Abstract: A process facilitator in communication with a safe located at a first location of an entity external to the process facilitator and further in communication with a banking institution located at a second location external to the process facilitator and different from the first location, wherein the process facilitator functions as an intermediary between the safe and the banking institution in order to reduce the processing requirements on the safe and the improve the efficiency of electronic communications with the banking institution. A system comprising the process facilitator and one or more safes in communication with the process facilitator and using the process facilitator as the intermediary between the safes and the banking institution is also described.

Abstract: A process facilitator in communication with a safe located at a first location of an entity external to the process facilitator and further in communication with a banking institution located at a second location external to the process facilitator and different from the first location, wherein the process facilitator functions as an intermediary between the safe and the banking institution in order to reduce the processing requirements on the safe and the improve the efficiency of electronic communications with the banking institution. A system comprising the process facilitator and one or more safes in communication with the process facilitator and using the process facilitator as the intermediary between the safes and the banking institution is also described.

Abstract: Process of and system for providing credit to a retailer by collecting checks from customers during financial transactions between the customers and the retailer, depositing by the retailer the collected checks into a safe located at the retailer facility, calculating the total monetary value of the checks that are deposited into the safe, and electronically transmitting a data file that identifies the calculated total monetary value of the deposited checks. Using the information in the transmitted data file, the retailer is credited by a bank or other financial institute with the total monetary value of the deposited checks.

Abstract: A process for providing bank credit to retailers for cash collections that are carried out during retailers' normal business operations. The process entails a retailer collecting cash over a period of time, such as over a single or multiple business days, generally in exchange for goods and/or services, depositing the collected cash into one or more electronic safes disposed at the retailer's location or locations, calculating at a designated time, such as the end of day at each location, a total amount of cash that has been deposited into the retailer's safes over such period of time, and electronically transmitting data files that identify the calculated total amounts of cash accepted by the retailer over the period of time. The retailer is credited, for example, by a bank, with the total cash deposits as reported by the electronic safes at the end of each business day.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are configured for conducting time and motion studies using a portable computing device having a memory, wherein the internal clock of the portable computing device measures the elapsed time for an observed activity as a user (i.e., time and motion study analyst) identifies the observed activity and any associated parameters, counts, measurements or comments via one or more customized user interfaces displayed on the portable computing device screen. The customized user interfaces are generated from data tables created during setup. The elapsed time, activity name, and the associated parameters, counts and comments are recorded in the memory of the portable computing device as an activity record for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An electrode for use in in situ vitrification of soil comprises a molybdenum rod received within a conductive sleeve or collar formed of graphite. Electrodes of this type are placed on either side of a region containing buried waste material and an electric current is passed therebetween for vitrifying the soil between the electrodes. The graphite collar enhances the thermal conductivity of the electrode, bringing heat to the surface, and preventing the formation of a cold cap of material above the ground surface. The annulus between the molybdenum rod electrode and the graphite collar is filled with a conductive ceramic powder of a type that sinters upon the molybdenum rod, protecting the same from oxidation as the graphite material is consumed, or a metal powder which liquifies at operating temperatures. The molybdenum rod in the former case may be coated with an oxidation protectant, e.g. of molybdenum disilicide.

Abstract: An electrode comprising a molybdenum rod is received within a conductive collar formed of graphite. The molybdenum rod and the graphite collar may be physically joined at the bottom. A pair of such electrodes are placed in soil containing buried waste material and an electric current is passed therebetween for vitrifying the soil. The graphite collar enhances the thermal conductivity of the combination, bringing heat to the surface, and preventing formation of a cold cap of material above the ground surface. The annulus between the molybdenum rod electrode and the graphite collar is suitably filled with a conductive ceramic powder that sinters upon the molybdenum rod, protecting the same from oxidation as graphite material is consumed, or a metal powder which liquefies at operating temperatures. The center of the molybdenum rod, used with a collar of separately, can be hollow and filled with a powdered metal, such as copper, which liquefies at operating temperatures.

Abstract: A conduit inspection sled comprises: a cage including longitudinally spaced adjustable collars for removably clamping a camera therein and a plurality of peripherally spaced and outwardly extending, elongated upper and lower struts connecting the collars on the upper and lower sides thereof; supports including elongated runners arranged on the lower side of the cage and elongated skids mounted on the upper struts; cables connected to opposite ends of the sled for transporting the same forwardly and rearwardly along the conduit; fore and aft links pivotally connecting the front and rear ends respectively of each lower strut and runner for relative movement toward and away from each other into retracted and extended sled positions respectively; inclined tension springs connecting the cage with the runners beyond the front end of the cage, and normally biasing the cage and runners into an extended sled position, wherein the runners slidably contact the inner periphery of the conduit and thereby normally center t