Abstract: A method of processing paper checks that divides into two independent paths the processing of a data file representing a check and the digital image of the check. The data files and image files are separated both in time and in space, with the data files being used to promptly initiate the transfer of funds to and from appropriate accounts, while the paper checks, at a remote location and typically lagging in time, are scanned to create digital image files and deposited as an image or substitute check if deemed ACH ineligible. The method provides for the comparison of data files to image files, based on MICR information, to find any unmatching or mismatched items for exception processing and a process to manage ACH-ineligible items as an image or substitute check.

Abstract: A disaster recovery virtual roll call and recovery management system and method allows any organization to locate their staff and allocate resources to their staff in the event of a disaster. User information can be stored on remote, distributed computer networks to assure that the information is available during a disaster. The computer networks can be web networks and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) networks, to provide different methods of user interaction with the system. In case of disaster, the system can contact the users over one or more communications networks, such as by email or IVR message, and request the user provide their status. The users can send user status updates to the web network using internet enabled devices, such as personal computers, telephones, or handheld portable computers, or to the IVR network using standard or wireless telephones. The system can compile the information, and generate reports on group and individual status.

Abstract: A process, system, and apparatus are disclosed for mitigating access point data rate degradation with respect to a wireless communication between a wireless access point and a wireless client device. A channel assessment module is configured to assess the wireless communications, including interference signals, present on available wireless communications channels. The channel assessment module may establish quality parameters that at least partially describe the wireless communications quality of a given channel. A channel selection module is configured to select a best wireless communications channel based on the communications channel assessment. A channel connection module is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the wireless access point and the wireless client device on the best wireless communications channel.

Abstract: A system and method for performing operations on a plurality of workpieces comprises an operations portion and a load/unload portion, a plurality of independently operable work heads located in the operations portion, the work heads each being operable to perform work on the plurality of workpieces, a transfer system, the transfer system including a plurality of mounting devices, the transfer system being operable to deliver the mounting devices into and out of the operations portion of the system, the plurality of workpieces being contained in workpiece-holding structures, the workpiece-holding structures being mountable on the plurality of mounting devices, wherein one of the plurality of mounting devices is positioned in the operations portion of the system and work is performed on the plurality of workpieces by at least one of the plurality of independently operable work heads while another one of the plurality of mounting devices is positioned in the load/unload portion of the system and workpiece-holdin

Abstract: A disaster recovery virtual roll call and recovery management system and method allows any organization to locate their staff and allocate resources to their staff in the event of a disaster. User information can be stored on remote, distributed computer networks to assure that the information is available during a disaster. The computer networks can be web networks and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) networks, to provide different methods of user interaction with the system. In case of disaster, the system can contact the users over one or more communications networks, such as by email or IVR message, and request the user provide their status. The users can send user status updates to the web network using internet enabled devices, such as personal computers, telephones, or handheld portable computers, or to the IVR network using standard or wireless telephones. The system can compile the information, and generate reports on group and individual status.

Abstract: An electrical current sensing apparatus includes a magnetic flux sensor which may be disposed adjacent to or within an opening in a conductor. The magnetic flux sensor may be disposed adjacent to a corner of the opening around which magnetic flux resulting from a current conducted through the conductor tends to concentrate. The magnetic flux sensor includes a Hall effect device having a flux sensitive surface. In one embodiment, the conductor has a tubular cylindrical side wall with an opening in which the magnetic flux sensor is disposed. In another embodiment, the conductor has a rectangular configuration with an opening in which the magnetic flux sensor is disposed. In another embodiment, the magnetic flux sensor is mounted on the surface of the conductor adjacent to the opening.

Abstract: An electrical sensing apparatus includes a conductor having longitudinally extending sections with parallel central axes and a connector section which extends between the longitudinally extending sections. The connector section has a central axis which extends parallel to the central axes of the longitudinally extending sections. A magnetic flux sensor is disposed adjacent to the connector section to detect variations in current conducted through the conductor. The magnetic flux sensor may be at least partially disposed in a slot in the connector section and have a flux sensitive side surface which extends perpendicular to a central axis of the connector section. The magnetic flux sensor may include an electrically insulating material which is at least partially enclosed by the connector section and a Hall effect device which is supported by the electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be disposed in engagement with the connector section.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signaling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can include a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectively associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signaling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.

Abstract: Photoelectric reflective object sensors are mounted in an exteriorly mounted auxiliary switch case to detect a member on a movable contact assembly of the contactor to produce logic level output signals indicative of the operational state of the contactor electromagnet. One or a pair of photoelectric sensors are used in a side mounted auxiliary switch to detect the contactor movable contact assembly in the energized or de-energized position, or en route between the two positions. A single photoelectric sensor is used in a top adder auxiliary switch to detect if the movable contact assembly is or is not in the extended (de-energized) position. The auxiliary switches provided logic level output signals directly usable with microprocessor based controllers.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signalling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.

Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signalling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.

Abstract: A control system for a washing machine having a transducer mounted on the exterior of the washing receptacle wall and operable to generate acoustic vibrations in the receptacle wall during fluid filling of the receptacle. A receiver detects sound waves within the receptacle generated by the wall vibrations and generates in fill signal indicative of the sound waves. Circuitry is provided for analyzing the fill signal and determining from the acoustic signature of the fill signal the occurrence of total immersion of articles in the fluid; and, the circuitry sends a signal which is operable to then shut off the fluid fill valve.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for making lenses and a composition of molding material which can be utilized in the method and apparatus for molding lenses of optical quality. A monomer is used with initiators in conjunction with the molding apparatus to mold plastic lenses of optical quality without requirement for any additional polishing or grinding, except for perhaps shaping the edges. The molding material includes a composition of liquid monomer with a thermal initiator and a UV initiator each of which can be activated during the molding process. Initially, the molding forms with the liquid monomer compositions therein are heated to activate the thermal initiator and form the molding material into a gel. The gelled material is then subjected to a UV light source for completing the cure. Prepolymerized molding material can be used in some instances to avoid an intermediate step of thermal curing. Various other embodiments and apparatus are disclosed for molding plastic lens.