Abstract: A logging module for identifying a suspected tampering condition of an access-controlled container, the logging module comprising: data collection means configured to collect data from said access-controlled container; and communication means for communicatively connecting the logging module across a network to a database storing a use history associated with said access-controlled container; wherein the logging module is configured to compare the collected data to the corresponding use history associated with said access-controlled container stored in the database to identify a suspected tampering condition of said access-controlled container, wherein the use history comprises data associated with the weight and/or volume of content of the access-controlled container.

Abstract: An illumination device for an optical system of a reader apparatus, comprising a light source (3) disposed concentrically around an annular hollow body (2), an external light reflector (5) for redirecting light to illuminate a zone at its distal end (5b), and a reflector element (8) with a mirror finish outer surface (8a). The internal wall (6) of the external light reflector (5) is made of reflective material, having a first portion (6a) with increasing cross sections from a proximal end (5a) to a first region (6b) with maximum cross section, and a second portion (6c) with decreasing cross sections from the first region (6b) to a second region (6d) with minimum cross section. The reflector element (8) is arranged in front of the light source (3) to redirect light towards the first portion (6a) of the external light reflector (5). The illumination device (1) achieves, in a reduced space, high optical efficiency and uniform illumination on the mark to read, avoiding specular reflection.

Abstract: A storage unit for storing a fluid, the storage unit comprising at least one wall defining a chamber and an opening. The storage unit comprises a storage unit valve arranged at the opening to selectively seal the chamber. The storage unit valve is able to be selectively opened and closed to allow fluid to flow through the storage unit valve. The storage unit comprises a storage unit keying mechanism configured to allow the storage unit to only connect to a complementary docking station keying mechanism disposed on a docking station for receiving the storage unit. The storage unit valve is configured to only be able to be selectively opened and closed when the storage unit keying mechanism is engaged with said complementary docking station keying mechanism.

Abstract: An illumination device for an optical system of a reader apparatus, comprising a light source (3) disposed concentrically around an annular hollow body (2), an external light reflector (5) for redirecting light to illuminate a zone at its distal end (5b), and a reflector element (8) with a mirror finish outer surface (8a). The internal wall (6) of the external light reflector (5) is made of reflective material, having a first portion (6a) with increasing cross sections from a proximal end (5a) to a first region (6b) with maximum cross section, and a second portion (6c) with decreasing cross sections from the first region (6b) to a second region (6d) with minimum cross section. The reflector element (8) is arranged in front of the light source (3) to redirect light towards the first portion (6a) of the external light reflector (5). The illumination device (1) achieves, in a reduced space, high optical efficiency and uniform illumination on the mark to read, avoiding specular reflection.

Abstract: Scanner, method of scanning and system for scanning that allows detecting decay time characteristics of light emitted by a luminescent marking on an item which is transported, even at high speed, on a distribution/production line. The detection zone of the scanner's light sensor has a shape elongated along a path of the moving item, and the responsivity of the light sensor, within the wavelength range of the emitted luminescence light, is uniform over the detection zone. The drive current, or drive voltage, powering the excitation light source is adapted to deliver the intensity of the excitation light to the marking so that its light sensor can reliably measure the corresponding luminescence light response, and thus accurately determine a corresponding decay time value.

Abstract: A storage unit for storing a fluid, the storage unit comprising at least one wall defining a chamber and an opening. The storage unit comprises a storage unit valve arranged at the opening to selectively seal the chamber. The storage unit valve is able to be selectively opened and closed to allow fluid to flow through the storage unit valve. The storage unit comprises a storage unit keying mechanism configured to allow the storage unit to only connect to a complementary docking station keying mechanism disposed on a docking station for receiving the storage unit. The storage unit valve is configured to only be able to be selectively opened and closed when the storage unit keying mechanism is engaged with said complementary docking station keying mechanism.

Abstract: A logging module for identifying a suspected tampering condition of an access-controlled container, the logging module comprising: data collection means configured to collect data from said access-controlled container; and communication means for communicatively connecting the logging module across a network to a database storing a use history associated with said access-controlled container; wherein the logging module is configured to compare the collected data to the corresponding use history associated with said access-controlled container stored in the database to identify a suspected tampering condition of said access-controlled container, wherein the use history comprises data associated with the weight and/or volume of content of the access-controlled container.

Abstract: A single use valve structured to allow only one fluid or gas or powder filling or extraction operation of a container such that neither a subsequent refilling nor a subsequent extraction operation can be performed. The single use valve may be used for extraction of ink from, or filling of ink to, a security ink container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to monitor using a weight sensor to a high degree of precision the rate of material consumption from a reservoir while in operation by alleviating perturbations due to extraneous forces exerted on the reservoir by the connecting tubes and conduits that carry the material and transmit electrical signals between the reservoir and the other components of the dispensing system.

Abstract: A reader operable to read a mark on a substrate, the reader comprising a power source, operable to deliver a variable drive current or voltage, a light source operable to illuminate said mark with a sequence of illumination light pulses of different wavelength spectra, an intensity of said illumination light pulses varying according to the delivered drive current or voltage, a light sensor operable to measure an intensity of light received from said mark and to deliver a corresponding light intensity signal, and a control unit operable to control said power source and light sensor to control timings of said illumination light pulses according to a switching pattern and timings to acquire said light intensity signal for synchronizing acquisition of said light intensity signal with said sequence of illumination light pulses, said control unit being further operable to adjust a duty cycle of said switching pattern so as to maintain heat generation associated to each illumination light pulse below a given thresho

Abstract: Scanner, method of scanning and system for scanning that allows detecting decay time characteristics of light emitted by a luminescent marking on an item which is transported, even at high speed, on a distribution/production line. The detection zone of the scanner's light sensor has a shape elongated along a path of the moving item, and the responsivity of the light sensor, within the wavelength range of the emitted luminescence light, is uniform over the detection zone. The drive current, or drive voltage, powering the excitation light source is adapted to deliver the intensity of the excitation light to the marking so that its light sensor can reliably measure the corresponding luminescence light response, and thus accurately determine a corresponding decay time value.

Abstract: The disclosed scanner allows detecting decay time characteristics of light emitted by a luminescent marking on an item which is transported, even at high speed, on a distribution/production line. The detection zone of the scanner's light sensor has a shape elongated along a path of the moving item, and the responsivity of the light sensor, within the wavelength range of the emitted luminescence light, is uniform over the detection zone. The control unit of the scanner is further operable to adapt the drive current, or drive voltage, powering its excitation light source to accordingly adapt the intensity of the excitation light delivered to the marking so that its light sensor can reliably measure the corresponding luminescence light response, and thus accurately determine a corresponding decay time value.

Abstract: A reader operable to read a mark on a substrate, the reader comprising a power source, operable to deliver a variable drive current or voltage, a light source operable to illuminate said mark with a sequence of illumination light pulses of different wavelength spectra, an intensity of said illumination light pulses varying according to the delivered drive current or voltage, a light sensor operable to measure an intensity of light received from said mark and to deliver a corresponding light intensity signal, and a control unit operable to control said power source and light sensor to control timings of said illumination light pulses according to a switching pattern and timings to acquire said light intensity signal for synchronizing acquisition of said light intensity signal with said sequence of illumination light pulses, said control unit being further operable to adjust a duty cycle of said switching pattern so as to maintain heat generation associated to each illumination light pulse below a given thresho

Abstract: A single use valve structured to allow only one fluid or gas or powder filling or extraction operation of a container such that neither a subsequent refilling nor a subsequent extraction operation can be performed. The single use valve may be used for extraction of ink from, or filling of ink to, a security ink container.

Abstract: So as to accurately measure the consumption of material from a reservoir to a high degree of precision during dispensing, and when calibration of the measurement device cannot be reliably performed, the invention proposes an apparatus and a method for measuring a quantity of material to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus has a dispensing unit for dispensing at least part of the material; a reservoir containing the material to be dispensed; connectors between the reservoir and the dispensing unit; a scale under the reservoir, the scale being for connection to a processor for processing electronic signals from the scale and for converting the signals into a weight measurement; and tubes inserted into the reservoir, the tubes carrying material into and from the reservoir, the tubes being inserted into the reservoir by means of one of the following : i. through a flexible membrane surrounding the connectors, ii. with flexible tube sections between the connectors and the dispensing unit, and iii.

Abstract: The disclosed annular light guide illuminator (10) is operable to guide light from its entry surface (12) to its exit surface (16) for illuminating a zone (17) at its distal end (19), and comprises a truncated-cone-shaped inner cavity (18) of which base opens onto said distal end (19), and of which truncated summit (20) opposite to said base opens onto an inner hole portion (21) for back transmitting light reflected/emitted from said zone. An optical scanner implementing said illuminator is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed scanner allows detecting decay time characteristics of light emitted by a luminescent marking on an item which is transported, even at high speed, on a distribution/production line. The detection zone of the scanner's light sensor has a shape elongated along a path of the moving item, and the responsivity of the light sensor, within the wavelength range of the emitted luminescence light, is uniform over the detection zone. The control unit of the scanner is further operable to adapt the drive current, or drive voltage, powering its excitation light source to accordingly adapt the intensity of the excitation light delivered to the marking so that its light sensor can reliably measure the corresponding luminescence light response, and thus accurately determine a corresponding decay time value.

Abstract: The disclosed annular light guide illuminator (10) is operable to guide light from its entry surface (12) to its exit surface (16) for illuminating a zone (17) at its distal end (19), and comprises a truncated-cone-shaped inner cavity (18) of which base opens onto said distal end (19), and of which truncated summit (20) opposite to said base opens onto an inner hole portion (21) for back transmitting light reflected/emitted from said zone. An optical scanner implementing said illuminator is also disclosed.