Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for processing of checks and includes a closed casing (1) having an opening defining a feed path (5) for the insertion of a check, and an optical scanner (3) for receiving a check fed into the casing (1) and recording data representing information on the face of the check. The apparatus includes a cancellation device (4) to cancel the check concurrently with the scanning and a communications device (2,9) for transmitting recorded data to a remote location. The invention is intended for distribution to end users, the drawees of checks, or as a component part of an automatic teller machine, such that a bank can trust that a digital check received from the apparatus via a communications network is as secure against being fraudulently deposited as if the check had been physically delivered in the conventional manner.

Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.

Abstract: A system and method of flexibly loading an application and its associated data from an application provider onto an IC card. The application and its associated data is divided into segments which can each fit into the input buffer of an Integrated circuit card. Each segment is transmitted separately and the Integrated circuit card then stores the segment in an available space in the IC card's memory. The segments can be placed in non-contiguous memory in order to reduce memory fragmentation.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for automatically finding discount coupons on a data network. The preferred embodiment provides an automated coupon redemption unit comprising a code scanner for reading codes from a plurality of consumer items, a network interface for facilitating access to a data network, and a search algorithm for automatically searching said data network for coupons responsive to said codes.

Abstract: A method and system for self-checkout of items from a retail or non-retail establishment is disclosed. The system verifies security by comparing a measured physical characteristic of an item with the stored security characteristic for that item and determining if the measured physical characteristic is within an operator-modifiable tolerance range. The operator-modifiable tolerance range is different for different of items in the store. Moreover, a stored security characteristic of an item can be updated automatically. In addition, the system includes a dynamic-weight scale that reports a measured weight before the scale settles.

Abstract: A memory card connector for preventing a memory card from short circuit and increasing the reliability is disclosed. In the present invention, a memory casing enclosing the connector, a detector and a fastening unit appended to the metal casing are used to achieve above object. In the detector, a metal elastic piece appended to the metal casing serves to convert the force of inserting a memory card to a transversal force. Then, by this force, it contacts the detecting terminal connected to the circuit of a circuit board. Further, the connector is grounded through the metal elastic piece and the metal casing so as to actuate the circuit of the memory card. Furthermore, by a fastening material to increase the reliability of the memory card, a memory card connector for preventing a memory card from short circuit is formed.

Abstract: In a clock frequency controlling method and method, a plurality of clock output selectors are provided to respectively provide output clock signals based on input clock signals with different frequencies at respective selector inputs. One of the plurality of clock output selectors is controlled in response to an operating clock request to provide a selected clock signal among the output clock signals in accordance with an indication of the request. When the first indication of the request is changed to a second indication, the selected clock signal is deactivated in synchronism with a corresponding one of the input clock signals. After the selected clock signal is deactivated, a second selected clock signal is activated in response to the second indication of the request in synchronism with a corresponding one of the input clock signals.

Abstract: A data carrier (1) for the transmission of transmission data (UD) to a base station over a transmission time range (TT) containing load time ranges (TA) and load relief time ranges (TB0, TB1) comprises cut-off means (13) which, once activated, set principal power consumers (10, 12) of the data carrier (1) into an energy-saving operating condition for a cut-off time range containing the load time range (TA), so that the storage capacitor (9) for operation of the passive data carrier (1) over the load time ranges (TA) may advantageously have only a relatively low capacitance.

Abstract: Molded imager optical packages are disclosed which are particularly adapted for use in miniaturized, linear sensor-based code reading engines. The package may include a one-dimensional solid state photo sensor with a small number of cells. A low F-number optical system may be integrally molded in the sensor packaging.

Abstract: A method of and system for producing a digital image of an object with reduced speckle-pattern noise power. The method comprises moving a hand-supportable PLIIM-based imager relative to an object so as to consecutively capture, over a series of consecutively different photo-integration time periods, a series of digital images of an object with speckle-pattern noise. This series of digital images are buffered over the series of consecutively different photo-integration time periods. Corresponding pixel data subsets defined over a small window in the set of captured digital images are processed so as to produce spatially corresponding pixels data subsets in a reconstructed digital image of the object, containing speckle-pattern noise having a substantially reduced level of RMS power. The method and system may also be used using both linear and area type PLIIM-based imagers.

Abstract: A system for providing evidence of payment wherein each transaction initiated through the system is assigned a unique code. This code, along with other information, such as the customer name or transactional information, is used to generate a two-dimensional barcode which may be sent in an electronic format to the customer. This two dimensional barcode may be stored on in electronic format until such time as the customer needs to show evidence of payment, at which time the customer may print the two dimensional barcode on a printer attached to the computer.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a light emitting element, a movable mirror operative, by oscillation, to reflect outgoing light from the light emitting element to cause reflected light to scan an object to be illuminated and to further reflect the reflected light of the outgoing light having illuminated the object, and a light receiving element arranged to detect the reflected light reflected off the movable mirror and convert a detected beam into an electrical signal. The movable mirror comprises a glass substrate and a dielectric multilayer film laminated on the glass substrate. The dielectric multilayer film is formed by alternating layers of a high refractive index material and a low refractive index material at an optical thickness &lgr;/4, where &lgr; is the wavelength of the outgoing light.

Abstract: A portable hand-supportable data terminal for allowing an operator to enter, collect, and display data. The portable hand-supportable data terminal comprises a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture and an automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading subsystem integrated therewithin. The bar code reading subsystem is programmed for reading bar code symbols encoded with information, and producing symbol character data representative of the information. A manually-actuated data entry device is provided for manually producing character data representative of information entered into the portable hand-supportable data terminal. A data storage device stores data collected by the portable hand-supportable data terminal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a portable scanning device that stores locally in an internal memory scanned information. The device provides a means of collecting data or information and stores said information in an internal memory. The stored information can be transmitted to a remote server by connecting the device to a cellular telephone, or it may be transmitted wirelessly directly from the device. The memory is erased once the data has been transferred. Subsequently, the server sends the received data to the user's Web address or email address.

Abstract: The present invention provides safety confirmation or hazard warning to a technician in the field, e.g., by scanning an equipment identification label and comparing the identification to a schedule of equipment inactivation times. The systems and methods of the invention can optionally provide remote interactions to reschedule inactivations or to protect the technician by lock-out from a hazardous condition.

Abstract: A memory management method (44) for a memory having program contexts including an active program context in an active region and inactive program contexts in an inactive region. Each program context has a first and a second part. Second parts of the active program context are separated by a contiguous All memory space comprising a free memory block and a common data parameter store. In operation, the method swaps (50) a location of the second part of the active program context with the contiguous memory. A swapping step (54) is then effected to swap a location of a the inactive program context with the active program context and any program context therebetween. Another swapping step (56) is then effected to swap a location of a second part of the inactive program context with the contiguous memory space, after which the inactive program context becomes currently active.

Abstract: A chip card is provided which is equipped with a thin film battery, such as those that utilize a LiPON electrolyte. Since the battery does not require venting, it can be sealed within the card, thereby making the card more tamper resistant. Moreover, the terminals of the battery and memory are encased in an epoxy resin, and a volatile memory type is employed. This improves the resistance of the card toward common tampering schemes involving the use of sulfuric acid or other mineral acids. In particular, if such acids are used in an attempt to access the memory module in order to tamper with the card, they will dissolve the epoxy resin around the battery terminals, resulting in a short circuit and erasing the memory contents of the card.

Abstract: A credit card-sized card having a rotating magnetic memory therein is disclosed. The card is provided using a laminated structure in which a stainless steel, plastic sandwich structure is employed. An opening in the plastic layer provides space for the rotating magnetic disk. Data is written to or read from the disk by positioning heads from an external system into openings in the external surface of the card. When the card is not engaged in a reader, a shutter covers the openings.

Abstract: A module (1) for a data carrier (3) for performing of operations with contacts and operations without contacts comprising an integrated component (4) with component connections (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A7, A8) and having a contact field (5) accessible to counter contacts with module connecting contacts (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8), with each component connection (A1, A2, A3, A5, A7) used for operations with contacts being in an electrically conductive connection with a module connecting contact (C1, C2, C3, C5, C7) of the contact field (5) and each component connection (A4, A8) used for operations without contacts also being in an electrically conductive connection with a module connecting contact (C4, C8) of the contact field (5).

Abstract: An air freshening composition including porous carrier particles having a perfume composition entrapped therein, and a second component selected from an inert filer, hygroscopic agent, binder, coating material, moisture providing agent, and mixtures thereof. The composition may further comprise various optional components such as free perfumes, colorants, disintegrants, water swelling agents, porosity modifiers and mixtures thereof. A method for processing the compositions into a solid article includes the steps of entrapping a perfume in the porous carrier particles, heating and incorporating a carrier or binder material. The compositions may be further processed by optionally incorporating a powder inert filler and forming articles from the mixture. The articles may be formed from the compositions through prilling, extrusion, or compaction amongst other techniques.

Abstract: The invention comprises a towable trailer having a first frame and a bin, conveyor, and spinners mounted on a second frame. The bin carries materials which are conveyed by the conveyor to the spinners at the rear of the bin which spin and spread the material on the ground as the trailer is towed along the ground. The trailer is towed by a powered vehicle. A remote control device has an electrical connection to the mechanism on the trailer for operating the conveyor and spinners. The remote control device can be mounted on the trailer and operated or by cable from equipment or mechanism on the trailer to the remote control device, the remote control device may be operated on the control panel of the powered vehicle.

Abstract: A centrifugal humidifier having a rotatable body for propelling water outwardly on to an impingement surface that brake up the propelled water into droplets which are then entrained in a stream of air and discharged to the surroundings, wherein the impingement surface has a multiplicity of sawtooth ridges oriented with the more gradually inclined sides facing toward the direction from which the water is propelled by the rotatable body which promotes breaking up the water into finer droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paint spray gun with a paint nozzle placed on a gun body, an air nozzle placed around the paint nozzle, a compressed air valve placed within a piston borehole in the gun body, a compressed air borehole running through a handgrip of the gun body to the piston borehole, and a pressure-sensing and pressure display device placed in the hand grip. For sensing and displaying the spray pressure, a tube is placed in the compressed air borehole at a distance from its inner wall. The tube forms, in the interior, a channel for the compressed air supply to a part of the piston borehole placed upstream of the compressed-air valve, and borders an intermediate space between its exterior and the inner wall of the compressed air borehole.

Abstract: A dispenser head includes a body defining two housings, which receive a respective nozzle-carrier provided with a nozzle. Each of the housings communicates with the outside via a first opening and via a second opening. Each nozzle-carrier communicates with a feed duct after being inserted in one of the housings via one of the first openings. The substance is dispensed through the second openings.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid spraying apparatus including a sprayer and separate manual two stage pump. The sprayer preferably includes a three way valve capable of performing the function of a pump coupling for connecting to the pump to pressurize the pressure chamber, a pressure release valve, and a safety valve. In some embodiments, the pressure chamber is preferably capable of holding air pressure of at least 300 psi, in other embodiments, 1,000 psi, and in still other embodiments 2,000 psi. A re-useable fluid container is accepted within the sprayer and may be easily switched to change fluids. The two-stage pump may be configured to allow pumping of air under high pressure into the pressure chamber in the sprayer. The pump is preferably manually operated, but could be powered in alternate embodiments.

Abstract: An electronic fuel injector capable of supplying fuel in a stable manner is provided by employing a swirler, which is manufactured at a lower cost and has durability, and by ensuring superior wear resistance of the swirler and a valve member provided on a movable part, which is put into frictional contact with the swirler. The electronic fuel injector comprises a movable part, a valve member, a valve seat, a swirler, a stopper, a stator core, a casing, a spring, and an electromagnetic coil. A valve member is provided at a fore end of the movable part. The swirler serves not only to swirl fuel, but also to guide movement of the valve member provided at the fore end of the movable part. The swirler is formed of a powder sintered compact of martensitic stainless steel having corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

Abstract: In a fuel injection valve, a flow-out passage is provided on a downstream side thereof with an out-orifice. The out-orifice is provided around a periphery of an inlet opening thereof with an inlet circumferential edge with which a flow of fuel to be ejected from a pressure control chamber via the out-orifice is swirled so that turbulent flow is forcibly formed. Then, the turbulent flow is maintained until the fuel is ejected. Dimensions of the out-orifice satisfy the formulas, R/D≦0.2 and L/D≦1.2, where R is corner radius of the inlet circumferential edge of the out-orifice, D is inner diameter thereof and L is axial length thereof. Accordingly, fuel injection is stable with less fuel amount fluctuation in each cycle even when fuel pressure and temperature are relatively low.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection valve, comprising a control chamber (15) with a control piston (16) that is functionally linked with a nozzle needle (35). The control chamber (15) is linked, via an inlet throttle (13), with pressurized fuel, and with an outlet throttle (14) with a valve chamber (9). A servo valve (5) is disposed in the valve chamber (9), said servo valve opening a connection between the valve chamber (9) and a return element (40) depending on its position. The inventive injection valve further comprises a bypass throttle (12) that is interposed between the fuel feed line and the valve chamber.

Abstract: A pressure atomizer includes a body having a central axis, and defining a chamber. The body further defines a connecting passage that fluidly connects the chamber to an exterior of the body. The connecting passage has an inside surface. A substantially cylindrical separator collar is disposed concentrically within the connecting passage, and includes an inside surface and an outside surface. At least a portion of the outside surface is disposed a predetermined distance from the inside surface of the connecting passage to thereby define an outer fluid passageway. The outer fluid passageway extends from the chamber to a first exit point. A pintle is disposed substantially concentrically within the separator collar. The pintle includes an outside surface that is disposed a predetermined distance from the inside surface of the separator collar to thereby define an inner fluid passageway. The inner fluid passageway extends from the chamber to a second exit point.

Abstract: A fuel injector having a housing including an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway for fuel flow from the inlet to the outlet. A coil assembly is disposed proximate the inlet of the fuel injector. A seat is disposed proximate the outlet of the fuel injector. A closure member is disposed in the housing and operable by the coil assembly to permit and prohibit fuel flow through the seat. The closure member includes a strap member that extends along a longitudinal axis and has at least two radial projections and a central member. The strap member includes an outer surface a distance D from the longitudinal axis. The at least two radial projections having first and second ends. A sealing member is coupled to the central member. An armature member is coupled to the second ends of the strap member. Also, a method for forming the strap member.

Abstract: Methods of generating pores in thin sheets of material, typically thin polymer films, are provided. The methods allow for generation of pores which uniformly penetrate the material. The method comprises laminating a thick film onto a thin film, then directing a laser source onto the thin film so as to form pores through the thin film. The increased stiffness conferred by the thick film reduces wrinkle formation in the thin film, resulting in uniform thickness of the thin film and consequent uniformity of pore depth. The invention further provides aerosolization containers and devices comprising membranes formed according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking method and apparatus. The method of the present invention comprises securing a first end of a connecting means to a first irrigation line, and securing a second end of said connecting means to a second irrigation line. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a rigid connecting means having a desired length for connecting a first side role irrigation line to a second side role irrigation line. The connecting means is of sufficient strength to secure a first irrigation line to a second irrigation line, where were either irrigation line is being influenced to move by wind blowing against the line. The connecting means the should have a weight such as not to bend or deform the irrigation line to which it is secured. Alternatively, the connecting means may have a support system to take weight off of the line when the connecting means is secured to the line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comminuting and drying material utilizing a closed-loop cyclonic system including a cyclonic comminution chamber, and further incorporating heated or dried air for desiccation of the material, as well as reducing the air pressure of the system to provide enhanced drying of the material. The present invention further contemplates to a cyclonic mill system configured to fiberize and dewater cellulose and other materials in a highly efficient and cost effective manner. The present system employs indirect heat drying and fiberizing for the continuous drying and processing of moist cellulose (i.e., bagasse, paper, etc) material by cyclonically agitating same in a hot air flow via a specially designed cyclonic mill, which is configured to effectively dewater and decimate wet cellulose material from a variety of sources for form fiberized cellulose material suitable for thermal insulation or other products.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for combining and dispensing different livestock feeds including roughage, particulate matter and liquids. A control system provides and weighs selected ratios of combined feed sources to establish a desired ration.

Abstract: A food ingredient grinder assembly (10) having ingredient hoppers (12) and grinding blades (20) for grinding ingredient upon receipt within grinding chamber (14) has a controller that maintains a motor (38) operating after the ingredient in the grinding chamber has been depleted to vibrate and blow away residual ground ingredient from interior surfaces of the grinder assembly to reduce contamination of different type of ingredient subsequently ground in the same grinding chamber and passed to a brew basket (24) through the same outlets and manifold (50).

Abstract: The present invention provides a shredder, which has a housing, an entry slot on the housing for inserting a desired medium, a shredding device installed inside the housing for shredding the medium, and a central trigger for sensing the medium and therefore triggering the shredding device. The shredding device has a shredding gap between two shredding knives. The central trigger is installed above the central portion of the shredding gap. The shredder further has a side trigger installed between the central portion and an end of the shredding gap. When a large medium is inserted into the entry slot, the medium will trigger the central trigger device and therefore trigger the shredding device. However, when a sufficiently short medium is inserted into the entry slot, the medium is capable of triggering only the side trigger, and therefore triggers the shredding device.

Abstract: Provided is, among other things, and together with associated methods, a powder feed comprising: a venturi comprising an external gas inlet, a gas outlet through which gas flows at a rate amplified over a gas flow rate into the external gas inlet, and an internal gas inlet; and a cyclone with an intake port connected to the venturi gas outlet, a recycle outlet port, and a product port, wherein a gas flow rate FS into the venturi external gas inlet results in an enhanced flow rate into the cyclone intake port.

Abstract: A food disposal system for installation on a drain of a commercial kitchen sink enables segregation of oil/grease from effluent flows from the drain. A housing collects effluent flows containing water, oil/grease, and solids from the drain, and a macerating pump has an inlet connected to an opening of the housing that is other than downwardly directed and an outlet connected to a sanitary drain. A greasy water outlet extends to an oil/grease separator from an outlet on the housing above the macerating pump inlet, and a hot water backflush source enables hot water to flow into the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for comminuting a good to be comminuted, in particular in the meat processing industry. The device is provided with cutting assemblies (A, C), each comprising an apertured plate and a rotating cutting head which rotates in front of said plate and which has cutting blades. The cutting assemblies have an adjustable gap between the apertured plate and the cutting blades of the cutting head, respectively. The apertured plates are held against a stop located in a common regulating body. The regulating body is mounted in such a way as to be axially displaceable in relation to the non-displaceable cutting heads, hereby enabling the distance between the apertured plates and the corresponding cutting head to be adjusted simultaneously. At least one other apertured plate is located between the two apertured plates and is supported relative to the adjacent apertured plates by distance rings.

Abstract: A round baler with a comminution device for waste materials which is carried on a truck bed or bed of tractor that picks up, comminutes and bales waste materials at various places and carries the waste material in the form of rolls therefrom without intermediate storage to a further place where the waste materials are stored, reprocessed or destroyed.

Abstract: A device and process for pulverizing solid materials is provided, which generates vertical and horizontal motion of grinding beads in multiple tube samples containing a sample to be pulverized.

Abstract: A machine for separating a compacted fibrous material and pneumatically impelling separated fibrous material generally comprising a hopper having a trough at a lower end thereof provided with an outlet, a pair of augers disposed in the trough operable to advance separated fibrous material toward and into the hopper outlet, means disposed in the hopper between an inlet of the hopper and the trough for shredding compacted fibrous materials introduced into the hopper, an airlock feeder having an inlet communicating with the trough outlet, a motor and means for conveying drive from the motor to the shredding means, the augers and the feeder.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for reducing wear of component parts of impact crushers caused by earth aggregate flows during operation of impact crushers. The present invention includes a stepped central feed cone that allows for cylindrical carbide rods to be press fit therein to reduce wear. The downward steps of the stepped cone urge material fed to the stepped cone outwardly to the table. The top surface of a first rod inserted into a first bore formed in the impeller housing extends a distance beyond the bottom of a second bore on the next step up. The first rod protects the housing material forming the second bore from being washed out by material flow. In one embodiment, the impeller shoes have a geometric shape that reduces excessive normal forces and accompanying high friction of the material against the shoe. The reduction in high friction significantly reduces the wear rate.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cassette includes a case that is formed by joining an upper half and a lower half, one or more tape reels, a window and a reel urging member having a tape reel contacting portion which contacts an upper part of the tape reel(s), bent arms connected to opposite sides of the tape reel contacting portion and sliding end portions provided at distal ends of the bent arm. A slide groove is provided in an inner surface of a perimeter of a window opening in the upper half and a window member has hold-and-retain portions which hold the sliding end portions in cooperation with a bottom surface of the slide groove into which the sliding end portions have been fitted. A tape reel suitable for use with the magnetic tape cassette, a resinous leaf spring and its production process are also provided. Tape reels housed in a cassette case can be urged toward the lower half by a member whose structure is simple and permits easy fitting and removal.

Abstract: A reusable cassette for containing and dispensing rolls of photosensitive film may be easily reloaded by the user. The cassette includes a self-centering drum mechanism to accommodate film rolls of different widths.

Abstract: A dispenser for suture, including a suture reel on which the suture is mounted and an indicator that the suture is soon to be depleted. The indicator can be a visual marking on the suture, or it can be an audible and/or vibratory effect obtained by the dispenser housing interacting with the suture through one or more view ports or by interaction of a follower cam with the reel structure as the suture becomes depleted.

Abstract: Armature structures and methods that provide very dense coil windings and afford very rapid winding methods at a relatively low cost. In addition the likelihood of damaging the already wound wires by contact with the winding nozzle is substantially eliminated. This is achieved by moving the winding needle in varying distances and directions away from the pole teeth to induce varying degrees of slack in the wire during the winding and when the needle is not in the slot between the pole teeth.

Abstract: An automatic machine and method of winding of armatures having maximum coil density because the winding nozzle does not enter into the slots between the pole teeth and the wire is directed toward the core portion of the armature during winding to improve coil density.

Abstract: A device (10) for winding wire around pole horns of a rotationally symmetrical multipole stator (12) of an electrical machine has a wire guide for the supply of the wire and for performing a winding movement made up of individual movements around the pole horn and a traversing movement in the longitudinal direction of the pole horn. To perform a first traversing movement in a first direction (z) the wire guide is actively connected to a winding rod (60) which is axially movable in the first direction (z), to perform a second traversing or rotational movement in a second direction an indexing device is actively connected to the stator (12) to be wound, and to perform the traversing movement in a third direction (x) corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the pole horn to be wound, the wire guide is connected to a bracket (32) which is movable in the third direction (x).

Abstract: A production managing method for production of motion picture photo film is provided. At first, film web is slitted to produce continuous photo film having a predetermined width. Production managing information is written to an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, and includes a roll number and slitting number, which are related to the film web and the continuous photo film. The continuous photo film is cut to produce motion picture photo film. The production managing information is stored in association with the motion picture photo film. The motion picture photo film is checked. If the motion picture photo film has a defect, the production managing information may be referred to for detecting a portion of the film web or the continuous photo film from which the defect derives. Other motion picture photo films with a defect will be traced.