Abstract: An electronic handheld device outputs video signals to a video monitor to create an image. A controller generates video signals for defining a menu area and an active window on the visual display. The menu area includes a plurality of selection icons generally aligned on the visual display for accessing respective imaging functions to be carried out in the active window. The device includes a first and second directional inputs mounted on the housing for manipulating using first and second hands of a user, respectively. A first set of push buttons is mounted on the housing juxtaposed with the first directional input for activating using the first hand of the user. A second set of push buttons is mounted on the housing juxtaposed with the second directional input for activating using the second hand of the user. The controller responds to the first directional input and the second set of push buttons for selecting a desired one of the selection icons.

Abstract: A digital audio device. According to one aspect of the invention, the device includes a memory and an analog input system configured to record analog audio signals to the memory as digital audio data. The device further includes a digital input configured to download digital audio data to the memory, as well as an analog output system configured to generate analog playback signals decoded from digital audio data stored in the memory. Furthermore, the device includes a digital output configured to upload digital audio data from the memory.

Abstract: An ATM network is coupled to a data warehouse. Information about usage and operation of ATMs such as transactions, the timing of transactions and ATM locations stored in the data warehouse. Complex queries performed on the data warehouse are then used to provide information about trends in the network.

Abstract: A self-service terminal, such as an automated teller machine (12), is described. The terminal (12) has a display (52), and includes means (44,84) for accessing a mobile portal (30), whereby the terminal (12) is operable to retrieve information adapted for viewing on a portable device, and to present at least some of the retrieved information to a user on the display (52). The terminal (12) may also include a printer (56) for providing a user with a printed version of some of the information presented on the display (52). A network of self-service terminals is also described.

Abstract: A module (38), a terminal (12) including the module, and a system (10) including the terminal (12), are described. The module may be a printer module (38) comprising a print engine (60), a microcontroller (62), and a wireless receiver (66), such as a wireless modem, so that the module (38) is operable to receive data from a remote server (18) and to print the received data. The module (38) also includes a coupler (70 or 270) for directing data received from the wireless modem (66) to the microcontroller (62) and for directing data from the terminal (12) to the microcontroller (62). A method of printing tickets at a terminal (12) and a method of retro-fitting a self-service terminal (12) are also described.

Abstract: An ATM network comprises ATM's (22-1, 22-2, 22-3) coupled by an ATM switch (24) to a processor (26) and data warehouse (28). Information may be gathered about performance of the ATM network (20) and used to generate rules (34) for adjusting transaction charges incurred by use of the ATM. The rules may take into account usage patterns of the ATM and also collateral data such as weather forecasts and local event fixture lists.

Abstract: An ATM network is coupled to a data warehouse. Information about transactions, the timing of transactions and advertisements displayed on or near ATM terminals in the network are stored in the data warehouse. Complex queries performed on the data warehouse are then used to provide information about the effectiveness of advertisements displayed on or near the ATM terminals and also to enable choices of subsets of the terminals to be made to provide information about suitable subsets for advertising placement.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14), such as an ATM, and a portable electronic device (24), such as a cellular telephone or a PDA, are described The ATM has a communication port (42) for interfacing with a user's electronic device (24); a dispenser (32) for dispensing valuable items; and an authorization approval facility for approving a transaction authorization. The terminal (14) is operable to receive a transaction authorization from a user's device (24), to examine the transaction authorization, and to dispense an item to fulfil a requested transaction associated with the transaction authorization, without the terminal preparing an authorization request.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a chassis and a body mounted to the chassis. An electro-mechanical vibration generator is operatively connected with the chassis. The vibration generator is preferably an electric motor having a weight attached to the shaft of the motor. A light source and a sound source are each operatively connected with the body. A propulsion mechanism is connected with the chassis. Operation of the propulsion mechanism causes the toy vehicle to move across the medium on which it rests. An electrical circuit and an electrical power source are each connected with the vibration generator, the light source, the sound source and the propulsion mechanism. The electrical circuit controls the sequence and timing of the connected components to provide at least one sequence of events. A switch is connected with the electrical circuit. Upon activation of the switch, the electrical circuit initiates the sequence of events.

Abstract: An improved speed transducer is disclosed. The present invention provides an alternating current coil speed transducer which utilizes the Faraday Effect to generate a voltage. The present invention discloses an improved amplifying circuit that amplifies the low voltages generated by small boats such as rowing shells to permit them to register accurate speed data at low speeds, e.g. between about 0.5 and 10 m/sec although higher speeds can be measured. The present invention also provides an improved technique for connecting a speed transducer to a boat that permits the speed transducer to be mounted and dismounted and the electrical connection broken without requiring extensive reworking of the speed transducer. In this regard, the present invention generally provides an improved technique for mounting and dismounting protruding apparatus that have electrical or other connections that extend into an object.

Abstract: An activity knee brace is disclosed in which the hinge axis of the brace articulates to overlie during knee flexure the moving center of pivot of the condylar of the femur with respect to the plateau of the fibula tibia. The brace consists of a thigh portion, a lower leg portion, and a hinge axis therebetween. The thigh portion supports the brace in the thigh. The lower leg portion supports the brace to the lower leg. The hinge axis is designed to overlie the point of pivot of the knee. Articulating of the activity brace hinge axis occurs from the thigh portion. The thigh portion is braced at the upper end to the thigh. The thigh portion is braced at the lower end at the medial supracondylar area by pad and adjustable strap system contacting and locating on the supracondylar hollow on the inside of the upper leg. The pads at the lower thigh portion of the brace are mounted at a pivotal axis. This pivotal axis is offset with respect to the hinge axis at a distance approximately 11/8 th inches.

Abstract: A linear capacitance displacement transducer for measuring absolute displacement is formed from a coaxial variable capacitor and a precision capacitance measuring electronic circuit. The plates of the coaxial capacitor are attached to the members of an assembly whose displacement relative to one another is to be determined. Linear displacement of the members causes a linear displacement between the capacitor plates which is reflected in a linear capacitance change. A capacitor controlled oscillator utilizes the coaxial variable capacitor at its input. The capacitor controlled oscillator whose period of oscillation is been determined by the capacitance and locked in phase with changes of capacitance is utilized as a precision measure of capacitance. The period of the square wave output of the oscillator is a linear function of the capacitance of the variable capacitor at any time. The transducer may be adapted to determine the absolute position of a piston rod in a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A preventive single-sided knee brace for athletes includes independently pivotable and laterally rigid upper and lower leg bars interconnected at laterally rigid polycentric clevis joints of a shield plate assembly. Straps affixed to a knee plate of the shield plate assembly encircle the leg adjacent the knee joint and buckle to the knee plate to hold the assembly adjacent the lateral side of the knee joint in any position of leg flexion. The upper leg bar extends from the shield plate assembly along the outside of the upper leg and is secured to the leg at the bar's upper end. Similarly, the lower leg bar extends from the polycentric joint along the outside of the lower leg and is secured to the leg at the bar's lower end. The upper and lower leg bars are shaped to follow the contour of the leg and bridge the knee joint to hold the shield plate assembly laterally spaced from the side of the knee joint.

Abstract: An activity knee brace is disclosed in which the hinge axis of the brace articulates to overlie during knee flexure the moving center of pivot of the condylar of the femur with respect to the plateau of the fibula tibia. The brace consists of a thigh portion, a lower leg portion, and a hinge axis therebetween. The thigh portion supports the brace in the thigh. The lower leg portion supports the brace to the lower leg. The hinge axis is designed to overlie the point of pivot of the knee. Articulating of the activity brace hinge axis occurs from the thigh portion. The thigh portion is braced at the upper end of the thigh. The thigh portion is braced at the lower end at the medial supracondylar area by pad and adjustable strap system contacting and locating on the supracondylar hollow on the inside of the upper leg. The pads at the lower thigh portion of the brace are mounted at a pivotal axis. This pivotal axis is offset with respect to the hinge axis at a distance approximately 11/8th inches.