Abstract: A system for interfacing predetermined services to a user at a fixed location includes a processing platform running an operating system. The system further includes a data store for storing configuration information for enabling the operating system to interface with available physical system resources through the physical system resource interface associated therewith. A communication resource for interfacing with the operating system allows communication of the operating system with a central office for downloading configuration information to selectively enable ones of the available physical system resources to interface with the operating system through associated ones of the physical system resource interfaces in accordance with the configuration information and the predetermined service selected by a user. A plurality of configurations is stored in the data store, and each is associated with a predetermined service and one or more of the available physical system resources.

Abstract: A distributed transaction system for enabling users to conduct transactions using services from third party service providers includes a central processing center with one or more communications interfaces to facilitate transactions initiated by users at a plurality of kiosks wherein each of the kiosks includes a user interface enabling a user to access a user selected service and a data store for storing configurations associated with services provided by the third party service providers, whereby a user interfaces with one or more of physical system resources of the kiosk to open a user identity session such that the kiosk is operative to facilitate at least one first user action with the physical resources to initiate a financial transaction and the central processing center is operative to execute at least a second action to facilitate the transaction and to communicate with a financial institution.

Abstract: A device for simulating the pressure readings obtained from the arm of a living subject whose blood pressure levels are being determined by an oscillometric blood pressure monitor, includes a pulse pressure chamber for generating pressure pulses at a rate equivalent to a preselected pulse rate. The input to the pressure chamber is attached to the pressure cuff of the monitor and the output is connected to the pressure transducer of the monitor. In order to balance the pressure across the chamber and to apply the full cuff pressure to the monitor transducer, a normally-open valve is connected across the pressure chamber. This valve, however, is closed when the chamber creates a pressure pulse so that the pulse is added to the applied cuff pressure at the monitor transducer. A processor generates electrical signals that control the amplitude of the pressure pulses created by the chamber, depending on preselected values for simulated systolic, mean arterial and diastolic pressures.