Abstract: A heater unit includes power failure management to detect disruptions in the electrical power supply, such as the AC supply, for the unit. The heater unit emits an audible alarm in response to detection of such a disruption, and may shut down the heater(s) and visuals display(s). The heater unit advantageously includes a power storage device, such as a super-capacitor, to temporarily power the electronic circuitry of the heater unit. Operating parameters, such as of a processor of the electronic circuitry, may be stored in a non-volatile memory response to the disruption, and recalled if the disruption terminates before the level of power has gotten too low to sustain reliable operation of the processor.

Abstract: A self checkout system/terminal includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The EAS system includes an EAS detector and an EAS deactivator. EAS tag detection is associated with a purchase transaction event, such as scanning or bagging of an item. After EAS tag detection, the customer is directed to deactivate the EAS tag. Some of the self-service checkout terminal (SCOT) operation/functionality may be paused during an EAS tag deactivation period. The subject EAS system and/or process eliminates the need to deactivate every item, thereby streamlining the self checkout process when EAS is used in a store.

Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a self-service checkout system includes a component video camera, such as an RGB component video camera or an analog component video camera. The component video camera is coupled to the processor of a self-service checkout terminal and is operative to obtain a digital picture of an item during the self-checkout transaction. Preferably, the component video camera is operative to obtain a digital picture of an item such as produce when the item is on a scale of the self-checkout terminal and being weighed. This provides a high probability that the customer is not blocking the component video camera. The self-service checkout terminal is in communication with a monitoring station via a network such that the monitoring station can view the digital picture and/or store the digital picture. The digital picture can then be associated with the purchase transaction in a data warehouse.

Abstract: A self checkout system/terminal includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The EAS system includes an EAS detector and an EAS deactivator. EAS tag detection is associated with a purchase transaction event, such as scanning or bagging of an item. After EAS tag detection, the customer is directed to deactivate the EAS tag. Some of the SCOT operation/functionality may be paused during an EAS tag deactivation period. The subject EAS system and/or process eliminates the need to deactivate every item, thereby streamlining the self checkout process when EAS is used in a store.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a signal transmitter associated therewith includes the step of detecting an intervention-needed activity and generating an intervention-needed control signal in response thereto. The method also includes the step of operating the signal transmitter so as to transmit a personnel-request signal in response to generation of the intervention-needed control signal. The method further includes the step of receiving the personnel-request signal with a signal receiver associated with an audible message generating device. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating an audible message that is communicated to retail personnel with the audible message generating device in response to receipt of the personnel-request signal. A retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self checkout system, method, and apparatus for a retail establishment includes a plurality of product receptacles, such as shopping carts, each having a product data receiver that is operative to obtain product data for products placed in the product receptacle. The obtained product data is transmitted via a wireless channel to a central processor or computer. Each product data receiver may also provide a display of various product data. During checkout, product receptacle data is obtained, such as weight, and compared against the product data in the central computer for verification purposes. When verified, payment is made at the checkout before bagging of the products. If there is a discrepancy (i.e. no verification), an assisted checkout is then used.

Abstract: A retail terminal assembly includes a portable communication device for use by retail personnel. The assembly also includes a signal transmitter for transmitting a personnel-request signal to the portable communication device. The assembly further includes a processing unit electrically coupled to the signal transmitter. Moreover, the assembly includes a memory device electrically coupled to the processing unit. The memory device has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processing unit, causes the processing unit to (a) detect an intervention-needed activity and generate an intervention-needed control signal in response thereto, and (b) operate the signal transmitter so as to transmit the personnel-request signal in response to generation of the intervention-needed control signal. A message is communicated to the retail personnel by the portable communication device in response to receipt of the personnel-request signal by the portable communication device.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a first terminal cabinet and a second terminal cabinet. The retail terminal includes a controller secured to the first terminal cabinet, the controller having a controller data port associated therewith. The retail terminal also includes a port expander device secured to the second terminal cabinet. The port expander device has a first expander data port, a second expander data port, and a third expander data port associated therewith. The retail terminal also includes a first retail peripheral device secured to the second terminal cabinet. The first retail peripheral device has a first peripheral data port associated therewith. The retail terminal further includes a second retail peripheral device secured to the second terminal cabinet. The second retail peripheral device has a second peripheral data port associated therewith. The controller data port is electrically coupled to the first expander data port via a first data cable.

Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, there is provided an atmospheric process for the production of a ferritic coating or film. In the first step of this process, an aerosol mist containing reactants necessary to form the ferrite is provided. Thereafter, the mist is subjected to radio-frequency radiation while in the plasma region. Thereafter, the vaporized mixture is then deposited onto a substrate.

Abstract: A process for coating a superconductive film onto a substrate is provided. In the first step of this process, a solution of the reagents required to produce the superconductive material is subjected to ultrasonic sound waves to create an aerosol. Thereafter, the aerosol is contacted with plasma while being subjected to substantially atmospheric pressure and a radio frequency alternating current in excess of 100 kilohertz; a vapor is produced in this step. The vapor so produced is passed through an orifice and allowed to deposit onto a substrate, which is in contact with a substrate holder which is electrically grounded.

Abstract: A process for coating a superconductive film onto a substrate is provided. In the first step of this process, a solution of the reagents required to produce the superconductive material is subjected to ultrasonic sound waves to create an aerosol. Thereafter, the aerosol contacted with plasma while being subjected to substantially atmospheric pressure and a radio frequency alternating current in excess of 100 kilohertz; a vapor is produced in this step. The vapor so produced is passed through an orifice and allowed to deposit onto a substrate.

Abstract: A two-step process for the preparation of a thallium-containing superconductive film is described.In the first step of this process, an aerosol mist containing reactants necessary to produce a calcium/barium/strontium/copper precursor material is provided. This mist is subjected to radio-frequency radiation while in the plasma region, and it thereafter is deposited onto an electrically grounded substrate.In the second step of the process, the coated substrate is contacted with thallium-containing vapor.

Abstract: A process for preparing a glass-ceramic material with superconducting properties is disclosed.In the first step of this process, a powder batch comprised of a glass-former and of barium oxide, yttrium oxide, and copper oxide (or the precursors of one or more of these oxides) is provided. These oxides (or their precursors) are present in varying amounts for the Ba.sub.2 YCu.sub.3 O.sub.x composition.In the second step of the process, the powder batch is melted at a temperature of from about 1170 to 1300 degrees Celsius while under an oxygen-containing atmosphere.In the third step of the process, the molten batch is rapidly cooled, thereby forming glass.In the fourth step of the process, the glass is heat-treated at a temperature of from about 750 to about 950 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A process for preparing a tetragonal barium titanate film with a thickness of from about 0.1 to about 1.5 millimeters is disclosed.In the first step of this process, a mixture of a barium compound, a titanium compound, and a boron oxide glass former is provided in a specified ratio.The reaction mixture is melted at a temperature of 1300-1400 degrees centigrade and then rapidly quenched in form glass. The glass is then place upon a polycrystalline isostructural substrate, and the glass/substrate assembly is then remelted and, thereafter, subjected to a temperature of from 950 to 1,050 degrees centigrade for from about 25 to about 60 minutes.

Abstract: A stool upholstered with a protective stool cover, and related objects are shown. The cover comprises a seat encapsulating, cover material, the lower edge of which is attached to a seat pan covering, shaped wall profile which protects against inadvertant, cover material damaging impact against the seat pan. The profile also eliminates the discernment of outlines of the edge of the interface between the seat pan and the cushioning material through the covering material. The profile includes a flange section adapted for attachment to the lower side of the seat pan, which extends at substantially right angles from one end of the seat pan edge covering collar section, as well as a seam section adapted for sewn attachment to the covering material. The seam section is offset and extends from the other end of the collar section, parallel and adjacent to a line of extension therefrom.