Abstract: A system and method for compiling a service history for a machine. A transmitter is attached to a serviceable part for a machine. When the part is installed, the transmitter relays an identification which is received by a receiver preferably attached to the machine. A processor stores the identification and associated machine data to build the service history. The service history data may be relayed to a remote storage system for storage and display.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for processing of checks and includes a closed casing (1) having an opening defining a feed path (5) for the insertion of a check, and an optical scanner (3) for receiving a check fed into the casing (1) and recording data representing information on the face of the check. The apparatus includes a cancellation device (4) to cancel the check concurrently with the scanning and a communications device (2,9) for transmitting recorded data to a remote location. The invention is intended for distribution to end users, the drawees of checks, or as a component part of an automatic teller machine, such that a bank can trust that a digital check received from the apparatus via a communications network is as secure against being fraudulently deposited as if the check had been physically delivered in the conventional manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical device comprising an optical fiber including at least an integrated component, a support including two fixing zones wherein the optical fiber is fixed respectively at the two zones located on either side of the component. The invention is characterized in that the support comprises, between the two fixing zones, at least a linking beam capable of bending and the device further comprises means for imposing a controlled bending to the beam, adapted to adjust the distance between the two fixing zones.

Abstract: A stored value commerce system and method enabling the anonymous creation and usage of stored value accounts for purchase of goods and/or services, including the anonymous redemption of a value up to a maximum of the balance value associated with a stored value account.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing and later determining the distance between transitions from a first logical state to a second logical state stored on a medium, for example, a document. This determination is used to precisely characterize the information pattern in order to authenticate the information and the medium on which the information is stored. The invention uses a reader having a leading and trailing read apparatus, which allow information to be read simultaneously from two or more locations spaced a known distance apart. The distance between the center lines of each read apparatus is preferably an odd integer multiple of one half the distance between logical clock transitions. The distance between a first transition at the leading read apparatus and a next transition at the trailing read apparatus is used as a reference, hence given the term the “Reference Value”. The Reference Value is compared with the distance between the first transition and a second transition on the medium.

Abstract: In a data recording and reproducing method, data blocks are recorded in a storage unit. Priority levels each for one of the data blocks are set and stored. It is determined whether or not a vacant area of the storage unit is expected to be short. When the vacant area of the storage unit is expected to be short. The data blocks recorded in the storage unit are recompressed in accordance with the stored priority levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved optical switches in which only a spatial beam shifting of a small free space offset is required to direct optical pathways between plural fiber ports. This is achieved by spacing two fibers closely and collimating their beams with one imaging lens for compactness. Advantageously, the inventive switches incorporate beam correcting devices to render the beam propagations parallel, allowing light beams to be efficiently coupled into two fibers that share a single lens with substantially improved stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembling structure of a metal frame and an electric module for use in a liquid crystal display. The metal frame comprises an inside portion and a straight portion. The inside portion has a plurality of holes formed on a side of the metal frame. The electric module comprises a circuit board and at least one straight strip. The straight strip is mounted on a side of the circuit board. The straight strip has a plurality of hooks formed in positions corresponding to the holes. The hooks are adapted to be accommodated in the holes so as to assemble the electric module on the metal frame. Therefore, according to the invention, the electric module can be assembled easily on the metal frame. The grounding of the electric module electrically connects to the metal frame. The grounding characteristic of the electric module is good, and the circuits of the electric module work stably.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus includes means for moving a mirror in a back and forth motion such that the mirror scans the light reflected from an optical pattern and sequentially projects narrow segments of the reflected image onto a linear image sensor. The means for moving the mirror include a cantilever-like arm or plate having one end held stationary and the other end free to move. The mirror is connected to the end of the arm which is free to move. Selectively enabled driving means coupled to the arm causes it to vibrate and the mirror to sweep or scan across the reflected image of an optical pattern. As the mirror sweeps across the reflected image of the optical pattern it sequentially projects different segments of the optical pattern onto the linear image sensor until the entire optical pattern is projected onto the linear image sensor. The linear image sensor is operable at a high rate of speed and is sufficiently sensitive that it can sense numerous (e.g.

Abstract: A polarization diversity device for reducing a fading effect. The polarization diversity device for reducing a fading effect, which has a microstrip disk type of antenna for outputting a signal received from a first position, in the form of a field dipole polarized in a direction of X, and outputting a signal received from a second position perpendicular to the first position, in the form of a field dipole polarized in a direction of Y, a phase shifter for phase-shifting the signal received from the second position, thereby to set the signal having the most appropriate value to a fading environment of a corresponding channel, and a combiner for combining the signal received from the first position, with the signal outputted from the phase shifter.