Abstract: A power sharing system employs an easily installed power share module for controlling the operation of an EVSE for charging an electric vehicle. The power module senses the power load of an appliance or of a service line to a remote residential unit and transmits a command signal to the EVSE. The power control module is configurable to transmit an on/off signal to the EVSE or a control level signal to the EVSE for controlling the charging by the EVSE in accordance with the available power due to the load of the appliance or the service line load.

Abstract: A quick pass exit/entrance installation and method is particularly adaptable for controlling and monitoring the exit and return of vehicles to and from a secured area. The identification of the driver and the vehicle is automatically determined and the exiting transaction is undertaken while the driver remains seated in the vehicle. The vehicle VIN and the image of the license plate may be automatically obtained at both the exit and entrance lanes. An image of substantially all four sides of the vehicle may be automatically obtained on both exiting and entering the facility. The information is processed and receipts are issued while the driver remains seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: A kiosk has a transaction terminal which is suspended between a pair of uprights. A cover is rotatably positionable between a closed position and an opened position to allow access to said terminal. The cover has a transparent, arcuate hood-like shape. The cover is maintainable in a stable opened position and is automatically returnable to the closed position. A solar array and/or communication equipment may be located above the transaction terminal.

Abstract: A service line safety monitor which may be configured as a separate module or incorporated into an EVSE is adapted to monitor the connection with the service line to determine whether there is a defect in the connection. The module preferably employs a current transformer to determine a no-load and a load applied to the EVSE. Comparisons are made to determine whether there is a power loss. In the event of a power loss beyond a safe limit, the monitor disconnects the EVSE from the service line. A warning indicator is also employed.

Abstract: A scanner module is constructed for use in a high impact, high usage environment. The industrial scanner employs a substantially box-like enclosure with an integral handle extending from a bottom portion forming an elongated slot. A scanner window is located in one panel of the enclosure and cushioning materials disposed in the enclosure for providing heavy-duty impact resistance. An externally accessible keyboard display window and a display assembly is employed at a frontal portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of providing secure identification for an article, including: providing on the article a diffraction grating strip including a pattern of a series of diffraction grating elements, each the diffraction grating element to diffract light, from a light source, in one of at least three selected different planes; serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating first information representative of the changes in plane; storing the first information representative of the changes in plane; subsequently, serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating second information representative of the changes in plane; and then, comparing the first and second information to determine the authenticity or not of the article.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of providing secure identification for an article, including: providing on the article a diffraction grating strip including a pattern of a series of diffraction grating elements, each the diffraction grating element to diffract light, from a light source, in one of at least three selected different planes; serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating first information representative of the changes in plane; storing the first information representative of the changes in plane; subsequently, serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating second information representative of the changes in plane; and then, comparing the first and second information to determine the authenticity or not of the article.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of producing embossed first and second elongate, edgewise side by side, repeating, optical patterns on a sheet for use in producing secure identification means, the method comprising: continuously embossing the first and second optical patterns on the sheet, such that the first and second patterns repeat at different rates, so that the first pattern will "walk" with respect to the second pattern.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of of of determining if a compound diffraction grating has been forged, the compound diffraction grating including a plurality of diffraction grating elements of different types, the compound diffraction grating being read by serially detecting light diffracted by the diffraction grating elements, including: determining the amplitude of diffracted light signals as the compound diffraction grating is being read; and determining that the compound diffraction grating is forged if the amplitude is below a selected threshold level. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method determining if such a diffraction grating has been forged, the method including: measuring the number of transitions between diffraction grating elements across the strip; and comparing the number with a pre-recorded number of the transitions and determining that the diffraction grating strip has been forged if the numbers are not the same.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a memory device for insertion and retention in a hole defined in a planar identification card having upper and lower surfaces, the memory device comprising: electronic circuitry disposed in a cylindrical housing having upper and lower surfaces; the housing being held substantially within the hole after being snapped thereinto; and the housing having a total height substantially the same as the thickness of the card. In a further aspect of the invention, electronic circuitry in the housing is accessible by temporary attachment to an electronic terminal, the electronic circuitry being powered by a charged capacitor, the capacitor being adapted to be charged by the terminal with a charge sufficient to power the electronic circuitry for only a selected period of time. The capacitor may be charged over a communication line to the memory device. The memory may be disabled if a use limitation stored therein is exceeded.

Abstract: There is provided, in one preferred embodiment, a bar code reader which has a variable scan angle, with the amplitude of the scan angle initially being relatively small and then increasing in magnitude until a bar code is read. As the amplitude of the scan angle increases, the scan frequency is decreased, thereby keeping the scan rate across the bar code relatively constant. Consequently, for example, a high-density bar code may be read at either a close distance or a far distance without sacrificing resolution. Additionally, the reading of a selected bar code in the presence of other, closely-spaced bar codes is facilitated. In another preferred embodiment, the scan frequency is held constant and the clock rate in the bar code reader is increased with increasing amplitude of the scanning angle.