Patents Examined by Jeffrey R. Filipek
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Patent number: 5859419Abstract: A universal financial data card for compiling and storing financial transaction records pertaining to a plurality of financial accounts. The financial transaction records are compiled from financial transaction data communicated between the universal financial data card and a card reader. The universal financial data card includes a memory circuit for storing holder data pertaining to a holder of the universal financial data card. The memory circuit further stores account data pertaining to the plurality of financial accounts and the financial transaction records pertaining to the plurality of financial accounts. Further, the universal financial data card includes a processor coupled to the memory circuit. There is also provided a data exchange circuit coupled to the processor.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Sol H. WynnInventor: Sol H. Wynn
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Patent number: 5844230Abstract: An improved information card having a plurality of information sets on a single, single piece card. The information card is in one preferred embodiment a single, single piece, plate member which is operable to contain two discrete sets of embossed information such as for two credit card accounts, each on a separate section of one side of the card. The information card also preferably includes two magnetic strips on the reverse side of the card, which may preferably correspond to the two sets of embossed information. In the method of the present invention, a conventional sized plate member is embossed to form two discrete information sections, with the indentations in the rear of the embossed characters optionally filled with a suitable compound before affixing two magnetic strips on the reverse side of the plastic member. In an alternative embodiment, the information card is a composite of two bonded plate members, each having an embossed section and a magnetic strip.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1995Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Michael G. Lalonde
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Patent number: 5777312Abstract: die based phased array laser scanner which utilizes electronically steerable beams. Beam steering may be utilized to control the scanner such that a phased delay in laser output produces an electronically steerable laser light source. It is possible to then preferentially control the laser light output spatial location since an an array driven at differing phases would constructively interact so as to provide a location of maximum intensity. The phased array laser light may then be utilized to read and decode indicia via a standard laser scanner means.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Norand CorporationInventor: George E. Hanson
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Patent number: 5703348Abstract: An optical code reader has of a reading window, a guide light source for guiding a two-dimensional code into a reading range outside the read window, an illumination light source for illuminating the two-dimensional code guided into the reading range, an optical system for focusing light reflected from the two-dimensional code illuminated by the illumination light source to form an image, an image sensor for sensing the image formed by the optical system, a read control circuit for reading the two-dimensional code on the basis of the sensed image, and a hand-held frame, having an opening which serves as the read window. The hand-held frame holds the guide light source, illumination light source, optical system, image sensor, and read control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TECInventors: Masashi Suzuki, Makoto Sugiyama
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Patent number: 5696367Abstract: An electric vehicle having a computer for controlling the charging of its battery includes a probe adapted to connect with a receptacle on a charging station which has a computer for controlling the charging voltage provided over the connection to the vehicle. In response to the vehicle announcing its presence with a broadcast signal, the charge station receptacle may be raised until it senses a laser signal presented by the vehicle to indicate alignment of the receptacle with the vehicle probe. The vehicle and station communicate over a current loop to establish battery type and voltage, method of payment and credit card number, as well as the cost basis for the power. When communications are complete, the system switches over to utilize the same connections for the charging current. The computers include stop modes which they rest in, and to which they return if performance of vehicle and station diagnostics (respectively) indicate inoperability or if other faults occur.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventor: Arlie L. Keith
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Patent number: 5691525Abstract: In a financial transaction data processing system, plural host computers maintained by banks and containing bank account information are interconnected by a communications network, and plural automated teller machines are connectable to the plural host computers. Portable data carriers are provided each containing a non-volatile memory for storing money balances. Also, at a wholesaler location or the like, a terminal device connectable to at least one of the host computers is provided. The portable data carriers are insertable into the automated teller machines to transfer money from a bank account to the portable data carrier inserted in the automated teller machine. Also, the portable data carriers are insertable into the terminal device to transfer money from the inserted portable data carrier to a memory of the terminal device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeo Aoki, Takuya Oka, Yukihiko Kimura
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Patent number: 5691530Abstract: A promotional system includes an envelope or sleeve, an article of currency and a label removably attached to the article of currency. The envelope or sleeve has a length less than that of the currency and a through opening in one face so that, when the article of currency is received within the envelope or sleeve, the portrait portion of the article of currency will register with the opening and part of the currency will project beyond the end of the envelope or sleeve. Either or both of the label and envelope or sleeve carries machine-readable indicia. Reading and display means are provided whereby the envelope or sleeve and/or the label may be read and a display actuated upon insertion into the reading means. An alternative embodiment includes a second opening in the one face of the envelope or sleeve positioned so as to overlie at least a portion of the inserted label. A further alternative embodiment includes just the article of currency, the indicia-bearing label and the reading and display means.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: S.G. Solitt & Associates, Inc.Inventor: Samuel G. Solitt
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Patent number: 5686717Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system having a laser scanner, and a multi-port digital signal decoder capable of decoding digital signals produced from various types of scanning devices including, for example, high-speed counter top scanners, low-speed hand-held scanners, wand scanners, light pen scanners, and magnetic card scanners. The digital signal decoder includes a plurality of data input ports for receiving digital input signals produced from the various scanning devices. The digital signal decoder also includes common digital signal and data processing circuitry for processing the digital input signals and digital data so as to produce, as output, decoded symbol data. In addition, the digital signal decoder further includes an output data port for providing the decoded symbol data to a host device operably connected to the digital signal decoder. In the illustrative embodiment, the digital signal decoder is realized using VLSI circuit and microprocessor technology.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Carl Harry Knowles, George Kolis
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Patent number: 5686714Abstract: A portable IC card reader for retrieving information from an IC card incorporating a semiconductor memory device and for displaying at least part of retrieved information. The portable IC card reader, which is of a size suitable to fit in a clothes pocket, a bag, or the like, includes a housing having a display portion provided on a part of the housing for displaying at least part of the retrieved information, and incorporating a controller. The housing further includes, at least at a part of the surface thereof, an IC card insert port through which the IC card is inserted and an IC card accommodating unit extending straight from the IC card insert port to an opposite side of the housing. The housing further includes a foreign-matter ejection exit formed by extending the IC card accommodating unit and opening at the opposite side of the integrated-circuit card insert port.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yuhei Abe, Takashi Azumi
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Patent number: 5684291Abstract: A prepaid transaction instrument, such as a prepaid telephone card, comprises an identification code for use by a consumer in gaining access to a prepaid telephone account associated with the identification code and a replacement code related to the identification code according to a secret relationship maintained by the issuer of the card. The replacement code may be printed on a separate and distinct document from the identification code or may be printed on the same document as the identification code, but on a separable portion of the document. If the consumer loses the prepaid card, the issuer of the prepaid card issues a replacement card to the consumer when provided with the replacement code by the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: American Express TRSInventor: John M. Taskett
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Patent number: 5684288Abstract: If each part information, such as a product, a measure, a routine, a text portion etc. in an information handling system is given a bar code (2), and if these items of part information are stored in clear (3) together with their bar codes in bar code tables (1) and in the computers (6) included in the system, simple and rational registering, transferring and storing of information can be carried out as follows. Selected items of part information which together form information to be registered, transferred and stored, are registered in that the corresponding bar codes are read by means of a bar code reader (4) and are entered into a computer (6). The computer is caused to print the inputted bar codes and the corresponding items of part information in clear on a sheet of paper (8).Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Inventor: Henrik Gerhard Renvall
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Patent number: 5682028Abstract: In order to decode from electrical signals derived by a photodetector which responds to the light returned from the relatively less reflective (black) bars of the code and relatively more reflective (white) bars (also known as spaces), these signals must be digitized into a digital data signal where the black and white bars are represented by opposite logic levels, (for example logic high voltage levels representing the black bars, and logic low voltage levels representing the white bars). The high logic levels are pulses which are separated in time by the low logic levels. A cascade of amplifiers is used to amplify the bar code signal from the photo detector. An amplifier having a logarithmic signal compression characteristic is included in the cascade, preferably after an amplifier which serves to differentiate the signal. The amplified signal is applied to a digitizer including a comparator which is sensitive only to the leading edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1994Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: PSC Inc.Inventor: Edward P. Coleman
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Patent number: 5682030Abstract: A new technology in bar code scanning and digitizing is provided where a bar code within a composite video signal may be detected and decoded. In a preferred embodiment, the composite video signal is converted into a form suitable for providing to a bar code decoder, in order that any bar code within the video signal may be decoded by the decoder. The output of the bar code decoder may thereafter be provided to, for example, a computer for the further processing. For purposes of the present invention, the composite video signal which is decoded may be generated by a video camera, a video tape recorder, a television signal, or any other source which generates such a video signal. A sampling of the multitude of possible applications of the present invention is also provided, whereby bar codes detected by, for example, video cameras in different environments may be decoded and processed by a computer.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventor: Daniel George Kubon
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Patent number: 5679945Abstract: An intelligent card reader is provided to replace existing magnetic stripe readers, bar code readers, and Wiegand effect readers without the need for expensive retrofitting of existing computer systems which are coupled to the existing readers. The intelligent card reader can replace the aforementioned readers and yet remain compatible with their existing interfaces by emulating a magnetic card reader, a Wiegand effect reader, or a bar code reader. Moreover, the card reader can accept smart cards having different functions and/or software interfacing techniques, thus allowing different types of smart cards can be used in the same reader. A reprogramming feature allows the unit to be easily reprogrammed to support new features and smart card types without rewiring or removing the unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Cybermark, L.L.C.Inventors: G. Fred Renner, Randall E. Johnson, Caroline Chu-Jenq
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Patent number: 5672858Abstract: A scanning device for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity, including bar code or matrix array symbols, has a single light emitter, such as a laser or light emitting diode, for generating a scanning light beam to visually illuminate sequential portions of the indicia. A sensor, such as a charge coupled or other solid state imaging device, simultaneously detects light reflected from portions of the indicia and generates an electrical signal representative of the spacial intensity variations the portions of the indicia. The scanning device may also include an ambient light sensor, and a second light emitter for use only in aiming or orienting the scanning device. A photodetector may also be provided to separately detect one symbol virtually simultaneous with the detection of another symbol by the sensor or to provide dual modalities. A method for reading indicia is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Symbol Technologies Inc.Inventors: Yajun Li, Joseph Katz, Jerome Swartz, Daniel McGlynn
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Patent number: 5670770Abstract: The invention provides a portable terminal apparatus for use to read information from an object of reading such as a bar code and process the information, which is improved in that a trigger key of an optical reading unit is located so as to be used readily by an operator to assure a high degree of operability. The portable terminal apparatus includes an apparatus body, an inputting section provided on the apparatus body for inputting processing information including data and an operation instruction, and an optical reading unit mounted on the apparatus body for irradiating light upon a reading object and receiving reflected light from the reading object to obtain read information of the reading object. The portable terminal apparatus is additionally provided with a reading function as the optical reading unit is mounted integrally on the apparatus body.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Maki Miyata, Akihiko Iura, Akio Murata
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Patent number: 5670772Abstract: An IC card having two coupling coils, two rectifier circuits, internal circuits, a voltage-adjusting circuit, a reset-signal generating circuit, and a wave-selecting circuit. The coils receives two carrier waves which are shifted in phase by 90.degree.. The rectifier circuits rectify the carrier waves, generating direct-current voltages for the internal circuits. The voltage-adjusting circuit adjusts the direct-current voltages to a voltage of a predetermined value. The reset-signal generating circuit has hysteresis. The wave-selecting circuit selects one of the carrier waves and outputs the selected wave as a system clock signal. The system clock signal is stable, and the internal circuits can perform stable operations. The IC card can stably operate to receive data and transmit data. Furthermore, the IC can be easily made in the form of an LSI.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaishi ToshibaInventor: Yuichi Goto
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Patent number: 5668362Abstract: A scanning device for projecting a light beam against a target having information contained thereon which is to be scanned by the light beam; and in particular relates to a compact laser scanning device, such as a bar code projecting a laser beam, and which device incorporates a drive component such as a scanning motor for oscillating a scanning element or mirror at a high rate of speed within a specified angular range so as to cause the light or laser beam which impinges against the information on the target to be rapidly swept across the information in a scanning sequence. In particular, the structure is directed to improving the linearity of the oscillatory or "dithering" motion imparted by the scanning motor to the scanning element or mirror. Also contemplated is a novel method of utilizing the "dithering" or oscillating motion of the scanning motor for effectuating an improvement in the quality of the scan by the scanning device.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: GEO Labs, Inc.Inventor: George A. Plesko
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Patent number: 5663549Abstract: A bar code scanner employs an electronic means for causing the light beam to scan a bar code symbol, rather than using a mechanical device to generate the scan. A linear array of light sources, activated one at a time in a regular sequence, may be imaged upon the bar code symbol to simulate a scanned beam. Instead of a single linear array of light sources, a multiple-line array may be employed, producing multiple scan lines. The multiple scan lines may be activated in sequence, or activated simultaneously (time-division or frequency-division multiplexed. The multiple scan lines can provide signal enhancement, noise reduction or fault correction if directed to the same bar code pattern. Multiple scan lines may be generated using a single light source and a beam splitter, with mechanical scanning, as well as by the sequentially-activated light sources. Multiple simultaneous scan lines may be employed to generate a raster scan at lower mechanical scan frequency.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Katz, Boris Metlitsky, Emanuel Marom
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Patent number: 5663546Abstract: Cash is given to a person confidentially and anonymously by first receiving an amount of cash from a person and, without identifying the person from whom the cash was received, or to whom it is to be paid out, the amount of cash is identified by a code such as the PAN code. The holder of the cash is part of a network including multiple card readers at remote transaction points, and the identifying code is encoded on a card. When the holder of the card desires a sum of cash not exceeding the amount of cash held by the cash holder, the card is inserted in the card reader at the transaction point, the authenticity of the card is verified, as with a PIN number, and the holder then sends a signal to the card reader at the transaction point authorizing the payout of the requested sum of cash.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: USA Processing Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Cucinotta, Karim Maskatiya