Abstract: A method of enabling subsequent validation of an item having a data tag. Data may be read from a tag using an electronic reader. A readable marker, such as a barcode, may be selected from a plurality of different readable markers and applied in proximity to the tag. An association request can be created and communicated to a database, where the association request comprises data from the tag and data relating to the selected readable marker, so that the database may use data from the association request for subsequent validation of the tag. An authentication database for recording an association between a data tag and a readable marker applied to an item carrying that data tag are also described.

Abstract: An application or print driver on a point-of-sale terminal determines the break point of a transaction record to be printed on two sides of media. The print data is sent to the printer in a particular amount of print data for print on the front side followed by a particular amount of print data for print on the back side. The application or print driver then alternates between the print data on the front and the print data on the back until the end of the transaction record is transmitted. When all print data for the front is transmitted, an end of front data indicator is sent. When all print data for the back is transmitted, an end of back data indicator is sent. When both indicators are sent, the printer is allowed to cut the transaction record.

Abstract: A cartridge is configured for slitting a mill roll in a slitting machine. The cartridge includes a first shaft mounted in bearings in a pair of endplates, with one end of the shaft having a driven yoke for rotation thereof. The first shaft includes a row of first circular blades spaced longitudinally by corresponding first spacers. A second shaft is pivotally mounted in the endplates, and is spaced parallel with the first shaft. A dovetail bar is fixedly joined to the second shaft parallel therewith. And, a row of blade holders are mounted along the dovetail bar, with each holder including a second circular blade aligned with a corresponding one of the first blades for cutting in shear a web unwound from the mill roll. The cartridge may be quickly replaced in the slitting machine for each production run thereof for alignment with cores on a corresponding arbor.

Abstract: A bar code includes a plurality of bar code elements arranged in an information-conveying arrangement. Each bar code element has a color selected from one of a group of colors in a painted pixel filter associated with a camera that will be used to read the bar code.