Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in a data management scheme that combines both distributed as well as a hierarchical (object-oriented) data management structure. The hierarchical databases will store data records such that each or selected entities of the record will be associated with a pointer that can be written into an RFID tag of an item as the item progresses through manufacturing, production, transportation, and consumer user, for example. Thereafter, once the RFID tag is read, the pointer information can be processed to directly access the data in the database associated with the pointer.

Abstract: A money transfer system using a money transfer instrument purchased at a retail location. The system includes a POS terminal for entering a UPC code carried on the instrument. The POS terminal issues a PIN in response to the UPC code, with the PIN printed on a receipt. The customer may enter the PIN on the instrument. The customer later uses the PIN to obtain a money transfer control number (MTCN) associated with a record of the transfer transaction from a money transfer host.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions with credit cards by adding a fingerprint scanner at the point-of-sale to obtain personal information. The scanner will be integrated with a simple hardware processing device that will process and encode the personal information and compare it to encoded biometric information of the cardholder stored on the card's magnetic strip. This encoding may provide various levels of cryptographic security, but should be able to be processed locally. Thus a simple scanner and processing device on-site can verify that the user of the card is the same person to whom the card is issued. The scanner and processing device can be integrated with existing transaction negotiation protocols in such a way that the correspondence of user personal information to cardholder biometric information will be a prerequisite for any subsequent transmission of credit card information.

Abstract: In a method of managing information, information is stored associated with at least one wallet card in an electronic device. An establishment is entered with the electronic device. The location of the establishment is determined. A determination of whether at least one wallet card is associated with the location. Information from the at least one wallet card is outputted in response to the determination of the location is associated with the at least one wallet card.

Abstract: A system for personalizing a plurality of transaction cards comprises an array of shells that are adapted to engage a sheet having a plurality of transaction cards. Each of the shells comprises an antenna adapted for transmitting data onto one of the cards. An orientation detector is used to determine the orientation of the sheet relative to the array of shells. A controller is used to direct operation of the antenna so that data may be recorded on the cards.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and system for configuring an adapter is provided. A network connection is established between an adapter host and a network server. An account associated with the adapter is accessed by the sever. Tag emulation data is transferred to the adapter host and is loaded onto the adapter. The adapter may be configured to emulate a near field communication reader-to-reader tag upon loading of the tag emulation data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for printing gift cards are provided. Gift cards may be customized and may be printed remotely from the point of customization. Customized gift card designs can be reviewed by the issuer for content prior to printing the customized gift card.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for controlling access to electronic health records associated with an individual are provided. Individuals are provided with an electronic health records account (EHR account), wherein the EHR account is available to store electronic health records associated with the individual, in a network accessible storage repository. Additionally, an individual may be provided with plurality of disposable access devices, wherein the access devices may be presented to an entity. In turn, the entity may access the individual's EHR account, based on a predefined authorization specified for a particular access device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing time-dependent inventory such as hotel rooms, rental automobiles, and airline seats as well as associated items is disclosed. The system and method may be used to manage the price of inventory, the type of inventory, and the dates the inventory is offered for sale. The disclosed system and method simplify the management of inventory across multiple inventory types, inventory prices, and inventory availability dates by creating hierarchies and allowing changes to one element of a hierarchy to cause changes to other elements in the hierarchy.

Abstract: Methods for licensing functionality after an initial transaction are provided. One such method is directed to licensing after an initial transaction of a customer obtaining a supply item including the step of prompting the customer to acquire a usage license for the supply item.

Abstract: A memory device comprising an array of bits or binary units (2), the bits (2) being defined by a plurality of first conductors (4) and either a second conductor or a plurality of second conductors (5) overlying and separated from the first conductors, each bit (2) including a cross-over point (9) between one of the first conductors (4) and the second conductor (5), or one of the second conductors (5), and wherein a selection of the bits (2) also include a signal bridge connecting the first (4) and second (5) conductors at each of the respective selected pixels.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radio frequency identification tag are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deactivating an identification device or RFID tag, such as an e-passport or an ID card that has been revoked, has expired, or is invalid. A programmable memory circuit is coupled to a controlling circuit that is coupled to a shorting circuit that may activate or deactivate the operation of the identification device.

Abstract: There is provided a sample container comprising a retainer for retaining a sample; and a radiofrequency identifier comprising an antenna for transmitting or receiving radiofrequency energy; an integrated circuit chip connecting with said antenna; and a carrier for the radiofrequency identifier; wherein the radiofrequency identifier is on the carrier and the carrier connects to the retainer.

Abstract: A mobile computing device as described herein includes an integrated UHF radio frequency identification (“RFID”) reader and UHF RFID reader antenna within the housing of the device. The mobile computing device supports traditional general purpose functions, such as data capture, scanning, imaging, or the like, in addition to RFID reader functions. The housing of the device fully encloses the RFID reader and antenna such that the RFID components are permanently enclosed by the housing. The integrated design of the device eliminates the need for an RFID accessory and provides for multi-tasking and multi-functioning.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a noncontact tag, comprising: a clock extraction unit for extracting a clock from a received carrier wave; a demodulation unit for outputting a demodulated signal comprising a logic signal whose logic state changes responding to each of a non-modulation period and modulation period of the carrier wave; a division unit for generating a division clock from the clock input from the clock extraction unit and also restraining the division clock from being output according to a logic state of the demodulated signal; and a decoding unit for decoding information included in the carrier wave by using a value of counter driven by the division clock.

Abstract: A data management device and library are provided for organizing, holding, and providing electrical connectivity to multiple memory cards. The data management device can comprise a device body, a plurality of sockets to accommodate the data storage media, an electrical connector, and a power management circuit. Data can be retrieved from or transferred to the selected memory cards utilizing the device. The data management library can be utilized to interconnect multiple devices and can be daisy chained to other libraries.

Abstract: A jammer (20) for jamming the readout of contactless data carriers (2, 2?) by a reader (1) emitting electromagnetic scanning signals (SS) has an air interface (11) for receiving electromagnetic signals, analyzing means (15) for analyzing the electromagnetic signals received by the air interface, and jamming-signal generating means (18) for generating a jamming signal (DS). The analyzing means (15) for analyzing the electromagnetic signals received are arranged to identify scanning signals (SS) from the reader (1) among the electromagnetic signals received and, when scanning signals (SS) are detected, to transmit a control signal (CS) to the jamming-signal generating means (18), which latter in turn generate the jamming signal (DS) and transmit it via the air interface (11) on receipt of the control signal (CS).

Abstract: A portable data processing device having a laser light indicator includes a main body and a cover cap. The main body has an application circuit unit and one end of the main body has a signal transmission port connected to the application circuit unit. The cover cap can be sleeved onto the main body, and is used to shield and protect the signal transmission port, and is composed of a hollow tube and a rotation cap body. The hollow tube has an opening, and the rotation cap body is assembled and connected to the opening to form an enclosed reception space; a laser light indicator, disposed inside the reception space, and is provided with a power storage unit and a control button. When the control button is pressed, the power provided by the power storage unit is transmitted to the laser light indicator for emitting light.

Abstract: A circuit includes an antenna terminal for generating a current through electromagnetic induction. The circuit also includes a rectifier for receiving the current and generating a rectified power supply voltage. In addition, the circuit includes a voltage clamp for sinking at least some of the current from the antenna terminal based on the rectified power supply voltage from the rectifier. The voltage clamp could include a control circuit (such as an N-channel transistor and a resistor) for controlling the sinking of at least some of the current from the antenna terminal. The voltage clamp could also include a sink circuit (such as an N-channel transistor) for sinking at least some of the current from the antenna terminal. The voltage clamp could further include a sink control circuit (such as a P-channel transistor and a resistor) for activating and deactivating the sink circuit based on operation of the control circuit.

Abstract: A compact wireless IC tag incorporating a pressure sensor in an IC chip. The IC chip of the wireless IC tag has SOI structure comprising a silicon sheet layer, a silicon device layer which is formed on the upper side of the silicon sheet layer, and a thin silicon oxide layer having about 0.01 ?m to 5 ?m thickness sandwiched between the silicon sheet layer and silicon device layer. In the silicon device layer, a capacitive element of a pressure sensor comprising of a gap, and a first metal wiring and a second metal wiring respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the gap, is formed. In the silicon sheet layer on the lower side of the capacitive element, an aperture filled with rubber-like elastic material is formed.

Abstract: In an IC card as a portable electronic device, when a read command is received which specifies data having a nested structure storing a plurality of child data in a data portion of parent data, a judgment is made to find, in the data having the nested structure specified by the read command, whether or not the identifier of each of the child data stored in the data portion of the parent data has a particular value indicating the invalidity of the child data. When there is child data whose identifier has the particular value, output data is output, which output data stores, in the data portion thereof, data in which the child data whose identifiers do not have the particular value are combined in order excepting the child data whose identifier has the particular value.

Abstract: An item with a surface area creating an optical effect to increase protection against forgery is such that the surface area with the optical effect exhibits at least two images (12, 14) spaced a distance (d) apart. A first image (12) is situated on the surface (11) of a layer of material (10) and the second image (14) is virtual and, by holographic coding, appears to lie a distance (d) from the first image (12). By changing the angle of viewing, the optical perception of the whole image formed by the overlapping of the images (12, 14) changes, whereby the images (12, 14) are matched with respect to each other such that they demonstrate Moiré interference effects. A preferred application for the item is packaging, packaging material, packaging aids, bonds or entry tickets with forgery-proof and/or optically demanding surface area.

Abstract: A product has a coding pattern on its surface. The coding pattern may include symbols representing at least two different values and where each symbol comprises a raster point and at least one marking. The raster point is included in a raster that extends over the surface and the value of each symbol is indicated by the placement of the marking in relation to the raster point. The markings may each have a spatial extent that, in combination, may at least partially form the image.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve incorporated within a plumbing system for regulating the flow of fluid. The thermostatic valve includes two valve assemblies operatively cooperating to preclude the flow of scalding water. The first valve assembly and second valve assembly respond to different fluid temperatures, as well as, over separate periods of time. The thermostatic valve can be incorporated in an “end-line” device such as a showerhead or faucet assemblies to create an “anti-scaled” plumbing fixture. The invention includes a valve housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, a fluid passageway, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first spring, a first stopper, a first flange, a first-thermostatic cylinder, a second spring, a second stopper, a second flange, a second thermostatic cylinder, and a third spring.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin power transfer arrangement that includes a vehicle cabin structure, a primary inductor power transfer unit and a vehicle power source is provided. The vehicle cabin structure has an exposed surface accessible from a vehicle cabin. The primary inductor power transfer unit is disposed in the vehicle cabin structure such that induction current produced by the primary inductor power transfer unit emits through the exposed power transfer surface to create an induction field above exposed surface. The vehicle power source is electrically coupled to the primary inductor power transfer unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to methods and apparatus for processing expandable food materials, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for low shear thermo-mechanical processing of food materials. The invention can include cooker and extruder apparatus for the customized production of food products, including a compression module, a dryer module, and a control unit.

Abstract: A guide rail support assembly includes a brace and a guide rail positioned on the brace. A hook device having a base and two hooks extending from the base and around the brace and secures the guide rail to the brace. The brace has no apertures such that the hooks extend completely around the brace without penetrating any portion of the brace. Adjustment shims are positioned adjacent the brace and a spring clip is mounted adjacent the base and the adjustment shims for securing the hook device to the brace.

Abstract: A shower header type spray device has a motorized cleaning brush on a rotary shaft mounted therein for cleaning inlet apertures of its spray nozzles. The brush shaft is supported to impart axial movement when it is rotated, and has a sealing valve attached thereon such that when the brush is rotated by the motor in a cleaning operation the valve is opened to allow discharge of liquid with debris brushed off the nozzle inlets. The motor is activated for a cleaning operation from either a local controller or a centralized controller that controls multiple spray devices.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for applying a biologically active or chemical substance to a relatively large volume harvested or pre-harvested crop includes relatively small container of a mixture biologically active or chemical substance and water in fluid communication with fluid conduit. A pump moves mixture from the bottle through the conduit. A source of pressurized air is in fluid communication with the conduit to aerate the mixture. The aerated mixture is expelled through a nozzle at distal end of the conduit. In one aspect, the controller can monitor speed of the pump by monitoring operating voltage of the pump. Speed of the pump can be adjusted to adjust application rate. In one aspect, a process combines a flow of air through an orifice with the metering of a low volume of additive, such as an aid to preservation, to a crop as it is being cut or harvested to provide for even distribution of the additive to the crop.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly (10) comprising a first inlet tube (14), a second inlet tube (15), and a nozzle (16). The nozzle (16) is formed from a stack of plates (20-38) which are joined together in face-to-face contact. The plates (20-38) collectively have openings which define a nozzle outlet, a first inlet, a second inlet, a first circuit from the first inlet to the nozzle outlet, a second circuit from the second inlet to the nozzle outlet, and a fluid-outlet chamber through which both the first circuit and the second circuit pass. The nozzle assembly (10) can be used as a fuel injector for a gas turbine engine, with jet fuel being supplied to the first circuit during start-up and low power conditions and jet fuel being supplied to both the first circuit and the second circuit during high power conditions.

Abstract: An air freshener has a casing, a solid aromatic, a cover, an air passage and a fastening device. The casing has a cavity and an air inlet. The aromatic solid is mounted securely in the cavity. The cover is mounted on the casing and has an air vent. The air passage is between the cover and the casing and communicates with the cavity, the air vent and the air inlet. Air flows into the air freshener through the air inlet, passes through the air passage and leaves through the air outlet. When the air passes through the air passage, the fragrance of the aromatic solid is mixed with and leaves with the air discharged through the air vent.

Abstract: A fluid injection valve has an outer and inner needles provided with an opening-side interlock and a closing-side interlock. The opening-side interlock engages the outer needle with the inner needle to limit a relative displacement between the outer and inner needles within a first predetermined distance during an opening operation of the outer and inner needles to open an outer and inner injection holes. The closing-side interlock engages the outer needle with the inner needle to limit the relative movement between the outer and inner needles within a second predetermined distance during a closing operation of the outer and inner needles.

Abstract: A fluid injection device for ejecting fluid droplets in response to electrical signals comprises an oscillating surface that has one or more tapered apertures, each aperture having a first and second opening. The first opening of each aperture is larger than the second opening. The first opening is in surface tension contact with the fluid to be ejected. The fluid interaction with the tapered aperture wall creates cycles of fluid compression and decompression inside the aperture, causing fluid to be drawn from the large opening and ejected out the small opening of the aperture. The device includes a fluid supply nozzle that transports fluid to the oscillating surface at the large opening of the apertures. A discharge valve controls the fluid supply. An electronic wave generator induces oscillation in the tapered aperture containing surface. The device is used to great advantage for fluid atomization and fluid spray.

Abstract: A device for automatically flushing a dead-end of an underground municipal water distribution system includes an inlet for receiving pressurized water from the water distribution system, an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water from the inlet, and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water between the inlet and the outlet. A housing surrounding the outlet redirects the water radially outwardly. An upper mounting plate locates the device within the housing. The upper mounting plate is mounted to an in-ground enclosure; releasing the upper mounting plate from the enclosure allows pulling the device from the underground water distribution system entirely from above.

Abstract: A paint circulating system is suitable for providing paint to applicators in a product finishing facility. The system includes a pump for pumping paint around the system and a back-pressure regulator (BPR), which substantially eliminates pressure fluctuations of paint in the system upstream of the BPR. Control means are provided for controlling the pump and the BPR to operate in one of a flow mode, wherein a required flow rate of paint around the system is maintained, and a pressure mode, wherein a pressure of paint between the pump and the BPR is maintained. The paint circulating method includes switching operation of the pump and the BPR between the flow mode and the pressure mode.

Abstract: Spraying tool for foundry molds with spraying nozzles, which can be controlled separately for several media per spraying nozzle and/or for a spraying nozzle per medium.

Abstract: A misting spray nozzle includes a hollow body having an interior wall descending from an upper end to a lower end. The interior wall tapers toward the lower end to form a choke. A channel section provides two fluid paths descending from an upper central aperture. A turbine is sized and shaped to fit closely within the choke and has spiral grooves on its outer surface. The turbine attaches to the body at its upper end and has a cone-shaped opening at its lower end. A conical core is sized and shaped to fit closely within the cone-shaped opening and has grooves spiraling in an opposite direction on its outer surface. The core is attached at its upper end to the turbine. The two sets of spiral grooves define a pair of intersecting fluid control paths that meet at the lower end of the body to create a dense mist.

Abstract: A fuel-injection valve includes a fuel-injection hole, a valve element and a valve seat for opening and closing the fuel-injection hole, a force-applying member for applying force to the valve element in a direction of motion of the valve element, and a drive unit for applying force to the valve element in the direction opposite to that of the force applied by the force-applying member; wherein a secondary oscillation system, which interacts with a primary oscillation system including the valve element and the force-applying member, is added to the primary oscillation system, and the phase angle of force applied to the primary oscillation system by the secondary oscillation system is also staggered from that of force applied to the primary oscillation system, which is other than the force applied to the primary oscillation system by the secondary oscillation system, whereby the bouncing of the valve element during opening and closing of the valve is reduced, which in turn makes it possible to achieve very acc

Abstract: This invention relates to industrial production of fine dispersed powders, where the material to be pulverized is mixed with high-pressure working into a gas-solids suspension, which through acceleration nozzles (8) is conveyed to the pulverizing chamber of counterjet pulverizer (9) for autogenous pulverization. The method is known in that the pulverized gas solids suspension is conveyed in the pulverizing circle at least to one intermediate tank (12), where the gas is removed from the blend and solids are collected into intermediate tank (12), which are returned together with new raw material for pulverization till in the equipment a wanted circulation load is achieved, whereafter the process continues so that from it as much ready product is removed as new material is added to it.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable code for shredding objects. The apparatus has a number of components including a receptacle that is configured to receive objects. A shredding unit is connected to the receptacle, wherein the shredding unit selectively destroys the objects placed into the receptacle. An object detector is used to detect the presence of an object in the receptacle. An object identifier identifies objects placed into the receptacle. The apparatus also has a memory and a connector. The connector is used to establish a communications link with a data processing system. A controller in the apparatus stores identifications of objects identified by the object identifier in the memory and sends a signal to the shredding unit to control shredding of the objects.

Abstract: A waste food disposer unit for under sink application has a housing divided into a grinding chamber and a motor chamber. The grinding chamber has an inlet for water and waste matter and an outlet for water and shredded waste matter. A shredder ring 20 is disposed within the grinding chamber and has a plurality of cutting teeth formed by slots extending upwardly from a lower edge of the ring. A grinding disc is disposed within the ring and co-acts with the cutting teeth to shred the waste matter. The grinding disc is connected to the shaft of a motor by amounting bracket. The grinding disc may be conical forming an angle with a normal axis of between 75° and 85°. The mounting plate preferably mounts the grinding disc so that the axis of the shaft is misaligned with the normal axis of the grinding disc by a few degrees, i.e., between 3° and 70°, especially 5°, giving the shredding action between the shredder ring and the grinding disc a sawing or axial movement component.

Abstract: A document shredder with a continuously wound vinyl bag, includes a shredding portion, a collection portion and a cover case. The shredding portion includes an intermediate plate having a drop opening through which the shredded strips of paper fall, and in which a control circuit is mounted, and a pair of cutting rolls disposed above the drop opening, and a top member including a feed opening disposed above the cutting rolls. The collection portion placed downward from the shredding portion, includes a housing frame of which the center is opened, and a roll unit of a vinyl bag in which the paper to be shredded is collected. The cover case includes a support board, side walls which are vertically elevated along three surfaces of the support board, a door in which the vinyl bag filled with the shredded strips of paper is cut and discharged, and the top member which is assembled with the upper portions of the side walls and the door.

Abstract: An adapter for inserting into a carton containing a non-reel coil of filamentary material or wire has a shaft-receiving sleeve supported by a box structure. The adapter's box structure has top and back walls joined at right angles and reinforced by side walls. Knobs extend outwardly from the side walls and have openings therethrough. Ribs on the underside of the top wall define a channel which is aligned with the openings in the knobs. The ribs, top wall and knobs define a sleeve which is oriented such that it may receive a shaft or rod of a wire pulling rack. Alternatively, said adapter having a box structure with walls only in two perpendicular planes. At least two of said walls forming a channel extending outwardly that may receive a shaft or rod.

Abstract: A spool for preventing backlash includes a bobbin trunk, a rear flange portion, and a front flange portion. The front flange portion includes a first protruding portion and a first oblique portion that protrudes upward and forward from a tip of the first protruding portion. The rear flange portion includes a second protruding portion and a second oblique portion that protrudes upward and rearward from a tip of the second protruding portion. A length in the radial direction of the second protruding portion is approximately the same as a length of the first protruding portion.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor has a spool. An energy absorption mechanism absorbs energy from the spool during seatbelt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has at least a first portion for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and preferably a second portion for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. The seatbelt retractor has an outer sheath cast, molded, coated or otherwise bonded to and encircling a portion of the external surface of the first portion or the second portion which upon a sufficient exposure to rotational energy breaks the bond between the first portion or the second portion and the outer sheath.

Abstract: A cable guide of a cable winch, such as a cable hoisting winch, includes a cable drum having at least one cable groove and a cable guide having at least two base segments expanding into a ring. The two base segments are guided in the cable groove by at least one engaging element and are supported against the cable winch by at least one torque support. Elements for guiding and holding down a cable are arranged on the base segments. To create a simplified and optionally modular design of a cable guide, the base segments may be configured such that at least one torque support and at least one add-on element for guiding and holding down a cable can be secured in a desired arrangement on the base segments.

Abstract: A wrapping device for placement on a support surface to wind thread onto elongated rod or section blanks of fishing poles to affix component parts therealong and for decorative purposes. The wrapping device includes a wrapping support saddle with a support base for placement on the support surface. A pair of support uprights are movably mounted to the support base in a spaced relationship to accommodate rod and section blanks of differing lengths. The support uprights have respective wrapping saddles to selectively rotatably support the rod and section blanks of fishing poles. The support uprights also allow hands-free stopping of winding of the thread while under tension by securing the rod or section blanks to prevent unwrapping of the thread. The support uprights project forwardly toward a user and each is of a height for placement on the support surface of a table to position the rod and section blanks of the fishing poles in a comfortable horizontal wrapping position.

Abstract: An article, apparatus and method for attaching a roll of web material to a treated core is disclosed. The article includes a core pre-treated with adhesive and the apparatus includes an adhesive, a conveyor, an applicator unit and roller drums. The method includes activating a treated core with adhesive, aligning the activated area of the treated core with a tail end of the roll of web material, adhering the tail end of the roll of web material with the activated area of the treated core, and winding the roll of web material around the treated core.

Abstract: Embodiments of a strap roll up device are disclosed which may be used to conveniently roll up and secure tie down straps or other similar articles.