Abstract: Provided is a settlement and remittance-processing method, wherein processing that involves transfer of virtual money, such as settlement or remittance, is achieved with a single system. A virtual money management apparatus includes an account management storage section which stores a value of the virtual money owned by the users and company; an account management function section which includes virtual money accounts for each of the users and company and associates the virtual money accounts with the virtual money stored in the account management storage section to manage virtual money using the virtual money accounts; and a settlement/remittance management function section which receives designation of the user or company which is to be a transfer destination of the virtual money, specifies a virtual money account associated with the designated user or company by using the account management function section, and transfers the virtual money to the specified virtual money account.

Abstract: The need for input and transmission of information necessary for settlement each time accounts are settled is eliminated. Necessary information to settle accounts by using a payment system is received from a terminal used by a user and stored. The received information and the payment system using the information are tied and managed for each user. When settlement processing of a certain user is requested from a business operator site, the payment systems that can be used by the certain user are identified by using an account management function unit and the settlement processing by the selected payment system is performed by using the necessary information tied to the payment system selected by the certain user from among the identified payment systems.

Abstract: One settlement is made with multiple settlement units. A user-selected settlement unit, at least one settlement price allocated to each settlement unit and a usage ratio allocated to each settlement unit, and a total price to be settled are received from a site. Credit processing is performed for each price obtained by allocating the total price to the settlement unit using the usage ratio or for each settlement price allocated to each settlement unit. Sales determination processing is performed for each price obtained by allocating the total price to the settlement unit using the usage ratio or for each settlement price allocated to each settlement unit. A message indicating settlement completion is transmitted to the site. In the first and second settlements, when all credit processing and sales determination processing can be performed within the multi-settlement apparatus, the processing is so performed, otherwise, an external unit is requested.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is formed of a main portion having an image reading function; a driving source provided in the main portion; a reversing device, on which the main portion is detachably mounted; and a driving power transmitting device connected to the driving source. The reversing device has a device to reverse a document fed from the main portion in a state where the main portion is mounted thereto and to return the document back to the main portion. The driving power transmitting device drives the reversing device by transmitting a driving power from the driving source under a condition that the main portion is mounted on the reversing device. Thus, although the reversing device is not provided with a driving source, the reversing device can be actuated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distilling readily polymerizable liquid such as readily polymerizable monomers without causing the formation of an undesirable polymerization product is disclosed. This distillation is effected by(a) vaporizing the polymerizable liquid from a liquid phase containing the same in an evaporator by externally heating the liquid phase;(b) converting the vapor of the polymerizable liquid to a superheated state by externally heating, and introducing the vapor of the polymerizable liquid to the inlet of a condenser, while the vapor is maintained at the superheated state; and, then,(c) condensing the vapor in the condenser, while a portion of the condensed fraction is circulated to the inlet of the condenser, whereby the condensation surface thereof is wetted.