Abstract: A commercial transaction system (2) uses a multi-purposed credit/debit/identification card (8) having a randomly generated graphic card holder figurecode (10) uniquely corresponding to, but having no discernable relationship to, the card holder. The figurecode is visually discernable or it can be encoded by digital or analog means using magnetic, optical or magnetoptical media. A computer system (4) stores the graphic figurecode along with identification information of the card holder. A reader (14) is used to access the graphic figurecode for comparison with the stored electronic version in the computer system. An information terminal (18) is adapted to receive information from and, preferably, transmit information to, the computer system. Another aspect of the invention relates to using graphic product I.D.

Abstract: A seismic actuation system incorporating a plurality of motion sensors. The motion sensors included a housing in which a weight is supported for slidable movement along a single direction within the housing. The sensors are mounted to a horizontally disposed enclosure. The sensors are arranged so that the directions of travel of the weights within the enclosures are uniformly arranged so that vibration of sufficient magnitude in the horizontal plane will cause one or more of the weights to move. By adjusting the mass of the weights, the sensitivity of the sensors can be adjusted. When a seismic event of sufficient magnitude occurs, the weight becomes displaced from a central position within its housing and moves to one or the other end of the housing to activate the contacts. Activating the contacts completes a circuit so that one or more warnings, such as bells, lights, or spoken words, are produced or one or more safety devices are actuated.

Abstract: A seismic alarm system incorporating a plurality of motion sensors. The motion sensors included a housing in which a weight is supported for slidable movement along a single direction within the housing. The sensors are mounted to a horizontally disposed enclosure. The sensors are arranged so that the directions of travel of the weights within the enclosures are uniformly arranged so that vibration of sufficient magnitude in the horizontal plane will cause one or more of the weights to move. By adjusting the mass of the weights, the sensitivity of the sensors can be adjusted. When a seismic event of sufficient magnitude occurs, the weight becomes displaced from a central position within its housing and moves to one or the other end of the housing to activate the contacts. Activating the contacts completes a circuit so that one or more warnings, such as bells, lights, or spoken words, are produced.

Abstract: A fire resistant seal for gaps between structural members is disclosed. A preformed elongate strip is provided of resilient silicone foam material and has a generally Y-shaped cross section. The width of the base of the Y is approximately equal to but no less than the width of the gap, and each of the legs of the Y have a width equal to one-half that of the base. The portion of the strip where the legs meet the base has a width in excess of that of the base alone.