Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for the positive identification of an individual wishing to undertake a financial transaction over a telecommunication medium. Financial, fingerprint and image data of an individual are encrypted and stored on a smart card. A person offering the card for a financial transaction has a fingerprint taken from which an encryption key is determined and used to decrypt the fingerprint and image data held on the card. If the fingerprint data obtained from the person matches the fingerprint data of the individual stored on the card, then the image stored on the card is displayed for further identification of the person. Devices are described which enable this identification method to be used in conjunction with an EFTPOS terminal or similar.

Abstract: A recoil module is provided for use in toy airplanes or other suitable devices. The recoil module includes an outer shell including an outer surface and an interior cavity within the shell. A recoil spool is retained within the cavity of the shell and is supported on an elastic band that spans the interior cavity of the shell. The elastic band is held fixed at its opposed ends by the shell. A pull cord is affixed to a portion of the spool and has an end extending through the shell to the outer surface. The pull cord has a free end that can be grasped to extend the pull cord from the shell and store potential energy in the elastic band. When released, the pull cord retracts back to the interior cavity of the shell. The module shell and the recoil spool can each be constructed for easy snap together assembly. The recoil module can be installed on a toy requiring or benefitting from its use. A recoil device is also disclosed that can be integrated into a toy or other object such as a toy glider airplane.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a game surface, a game piece which is movable on the game surface, a pair of striker assemblies for moving the game piece on the game surface and a fence assembly which cooperates with the striker assemblies for retaining the game piece within a confined area on the game surface. The striker assemblies are movable in both longitudinal and transverse directions on the game surface, and they are attached to movable sections of the fence assembly so that the confined playing area on the game surface is varied as the striker assemblies are moved during the course of game play.

Abstract: A filter assembly especially suitable for filtering swimming pool water includes an upright tank, and a flexible, cylindrical porous filter bag supported on star shaped core elements which are vertically spaced along a perforated outlet tube fixed centrally within the tank. Water normally flows through a filter media such as diatomaceous earth caked on the outside of the bag into the central tube and out of the tank back to the pool. When the bag becomes clogged by dirt trapped on the outer face of the filter cake, water flow is reversed for a short period of time to expand the bag suddenly and thereby release the dirt. The bag and filter media are regenerated periodically in this fashion to prolong the effective performance life of the filter.

Abstract: An improved nozzle for use with a tub, such as a redwood tub, having a side wall provided with an opening therethrough. The nozzle comprises a nozzle body receivable in the wall opening and having a main water-receiving bore therethrough. A flow control valve is in the main bore and is manually adjustable at the outlet end of the main bore. The nozzle body has a secondary bore provided with a one-way check valve therein. The secondary bore communicates with the main bore to allow air to pass into the water by suction to aerate the water as it flows into the tub. A flow regulator member is adjustably mounted on the nozzle body near the outlet end of the main bore for controlling the flow of air into the water flow. Several embodiments of the check valve are disclosed.