Abstract: A device for use in monitoring optical markers present in a liquid flowing in a conduit comprises a transparent tube 7 connectable in the conduit by pipe couplers (not shown) contained in housings 8, 9, and two optical tranceivers 1, 2 mounted on a segmented printed circuit board 3, 4 wrapped around the tube 7 such that the tranceivers 1, 2 face one another. In use, the tranceivers 1,2 produce infra-red radiation and detect infra-red radiation transmitted and/or reflected by any optical markers, e.g. bubbles, present in the liquid. The tranceivers 1, 2 are connected to a digital signal processor (not shown) programmed to determine, from the signals, a selected property, e.g. carbonation level, of the liquid.

Abstract: A method of secured card issuance from a card issuing machine, as well as a system for card issuance, that is designed to address many of the security concerns surrounding automated, self-service card issuance. The invention relies upon a combination of measures to enhance the security of the card issuance process. The security measures include tracking and auditing of the cards from a card loading site up to the time of card issuance to the customer, controlling physical access to the cards, and real time reporting and monitoring of card transactions and subsequent inventory changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing digital color images with non-impact print heads whereby fluid flowing at a relatively high velocity proximate ink emitting nozzles affects flight trajectories of undesirable satellite ink droplets incidentally emitted from the nozzles, but does not affect flight trajectories of primary droplets. In one embodiment, a single fluid deflector member oriented upstream of the print head causes fluid flow intermediate the print head and the printing surface and urges the satellites to a preferred location on the printing media. In another embodiment, at least one additional deflector member is oriented to cooperate with the deflector member to ensure that such satellites encounter a forced fluid flow intermediate the print head and print surface.

Abstract: A method of secured card issuance from a card issuing machine, as well as a system for card issuance, that is designed to address many of the security concerns surrounding automated, self-service card issuance. The invention relies upon a combination of measures to enhance the security of the card issuance process. The security measures include tracking and auditing of the cards from a card loading site up to the time of card issuance to the customer, controlling physical access to the cards, and real time reporting and monitoring of card transactions and subsequent inventory changes.