Abstract: An encryption key transfer system is provided. The system may be operative to generate encrypted files on a portable storage medium which may be used to transfer encrypted keys between ATMs using a single operator. Such secret encrypted keys may include a terminal master key. The system may include a source ATM and a target ATM with a common software program and/or hardware installed in each ATM. The source ATM may use secret information associated with the common software program and/or hardware and other randomly generated information to securely encrypt the secret encryption keys. The source ATM may further store the encrypted secret encryption keys and the randomly generated information on a portable storage medium. The target ATM may be operative to decrypt the secret encrypted keys using the secret information associated with the common software program and/or hardware and the randomly generated information retrieved from the portable storage medium.

Abstract: A system and method for electronic purchase of prepaid telephone services is provided. An initiating terminal receives input of a customer's request to purchase a specified amount of prepaid telephone services and receives input of the customer's designation of a financial account from which to electronically debit the price of such purchase. A central terminal receives these inputs from the initiating terminal, obtains authorization for the request, and transmits data to the initiating terminal for the initiating terminal to, in turn, print on a receipt and provide to the customer. This receipt is then used instead of a telephone card to obtain telephone services up to the specified amount. Such receipt may also detail instructions and an authorization number, such as a personal identification number or PIN, to initiate the pre-paid telephone service.

Abstract: Transaction cards having one or more folds therein for compact and easily stored fobs are provided. Moreover, foldable fobs are provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding key chains, or other devices for attaching the fobs to other items, such as sets of keys, wallets, or other items. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable fobs and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. Still further, fob systems are provided comprising a case or housing for holding and/or storing foldable fobs therein, such as foldable fobs having a dimension, such as a length dimension or a width dimension, that is smaller than traditional-sized fobs.

Abstract: A read device (1) for reading an interface card (16). The card (16) is configured for insertion into the read device (1). The card (16) comprises indicia formed thereon and a memory having data stored therein for communicating with an external device (601, 700). The read device (1) comprises a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay the interface card (16) upon receipt of the card (16) in the read device (1). The read device (1) also comprises a central processing unit (45) for sending a service identifier, a distinguishing identifier and a specific portion of the data to the external device (601, 700). The specific data is related to a user selected indicia (14). A service identified by the service identifier upon receipt of the data is provided via the external device (601, 700).

Abstract: A shopping system and method which reduces resources necessary for completing transactions. The shopping system includes an item recording computer for recording item identification information associated with an item selected for purchase by a shopper in a store, for recording identifying information about the shopper from an RFID identifier carried by the shopper, and for storing the item identification information in a data file associated with the identifying information of the shopper.

Abstract: A POS system is made up of: a POS terminal having a printing apparatus for printing on a receipt based on printing data, and a terminal apparatus for obtaining input information inputted by a user and for generating receipt printing information; a POS server connected to the POS terminal through a network, for controlling the POS terminal; a memory card for providing advertising information; and printing data generating part for generating printing data by adding the advertising information provided by the memory card to the receipt printing information obtained by the terminal apparatus. The printing data generating part is constituted by an additional apparatus connectable to the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A computer readable medium including executable instructions to analyze radio frequency (RF) tag information includes executable instruction to access cross-enterprise RF tag information, identify a product transition based upon the cross-enterprise RF tag information, and define a new product path based upon the product transition, where the new product path defines product pedigree information. Additional executable instructions authenticate a user, secure product information, supply product pedigree information corresponding to the product information, and verify the pedigree of the product based upon the product pedigree information.

Abstract: A signal is transmitted into a computer in response to an image on a display screen of the computer such that the computer operates in response to the signal; this includes moving a scanner in optical communication with the display screen such that the scanner detects an image (for example, a bar code) displayed on the screen and generates the signal in response. One or more computers may be used, and this may be used for vending a product or other purposes. With or without such scanning, a portion of a store environment may be displayed on a screen of a computer, including showing images of actual products for sale at the store, in which images of actual products are accessed via the computer from a database containing in-store images recorded in the store during a period of non-existent or minimal customer presence in the store. A vending system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that scans a colored code using a scanner disposed internal a device. As setting of the device is then adjusted based on a color of the colored code.

Abstract: A bar code including a first linear bar code portion, and portions with two-dimensional bar codes at the ends of the first bar code portion. A separation through the first portion. The two-dimensional bar code at each end is inverted from the other end, and in an embodiment is also rotated 180°, which enable the two-dimensional bar codes on separated parts of the single bar code to be identical.

Abstract: A method and system that permits the purchase of a license to make a limited number of copies of a book. At the time of purchase, the purchaser or user is given a key that contains the ability to obtain the limited number of copies on demand. The key contains a web address that can be used to obtain the authorized copies. In some embodiments, the key is a label in a machine readable form that is readable by a label reader, such as a bar code reader or a magnetic reader. In other embodiments, the key is merely a web address that the user may contact. At the point of sale, the key or record is formed, affixed to the book and also sent to copy tracker. The copy tracker then keeps track of the copies as made and processes each request to make a copy. If permitted, a database is enabled to send an electronic image of the requested copy to the user.

Abstract: An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system for carrying out bar code symbol reading operations, comprising a hand-supportable housing; a manually-actuatable data transmission activation switch integrated with the hand-supportable housing; and an automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine, disposed within the hand-supportable housing, and having (i) a preprogrammed set of operational states wherethrough the system automatically passes during each bar code symbol reading operation, and (ii) a preprogrammed symbol character data transmission state of operation into which the system is automatically induced in response to the manually-actuation of the symbol character data transmission activation switch.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.

Abstract: Information is communicated between an RFID tag and first and second readers. A first transceiver of the RFID tag is controlled so that the first transceiver communicates with the first reader and so that the first transceiver has substantially longer periods during which the first transceiver is not in communication with the first reader than when the first transceiver is in communication with the first reader. A second transceiver of the RFID tag is controlled so that the second transceiver communicates with the second reader at least during the periods when the first transceiver is not in communication with the first reader. The RFID tag may also have a battery, a switch coupling the battery to at least the first transceiver, and a controller that operates the switch in a duty cycle such that power is provided by the battery to the first transceiver during ON times of the duty cycle and such that power from the battery to the first transceiver is interrupted during OFF times of the duty cycle.

Abstract: An IC card with a display panel but without batteries includes a contact/contactless communication interface, a microprocessor, an EEPROM, a rectifier/voltage regulator, a display driver, a charge-pump (26) disposed therein, and a display panel disposed thereon. The microprocessor receives the external data, and displays the data on the display panel so that users can look up the external data. The display panel exhibits a double steady-state function having the characteristic that once the data are displayed, no persistent power supply for the display panel is needed, and thus the displayed data will be preserved persistently until the next time the data are updated. In this way, users are not required to use batteries and can avoid being disturbed by the service life of the batteries.

Abstract: A chip card having a contact-type interface having first loads associated therewith and capable of transmitting power and data, and a contactless interface having second loads associated therewith and capable of transmitting power and data. In a dual mode of operation data are transmitted via the contactless interface, the second loads are supplied with power via the contactless interface, third loads, which are in operation regardless of the interface used, are supplied with power via the contact-type interface, and the first loads are supplied or not supplied with power via the contact-type interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.

Abstract: A zone thermostat for use in connection with an Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat with a heat-cool switch, a temperature value input, and a fan switch with on, auto, and recirculating positions, and a microprocessor that superimposes a fan recirculating mode or cycle on the heat-cool or off modes or cycles by determining when the heat-cool or off cycles have been off for a user selectable time period; 2 hours, for example, and if so initiating a fan cycle for a predetermined time; 12 minutes for example, to provide a more uniform room temperature by mixing hotter and cooler air and cleaner air by running more space air through the heating and cooling system filter assembly.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat, with a touch screen liquid crystal display having the capability to add to or remove virtual buttons to the display depending on the items of space conditioning equipment connected with and controlled by the thermostat.

Abstract: A concrete railroad tie, especially a two-block railroad tie, with an elastic rail support for ballast and solid tracks, with guide plates with twisting-prevention devices disposed in the supporting region between the base of the rail and the lateral, raised shoulders of the railroad tie, characterized in that the support area is constructed essentially flat without continuous, deep depressions.

Abstract: A clog-resistant injector spray nozzle allows relatively unobtrusive insertion through a small access aperture into existing ductwork in occupied buildings for atomized particulate sealing of a ductwork. The spray nozzle comprises an easily cleaned and easily replaced straight liquid tube whose liquid contents are principally propelled by a heated propellant gas, such as heated air. Heat transfer is minimized from the heated propellant gas to the liquid tube until they both exit the injector, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of nozzle clogging. A method of duct sealing using particles driven by heated propellant gas is described, whereby duct-sealing operations become both faster, and commercially practicable in inhabited commercial and residential buildings.

Abstract: An active compound supply system for a spraying device for spraying liquids, in particular for agricultural purposes, includes a carrier liquid tank, a carrier liquid pump, a plurality of spray nozzles and a carrier liquid line for connecting the carrier liquid tank, the carrier liquid pump and the spray nozzles. The system provides at least one active compound preliminary container, at least one metering pump for feeding active compound into the carrier liquid and an active compound forward-flow line from the active compound preliminary container to the metering pump.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler unit includes a tubular housing enclosing a speed reducing drive which is driven by a water actuated turbine wheel and rotates a rotary nozzle head at a substantially slower speed. The drive also rotates a tubular valve member within an annular valve body within the housing, and the valve member and valve body have cooperating radial ports which automatically and continuously vary the flow rate of water through the housing for continuously varying the radial distance of a water stream discharged from the nozzle head.

Abstract: A spray rack suitable for testing a window in a building includes a plurality of spray bars and at least one stand-off leg. The plurality of spray bars each include at least one nozzle for spraying fluid. The at least one stand-off leg is coupled with the plurality of spray bars and includes a plurality of pre-measured settings each corresponding to a distance between the at least one nozzle and the window. The at least one stand-off leg is configured to be set at one of the plurality of pre-measured settings to interface with the building and to position the plurality of spray bars a desired distance from the window for testing the window by spraying the fluid from the at least one nozzle of each of the plurality of spray bars toward the window.

Abstract: A spraying device is provided that includes a cartridge containing a first fluid, the cartridge being removably connected to a sprayer body. The cartridge is oriented such that gravity exerts a downward force on the first fluid. The sprayer body includes a conduit for receiving a second fluid. A valve is coupled to the conduit. The valve allows the second fluid to flow through the valve, thus creating a Venturi vacuum that draws the first fluid out of the cartridge and into the valve to enable the first and second fluids to mix and form an outlet stream. An orifice meters a predetermined amount of the first fluid into the valve to achieve a predetermined ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid. The outlet stream is then dispensed from a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A spraying gun includes a water guide pipe, a control unit, and an injection unit. The injection unit includes a water guide member, a water control plate, a water injection ring, and a shade. Thus, the control unit can control the water to flow into different water channels of the water guide pipe, and the injection unit has corresponding water inlet hole, water outlet hole, water filling hole and nozzle to align with the respective water channel of the water guide pipe, so that different kinds of water flow are injected outward from the nozzles of the injection unit so as to change the sprinkling manner of the spraying gun.

Abstract: A water sprayer with a water spraying adjustment mechanism including a body and a rotatable cap is disclosed. The body includes an outer tubular wall with a threaded outer surface forming a central axial bore extrusion defining an inner chamber, an inner tubular wall within the inner chamber coaxially distributed with the outer tubular wall and constructed with a plurality of slotted grooves defining a plurality of grooved water runners, and an inlet portion being adapted to connect a source of pressurized water. The rotatable cap includes an inner tubular wall with an inner surface blocked around the grooved water runners, an outer tubular wall threaded on the outer tubular wall of the body for sealing the annular inner chamber, and a plurality of water outlets formed on the outer tubular wall of the rotatable cap and communicating with the grooved water runners for water spraying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spraying water, provided with a seal support (21) arranged between the body (1) and the perforated sheet (23) and in contact with the above. The seal support is mounted such as to be able to be removed from the body (1) with the joint (20). The above finds application in the production of non-woven materials.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the center and radius based on a least squares approach is disclosed. In one embodiment, a farmer drives through a given arc of a circular field in question and periodically takes position measurements. In another embodiment, a Least-Squares Algorithm is used to estimate the best-fitting center and radius given the set of position measurements input by the farmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for bone milling includes a housing defining a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a linear passage from the first opening to the second opening. The bone mill further includes a rotatable grinding member, wherein the rotatable grinding member has a substantially cylindrical, rod-like shape, with at least a portion of the rotatable grinding member substantially filling or occluding a portion of the linear passage. An actuator element is coupled through the third opening to the rotatable grinding member, and a receptacle is removably coupled to the second opening for retaining the milled material.

Abstract: A paper shredder delaying device according to the present invention includes a pushing block installed by the paper feeding entrance inside of a top lid and the two conductors each screwed on one side of the pushing block. When papers are inserted into the paper feeding entrance, the aforesaid pushing block is pushed and thus oppresses the two conductors to conduct power and activates the electrical delaying device for the paper shredder to achieve delaying purpose.

Abstract: A fluidized bed pulverizing and classifying apparatus is disclosed having a vessel that includes a pulverizing section having a pulverizing nozzle spraying compressed air to pulverize a powder, a classifying section located over the pulverizing section, including a classifying rotor classifying the powder, and a fluidized bed. The vessel also contains a supply of secondary air.

Abstract: Self contained filter backpurge systems useful for totally enclosed processing mills and for clean in place (CIP) processing material processing mills.

Abstract: An apparatus for disintegrating bales of agricultural materials such as hay. The apparatus includes a processing tub and is provided with a novel adjustable fork-lift adapted to raise bales of different size and configuration into the processing tub.

Abstract: A pay-out tube adapted to be used in conjunction with a capable container for directing cable from a winding disposed within the container. The pay-out tube includes a molded tube for receiving and guiding cable from the interior of the cable container and includes a surrounding wall having a series of spaced-apart ribs integrally molded into the wall and extending from the wall such that the thickness of the individual rigs exceed the thickness of the wall. Further, the pay-out tube includes a cable retainer including a surface having at least one slit formed therein that defines two sections, at least one section being deflectable and which opens in response to a cable end being inserted between the two sections, permitting the cable to move between the two sections and be held by the two sections.

Abstract: A tape cartridge housing allowing for both pre-shell closure and post-shell closure insertion of an auxiliary memory unit is provided. A flexible tape cartridge housing allows a manufacturer of tape cartridges to select whether to incorporate an auxiliary memory unit into the tape cartridge during the manufacturing process while a tape cartridge is still not fully assembled, during the end of the manufacturing process when the tape cartridge top and bottom shells have been combined, or after the manufacturing process when the tape cartridge is ready for operation.

Abstract: A reel has: a cylindrical hub, which is molded of a resin material, and around which a recording tape is wound; a pair of flanges provided at end portions of the hub, and holding transverse direction end portions of the recording tape; and a ring-shaped member formed of metal and disposed at an inner side of the hub, at least one portion of an outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member contacting an inner peripheral surface of the hub. The ring-shaped member of the reel contacts a substantially central portion, in a heightwise direction, of the inner peripheral surface of the hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inserting weft yarn material, comprising an insertion system in a loom. According to the invention, for every insertion the insertion system (A) is supplied with a substantial part of the weft yarn required for the insertion in a loose and substantially tension-free manner so as to be intermittently pulled off. A tubular package of adjacent windings is produced from the weft yarn material on an inner mechanical support (S) by way of an at least substantially continuous winding process and is conveyed forward in withdrawal direction. For an insertion, a number of windings that corresponds at least approximately to the weft yarn section intended to be inserted is detached or set free from the support while maintaining its tubular configuration without yarn tension. The weft yarn material is withdrawn directly inwardly from the frontmost winding and then further along the tube axis (X).

Abstract: A cord retractor device provides multiple retracting mechanisms for independently retracting cords in each of the retracting mechanisms while operating the mechanisms in unison. The retracting mechanisms may be ganged together to form a multiple cord retraction mechanism. The retracting mechanisms may be ganged through the use of magnets, adhesives, screws or other suitable coupling agents. The cord retractor mechanism may be provided to permit the insertion of a cord externally in a retrofit option. The retractor mechanism housings may be shaped to depend upon where each mechanism is ganged together, such as in an outer or middle configuration. The ganged cord retractors contributes to preventing cord entanglement while increasing the safety of the cords in a mini blind application.

Abstract: The apparatus for winding at lest one web (1), on a winding roll (2), comprises at least a first roll (3), a second roll (4) and a third roll (5) parallel to one another and to said winding roll (2), said apparatus having a nominal winding position in which: a driving torque is applied to at least one of rolls (39, (4) and (5) as to rotate in the direction of said web (1) in order to compensate for the rolling resistance of said apparatus.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus comprises a rotatably supported turret arm for supporting a new web roll and an old web roll, and a turret arm turning motor for rotating the turret arm, and splices a web of the new web roll to a web of the old web roll, thereby continuously supplying a web. The feeding apparatus further comprises a web roll diameter measuring distance meter, provided at a position opposed to the circumferential surface of the new web roll when the new web roll stops at a diameter measuring position, for measuring the distance to the new web roll; and a control device for determining the diameter of the new web roll in accordance with an output from the distance meter, and driving the turret arm turning motor in accordance with the determined diameter of the new web roll to move the new web roll to a splicing standby position.

Abstract: A versatile core has a tubular body with opposing ends and includes a circumferential wall for receiving the sheet roll. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart crush ribs project radially inward from the annular inner surface and extend axially between the ends for nesting in corresponding slots in the spindle. The crush ribs are defined by a plurality of cut outs, which are provided at each of the opposing ends and are defined by the circumferential wall. The cut outs accept and engage various configurations of ribs of a spindle assembly, with the ribs of the spindle located between the crush ribs of the core. The exterior surface of the tubular body may have a texture selected to provide the desired adhesion between the tape (attaching the sheet roll to the core) and the body surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems for providing active vertical control of an airship. More particularly, at least one embodiment of the invention relates to a system for actively controlling the aerostatic lift of an airship by manipulating the ratio of air to lifting gas contained within the airship, and thus the overall mass of the airship. This manipulation is accomplished by actively compressing and/or decompressing the lifting gas or internal air, with the resulting pressure differential borne primarily by the hull and/or an internal pressure tank depending upon the configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting system (1) inserted between an aircraft engine and a rigid structure of a strut, comprising a thrust resistance device (20) comprising a spreader beam (28) provided with two lateral lower ends (32a) placed such that a horizontal plane passes through them and through a longitudinal axis of the engine. Moreover, the device (20) is also fitted with two fittings (44) each comprising a forward end (44a) through which the said horizontal plane also passes and fixed to a forward part of a central casing (22), and an aft end (44b) connected to one of the ends (32a). Furthermore, the spreader beam is connected to the forward mount and to the rigid structure through its upper end (30b).

Abstract: A long-haul airplane has a private cabin for the pilots within a storage compartment disposed on a floor below the flight deck. The private cabin is in communication with the flight deck through an opening in the floor.

Abstract: A modular overhead stowage bin system has an outboard bin support and a center bin support coupleable to the fuselage. First and second stowage bin modules having different storage capacities are connectable to the outboard and center bin supports in first and second configurations. In a first configuration, the first and second stowage bin modules are coupled to the fuselage and have a first overhead aisle therebetween with first opposing edge portions. The first and second stowage bin modules in the second configuration are coupled to the fuselage and have a second overhead aisle therebetween. The second overhead aisle has second opposing edge portions each shifted laterally relative to the position of the first opposing edge portions of the first overhead aisle when the first and second stowage bin modules are in the first configuration.

Abstract: An arrangement of individual seats for passengers in an aircraft, comprising a plurality of seats which can be converted into beds and disposed in rows, and comprising two lateral groups (3a; 13a) of two contiguous rows, each group being disposed along a wall (4) of the aircraft fuselage, and at least one central group (3b; 13b) of two contiguous rows, the said central group being separated from each of the lateral groups by a gangway. Each lateral group comprising, between two consecutive groups in a first row, and a pitch (P1) able to allow transverse passage for the passengers in the other row. The at least one central group comprising, between two adjacent seats in the same row, and a pitch (P2) less than the pitch provided in the lateral groups.

Abstract: A pivotable pylon for carrying stores, such as ordinance, sensors and pods external to an aircraft includes an elongated strongback coupled against an external surface of the aircraft and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. An elongated pivoting structure is pivotally coupled to the strongback for parallel pivotal movement relative thereto. A locking mechanism locks the pivoting structure in a selected one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the strongback. At least one stores rack is coupled to the pivoting structure for receiving and coupling at least one stores item to the pivoting structure. An aerodynamic fairing may be disposed on the pylon to decrease drag. The pylon can be mounted on either side of the aircraft and in any one of a plurality of longitudinal stations, and enables the aircraft to carry stores that are too large for its equipment bays, and to carry an optimal load of stores.

Abstract: A platform for storage and transfer of propellant tanks in space includes frames configured to releasably support plural propellant tanks in storage positions, and transfer mechanisms configured to transfer propellant tanks to and from the storage positions. The platform includes a central structure to which the plural frames are connected at predetermined spaced intervals. The transfer mechanisms include extendable telescoping arms mounted to the central structure. The arms have end effectors configured to grip bands on propellant tanks. Two platforms may be positioned adjacent each other for the transfer of propellant tanks therebetween.