Abstract: A biometric authentication device and associated method for providing authentication information associated to a person. The device receives a live biometric signal and identification information associated to the person. The identification information may be manually provided of may be obtained from a machine readable zone located on a medium carried by the person. The device processes the identification information to derive access information that is then used to extract information stored on an electronic chip associated to the person. The device then derives authentication information associated to the person at least in part on the basis of the information stored on the electronic chip and the live biometric signal and releases a signal conveying the authentication information. Advantageously, the device allows, for example, a user to assess whether the person carrying a given medium (such as a passport) is the owner of that medium.

Abstract: A biometric authentication device is provided comprising a first interface, a conversion database a second interface, a processing unit and an output. The first interface is for receiving a live biometric signal associated to a person. The conversion database has a plurality of entries associated to respective formats and including conversion instructions for converting information from each of the respective format into information into a common reference format. The second interface is for receiving information from a contactless chip including information conveying a certain format associated with the contactless chip. The processing unit is operative for deriving authentication information associated to the person.

Abstract: A biometric authentication device is provided comprising a first interface, a second interface, a processing unit and an output. The first interface is for receiving a live biometric signal associated to a person. The second interface is for receiving information from a contactless chip. The information received at the second interface includes first information conveying a certain format associated with the contactless chip, and the second information conveying biometric data and being in the certain format. The certain format is selected from a set of possible formats. The processing unit is in communication with the first interface and the second interface and is operative for converting the second information to a common reference format at least in part on the basis of the first information. The processing unit is also adapted for deriving authentication information associated to the person and for releasing a signal conveying the authentication information.

Abstract: A line reel includes a housing, a spool rotatably mounted in the housing, a crank and crown gear assembly rotatably disposed in the housing and a pinion located in the housing in meshed engagement with the crank and crown assembly for rotation therewith. A release button movable into and out of meshed engagement with the spool is slidably mounted on the pinion and keyed thereto for rotation therewith. A spring is disposed between the pinion and the release button for selectively allowing locking and unlocking of the spool without movement of the crank and crown gear assembly.

Abstract: A line level comprises a hollow housing having a pair of end portions and a sight opening formed therein. A liquid level indicator has a pair of closed end walls and is observable through the sight opening is slidably received in the housing. A line engaging retainer arrangement is slidable into an interference fit in each of the open end portions of the housing and is engageable with each of the closed end walls of the liquid level indicator for maintaining the position of the liquid level indicator relative to the sight opening in the housing.

Abstract: A mechanical pencil made of a molded plastics material has a flat rectangular cross-section and a slot at one end thereof for passing a flat lead piece. The housing has a front wall provided with a recess and a slot extending longitudinally of the housing in the recess. A pair of toothed racks are provided longitudinally of the housing in the chamber formed therein. A gripper including a thumb-operated slider is provided on the front wall which is bowed and urged against the front wall and is connected to a toothed anchor in the chamber which in turn is adapted to engage the rack members. A pair of bifurcated fingers are connected to the anchor member and the bifurcated fingers engage the lead piece. Cam guide means provide the gripping action of the bifurcated fingers and the releasing action thereof. The gripper is advanced and retracted by depressing the bowed slider to disengage the toothed anchor from the rack member.