Abstract: A sales transaction system utilizing electronically stored coupons including a portable handheld optical code reader for scanning symbols on paper coupons associated with product items to be purchased a host computer for receiving data associated with the scanned coupons from of the reader, and for redeeming the electronically stored coupons for each respective corresponding item purchased. Alternatively, also is provided a method of preparing paper coupons to facilitate a sales transaction by providing a customer identifier in a user's computer; inputting into the computer an electronic coupon template for a specific product; providing the customer identifier data into the coupon template; and printing a paper coupon including the customer identifier data for the specific product.

Abstract: A sales incentive system utilizing a portable handheld optical code reader for use by a consumer for scanning bar code symbols corresponding to product items to be purchased, including a memory for storing symbol data of items scanned by the reader a computer receives the stored data associated with the scanned items from the memory of the reader, and selectively generates coupon information based upon sales offers for specific products currently available based upon an analysis of the stored data by the computer. A printer may be coupled to the computer for printing at the consumer's location a set of coupons corresponding to the coupon information transferred from the computer to the consumer's location.

Abstract: A sales incentive system utilizing a portable handheld optical code reader for use by a consumer for scanning bar code symbols corresponding to product items to be purchased, including a memory for storing symbol data of items scanned by the reader a computer receives the stored data associated with the scanned items from the memory of the reader, and selectively generates coupon information based upon sales offers for specific products currently available based upon an analysis of the stored data by the computer. A printer may be coupled to the computer for printing at the consumer's location a set of coupons corresponding to the coupon information transferred from the computer to the consumer's location.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially Type 2 diabetes and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus in a mammal such as a human, which method comprises administering an effective, non-toxic and pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor and another antidiabetic agent, to a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: A leptin or ob peptide or a functional derivative, analogue or variant thereof, which modulates body weight substantially by means of modulating energy utilisation, a pharmaceutical composition containing such a compound, a process for the preparation of such a compound and the use of such a compound in medicine.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and conditions associated with diabetes mellitus in a mammal such as a human, which method comprises administering an effective, non-toxic and pharmaceutically acceptable amount of a beta agonist and another antidiabetic agent, to a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: Electronic coupons are loaded into a portable reader for electro-optically reading bar code symbols that identify products to be purchased. A coupon processor matches the identified product with an available coupon and confirms redemption of the coupon.

Abstract: A leptin or ob peptide or a functional derivative, analogue or variant thereof, which modulates body weight substantially by means of modulating energy utilization, a pharmaceutical composition containing such a compound, a process for the preparation of such a compound and the use of such a compound in medicine.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and techniques for reading optical codes, and more particularly to code reading systems with plural imaging or scanning modules pointed in various directions toward a target volume, which increase the likelihood that a code symbol on an arbitrarily oriented object in the target volume will be read. Other aspects of the invention relate to use and configuration of hand held readers, docking devices, operator side rails, arched tunnels and mirrors for increasing the coverage of the system, Additional aspects of the invention relate to components associated with point of sale installations or code reading terminals including integrated scales, input pads, system controls and displays.

Abstract: Various optical components of an electro-optical system for reading coded indicia are mounted on a chassis snap-mounted in a housing. The optical components are supported by the chassis at an elevation relative to a printed circuit board snap-mounted to the chassis. The optical components are automatically adjusted in a test fixture.

Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data.

Abstract: A client software component for a personal computer (PC) interacts with a server of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to require messages, such as advertisements, to be displayed in a particular manner on a display screen of the PC for interaction with a user and reporting user activity. As long as a valid communication connection between the PC and the ISP exists, the PC is forced to display a particular message in a particular fashion. A user will not be allowed to minimize the message, close the message, or hide the message behind other windows on the PC display screen. The messages will also be interactive so that users are able to get more information related to a particular message, such as by automatically browsing to an associated location on the World Wide Web of the Internet. Information related to interaction with the user is also tracked and communicated back to the ISP for storage and reporting.

Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader, in particular a bar code wand is used by a consumer to read bar code information accompanying a product displayed at a retail outlet. The bar code information can be presented in, for example, UPC format and carries information relating to the products. The consumer subsequently down-loads information stored in the reader via a suitable interface to a personal computer which accesses information identified by a address included in or comprising the bar code information. The site contains additional information such as price information concerning the advertised product and the consumer may be able to pay for and order the product directly via the site. As a result the consumer has a simple reminder of the product, is able to obtain additional information concerning the product with minimum difficulty and can obtain the product itself with maximum ease.

Abstract: Various optical components of an electro-optical system for reading coded indicia are mounted on a chassis snap-mounted in a housing. The optical components are supported by the chassis at an elevation relative to a printed circuit board snap-mounted to the chassis. The optical components are automatically adjusted in a test fixture.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia such as barcode symbols is usable in a first, hand-held mode and in a second, hands-free mode in which the scanner is mounted to a fixed stand. Switching means are provided so that when the scanner is lifted from the stand, for hand-held use, it automatically switches to a first working range, and when it is replaced onto the stand it automatically switches to a second, closer, working range. In the first working range, the software is optimised to read barcode symbols at a relatively long distance from the scanner; in the second working range the software is optimised to read barcode symbols which are relatively close to the scanner. The switching means may comprise any type of contact or non-contact switch such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch.

Abstract: A process for purifying vitamin A consisting of heating a vitamin A preparation in an inert atmosphere, at a temperature below 170.degree. C. and a pressure of less than 4 mm of mercury, said heating taking place in a vessel shielded from light is disclosed. The vitamin A obtained from this process is mixed with from 0.5:1 to 2:1 parts of tocopherol to vitamin A. The vitamin A and tocopherol mixture can be encapsulated in acacia gum, starch, pectins or other suitable materials. Other antioxidants can be added.

Abstract: A method for operating a point-of-transaction system carried by a fixture to efficiently use areas of a store during periods of differing intensity of usage, by placing the fixture at a prescribed area of the store and configuring the point-of-transaction system with point-of-transaction terminal components for processing items to be purchased by customers during a period of relatively intense usage. During a period of relatively less intense usage, the fixture is reconfigured as a display stand by relocating at least some of said point-of-transaction components from the fixture, and overlying remaining point-of-transaction components of the fixture with a display surface. During intense usage periods the components are located on a shelf overlying the fixture. The reconfiguration includes repositioning the shelf together with the remaining components to a location beneath the display surface within the fixture.

Abstract: An arrangement for decoding a bar code symbol in which the data resulting from scanning a bar code symbol with a bar code scanner is evaluated to determine if the scanned bar code symbol is within the working range of the scanner. The data acquired by the bar code scanner is evaluated to determine if the detected widths of the bars and spaces of the scanned bar code symbol are too small, less than a threshold value, which indicates that the bar code symbol is too far and outside of the working range of the scanner. Moreover, the working range of the bar code scanner can be selectively changed by changing the threshold value, which can be easily implemented by having the bar code scanner scan a menu bar code which instructs the decoder to change the threshold value to a selected new value which may be pre-established for the particular operation.