Abstract: A method of making an adhesive for an ice protection assembly includes transferring Z-CNTs from a substrate carrier into the adhesive. De-bonding of the adhesive for ice protection assembly inspection or repair or repositioning at initial installation includes heating the Z-CNTs in the adhesive to soften the adhesive and allow for easy removal.

Abstract: Some methods involve receiving user input for initiation of an instance of a slot game, determining a game outcome that includes corresponding display symbols and an award determination, controlling a display system to display the display symbols at a plurality of display symbol positions and controlling the display system to present award effects corresponding to the award determination. The display symbol positions may be arranged in display symbol rows and display symbol columns. At least one of the display symbols may be a metamorphic display symbol that includes a metamorphic image. A state of the first metamorphic image may correspond to a level of progress towards attaining a goal. Progress towards the goal may be based, at least in part, in the number of occurrences of the metamorphic display symbol.

Abstract: An information entry and reporting system and method for tracking data associated with retail transactions at the point of sale. Transaction data is converted into a machine readable dataform pattern and printed onto a sales receipt provided to the purchaser. Subsequently, the purchaser uses a suitably configured scanning device to read the dataform pattern into his or her computer. Software algorithms decode the scanned dataform pattern, extract the transaction data and store it for subsequent analysis and reporting. The system includes a computer, software adapted to retrieve selected data, assemble the retrieved data in a format suitable for encoding and encode the data in a dataform pattern, a printer to print the encoded transaction data, a scanning device to capture the encoded data, software to decode the transaction data and software to display the data in human readable form.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for secure transfer of electronic or optical data. In one exemplary aspect, a method is provided whereby data on a source computer is filtered to exclude all but data that is authorized for transfer, stored in a transport format, marked so that the source of the stored data can be authenticated, and transferred to a transfer device configured to only accept data marked with an acceptable authentication mark. In one embodiment, a control apparatus is provided whereby data can be analyzed to exclude harmful code, a storage apparatus is provided whereby the analyzed data can be stored, an authentication apparatus is provided whereby data so analyzed and stored can be marked to identify the trusted nature of the analyzing apparatus and a receiving apparatus is provided whereby the recipient of the data only accepts data identified as originating from a trusted source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting electronic transactions such as commerce transactions or purchases and exchanging related information. In one aspect, a robust and integrated apparatus and associated method is provided whereby a purchaser can securely provide transaction data and/or information in an electronic format to another party such as a vendor. In one exemplary embodiment, the purchaser can authenticate his or her right to use the billing information contained therein to complete a purchase without actually having to disclose the billing information in a human readable format, thereby enabling the vendor to obtain and authenticate the purchaser's identity and billing information while still protecting the purchaser's privacy, and without requiring disclosure of the purchaser's billing information to the vendor's employees or any other parties. In another aspect, the vendor can provide information about the transaction in an electronic form that can be authenticated and verified for accuracy.

Abstract: A vehicle burglar-proof device comprises a base installed below a cushion of the seat; two tracks being arranged at two sides; the base being arranged across inner sides of two tracks; a mask enclosing a top and lateral sides of the base; a motor arranged within the base for driving the base to move along the two tracks; a control unit for conducting the motor. When a front side of the mask moves forwards to resist against a body of a vehicle, the controlling pedals will be isolated and the motor is interrupted so as to buckle and confine the base; and thus, the control pedals cannot be pressed so that they cannot be enabled.