Abstract: A quick pass exit/entrance installation and method is particularly adaptable for controlling and monitoring the exit and return of vehicles to and from a secured area. The identification of the driver and the vehicle is automatically determined and the exiting transaction is undertaken while the driver remains seated in the vehicle. The vehicle VIN and the image of the license plate may be automatically obtained at both the exit and entrance lanes. An image of substantially all four sides of the vehicle may be automatically obtained on both exiting and entering the facility. The information is processed and receipts are issued while the driver remains seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery power system for a plug-in hybrid or electric tractor trailer employs a battery module which is carried by the trailer. A cable communicates with the battery module and connects with a connector on the cab for supplying power to power the electric motor of the cab. The cab can be disconnected from the trailer while the battery module on the trailer is charged. The cab can then be driven by the electric motor powered by the battery supply of the cab.

Abstract: An electric charging system for charging electric vehicles is particularly adapted for use in a parking garage. Parking spaces in the garage are fixed with a charging station so that the vehicles may be charged while they park at the garage. The power cable which connects to charge the vehicle battery is suspended at a height generally above the vehicle and is automatically retractable. Information concerning the power charge is automatically transmitted to the payment station at the exit gate. A point of sale (POS) module is mounted for communication with the power cable. The point of sale (POS) module and the connector are easily accessible and the connector is positionable for ease of connection with the vehicle terminal. A retractor for extending and retracting an overhead power cable employs a drive wheel and a clutch which are electronically controlled.

Abstract: A vending system and a method for counting for small articles, such as jewelry items, involves an array of bins for the items. The unique identification is placed on each bin. The identification is scanned with a scanner when a selected article is removed from the bin. The selected article may then be correlated with a price for the selected article.

Abstract: A scanner module is constructed for use in a high impact, high usage environment. The industrial scanner employs a substantially box-like enclosure with an integral handle extending from a bottom portion forming an elongated slot. A scanner window is located in one panel of the enclosure and cushioning materials disposed in the enclosure for providing heavy-duty impact resistance. An externally accessible keyboard display window and a display assembly is employed at a frontal portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A protective barrier assembly is especially adapted for service tower installations. A pair of pre-cast quasi-U-shaped shells, mate to form a vertically extending enclosure. A pair of caps bridges the shells. A retention rim of the caps extends around the periphery of the enclosure at the upper end. A post for the service tower projects through an opening in the caps. The shells are substantially identical reinforced concrete structures. The caps may also be identical.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an optical indicia scanner, including: a housing; a light source disposed in the housing; a photodetector head disposed in the housing; and an optical indicia engaging, clear front plate disposed on the housing through which clear front plate the indicia is scanned when the optical indicia engaging, clear front plate is parallely disposed against the optical indicia.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of providing secure identification for an article, including: providing on the article a diffraction grating strip comprising a pattern of a series of diffraction grating elements, each of the diffraction grating elements to diffract light, from a light source, in one of at least first, second, third, and fourth selected different planes, each adjacent pair of the diffraction grating elements which diffract light in the first, second, third planes being separated by a diffraction grating element which diffracts light in the fourth plane; and selectively obliterating selected ones of the diffraction grating elements which diffract light in the fourth plane, such as to form a binary number consisting of obliterated and non-obliterated ones of the diffraction grating elements which diffract light in the fourth plane.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an electronic key, including: a housing; unlocking apparatus extending from the housing, insertable in an electronic lock to unlock the electronic lock; and optical indicia reading apparatus disposed in the housing to read optical indicia. In another preferred embodiment, a lock system, including: at least two electronic cylinder locks; and a single electronic controller to which the at least two electronic cylinder locks are operatively attached, the electronic controller being adapted to monitor usage of the at least two electronic cylinder locks.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a multiconfigurable communication terminal, including: a terminal housing; electronic circuitry disposed within the housing; at least one selected functional electronic module removably disposed in the housing and releasably attached to the electronic circuitry.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an identification code having therein both general information which is encrypted using standards symbologies and security information which is encrypted using a unique symbology. In the case of bar codes, the bar code may include two separate sets of bars. One set of bars may include basic information, for example an employee's identification number, encrypted using standard symbologies which may be read in any standard reader. The other set of bars includes security information which is encrypted using a unique symbology which can be read only in a special reader and which is meaningless to a standard bar code reader or bar code duplicator. Thus, where security is a factor, the special readers would be provided; but, where security is not a factor, the basic identification could be read by any standard reader.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, with a system employing an electronic lock and electronic key apparatus, a method, including: providing as the electronic key apparatus an electronic key selected from the group consisting of a master key, and audit key, and a service key; when the master key is selected as the electronic key apparatus; connecting the master key to the electronic lock; then, the electronic lock inquiring as to status of the master key to determine if the master key is a valid master key; and then, when valid, the master key causing a password to be written to a memory in the electronic lock; when the audit key is selected as the electronic key apparatus; connecting the audit key to the electronic lock; then, the audit key transmitting a password to the electronic lock; and then, provided the audit key has presented a valid password to the electronic lock, the electronic lock transmitting to the audit key first identification information; and, when the service key is selected as the electronic key ap

Abstract: A method of providing secure identification for an article, including: providing on the article a diffraction grating strip including a pattern of a series of diffraction grating elements, each the diffraction grating element to diffract light, from a light source, in one of at least three selected different planes; serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating first information representative of the changes in plane; storing the first information representative of the changes in plane; subsequently, serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating second information representative of the changes in plane; and then, comparing the first and second information to determine the authenticity or not of the article.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a lock system including a lock and a key, including: a lock housing; a rotatable member disposed in the housing, rotation of which rotatable member selectively effects locking and unlocking of the lock; blocking apparatus operatively connected to the rotatable member to prevent unlocking of the lock except upon receipt of an electrical unlocking signal; key apparatus having an end insertable in the housing and into an end of the rotatable member for rotation of the rotatable member; and apparatus to permit a portion of the rotatable member to rotate without damage to any elements of the lock if rotation of the rotatable member is attempted without receipt of the electrical unlocking signal.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an electronic lock, including: an enclosure; a barrel member rotatable between locked and unlocked positions; electronic circuitry disposed within the enclosure; the barrel member including communication apparatus in electrical engagement with key apparatus when the key apparatus is inserted in the barrel apparatus, the communication apparatus transmitting communication signals to and from the key apparatus and the electronic circuitry; first slidable contact apparatus attached to the electronic circuitry and slidable on the communication apparatus as the barrel apparatus rotates to transmit the communication signals to and from the communication apparatus and the electronic circuitry; and the first slidable contact apparatus further serving as part of sensor apparatus to detect the locked and unlocked status of the barrel member.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, secure optical identification, including: a first lacquer layer; a metallic layer disposed on a first surface of the first lacquer layer, with a first surface of the metallic layer in contact with the first surface of the first lacquer layer; a diffraction pattern embossed in the first surface of the first lacquer layer through the metallic layer; a pattern formed in the metallic layer by demetallizing areas of the metallic layer; and a second lacquer layer, having the same refractive index as that of the first lacquer layer, disposed on a second surface of the metallic layer so as to fill in voids adjacent the diffraction pattern caused by the demetallizing areas of the metallic layer.

Abstract: An electronic cylinder lock, including: a generally cylindrical housing having substantially open and closed ends; a barrel member coaxial with and rotatable within the generally cylindrical housing and having receiving apparatus defined at a first end thereof for the insertion into the receiving apparatus of key apparatus, engagement of the receiving apparatus and the key apparatus permitting the barrel member to be manually rotated; shaft apparatus coaxial with the generally cylindrical housing and extending through an opening defined through the substantially closed end, the shaft apparatus having a head end disposed within the generally cylindrical housing and a threaded end extending externally from the substantially closed end for the attachment to the threaded end of locking/unlocking apparatus; a bar at least partially disposed within the head end such that rotation of the bar causes rotation of the shaft apparatus, the bar being axially moveable within the generally cylindrical housing, and the bar b