Abstract: A method of making varistor chips is disclosed. A workpiece of varistor material is sliced into slices of varistor material. The slices are in turn diced to make the varistor chips. The chips are etched in an etchant such as dilute citric acid to remove from their surfaces varistor material damaged during the slicing and/or dicing operations. Otherwise, the damaged varistor material adversely affects the leakage current characteristics of the varistor chips.

Abstract: A hockey puck with an electromagnetic transmitter. The electromagnetic transmitter could include an infrared transmitter, ultraviolet transmitter, radar repeater, RF transmitter or other device for transmitting electromagnetic waves outside of the visible spectrum. The electromagnetic transmitter is turned on using a shock sensor and is turned off using a timer.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined magnetic character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing forms a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. Improved data acquisition and decode methods for sampling the embossed character data and decoding the data to form an account number. The data acquisition method samples the embossed characters at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A retraction mechanism for a disc brake assembly which applies a generally constant restoring force urging the brake shoes apart from one another regardless of the amount of wear of the friction pads. The disc brake assembly includes an anchor plate upon which a caliper is slidably mounted. The caliper is formed having an inboard leg and an outboard leg. A cylindrical recess is formed in the inboard leg of the caliper, within which a piston is slidably supported. A pair of brake shoes are disposed adjacent to the inboard and outboard legs of the caliper, and a rotor connected to a rotatable wheel extends therebetween. A mechanism is provided for selectively moving the brake shoes into frictional engagement with the rotor to retard or stop rotation thereof. The retraction mechanism includes a pair of retractor clips which are mounted on the anchor plate for spreading the brake shoes apart from one another when the disc brake assembly is subsequently released.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control device for a drive train of a machine is disclosed. The drive train includes an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter having a rotating housing. The torque converter is drivingly connected between the engine and the transmission. The torque converter also includes an impeller element. An impeller clutch connects the impeller element to the rotating housing. An impeller clutch electrohydraulic valve produces fluid flow to the impeller clutch to controllably engage and disengage the impeller clutch. A torque converter speed sensor senses the output speed of the torque converter and responsively produces a torque converter speed signal.

Abstract: The apparatus uses a gripper mounted on a moveable arm to pick up an optical fiber at a pickup location, with the free end of the optical fiber extending from the gripper. The arm is moved to position the free end generally in the region of the target location, but slightly displaced therefrom. An image of the region of the target location is obtained from a camera directed to receive the image, where the region is backlit by diffused light from a light source. Where the target is a component on a translucent substrate, the substrate may act as the diffuser for the light source. The image from the camera is analyzed to determine the position of the free end in relation to the target location, and the arm is moved to accurately position the free end at the target location based on the determination of relative positions. The gripper has a downwardly-opening inverted V-shaped groove running longitudinally, to which a vacuum is supplied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing (E)-1-amino-2-(fluoromethylene)-4-(p-fluorophenyl)butane, also known in the art as (E)-(p-fluorophenethyl)-3-fluoroallylamine, novel intermediates thereof, a novel process for the preparing (E)-2-(fluoromethylene)-4-(p-fluorophenyl)butan-1-ol, and a novel process for preparing alkali metal salts of diformylamide.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: Real time decoding methods and apparatus for a card transaction terminal used for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. The method is implemented in a microcomputer employed in the terminal. The data decode method for the microcomputer decodes data in real time as it is read from the magnetic stripe on the card and obviates random access memory external to the microcomputer. A memory is provided in the terminal large enough to store data characters corresponding to at least one predetermined data field on the card generated during a swipe of the card but insufficient to store all of the self clocking signals generated during the swipe. A sentinel character in the self clocking signals is first decoded. Then, a data character associated with the at least one predetermined data field is decoded in response to a predetermined number of self clocking signals generated subsequent to the sentinel character. Finally, the decoded data character is stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and providing card identifying information from a data card presented in connection with a financial transaction, the data card having a magnetic stripe and an embossed region containing identifying information, the method being carried out in a data card terminal. The data card terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at a point of sale. The method comprises providing a transaction risk parameter selectively indicative of a first or second level of transaction security to be provided for the data card terminal. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the first level of security, verified card identifying information is provided if either the first data record region or the second data region contains valid card identifying information. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the second level of security, a second level security check is performed.

Abstract: A signature capture pad (or signature capture/PIN pad) operative for gathering signature data associated with customer transactions includes a digitizer, microprocessor, and a plurality of serial ports, and may be connected to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, such as an electronic cash register. The signature capture pad provides compressed or uncompressed signature signals in response to commands received from the POS terminal. Uncompressed signature data may be used to provide a facsimile signature on a display or printer at the POS terminal, whereby the signature may be approved by the operator. A signature capture cycle is terminated upon receipt of a command from the POS terminal, or upon the expiration of an optional timer. The maximum size of the compressed signature data is selectable by the POS terminal. Compressed signature data exceeding the prescribed size may be post-processed at a lower resolution.

Abstract: A cotton candy machine includes a spinner head having upper and lower spinner elements spaced apart at least by about 1/2 inch and defining with a spacer a common sugar chamber operatively communicating with each spinner element. Sugar from the common chamber is directed to each element where it is heated and issues from the head in molten form. Upper and lower apertures of the apparatus are at least about 7/8 inch from respective apertures in other spinner element. The number of same size servings for the same initial amount of sugar is substantially increased over prior heads with elements or apertures not so spaced apart, while energy requirements are at the same time substantially decreased. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-reader terminal including a magnetic stripe reader, an embossed character reader, and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) check reader, in an integrated stand-alone unit. The terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at the point of sale. The terminal provides a single card passageway for receiving a credit card having a magnetic stripe and embossed characters. The magnetic stripe reader and embossed character reader read the credit card as it travels in the passageway. The embossed character reader may be selectively retracted from the card passageway. The terminal includes a plurality of serial communications ports that allow the terminal to be connected in series between a host computer and an electronic cash register. The serial ports allow connection of a signature capture pad, a personal identification number (PIN) pad, and other serial devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A low cost, easily manufacturable, and easy to use card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. A two piece case snaps securely together without screws or other fasteners. The case includes printed circuit board supports for receiving and temporarily supporting a single, double sided circuit board. The circuit board includes minimized circuit components, including a microcomputer with integral program read-only memory. An improved data read head sub-assembly facilitates assembly and provides for precise positioning of data read head and substantially parallel biasing of the read head against the magnetic stripe of a data card. Keying features ensure that the read head subassembly is mounted in the proper orientation. An integral strain relief mechanism formed in the two piece case provides strain relief for power cord without additional hardware.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A low cost, easily manufacturable, and easy to use card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. A two piece case snaps securely together without screws or other fasteners. The case includes printed circuit board supports for receiving and temporarily supporting a single, double sided circuit board. The circuit board includes minimized circuit components, including a microcomputer with integral program read-only memory. An improved data read head sub-assembly facilitates assembly and provides for precise positioning of data read head and substantially parallel biasing of the read head against the magnetic stripe of a data card. Keying features ensure that the read head subassembly is mounted in the proper orientation. An integral strain relief mechanism formed in the two piece case provides strain relief for power cord without additional hardware.