Abstract: A method of providing and processing a plurality of stored-value cards includes providing a stored-value card assembly including the plurality of stored-value cards in a housing. The plurality of stored-value cards includes a first stored-value card and a last stored-value card. Each of the plurality of stored-value cards is associated with a different account identifier linking each one of the plurality of stored-value cards to a different financial record or account. The different account identifiers collectively define a series of account identifiers. The method further includes scanning the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card using a point-of-sale terminal, and scanning the different account identifier associated with the last stored-value card using the point-of-sale terminal. The housing indicates which of the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card and the last stored-value card should be scanned first.

Abstract: A method of providing and processing a plurality of stored-value cards includes providing a stored-value card assembly including the plurality of stored-value cards in a housing. The plurality of stored-value cards includes a first stored-value card and a last stored-value card. Each of the plurality of stored-value cards is associated with a different account identifier linking each one of the plurality of stored-value cards to a different financial record or account. The different account identifiers collectively define a series of account identifiers. The method further includes scanning the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card using a point-of-sale terminal, and scanning the different account identifier associated with the last stored-value card using the point-of-sale terminal. The housing indicates which of the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card and the last stored-value card should be scanned first.

Abstract: A vehicle with a load sensing hydraulic control system is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for managing voucher use includes a database, a voucher, and a processor. The database stores an account defining at least one approved item available for purchase and a financial balance. The voucher includes an identifier linking the voucher to the account. The processor is in communication with the database and is adapted to use the identifier to access the account. The processor is adapted to determine if an item selected for purchase is an approved item and to apply at least a portion of the financial balance toward the purchase of the selected item only if the selected item is an approved item. Other voucher systems and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Many types of stabilized lock-seam tubing are provided, as well as devices, apparatus and methods for producing such stabilized tubing. Advantageously, pinch-locked tubing according to the invention, which comprise interlocking, spaced pinched deformations of the lock-seam, greatly resists side-slip and other shape deformations, including those typically produced by cutting the tubing, and by ovalizing it. Many permutations of lock-seam pinching rollers and related devices for producing stabilized lock-seam tubing are provided. Pinch roller assemblies of the invention are suitable for use with conventional machines as well as machines adapted specifically for them. Apparatus of the invention are suitable producing helically wound or straight lock-seam tubing.

Abstract: A system for managing voucher use includes a database, a voucher, and a processor. The database stores an account defining at least one approved item available for purchase and a financial balance. The voucher includes an identifier linking the voucher to the account. The processor is in communication with the database and is adapted to use the identifier to access the account. The processor is adapted to determine if an item selected for purchase is an approved item and to apply at least a portion of the financial balance toward the purchase of the selected item only if the selected item is an approved item. Other voucher systems and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing and processing a plurality of stored-value cards includes providing a stored-value card assembly including the plurality of stored-value cards in a housing. The plurality of stored-value cards includes a first stored-value card and a last stored-value card. Each of the plurality of stored-value cards is associated with a different account identifier linking each one of the plurality of stored-value cards to a different financial record or account. The different account identifiers collectively define a series of account identifiers. The method further includes scanning the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card using a point-of-sale terminal, and scanning the different account identifier associated with the last stored-value card using the point-of-sale terminal. The housing indicates which of the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card and the last stored-value card should be scanned first.

Abstract: A financial transaction product includes a generally planar structure, which includes a first generally rectangular section and a second generally rectangular section. The first generally rectangular section includes first encoding means for associating the first generally rectangular section with a financial account and first indicia associated with a retail chain. The first generally rectangular section is adapted for use as a stored-value card. The second generally rectangular section includes second encoding means for associating the second generally rectangular section with the same financial account and second indicia associated with the same retail chain as the first indicia. The second generally rectangular section is adapted for use as a stored-value card. A lateral score line separates the first generally rectangular section from the second generally rectangular section with lateral edges of the first and second generally rectangular sections being joined along the lateral score line.

Abstract: A stored-value card assembly includes a plurality of stored-value cards and a package. The plurality of stored-value cards each include an account identifier linking the respective stored-value card to a different financial account or record. The package is configured to maintain the plurality of stored-value cards such that the account identifier of each of two of the plurality of stored-value cards is visible for scanning. Other stored-value card assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-node time division multiplexing (TDM) system is disclosed. The improved method and apparatus utilizes an asynchronous synchronization packet (ASP) to synchronize the timing in all the nodes of the system. In some embodiments, the ASP also maps the time slots in a data frame to particular nodes. The ASP is sent at the start of each data frame to all the nodes in the system and each node synchronizes itself to the time of receipt of the ASP, thus establishing frame-based timing for all the nodes. Additionally, the ASP can contain a table that maps the data frame time slots to the nodes in the system.

Abstract: A method and a system accomplish inspection of a mark in a frame of a film print. The system can include a frame imager which automatically selects at least one frame in the film print having an FMS mark and automatically captures an image of the frame. The image can be captured prior to, or subsequent to, the print being developed. The system also can include a marker which marks the frame with the mark. Further, the system can include a processor which automatically extracts the mark from the captured image and automatically compares the mark on the frame to a reference mark. The captured image can be stored to a database.

Abstract: A mold fill system includes a fill head, at least one solder input port, at least one solder output port, disposed on the leading edge of the fill head body, a mold plate, the fill head body being held near the mold plate, including a plurality of mold pits for injection molded solder and at least one o-ring disposed between the fill head body and the mold plate, for sealing the solder between the fill head body and the mold plate. An input velocity of the solder is sufficient to dislodge air trapped within the mold pits, and a circulartion pump is disposed on either a fill side or a return side of the fill head body to re-circulate the solder between the solder reservoir and the fill head. Optionally, heated plumbing connects the circulation pump, the fill head and the reservoir.

Abstract: A television system (10) and method for channel searching are provided. A television (10) includes an off mode and a normal viewing mode. The television has a setup module (24) responsive to a trigger event. The setup module (24) automatically searches a channel listing from an input signal to provide channel assignments for the television system independently of user supervision. This is provided in such a way that an automatic channel search is performed when the television is in the off mode or is run in the background so that the user is unaware of the automatic channel search during viewing mode.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a thermal cap for cooling an electronic device includes steps of: machining a main housing of the thermal cap from a single element of a thermally conducting material; and fabricating a top plate including a centered intact area within the main housing by machining orifices around a perimeter of the main housing. The orifices represent a gap between the top plate and the main housing to allow movement of the top plate in the x, y, and z directions. Additionally, moveable connectors are fabricated along an edge of the top plate by cutting connector orifices in the main housing to allow movement of the top plate in the x direction; and moveable bars coupled with the moveable connectors are fabricated by cutting slot orifices in the main housing to allow movement of the top plate in the y and z directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems of snapshot management of a file system in a data storage system. To represent the snapshots, the invention maintains pointers to the root block pointer of each snapshot. When the active file system is modified, this invention avoids overwriting any blocks used by previous snapshots by allocating new blocks for the modified blocks. When the invention needs to put an established block in a new location, it must update a parent block to point to the new location. The update to the parent block may then require allocating a new block for the new parent block and so forth. Parts of the file system not modified since a snapshot remain in place. The amount of space required to represent snapshots scales with the fraction of the file system that users modify. To maintain snapshot integrity, this invention keeps track of the first and last snapshots that use each block in space map blocks spread throughout the file system data space.

Abstract: A reloadable stored-value card assembly includes a stored-value card adapted for use in making purchases, and a reloader card, separable from the stored-value card, adapted for loading value into an account accessible by the stored-value card. The stored-value card and the reloader card are initially attached together, each share a common bar code, and are each linked to a common financial account or record.

Abstract: A technique for film marking includes coding a print identifier into a binary-coded serial number; identifying particular frames (bit frames) that will be used to convey the bits (binary digits) of the binary-coded serial number and marking these bit frames in accordance with the particular bit values of the binary-coded serial number. The presence of a predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of one, while the absence of the predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of zero.

Abstract: A technique for film marking includes coding a print identifier into a binary-coded bit-complement serial number; identifying particular frames that will be used to convey the bits of the binary-coded bit-complement serial number and marking these bit frames in accordance with the particular bit values of the binary-coded bit-complement serial number. The presence of a predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of one, while the absence of the predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of zero.

Abstract: In an automated library, data cartridges, such as magnetic tape cartridges, are stored in storage cells and accessed by data storage drives. An accessor with a gripper transports cartridges between storage cells and storage drives. Cartridges are prioritized according to their relative importance. A processor manages the placement of the cartridges in cells by having higher priority cartridges stored closer to the front of multi-cartridge cells than cartridges with a lower priority. Cartridges with a higher priority may also be stored closer to a storage drive than cartridges with a lower priority. A pusher may be used to push cartridges towards the front of multi-cartridge cells with an empty position to enable the gripper to reach the front cartridge.

Abstract: A structure for cooling an electronic device is disclosed. The structure includes a top layer disposed over the electronic device. The structure further includes a plurality of spring elements disposed between the top layer and the electronic device, wherein at least one spring element comprises a spring portion, provides a heat path from the electronic device and provides mechanical compliance. The structure further includes a seal for containing a space between the top layer and the electronic device, wherein the space contained includes the plurality of spring elements, and a liquid with vaporizing capability disposed with the space contained.