Abstract: A four electrode bio-electrical impedance analyzer having a 45 KHz constant current pulse waveform and a synchronized detection scheme to measure the human body impedance and therefore calculate total body resistivity. The resistivity is used in conjunction with the pre-input data concerning characteristics of the person under tests to determine the percentage of body fat in a manner which is repeatable and which suppresses electrical interference.

Abstract: An improved treadmill having a weight-scale sensor and a console display which displays a history of weight loss or weight control based upon goals set over a period of time in order to facilitate an enclosed loop system for a weight loss monitoring program.

Abstract: An exercise method and apparatus for ensuring the completion of a predetermined number of steps each day as part of an exercise routine by integrating steps taken during a normal daily routine with steps taken on a treadmill or stepper machine.

Abstract: A wrist-based fitness monitoring watch which uses a lap sensing device and a step or a stroke sensing device for detecting movement. In response to the output of a micro controller, information is displayed concerning the number of laps completed, the distance completed, and the time. Also included is a wireless heart rate transfer system which is provided through the micro controller in order to provide heart rate indicators during movement of the user. The lap measurement is based on a synchronization between a heading direction from the lap sensing device and the step/stroke frequency in order to provide the lap count, as well as the distance traveled and the time. Each of these items are accomplished on a wrist based monitoring system which does not require periodic intervention by the user. The system is able to provide split times without the requiring of continual pressing of the start/stop button either before or after a running or swimming event.

Abstract: A remote control for an operating system such as a fireplace, includes a remote transmitter and a receiver. The remote transmitter communicates signals to the receiver to control the operating system. The remote transmitter includes a child safety switch which, when activated, prevents activation of the receiver by the remote transmitter.

Abstract: A wrist-based fitness monitoring watch which uses a lap sensing device and a step or a stroke sensing device for detecting movement. In response to the output of a micro controller, information is displayed concerning the number of laps completed, the distance completed, and the time. Also included is a wireless heart rate transfer system which is provided through the micro controller in order to provide heart rate indicators during movement of the user. The lap measurement is based on a synchronization between a heading direction from the lap sensing device and the step/stroke frequency in order to provide the lap count, as well as the distance traveled and the time. Each of these items are accomplished on a wrist based monitoring system which does not require periodic intervention by the user. The system is able to provide split times without the requiring of continual pressing of the start/stop button either before or after a running or swimming event.

Abstract: An improved treadmill having a weight-scale sensor and a console display which displays a history of weight loss or weight control based upon goals set over a period of time in order to facilitate an enclosed loop system for a weight loss monitoring program.

Abstract: A transaction device comprises a terminal module and printer module mechanically secured in an angled configuration. This angled configuration orientates a touch screen input and display device at an angle to the horizontal to reduce reflected light problems. In addition, the angle orientation of the printer improves space efficiency. A lower surface of the terminal module is easily accessible for connecting the device to other modules or to remote computers.

Abstract: A fitness monitoring device, comprising a wrist-based device including a receiver and a display; a separate, remote, pedometer including pedometer step sensing circuitry and wireless transmission circuitry; and wherein said pedometer step sensing circuitry senses a user's steps and said remote pedometer wirelessly transmits a signal corresponding to said sensed steps to said wrist-based device, and further wherein said wrist-based device processes the wirelessly transmitted signal received by said receiver and controls the display.

Abstract: A multi-channel system is provided for both wide-band and narrow band low frequency transmission/reception of digital telemetry. The multi-channel system uses coherent detection having a high selectivity, and a quadrature detector having a high sensitivity. A filter is provided to average out noise. The multi-channel system oscillator is software controlled for scanning/multiplexing. The multi-channel system is used for data transmission over inductive, infrared, sonic and cable links.

Abstract: A financial transaction terminal is designed to receive both smart cards and debit cards and includes an access port for inserting or removing security modules such as SIM or SAM modules. A security switch arrangement is provided about the access port to protect the now accessible components of the terminal. Such a terminal provides the uncompromised physical security of a debit terminal with the flexibility and capabilities of a smart card terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing warpage in semiconductor packages, and in particular, thin quad flat packages (TQFPs). The apparatus includes a clamping jig having a bottom plate and an upper plate. The bottom plate is connected to a heater which heats the plate to approximately 50 to 70 degrees Celsius. An air supply controller delivers air supply to the upper plate. The TQFPs are placed in between the bottom plate and the upper plate immediately after they have been encapsulated with resin and the resin has cured. The clamping jig clamps the TQFPs in between the bottom and upper plate with a slight force. The TQFPs remain in the clamping jig until they have sufficiently cooled.

Abstract: A tamper proof arrangement utilizes a multi-layered conductive/non-conductive electrical member to electrically connect electrical contact pairs located on a circuit board. The electrical member is supported by caps associated with a housing which contains the circuit board. Release of the end caps from the housing results in the electrical contact member breaking the connection between electrical contact pairs. This arrangement is particularly suited where a series of contact pairs are present and the electrical member closes each pair separately. In this way multi-pole switches are formed.

Abstract: The transaction terminal receives and reads information maintained on the card in a magnetic stripe or in an integrated circuit. A carriage is moved by an inserted card and moves from an initial position to a read position. The carriage is powered by the inserted card, and when the card is in the read position, the carriage is released and a magnetic head scans a magnetic stripe provided on the card. The terminal also causes an electrical connector to engage a card in the read position and form an electrical circuit with an integrated circuit if the card is a Smart Card. If a card is partially inserted, the carriage is held and does not automatically return to the initial position. Preferrably, a series of carriage hold positions are provided between the initial position and the read position. The terminal works in the same manner regardless of what type of card is used. In this way, the user merely fully inserts the card in the appropriate manner.

Abstract: A fitness monitoring device includes an electronic pedometer which responds to a user's body motion at each step and a wireless heart rate monitor which is wirelessly coupled to the electronic pedometer. The wireless heart rate monitor provides a heart beat signal indicative of an exertion level of the user. A visual display is provided to display the pedometer functions and the heart rate signal. A microprocessor receives the pedometer output signal and the heart rate signal. The microprocessor is programmed to provide visual display data relating to the heart rate and pedometer functions.

Abstract: A synchronized voltage controlled oscillator lap counting circuit includes a bearing resolver circuit having a single Hall-effect sensor element which provides differential voltage output signals in response to an external magnetic field. The differential amplifier receives the differential voltage output signals and provides a single amplified output signal. The single amplified output signal is provided to a voltage controlled oscillator. A pedometer provides a repetitive pulsed-output signal in accordance with movements of a user. The repetitive pulsed-output signal and a voltage controlled oscillator output signal are provided to a micro-controller. The micro-controller samples the voltage controlled output signal in synchronization with the repetitive pulsed signal output from the pedometer to resolve bearing directions based on intercepted frequencies of the voltage controlled output signal.

Abstract: A circuit for resolving a magnetic field, including a first channel including a first magnetic field sensor, a first amplifier coupled to and receiving an output from said first magnetic field sensor, and a first three band detector coupled to and receiving an output from said first amplifier. The first three band detector provides a first two bit output. A second channel includes a second magnetic field sensor, a second amplifier coupled to and receiving an output from said second magnetic field sensor, and a second three band detector coupled to and receiving an output from said second amplifier. The second three band detector provides a second two bit output. The first and second magnetic field sensors are arranged orthogonally to one another such that said first and second two bit outputs resolve the magnetic field into eight bearings.

Abstract: A reading head mounting arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card. Preferably, the base has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a credit card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot. Accuracy in positioning the strip for movement past the magnetic head is predetermined during the manufacture of the mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A frame for securely retaining a bundle of elongated members, as for example cigarettes, within a container is provided. The container includes a bottom box panel, a top lid box panel, opposing right and left side box panels, and opposing front and back box panels. The frame is inserted into the container and comprises: a front frame panel portion defined by a left side and a right side, and a top and bottom margin; a left side frame panel connected to the front panel along the left side of said front panel, said left side panel including a left side biasing portion formed therein; and a right side frame panel connected to the front frame panel along the right side of said front panel, said right side panel including a right side biasing portion formed thereupon.