin for dispensing a predetermined quantity of electrical energy.