Abstract: A cantilever-bracket shelf unit for elongate products has T-section uprights extending in an upright direction and horizontal spacers connecting the T-section uprights to one another. The T-section uprights have an upright beam and an upright flange connected perpendicularly to the upright beam so as to define the T-section. Cantilever brackets are connected to the T-section uprights and extend perpendicularly to the T-section uprights and the horizontal spacers. The flanges have cutout pairs and each cutout pairs is arranged in a plane parallel to the cantilever brackets. The cutout pairs of each flange are positioned equally spaced in the upright direction. Each cantilever bracket has an end with two hooks each having an insertable region extending through a respective cutout pair to a side of the flange opposite the cantilever bracket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lifting and positioning system for use by a single person in installing onto or removing from an elevated position a microcell module, all without the aid of major powered machinery. In addition to the use of a portable hoist, a bracket for permanently mounting the microcell module to a desired surface at the installation site, and a lifting bracket that detachably mounts to the module, the lifting and positioning system of the present invention uses structural features of the microcell module itself to simplify installation and removal. In this latter manner, only a relatively small number of parts need to be carried to the installation site, and can be done so safely and without undue bodily strain.

Abstract: In connection with a pair of pivotally connected articulating booms there is a pair of double-acting hydraulic cylinders which control the vertical pulling of well pipe, such that a boom assembly in conjuction with an improved winch assembly willgenerate at least a 1500 pound perpendicular pulling force to a vertical height of at least 23.5 feet. This is done with a mini hoist, releasably mounted upon a hydraulically self-propelled 4.times.4 vehicle. The entire weight of the mini hoist is less than 1500 pounds and in the collapsed stage can fit within a box truck or on a pickup truck.

Abstract: A lightweight knuckle weighing substantially less than an AAR Standard Knuckle, is described for use in a railroad car coupler. This lightweight knuckle can be used, for example, to replace AAR Standard knuckle which becomes broken or otherwise damaged during operation and requires replacement in the field. Both the contouring and inner coring of an AAR Standard knuckle are radically changed to produce this lightweight knuckle which has all the functioning features of the standard knuckle, so as not to adversely effect the coupling and uncoupling operations of a coupler in which the lightweight knuckle is used.

Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring may be attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means and methods for detachably securing the fitment to a spud or holder during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.

Abstract: A parts pack for accommodating a plurality of pocket boxes is composed of two identical one-piece casings connected with a plurality of hinges. The parts pack can be used to store one or at least one hand tool as a screwdriver. The pocket box for accommodating various small hardware is removable from the parts pack and can be carried easily with a user for remote applications.

Abstract: A stay-on-tab container end having a panel wall with a tab attached by a rivet and having a tear panel. The tear panel being defined by a frangible score with a first end and a second end and a non-frangible hinge segment. A second groove is formed in the panel wall with a tail portion extending from the tear panel through the hinge segment. The second groove tail portion has a reduced residual differential compared to the frangible score residual. Also the tail portion includes a curved terminal end that partially surrounds the second end of the score.

Abstract: A multiple box case for housing audio equipment in both a transport and an operating mode is disclosed. An upper box has six latches extending downward to engage two continuous slider members fastened to a lower box to secure the case in the transport or closed mode. In an open or operating position, the upper box is cantilevered over the rear of the lower box and four of the six latches engage the two slider members in an operator preferred one of a plurality of continuously selectable positions. A safety stop bolt is installed in each slider member so as to preclude unstable positioning of the upper box.

Abstract: A container designed for the easy transportation of a beverage and a meal or snack when closed, and for the convenient upright retention of the beverage when open. The container includes a beverage retention well positioned in the container's interior and a corresponding beverage holder, positioned above the retention well, in the container's lid.

Abstract: The collection of household refuse using multichamber refuse containers poses problems if automatic container grippers are used since the section lids of the container can no longer be opened manually before the container is tipped into the vehicle. In particular in the case of multichamber refuse containers having a partition which is attached perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the container lid in the container, there is the risk that as the refuse is being tipped into the vehicle, the section lids of the container will collide with the partition of the vehicle and therefore will not open completely. The patent specification proposes various means, such as changing the geometry of the axis of rotation of the section lids, or curved control means attached to the refuse container.

Abstract: The description relates to a plate-shaped cover (1) for cooking vessels or the like which has at least one aperture (12) in a central region (10). A cap (7) covering the at least one aperture (12) in the manner of a roof is secured on the top (14) of the cover (1) by means of a holder (16). The holder (16) takes the form of a handle (2) spanning the cover (1) like a bracket and the end sections (18) of the handle (2) are releasably secured to the edge (20) of the cover.

Abstract: A party tray for holding refreshments comprises a panel with an axis, a periphery and a thumbhole through the panel adjacent to the panel periphery and substantially along the axis. The user's thumb of either hand is directed through the thumbhole toward the panel periphery and the panel extends laterally on either side of the user's forearm. The panel may be an elongated ellipse wherein the axis is the major axis of the ellipse. Further, the panel may include a plurality of compartments configured to hold such things as eating utensils, beverage containers and food.

Abstract: A tank comprises a structural envelope made in a form of hemisphere with a tube connection having a ring groove in its surface. A tightening ring of the structural envelope. An elastic diaphragm made in a form of hemisphere integrated with a cylinder provided with an end projection that fits into the ring groove. A bottom is made in a form of a sphere part. A thin-walled ring with a shoulder is introduced that is mounted between the tightening ring and elastic diaphragm in the place of its end projection location. The tube flange is provided with an end projection. The tightening ring is equipped with a lateral flange providing a possibility for the thin-walled ring shoulder tightening by it to the ring projection of the tube flange. The external surface of the tightening ring and internal surface of the tube flange are made tapered in the direction from the ring groove to the hemisphere of the structural envelope above the ring groove.

Abstract: A structure for opening/closing a cover for a case in which when the cover is closed, the cover closes an opening provided in an upper surface of the case, whereas when the cover is opened, the cover is guided at its engaging portions in guides provided on the case, so that the cover is folded in halves upward at a connection, the folded cover is moved by a movable element via one end of the case to below the case and then disposed there. For example, a cover 11 foldable in halves at a first hinge 14 is provided turnably by a second hinge 17 to a turnable plate 16 which is provided turnably by a third hinge 18 to a right-hand end of a device case 1. A pair of guide grooves 19 is provided on a device case 1 such that the pair of guide grooves extends to guide a corresponding pair of engaging pins 20 provided at a left-hand end of the cover 11 from a left-hand end of the upper surface of the case 1 to near a lower right-hand end of the case 1.

Abstract: A coin-operated vending machine includes a cabinet defining a game area and a reservoir for receiving pieces of product. A transparent front panel may be vertically slidably received in the cabinet to form a front boundary of the game area. A propelling mechanism is configured to propel a product piece through the game area to an output mechanism. The output mechanism may include a slot having a V-shaped cross-section and a hole defined by a front surface of the cabinet opening to the slot. A rod may be vertically received through a coin mechanism to retain the coin mechanism in the cabinet.

Abstract: A pocket tissue holder comprises an upper material with a slit where tissue papers are taken out from a tissue paper container part, and a lower material, having the same width as that of the upper material, which is longer than the upper material. Both edges of the upper material in the horizontal direction are not attached to the lower material and serve as supply inlets so that tissue papers can be inserted therefrom. A pocket for keeping small articles is constructed with the edge part of the lower material in the horizontal direction, and a pocket material which is placed over the lower material. A take-out opening of the pocket is facing toward the center of the pocket tissue holder, and is arranged perpendicular to the take-out slit. According to such a structure, it is possible to obtain a pocket tissue holder with more convenient applications.

Abstract: A center-pull dispenser nozzle includes a nozzle segment with an inner wall having a truncated cone-like configuration. A restrictor ring restricts an outlet opening of the nozzle segment. The restrictor ring engages a web passing through the nozzle and redirects and resists movement of the web at the location of the outlet opening to improve sheet separation and provide a less wrinkled dispensed sheet product.

Abstract: A pill dispenser that is disposed in a handle of a toothbrush includes an auger mechanism constructed so that one complete turn of a dispensing knob causes the dispenser to eject a single pill from a port. The dispensing knob includes a safety mechanism that requires the knob to be pushed inward to engage the auger mechanism. The housing of the device, the toothbrush handle, is constructed so as to be waterproof so that no water is introduced to the pills in the dispenser. The ejection port is sealed so that there is no water introduction through the port. In addition, there is a labelling means provided so that the user can easily track the daily ingestion of the pills.

Abstract: A ball dispensing apparatus comprises a container capable of housing a plurality of golf balls and a ball dispenser having a gate member to allow a golfer to selectively control the dispensation of a single golf ball at a time, without requiring the golfer to alter his or her stance prior to each swing or putt. The gate member has first and second gate portions attached by a connecting member, so as to allow the first and second gate portions to reciprocate in unison with each other across an inclined passageway within the ball dispenser. The ball dispenser has a hold position and a dispensing position. In the hold position the first gate portion is retracted from the passageway and the second gate portion extends into the passageway, while in the dispensing position the first gate portion extends into the passageway and the second gate portion is retracted from the passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptor which enables two premade tubes such as toothpaste tubes of varying sizes to be fitted together, one inside the other to obtain a dual tube dispenser providing for separate storage of two dissimilar substances and its co-extrusion from the dispenser as and when desired upon application of external pressure on the latter. The adaptor includes a threaded component in the form of a cap with internal threads to match the threads of the neck portion of conventional toothpaste tubes. A central passage provided in the adaptor communicates with the inside of the tube to which it is screw-fitted. The adaptor is further provided with press-fitting studs to hold the tube coaxially within a larger tube to obtain a dual tube dispenser, the press-fitting studs being capable of forming a press-fit connection in the internal portion of the neck of the larger tube.

Abstract: Arrangement for dispensing a mixed dental multi-component composition, with tubular bags (5, 6) which contain the components of the composition that are to be mixed, and with a unit for pressing the components out. This unit has a head piece (9), with channels (38, 39) for guiding the pressed-out components to attachments (10, 11) provided on the head piece (9), and with a mixer (15) which can be attached thereto. According to the invention, the head piece (9) including the attachments (10, 11) is firmly connected to the tubular bags (5, 6) and can be exchanged along with these.

Abstract: A washing system for dispensing a liquid cleanser from a collapsible container, with a plurality of dispensers, each dispenser having a positive displacement pump, a mount for mounting the pump on a dispenser support, and a connection for connecting the pump to a flexible supply line, a container support for supporting a collapsible container of liquid cleanser, and a flexible supply line for connecting the collapsible container to each of the pumps, with a one-way valve in the line for blocking fluid flow to the collapsible container while permitting fluid flow from the collapsible container to the dispensers. A secondary reservoir may be provided to permit continued service when the main reservoir is empty or is being replaced.

Abstract: A rotary feeder for dosing bulk material, includes a casing having an inner chamber and formed with a top inlet, a bottom outlet and spaced-apart bearing covers flanking the inlet and the outlet. A rotor is accommodated in the chamber and is mounted on a shaft for rotation about a pivot axis. The shaft supports a plurality of vanes extending radially outward from the shaft between lateral end disks, with the shaft being supported on opposite sides of the rotor by bearings. In order to minimize the length of the shaft and a flexure of the shaft when encountering a substantial pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the chamber of the housing is sealed from the ambient environment by at least one shaft seal situated axially outwardly from the one bearing of the first and second bearings which is located on a same side of the rotor as the shaft seal.

Abstract: A pressurized dispensing apparatus includes a container for product to be dispensed and a valve for controlling outflow of product from the container. The valve includes a valve body (12) located within the container. The container includes an open ended container body (16) and a closure (15) fixedly attached to the container body for closing the open end thereof. The closure has an annular sidewall extending around at least the upper end of the container body. A first seal (20) is located in sealing engagement between the container body and the closure, and a second seal (25) is located in sealing engagement between the valve body and the container.

Abstract: A tip 10 for a liquid dropper 2 is provided which allows liquids such as eye medication to be easily and precisely released from the dropper. The tip 10 is oriented in a substantially horizontal position with an opening 20 in the tip 10 located directly above the targeted area of a patient's eye E. The opening 20 is surrounded by a substantially planar annular face 30 which enhances control of the trajectory of each dispensed droplet D. The annular face 30 encourages the release of each droplet D along the plane formed by the annular face 30. A perimeter ring 40 circumscribes the annular face 30 and abuts a circumambient notch 50. The narrow width 42 of the perimeter ring 40, juxtaposed against the geometric departure of the notch 50, creates an impediment to wettable adhesion of each droplet D to an exterior surface of the tip 10 by minimizing the lateral wettable area available to a droplet D as it exits the opening 20, descends along the annular face 30, then drops toward the eye E of the patient.

Abstract: A material handling fitting consisting of a tube having inlet and outlet ends, with the tube being stepped between its ends and having a plurality of respectively opposed outer and inner land areas of progressively smaller to larger diameters from one of its ends to the other. The different respective outer and inner land areas are sized to correspond to and telescopically cooperate selectively with inner and outer land areas respectively of substantially conventional material dispensing members, over a wide range of sizes and types. Upon two of such members being telescoped simultaneously with the opposite fitting ends, separable leakproof joints can be established for defining a continuous passageway between the dispensing members via the fitting, suited for conveying therethrough material under pressure.

Abstract: A device and method of shaping the visors of caps is disclosed. In the device, a visor shaping unit has a movable upper mold and a fixed lower mold. The upper mold, with a coil heater, is outwardly curved into a predetermined curvature at its lower surface and is operated by a hydraulic cylinder. The lower mold is inwardly curved into the same curvature as that of the upper mold at the top surface. The cooling unit has first to third chambers with a plurality of perforated sections being formed on the top wall of each of the chambers. Upper and lower panels are exteriorly attached to the top wall of each chamber at a position covering each perforated section. The two panels define a curved gap between them, thus holding a heated visor in the gap during a cooling process. The visors are heated at about 90.degree. C. to 150 .degree. C. for about 5-20 seconds in the visor shaping unit prior to being cooled in the cooling unit for about 10-30 seconds using cool air having a temperature of about 5-20 .degree. C.

Abstract: A retainer system for a rod and a mounting device for storing the rod utilizing the retainer system are provided. The retainer system has a retainer portion or rest for receiving the rod and a rod engagement means for closely mounting on a rod. The rod engagement means has a hook shaped structure at one end. The retainer portion has a retainer back which includes a material engagement means and a support. The material engagement means in one embodiment is clip-like and is used to clasp material such as a belt or a waist band, thereby attaching the retainer portion to a person wishing to transport a rod or fish using a rod. The support is bowl-like and has a lip. Preferably the lip is configured so as to firmly engage the hook shaped structure of the rod engagement means when the hook shaped structure is mounted thereon. The retainer back is resilient and semi-flexible.

Abstract: A vertical shotgun or rifle mount for hunting boats and the like includes a mounting bracket for holding a shotgun or rifle in a substantially vertical position with a muzzle of the shotgun or rifle pointing upward. The mounting bracket includes a first retaining means adjacent the base of the mounting bracket for receiving and holding the butt end of a shotgun or rifle stock and maintaining the butt end of the shotgun or rifle stock above the bottom of a boat and a second retaining means adjacent the upper end of the mounting bracket means for receiving and holding the receiver of a shotgun or rifle. The mounting bracket has a clamp or other securement device for securing the mounting bracket to the side of a hunting boat with the base of the mounting bracket above the bottom of the hunting boat and the upper end of the mounting bracket projecting above a gunnel of the side of the hunting boat less than twelve inches.

Abstract: An trunk caddy particularly configured to cradle a golf bag in an easily accessible position above the floor of the vehicle trunk compartment, the cradle being supported at either side by adjustable straps which attach to the rim of the trunk compartment opening using generally S-shaped brackets.

Abstract: A backpack either conventional or of the rolling type having an integrated flexible filing system for storing books, folders, files, papers, and other paraphernalia. The flexible filing system is comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid dividers securely attached to a back wall or panel in the main compartment of the backpack. The dividers are attached to a flexible side wall to allow the system to expand or collapse as needed. Optional features include graduated dividers that are progressively shorter from rear to back to facilitate access to the compartments. An additional optional feature is to make the top edges of the dividers at an oblique angle to facilitate viewing of materials sorted or stored in the compartments formed by the expandable file system. The expandable file systems can also be permanently attached to the back panel of a backpack or could be removable by using a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus comprising a capillary through which a wire passes, a torch electrode that makes a substantially horizontal pivotal movement so as to be brought under the capillary, and a rotary motor that drives the torch electrode, thus allowing the torch electrode to have any desired range of movement so as to provide superior working characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflow furnace for an electronic assembly. The electronic assembly comprises a printed circuit board and a device on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has solder at a first area near the device and a metallic surface at second area distant from the device. The furnace comprises a frame, a support, a heater, and a shield. The support is secured to the frame and is capable of holding the printed circuit board. The heater is secured to the frame and is capable of heating the printed circuit board while being held by the support. The shield is secured to the frame and is positioned to prevent solder from migrating from the first area to the metallic surface at the second area while the printed circuit board is being heated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brazing fixture and method of using the fixture which allows the brazing of a joint in an oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) high temperature alloy workpiece where stresses in the workpiece operate to open the joint during the brazing process. The fixture is formed from the same ODS alloy as the workpiece, such that the fixture exhibits the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the workpiece. This allows maximization of surface area contact between the fixture and the workpiece during the brazing operation in order to force the workpiece to maintain its design dimensions and to prevent the joint from opening. The fixture includes a cavity preventing fixture/workpiece contact in the area of the braze to help control thermal lag in the area of the joint.

Abstract: A temperature control system for obtaining a desired soak temperature of a workpiece driven through the brazing and annealing system includes a convection muffle for heating the workpiece within a brazing zone of the brazing and annealing system. The temperature control system also includes a first thermocouple positioned above the workpiece and measures a first real-time temperature of an atmospheric convection current directed towards the workpiece before the workpiece absorbs heat from the atmospheric convection current. A second thermocouple is positioned beneath the workpiece and measures a second real-time temperature of the atmospheric convection current after the workpiece has absorbed the heat from the atmospheric convection current.

Abstract: A system and method that permits the accuracy of alignment of a transparent substrate relative to a second substrate to which it is bonded to be evaluated on-line, after the two substrates have been bonded together. The alignment of the two substrates is viewed through the transparent substrate as the bonded-together substrates are being transported between the station at which the bonding occurred and another processing station.

Abstract: Solderable structures, and related methods for making them, can provide thermal conductivity and/or electrical isolation for electronic devices soldered to the structures. Each of the structures includes a solderable material bonded to a heat sink by a thermally-activated bonding material which provides thermal conductivity between the solderable material and the heat sink and which can be configured as a three-layer bonding film to also provide electrical isolation. The structures can be produced in a highly-automated, rapid way without the need for standard mounting hardware and mechanical preparation of the heat sinks.

Abstract: Compression diffusion bonding according to the present invention uses a CRES template to apply increased pressure in the areas designated for diffusion bonds (DB) to improved the bond quality and to reduce the processing time. The CRES template is patterned to correspond with the DB arrangement in the superplastically formed part. The forming press forces the template against the pack of SPF sheets to provide 300-1200 psi or more pressure along the bond lines to speed their formation.

Abstract: A method for fluxless brazing of unclad aluminum includes forming first and second components to be joined of unclad aluminum; etching selected surface areas of the components; depositing an elemental metal on the selected surface areas; abutting the first and second components along the etched surfaces forming a junction; applying an aluminum filler about the junction; and heating the components and filler and bonding the components and filler.

Abstract: A bonding insert material mounting method includes the following steps. A bonding insert material having projections of a suitable shape formed on an outer periphery thereof at predetermined intervals is held by half-splittable holder into which joining members can be inserted in such a manner that the projections are held by the holder and that the bonding insert material is disposed at that area of the holder into which the joining members P can be inserted. One end of the holder on an end of one of the joining members is fitted so that one side of the bonding insert material is abutted against an end surface of the one joining member. An end of the other joining member is inserted into the other end of the holder, so that the end of the other joining member is abutted against the other side of the bonding insert material with a predetermined pressing force. Then, the holder is divided into two division members, and the holder is removed from the joining members.

Abstract: A multiple envelope assembly is made at a common location from a number of different webs of paper using a machine with multiple stations. A first envelope is adhesively secured to a second envelope which has an area at least 10% (preferably at least 20%) greater than the first envelope, and at least one of and preferably both of the outer surfaces of the first and second envelopes have common variable indicia (such as an addressee's name). The common variable indicia is also provided on one or more inserts in each of the first and second envelopes. Addressee indicia is provided on the outer surfaces of at least one of the first and second envelopes. The variable indicia is preferably applied using an ink jet printing assembly, while non-variable multi-color indicia is applied to the envelopes and/or inserts using multi-color flexographic print stations.

Abstract: A drink box beverage container having one or more entertainment features, such as a whistle, horn or pinwheel, actuated by suction applied through a drinking straw inserted into the container.

Abstract: A handle structure for a carton 12 is formed within a panel 20, 28 having a strap member 14, 44, 46 extending between end edges of the panel. An elongated web 54 extends diagonally from an intersection of side and end edges of the panel. The elongated web 54 includes a perforated line 57 and a score line 56 intermediate the perforated line and the end edge of the panel. A connecting tab 70 lies intermediate the end region of the strap member and foldably interconnects the strap member with a region of the panel that lies between the strap member and one of the side edges of the panel. The perforated line and score line of the elongated web intersect at a point distal the vertex of side and end edges.

Abstract: A square or rectangular bulk shipping container made of rigid packaging material having supporting side beams positioned vertically about the side wall panels of the container. The side beams are made of a rigid material and act to distribute lateral bulge forces evenly throughout the container to prevent bulging.

Abstract: A container has a sleeve-shaped container body part and a front wall. The discharge opening in the front wall is closed by a pull tab which is extended from the container body part for improved hygiene in the discharge area.

Abstract: A two-panel easy-opening reusable envelope for use in an outward journey from a sender to a receiver followed by a return journey from the receiver to the sender or some other person includes a first panel, a second panel, and a reuse flap, the reuse flap being connected to the first panel along a first foldline. The reuse flap has a free outer edge and a first attachment portion for sealing the envelope during the outward journey, a second attachment portion for sealing the envelope during the return journey, and means enabling separation of the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The reuse flap includes a first adhesive strip located on one of the second panel and the first attachment portion between the means enabling separation and the outer edge of the reuse flap for sealing the reuse flap to the second panel before the outward journey of the envelope.

Abstract: A scanner or reader for checks, or similar financial documents, is provided with a support bracket, arranged adjacent to the base thereof, for housing thereon a keyboard of an electronic processor. The support bracket is equipped with quick engageable and disengageable fastening means, to make the keyboard either joined to or removed from the bracket, according to the needs, and the body of the scanner is provided with stopping means for providing irremovability of the keyboard with respect to the support bracket.

Abstract: A system is described which permits a financial institution to provide for testing of software and equipment which is intended for use in an electronic funds transfer network. The system permits the validation of the software and equipment without requiring utilizing the electronic funds transfer central switch which would otherwise process electronic funds transfers.

Abstract: A computer-based electronic payment system, in which a payer's check issuing computer issues an electronic check having a check identifier and an issue time, where the check identifier includes a payer identifier for uniquely identifying a payer and a payment identifier for uniquely identifying a payment. Then, at a payee's check processing computer receiving the electronic check from the payer and at a bank's check processing computer receiving the electronic check transmitted from the payee, a check identifier of each electronic check accepted during a prescribed period of time prior to a current time is recorded, and a received electronic check is refused when the issue time of the received electronic check is older than the prescribed period of time past of the current time or the check identifier of the received electronic check is identical to any recorded check identifier of an already accepted electronic check, or a received electronic check is accepted when the acceptance is not refused.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated check cashing in which an approved payee is allowed to cash a bank check payable to the payee by a previously identified maker. The method and apparatus is usable for check cashing systems that are not associated with a particular bank and are of the type in which a computer records specific information about the payee and about checks to be cashed by the payee prior to allowing the payee to use the system. Once the payee has registered with the system and has been approved for cashing checks, the system automatically inspects each check using optical readers and MICR readers to verify the identity of a check and record information written on the check. The system can then compare the information entered by the payee and the information on the check to verify that the check is of the type which has been pre-approved for cashing in the automated system.