Abstract: An electronic reader may operate in a normal mode. The reader may evaluate criteria to determine whether to continue operating in the normal mode or operate in a secure mode. The secure mode may include deactivating functionality in the reader. Deactivating functionality may include at least one of disabling a credential reading functionality, disabling a credential processing functionality, and disabling a credential communicating functionality.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting hides are provided. In particular, one or more embodiments comprise a tanning control system that enhances the traceability of hides by capturing and utilizing data related to the unloading, tanning, sorting, and packaging of hides. Furthermore, one or more embodiments enable the tanning control system to improve efficiency by sorting hides based, at least in part, on data generated during prior tanning processes. Additionally, one or more embodiments facilitate the tanning control system in customizing the sorting and packaging of hides based, at least in part, on one or more hide characteristics and/or customer specifications.

Abstract: A transport device including a support body having an upper part on which a plurality of articles can be arranged; an unloading device which pushes the plurality of articles arranged on the support body; a belt conveyor which transports the articles pushed out from the support body; a slider which moves the articles arranged on the support body and also moves the articles arranged on the conveyor belt, thereby separating the articles; and a lift which is disposed between the support body and the conveyor belt and which rises to a higher position than the upper surfaces of both the support body and the conveyor belt when the articles arranged on the support body and the articles arranged on the conveyor belt have been separated.

Abstract: A dual directional gate that allows an object to move freely in one direction over the gate, but limits the removable of one object over the gate in the opposite direction. The gate assembly includes a blocking arm, a cam element and a protruding arm mounted on a rotating driver shaft. The gate assembly also includes a drive shaft parallel to said driver shaft. Mounted on the drive shaft is a latch mounted on the drive shaft with a proximal end that presses against the cam element and prevents rotation of the blocking arm towards the latch. Also mounted on the drive shaft is a biased follower rod with a distal end that contacts the protruding arm when rotated towards the drive shaft. The gate also includes a pivotally mounted sub-assembly coupled to a solenoid. When the solenoid is activated, the sub-assembly rotates which allows the latch to rotate and unblock the blocking arm and allow an object to forcibly move the blocking arm. Movement of the blocking arm causes the gate toy reset.

Abstract: In some examples, a service provider may cause inventory of one merchant to be supplied to another merchant. The service provider may monitor inventory of merchants to determine that a merchant has extra inventory and that another merchant lacks inventory. The service provider may cause the extra inventory of the merchant to be transported to the other merchant that lacks inventory. The service provider may select a courier and request that the courier delivery the extra inventory.

Abstract: A light-emitting module for use in a system for measuring whole-blood hemoglobin parameters or whole-blood bilirubin parameters. The light-emitting module includes an LED light source capable of emitting light wherein the light is directed thereby defining an optical path and a plurality of optical components. The plurality of optical components includes a collimating lens, a first optical diffuser, a circular polarizer, and a focusing lens wherein the plurality of optical components is disposed within the optical path of the light from the LED light source.

Abstract: A plurality of smart electronic wallets, each with a reconfigurable multiple-account transaction card, are selectively linked with each other through their respective network interface units to establish a community of smart wallet holders. The resulting community, along with other applications of the network interface unit, support various interfaces each defining modes of socio-economic interaction, such as personal identification number generation, payment scheduling employing multiple payment methods, transfer or trade of transaction cards across different smart electronic wallet devices, automatic completion of purchasing forms, and date arrangements.

Abstract: Token management systems and methods are described. The token management systems and methods are configured to receive a plurality of tokens from a plurality of entities associated with a user and to enable the user to manage the tokens in a secure, convenient, efficient, and time-saving manner. The token management system may be accessed with a user device. In some arrangements, the token management system is structured to receive a registration request from a user, request a plurality of tokens from different entities where the user has associated tokens, and to provide various token management functions to the user. The token management functions allow the user to change, reassociate, activate, and deactivate the tokens, as well as create new tokens.

Abstract: An automated kiosk includes a storage structure housed by an enclosure, with the storage structure holding trays with items, grabbing unit for picking up trays, dispensing unit for delivering an item, a conveyer mechanism to position the grabbing unit and the dispensing unit and control system. The tray holding an item is associated with the grabbing unit and the dispensing unit and delivers an item to a customer. The tray holding an item can be returned, stocked and restocked by the automated kiosk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device 10, that can be a component of a feeding device to feed coin blanks 11 to a coining press or a minting station 12. The testing device 10 has a contactless measuring first sensor device 30 and/or a second sensor device 40. Every sensor device 30, 40 that is present controls an associated removal device 32 or 41. Each sensor device 30, 40 detects a certain property of the coin blank and compares it with a corresponding standard specification. If an unacceptable deviation from the specification is detected, the sensor device 30, 40 in question controls the respective associated removal device 32, 41 to discharge the coin blank from a main conveyor device 13 which transports the coin blanks from a feeding end 14 to an exit end 15.

Abstract: A pushcart vending system that includes a plurality of pushcarts, a vending unit, a track and a gate assembly attached to the track and coupled to the vending unit. Each pushcart includes a lightweight body attached to a rigid frame mounted on wheels. The body is configured to pivot vertically over the frame assembly thereby enabling rigid frames on adjacent pushcarts to be stacked. Attached to each frame assembly is a catch bar assembly that includes a wear plate that extends into an offset, longitudinally aligned slot formed on the track. Attached to the wear plate is an upper roller and a lower roller that travel over the outside surface and the inside surface, respectively, on the track. A gate assembly is dual directional to allow pushcarts to be individually dispensed and returned from the same end of the track thereby enabling the system to be setup in small staging areas.

Abstract: An elevator for a vending machine and vending machine using the elevator work together, the vending machine includes a cabinet, a plurality of tiered pallets, and an elevator for delivering selected products from the pallets. Each pallet has a label. The elevator includes a driving unit and a storing box. The storing box includes a sensor for detecting the label. The storing box is fixed to the driving unit and driven by the driving unit, the storing box is slidable among the pallets, when a predetermined label is detected by the sensor, the storing box stops at that pallet and gently delivers product from that pallet.

Abstract: A crawler-type automatic vending machine includes a replenishment unit, m transfer units, n container units, a detection and control unit, a cloud management platform and a payment system. The replenishment unit, the transfer units and the container units are connected successively to form an integral crawler-type automatic vending machine, wherein m and n are natural numbers other than 0; when n is equal to 1, m is equal 1; when n is greater than 1, m is equal to n+1; and when n is greater than 1 and m is equal to n+1, the m transfer units and the n container units are connected alternately, and the last unit is the transfer unit. When n is equal to 1 and m is equal 1, the transfer units and the container units are made into an integral structure.

Abstract: Automated medication dispensing system and device, designed to monitor and verify that a patient is being properly medicated. A sensor equipped, processor controlled, medication dispensing device is configured to store a plurality of medication doses, along with medication dispensing information, and to use its processor controlled actuators to automatically dispense this medication at the proper time when the sensors verify the patient's identity. The system also uses various combinations of built in and/or patient worn sensors to obtain evidence of proper medication. This evidence can include evidence that the patient has taken the drug, and/or evidence that the patient is physically behaving in a properly or improperly medicated manner. The system can be restocked with medication, often packaged in multi-dose cassettes, when medication runs low, and can also be configured using either an onboard user interface or a remote (e.g. Internet or local wireless) computerized device.

Abstract: A coin box for a coin-operated device, the box having a housing, the front face of which is provided with a removal opening. A sliding door is associated with the removal opening and a supporting floor for the coins is situated in the interior of the housing. The supporting floor runs at an incline from a rear wall of the housing towards the removal opening.

Abstract: A vending machine having a goods store, a goods dispensing apparatus and a user interface contains a goods input region for inserting goods to be returned and an identification apparatus for the goods which interacts with a data processing device and a data memory.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a challenge from an authentication consumer. The method also includes generating for display a figure associated with an identification, a public certificate, and a private key after receiving the challenge. The figure, the identification, the public certificate, and the private key are stored in a TrustZone (TZ) enriched environment. The method further includes receiving an input identification. The method includes verifying that the input identification matches the identification. The method also includes transmitting the challenge to the authentication consumer in response to verifying that the input identification matches the identification.

Abstract: Provided is an electrocardiogram (ECG) biometric authentication system that performs biometric authentication using biometric information having unique values for each client includes one or more client terminals and a key distribution center (KDC) that uses ECG information of the one or more client terminals to issue a digital certificate. According to the configuration of the electrocardiogram biometric authentication system, security is enhanced.

Abstract: A conveyor module for a reverse vending machine, which is mountable to a docking unit, and includes at least one conveyor belt; a housing for supporting the at least one conveyor belt, and a force receiving element for receiving a driving power for driving the at least one conveyor belt, which force receiving element is accessible from outside of the conveyor module through an opening in the housing. Further, a docking unit for a conveyor module of a reverse vending machine includes a housing, and a force feed element for outputting a driving power to the conveyor module, which force feed element is accessible from outside of the docking unit through an opening in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trolley comprising an element for holding and releasing a token, said element comprising a sensor that detects whether the trolley comprising the element for holding and releasing the token is pushed inside another trolley. If this is the case, the element for holding and releasing the token activates the immobilizer and releases the token. In order to use the trolley, a token must be inserted into the element for holding and releasing the token, thus deactivating the immobilizer.

Abstract: A cash and check automatic depositing apparatus is capable of automatically depositing a bundle of cashes and checks inserted at once. The apparatus includes a bundle insertion opening for allowing a user to deposit or receive therethrough a bundle of cashes and checks, and a bundle separator for separating the banknotes inserted through the bundle insertion opening one by one. The separated banknotes are automatically transferred one by one and verified to check authenticity or abnormality thereof. Further, the banknotes are transferred onto an authentic check transfer path and an authentic cash transfer path to be separately stored in storage cassettes.

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.

Abstract: An automatic product vending machine is provided where the user can withdraw the selected product directly from the machine, the storage area for the products is a rack and the dispensing device of the single product is a frame on which a pusher is mounted which causes the selected product to fall into a tray, which positions the product at an opening which permits its withdrawal by the user.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A bill acceptor for a gaming machine including a receiving zone for receiving a tendered bill. A sensing device is arranged at an input region of the receiving zone for sensing at least one characteristic of the bill. A controller is in communication with the sensing device for receiving an output signal from the sensing device. An annunciator is controlled by the controller to be activated when a bill acceptance rate of the controller drops below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trolley comprising an element for holding and releasing a token, said element comprising a sensor that detects whether the trolley comprising the element for holding and releasing the token is pushed inside another trolley. If this is the case, the element for holding and releasing the token activates the immobiliser and releases the token. In order to use the trolley, a token must be inserted into the element for holding and releasing the token, thus deactivating the immobiliser.

Abstract: When a thickness sensor detects a corner fold in a front end part of the paper sheet being carried, a light sensor checks whether a break exists or not in the front end part. When there is no break, it means the thickness sensor does not detect a corner fold but a foreign matter such as a tape mending a break. When there is a break, it means the thickness sensor detects a corner fold in the front end part. When there is no corner fold, the light sensor checks the front end part. When there is a break, it means there is a corner break but no corner fold in the front end part. When there is no break, it is a normal state. Regarding the back end part, a corner fold is detected in similarly to the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.

Abstract: Variably printed media units from an uninterrupted supply are dispensed from vending machines in association with the dispensing of products or services from the machines. The media units, which can take a variety of forms including coupons, vouchers, tickets, collector cards, game pieces, pull tabs, stickers, and web decoders, promote the sales of products or services from the vending machines or other preferably local sales outlets.

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.

Abstract: Detection and deterrence of counterfeiting permits one to make legitimate color copies without introducing visual artifacts or experiencing substantial processing delays. An efficient counterfeit deterrence is enabled by the use of an hierarchic detection scheme, in which the majority of documents are classified as free of suspicion using a simple characteristic color detection algorithm that imposes a negligible computational burden. The remainder of documents, which are labeled as suspicious, receive analysis by a block-based morphologic detection algorithm and then possibly other additional detection algorithms. If the suspicious document is identified as being a secure document, this will lead to printing with selectively deteriorated service or complete denial of service. For one embodiment, a seal having characteristic color, size, shape and radial density profile is incorporated into the design of frequently counterfeited documents.

Abstract: A currency and coupon acceptor particularly adapted for the gaming industry is presented. A validator is provided within a housing and is adapted for determining the authenticity and associated value of paper currencies and coupons tendered thereto. A stacker is received within the housing for receiving and maintaining currencies and coupons determined to be valid. A tray of blank coupons is also provided in association with a printer that generates coupons for dispensing from the acceptor. The validator verifies that the printing of the coupons has been accurately undertaken and, if so, the coupons are dispensed by the acceptor and, if not, the coupons are voided by the printer and passed to the stacker. The invention contemplates various configurations in which the tray of blank coupons may be positioned beneath the validator, above the validator, or pivotally behind the stacker.

Abstract: A rental system contains a plurality of rental digital cameras, and comprises a rental-item providing machine which provides users with digital cameras, respectively, and a management center which manages the digital cameras. The rental-item providing machine makes a credit inquiry about the users. The rental-item providing machine provides the users with the respective digital cameras, in accordance with a result of the credit inquiry. The rental-item providing machine sends identification information for identifying each of the contained digital cameras, to the management center. The management center manages the digital cameras, using the identification information sent from the rental-item providing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus including a secure kiosk capable of containing products and a consumer access device to unlock and retrieve a product from the kiosk is disclosed.

Abstract: Machine readable data is digitally watermarked into banknotes by slight alterations to ink color, density, distribution, etc., or by texturing the microtopology of the banknote surface. Such watermarking can be optically sensed and detected by scanners, photocopiers, or printers. In response, such devices can intervene to prevent banknote reproduction. This arrangement addresses various problems, e.g., the use of digital image editing tools to circumvent prior art banknote anti-copy systems. In some embodiments, visible structures characteristic of banknotes are also detected (e.g. by pattern recognition analysis of image data), and reproduction can be halted if either the visible structures or the digital watermark data are detected. In other embodiments, automatic teller machines that accept, as well as dispense, banknotes can check for the presence of digitally watermarked data to help confirm the authenticity of banknotes input to the machines.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine is configured to selectively accept bulk fed containers, the machine including an in-feed station with an in-feed door and a hopper accessible via the in-feed door, the hopper having a first mouth which is open when the in-feed door is in an open orientation and closed when the in-feed door is in a closed orientation. The in-feed door has a second mouth, which is smaller than the first mouth, and which remains open regardless of in-feed door orientation. The in-feed station thus is configured to simultaneously freely receive multiple disarrayed containers through the first mouth when the in-feed door is in the open orientation and is configured to receive containers through the second mouth when the in-feed door is in the closed orientation.

Abstract: The installation comprises at least one pair of adjacent spaces, one (1) for full cylinders, and the other (2) for empty cylinders, each accessible through a door that is openable by presentation of a reader for admission to the space after validating by reading a first identification at a common identification station provided with a printer. Each space (1; 2) comprises racks (6) of opposite seats, observed by facing cameras (10, 10′) permitting carrying out a continuous surveillance of available stocks.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring pollution generated by motor vehicles in an urban area, said area being equipped with a plurality of items of street furniture, each of which is provided with data acquisition and processing means (11, 21) for acquiring and processing data, and with communication means (12, 22) for communicating the data to a central site (30). The monitoring apparatus includes at least one item of street furniture (10, 20) further provided with at least one detector (13, 23) for detecting a magnitude characteristic of pollution, and suitable for delivering a measurement of said magnitude to the data acquisition and processing means (11, 21).

Abstract: A deposit lock for interconnection of shopping or luggage trolleys or the like, having a housing attachable to the shopping trolley and having on one side an opening for inserting a coupling member and on the other side a opening for inserting a coin and/or a card. An inside of said housing has a holding device for fixing the coupling member in position and a receiving device for secure enclosure of the inserted coin or card, and a release mechanism which releases the coupling member when the coin or card is inserted, and releases the coin or card when the coupling member is inserted.

Abstract: A token for use with a token operated device includes a plurality of predetermined optical characteristics. The plurality of predetermined optical characteristics are disposed in a substantially radially symmetrical manner with respect to the token, and each of the optical characteristics have the property of a facet wherein an effective surface normal of said facet is a line along a predetermined vector angle with an elevational angle ranging preferably between 30.degree. and 60.degree.. An azimuthal angle of the facet surface is other than substantially along a radial line of the token or substantially along a line tangent to an annular ring centered on the token such that a token operated device can validate the predetermined optical characteristics substantially independent of token orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking shopping carts together in nested series at a cart parking station comprising mechanism adapted to be mounted on the handle of a cart adapted for releasably locking therein a latch bar on a tether which is attached to the next cart in the nested series, and a method of utilization of the apparatus for encouraging cart return by customers of the establishment using carts with the apparatus. A first phase of the invention involves an arrangement of a slide thereof and a slide-biasing spring for size reduction. A second phase involves an arrangement for mounting the mechanism on the handle of a cart with the slide extending either longitudinally or transversely of the handle. A third phase involves an arrangement for utilization of the mechanism either as a check-controlled mechanism or in the stated method.

Abstract: A transport cart which can be stacked in a column with other carts is equipped with a deposit lock for uncoupling it in return for a deposit token and for coupling it up again in exchange for returning the deposit token. For moving the cart, it is provided at its rear end with a handle bar extending transversely between lateral supporting arms with handle caps standing at either end. The token device housing is formed in one piece laterally directly on one side of one of the handle caps and is provided on its opposite side with a receptacle for the correspondingly shortened handle bar.

Abstract: A device for conveying, lifting and rotating containers (521; 522; 523), (510) are conveyed in lying position past a detector (515) in order to inspect characteristic data regarding the containers, and means (124; 538) which, on the basis of such data, determines how the containers are to be handled. Along a first and a second longitudinal side (510'; 510") of the conveyor (510) there are provided respectively a first and a second rotatable roll (511, 512), wherein the rolls can be made to rotate with the aid of respective first and second roll driving motors (513, 514) about their longitudinal axis in the same direction of rotation.

Abstract: A card sensor to operate the entry shutter (120) of an ATM 50 as a magnetic sensor (118) in a well (116) on the lower surface of an entry slot (110). A pair of inverted U-shaped springs (134) project into the slot (110) beyond the sensor (118). When a card (113) complying with ISO standard 7810 is inserted into the slot, the springs (134) are compressed, the magnetic stripe (132) on the card (130) contacts the sensor (118), and the shutter (120) is opened. If a thinner card, such as a telephone card or a public transport ticket (140), is inserted into the slot, the springs (134) are compressed insufficiently for any magnetic stripe (142) on the card to contact the sensor (118).

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary coin mechanism in which the mechanism is provided with a boss which projects into the rotational path of the token. The boss allows rotation of the token carrier only if a token seated in the token receptacle is provided with a recess or groove complimentary to the boss and configured to approximate the rotational path of the token. In the preferred embodiment the groove has a first portion which is in line with the boss and a second portion which is offset from the first portion and connected thereto by a cam surface. As the token cycles past the boss, the boss passes from the first portion into the second portion of the groove and lifts the token within the token receptacle at the perimeter measuring point, so that only if the second portion of the groove is precisely positioned in the face of the token will the perimeter measuring device allow the token to pass.

Abstract: The invention relates to an empty bottle collector with an intake chamber (14) for empty bottles (16) and a carriage (20) as an interchangeable store (22). To simplify operations when the interchangeable store (22) is being filled and emptied, the empty bottle store (22) is accessible from the stationary intake chamber (14) via a closable aperture (38) transverse to the intake aperture (11). In addition, there is a conveyor with a transverse slide (68) movable to and fro transversely to the intake direction through the intake chamber (14) towards the aperture (38). The bottles are sorted via a sensor slide (44) movable to and fro in the intake direction crossing the path of the transverse slide (68) in the region of the intake chamber and fitted with sensors (48) for contactlessly scanning the shape of the bottle.

Abstract: A method for encrypting bill validation data generated by a bill validator is disclosed. Such data includes an inserted bill's denomination and country of origin as determined by sensors in the bill validator. Once such information is obtained, it is encrypted by combination with an encryption key selected from a table of such keys. The encrypted data is then communicated to a machine associated with the bill validator such as a gaming or vending machine. Upon receipt, the machine decrypts the data to obtain the original bill validation data. If the machine finds the denomination and issuing country of the inserted bill to be acceptable, the machine instructs the bill validator to accept the bill and store it in a bill repository.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of a material, such as composition and/or color, has an electromagnetic radiation source having a first amount of circular polarization. The electromagnetic radiation from the source has the capability of passing through the material. A processor determines the characteristic of the material based on changes in the electromagnetic radiation caused by passing through the material. Changes in electromagnetic radiation include changes in rotation. Additionally, the processor may determine what, if any, electromagnetic radiation was blocked by the material and the amplitude of the electromagnetic radiation passing through the material.