Abstract: A smart card reader includes a frame (102), a carriage (108) that can slide forwardly when pushed forwardly by the front end of an inserted smart card, and a double click mechanism (193) that latches the carriage in a forward position when pushed there by a card, until the card is pushed forward a second time, a spring then pushing the carriage rearwardly to partially reject the card. A cam follower (112) of the double click mechanism has a pivoted mount end (214) that is held with friction against free pivoting by the spring. The frame includes a rear body (104) with a pair of legs (118, 119) projecting forwardly from opposite sides and straddling the carriage and forming fixed stops (191, 193) on opposite sides of the carriage. The frame also includes a front body (106) attached to front ends of the legs and forming a middle cavity region that receives the carriage, spring, and cam follower.

Abstract: Direct metal deposition (DMD™), preferably closed-loop DMD, is used to deposit machine-readable codes onto articles with high accuracy, directly from digital data. In different embodiments, the substrate/layer combination may be tailored for improved wear resistance, thermal conductivity, density/hardness, corrosion and/or resistance to corrosion, oxidation or other environmental conditions. Alternatively, the layer(s) of material may be tailored to have specific properties custom-tailored to suit the application. To enhance throughput, code features may be fabricated using a robotic closed-loop DMD arrangement. In concert with the improvements made possible through the tailored outer layer(s), the method may further include the step of incorporating a third dimension by controlling the height of the deposit line in addition to the width.

Abstract: The present invention allows the use of low speed USB reader/connector to be use for full speed and high-speed transmission by introducing an accurate clock element into the smart card. In addition, the present invention eliminate the need of having a clock element in any USB compatible reader/connector, making the reader/connector a much simpler device that can be manufactured in a lower cost.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for a smart card may include a universal serial bus (USB) transceiver and a microprocessor connected to the USB transceiver and operable in a test mode and a user mode. The microprocessor, when in the test mode, upon receiving at least one test request from the USB host device may cause the USB transceiver to output test data, read back the test data from the USB transceiver, compare the test data with the test data read back from USB transceiver, and generate test results for the USB host device based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A voting system provides for a computer-prepared and computer-printed election ballot generated by input from the voter, and provides for auto-verification whereby the voter has the opportunity and the responsibility to inspect the computer-printed ballot with his or her votes. The voting system also provides for correction of the votes of the voter in the computer station and correction of the votes of the voter shown on the printed ballot if such votes are not shown on the printed ballot as intended by the voter. Ultimately, the voter is presented with a printed ballot prepared by the voting station and its connected printer which accurately presents the votes of the voter for submission by the voter for final tabulation.

Abstract: In a system and method for securely storing and controlling the dispensing of a payout, the system includes a payout dispenser for securely storing and dispensing a payout, and a terminal for controlling the dispensing of the payout and for interfacing with an attendant in connection with the payout. The system further includes a network for interconnecting the payout dispenser and the terminal. The system may also include a device for indicating a payout payable responsive to the input of a person to whom the payout is payable, wherein the payout indicating device may be connected to the payout dispenser and the terminal by a network. The system may further include a device for enabling the dispensing of a payout breakage amount which is the difference between the payout in a payout dispenser denomination and the payment to be paid out.

Abstract: A payment method in public telecommunications systems uses pre-paid chip cards whose value management and communication is entirely controlled by a background system. A provider gives the chip a definite identification number of identification characteristic(s). A value is assigned to the identification characteristic(s), but not saved on the chip. The value and identification characteristic(s) are made available for a background system via a communications channel and saved in a databank in the communications channel. Label “not cleared” is provided to the identification characteristic(s), and is cancellable by the databank just before the card is sold, making the value ready for debiting. When used, only the identification characteristics are read out from the card to forward the identification characteristic to the background system and request a debit.

Abstract: A system where boxes (12) move along a conveyor belt and a bar code scanner reads bar codes (20) on the boxes and detects the presence of a box (with or without a readable barcode), which facilitates establishing a box detector that detects the leading edge of a box. The bar code scanner has a scanning laser beam source (30) that directs a scanning laser beam (32) at the path of bar codes on the boxes, and a sensor (44) that detects reflections of the laser beam, so the output from the sensor can be used by a bar code reader (52) to read bar codes. Instead of setting up a separate box detector, the output from the laser reflection sensor is delivered to a container detecting circuit (102) that uses the output of the laser reflection sensor to detect the leading edge of the box.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring funds are disclosed that utilize a transfer card issued to a sender that enables the sender to transfer funds at independent host locations. The transfer card is encoded with information about the sender and the intended receiver so that transfer forms are not required for each transaction. The receiver obtains the funds via a distribution center, wherein the personal identity of the receiver is verified before the funds are distributed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for facilitating financial transactions including a device configured to interface with a multi-use card, using information from a multi-use card to access a database that includes account information for accounts at multiple financial institutions, presenting the associated account information to a user, accepting a selection from the user of a selected account and posting the charges onto the selected account.

Abstract: A system for managing dynamic situations of wastes and waste transporting vehicles using barcodes comprises a unit for measuring a position of each of the waste transporting vehicles, and a unit for monitoring a transport route of each vehicle based on the measured position. When the measuring unit measures the position of the waste transporting vehicle, the monitoring means monitors the transport route of the vehicle based on the measured position, thereby managing the transport route of the vehicle and arrival to a disposal site in real time in a centralized manner.

Abstract: An automated insertion/retrieval device for card reading device testing includes a housing assembly whose back face is coupled to a shaft of an air cylinder. Coupled to the side faces of the housing assembly are upper and lower gripper roller assemblies. As the test card is expelled from a card reading device, it is gripped by the gripper roller assemblies, activating a microswitch and supplying air to the air cylinder. The shaft retracts and moves the housing assembly away from the card reading device until the test card abuts a stationary card bumper, causing the test card to shift in position toward the card reading device, deactivating the microswitch and turning off the air supply to the air cylinder.

Abstract: A caddy receivably retains a two-way messaging pager. The caddy has a connector for power and data transfer between the pager and caddy. The caddy can also be equipped with a magnetic strip card reader. This enables remote transactions using a magnetic strip card such as a credit card or debit card. The caddy has serial bus ports for attaching the caddy to peripheral devices such as printers and taxi fare meters.

Abstract: A data carrier (1) for contactless communication with a communication station has a substrate (2) and a communication resonant circuit (3) connected to the substrate (2) and consisting of a communication coil (4) and of a capacitor configuration (6) and having a resonant frequency (fR) which should have a nominal value, changing unit (9) for changing the resonant frequency (fR) being provided, which changing unit enable the resonant frequency (fR) to be changed from an initial value both to higher frequency values and to lower frequency values.

Abstract: In a method of recording and managing information, information is written on a product using a handheld writing device, the handwritten information being recorded electronically and at least partly communicated in a communication network. Moreover, the user writes by means of the writing device a command which is recorded electronically and which qualifies the managing of the electronically recorded information in the communication network. A system for information management, a server unit in such a system, a computer program for information management and a product are also described.

Abstract: An identification method and equipment, especially for airports and like controlled access facilities acquires an image of the face of an individual in a limited region including the eyes and nose and generates data representing a compression of that image and which can be stored in a data base and on a chip. A boarding pass and a baggage tag can each be on a respective chip, the compressed facial data of which can be compared with a data base to verify the individual and his or her baggage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method allowing customers to conduct a remote banking transaction at a fuel dispenser, including obtaining cash in association with the transaction at the dispenser or a common terminal in the dispenser forecourt. The system may include a cash dispenser at the dispenser, fueling position, or the central terminal, or, alternatively, a delivery system configured to deliver cash from a central location to the customer at the dispenser, fueling position, or central terminal. During a transaction for purchasing fuel or other products associated with the service station, a customer is provided an opportunity to conduct a remote banking transaction. Providing a customer the opportunity to conduct such a transaction in association with a dispenser transaction will attract more customers to the station because of convenience as well as provide customers with more disposable cash to spend at the associated quickserve restaurants and convenience store.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enabling a first user to record in a computer system, using a business card of a second user, an electronic mail address of the second user, the business card including coded data indicative of the identity of the business card and of at least one reference point of the business card, the method including the steps of: receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the business card and a position of the sensing device relative to the business card, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the business card, sensing the indicating data using at least some of the coded data; identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data a request to record the electronic mail address of the second user; and recording, in the computer system at a location accessible to the first user, the electronic mail address of the second user.

Abstract: An automatic teller system and a method of operating the system wherein the system can receive a personalized normal PIN or duress PIN from a user. If the user enters the duress PIN, the system determines that it is a duress PIN and actuates a silent alarm to notify authorities of the possible crime. The system will then simulate a normal transaction, perhaps with a reduced maximum withdrawal amount, so as to not alert a thief or potential thief that the alarm has been actuated, while dispensing bills marked with special ink that is visible only when viewed under special light. Also, the serial numbers of the bills dispensed under duress are recorded by the automatic teller system and automatically communicated to authorities. Under duress conditions, it is preferable that the monitoring of the ATM be enhanced.

Abstract: A handheld, pen-like colorimeter for measuring the color of an object is provided. The invention includes three light sensors, each of which detects a separate primary color. A microprocessor in the colorimeter calculates a single composite color value from the three separate color measurements from the light sensors and then compares the composite color value with a list of color values, wherein each value corresponds to a unique color name. The colorimeter selects the color name that matches the composite color value of the object presents the color name to a user, using a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an audio speaker. Another embodiment of the present invention uses lasers emitting primary colors, rather than passive light sensors. The lasers shine on an object one at a time, and the reflected laser light from the three lasers is detected by a special light sensor. The three color measurements are then combined to produce a composite value, similar to the first embodiment.