Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically configurable threat scanning machine management system that utilizes a network to connect threat scanning machines with a central control computer. The central control computer can transmit, among other things, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machines, while the threat scanning machines can transmit, among other things, images and performance data to the central computer. The threat scanning machine management system can be arranged in a hierarchical manner, which enables threat scanning machines at various locations to be connected into regional, national or international control centers for greater management efficiency. The network may be wireless and the control computer may be portable, enabling a supervisor to remotely manage the threat scanning machines while remaining mobile about the facility, or elsewhere.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder type electro-optic modulator based, for example, on GaAs/GaAlAs of InP/InGaAsP comprises coplanar stripline (CPS) electrodes, and optical waveguides, disposed on a conducting substrate or a conducting epitaxial layer, wherein the regions underlying the CPS electrodes are selectively rendered insulating by ion implantation to electrically isolate the CPS electrodes.

Abstract: Portable transaction terminal includes a processor, an imager configured to produce a digital image of a payment card using a source of continuous light, the imager being operably linked to the processor, and an image recognition module that performs image recognition and that is configured to produce or extract data for a transaction, from the digital image of the payment card, using the processor. The portable transaction terminal is configured to enter the data for the transaction that is produced or extracted, and wherein the data for the transaction is communicated and processed.

Abstract: A portable transaction terminal has an imager and image recognition system. The image recognition system produces information from image data for transaction processing. An optional location system enables obtaining and recording data corresponding to the location of the terminal at the time a transaction is processed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interconnecting sub-systems and for identifying combinations of multiple technologies. The method of this invention can be applied to detecting the presence of a characteristic in an object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interconnecting sub-systems and for identifying combinations of multiple technologies. The method of this invention can be applied to detecting the presence of a characteristic in an object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically configurable threat scanning machine management system that utilizes a network to connect threat scanning machines with a central control computer. The central control computer can transmit, among other things, operational software and threat profiles to the threat scanning machines, while the threat scanning machines can transmit, among other things, images and performance data to the central computer. The threat scanning machine management system can be arranged in a hierarchical manner, which enables threat scanning machines at various locations to be connected into regional, national or international control centers for greater management efficiency. The network may be wireless and the control computer may be portable, enabling a supervisor to remotely manage the threat scanning machines while remaining mobile about the facility, or elsewhere.

Abstract: A system provides safety for a portable data collection device. The system includes a holster for the portable data collection device, a belt clip attachable to a person, and an automatically detachable safety interface device interconnecting the holster and the belt clip. The detachable safety interface device is appropriately sized and designed to detach upon the application of a predetermined force acting on the automatically detachable safety interface device from any direction.

Abstract: A system locally synchronizes a plurality of mobile mobile devices. The system includes a computer device in communication with a network, a first mobile device in communication with the network, and a second mobile device in communication with the network. The first and second mobile devices and the computer device have an installed communication application eliminating predetermined communication steps between the first mobile device and the computer device through the network and between the second mobile device and the computer device through the network.

Abstract: A portable transaction terminal has an imager and image recognition system. The image recognition system produces information from image data for transaction processing. An optional location system enables obtaining and recording data corresponding to the location of the terminal at the time a transaction is processed.

Abstract: A system enables a mobile data acquisition device. The system includes a software application for use with the mobile data acquisition device. The software application is located on a remote computer. The remote computer transfers the software application from the remote computer to the mobile data acquisition device. The remote computer installs and activates the software application for use by the mobile data acquisition device. The software application is determined by a user and replaces a factory default software application.

Abstract: A system includes a device management computer, a data concentrator computer for communicating with the device management computer, a gateway device for communicating with the data concentrator computer, and a plurality of mobile data acquisition devices. Each of the plurality of mobile data acquisition devices communicates with the gateway device. The gateway device performs pre-processing functions on data collected by the plurality of mobile data acquisition devices prior to transferring the data to the data concentrator computer.

Abstract: A communication system includes a data concentrator computer, a gateway device for communicating with the data concentrator computer, a first mobile data acquisition device communicating with the gateway device, and a second mobile data acquisition device communicating with the gateway device. The gateway device allows direct communication between the first and second mobile data acquisition devices without communication with the data concentrator computer.

Abstract: A system upgrades a mobile data acquisition device. The system includes a software upgrade for use with the mobile data acquisition device. The software upgrade is located on a software management computer. The software management computer transfers the software upgrade from the software management computer to a local communications computer. The local communications computer transfers the software upgrade to the mobile data acquisition device. The local communications computer stores the software upgrade for transfer to other mobile data acquisition devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring and control system comprising a control unit (50) for receiving signals from a variety of detection devices (10, 21, 502) monitoring events pertaining to security. The control unit (50) transmits information related to the reception of such signals to a remote monitoring station (100) that stores and operates automatic evaluation routines to send an alert call to a chosen remote user terminal. The remote user terminal may conveniently be a PC, a PDA, a mobile phone or WAP enabled mobile phone, or a fixed line telephone. In some embodiments of the invention it may be possible to provide the monitoring station (100) with transmitted information including verification of the event. The nature of the event and verification may be determined by the control unit (50) or by the monitoring station (100).

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder type electro-optic modulator based, for example, on GaAs/GaAlAs of InP/InGaAsP comprises coplanar stripline (CPS) electrodes, and optical waveguides, disposed on a conducting substrate or a conducting epitaxial layer, wherein the regions underlying the CPS electrodes are selectively rendered insulating by ion implantation to electrically isolate the CPS electrodes.

Abstract: A vehicle parking brake assembly is particularly useful as a driveline parking brake. The parking brake assembly is spring applied and electrically released. A mechanical spring operates to move an engaging portion into a braking position when the parking brake is applied. An electrically powered actuator operates to selectively move the spring against the bias of the spring to thereby release the parking brake.