Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.

Abstract: A system to determine a product to be offered to a casino player based on player data and on an approximate maximum price for which the product may be sold through a retail channel. Advantageously, a potential increase in a casino's profit due to a product offer can be determined using the player data, and an approximate maximum profit attainable through sale of the product through a retail channel can be determined based on the determined price. As a result, a product to offer can be determined in a manner which maximizes casino profit.

Abstract: An integrated system for monitoring a deployed product on a movable platform, gathering data about the deployed product, and disseminating the data about the deployed product is disclosed. The system includes a server located on the movable platform capable of communication with the server from a remote location. The server communicates with a source of data about the deployed communicates with a source of data about the deployed product. The system further includes a portal onto which data gathered by the server may be downloaded and with which one can upload information to the server. The server may be mounted onto a housing of the deployed product and be electronically connected to a controller for the deployed product.

Abstract: Downloadable identification labels which are downloaded from a world wide computer network to a remote computer and printed on paper using a printer. Each label is printed with the contact information of a central lost and found registry and attached to one or more personal possessions. The labels can also be printed with an identification code, notification that a reward will be paid for a possession which is returned to the owner, sponsor advertising and a warning that the possession has been indelibly marked with identification indicia such as the internet address of the lost and found registry. The central lost and found registry stores, on a database, information about lost possessions and owner contact information as well as information about found possessions and finder's contact information. If a match is found between a lost possession and found possession the registry communicates the contact information of the finder to the owner so that the possession may be recovered by the owner.

Abstract: A system for the storage and retrieval of motor vehicle keys wherein the keys are mounted in a container to which is affixed a printed bar code label identifying the vehicle stock number, its color and model. The system includes a bar code reader and a plurality of vertically rotatable circular plates having a plurality of key storage locations around the periphery of each. A pick and place arm is driven by a central processing unit in response to either the bar code read upon insertion of a key to be stored or upon entry of data from a key pad by a user to either store a key in an assigned location or to retrieve a key from that storage location and deliver it to the user. The system also includes routines whereby reports may be prepared for management indicating the individuals who currently have keys outstanding and the number of times each individual has removed the keys for each particular vehicle over a period of time.

Abstract: A checking system is provided to check the condition of a plurality of storage racks, e.g., the quantity and types of articles in racks in a machine, with the articles being stored along the length of the racks. Rack indicating means is provided in the form of indicia adjacent each of the plurality of racks to identify a plurality of different types or brands of articles. Each of these rack indicating means is subdivided along the length of the respective rack into individual indicating means or indicia, and, as an example, may correspond to the numerical sequence of the respective adjacent article stored in the rack. Interrogation means is cooperable with the indicating means, and this may be a bar code reader to cooperate with bar code indicia to determine data from the rack and individual indicating means. As an example, this may be identifying the particular rack and the sequential number of the articles in the particular track at that instant.

Abstract: Method for processing mail enabling the mechanization of the folding of nstandardized documents. The method comprises fixing to the non-standardized document a support sheet whose format is standardized, bearing the address printed by a memory storing all the data relating to customers bearing code numbers.