Abstract: A stored-value card including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device to perform at least one interactive activity. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The second surface includes account indicia signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card, and brand indicia relating to a retail setting configured to redeem the stored-value card. The at least one interactive activity includes displaying at least one of a character, an object, a textual passage, and a symbol associated with the retail setting. Financial transaction card assemblies, packaged stored-value cards, and methods of using such cards are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for an exercise apparatus comprising an increment control array including at least three increment control contact elements, wherein each of the contact elements has a different pre-assigned numerical control increment value and the contact elements can be selectively activated both in an individual and in a combined cumulative manner for controlling one of more operating parameters of the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A segmented display system in which the display devices are arranged in a N×1 array is described. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices that each project a portion of an image on a corresponding one of the display devices in the N×1 array. Distortion at the seams between display devices in the N×1 array are minimized by aligning each projection device using a lens mounting based on the position of such projection device in the N×1 array.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and at least one internal wall substantially enclosed within the housing. The housing includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The at least one internal wall is configured to define an airflow chamber within the housing. The housing defines an opening leading into the airflow chamber. The stored-value card is configured to produce a whistle sound when air enters the airflow chamber from the opening and moves within the airflow chamber.

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: The present invention provides method for producing a substantially seamless video image on a display surface. The method comprises the steps of separately projecting at least a first and a second video image onto a display surface such that a seam is defined by overlapping portions of said first and second video images. Inside the seam, the brightness of the first video image and the brightness of the second video image are adjusted electronically so as to provide a uniform brightness profile.

Abstract: A segmented display system in which the display devices are arranged in a N×1 array is described. The segmented display system includes a plurality of projection devices that each project a portion of an image on a corresponding one of the display devices in the N×1 array. Distortion from extra light is minimized using a moveable mask around each projection device lens in the N×1 array.

Abstract: An automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate the picker, to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary; and a power storage system configured to receive power via the bus bar relay when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar, to store the received power, and to deliver the stored power to the robot accessor at least when the bus bar relay is disengaged.

Abstract: An automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; and a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate a picker, and to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary, to provide communication capability with a library communication interface via the bus bar relay and the bus bar when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar. Additionally, a second communication system may be provided between the robot accessor and the automated data storage library, which is operable at least when the robot accessor is moving.

Abstract: A method and a system for identifying a copy of an image sequence which is presented on a screen. At least one identifier distinct from the image sequence can be projected through the screen such that the identifier is displayed using visible light along with the image sequence. The identifier can be presented at periodic intervals and can define a theater location, a date and/or a time. A color and/or an illumination of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation can be measured. Based on the measured illumination and/or color, a projection brightness and/or color can be determined for the identifier. Also, a location on the screen through which the identifier should be projected can be determined.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and at least one internal wall substantially enclosed within the housing. The housing includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The at least one internal wall is configured to define an airflow chamber within the housing. The housing defines an opening leading into the airflow chamber. The stored-value card is configured to produce a whistle sound when air enters the airflow chamber from the opening and moves within the airflow chamber.

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 of the spring elements comprises a spring portion and a fin portion. At least one of the spring elements provides a heat path from the electronic device and provides mechanical compliance. In another embodiment, the structure further includes a heat-conducting layer disposed over the electronic device, wherein the fin portion of each of at least one of the spring elements is coupled to the heat-conducting layer.

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 for providing a heat path from the electronic device and wherein the plurality of spring elements provide mechanical compliance. In one alternative, the structure further includes a solid heat-conducting layer disposed over the electronic device, wherein the plurality of spring elements are coupled to the solid heat-conducting layer.

Abstract: A structure for cooling an electronic device is disclosed. The structure includes a compressible top layer disposed over the electronic device. The structure further includes a plurality of rigid elements disposed between the top layer and the electronic device for providing a heat path from the electronic device and wherein the plurality of rigid elements provide mechanical compliance. In another alternative, the structure further includes a conformable heat-conducting layer disposed over the electronic device, wherein a bottom end of the plurality of rigid elements is coupled to the conformable heat-conducting layer.

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.

Abstract: A method and a system for identifying a copy of an image sequence that is presented on a screen. At least one identifier distinct from the image sequence is projected such that the identifier is displayed on the screen using visible light along with the image sequence. The identifier can be presented at periodic intervals and can define a theater location, a date and/or a time. A color and/or an illumination of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation can be measured. Based on the measured illumination and/or color, a projection brightness and/or color can be determined for the identifier. Also, a location on the screen where the identifier should be projected can be determined.

Abstract: A video processing system adaptively generates and processes volume/file structure and navigation data of different data format and converts data between different formats for decoding, recording and other applications. The system processes the volume/file structure and navigation data in distinct modes including (a) pre-processing, (b) contemporaneous and (c) post-processing modes. In addition, the system provides navigation information supporting navigation through different images of one or more video programs by parsing encoded packetized data representative of a sequence of individual images to determine parameters to support navigation through the sequence of individual images. The determined parameters are formatted into a predetermined data structure and incorporated into a pre-formed navigation data field.

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 stored-value card including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device to perform at least one interactive activity. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The second surface includes account indicia signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card, and brand indicia relating to a retail setting configured to redeem the stored-value card. The at least one interactive activity includes displaying at least one of a character, an object, a textual passage, and a symbol associated with the retail setting. Financial transaction card assemblies, packaged stored-value cards, and methods of using such cards are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface stores data adapted to be read by an electronic device to perform at least one interactive activity. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The second surface includes account indicia signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card, and brand indicia relating to a retail setting configured to redeem the stored-value card. The at least one interactive activity includes displaying at least one of a character, an object, a textual passage, and a symbol associated with the retail setting. Financial transaction card assemblies, packaged stored-value cards, and methods of using such cards are also disclosed.