Abstract: A channel for managing equipment cables that includes opposing first and second members and a third member extending between and connecting the first and second members. Each of the first and second members includes first and second inner and outer surfaces. At least one cable receiving area is defined between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second members. First and second equipment mounting elements extend from each of the first and second outer surfaces of the first and second members. The first and second equipment mounting elements are connectable to equipment. A base support is coupled to at least one of the first and second members.

Abstract: A magnetic rack includes a hollow rack body confining a magnet compartment, a magnet unit received in the magnet compartment, and a release component mounted pivotally on an end portion of the rack body. The release component is pivotable relative to the end portion of the rack body between first and second positions, permits the end portion of the rack body to abut firmly against a magnetically attractive surface by virtue of magnetic attraction between the magnet unit and the magnetically attractive surface when the release component is at the first position, and is adapted to push against the magnetically attractive surface to move the end portion of the rack body away from the magnetically attractive surface and facilitate moving of the rack body to another location on the magnetically attractive surface when the release component is at the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a merchandiser for envelope packaging comprising one or more pair of pinch barriers defining a pinch gap, said gap of a width effective in pinching a pinchable portion of one or more envelope packages proximate to a relatively rigid portion of said envelope packages, and wherein said pinching is to a degree effective in securing said envelope packages within said pinch gap while permitting easy pull removal of said envelope package without damage thereto.

Abstract: A folding frame construction for use as a clothers airer or drier comprises at least a first pair of U-shaped frames (10, 12) which are pivotally interconnected for folding about a first axis and which form the lowermost tier when in use, and a second pair of U-shaped frames (14, 16) which are pivotally interconnected for folding about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis and are pivotally connected to respective frames (10, 12) of the first pair so as to form a second tier during use, each frame (10, 12, 14, 16) comprising a pair of spaced side limbs (22) and the pivotal connections being made between the side limbs (22) of the various frames (10, 12, 14, 16) in such a way that the pairs of frames are in substantially parallel relation with each other when the frame construction is in the storage position.

Abstract: A mobile crane includes an under carriage, a superstructure that is rotatably mounted on the superstructure, and a main boom, which is composed of a base body and several telescopic lengths up to a predetermined maximum number, which slide into one another and can be extended from the base body. The main boom is mounted on the superstructure so that it can rotate about a horizontal axis and its inclination can be adjusted by means of a hydraulic tilting cylinder that is hinged on the superstructure and the base body. A maximum permissible weight is predefined for the main boom, as a result of a restriction on the permissible axle load of the mobile crane during road haulage. The crane is also provided with a lifting capacity increasing device, which significantly increases the lifting capacity of the main boom when the telescopic lengths are extended, in relation to the state without the lifting capacity increasing device.

Abstract: A mobile hydraulic hoist unit which is readily maneuverable to a position straddling a load and then conveniently operated to lift and securely transport such load over a variety of terrains and surfaces and to safely and accurately deposit that load at a specific location. The hoist unit comprises a generally “U” shaped base frame having spaced side members provided with multi-terrain wheel assemblies, a closed forward end having a hitch member for releasable attachment to a towing vehicle, a rearwardly open center section adapted to receive and straddle the load, a power cylinder, a boom operated by the power cylinder for lifting and securely holding the load in a transport position during movement of the hoist unit and for accurately depositing the load at the desired destination.

Abstract: A feed and drink bottle is made of plastic material preferably by an aseptic process. In its base form the bottle has a mouth intended to be sealed with a closure put in place after the feed has been put in the bottle through its mouth. The bottle is rendered unfit for re-use as a baby's bottle, thus making it disposable either by preventing the closure from being able to be removed from the body of the bottle once it has reached its fully engaged position, or by preventing it from being replaced in a fluid tight position once it has been removed. The closure has a teat secured to it in an irremovable matter, as by the teat being clamped between the closure and a retainer member held in place in the closure, or by the teat being bonded to the closure. When the closure and teat are formed as a single unit, the unit may be used more than once on a body of aseptic plastic material, thus putting back on the user the responsibility of ensuring that the body is sterile or aseptic before such re-use.

Abstract: An easy to use, squeezable device with a soft, flexible tube for feeding liquid nutrition to a person, includes: a) a squeezable bottle portion for holding the ingestible liquid therewithin, the bottle portion comprising an opening at its top surrounded by a neck; and b) a cap assembly comprising: flexible fluid-flow tubing, a spout or nipple assembly, and a threaded collar, an upper portion of the spout assembly being insertable through a central aperture in the collar, the flexible tubing having a first end in fluid communication with the bottle portion and a second end insertable in the patient's mouth, the flexible tubing extending through or encircling a central aperture in the spout assembly. The spout assembly preferably includes a leakproof flange, and a valve assembly for controlling flow. The device is particularly intended for use where suction such as nipples, straws, or sip cups are contraindicated after craniofacial surgery.

Abstract: A container has an inner vessel for containing liquid such as milk, water, juice or the like. An outer vessel creates a larger volume than the volume of the inner vessel, so that the inner vessel can fit inside the outer vessel. A top cap secures the inner and outer vessels in spaced relation to each other. The top cap can have an integral nipple in fluid communication with the inside of the inner vessel. In another embodiment, a vent in a top cap permits air to enter a liquid holding vessel as the liquid is removed. A filter in the vent allows the air to pass, but not the liquid, so the liquid does not spill when the container is tipped.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a finish, a shoulder extending from the finish, a closed base, and a sidewall connecting the shoulder to the base. The sidewall is of blow molded construction and generally uniform wall thickness. The sidewall has an array of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending radially recessed channels, and an array of axially spaced circumferentially extending radially recessed channels intersecting the longitudinally extending channels. The longitudinally extending channels have radially inner portions that lie on an hourglass-shaped common surface of revolution around the axis of the container sidewall. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced land areas are disposed in spaces between the intersecting longitudinally and circumferentially extending channels, with the land areas lying on a common surface of revolution, preferably a cylindrical surface of revolution, around the axis of the container sidewall.

Abstract: An insert bin for use with a rollout type waste container or cart. The insert bin limits the volume of refuse or recyclable material that a customer may deposit in the container. The insert bin is held in place within the interior of a waste cart without the use of separate mechanical components or a press fit. The insert bin instead takes advantage of the lift bar, which already exists on a waste cart providing a bin that is strong and easily attached to a waste container or cart.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a chassis, an engine cooled with fluid via a coolant system and a filling connection for the coolant system, the filling connection is equipped with a filling opening, a removable closing cap for the filling opening and an overflow connection with a drain opening at one end, with the overflow being opened on removal of the closing cap. The filling opening of the filling connection is situated on a first side of a chassis wall, and the overflow connection with its outlet opening opens on the second side of the wall, i.e., on the side opposite the first side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paint container accessory, which container accessory enables the user to simultaneously protect the annular groove or rim of a conventional paint container as well as the paint brush or implement used in connection therewith. The container accessory comprises a uniquely configured protective rim cover in combination with a painting implement receptacle. The rim cover retains the painting implement receptacle in adjacency to the paint container. The paint brush receptacle used in combination with the uniquely configured rim cover is formed from a material impervious to air and may be enclosed so that when painting implements are placed into the painting implement receptacle, the evaporative processes associated with drying paint process may be slowed. The rim cover is outfitted with structure to prevent horizontal or vertical shift when the rim cover is installed on the rim of a paint container.

Abstract: A flat mop dispenser having a container comprising a holding pan and at least one roller proximate the pan. The roller is positioned proximate to a stack of flat mops in the pan and the roller rotates to engage a flat mop and dispense the flat mop out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing plastic bags and process for manufacturing the same. The container includes a front panel extending from the top of the container to the bottom of the container and having a substantially smooth surface with no sharp bents. The container includes a funnel-shaped aperture for facilitating insertion of the plastic bags into the container in a compact and collapsed form. One embodiment of the container has a flat profile that allows the container to be mounted to a vertical surface in a space-saving manner and that helps minimize entanglement as more bags are inserted into the container. The container also includes an access opening for dispensing the plastic bags. Another embodiment of the container is a free-standing structure having a base that can be rested on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A container for dispensation of wet tissues includes an elastically flexible flap causing a part of the uppermost wet tissue exposed outward from the container through an opening to collapse toward a hinge of a lid. The flap has a covering portion adapted to cover the opening and a distal portion on the opening's periphery extending beyond the opening. The container ensures that the part of the wet tissue is held between the opening's periphery and the distal portion of the flap.

Abstract: A packaged commodity dispensing device in which a package commodity dispensing machine is easily repaired and a packaged commodity is easily supplied and exchanged. The packaged commodity dispensing machine dispenses a packaged commodity; a frame into which the packaged commodity dispensing machine is permitted to detachably fit from forward; and a fixing section to fix the packaged commodity dispensing machine in a state of fitting into the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlled flow re-sealable bottle closures containing a beverage concentrate for use in mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption by activation of a mixing mechanism allowing the contents of the bottle to co-mingle with the beverage concentrate.

Abstract: A system for dispensing liquid to a manufacturing process from a container including an outer container and a flexible inner container occupied by the liquid. A flow passage provides fluid communication between an interior of the inner container and the manufacturing process. A pressurized fluid source is in fluid communication with a space between inner walls of the outer container and the inner container. The pressurized fluid source causes fluid under pressure to flow into the space between the inner walls of the outer container and the inner container to force liquid out of the inner container to the manufacturing process via the flow passage. A pressure sensor is positioned to sense pressure in the flow passage. A controller responsive to the pressure sensor controls the pressure in the flow passage by modulating the pressure from the pressurized fluid source.

Abstract: A fluid-dispenser pump having a pump body (10) containing a measuring chamber (20) defined between an upper piston (30) sliding in an upper portion (11) of the pump body (10), and a lower piston (40) sliding in a lower portion (12) of the pump body (10). The lower piston (40) co-operates with a spring (50) disposed in the lower portion (12) of the pump body (10). The spring (50) is isolated from any contact with the fluid, and the lower portion (12) of the pump body includes an air-intake (15) enabling air to be admitted and/or expelled during actuation of the pump. Isolation is provided to prevent fluid from penetrating into the air-intake (15).

Abstract: A dispenser head comprising a connection sleeve (20), a dispenser orifice (31), a duct (123) connecting said connection sleeve (20) to the dispenser orifice, and a press surface (11), the head further comprising a shutter (4) that is housed, at least in part, in said duct (123), and that is resiliently biased by spring means (47) towards said dispenser orifice (31), said shutter (4) including a contact zone (41) that bears in resilient leaktight manner against the dispenser orifice (31) so as to seal it hermetically, said shutter being axially movable against the spring means in such a manner as to withdraw its contact zone from the dispenser orifice, thereby creating an outlet passage for the fluid, the shutter including at least one abutment zone (440) that is resiliently biased by the spring means against a fixed support zone (34).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid transfer fitment for controllably retaining a fluid in a reservoir in a leak-tight manner. This fluid transfer fitment can be used with a variety of fluid delivery mechanisms. The fluid transfer fitment has a cap portion, an engaging segment, a fluid transfer check valve and a vent check valve. The fluid transfer check valve of the fitment is located within the engaging segment of the fitment. The present invention also provides fluid delivery mechanisms, which can be used with a cleaning implement. The fluid delivery mechanisms can be used with a fitment having a cap portion, an engaging segment and a fluid transfer check valve.

Abstract: A plastic insert member includes a base body containing a through passage, said through passage having opposite axial opening ends, at least one connecting rib projecting from the outer periphery of the base body for connecting the insert member to a container member, and distributor means formed on the base body adjacent one of the axial opening ends of the through passage for transversely deflecting at least a portion of a flow of fluid emerging from said one opening end. The distributor means comprise at least a single distributor bar transversely bridging over said one opening end in spaced relationship therefrom, said distributor bar being movable between a position bridging over said one opening end of the through passage and a position in which it does not bridge over said one opening end of the through passage.

Abstract: A pot includes a hollow body and a lid detachably mounted on the hollow body to cover the open end. There is at least one first magnet annularly embedded in the peripheral edge defining the open end of the hollow body. Two second magnets are diametrically embedded in a bottom face of the lid. When only one second magnet is attracted by the at least one first magnet, the lid is able to move relative to the hollow body to allow the lid to be inclined relative to the hollow body. When both second magnets are attracted by the at least one first magnet, the lid is retained relative to the hollow body so as to close the communication between the open end and the outlet.

Abstract: A collapsible garment hanger includes a central support member comprising a supporting hook, a pair of elongate upper members pivotally connected to and extending in opposite directions from the central support member and a lower member pivotally connected between the far ends of the upper members, the lower member comprising a pair of elongate pivotally connected segments which when pivoted at their connecting point displace toward the central support member to provide a stable platform for supporting a garment hanging therefrom and away from the central support member to collapse and release a garment hanging therefrom.

Abstract: A fastener magazine of, e.g., an electric screwdriver into which connected fasteners of various girths can be loaded to improve the versatility. A fastener magazine (5) of a fastening machine has therein a press plate (9) of spring-pressing type opposed to feed pawl (8) of a fastener feed mechanism. The pressing plate (9) is disposed at a height at which the connecting belt (B) of the connected screws (S) is placed and presses the shafts of the connected screws (S) against the wall face of the feed pawl (8) side. The connecting belt (B) is placed on the top face of the pressing plate (9) and supported. The fastener passage is so broad that even thick fasteners can be loaded, and therefore screws of various girths can be held at predetermined heights. Since the connected screws (S) are pressed against the wall face of the feed pawl (8) side, the engagement between the feed pawl (8) and the connected screws (S) is stable, and resultantly the reliability of screw feed is improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a connecting feature, preferably in the form of a pair of axially oriented and diametrically opposed slots formed therein, and a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, the drive assembly including a pair of axially spaced apart radially inwardly extending fingers, wherein when the distal end of a control rod of a surgical stapling apparatus is axially advanced in the direction of and engages the resilient fingers, the distal end of the control rod biases the resilient fingers radially outward into the slots of the housing portion.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is especially adapted for mounting to a spinner tool allowing a workpiece to be balanced when rotated during welding or other operations. The counterweight assembly has an adjustable counterweight to provide a necessary amount of counterbalance force depending upon the particular size and configuration of the workpiece. The spinner tool is adapted to secure various diameters of pipe as well as pipe flanges. The spinner tool can be mounted within a portable vise that can be used directly at a work site.

Abstract: A printed circuit board that can be connected with a pin connector and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board are provided. Solidified solder can be formed on the tap unit without the need for additional processes, by applying solder printing to the tap unit at the same time it is applied to pads of the printed circuit board and, for example, by performing high temperature reflow. In addition, reliability and reduction in cost of a pin connector can be ensured without using a pin connector into which a high-priced wired solder is inserted. Rather a general pin connector can be used because the pin connector and the tap unit are connected to each other through the solidified solder formed on the tap unit.

Abstract: An envelope assembly is provided for improved performance of a mailing envelope in the automated mail handling process. The envelope comprises a front panel having top, bottom and side edges and forming an envelope front surface, side flaps extending front the side edges, a rear panel extending from the bottom edge and combining with the side flaps to form an envelope rear surface, and a closure flap extending from the top edge for securing the envelope in a closed position. The rear panel is sized and configured to have a lesser width than the front panel as to expose the side flaps along the envelope rear surface. In this configuration, an automated mail opening device must only substantially cut through the side flaps and front panel to open the envelope along the side edges, as opposed to having to also cut through a substantial portion of the rear panel and an adhesive holding the rear panel and side flaps together.

Abstract: Corrugated container assemblies, such as bulk bins, that include corrugated container bodies and drain fitment retainers. In one embodiment, a corrugated container assembly includes a rectangular corrugated container body having a bottom portion and a top portion. A rectangular liner tray is installed within the container body toward the bottom portion. A flexible and impervious liner is installed on the liner tray within the container body for containing liquid contents, and includes a drain fitment for dispensing the liquid contents. In one aspect of this embodiment, the container body includes a corner structure that can facilitate folding. In another aspect of this embodiment, the liner tray includes a fitment retainer that can accessibly position the drain fitment and at least restrict the drain fitment from moving or rotating.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a shipping box for objects that makes it possible, as desired, to separate objects to be mailed inside the shipping box without having to turn to additional external separation means. For this purpose, the shipping box includes four side walls arranged at right angles with respect to each other, a bottom element and a lid, whereby the bottom element and the four side walls form an interior space and a first upper flap of a side wall forms the lid. The lid can be folded with respect to the extended side wall, so that the folded lid closes the shipping box. The bottom element includes nested lower flaps of the four side walls that can be folded along folding edges.

Abstract: A container for transporting meat, produce, and other goods contains a bottom wall, side walls, and end walls. The end walls include hinged platform structures movable between a closed position and an open position. The closed position enables stable stacking of multiple containers and the open position allows easy access to the interior of the container for loading and unloading. The hinged platforms further add stability to the container walls when in the closed position.

Abstract: A connecting/holding machine 30 of a cash container according to the present invention holds a cash container 15 having a bottom portion 15a and a back face side portion 15d and provided with first terminal portions 22 and 23 and a fitting-in hole 47 in its back face side portion 15d. This connecting/holding machine 30 includes a holding base 70 in which a mounting portion 40 capable of mounting the cash container 15 and a back face portion 42 standing from the mounting portion 40 are constituted in conformity with an external shape of the cash container 15. The back face portion 42 includes second terminal portions 37 and 38 capable of being connected to the first terminal portions 22 and 23 at positions corresponding to the first terminal portions 22 and 23. The back face portion 42 also includes an engaging protrusion 45 capable of fitting in the fitting-in hole 47 at a position corresponding to the fitting-in hole 47.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a multiple-service card is disclosed. A card member 108 is provided with a single card that serves as both an open transaction instrument and a private retailer transaction instrument. This multiple-service card may have the traditional credit card data on one side of the card, including, for example, the account number, name of the account holder, and the expiration date. The other side of the card may include a magnetic stripe that contains the account information in machine readable form as well as private retailer transaction instrument information. In the system, the primary party and the service partner participants cooperate to complete the processes associated with the provision of the combined card services, including a new account process, card replacement and renewal processes, a service partner cancellation process, and a process for cancellation and/or transfer by a primary party.

Abstract: A system and method enables a user such as a visitor to a facility to create a photographic identification card for himself. The user terminal prompts a user to enter identifying information including his name, and takes a photograph of the user. An identification badge is printed for the user upon predefined media. The identification card may be provided with a barcode and unique identification number. The user may be presented with a preview of the identification as the identification card is to be printed. Upon exiting the location, the user may scan the barcode or enter the unique identification number to sign out of the system and exit the location. A user activity log may be maintained at a server such that each time an identification card is created, printed or signed out, the log is updated with information regarding the user information, date, time, location or other information.

Abstract: A point of sale transaction terminal that has a signature capture pad mounted within a platen that is recessed within the top surface of the terminal housing. A screen protector is mounted over the signature pad and is registered thereon so that the protector covers the signature pad. A bezel is mounted upon said platen within the recess of the housing so that the bezel surrounds the periphery of the protector and the capture pad. A latching mechanism is located beneath the bezel which serves to removably secure the bezel to the platen. An access port is provided in said housing that allows restricted access to the latching mechanism for unlatching the bezel.

Abstract: A biometric identification system that includes one or more identification devices or cards. Each identification card includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) element storing a first set of biometric information. A communication device operates to send and receive radio frequency signals to read the first set of biometric information from the identification device when they are proximal to each other but without insertion or physical contact. A biometric reader is provided that reads a second set of biometric information from an individual presenting the identification card. A comparison mechanism compares the first and second sets of biometric information to determine if the two sets are a match. When no match is found, a flag mechanism modifies a value of a flag in the RFID element of the identification device. An update mechanism determines when the match exceeds an accuracy limit and updates biometric information on the identification device wirelessly.

Abstract: Dispensing more than one card or card like good is prevented to prevent issuing a duplicate with an automatic dispensing machine of card or card like good having a table which supports the piled up card or card like good. A sucking device is located over the table and pulls the card or card like good. A transporting device transports the card or card like good which is pulled by the sucking device. A moving device drives to change the distance between the table and the sucking device. A duplicate detecting device is located at a card transporting passageway which is located downstream the transporting device. A vibrator imparts a vibration to the card or card like good on the table. A separating device acts when the duplicate detecting device detects the duplicate of the goods. The separating device and the transporting device reverses, and the goods of card like is returned on the table. Afterwards the sucking device is stopped, then the vibrator is vibrated.

Abstract: A method for tracking an item having a unique identifier housed in a package having a package identifier correlateable with the unique identifier.

Abstract: A system and method is provided overcoming decision-making and communications errors to produce expedited and accurate group choices. The invention provides collective outcomes that are resilient to communication and decision making errors, and which are provided with a minimum wait time. The system comprises a user interface engine that provides a channel to the features of the present invention, an agenda manager module for creating and presenting questions, a user manager module that controls interactions with user who request questionnaires, submit response data, and request access to analytical results, and a report manager module that identifies collective outcomes that are resilient to error and/or that weight individual votes to optimize the group's performance in producing one or more correct or optimal collective choices. A common data exchange allows communication between the modules.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: A system for entering physical documents into an electronic data store includes a host server system having a computer processor and associated memory, including the electronic data store, a data entry system including a computer processor and associated memory and a provider system including a computer processor and associated memory. The data entry system transmits instructions to the host server system to generate a token including destination information for physical documents being entered into the electronic data store. The host server system includes a token generation system for generating the token, the token including the destination information for physical documents being entered into the electronic data store. The host server system transmits the token to the data entry system. The data entry system generates a hard copy of the token and transmits an electronic version of the hard copy of the token to the provider system.

Abstract: Codes, such as those representing dates (324), barcodes (326) and incrementing values (325) are applied onto packaged consumer products by a coder (410). The coder receives instructions from a processing system (406) composite data (405) representing information to be coded onto the packaging is received by the processing system (406). Coder instructions for a coder processing subsystem (411) are generated by processing system (406) with reference to coder capabilities (409). In response to these coder capabilities, the processing system (406) either instructs the coder to generate a graphical representation in response to said instructions or assists the coder to generate a graphical representation before supplying lower level instructions to the coder.

Abstract: An XML system is configured to print bar code labels, tags, tickets, cards, or other media, and/or encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system having a memory subsystem, a communication interface operatively coupled to a network, an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, and an extensible stylesheet language transformation (XSLT) processor configured to either obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream or obtain the stylesheet from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. In one configuration, a data reader such as a bar code scanner is equipped with an EAS deactivation module disposed behind the scanner surface preferably downstream and/or upstream of the scanner window. The system may be configured such that the EAS deactivation module is interchangeable from the right side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for left-to-right scanning motion) to the left side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for right-to-left scanning motion). In other configurations, the deactivation module may be disposed in the housing adjacent to the window and oriented longitudinally and parallel to the sweep direction of the item. The EAS deactivation modules have various configurations such as simple planar coils, a magnetically active core with coil windings, or two part L-shape construction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to decoding encoded barcode information from a camera-captured image by generating a binarized sequence from the camera-captured image and decoding the encoded barcode information from the binarized sequence. The camera-captured image is transformed into a preprocessed grayscale image, reducing noise and enhancing contrast between bars and spaces in the preprocessed image. A barcode orientation is identified that is parallel to bars in the preprocessed image. A projected sequence is generated by projecting pixels of the preprocessed image along the barcode orientation. The binarized sequence is generated by applying a threshold to detected peaks and valleys of the projected sequence. A barcode-encoding sequence is generated, from the binarized sequence, in which each barcode bar module and each barcode space module is represented by a single respective bit in the barcode-encoding sequence. The barcode encoded information is extracted from the barcode-encoding sequence.

Abstract: An intelligent gain selection circuit replaces the gain set by an automatic gain control circuit in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia, such as bar code symbols, with a larger gain where specular reflections, high contrast edges, or other noise operative to produce dominant high voltage peaks in an analog signal generated by a sensor in the reader, are detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically-activated wireless code symbol reading system comprising a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g. product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner.

Abstract: A plastic sleeve for enveloping a store discount card of the type displaying a machine readable code, such as a bar code, on one surface thereof and typically retained on a user's keychain, from being inadvertently scanned by a bar code reader at the checkout counter of a store.