Patents Issued in March 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7191901
    Abstract: Packages and methods for containing slides adapted for the attachment of biomolecules. The containers do not degrade the ability of biomolecules to attach to the surface when the slides are stored or shipped in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul W. Maxim, Kevin T. Morris, James B. Stamatoff, Paul M. Szlosek
  • Patent number: 7191902
    Abstract: A lid support including a support platform and support legs extending downwardly from the support platform is configured such that a plurality of lid supports may be intimately stacked for efficient storage. A serrated leg may be provided extending downwardly and outwardly from the support platform, and particularly preferred modes of practicing the invention include providing a hole in the support platform in order to allow the support platform to be employed as a handle for the serrated leg, by inserting a finger through the hole. The hole also serves to reduce the overall material costs of the lid support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: David C. Nelson, John J. Andrisin
  • Patent number: 7191903
    Abstract: A filter insert (1) having an annular filter element (2) which is connected in a fluid-tight manner to a cover (5) on one axial end face (3) and to a base (6) on an opposite axial end face (4). The filter element (2) has a central channel (25) in which a central tube (8, 28) is situated. The central tube (8, 28) extends between the cover (5) and the base (6) and communicates with a central opening (7) in the cover (5). To ensure high stability of the filter (1) with a low manufacturing complexity, the central tube (8, 28) is designed to have a variable length in the direction of its longitudinal central axis (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Amesoeder
  • Patent number: 7191904
    Abstract: A platform comprising a plurality of holes and slots for holding blood specimens, test tubes and gel-cards in an organized arrangement to simplify testing of the blood specimens and to eliminate the likelihood of human error. The platform comprises a top plate, a middle plate and a bottom plate which are spaced apart. The top plate and the middle plate each comprise rows of holes in a matrix configuration and a column of slots adjacent to the rows of holes. The bottom plate only has 5 screw holes for securing the top plate, middle plate and bottom plate together. A first row comprises a 16 mm hole followed by nine 12.5 mm holes equally spaced adjacent to each other and a slot (2 mm×72 mm) positioned adjacent to the last 12.5 mm hole. The testing platform comprises a total of eight rows, each row being parallel to said first row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Harvey M. Wescott, III
  • Patent number: 7191905
    Abstract: A shelf device for an inside surface of a cooler door has a tray with a bottom panel, opposed front and rear panels connected to the bottom panel, and opposed end panels connected to the bottom, front and rear panels. The front panel has a rear face opposite the rear panel and a front face. A front display panel has an embellished front surface and has a rear surface attached to the front surface of the front panel of the tray. Openings in tray flanges receive suction cup protrusions for attaching the tray to the inside surface of the cooler door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventor: James David Robertson
  • Patent number: 7191906
    Abstract: A casket display system has a ? corner casket portion and a feature display disposed with an enclosure. The casket corner portion includes a full set of hardware and the feature display stand includes a name and photograph and with the description of the casket configuration, physical samples of the linings of the casket and a price.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Matthews Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Pinco
  • Patent number: 7191907
    Abstract: A safety net system is configured for mounting to a rack having a pair of spaced apart upstanding posts, in which the upstanding posts have open tops and holes formed in side walls thereof. The safety net system includes a pair of spaced apart uprights, upper and lower mounts operably connecting each upright to a respective rack post and an upper element extending between and mounted to the uprights at about an upper portion of the uprights. A net extends between and is mounted to the uprights and mounted to the upper element. The net is removably mounted to the uprights and to the upper elements and the uprights are variably mountable to the rack posts to vary a height of the net above the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cormark, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Conway
  • Patent number: 7191908
    Abstract: A rack comprises two upright elements and a girder element, wherein the girder element extends between the two upright elements and comprises couplers, wherein the upright element or the coupler is provided with at least one coupling cam, whilst the other is provided with a cam-receiving groove belonging to the coupling cam, which cam-receiving groove has at least one open end and is delimited, at least partially, by a cam-supporting wall, and wherein the upright element or the coupler is additionally provided with at least one substantially vertically extending coupling rib, whilst the other is provided with a rib-receiving groove belonging to the coupling rib. At least one free end of the cross section of the coupling cam extends substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the girder element, and the free end of the cross section of the coupling rib extends substantially in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the girder element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Hugo Johan Casper De Rijk
  • Patent number: 7191909
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a coupling head to protect a coupling head (12), particularly the moving components found therein, against environmental influences such as dirt, snow, icing and mechanical shocks. The functioning of the coupling head cover is such that an automatic coupling process between two vehicles is further guaranteed. A shroud (6) is provided, which may be pivoted from a working or uncoupled position, in which the shroud (6) is arranged in an essentially vertical position in front of the coupling head (6), into a rest or coupled position above the coupling (11). A jointed arrangement (7,B,C,D) is provided for pivoting the shroud (6), connected to both the shroud (6) and the coupling (11) or a frame (9) arranged on the coupling (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Voith Turbo Scharfenberg GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Heinisch, Christian Radewagen
  • Patent number: 7191910
    Abstract: A hot fill, blow molded plastic container adapted for vacuum pressure absorption having a pair of flex panels and a pair of columns. The flex panels being defined in at least part by a central portion and a perimeter wall portion adjacent to and generally surrounding the central portion. The flex panels being movable to accommodate internal thermally induced volumetric and pressure variations in the container resulting from heating and cooling of its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: David A. Deemer, Hassan Mourad
  • Patent number: 7191911
    Abstract: A lid and resealable tab for a drinking cup is shown. The lid has an outer edge having a generally circular periphery and a top surface for defining a drinking opening having a predetermined shape and dimension. The lid includes an annular sidewall operatively connected to and extending circumferentially or axially from the lid and in a first direction relative to the top surface. An annular mounting member is formed on the sidewall lid for sealingly engaging the lip of a drinking cup. A resealable tab having a relatively thin, flexible substrate having a first surface and second surface, the substrate having a shape and dimension which is configured to cover the drinking opening with either one of the first surface and second surface is shown. The resealable tab includes a food grade adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Catherine O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7191912
    Abstract: A brake fluid reservoir (10) for a vehicle hydraulic brake system has a filler neck (16), a lid (18) which closes the filler neck, and a device for pressure compensation between the reservoir interior and the ambient atmosphere. In order, when the brake fluid reservoir (10) is in a steeply inclined position, to prevent an escape of brake fluid, in the lid (18) a first brake fluid forced-flow channel (32) is formed, which has an inlet (34) at the inside of the lid and an outlet (36) towards the outside of the lid. The forced-flow channel (32) extends between the inlet (34) and the outlet (36) along a curved path, which in relation to a plan view of the lid (18) runs through at least two quadrants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Limited
    Inventor: Hans-Christoph Lange
  • Patent number: 7191913
    Abstract: A hand-held container for paint and painting implements. The body of the paint container includes an internal reservoir for holding paint and a magnet housed within the body for securing a paint brush or the like within the reservoir. An automatically adjusting, flexible handle that includes a living hinges provides a means for holding a person's hand against the exterior of the body. The paint container also includes a body that is dividable into multiple compartments. A textured surface covers a portion of exterior of the handle and the body and creates a non-slip surface useful for gripping the container. A portion of the container is shaped in a manner that allows the container to function as a pitcher for dispensing fluids such as paint. Stabilizing legs formed on or attached to the front portion of the container allow the container to be also be used as a paint tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Wooster Brush Company
    Inventor: James M. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7191914
    Abstract: An apparatus useful as at least one of a table place mat and a lap top tray which prevents tipping of a specially configured fluid container includes a first member having a predetermined shape and a second member disposed at least one of within and on an upper surface of such first member at a predetermined location for both retaining and preventing tipping of such specially configured fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel C. McCaslin
  • Patent number: 7191915
    Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Automated Merchandising Systems Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hair, III, Kyriakos P. Spentzos
  • Patent number: 7191916
    Abstract: A dispensing device for fluid medicine includes a housing having an opening leading to an interior and a plastic dropper bottle at least partially disposed in the interior through the opening. The bottle has a container holding fluid medicine to be dispensed and a nozzle with an aperture in fluid communication with the container. The device may include a tilt switch, a closure switch, and other electronics that improve patient compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia A. Clifford, William E. McCune, Robert W. Ashlin, Jr., David W. Lennox
  • Patent number: 7191917
    Abstract: A metering device or a metering element, in particular for metering substances in the compiling of combinatory material libraries, described as comprising a metering element having a supply vessel, open on one side, for holding the substances to be metered, and a plunger, which is axially displaceable and reversibly seals the opening of the supply vessel and which has at least one, preferably centered metering orifice for metering the substances provided in the supply vessel, the supply vessel and/or the plunger having an accommodation as contact point for a mechanical gripping device. Moreover, a metering method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Brinz, Jane Lewis, Markus Tiefenbacher, Thomas Geiger
  • Patent number: 7191918
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing (1) defining a portion (2) for receiving in use a dose-dispensing container (20), the housing containing a dose counter comprising at least one annular counter member (241, 242) and a helix-like coil (243), wherein one or more projections (255) are provided on the helix-like coil for operatively connecting the helix-like coil and the at least one annular counter member, wherein movement of the received dose-dispensing container acts to compress the helix-like coil to thereby rotate the at least one annular counter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Bespak PLC
    Inventors: Tianhong Ouyang, Geoff Brace
  • Patent number: 7191919
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that minimizes the effect of internal pressure upon weight-loss weighing systems. The system can include a flexible gas purge line that pressurizes the system as well as a pressure compensator that negates the adverse effects of internal pressure on weight sensing equipment during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ricciardi, Sr., Marc S. Landry
  • Patent number: 7191920
    Abstract: A household liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container for holding a household liquid and a pump for pumping the household liquid out of the container. The pump includes a pump chamber. A dip tube is adapted to be positioned in the container and communicates with the pump chamber. An exhaust tube communicates with the pump chamber and an outlet for the household liquid. A pump actuator mechanically drives the pump. A motor operatively engages the pump actuator. The motor is electrically connected to a power source. A switch is electrically connected to the motor and the power source. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to the switch to control power delivered to the motor. The trigger assembly is positioned under the outlet for the household liquid for easy actuation by an upturned hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boll, Jeffery Kalman, Michael Schiavoni, Craig M. Saunders
  • Patent number: 7191921
    Abstract: Garments can be pressed with a shirt-like inflatable body that is stretched from the inside. The device has a bottom part with a blower for inflating the inflatable body. The bottom part also has a button-strip clamp for fixing the edges of the garments. In order to be able to also press shirt-like garments that cannot be opened, such as sweaters and the like, using said device, the novel apparatus has a locking device by way of which the button-strip clamp can be released from the working position near the inflatable body. Upon release, the button-strip clamp can be placed at a distance from the inflatable body or totally removed from the device in order to stretch and press closed garments on the inflatable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Kathrin Redlin
  • Patent number: 7191922
    Abstract: A hanger has a body, a hook extending therefrom, and at least one clamp coupled thereto. The clamp includes a pair of opposing jaw members that are provided with slots extending through peripheral walls of the jaw member, and a gripping pad having T-shaped lateral extensions, the necks of which are extended through the slots, and the heads of which hold against the back surface of the jaw member to prevent the gripping pad from falling off the jaw member. The back surface of the clamping member includes wall areas defining wells in which the heads of the T-shaped lateral extensions are captured and substantially surrounded. By sizing the wells properly, the T-shaped extensions are easily slipped through the slots and into the wells, but it becomes difficult to remove the gripping pad from the jaw via a finger purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Accessory Corp.
    Inventors: Steven Sutton, David P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7191923
    Abstract: An articulated equipment support includes a pair of elongated support bars, arranged in fixed, spaced-apart relationship, and having their opposite ends joined respectively by a top cross rod and a bottom cross rod. Pivot pins join the opposite ends of the rods to the respective cross bars permitting pivotal, lateral movement of the support bars in unison so that a variety of geometric configurations such as a parallelogram or the like may be achieved. The top cross rod includes an end projection having a bearing surface for rotatably mounting a double C-clamp with an outwardly projecting flange terminating with a bearing for rotatably supporting an equipment platform. An adjustable lock is carried on the platform for releasably securing equipment thereto and a shoulder strap is provided having opposite ends attached to the bottom cross bar and an adjustable mid-section trained across or about the torso of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jim L. Kundig
  • Patent number: 7191924
    Abstract: A cell phone holder for mounting to bicycle handlebars. The cushion includes a front socket for receiving a cell phone positioning the cell phone in front of the face of the bicyclist when in a racing position. A left and right socket provided on the cell phone holder allow for the mounting of the cell phone adjacent the left and right ear of the bicyclist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: George M. Kilmer
  • Patent number: 7191925
    Abstract: A clean carry apparatus provides a clean surface for use and a clean exterior after use. A storage area and base area are connected to a changing area at at least one hinge point. The base area and changing area pivot away from each other at a second hinge point to lay on a surface. The storage area pivots away from the changing area at a hinge point and rests on the base area to expose a clean changing surface. After changing, the storage area pivots back to lay flat across the changing area and contain soiled surfaces within the changing area. By lifting the clean carry apparatus, the base area and changing area pivot together, containing soiled surfaces in contact with the surface. An embodiment provides a privacy shield for changing. Another embodiment provides a foldable mat with a clean area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Sandra M. Aris, Dominique P. Aris
  • Patent number: 7191926
    Abstract: A carry case applied to a portable computer like a wrap. Thin straps of stretchable material hook around the front corners of a computer base section and the upper corners of a computer screen section. The case is comprised of a base section holding the computer base portion and a screen section holding the computer screen portion. An additional flap of material extends from the rear of the case base section and flips over and onto the exterior of the case screen section where it is attached with releasable fasteners. The carry case has a shoulder strap, handle and built-in typing stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Cory Costantino, Jeremiah Driscoll, III
  • Patent number: 7191927
    Abstract: A fastener-driving tool has a trigger control mechanism that comprises a vertically oriented selectable mode pushrod that is adapted to be rotated to either one of two predetermined positions or states. When the vertically oriented selectable mode pushrod is disposed at a first one of its angular positions or states, the fastener-driving tool is permitted to operate in accordance with a sequential firing mode of operation, whereas when the vertically oriented selectable mode pushrod is disposed at a second one of its angular positions or states, the fastener-driving tool is permitted to operate in accordance with a bump firing mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo Segura
  • Patent number: 7191928
    Abstract: Two slide bases (106) synchronizingly traveled on linear guides (105) arranged upwardly and downwardly in parallel with each other are rotatably attached with a clincher unit (107) and a driver unit (104) and provided with a click stop mechanism for fixing the clincher unit (103) and the driver unit (104) at a 0 degree position or a 45 degree rotated position. Respective outer peripheral portion thereof are provided with claw portions (119), (120), in correspondence with the 0 degree position and the 45 degree rotated position and a stopper pin (121) is arranged at a traveling path. When the driver unit and the clincher unit are traveled from an initial position to a skewed binding position, the 0 degree claw portion 119 impinges on the stopper pin (121) and the driver unit and the clincher unit are rotated to the 45 degree rotated position to fix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Yoshie
  • Patent number: 7191929
    Abstract: A method of measuring a thickness of a ball bonded to a pad is disclosed. The method includes: taking an image of the pad and the ball at each step position through an image taking means being shifted in a vertical direction at predetermined step intervals; obtaining luminance variations at an edge portion of the pad in each taken image to determine an in-focus height of the pad based on an image taking height position at which the taken image has the largest luminance variation at the edge portion of the pad; obtaining luminance variations on an upper surface of the ball in each taken image to determine an in-focus height of the upper surface of the ball based on an image taking height position at which the taken image has the largest luminance variation on the upper surface of the ball; and calculating the thickness of the ball by finding a difference between the obtained in-focus heights of the pad and the upper surface of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kaijo Corporation
    Inventors: Kimiji Nishimaki, Noritaka Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7191930
    Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus are disclosed for use in mounting particles on and de-mounting particles from a substrate having an array of tacky and non-tacky areas. The particles can be either electrically conducting or electrically non-conducting. Selection of electrically conducting particles is preferred. The substrate having an array of tacky and non-tacky areas can either be electrically non-conducting (e.g., a dielectric substrate) or electrically-conducting. The methods involve use of first and second electrode plates with the substrate therebetween, the plates having applied thereto a direct current potential, which potential in preferred embodiments is reversed in polarity for a number N of cycles. Methods and articles are disclosed using an electrically conductive surface adjacent the tacky and non-tacky areas to minimize static buildup on the particles and tacky and non-tacky areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Thomas Kenneth Bednarz, Allan Cairncross, John Edwin Gantzhorn, Jr., George Yeaman Thomson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7191931
    Abstract: An opening arrangement includes a bottom piece disposed to be positioned on a packaging material and to define a pouring opening; a lid disposed, in a closed state, to seal the pouring opening; and a tamper evidence intended to be broken the first time the opening arrangement is opened and which is connected to a pull tab connected to the lid and to a fastening surface disposed to be connected to the packaging material. The fastening surface is disposed to extend over a fold line along which the packaging material is intended to be folded for forming a package. A package and a method of providing a package with an opening arrangement are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Niels Damkjaer
  • Patent number: 7191932
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for receiving ordered products and/or making products available for pickup. The apparatus has a lockable container for the products with at least an input device and a controller with a memory element. The method employs this reception/provision apparatus. A control unit including at least input device, controller and memory element is positioned with container in front of the user's residence or place of business for an expected delivery/pickup. After a completed ordering process, the obtained order information is input by the user into memory element of reception/provision apparatus to put reception/provision apparatus in a state of readiness. The transportable reception/provision apparatus is positioned in front of the user's residence or place of business for the expected delivery or pickup of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Aldo Hermann Fobbe, Jesper Okkels
  • Patent number: 7191933
    Abstract: A compact fare paying device has a housing for receiving a monetary member and at least one verifier unit in the housing for determining the authenticity of the monetary member. A storage device such as a safe can receive the monetary member or a return device can return it to the user. A control unit can compute the monetary value of the monetary member and compare the monetary value to a stored required fare value. If the monetary value is greater than the fare value, the monetary member can then be translated to the return device. If the monetary value is less than the stored fare value, the monetary member is stored for a predetermined time period to enable the user to deposit the required fare. If it is not deposited within the predetermined time period, the temporarily stored monetary value is translated to the return device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaru Miyaji
  • Patent number: 7191934
    Abstract: An incident management system includes a check-in computer system and a portable data terminal. The check-in computer system is utilized to read information from a plurality of pre-existing identification (ID) cards and utilize at least a portion of the information to create an incident-specific credential for each person responding to an incident. The portable data terminal is configured to read the incident-specific credentials and communicate with the check-in computer system to provide current assignments of personnel responding to an incident such that the personnel can be tracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Salamander Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell L. Miller, Michael A. Whelan
  • Patent number: 7191935
    Abstract: A method of updating a configuration editing system for generating ATM configuration data is provided. The method may include generating configuration editor DLLs. ATM configuration editor software may be operative to detect new configuration editor DLLs and provide to a user a selectable listing of import/export functions responsive to the configuration editor DLLs detected. The steps for generating the configuration editor DLLs may include coding for the DLL, a first function capable of returning a description of an ATM configuration data, a second function capable of opening at least one file that comprises at least one ATM configuration data record, a third function capable of reading at least one ATM configuration data record from the at least one file, a fourth function capable of writing at least one ATM configuration record to the at least one file, and a fifth function capable of closing the at least one file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Brausch, Kevin Rohr, Ileana L. Sadin
  • Patent number: 7191936
    Abstract: An automated teller machine (10) comprises a fascia (12) having a check entry/exit slot (56), and a check processing module (60) for processing checks entered via the slot (56). The terminal (10) includes a control means (86), biometric data capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) and a check transport mechanism (70) for transporting checks between the slot (56) and the printer (74). The control means is arranged to cause the printer (74) to print a representation of a biometric characteristic of a user onto a check during an attempt to deposit the check in the terminal (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Martin R. Smith, Grant C. Paton
  • Patent number: 7191937
    Abstract: A sensor for executing simple discrimination is provided on a transfer path immediately after a cash inlet of a cash depository. The sensor detects a position of a bill in a transfer direction, a width of the bill in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction, thereby outputting detection results to a controller. The controller calculates a degree of a slant of the bill and the width of the bill, thereby determining whether or not those values are in excess of reference values. If the controller determines that the degree of the slant and the width of the bill are in excess of the reference values, the transfer direction of the transfer path is changed over to coincide with a direction opposite to a normal direction by reverse-rotating a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventors: Hayato Minamishin, Atsunori Kimura, Akinori Kojima
  • Patent number: 7191938
    Abstract: Methods and associated systems for enterprise-wide issuance of identification cards. A single enterprise server component and a plurality of card issuance machine controller components are distributed over an enterprise network. Each card machine controller component controls one or more devices for the production of identification cards including, for example, embossed and/or digitally encoded information. The single enterprise server component acts as a server to route the card issuance requests to the proper card machine controller component on behalf of client programs at each location used to request the production of an identification card. The enterprise server component further provides enhanced security and encryption to provide requisite security in the exchange of sensitive information in the production of such identification cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dynamic Solutions International Corporation
    Inventor: Fredrick L. Pittroff
  • Patent number: 7191939
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Beck, Gennye Hannover Feldman, Elizabeth Anne Holt, Sven Miller, Clyde Page, Marc Rubner, John R. Rose, Nicole Milne Vollmer
  • Patent number: 7191940
    Abstract: A method for transferring data from a user station to a portable electronic display device includes providing one or more data sets, linking the data sets together in a predetermined sequence for accessing the data sets, and providing each data set with one or more data frames. Each data frame can be linked to another data frame of a single data set for sequentially displaying information such as images and/or text on a display screen of the portable electronic display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventors: Clinton Wilcox, Armen E. Kazanchian
  • Patent number: 7191941
    Abstract: Authorization verification systems and methods are described that determine whether an authorization check is to be performed at a point of sale or other point of control, and, if the authorization check is to be performed, that check the authorization and that store a retrievable record of the authorization check. The system receives authorization information for an individual that is indicative of the individual's authorization to purchase a product or service, to enter a location, to attend an event, or to otherwise participate in an encounter whose access is limited to authorized individuals. In one embodiment, authorization for making a purchase is limited to individuals above an age threshold, and the authorization verification system receives information relating to the individual's age via an electronic scanning of a driver's license or other identification card, or by other methods, and uses the birth date information to calculate the customer's current age.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Cassandra Mollett, Alan Jay Bethscheider, Susan Diane Brauckman, David A. Walker, David Wayne Smith
  • Patent number: 7191942
    Abstract: A documentation product and methods for using the product to check a shipment and take responsibility for a shipment are included. The documentation product includes a transfer document that corresponds to a shipment. The transfer document includes identification of a carrier, identification of a destination, and identification of an image. The identified image depicts the shipment. The identified image can be compared with a received shipment such that discrepancies can be determined. The transfer document can also be acknowledged as corresponding to the shipment depicted at least in part by the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Larry Aptekar
  • Patent number: 7191943
    Abstract: A barcode reader and processing circuitry are disclosed for identifying a position of a cylinder rod, for example, along a path of movement. The barcode is marked on a surface of the rod and constitutes a series of markings extending along a portion of the length of the rod. The markings represent encoded information based on numbers calculated with a random number generator, and are grouped into subsets, each of which corresponds to a particular rod position. A portion of the rod including a subset of barcode markings is exposed to light emitted from the reader. Light reflected off the barcode is sensed with an array of photosensors provided in the reader. The photosensors generate electrical signals, and using Bayesian probability, a likely subset of markings is determined corresponding to the received electrical signals. Once identified, the markings subset is associated with a location corresponding to the position of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Roger Fane Sewell, Robert Jones
  • Patent number: 7191944
    Abstract: An image scanner apparatus is composed of a housing, an optical unit positioned in the housing, a drive mechanism driving the optical unit. The drive mechanism includes first and second wires connected to the optical unit, and a drive motor driving the first and second wires. One end of the first wire is connected to a first fixture, and one end of the second wire is connected to a second fixture. The first fixture is secured to a first wire-retaining member positioned outside the housing at a first securing position, and the first wire-retaining member retains the first fixture so that the first securing position is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuki Tamamura, Toru Uchida
  • Patent number: 7191945
    Abstract: A copy-resistant coupon including a human-readable section with text formed by reflective areas and dark-colored areas, and a machine-readable bar code section composed of reflective bars appearing in a light-colored background. Photosensitive devices used in copiers and bar code scanners interpret the reflective areas as dark, such that the reflective bars in the bar code stand out as dark in high contrast to their light-colored background, and are easily readable by the bar code scanner, while the human-readable section when copied will show reflective areas and dark-colored areas both as dark with little or no contrast between them and revealing that copying has taken place. The coupons are made with printing methods that apply dark- and light-colored inks to metallicized paper, or apply metallic inks to dark- or light-colored surfaces of papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Brian D. Havard
  • Patent number: 7191946
    Abstract: The system comprises a mark (2) which is placed on an object (3) or a document, or which is constituted by the entire or part of said object, in addition to a read device (5) enabling said mark to be identified. The latter is made of transparent or semi-transparent materials having a given wavelength and capable of propagating light. The mark (2) has a surface state and a microstructure enabling optical coupling with the read device (5) comprising a monochromatic/non-monochromatic light source (11), a prism (4) onto which the light (L) is directed, and a detector (18) receiving the light reflected (R), when the prism (4) is optically coupled with the mark (2), with a frustrated reflection effect. The system can be used for the recognition of objects and documents and for the authentication of objects in order to combat fraud and counterfeiting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: TEB
    Inventors: Louis Bidault, Jacques Mugnier, Cecile Le Luyer, Nicolas Bonardi
  • Patent number: 7191947
    Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Kahn, Mehul M. Patel, Robert May, Edward Barkan
  • Patent number: 7191948
    Abstract: A self service bank terminal is constructed so as to be usable by sitting and standing customers, so as to take up little floor surface, and so that several terminals can be placed side-by-side with the display screen of one terminal being not viewable by customers at other of the terminals. The terminal has a housing 10 with two rectangular side walls 23, 123 connected by an upper cover plate 24, a rear wall 25, a front plate 27 and a bottom plate 26, which includes the bottom plate having a supporting surface for engaging a supporting floor, or the bottom plate 22 having a supporting column 21, with the cover plate being horizontal or slightly sloped. The display screen is located on a pulpit shaped portion 124 of the cover plate, has associated with it blinder shields 41 on three of its sides, and is slightly inclined. Also included in the terminal are a keyboard 52, a check examining device 53, and a printer drawer 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Günter Baitz, Hartmut Kamin, Joachim Burchart
  • Patent number: 7191950
    Abstract: A portable tendering station includes a movable housing, a removable terminal attached to the housing for acquiring transaction information, and at least one peripheral device attached to the housing and coupled to the terminal for conveying the transaction information and related information to or from a user. Preferably, the terminal includes a display and a device for communicating the information over a wireless communication network, and at least one activation key for activating one or more user functions. The portable tendering station can be easily deployed to various locations within a shopping facility, warehouse, manufacturing facility or the like, and is especially useful for accommodating customers and minimizing delays during peak activity periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Petrovich, Jerome Swartz, James Paul, Ian Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7191951
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a price indication label comprising an detachable label body which has a price indication region capable of indicating a current price in an advertisement region capable of advertising information for sales promotion. In order to improve such price indication labels, the surface material of the price indication region and the surface material of the advertisement region are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sato
    Inventors: Mitsutaka Hanyu, Ryota Suzuki