Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a method for providing security to an account, includes: providing a code; validating the code; if the code is an access code for accessing an account, then permitting transactions on the account if the access code is valid; and if the code is an alarm password associated with the account, then preventing transactions on the account if the alarm password is valid. Another embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus or system that can perform the above method.

Abstract: Sale and warranty confirmation management is disclosed. Product information is displayed for a buyer, and a selection of a desired product is received. A transaction for the desired product is completed, and a transaction confirmation record is stored, wherein the transaction confirmation record is auditable in order to confirm that the transaction for the desired product was completed with the buyer.

Abstract: A retail checkout system includes a customer-operated portable terminal with a data reader, such as a barcode scanner, and a customer-operated self-checkout station with an automated payment-accepting subsystem. Customers use the portable terminal to identify and log products that are selected as they move through a store. Item identification data is then transferred to the self-checkout station, where the customer pays for the selected products using the automated payment-accepting subsystem.

Abstract: A retail checkout system includes a customer-operated portable terminal with a data reader, such as a barcode scanner, and a customer-operated self-checkout station with an automated payment-accepting subsystem. Customers use the portable terminal to identify and log products that are selected as they move through a store. Item identification data is then transferred to the self-checkout station, where the customer pays for the selected products using the automated payment-accepting subsystem.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reconciling data associated with delivery items, such as mail. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method reconciles data associated with a delivery item shipment. The method includes the steps of receiving a first set of data associated with the shipment, and electronically receiving a second set of data associated with the shipment. The method further includes the steps of scanning the shipment during processing for scanned data associated with the shipment and determining if the first set of data matches the second set of data. If the first or second set of data matches the second set of data, the method determines if the second set of data matches the scanned data. If the first or second set of data matches the scanned data, the method indicates both the first set of data and the second set of data as valid.

Abstract: An information input and output device for communicating information with an information recording unit of a card, includes a card support unit that includes a card support surface for sliding the card while supporting the card from one surface side, a card end unit that includes a card end surface provided to protrude from the card support surface, and an input and output executing unit that is positioned to face the information recording unit of the card when the card is slid on the card support surface while abutting the card against the card end surface, and that executes at least one of reading of the information from the information recording unit and writing of the information to the information recording unit.

Abstract: Remotely monitored medical device. A sensor associated with the device detects its state and generates a signal representative of the sensed state. Based on the sensor signal, a remote notification device receives information indicative of the device's state according to a messaging protocol. The notification device informs a user of the sensed state so that appropriate action may be taken.

Abstract: An interface converting apparatus that converts signals between a Secure Digital (SD) card and a Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro). The apparatus comprises a SD memory card interface, a MS Pro memory card interface, an address decoder and a micro controller. The micro controller is able to convert a memory address from the MS Pro memory card interface into a memory address needed by the SD memory card interface and vice versa, and the address decoder can then be used to access the data via the SD memory card interface or the MS Pro memory card interface.

Abstract: A medium processing device is provided having a front panel which is formed with an aperture where a magnetic recording medium is inserted into or ejected from and which partitions an outside of a device from an inside of the device. A magnetic head is provided in the inside of the device for writing or reading information in or from the magnetic recording medium a shading filter is provided in at least one part of the front panel for shading visible light and a foreign matter detecting mechanism is provided on an inner side of the device with respect to the shading filter for detecting a foreign matter that is attached to the outside of the device.

Abstract: A coded marker in a magnetomechanical resonant electronic article identification system, includes a plurality of ductile magnetostrictive elements or strips based on an amorphous magnetic alloy ribbon with improved magnetomechanical resonance performance. The coded marker takes full advantage of the improved magnetomechanical properties, and an electronic article identification system utilizes the coded marker. The improved encodable and decodable marker/identification system is capable of identifying considerably larger number of articles than conventional systems.

Abstract: A play toy equipped with a barcode reader, which has a simple structure and is capable of outputting detection accuracy required for play toy, is provided. A guide member 57 extending parallel to openings of a movable member 37 is received within a reader body of the barcode reader. A barcode sensor holder 59, which slidably holds barcode sensors on the guide member 57, is mounted. There is provided a rotation link 61 of which one end rotates on a rotation center axle 65 and the other end thereof slidably connected to the barcode sensor holder 59. Using energy released from a first spring 67, the rotation link 61 is rotated to move the barcode sensor holder 59 from one end to the other end of the opening 41. Using energy released from a second spring 70, the rotation link 61 is rotated in reverse on the rotation center axle 65 to return the barcode sensor holder 59 from the other end to the one end of the opening 41.

Abstract: An omni-directional bar code symbol reading system employing a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through an imaging window into a 3D imaging volume, through which object can be passed in flexible ways. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and requires no moving parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar code reading device of the type having an imaging assembly including a two dimensional image sensor and which may be moved between varying positions, orientations and angles relative to a substrate. In one embodiment a bar code reading device can be used to obtain an area electronic representation of a substrate including bar code indicia and a signature, and can output an area representation including a representation of a signature. In another embodiment, the bar code reading device can process and output a processed area electronic representation to an output destination. In one embodiment an output destination to which a bar code reading device outputs a processed area electronic representation is a display.

Abstract: A retail checkout system includes a customer-operated portable terminal with a data reader, such as a barcode scanner, and a customer-operated self-checkout station with an automated payment-accepting subsystem. Customers use the portable terminal to identify and log products that are selected as they move through a store. Item identification data is then transferred to the self-checkout station, where the customer pays for the selected products using the automated payment-accepting subsystem.

Abstract: A card processing device (100) that handles a magnetic card and an IC card wherein, when a card (50) is taken into a main body (20) and if the card is a magnetic card, the inserted card (50) is taken in by intermittently transporting the card to a predetermined position and, after that, by continuously transporting the card and, if the card is an IC card, the inserted card (50) is taken in by continuously transporting the card. When the card (50) is ejected out of the main body (20) and if the card is a magnetic card, the card is ejected by continuously transporting the card to a predetermined position and, after that, by intermittently transporting the card and, if the card is an IC card, the card is ejected by continuously transporting the card.

Abstract: A method for obtaining technical information of IC is disclosed. The method provides an IC, a test board, and a computer. The IC includes a memory. The memory stores technical information. Connect the IC to the test board. Connect the test board to the computer. The computer obtains the technical information from the memory of IC. Using this method, engineers can find the technical information of the IC conveniently and correctly.

Abstract: An RFID device includes conductive tabs, and a conductive structure, with a dielectric layer between the conductive tabs and the conductive structure. The conductive structure overlaps the conductive tabs and acts as a shield, allowing the device to be at least somewhat insensitive to the surface upon which it is mounted, or to the presence of nearby objects, such as goods in a carton or other container that includes the device. The dielectric layer may be a portion of the container, such as an overlapped portion of the container. Alternatively, the dielectric layer may be a separate layer, which may vary in thickness, allowing one of the conductive tabs to be capacitively coupled to the conductive structure. As another alternative, the dielectric layer may be an expandable substrate that may be expanded after fabrication operations, such as printing.

Abstract: An article and a process are provided for assembling a package and correct label form the article. The article includes a water insoluble web, a transparent icon arranged on the web, the icon being formed by a material including a substance fluorescent within a wavelength ranging from about 385 to about 620 nm.

Abstract: A temperature controller device including informative display screens, predeterminable heating cycles, automated system checks and other utilities that reduces human involvement in a monitoring process. The device may be incorporated into a temperature controller or may be a separate “stand alone” unit.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes an engine configured to provide mechanical energy and a generator operably coupled to the engine and configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical energy into electric energy. The electric powertrain further includes at least one electric motor operably coupled to the generator, a plurality of driving members, and at least one power electronics unit configured to control at least one of the engine and the generator. The at least one electric motor is configured to provide torque for the plurality of driving members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device of a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (2) and a vehicle interior. Said heating device encompasses a cooling circuit (1) for cooling the internal combustion engine (2), a heating circuit (6) that is provided with at least one heating element (7) and is used for heating the vehicle interior, and an additional electric heater, especially an auxiliary PTC heating unit (8). According to the invention, a heat source can be connected to the cooling circuit and/or the heating circuit (6) as a second supplementary heater (9).

Abstract: My system is designed to provide a continuous flow of water in a vertical motion, without the use of pumps, or electric components. My system uses water volume, mass, weight, and pressure, to create a continuous, vertical flow of water. The pressure is formed, as the water in the hopper, or bowl, flows down through pipes, or hoses, that reduce in diameter, from the starting point. The weight, volume, mass, and gravity of the water being forced down into a reduced hose, or pipe, will create a continuous, vertical flow of water. My invention is not a water fountain, it is a system to provide a fountain with an electrical free, flow of water, in a water fountain. My invention is maintenance free, only have to add water due to evaporation, or chemicals to keep the water clear.

Abstract: A heating time period is decreased by that a valve body including a hollow valve shaft is arranged in a slidable manner in a cylindrical part of a casing on which a nozzle body with a valve seat is mounted at a front end thereof, a fuel is introduced from a fuel outlet port opening on a shaft wall of the valve shaft into a fuel path formed by the valve shaft and the cylindrical part, the fuel is heated to be injected from the nozzle body by a heater arranged at an outside of the fuel path of the cylindrical part, and a sleeve is mounted in the fuel path so that a large diameter part thereof closes the fuel path at an upper area of the fuel outlet port, while a fuel inlet port is formed on a small diameter part of the sleeve to introduce the fuel into the fuel path, so that the fuel path is narrowed to decrease an amount of the fuel to be heated by the heater.

Abstract: In order to enable treatment agents such as mouth water or abrasive substances to be added to the spray water in an oral douche, the hand piece of the oral douche is provided with a mixing reservoir that includes a mixing chamber on the lower end of the hand piece. The mixing chamber is arranged in the main or subsidiary flow of the spray water supply line. A water-soluble tablet containing the treating agents is arranged therein. Mixing of the treating agents is determined by the shape and size of the supply and discharge line to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a sleeve that screws into the same opening in a faucet that a typical aerator screws into. This sleeve replaces the aerator and includes a smaller aerator that is inserted within the sleeve. In this fashion, water aeration can still occur when aeration is desired. However, when a hose attachment is inserted into the sleeve, one of the hose attachment moves up and into the sleeve.

Abstract: A kitchen deck side spray assembly for attachment to a water hose, including a spray body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the spray body being plated with a metal on both its inner and outer surfaces; and an inert water conduit, the inert water conduit being substantially enclosed by that spray body.

Abstract: A device for dispensing coating material includes a handle and a barrel coupled to the handle and extending therefrom toward a forward end from which coating material is dispensed. A first component is provided on the dispensing device. Multiple second components each include a portion which is complementary to the first component. At least one of the multiple second components comprises a tool for use in conjunction with the operation of the dispensing device.

Abstract: A firefighting device comprising includes a device body with a fluid passage through which a fluid flows when the firefighting device is in operation and at least one molded body. At least a portion of the molded body is at least translucent and encloses therein or covers a light emitting source. When light is emitted from the light emitting source, light is emitted from the molded body to thereby illuminate the firefighting device.

Abstract: Fluid injection devices with surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices and methods of analyzing and cleaning the same. The fluid injection device comprises a fluid injection element and a surface acoustic wave device with slanted fingers inter-digital transducers on the fluid injection element. The fluid injection element comprises a fluid chamber in a substrate with a structural layer thereon. At least one fluid actuator is disposed on the structural layer opposing the fluid chamber. A nozzle adjacent to the at least one fluid actuator passes through the structural layer and connects the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Electrospray systems, electrospray structures, removable electrospray structures, methods of operating electrospray systems, and methods of fabricating electrospray systems, are disclosed.

Abstract: The walk behind sprayer is a manually propelled sprayer for treating golf course greens, fairways, lawns and farmland with chemical agents. The sprayer avoids the need to ride through its own freshly deposited chemical spray. The boom of the sprayer is designed to distribute the chemical agent in a preferred pattern and then fold in upon itself for transportation. The boom supports the spray heads that are connected by tubing to the combined on-off trigger handle and connected by tubing and hose to a supply of liquid chemical. The pushing function and boom positioning functions are separate and are designed to operate independently. A pressure gauge and speedometer allow the operator to carefully monitor application of chemical(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving used asphalt materials, heating the materials, dynamically tumbling the materials into a recycled granulized form, and selectively providing the recycled asphalt for use. An asphalt recycling system is used that is configured to receive used asphalt materials, including RAP and asphalt chunks. Inside the system, the asphalt materials are heated in a heating chamber, such as by natural gas, propane, or another heat source. The heating chamber warms the metal in the chute, and material in the chute can be exposed to exhaust gas, which preheats the asphalt material. The material is then delivered through the chute and onto a conveyer belt, which drops down into a rotating drum. The drum includes a material classifier ring and a plurality of paddles that are used to tumble the heated asphalt material until it becomes generally granularized. The drum can be manipulated (e.g., tilted, etc.

Abstract: A document management system comprises a document management apparatus that manages a document ID by associating the document ID with a storage time of the document, and checks the storage time in response to an inquiry about a permission of destroying the document and gives a permission of destroying the document when the storage time has expired, and a document destruction apparatus including a mode selection unit that selects one of a first destruction mode and a second destruction mode and an execution unit that destroys the document according to a destruction mode selected by the mode selection unit. The execution unit destroys the document without reading the document ID in the first destruction mode, and reads the document ID to inquire the permission of destroying the and destroys the document when the document management apparatus gives the permission of destroying the document in the second destruction mode.

Abstract: A disc mill assembly for a pulverizing system includes: a flywheel, a water jacket, two disc blades, and two ring clamps. In alternate embodiments, the disc mill assembly also includes: an air inlet to provide input air from an external air supply and an improved blade height adjustment mechanism. A disc blade is also provided. The disc blade is a single member with a central aperture that is the only through hole in the blade. Users may cost-effectively adopt a disposal versus sharpening policy for replacement of the disc blade. A method for controlling a temperature of material in a disc mill assembly having first and second disc blades is provided. The method includes: directing an adjustable input air stream, directing material to be ground, monitoring the temperature of the material, and controlling the air stream directing and/or the material directing in response to the temperature monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for comminuting empty containers, particularly beverage bottles or cans made of plastic, particularly of PET or of tinplate, comprising a housing provided with a filling opening and with a discharge opening, and comprising a cutting unit mounted inside the housing and means for driving and controlling the cutting unit. The cutting unit contains at least two cutting rollers, which are mounted at a distance from one another with regard to their rotation axes, and the cutting mechanism containing the cutting rollers is a document shredder cutting mechanism.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shredder maintenance material delivery system includes a leader and a containment vessel. The containment can be configured to carry a maintenance material and configured to apply the maintenance material to at least on shredder component when the shredder maintenance material delivery system is shredded.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge has a housing, at least one tape reel assembly rotatably disposed within the housing, a storage tape wound about a tape winding surface of the tape reel assembly, and a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a brake plate and a brake button. When the brake assembly is an unlocked position, a depression in the brake plate mates with a protruding member of the brake button to limit vibration of the brake assembly, thereby limiting noisy vibration of cartridge.

Abstract: In a recording tape cartridge provided with a reel having a hub at which a recording tape is wound, a case that accommodates the reel such that the reel is rotatable, and an opening formed at the case from which a leader member attached to a distal end of the recording tape is pulled out, the hub is formed in a substantial barrel shape. Further, the hub of a take-up reel of a drive device into which the recording tape cartridge is loaded is formed in a substantial barrel shape.

Abstract: Towel dispensing methods and automatic towel dispensers permitting conservation of the overall amount of towel dispensed. The towel dispensing methods and towel dispensers limit the amount of towel dispensed in dispense cycles which occur shortly after an initial dispense cycle. The user is provided with sufficient towel to meet the user's needs while reducing overall towel usage and limiting towel waste.

Abstract: A decorative cover for containing a roll of a flexible sheet material, such as a paper web product, and dispensing lengths of the flexible sheet material from the roll. The decorative cover includes a tubular sidewall with opposite open ends through either of which the roll may be inserted into an at least partially concealed position within the sidewall and a longitudinal slot through which the paper web product may be dispensed from the roll when the roll is positioned in the at least partially concealed position.

Abstract: A flow path splitter duct is provided. The flow path splitter duct includes a main hub, a first outlet hub and a second outlet hub. The main hub has a plurality of inlet ports each being separated by at least one wall. The first outlet hub has a plurality of first duct outlet ports, each of the first duct outlet ports are in fluid communication with only one of the corresponding plurality of inlet ports. The second outlet hub has a plurality of second duct outlet ports, each of the second duct outlet ports are in fluid communication with only one of the corresponding plurality of inlet ports, wherein engine exhaust gas that enters one of the plurality of inlet ports is simultaneously diverted to only one of the first duct outlet ports and to only one of the second duct outlet ports. A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is also provided that includes the flow path splitter duct. A method of using the same is also provided.

Abstract: A modular seat system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, with at least one seat which includes a seat unit with a seating element and a seat back, a seat frame with at least one pair of essentially vertical support elements, at whose upper end a bearing structure is arranged on which the seat unit rests, and a fixing structure in the floor of the passenger compartment with at least two longitudinal rails, which have a predetermined spacing from one another, for accommodating the lower ends of the support elements. In order to ensure a cost-effective and flexible fixing of standardised installation modules—in particular passenger seats—with different spacing of the mounting rails, there is provided a spacing device, which defines the spacing between the two support elements at their upper and/or lower end, so that the spacing of the support elements from one another is variable independently of the width of the seat unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heavy payload parachute ground disconnecting device. The device comprises an actuator for keeping a holding mechanism in a locked position during a predetermined time interval and after elapse of the predetermined time interval for releasing the holding mechanism when a force acting on the actuator is below a predetermined threshold. A latch mechanism releases a link assembly connected to the payload when itself being released from the holding mechanism. In the holding position the latch mechanism transfers a predetermined portion of a payload force for acting on the actuator within an operational range of the same. The device is highly advantageous by providing a simple, yet highly flexible, design for numerous payload ranges.

Abstract: A launcher and satellite connection-separation apparatus comprising a band (11) with an inner channel in which a plurality of clamps (13) are located in a sliding manner, which clamps are applied on the rings (15, 17) making up the joining interface between both vehicles, means (19) for radially tightening the band (11)-clamps (13) assembly and a union-separation device (41, 61, 71) of the ends (7, 9) thereof including, together with locking (47) and unlocking (48) means, a mechanism allowing a controlled opening of the band (11) in two phases: in the first phase its ends (7, 9) shift keeping in contact with the rings (15, 17), the elastic energy corresponding to the tightening of the band (11) being dissipated by friction; in the second phase the band (11) separates from the rings (15, 17) until reaching its parking position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for load limitation in a aircraft high lift system, said system comprising individual segments of landing flap systems and slat flap systems, and a drive unit. The inventive device for load limitation comprises a control unit that is connected to position sensors and is embodied in such a way as to process signals from the position sensors and to generate a signal for limiting the supplied drive power. The invention also relates to a method for load limitation. According to said method, signals from at least two position sensors are measured; at least one reference variable is calculated form the measured signals; each reference variable is compared with a corresponding threshold value pre-determined from a maximum authorized load; and a control signal is generated for limiting the drive power, when at least one of the reference variables reaches or exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for moving at least one moveable element (19) in a gas turbine engine (1) between a first and a second position. The device includes a linkage (21) that connects a pivotable annular member (18) with the moveable element (19) in such a way that the movement of the moveable element (19) between the two positions is accomplished when the annular member (18) is pivoted. The linkage (21) has a link member (22) connected to the moveable element (19) via a first articulation joint (23). The device also has a support member (24) that supports the link member (22) at a distance from the first articulation joint.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a railroad switch point having fixed rails and switching rails. The switch point includes a first railroad tie having a top side. The switch point also includes a rod positioned at the top side of the first railroad tie. The rod is coupled to the switching rails and is also coupled to a switch actuator. A first rail support is secured to the top side of the first railroad tie for supporting the fixed rails and the switching rails above the rod.

Abstract: A stereo system for a vehicle includes at least one speaker rotatably mounted to an access door of the vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. The at least one speaker directs sound to an area within the vehicle in the stowed position and directs sound to an area outside of the vehicle in the deployed position.

Abstract: Two partial annular rigid clamp sections pivotally attached to spaced pivot pins on a base pivot open to receive an item and pivot closed automatically due to the pressure of the item on bottom ends of the clamps. Mating teeth interlock on the upper ends of the clamps with the ends overlapping to encircle an item, such as a pipe, tool, hose, or other item to be secured to a structure and automatically lock it within the clamp.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a plurality of arm mounts which are rotationally coupled in a vertical column in end to end relationship to provide a nested arrangement thereof. A support arm is attached to each of the arm mounts to which an electronic device is attached. The arm mounts are secured in nested arrangement between a pair of mounting plates which engage the ends of an elongated shield at least partially surrounding the arm mounts.