Abstract:
A self contained, mobile assay facility built in a modified armored truck is completely equipped to smelt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid cash or by wire transfer that may be initiated and confirmed from within the mobile assay facility. The ingots may be safely stored or shipped directly from the mobile facility to a wholesaler for further processing.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ titled METHOD OF PREPARING AND USING AN ARMORED TRUCK AS A MOBILE ASSAYING PLATFORM filed concurrently herewith and included herein in its entirety by reference. This included by reference application is referred to hereinafter as “our co-pending, included application.” 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention pertains to facilities for assaying precious metals and, more particularly, to a secure, mobile, self-contained assay facility and a method of using the facility to procure, assay, and process gold and other precious metals. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The increasing demand for gold and other precious metals for industrial processes, investments, and other uses has caused the market prices for such metals to increase to record levels. The high market price of gold has prompted owners of unused, unwanted jewelry to sell that jewelry through brokers such as pawn shops, jewelry stores, and other establishments equipped to purchase such used jewelry from the public. As used herein, the term pawn shop will be used to refer to any and all such receivers of precious metals. Further, for simplicity, the term gold will be assumed to include other precious metals such as, but not limited to, silver, platinum, copper, etc. 
         [0004]    After the pawn shop has purchased gold, most likely as assorted jewelry from several individual sellers, the pawn shop must either smelt the gold they have purchased or sell the gold as-is to a processor of precious metals. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a mobile assay facility and a method of using the mobile assay facility. A vehicle, ideally an armored truck modified to raise the ceiling height in the cargo area to allow an adult human to stand upright therein, is completely equipped to smelt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and gold alloys. 
         [0006]    An induction furnace designed to melt precious metals is installed in the vehicle. A three-phase, diesel powered electrical generator, typically placed on the vehicle&#39;s roof and fueled from the vehicle&#39;s fuel supply, is used to provide electrical power to the induction furnace as well as other electrically powered apparatus used in the assaying process. Optionally, the vehicle (typically with the exception of the induction furnace) may be powered from an external power source. 
         [0007]    Apparatus to provide cooling water to the induction furnace and a quench tank for cooling ingots are also located in the vehicle. 
         [0008]    An accurate scale, typically an analytical balance is used to weigh precious metals, and an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analyzer is used to provide an accurate assay of the content of an ingot. 
         [0009]    In operation, a seller of scrap precious metal, typically unwanted or broken jewelry, brings the unwanted precious metal to the mobile assay facility where it is smelted and poured into an ingot. After the ingot is cooled and dried, it is weighed and the exact weight is recorded in a computer. The ingot is then analyzed with the XRF analyzer and this accurate assay of the ingot is then recorded in the computer. 
         [0010]    A communications apparatus within the mobile assay facility is used to determine the current price of the precious metal of interest (usually gold) and that price is also entered into the computer. Using the data now in the computer, the value of the specific precious metal in the ingot is calculated. 
         [0011]    The seller has several options. He or she may wish to receive the smelted ingot. In this case the seller pays the assayer a fee for the smelting and assay and then leaves with the ingot. 
         [0012]    If the seller wishes to receive cash for the ingot, a cash dispenser in the mobile assay facility is used to pay the seller the amount due. 
         [0013]    If the seller wishes to receive payment for the ingot as a wire transfer to his or her account, a wire transfer is initiated from within the mobile assay facility. Once a confirmation number is received from the issuing bank, the seller leaves the facility. The seller may be given an opportunity to communicate with his or her own bank to provide them the confirmation number. 
         [0014]    If purchased from the seller, the ingot may be placed in a safe within the vehicle or, alternately, one or more ingots may be shipped to a processor of precious metals. First, the ingot(s) are placed in a secure case (e.g., a turtle box), have one or more security seals affixed, have the turtle box placed in a standard FedEx or other carrier&#39;s shipping container that may then be dropped at any FedEx or other carrier&#39;s office or at any appropriate pickup box. 
         [0015]    It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a mobile, self-contained assay facility completely equipped to smelt and assay scrap precious metal. 
         [0016]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a mobile, self-contained assay facility that is constructed in a modified armored truck. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the invention to provide a mobile, self-contained assay facility where scrap precious metal may be smelted using an induction furnace powered by a generator forming part of the mobile, self-contained assay facility and the smelted metal may be formed into ingots. 
         [0018]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a mobile, self-contained assay facility where ingots may be accurately assayed and wherein the current market price of gold or another precious metal may be determined so that a value may be affixed to the ingot. 
         [0019]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a mobile, self-contained assay facility where a computer calculates the worth of the seller&#39;s scrap precious metal now in ingot form and where the seller may be paid for the precious metal in cash carried in a cash dispenser or, alternately, by a wire transfer initiated and confirmed from the mobile, self-contained assay facility. 
         [0020]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a mobile, self-contained assay facility security, surveillance, and communications system whereby the location, security, and other information concerning the mobile, self-contained assay facility is available at a location remote thereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0022]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  are shown right side and rear elevational pictorial, views of a vehicle adapted for use as a mobile assay facility; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2   a  is a top plan schematic view of the interior of the vehicle of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b;    
           [0024]      FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c  are rear elevational, pictorial, schematic views of the right and left sides, respectively, of the interior of a portion of the vehicle of  FIG. 2   a,    
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a pictorial, schematic view of a cab portion of the vehicle of  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b , and  2   a  as viewed from a rear portion of the vehicle; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4   a  is a top plan schematic of the roof of the vehicle of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b;    
           [0027]      FIG. 4   b  is a pictorial, schematic view of the vehicle roof of  FIG. 4   a;    
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a simplified system block diagram of a security system forming part of the vehicle of  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b;    
           [0029]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  collectively form a flow chart showing a method of using the mobile assay facility of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a screen shot of an assay of an ingot formed as part of the method of  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b ; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a settlement form displaying information regarding the value and fees associated with precious metal being procured from a seller thereof in accordance with the method of  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b.    
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    The present invention provides a mobile assay facility and a method of using the mobile facility. 
         [0033]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b,  there are shown right side and rear elevational pictorial, drawings of a vehicle adapted for use as a mobile assay facility, generally at reference number  100 . In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, a modified armored truck has been chosen to house the mobile assay facility of the invention. It will be recognized that other types of vehicles may be used to meet a particular operating circumstance or environment. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the armored truck chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention is intended to include any suitable vehicle. 
         [0034]    Vehicle  100  has been modified in that the roof  102  has been raised from its original position to allow additional inside headroom. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, the roof has been raised approximately 18 inches as indicated by reference number  104 . However, it will be recognized that height increases  104  other than 18 inches are possible and may be desirable for some applications. 
         [0035]    The roof  102  of vehicle  100  has been strengthened, typically using polymeric foam between the inner and outer roof layers. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the roof may be strengthened and any other suitable roof-strengthening technique may be substituted for the foam used for purposes of disclosure. 
         [0036]    Roof skirting  106  has been added around at least a portion of the perimeter, not specifically identified of roof  102 . 
         [0037]    A ladder  108  disposed on a rear side of vehicle  100  facilitates access to roof  102 . As is discussed in detail hereinbelow, roof  102  is used to support mechanical equipment necessary to support the mobile assay operation. 
         [0038]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c , there are shown a top plan schematic view, a rear elevational schematic, pictorial view of the right interior, and rear elevational schematic, pictorial of the left interior of vehicle  100 , respectively, generally at reference number  120 . View  120   a  is, therefore, a simplified floor plan of both assay facility  110  and cab  112 . 
         [0039]    As is typical in armored trucks, a secure cargo compartment  110  and a cab portion are  112  separated from one another by a secure partition  114 . A bullet proof window  116  allows visual communication between compartment  110  and cab  112 . Electronic communication, also discussed in detail hereinbelow, is provided between compartment  110  and cab  112 . 
         [0040]    A pair of outward opening rear doors  122   a,    122   b  form an entrance/exit to or from the interior of cargo space  110 , hereinafter referred to as assay facility  110 . It will be recognized that some trucks will have only a single rear door, not specifically identified. 
         [0041]    A rear bucket seat  124  is placed adjacent rear door  122   a  with its back against right compartment wall  126 . Seat  124  is a padded seat designed for occupant comfort and is fully equipped with a seat belt system to ensure occupant safety while vehicle  100  is in motion. 
         [0042]    Adjacent seat  124  is work table  128  having an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analyzer  130  disposed on an upper surface thereof. A Thermo Scientific Niton® Model XL3t XRF analyzer manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific of Billerica, Mass. has been found suitable for the application. Typically the Thermo Scientific Niton® Model XL3t analyzer  130  is mounted on a stand, not specifically identified, to facilitate use thereof. It will be recognized that other suitable XRF analyzers and/or similar analyzers using different analysis technologies may be substituted for the Thermo Scientific Niton® Model XL3t analyzer  130  chosen for purposes of disclosure. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to a particular analysis device or technology as any suitable analysis apparatus may be utilized. 
         [0043]    Also located on an upper surface of work table  128  is an accurate scale, typically an Analytical Balance  132 . An Ohaus Explorer® Pro analytical balance, Model EP6101N manufactured by Ohaus Corporation of Parsippany, N.J. has been found suitable for the application. As with other equipment used within assay facility  110 , it will be recognized that other suitable scales or balances may be substituted for the Ohaus Model EP6101N and the invention is intended to include any suitable scale or balance. 
         [0044]    A quench tank  134  is located between work table  128  and a side door  136 . 
         [0045]    Side door  136  is typically used as the client (i.e., seller of precious metals) entrance. 
         [0046]    Adjacent and perpendicular to side door  136  is a secure partition  138  between the assay facility  110  and cab  112 . 
         [0047]    A safe  140  is disposed against left wall  142  of vehicle  100  across from side door  136 . Safe  140  has a flat top surface that functions as a work surface as described in more detail hereinbelow. 
         [0048]    Adjacent safe  140  is an induction furnace  144  having an opening  146  in an upper surface to accept a crucible. A CEIA Model F5-D/1200 manufactured by CEIA SpA of Arezzo, Italy has been found suitable for the application. It will be recognized that other similar induction furnaces may be known to those of skill in the art, any suitable one of which may be substituted for the CEIA furnace chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
         [0049]    An exhaust system  160 , best seen in  FIG. 2   c , is movable along a vertical axis such that exhaust hood  162  is movable between an operational position close to crucible opening  146  and a raised, non-operational position that allows access to a crucible, not specifically identified, disposed in crucible opening  146 . Fumes collected by exhaust hood  152  are exhausted above the roof of vehicle  100  by exhaust system  150 . Because of the nature of fumes generated in the smelting of precious metals, exhaust system is adapted to change the entire volume of air within assay facility  110  several times per minute. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, exhaust system  150  changes the air in assay facility  110  approximately four times per minute. It will be recognized that exhaust system  150  may readily be modified to provide fewer or more changes of air per minute as required. 
         [0050]    Adjacent induction heater  144  is another work shelf  147  and then adjacent work shelf  147  is an induction heater coolant tank  148 . A two stage cooling system  150  is located above induction heater coolant tank  148  and necessary plumbing, not specifically identified, includes pipes, valves, etc. to create an adequate flow of cool water through induction furnace  144 . A provision is included in the aforementioned plumbing to introduce compressed air to purge all lines when necessary so that damage due to freezing is eliminated. 
         [0051]    A notebook computer  152 , best seen in  FIG. 2   c  is mounted above induction heater coolant tank  148  and two stage cooling system  150  and oriented such that a screen, not specifically identified, thereof is readily visible to an occupant, not shown, of rear bucket seat  124 . The function of notebook computer  152  is described in detail hereinbelow. In alternate embodiments, notebook computer  152  may be replaced by a computer monitor operatively connected to notebook computer  174  located in cab  112  of vehicle  100 . 
         [0052]    A cash dispensing machine  154  is located adjacent the ceiling, not specifically identified, of vehicle  100  at a front, left corner of assay facility  110  over safe  140 . 
         [0053]    A fold-down work table  156  is stored flat against partition  138 . 
         [0054]    An air conditioning unit  158  is also mounted against partition  138 . 
         [0055]    Referring now also to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a pictorial view of cab  112  as viewed through window  116  from assay facility  110 . 
         [0056]    The cab portion  112  of vehicle  100  has a driver&#39;s air seat  170  in a position normally occupied by a driver&#39;s seat. A second, passenger&#39;s air seat  172  is disposed at the right side of cab  112 . 
         [0057]    Between driver&#39;s air seat  170  and passenger&#39;s air seat  172  is a notebook computer  174  supported on a custom support stand  176 . Support stand  176  swivels between a stored position and an in-use position. When in its stored position, support stand  176  allows unencumbered driving of vehicle  100 . When needed, support stand  176  may swivel selectively to either a driver&#39;s position or a passenger&#39;s position allowing ready access to notebook computer  174  by either a driver or a passenger. 
         [0058]    A variety of security communication system components  180  are mounted, in, on, or above the dashboard of vehicle  100 . These security and communication system components, not individually identified in  FIG. 2 , are discussed in detail hereinbelow. 
         [0059]    A security video monitor  178  is typically mounted above the windshield, not specifically identified, of vehicle  100 . Security monitor  178  is mounted to be readily visible to either a driver or a passenger within cab  112  of vehicle  100 . 
         [0060]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , there is shown a top plan schematic view, and a pictorial schematic view of the roof of vehicle  100 , generally at reference number  200 . 
         [0061]    Three major components are mounted on roof  200 : a generator  202 , an air compressor  204 , and the outside exhaust port  206  that forms part of exhaust system  160 . 
         [0062]    Generator  202  is a three-phase, 208 volt, diesel powered generator capable of producing approximately 12 kW. Such capacity is required to power induction furnace  144  as well as all other electrical equipment associated with vehicle  100 . While a Kubota Model 10012ENC, Engine type V1505BG has been chosen for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized that other similar generators available from other manufacturers may be substituted. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to a particular make or model of generator. Rather, the invention is intended to include any suitable generator. It should be noted that the vehicle may be powered from an external power source, typically with the exception of induction furnace  144 . Induction furnace typically requires too much power to rely on any but an extremely high capacity external power source. 
         [0063]    Air compressor  204  is a Porter Cable Model AC3P one horsepower compressor having a capacity of three gallons at 120 psi has been chosen for purposes of disclosure. Air supplied by air compressor  204  is used for passenger, driver, and rear air chairs  170 ,  172 , and  124 , respectively. In addition, compressed air supplied by air compressor  204  is available in assay facility  110  for utility purposes, primarily draining cooling water lines to induction furnace  144  to prevent cooling water from freezing within the furnace or cooling water lines, not specifically identified, during cold weather. 
         [0064]    Exhaust vent  206  is specially designed as a high-volume exhaust port to allow the required number of air exchanges within assay facility  110  when exhaust system  160  is operated at its highest speed. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a simplified system block diagram of a security system installed in vehicle  100 , generally at reference number  220 . Several security cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  are deployed inside and outside vehicle  100  to provide visual monitoring of both the outside environment as well as interior activity in vehicle  100 . At least four cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  are typically installed. However, fewer or more cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  may be used to address the requirements of a particular operating environment. 
         [0066]    Cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  are connected to monitor  178  within cab  112  of vehicle  100 . Typically, monitor  178  is a split screen monitor and, in the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, images from four different cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  may be simultaneously displayed. It will be recognized that a video switcher, not shown, may be used to sequentially display the output of more than four cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n.  Such video switchers are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further described or discussed herein. 
         [0067]    Outputs from cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  are also provided to a digital video recorder (DVR)  224  that continuously records images from all cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  “whenever the vehicle is away from a base of operation. 
         [0068]    DVR  224  is operatively connected to a security system controller  226  that is provided to manage all security/surveillance tasks in and around vehicle  100 . The function of DVR  224  is managed by security system controller  126 . 
         [0069]    A variety of security alarm inputs including but not limited to motion sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, glass breakage sensors, safe intrusion sensors, sound sensors, fire sensors, power failure sensors, panic buttons, or any other known sensor or input, collectively referred to by reference number  228  are supplied as inputs to security system controller  226  for processing. 
         [0070]    Also connected to security system controller  226  are local annunciators such as bells, sirens, lights, or other such devices, collectively referred to by reference number  230 . Local annunciators  230  may be activated by security system controller  226  when a security system alarm input  228  causes security system controller  226  to deem that a security breach is suspected. 
         [0071]    Security system controller  226  is also connected to an external communications controller  232  that typically maintains a constant connection to a base of operations, not shown. Communication is typically via a 3G/4G or similar cellular telephone network connection. However, the invention is not considered limited to a cellular telephone network connection. Rather, the invention is intended to cover any suitable wireless data communications link, known, or yet to be developed, over which digital data may be communicated. Typically, images from cameras  222   a  . . .  222   n  are transmitted to the base of operations (e.g., a central office or a branch office) via external communications link  232 . 
         [0072]    During a security alert situation, external communications controller  226  may also be adapted to contact local law enforcement officials using an automated 911 protocol. A GPS unit  234  connected to security system controller may be used to provide an exact location of vehicle  100 . 
         [0073]    During normal operations, GPS unit  234  provides the base of operations with a constantly updated location of vehicle  100 . 
         [0074]    In the embodiment chosen for disclosure, security system controller  226  forms part of dashboard/security system components  180  disposed in cab  112  of vehicle  100 . Typically, all security is handled by a driver, not shown, who may remain secured in cab  112  as required while an assay technician, not shown, occupies and operated assay facility  110 . As cab  112  and assay facility  110  are securely separated from one another, a security incident in assay facility  110  may be handled expeditiously by the driver in cab  112 . 
         [0075]    In operation, the mobile assay facility (i.e., vehicle  100 ) may be driven to a jewelry store, pawn shop, or other place of business having scrap gold for sale. For simplicity the term client will be used to represent any such facility or source of scrap gold or other precious metals. 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  there is collectively shown a flow chart of the mobile assay process of the invention, generally at reference number  300 . 
         [0077]    The process is started, block  302 . Once a client is identified, and a pickup schedule established, block  304  vehicle  100  is driven to the client&#39;s site. When required any necessary paper work for compliance with 13 C.F.R. §103.140 or other anti money laundering statutes must be completed, block  306 . 
         [0078]    The client is invited into assay space  110  and the client presents scrap jewelry or other scrap gold or other precious metals to the assay technician, block  308 . Typically an inconspicuous collection container, not shown, is provided to each client so that the movement of the container is unlikely to arouse suspicion in anyone observing the physical transfer of the scrap gold between the client&#39;s facility and vehicle  100 . In one embodiment, a two-gallon paint pail is used. It will be recognized that many alternate containers may be substituted therefor. 
         [0079]    The bucket and its contents are first weighed using analytical balance  132 , block  310 . Scrap gold is then transferred into a crucible, not specifically identified, that is placed in crucible opening  146  of induction furnace  144 . Induction furnace has been started and has been allowed to reach a desired smelting temperature, generally approximately 3000° F. Scrap gold is generally added in small amounts. The melted precious metal mix is periodically stirred to obtain a uniform mixture of the component metals of the batch. Unmelted metals such as Platinum (Pt) are removed from the melt as is dross, block  312 . 
         [0080]    When the melt is at an appropriate temperature, considered to be uniform, and is free from dross, the crucible is removed from induction heater  144  and the contents poured into an ingot mold of an appropriate size, block  314 . 
         [0081]    Once the poured ingot has cooled sufficiently for safe handling, the ingot mold with the ingot still in place is placed into quench tank  134  for rapid cooling. 
         [0082]    When cool, the ingot, typically still in the ingot mold is removed from quench tank  132 . The ingot is then, removed from the ingot mold, and the ingot is dried, block  316 . Once dried, the ingot is weighed on analytical balance  132  and the weight recorded, typically in computer  174  within cab  112 , block  318 . Analytical balance  134  has an interface, not shown, that allows its electrical connection to computer  174 . 
         [0083]    After weighing, the ingot is scanned by XRF analyzer  130 , block  322  and the results of the X-ray analysis recorded and displayed, block  324 . A screen shot of a typical analysis result is shown in  FIG. 7 . As may readily be seen, the percentage and a two sigma value for various component metals of the ingot are displayed. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , gold (Au) forms 59.66 with a 2σ value of 0.88. Likewise, the percentage of Silver (Ag), Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt), Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are displayed. 
         [0084]    The market value of the selected precious metal (e.g., gold) in the ingot is calculated, block  326  and is determined by first obtaining the current market value of gold, block  326 . The value of the selected precious metal (e.g., gold) is calculated by multiplying the current market value by the percentage of the metal in the ingot multiplied by the total weight of the ingot. Weights are typically expressed in ounces although it will be recognized that other units of measure, for example, grams may be used for such calculations. 
         [0085]    Once the market value of the precious metal is known, a client payout for the ingot may be calculated. Referring now also to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a form that may be used to determine the payout to the customer, generally at reference number  380 . 
         [0086]    For simplicity, for purposes of illustration gold will be used. It will be recognized, however, that any precious metal of interest may be substituted for gold used for purposes of disclosure. The percent (%) purity value resulting from the X-ray analysis, block  324  is transferred to form  380  and shown at reference number  382 . 
         [0087]    The total ounces of gold  384  are calculated by converting (when necessary) the bar or ingot weight in grams to ounces and multiplying by the % pure,  382 . 
         [0088]    The market price of gold obtained at block  326  is also transferred to form  380  and placed on the form at reference number  386 . 
         [0089]    A total amount  388  is obtained by multiplying the total ounces of gold  384  by the current market price  386 . 
         [0090]    A processing fee of 5% is applied to the transaction. The processing fee is subtracted from the total amount  388  to net proceeds (minus charges) that are to be paid to the client, reference number  390 . While a 5% processing fee has been chosen for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized that other processing fee percentages, fixed, or sliding scale, may be substituted for the 5 percent value chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
         [0091]    Three additional fees, a processing fee  392 , a shipping fee  394 , and a wire transfer fee  396  may optionally be subtracted from the 95% of total value  390  to calculate the net customer payout  398  due to the client. 
         [0092]    A processing or handling fee  392  may be applied to small orders to help cover the overhead of driving vehicle  100  to a client for a small batch. 
         [0093]    Shipping fee  394  may be imposed if a smelted ingot is to be shipped to a buyer. 
         [0094]    Wire Fee  396  may be charged to cover the expense of paying a client via a wire transfer. 
         [0095]    Once any fees  392 ,  394 ,  396  are subtracted, a net customer payout  398  is calculated, block  330 . 
         [0096]    There are several ways in which the customer may be paid for the scrap metal. One way is to simply return the ingot to the customer and charge the customer a processing fee for the assays, block  332 . Once the processing fee is collected, either in cash or by another arrangement, block  338 , the ingot is returned, block  340 , a client statement is printed, block  360  and the process is terminated, block  358 . 
         [0097]    If the client chooses to be paid in cash, block  334 , the appropriate amount is dispensed, block  336  by cash dispenser  154  controlled by the driver within cab  112 . A client statement is then printed, block  356 , and control is passed to block  348 . 
         [0098]    If, however, the client chooses to be paid by wire transfer to his or her account, block  342 , a wire transfer is executed, block  344  by the driver within cab  112 . Typically, a client does not leave assay facility  110  until a verification of the wire transfer, including a confirmation number, is received and passed on to the client. A client statement is printed, block  356  and control is passed to block  348 . 
         [0099]    If the client has surrendered the ingot, it will either be shipped or put into safe  140 . If the ingot is to be shipped block  348 , it may be put into a so-called turtle box and sealed with one or more security seals, block  350 . The turtle box is then placed into a suitable shipping box and shipped, block  352 . For purposes of disclosure FedEx® will be used as the shipping service. It will be recognized that other suitable shippers may be substituted for FedEx. Typically overnight service is used to ship an ingot to a buyer. 
         [0100]    If the ingot is not to be shipped, block  348 , it is placed into safe  140 , block  346 . 
         [0101]    Because vehicle  100  is equipped with complete communications facilities including Internet access, the ingot buyer may be alerted to expect an ingot and given the shipping bill number and the assay analysis of the ingot. By suitable arrangement with the ingot buyer, payment for the ingot may be made to the seller via a wire transfer thereby minimizing float. 
         [0102]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.