Having Means To Read Magnetically Encoded Check Patents (Class 194/210)
  • Patent number: 11107333
    Abstract: Described herein is a method comprising performing optical character recognition on at least one region of a display screen to determine at least one displayed character; identifying, from the determined at least one displayed character, a monetary value to be dispensed; and in response to identifying the monetary value to be dispensed, causing to be dispensed at least one money item corresponding to the identified monetary value. Further described is a method comprising determining, using at least one money item denominating apparatus, a monetary value of at least one received money item; in response to determining the monetary value, automatically providing at least one simulated user input to the interactive user interface indicative of the determined monetary value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Shane Anthony Timmons, Michael Patrick Healy, Kevin Mulvey
  • Patent number: 11033122
    Abstract: Buffet serving apparatus including box-like structure having slots. The box-like structure receives a container holding a food product. The buffet serving apparatus includes a serving unit having an axle. The axle presents a food holder. The slots receive the axle. The axle moves/slides along the slots. The axle rotates in one direction to pick up food product from the container using the food holder and rotates in opposite direction to dispense the food product from the food holder. The serving unit includes a wheel/handle that connects to the axle. The wheel/handle helps move and rotate the axle to pick up and dispense the food product. The serving unit includes a motor configured to move and rotate the axle to pick up and dispense the food product. The buffet serving apparatus provides required hygiene and prevents contamination of food products and/or food holder, as may occur with the COVID-19 virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Guillermo Enrique Sulbaran
  • Patent number: 10926164
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises a card storing area that supports a stack of playing cards, the card storing area having a playing card support surface. A card removing system removes playing cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm is automatically moved by a motor between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the end of the arm opposite a pivot is disengaged from a playing card at the top of the stack and in a second position the end of the arm is engaged with a playing card at the top of the stack. A processor in the playing card handling device directs movement of the pivoting arm between at least the first and second positions when a predetermined number of cards is present in the card storing area. Methods of card handling include employing the use of such a pivotal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Rynda, Feraidoon Bourbour, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Patent number: 10793414
    Abstract: A beverage supply device is provided with: physical buttons for receiving an indicator operation indicating that a beverage selected from among the plurality of types of beverages is to be supplied; a control unit that causes a selected beverage to be discharged from a predetermined nozzle while one of the physical buttons is receiving an indicator operation; and a storage unit that stores the number of sales for each beverage. The control unit increases the number of sales for a beverage by one sale when the same beverage is supplied continuously and the interval during which the beverage is supplied continuously is longer than a predetermined period. The control unit does not increase the number of sales for a beverage when the interval during which the beverage is supplied continuously is shorter than a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Yajima, Masahiro Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Imazeki
  • Patent number: 9999730
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly line to assemble a medical device and comprising at least one communication member adapted to communicate with a corresponding communication member of an initial component of the device, wherein the assembly line comprises at least one assembly stage adapted to conduct at least one step of assembly being at least influenced by device-related data obtained from the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hardy Kietzmann, Jasmin Groeschke, Jan-Peter Spengler, Matthias Scharf, Christoph Dette, Hanno Juhnke, Michael Schrack, Olaf Zeckai
  • Patent number: 9819305
    Abstract: A kit for converting a battery-powered fragrance sprayer of the type described into a solar powered automatic fragrance sprayer for use in an indoor lit area, comprising: a battery pack (24) for fitting into a battery compartment (28) of the fragrance sprayer, the battery pack (24) including a rechargeable nickel-hydride (Ni-Mh) low self-discharge (LSD) battery (30) mounted within a battery casing having positive and negative connection areas (26, 34) at the respective ends for connection with connectors in the battery compartment (28); a replacement outer casing (12) for the fragrance sprayer; at least one tuned amorphous silicon solar panel (14, 16) or at least one dye sensitized solar cell panel (14,16) disposed on the replacement outer casing (12); and cable connection means (32) electrically connecting the at least one tuned amorphous silicon solar panel (14,16) or the at least one dye sensitized solar cell panel (14,16) to the Ni-Mh LSD battery (30) in the battery pack (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Vivian Blick
  • Patent number: 9792536
    Abstract: A gate assembly can include a housing, a main body, at least one member, and an activation rib. The housing can define at least a portion of a card path of a payment interface. The main body can be coupled to the housing and can be movable between a closed position and an open position. The at least one member can extend from the main body such that, when the main body is in the closed position, the at least one member extends into the card path and can be oriented to inhibit an item from traveling through the card path. The activation rib can extend from the main body and can be located such that, when the main body is in the closed position, the activation rib extends into the card path. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Stephen Carmine
  • Patent number: 9569911
    Abstract: A method for facilitating a rapid return of a article to an article dispensing machine is provided. The article dispensing machine comprises a first user interface portion having the first user interface, a second user interface portion having a second user interface, and an article transfer portion for vending and returning articles. The method includes receiving from a first user interface a first request to return the article, determining whether the article transfer portion is available to enable the return of the article, and based on the availability determination, displaying through a first user interface screen associated with the first user interface portion information indicating whether to proceed with the return of the article or to wait for a notification to proceed with the return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: REDBOX AUTOMATED RETAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Franz Kuehnrich, Jonathan Palmer, Dan Leiwe, William Martinka, Jim Polubinski
  • Patent number: 9401062
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic transaction device capable of suppressing wasteful operation of the automatic transaction device when a shutter failure has occurred. The present invention is an automatic transaction device that performs transactions related to cash, and is characterized by including: a deposit/withdrawal slot for depositing/withdrawing cash; an opening/closing member that is capable of opening and closing the deposit/withdrawal slot by way of movement; an opened/closed detection unit that detects the opened/closed state of the opening/closing member; and a control unit that opens and closes the opening/closing member at the time of a reset operation of the automatic transaction device to perform operation verification processing, causes detection of the opened/closed state of the opening/closing member after the operation verification processing, and if it is determined that the opened/closed state is abnormal, aborts the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaichi Koide
  • Patent number: 9390411
    Abstract: A system and method for receiving a value on or associated with a consumer card in lieu of actually receiving coin change. In particular embodiments, and RFID device or other card reader/writer device is connected either in place of, or parallel to, an electric coin dispenser on a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal or cash register. Instead of receiving an odd amount of coin change after a purchase, the RFID device can augment a total value either stored on the card itself or in an account associated with the card. Alternatively a clerk can cause value to be added to a card equal to the amount that would have given as coin change. A consumer can redeem value up to the amount on the value card at participating stores as if it were a gift card. In one embodiment, a customer ID, total value and optionally a password or PIN can be stored on a smartcard usually in encrypted form. Alternatively, the card or telephone can simply present a barcode which relates to an account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Murray Jarman, Shane Jarman, Regan O'Reilly, Scott Barlow
  • Patent number: 9220971
    Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises a card storing area that supports a stack of playing cards, the card storing area having a playing card support surface. A card removing system removes playing cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm is automatically moved by a motor between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the end of the arm opposite a pivot is disengaged from a playing card at the top of the stack and in a second position the end of the arm is engaged with a playing card at the top of the stack. A processor in the playing card handling device directs movement of the pivoting arm between at least the first and second positions when a predetermined number of cards is present in the card storing area. Methods of card handling include employing the use of such a pivotal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Rynda, Feraidoon Bourbour, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
  • Patent number: 9135771
    Abstract: A memento dispensing device for dispensing mementos in the form of tokens, medallions, souvenirs, and other articles or objects having commemorative value through the simulated operation of a gaming device commonly referred to and known in the art as a slot machine. Instructive steps set forth in a computer program, as executed and controlled by a main microcontroller, serve to direct and command the memento dispensing device to dispense at least one memento to the consumer or operator upon the consummation of a spin cycle for a set of mechanical reel wheels or simulated reel wheels on a video display. The main microcontroller, operating under the direction of the computer program, further directs the timed playback of video and audio stored on recognizable formats and activates lights at select moments during operation and after every instance the memento is dispensed from the memento dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Kent Steven Anderson
  • Patent number: 8955663
    Abstract: A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuya Toshima
  • Patent number: 8955753
    Abstract: A media processing device enables reading second media that do not bend easily from the device front with the same ease of use as processing first media that bend easily. The media processing device has a media conveyance path that guides first media inserted from a media insertion opening toward the back and then again toward the front on the front-back axis to the media exit. A straight conveyance path that angles to the inside on the device width axis is formed at a part connected to the media exit, and a second media insertion path that extends straight to the front from the straight conveyance path is connected to the media exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sasaki, Shogo Mizuyama
  • Patent number: 8684157
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Jay D. Freeman, Tomasz M. Jagielinski, Frederick J. Jeffers, George S. Krastev, Danny D. Yang
  • Patent number: 8505708
    Abstract: A bill validating apparatus includes a housing having an elongated opening therein. At one end of the elongated opening there is an article receiving slot. A first sensor is on one long side of the elongated slot and a second sensor is on the other long side. The bill validating system includes a transport mechanism for moving the article of tender past the sensors. The bill validating apparatus also includes an orientation determination device communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor. In response to a determined orientation of the bill validating apparatus, the orientation determination device enables one of the first sensor or the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jamison Frady, Christopher D. Carlisle
  • Patent number: 8489481
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising equipment provides a principal functionality other than two-way communication. A computing device in the apparatus controls the equipment. The apparatus operates in a plurality of modes including an operational mode and a paid off mode. When the apparatus is in the operational mode, the computing device communicates with a remote computer and in response, receives an instruction that is based on a state of a financial account. Based on the received instruction, the computing device controls whether the equipment provides the principal functionality. When the apparatus is in the paid off mode, the equipment provides the principal functionality without being controlled by the computing device based on the state of the financial account. The apparatus transitions from the operational mode to the paid off mode based on a wireless communication from the remote computer resulting from an amount owed in the financial account being paid off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: M-Kopa IPR, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Keith Barton Moore, Nicholas Hughes
  • Publication number: 20130068585
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventor: Cummins-Allison Corp.
  • Publication number: 20130020173
    Abstract: A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuya Toshima
  • Publication number: 20120312658
    Abstract: An inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed includes a card reader to read an access card issued to a user and a recorder to record data from items removed from the storage unit. A processor communicates with a sensor in the storage unit and with the card reader and recorder. The sensor provides item data to the processor that is associated with items removed from the storage unit. The processor compares item data received from the sensor with the data recorded by the recorder to detect coincidence. The processor generates a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from the sensor with the recorded data. A communications interface transmits the transaction to a remote site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Michael E. Coveley, Srdjan Milutinovic
  • Patent number: 8322505
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Jay D. Freeman, Tomasz M. Jagielinski, Frederick J. Jeffers, George S. Krastev, Danny D. Yang
  • Publication number: 20120295682
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes exemplary systems and methods for using gaming scrips in a gaming environment. The gaming scrips have pre-printed face values and machine-readable unique identifiers located thereon, and are loaded into any of various currency-handling devices. The gaming scrips may be activated either before being loaded into a currency-handling device or at the time of dispensing therefrom. Once validated in the gaming environment, the gaming scrips may be collected, sorted, reactivated, and reused in the gaming environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOMATED CURRENCY INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120273322
    Abstract: A parking meter mechanism is described that may include a front housing, having a display opening for viewing a display through, connected to an internal structure. Additionally or alternatively the parking meter mechanism may include a contactless payment reader located behind the display. The parking meter mechanism may be secured to a lower housing. A back housing may be secured to the lower housing as well. The front or back housing may include a solar panel compartment and solar panel mounted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: George Allan MacKay, Gregory Emile Chauvin, Shamus John Angus McLarty, Ben Garvey
  • Publication number: 20120222935
    Abstract: A parking meter mechanism is described that may include a front housing, having a display opening for viewing a display through, connected to an internal structure. Additionally or alternatively the parking meter mechanism may include a contactless payment reader located behind the display. The parking meter mechanism may be secured to a lower housing. A back housing may be secured to the lower housing as well. The front or back housing may include a solar panel compartment and solar panel mounted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: George Allan MacKay, Gregory Emile Chauvin, Shamus John Angus McLarty, Ben Garvey
  • Patent number: 8167109
    Abstract: The medium conveying mechanism includes a motor, a driving pulley adapted to be rotated by the motor, an endless belt wound around the driving pulley and adapted to be moved by the driving pulley in a belt moving direction, a first driven pulley around which the endless belt is wound and adapted to be rotated by the endless belt, a first conveying roller disposed on the medium conveying path and adapted to be rotated by the first driven pulley to convey the medium, and a first pressure roller disposed to correspond to the first conveying roller so as to press the medium against the first conveying roller. A distance in the medium conveying path between the information reading position and a nip portion between the first conveying roller and the first pressure roller is shorter than a distance between a leading end of the conveyed medium and back end of the recording area. The first driven pulley is disposed upstream from the driving pulley in the belt moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Furihata
  • Patent number: 8127913
    Abstract: Transportation state evaluation methods, transportation state evaluation programs, and recording media processing devices are provided. In one embodiment, a check processing device has an insertion direction evaluation means that determines if an orientation of a check is correct or not based on a detection signal from a magnetic head, a multifeed detector and multifeed evaluation means that detect multifeeding, an enable/disable control means that enables or disables the insertion direction evaluation and multifeed detection operations of the insertion direction evaluation means and multifeed evaluation means, and a control means that unconditionally enables multifeed detection when only the insertion direction evaluation is enabled. Multifeed detection is always enabled when insertion direction evaluation is enabled because the insertion direction evaluation means can return a detection error when multifeeding occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Go Hiroike, Takashi Saikawa, Atsushi Natsuno
  • Patent number: 7946407
    Abstract: A value medium processing apparatus includes a common rolling path on which the IC coin and the coin roll, a coin characteristic detector provided on a side portion of the common rolling path, an IC coin characteristic detector configured to detect IC coin rolling on the common rolling path; an inlet to a coin path on which the coin rolls and an inlet to an IC coin path on which the IC coin rolls, a medium sorter provided upstream of the coin inlet and the IC coin inlet; a communicator provided on a side of the IC coin path and communicating with the IC coin; and a controller actuating the medium sorter based on one of characteristic information from the coin characteristic detector and information from the IC coin characteristic detector, and switching the common rolling path to one of the IC coin path and the coin path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20110036683
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for packaging an undergarment that as a result of the packaging, the undergarment requires a substantially small amount of storage space that can be carried discretely on ones person during active times, and/or easily purchased when out on the go. The undergarment packaging system packages the undergarment so that it consumes a relatively small amount of space so that it can be easily and conveniently sold and/or vended to consumers in locations where they would most need them, for example in restrooms, gyms, spas, glove-compartments in cars, in airports, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Rebecca G. Cook
  • Patent number: 7849994
    Abstract: A method of processing documents by receiving at least a batch of documents and a separator card in an input receptacle of a document processing device. The separator card includes a conductive material disposed on one side, and a barcode indicative of the source of the batch of documents. The documents and separator card are transported via a transport mechanism past an evaluation unit and a field-effect sensor, respectively. The document processing device evaluates each document, determines whether the document meets or fails predetermined criteria, and detects the presence of the conductive material when a separator card is transported past the sensor. The source identification information from each separator card is entered into a memory of the document processing device after all the documents from the corresponding batch of documents have met the predetermined criteria. Feeder operation is paused between each batch long enough to verify that the previous batch closed successfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Robert J. Klein, Curtis W. Hallowell, Charles P. Jenrick
  • Patent number: 7849993
    Abstract: The invention relates to sheet material having an electrical circuit and to apparatuses and methods for processing said sheet material. The present invention describes sheet material having an electrical circuit as well as apparatuses and methods for processing same, which reduce the effort required for processing the sheet material and/or facilitate processing and/or improve it and/or make it more reliable. For this purpose, the sheet material has at least one electrical circuit, with energy and/or data being transmitted from the apparatus to the electrical circuit and/or from the electrical circuit to the apparatus and at least part of the transmitted data being used for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Finkenzeller, Thomas Giering, Manfred Heim, Thomas Hildebrandt, Ralf Hobmeier, Lars Hoffmann, Norbert Holl, Wittich Kaule, Friedrich Kretschmar, Markus Krombholz, Ralf Liebler, Thorsten Pillo, Harald Reiner, Walter Schneider, Eckart Schroeder-Bergen, Martin Seysen, Dieter Stein, Alexander Steinkogler, Christian Voellmer, Bernd Wunderer, Fabiola Bellersheim, Marius Dichtl, Juergen Schuetzmann
  • Patent number: 7762380
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: Jay D. Freeman, Tomasz M. Jagielinski, Frederick J. Jeffers, George S. Krastev, Danny D. Yang
  • Patent number: 7677381
    Abstract: A small-sized value medium processing device discriminates the genuine/false status of coins, and reads or write processes an electric information recording medium. The value medium processing device allows a coin slotted into a slot to roll along a coin path for discriminating the coin genuine/false status wherein the coin in the coin path can be cancelled by a canceling device. Slots for a coin and for an electric value recording medium are at least partly common with each other. A detecting device for the electric value recording medium is provided in the electric value medium slot. A deactivating device deactivates the canceling device based on detection by the detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Sieko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7633380
    Abstract: An anti-fraud system for a car wash station that includes a moisture sensor for sensing moisture within the car wash station, and a sensor controller adapted to operatively connect a power source with a timer of the car wash station. The sensor controller performing the following program: disconnecting the power source from the timer upon sensing moisture via the moisture sensor; waiting a period of time; sensing whether the moisture sensor detects moisture; and waiting another period of time and repeating if moisture is sensed, or reconnecting the power source to the timer if no moisture is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Allie Joe Homola, Jr., Gerald Lee Hall
  • Patent number: 7609873
    Abstract: A method of processing checks includes obtaining first information relating to the checks that is compiled by an operator using a calculator, such as by scanning a calculator tape, wherein the first information includes a first number of first dollar amounts, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the checks. The method further includes scanning the checks to create a plurality of check images, obtaining from the check images a second number of second dollar amounts, each corresponding to a respective one of the check images, determining whether the first number is equal to the second number, and providing an error indication if the first number does not equal the second number (which is an indication that a misfeed has occurred).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Foth, Jeffrey D. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20090229948
    Abstract: A walk-substituting cart includes a body, a steering head member, a power device, and a switch to switch on the power device; the switch includes a mother board fixed in a hollowness of an uppermost portion of the steering head member, a dip switch on the mother board, a card reading member fixed behind the mother board, and a key card matching the dip switch; the dip switch is electrically connected to the power device; the card reading member is connected to the dip switch; the key card will close the circuit of the dip switch, and in turn the dip switch will turn on the power device of the cart when the key card is inserted in the card reading member; the original controlling mechanism of the power device doesn't have to be altered to allow the key card operated switch to be installed to serve its purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Hung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090090596
    Abstract: An entry control apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced barriers forming a pathway therebetween. The barriers are positioned adjacent a doorway to control ingress into and egress from a building or the like. An arm is pivotally mounted and extends across the pathway and permits free movement of people in one direction and selectively restricts movement in the other direction. A motion sensor is provided and a motion control system is associated with the sensor. The sensor and motion control system cooperate to selectively allow the arms to move to a normally open position for normal traffic in an approved direction. In the event a person approaches the apparatus, as if to exit, or move in the wrong direction through the pathway, the sensor detects the movement and effects operation of the motion control system that locks the arm against movement to prevent movement through the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Kucer, Nitai Friedman
  • Publication number: 20090065325
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reducing factory customizing time in a smart card (CPn), wherein a pre-customizing manager (GM) into a customizing machine loads post-customizing data (AP, OP1-OP1, DOP1-DOP1) in the smart card. Then a post-customizing application (AP) included in the smart card is enabled after delivery of the card to a user following a connection of the smart card to a terminal to process the loaded post-customizing data so as to make the smart card operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: GEMPLUS
    Inventor: Olivier Potonniee
  • Publication number: 20090050441
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of securing shopping trolleys (10), for which a defined parking area (9) is provided, by a deposit and to a deposit system for such trolleys. The deposit (7) is introduced into a deposit device (30) which is arranged in the parking area (9) separately from the shopping trolleys (10), the deposit device (30) freeing a shopping trolley (10) for removal from the parking area (9) by means of a signalling arrangement (18). The signalling arrangement (18) here interacts with an inhibiting device (26) on the shopping trolley (10) for inhibiting the movement of the trolley by remote control, the signalling arrangement (18) communicating in a wireless and trolley-specific manner with signalling devices (22) on the shopping trolley (10) and the signalling arrangement (18) registering the return of a shopping trolley (10) in order for the deposit to be refunded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Gottfried Wanzl
  • Publication number: 20090032367
    Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing a can includes a tray for holdings the can, a card device to accept a transaction card for payment of the can. The can includes a shirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Guy Anthome
  • Patent number: 7474779
    Abstract: A check reader and method for reading magnetic ink characters on a check involve a controller configured to control a motor to move a check through a check path in a first pass past a magnetic reading head in a first direction, and in at least one other pass past the magnetic reading head in another direction. In one embodiment, the controller moves the check through the check path in three passes, and in another embodiment the check is moved at different speeds during the respective passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Magtek, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Duncan
  • Publication number: 20080236991
    Abstract: A surface mountable multiformat card reader for vending equipment is disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a surface mountable card reader that comprises a mounting bracket for attaching to a vending machine. The surface mountable card reader also includes a card reader housing that extends outward from the mounting bracket. The housing, which includes a channel spaced outwardly from the mounting bracket for receiving a magnetic stripe card, comprises a radio frequency (RF) proximity reader that is adapted for receiving data via an RF signal from a contactless card. The housing also comprises a magnetic stripe reader that is adapted for receiving data from magnetic stripe cards that pass through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: James S. Arakaki, Stanley A. Mercado
  • Publication number: 20080196996
    Abstract: The medium conveying mechanism includes a motor, a driving pulley adapted to be rotated by the motor, an endless belt wound around the driving pulley and adapted to be moved by the driving pulley in a belt moving direction, a first driven pulley around which the endless belt is wound and adapted to be rotated by the endless belt, a first conveying roller disposed on the medium conveying path and adapted to be rotated by the first driven pulley to convey the medium, and a first pressure roller disposed to correspond to the first conveying roller so as to press the medium against the first conveying roller. A distance in the medium conveying path between the information reading position and a nip portion between the first conveying roller and the first pressure roller is shorter than a distance between a leading end of the conveyed medium and back end of the recording area. The first driven pulley is disposed upstream from the driving pulley in the belt moving direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Furihata
  • Publication number: 20070209904
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jay D. Freeman, Tomasz M. Jagielinski, Frederick J. Jeffers, George S. Krastev, Danny D. Yang
  • Patent number: 6839775
    Abstract: An apparatus for selecting, monitoring, and controlling electrically powered devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electrically powered device having a key operating line and switching control circuitry to control usage of the electrically powered device by interrupting continuity of the key operating line. In another embodiment, the apparatus monitors usage of an electrically powered device. The apparatus includes a circuit which is coupled to the device to provide a power output of the device, an analog to digital converter coupled to receive the power output and convert the same to digital form, and a controller to receive a user input, process the user input by establishing communication with a remotely located device to request approval of a financial transaction, and generate control signals in response to receiving approval. The controller receives the digital form of the power output and monitors the operation of the electrically powered device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Kim Y. Kao, Bruce K. Sauer, Kent Kwan
  • Patent number: 6817462
    Abstract: A return device for containers, such as bottles, cups, cans, or the like, comprises an insertion opening for receiving the container and at least one distributing means for transporting the container from the insertion opening to a selectable processing means of the return device. For a faster and easier sorting of the containers in a compact way, the distributing means comprises at least one intermediate bottom and a receiving means which is movable relative to the bottom, transports the container away from the insertion opening and is provided with a bottom opening, the intermediate bottom being movably supported in the return device and comprising at least one sorting opening which can be positioned below the bottom opening for passing the container therethrough to the selected processing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: C.M.S. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salda
  • Publication number: 20040200689
    Abstract: A method for removing recyclables with disposables. Each customer signs an authorization form and selects the manner in which that customer desires to have the deposits credited for that customer's recyclables. Selections include a charitable donation in the name of the customer and a cash payment and a credit to the customer's disposal service. The recyclables are removed with the customer's disposables and are taken to a recycling faculty where they are counted. A tag which the customer places on the bag of recyclables is completed and sent to the office to be credited to the customer's account. The recyclables are then place in separate bins for return to the supplier who in turn refunds the deposit to the recycling service along with a handling fee. The handling fee si taken by th recycling service and the deposits are refunded to the each customer asper each customer's instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Compton, Linda M. Compton
  • Publication number: 20040155650
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for verifying valuable documents, in particular banknotes (5), labels, bonds, stamps or identification cards. Conventional methods involve a high percentage of errors. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for identifying banknotes, labels, bonds, stamps and identification cards, which allows a reliable and rapid identification of forgeries, whereby the identification and verification process is tolerant in relation to modification to the position of the valuable documents, in particular in relation to modifications to the distance. To achieve this, a valuable document is provided with an electromagnetically active structure (1), the valuable document is then exposed to an electromagnetic high-frequency field, the influence of the electromagnetic high-frequency field is measured through the valuable document and the measurement result is compared with reference data. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Plaas-Link, Renaid Kroczek
  • Publication number: 20040134745
    Abstract: A reverse vending apparatus for plastic jars having a jar receiving station and a jar identification station, wherein the apparatus includes means for receiving and supporting a jar by or through the neck of the jar, is described. Use of the neck of a jar avoids the problem of how to receive and support the different shapes and configurations of jars. The reverse vending apparatus preferably includes a reward system, whereby following despatch of all the completed jars by the consumer, suitable means provide a reward and/or receipt confirming the number of points, tokens and/or money earned by the reverse vending of the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: John Woods
  • Publication number: 20040118658
    Abstract: A multiple-pass item processing system has an image capture workstation for processing checks during a first pass of checks and an encoding and sorting workstation for processing checks during a second pass of checks. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag data including a unique RFID tag number is extracted from an RFID tag of a check transported along a check transport path of the image capture workstation during the first pass. The unique RFID tag number extracted during the first pass is stored in a memory. RFID tag data including a unique RFID tag number is extracted from an RFID tag of a check transported along a check transport path of the encoding and sorting workstation during the second pass. The unique RFID tag number extracted during the second pass is compared with RFID tag number store in the memory to determine if there is a match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Susan H. Schott, James W.D. Fare, Kenneth G. De Souza, Sean Woodward
  • Publication number: 20040104097
    Abstract: A system for securely transferring digital tokens by electronic means includes a secure digital token handling domain and predetermined third parties. The secure digital token handling domain comprises a plurality of tamper-resistant electronic token holders. Each token holder has the ability to process and store information relating to the transfer of digital tokens. The token holders are able to communicate within the digital token handling domain only with other token holders. The token holders are able to communicate outside the digital token handling domain only with the predetermined trusted third parties. One or more of the trusted authorities being responsible for the administration of encryption matters. Communications between token holders within the digital token handling domain, and between token holders and the predetermined third parties involving encrypting and decrypting of messages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Goh Cheh Ngee