Abstract: A method of processing votes in an election includes receiving a voter identity for a voter, receiving a vote set for the voter, providing a phrase to the voter based on the received vote set, generating a unique receipt number for the voter and providing the receipt number to the voter, and associating the voter identity and the receipt number with one another in a first function. The method further includes generating a unique vote number for the voter, associating the vote set, the vote number and the receipt number with one another in a second function, and associating the phrase and the vote number with one another in a third function that is provided to the voter. The method includes associating the vote number with the vote set in a fourth function that is accessible for purposes of later verifying proper counting and contesting of a vote.

Abstract: A dual mode cradle, base station having a re-charging mode and a transmitting mode for wireless communication with a remote device and recharging a handheld scanning device is provided. The dual mode cradle, base station includes a transmitting subunit for wirelessly transmitting data originating from the handheld scanning device to a remote device; a re-charging subsystem disposed to be coupled to an electric power source for charging a battery within the handheld scanning device; and a scanning subsystem. The scanning subsystem includes the handheld scanning device; a polygon mirror adapted to rotably reflect a light path originating from the handheld scanning device, the light path disperse into a pattern for scanning a symbol.

Abstract: A portable electro-optical scanner for reading a target bar code having a plurality of bar code elements. The portable scanner includes: a housing supporting a scanning module and an optic system. The scanning module electro-optically scans the target bar code with a scanning beam and collects reflected light returning from the bar code. The scanning module includes a beam source emitting a scanning beam, beam directing apparatus causing the scanning beam to be repetitively scanned along a scanning plane intersecting the target bar code and photodetector circuitry receiving light from the target bar code. The optic system includes an exit window, a light collection lens and a reflective surface. The scanning beam passes through the exit window upon exiting the housing. The light collection lens receives reflected light from the target bar code and directing the reflected light toward a focal point. The focal point lying on the scanning plane of the scanning beam.

Abstract: An anti-theft/anti-fraud system includes a tag assembly that renders a retail item ineligible for merchandise return or refund if tag is removed from the retail item, if the label attached to the front side of tag has been removed or tampered with, or if the retail item is a garment that had been washed or dry-cleaned. The backside of the tag contains the anti-theft/anti-fraud system trademark and a warning message. The label thereon contains the anti-theft/anti-fraud system trademark and code data preventing the item from being returned for refund after the retailers return policy period has passed, or after the item has been washed or dry-cleaned. The tag is attached to a discreet portion of the retail item. If attachment of the tag has no feasible location then a single label is utilized and applied to a discreet portion of the retail item.

Abstract: A cluster tool includes multiple tools for microscopic processing of a sample positioned around a rotatable base. A sample holder on the base rotates the sample between the working areas of the tools. A slidable vacuum seal maintains a vacuum in a sample chamber for tools that require a vacuum.

Abstract: An optical displacement-measuring instrument of a reflection type includes a sensor head movable above a scale in a direction of measurement. This instrument is of a three-grating type that comprises a first optical grating arranged close to a light source, a second optical grating arranged on the scale, and a third optical grating arranged in a photoreceptor. A light diffuser is arranged between the light source and the first optical grating. A collimated light from the light source is diffused at the light diffuser and led to the first optical grating.