Abstract: A loading object putting apparatus (a, b, c, d, and e) puts a loading object (e) in mouth by movement of jaw. The loading object putting apparatus (a, b, c, d, e) includes a headgear (a), an arm connecting means (b), an arm (c), a lever apparatus (d) rocked by a jaw, and the loading object (e).

Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthesis configuration and method for treating acquired flatfoot. The assembly includes a longitudinal piece extending into two foot bones. The piece is positioned such that a maximum force, in the piece, is a tension force when the foot is under a standing load. The piece may be a flexible cable, for example.

Abstract: A store system for a commercial system with multiple products. The store system includes multiple register stations. Each register station includes a bar code reader that generates a first signal identifying a product selected by a customer, a register computer, and a cable that transfers the first signal to the register computer. Each register station is associated with a respective second computer that sends a second signal to the register computer. A cable transfers the first signal to the second computer. The register computer includes logic that determines a total amount due from the customer, by receiving the first and second signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the second computer interfaces to a customer card that stores discount information.

Abstract: A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a “smart card”, product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods employing a portable card to configure a commercial system. An exemplary system acts to read from the card at a first location in the store, to process a signal corresponding to a first promotion set stored on the card. The exemplary system also acts to read from the card at a second location in the store, to process a signal corresponding to a second promotion set stored on the card.

Abstract: A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a “smart card”, product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Abstract: A system and method employing portable cards, carried by consumers, to monitor a commercial system. In one exemplary embodiment, when a consumer uses a card at a vending machine, the vending machine may write data, reflecting a condition of the vending machine, onto the card. Subsequently, when the consumer uses the card at another machine, the other machine may read the condition data from the card.

Abstract: A clock display having two linear parts. The first part has 6 positions for indicating the hours 1-6. Hour indications on the second part progress toward the position for hour 1 on the first part.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. A card-dispensing kiosk collects information from a customer and subsequently issues a “smart card” for storing electronic coupons. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC product data corresponds to coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.

Abstract: An artificial respirator employs rotating chambers to modulate pressure from a unidirectional fluid source. The chambers are defined by a core rotating in a shell. The core includes an internal divider and a back wall. The core also includes a shaft coupled to a motor. The motor is mounted on the shell via screws.

Abstract: A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a “smart card”, product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Abstract: A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a "smart card", product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data snatches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Abstract: A system for creating, dispensing, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a "smart card", product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, and a checkout station in the checkout area. To create an electronic coupon, the customer inserts the card into the product station adjacent to an product the customer wishes to purchase, and the product station then writes an electronic coupon onto the card. The customer thus shops throughout the store collecting electronic coupons for products of interest. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches data stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon. Periodically, the electronic coupon data is transferred to a remote clearing house.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and redeeming the electronic discount coupons. The system includes a personal computer (PC) having hardware and software for receiving an electronic coupon from the system of computer networks, translating the received coupon into a binary format, and sending the binary-formatted coupon to a card-writing device. The card-writing device writes the coupon data onto a portable customer card ("smart card") approximately the size of a credit card. Subsequently, the customer goes to the store with the card. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, the customer is credited with the value of a coupon when UPC data from a bar code reader corresponds to a coupon stored on the card.

Abstract: A system for auditing coupon distribution in a retail store. The system includes a plurality of retail stores, each having a coupon-dispensing unit for writing electronic coupons onto portable IC cards carried by each customer. To audit the system, store personnel insert an auditing card into the coupon-dispensing units, to collect the dates and recipients of coupon-dispensing transactions.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and redeeming the electronic discount coupons. The system includes a personal computer (PC) having hardware and software for receiving an electronic coupon from the system of computer networks, translating the received coupon into a binary format, and sending the binary-formatted coupon to a card-writing device. The card-writing device writes the coupon data onto a portable customer card ("smart card") approximately the size of a credit card. Subsequently, the customer goes to the store with the card. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, the customer is credited with the value of a coupon when UPC data from a bar code reader corresponds to a coupon stored on the card.

Abstract: A food cooking assembly, restaurant system and restaurant methods. The food cooking assembly and system act to lift food from a cooking medium, such as frying oil or boiling water. The assembly and system are reliable and easy to maintain. The system may be implemented with a retrofit to an existing cooking device.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. A card-dispensing collects information from a customer and subsequently issues a "smart card" for storing electronic coupons. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC product data corresponds to coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.

Abstract: A programmable circuit assembly and methods for high bandwidth data processing. The assembly includes an array of in-circuit programmable logic packages interconnected with an array of memory packages, allowing for elastic buffering of data in a variety of directions. Each programmable package includes package leads, a memory, and output drivers. Each output driver is connected to a respective package lead, which is configured to generate a logic function defined by programming data stored in the memory. A method includes storing programming data for operating the assembly to send signals on different paths between a programmable package and a memory package.

Abstract: A system for displaying, and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. The system includes a "smart card", product stations adjacent to selected products in the store, a display kiosk, and a checkout station in the checkout area. The customer may comes to the store with the card loaded with electronic coupons. At any time, the customer may insert the card in a display kiosk to view the coupons stored on the card. The display kiosk both displays a video image for each coupon on the card or prints a shopping list for items in the store corresponding to coupons on the card. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC data matches coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.