Abstract: Described herein are examples of material testing systems configured to verify that two test methods are similar or dissimilar, and/or that a software application enabling setup, execution, and/or analysis of the test method(s) is installed and/or operating correctly. The systems are further configured to provide supporting documentation of the similarity/dissimilarity and/or correct installation/operation. Moreover, the systems are configured to reference data recorded during setup, execution, and/or result analysis of the test methods as evidence of the correct installation/operation and/or similarity/dissimilarity.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of material testing systems having new and improved processes that allow users to quickly and easily set several parameters defining a test method in response to a single user input, rather than having to manually set each and every parameter through a workflow. The parameters may further be optimized to comply with certain standards, save time, and/or reduce the potential for error. As the inputs required from the user during the new and improved processes are far fewer (and/or simpler) than if the user were to manually set each parameter through a workflow, there is a substantial time saving, and a substantial simplification of the endeavor.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of material testing systems that allow for testing of one or more test sensors of a material testing machine. In some examples, such testing may ensure each test sensor is functioning correctly. In some examples, the testing may be conducted manually, periodically, and/or automatically in response to some indication that a test sensor may be malfunctioning. In some examples, further testing using the material testing machine may be prohibited if the test results indicate that one or more of the sensors are malfunctioning. This prohibition may ensure that the tests conducted using the material testing machine remain reliable and usable, rather than being rendered untrustworthy due to malfunctioning test sensors.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of material testing systems that allow users to select one or more customizable data parsers (from amongst several customizable data parsers) when configuring a workflow for setup, execution, and/or analysis of a test method on a material testing machine. Thereafter, when a piece of data is imported by an importation device during operation of the workflow, the selected data parser(s) can separate (or parse) out several smaller data portions from the imported data. The several smaller data portions can be mapped to different input fields and/or used to set several different (e.g., input field associated) parameters of the workflow at the same time. In this way, a material testing workflow can be made far more efficient than in conventional systems where imported data can only be used to set a single workflow parameter (and/or fill a single input field).

Abstract: Described herein are examples of material testing systems that allow operators to use data importation devices to automatically import data into input fields of a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a material testing workflow. Such automatic importation helps to avoid potential errors in manual entry. Additionally, the material testing system allows operators to advance the material testing workflow (and/or GUI) from one state to another, thereby reducing the need (and/or time needed) for an operator to switch back and forth between the data importation device(s) and a separate input device.

Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.

Abstract: A method of processing a mixed bunch of banknotes and checks in a recycling self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: receiving a bunch of documents; recognizing each document from the received bunch; for each banknote recognized from the received bunch, validating the authenticity of that banknote; for each check recognized from the received bunch, extracting financial information from that check; and notifying a customer of the total value of the deposited bunch. A document validator, and a self-service terminal including the document validator, are also described.

Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control staging of test specimens. Disclosed example systems to perform automated testing include: a stage configured to secure one or more test specimens; one or more actuators configured to position the stage and the one or more test specimens; a user interface configured to: receive input defining a test sequence of a plurality of points to be tested on the one or more test specimens; display a graphic indicative of positions of the plurality of points on the one or more test specimens and one or more paths to be taken by the stage to traverse the plurality of points during testing of the test sequence; and control circuitry configured to control a test process of the test sequence in accordance with the plurality of points and the one or more paths.

Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for recycling currency. The systems and methods may include receiving, at a self-service terminal, a plurality of currency notes; sorting, by the self-service terminal, the plurality of currency notes by denomination; and dispensing, by the self-service terminal, a subset of the plurality of currency notes.

Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.

Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.

Abstract: A modular valuable media recycling device is presented. The valuable media recycling device includes a media infeed module, a validator module, an escrow module, a plurality of media feeder/stacking modules, and a plurality of cassette modules. When a module handles a valuable media item along a media transport path, the module's identifier and security information are passed as a message to a next module that is to handle the media item in a processing path for the media item. Each module independently validates the authenticity of the message received from a previous module. The number of media feeder/stacking modules and cassette modules are scalable based on the transaction terminal that the modular valuable media recycling device is integrated into.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for recycling currency. The systems and methods may include receiving, at a self-service terminal, a plurality of currency notes; sorting, by the self-service terminal, the plurality of currency notes by denomination; and dispensing, by the self-service terminal, a subset of the plurality of currency notes.

Abstract: A method of processing a mixed bunch of banknotes and checks in a recycling self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: receiving a bunch of documents; recognizing each document from the received bunch; for each banknote recognized from the received bunch, validating the authenticity of that banknote; for each check recognized from the received bunch, extracting financial information from that check; and notifying a customer of the total value of the deposited bunch. A document validator, and a self-service terminal including the document validator, are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing tissue biopsies, cells and organisms as a result of predictable responses to known compounds. A sensor is used to detect plurality of features indicative of physiological activity in response to the external. A vector quantity comprising a number of dimensions equal to a number of different features is derived from the signal output of said sensor array and compared to one or more reference values to generate a physiological ‘fingerprint’.

Abstract: The water carbonation method and apparatus of the present invention consists of a square mixer within a carbonated chamber. The mixer is partially filled with water. Carbon dioxide is then added above the level of water. A rotating member attached to the mixing motor then mixes the water and carbon dioxide to form a carbonated solution. Varying the time for which the carbonation operation is carried on may vary the degree of carbonation. After the specified carbonation cycle, excess carbon dioxide is then relieved through an exhaust solenoid and the remaining carbonated solution is released through the dispensing solenoid into a cup.

Abstract: The water carbonation method and apparatus of the present invention consists of a square mixer within a carbonated chamber. The mixer is partially filled with water. Carbon dioxide is then added above the level of water. A rotating member attached to the mixing motor then mixes the water and carbon dioxide to form a carbonated solution. Varying the time for which the carbonation operation is carried on may vary the degree of carbonation. After the specified carbonation cycle, excess carbon dioxide is then relieved through an exhaust solenoid and the remaining carbonated solution is released through the dispensing solenoid into a cup.