Abstract: A computer network system and method for printing purchase transaction receipts includes a novel printer physical structure, data structure, and control logic for printing on both sides of a register receipt, business rules designed to facilitate the two sided printing, and print paper designed to facilitate two sided printing.

Abstract: A method for transmitting personal health information from a databank to a health facility. An individual's health information is stored in a database, and the information is sent to authorized users as needed. The information is stored in the database by coding an individual's private file with a unique identifying number. The individual is provided with an electronically readable identifier (ERI) that corresponds to the unique identifying number. The ERI can be scanned by medical personnel with the appropriate scanner. The scanner is authenticated by the database, and the information corresponding to that individual is sent back to the scanner for use by the emergency medical personnel. The health information can also be sent to a hospital. The entire process requires authentication of the medical personnel and validation of the ERI for security purposes.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, other cards, and/or other items from kiosks and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least a first card hopper and a card transport assembly. The first card hopper is configured to hold a stack of cards that includes at least a first card stacked on a second card. The card transport assembly includes a card carrier moveable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position spaced apart from the first card hopper. The card carrier is configured to lift the first card off the second card when the card carrier is in the first position. The card carrier is further configured to release the first card toward an outlet when the card carrier is in the second position.

Abstract: A kiosk for dispensing and mailing prepaid delivery envelopes. In the preferred embodiment, the kiosk dispenses a prepaid envelope upon receipt of payment from the customer. The customer fills out the envelope and deposits it back into the kiosk for delivery. The kiosk is self-contained and the envelopes are secured in the kiosk prior to vending, and also after deposit by the user. The kiosk requires no weighing device as the envelopes are prepaid and may be packed to capacity without any additional weight charges. Also, the kiosk preferably contains no other facilities for calculating or otherwise determining a delivery charge.

Abstract: Generating a series of digits corresponding to a personal identification number (PIN) of a user for unified messaging access to personal information management (PIM) data. Data involved in the generation of the series of digits along with the series of digits are stored for subsequent use during authentication of the user and PIN updates.

Abstract: The checkout system described herein is to show a system how to eliminate the lines at the regiters, to eliminate the removal of items from shopping cart in order to “ring” them at the checkout counters. As clients lowering their goods into shopping carts, an auto scanner mounted at the top of the cart shall trigger a beam to scan the items which are lower into the cart. Once client completes his shopping he than read the total amount of sale which can be verified at the top of the shopping cart. The cart with all the intended purchased items is wheeled to a checkout areas, in which the total amount is paid either by cash or credit cards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a checkout system with a change dispensing system for providing change in respect of a payment made for goods being purchased. The change dispensing system comprises a receptacle into which change is deposited and the receptacle is mounted in a counter surface of the checkout system where it is in easy view of the customer and where change which accidentally exits from the receptacle is likely to remain on the counter surface and not fall to the floor. Preferably a coin dispensing system is mounted in the checkout system above the counter and a channel guides coins from the change dispensing system to the receptacle under the force of gravity.

Abstract: An electronic price tag is composed of separable internal and display modules and is adapted for wireless adjustment. The ID module is mounted to the goods at, for example, a point of manufacture for the goods, and contains a transponder and CPU, a receiver/decoder module, for example a horn, mounted to the placard for receiving signals from a remote location and decoding same to be inputted to the price display field and an electrically controlled latching mechanism to temporarily hold the modules together. The display module consists of a display placard, a plurality of price display fields on the placard. The separated ID module is capable of performing security and inventory functions where display is not needed. The display module is reusable and may contain a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A game presentation such as a virtual slot machine is displayed by a display device associated with a point of sale (POS) terminal. The game presentation includes images of products for which product identifying codes are entered at the POS terminal. The game presentation indicates to a customer an outcome of a random process pursuant to which the customer may be awarded a benefit such as a free product, a discount on a product selected for purchase, a coupon or an upsell offer.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided which establishes a user interface for portable media players in which a user can mix, shuffle, randomize, or otherwise alter the selection and/or ordering of media items stored within and/or played by the portable media player by simply shaking the portable media player in a characteristic manner. It is a common human metaphor to mix the contents of a physical object, like a bottle of salad dressing or a carton of orange juice, by physically shaking the object. The various embodiments leverage this common and well known human activity by enabling a user to “mix” media items through a characteristic shaking motion as a type of user interface. This capability enables a user to have a portable media player automatically shuffle the order of songs stored within a play arrangement by shaking the portable media player using a characteristic shaking motion.

Abstract: A data capturing apparatus includes a start/stop detecting unit, a data capturing unit, and a data converting unit. The start/stop detecting unit is used for detecting a start and an end of a data transfer from an information storage apparatus to the data capturing apparatus. The data capturing unit for receiving data from the information storage apparatus. The data converting unit is used for transforming the received data into differential USB transferable data. A related data capturing method and a storage medium recorded with an application program to accomplish the data capturing method are also provided.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a card reader that defines a fixing hole in a sidewall thereof, and forms a first connector in a rear wall thereof, includes a chassis, a bracket slidably mounted to the chassis, a pair of first resilient members, and a locking member. The chassis includes a front wall defining a first opening for the card reader passing therethrough. A second connector is mounted to the bracket, corresponding to the first connector of the card reader. The first resilient members are connected between the chassis and the bracket. The first resilient members are stretched when mounting the card reader. The locking member includes a retaining member mounted to the chassis, and a securing member mounted to the retaining member via a second resilient member. The securing member includes a securing portion protruding therefrom for engaging with the fixing hole of the card reader.

Abstract: A chip card retaining mechanism for retaining a chip card (50) mounted in an electronic device, the electronic device including a housing (10). The chip card retaining mechanism includes a receiving portion, and a locking member (20). The receiving is formed on the housing for fittingly receiving the chip card therein. The locking member is slidably mounted on the housing and positioned over the receiving portion such that if the chip card is received in the receiving portion, the locking member stably locks the chip card in the receiving portion.

Abstract: A card reader with wireless transmission comprises a circuit board and a wireless transmission control chip on the circuit board. The circuit board 11 further includes a connector for a data transmission line whose free end is provided with a plug to be inserted into a USB port attached onto a computer main board. The card reader is further provided with at least memory-card insertion slot, whereby the control chip will send and receive radio signals through a plastic case partially extended out of the outer surface of the computer, without being shielded. The card reader with wireless transmission has a further advantage of not occupying an external USB port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an information carrier containing a non-clonable optical identifier (2) having an optical scattering medium (3) for being challenged by a light beam (5) and for scattering said light beam (5). In order to provide a secure information carrier (1), it is proposed that it further comprises a light absorbing means (3, 4) for reducing the intensity of said light beam (5) so that an integration time for obtaining a response signal by integrating the scattered light beam (8) is extended.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converter that converts image data into an electric signal and outputs the image data; a clock controller that generates a plurality of sampling signals having different phases to sample a level of an output signal of the photoelectric converter; a phase determination unit that compares signal levels in a sampling order, each of the signals obtained by sampling, using a respective sampling signal, the output signal of the photoelectric converter, so as to determine an optimum phase of the plurality of the sampling signals when a condition is fulfilled in which an absolute value of a variation between signal levels being compared is less than a threshold value; a storage unit in which the optimum phase is stored; and a sampling unit that samples the output signal of the photoelectric converter using the sampling signal having the optimum phase.

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

Abstract: A system for enabling a user to access information, said system comprising: a printed substrate, said substrate comprising user information and coded data indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate; and a sensing device comprising: an optical sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data when the sensing device is operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate; a mode selector for allowing the user to select a mode of operation; a processor for generating mode data using the selected mode and interaction data using the sensed coded data, said mode data being indicative of the selected mode, said interaction data being indicative of the region identity and at least one position of the sensing device relative to the substrate; and means for communicating the mode data and the interaction data to a computer system, wherein the mode data together with the interaction data determine a response in the computer system.

Abstract: A barcode symbol having an encoded symbology is provided with color or shades of gray to add additional information at the time of printing. The color or shades of gray provides the current barcode symbology with a third dimension of information. The color or shades of gray can encode information over a specific one-dimensional or two-dimensional symbology. White spaces can be replaced with colors or shades of gray to add coded information to the standard one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes. The number of colors and how they are distributed or arranged can provide the basic backbone of information. A barcode reader that can detect the different color spectrums, can be employed to decode the information. Furthermore, color is not limited to white spaces, but can be implemented into black spaces. Additionally, colored background information can provide additional information to the current symbology.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code includes a polygonal exterior region distinguishable from a background on the basis of brightness or color and an interior region disposed at a predetermined distance from the perimeter of the exterior region. The interior region is divided into cells of a predetermined size so that information is represented by brightness or color of each of the cells. The cells, each having the shape of a hexagon, are disposed so as to abut each other.

Abstract: This invention provides a machine vision device adapted to read inscribed symbology on the surface of an object, such as a wafer, covered in photoresist that employs both bright field and dark field illumination in the infrared region. Using illumination with light in this spectral band, an inscribed symbol can be read by a camera sensor substantially unaffected by the presence of and/or number of layers of photoresist covering the symbol. The camera sensor is tuned to receive such illumination, and is thereby provided with an image that distinguishes the symbol's scribe lines on the underlying wafer surface from the surrounding specular wafer surface. The device includes a housing that supports the imager and imager lens below an array of IR LEDs. The sensor has an optical axis that is reflected from horizontal to vertical by a mirror and then back to horizontal by a beam splitter that is aligned with two spherical lenses and an outlet window at the front of the housing.

Abstract: A modular barcode scanner for identifying various types of barcodes or the like is provided. The scanner has a housing that has a light source mounted therein and a plurality of walls with one wall at least partially disposed to allow a light path originating from the light source to pass out of the housing to reach the bar codes. The scanner further has a top module mounted on the top of the housing comprising a flat member having light receiving and processing optics as well as subsequent electronic processing devices mounted thereon; and a bottom module mounted on the bottom of the housing having an inner surface with a rotating mirror mounted thereon for directing the light path.

Abstract: A data carrier including a flat carrier element having at least one memory segment configured to store user-specific information and at least one inscription segment configured to store visually readable information. Further, the carrier element further includes a multi-information segment having a plurality of information layers arranged one on top of another, and at least two information layers are writable and/or printable and at least one top information layer is made separable from a neighboring lower information layer.

Abstract: An IC card 1CD includes a frame member portion 1CB1, and an IC card main body 15 held in a state of being hung by a connecting portion 1CB2 in a frame thereof. The IC card main body 15 is made to constitute a card type information medium having a high functional performance having both of a function as a so-to-speak IC card and a function as a so-to-speak memory card having a capacity larger than that of the IC card and a function higher than that of the IC card capable of executing a security processing. An outer shape of the IC card main body 15 is formed in compliance with RS-MMC outer shape standard. A surface of a cap portion 1CB3 of the IC card main body 15 is printed with a desired character, pattern, diagram and photograph or the like by a printing method used in steps of fabricating a general IC card, and the IC card 15 is provided with higher acknowledgement performance, security performance and outlook.

Abstract: A tamper evident RFID circuit uses a fold section that forms a capacitive element when folded together.

Abstract: A disposable serial package and its monitoring system are proposed. Conductive structures are provided on each of several package units detachably attached in series forming the disposable serial package. Each conductive structure has several leads and each of the leads has a front end and a tail end. The tail end of a second lead being connected to a first lead on the same conductive structure and a third lead of any one of the package units is connected to the front end of the second lead of a succeeding package unit. A monitoring device is cooperatively used to allow setting of the quantity of package units to be monitored and the instantaneous quantity of package units based on the conducting state of the leads.

Abstract: A memory card with test contacts having protection on an interface is provided. The claimed memory card comprises a card body having a circuit board therein, a control chip on the circuit board used to control data reading and writing of the memory card, a memory chip on the circuit board used to store data for the memory card, a memory card interface electrically connecting to the control chip, a connection interface, electrically connecting control chip, and a lid or a tab on the memory card interface or on the connection interface to protect test contacts on the interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides forming a coding symbology by disposing a plurality of light-reflecting segments separated by spaces on a substrate. The coding symbology represents fixed information and variable information.

Abstract: Liquid (e.g., water) is provided in a relatively vertical or supported display with segments of water (either vertically propelled or vertically falling), with the segments being controlled in their relative orientation to act as pixels in forming viewable images in a fountain or confined liquid display. The segments may be moving upwardly or downwardly in displays.

Abstract: A waterfall assembly features a first, substantially hermetically sealed chamber adapted to contain a quantity of liquid. The first chamber includes at least one substantially vertical and transparent side having an internal surface, preferably with a plurality of protrusions. A pump or fluid transport device is in fluid communication with the first chamber and at least one nozzle/aperture disposed within the first chamber. The nozzle/aperture directs the liquid against at least a portion of the internal surface of the vertical side of the first chamber such that some of the liquid flows over the protrusions. A second chamber having a light source may be disposed beneath the first chamber for illuminating the first chamber.

Abstract: A pop-up bubbler assembly for drinking fountains or other appliances that includes a head with a dispensing spout that rises upward out of a housing to dispense an arc of clean water when activated. The bubbler head then drops back down into the housing after water flow stops such that the dispensing spout is covered when not in use.

Abstract: An aromatic dispenser/container dispenses a scent or aroma, based on a fluid in the dispenser. The fluid containing the scented aroma is contained within a bottle or jar, typically of some decorative configuration. The fluid need not be flammable and no flame or heat source is required. A top of the bottle or jar has a top or cap member attached to form a closed container for the scented fluid. The cap member is formed of a porous, clay-type material of the type used in forming porcelain articles. The clay material of the cap member is formed during a first firing of the material is known as bisque, or biscuit. The bisque material of the cap member is hardened and more rigid than are original clay material, but is yet still permeable and porous enough to allow the vapors from the fluid in the container to permeate from the bottle through the bisque material and into the nearby region.

Abstract: In a disclosed recording head, a piezoelectric element applies pressure to a liquid chamber by causing an oscillating plate of the liquid chamber to be displaced. Liquid is supplied to the liquid chamber via a flow resistance part. The oscillating plate has a first portion facing a liquid chamber and a second portion facing the liquid supplying path. The piezoelectric element is longer than the liquid chamber, and an edge of the piezoelectric element on the flow resistance part side is positioned not to face the second portion of the oscillating plate but to face the first portion of the oscillating plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle system for the treatment of web-shaped material, especially metal strip, comprising nozzle surfaces (1, 1*, 1**) each having a plurality of nozzle apertures (1a), disposed at least on one side of the web-shaped material and located successively in the direction of transport of the web-shaped material. The nozzle system is characterised in that the nozzle surfaces (1, 1*, 1**) are bordered in groups by slit-shaped nozzles (3, 3*, 3**) running transverse to the direction of transport of the material.

Abstract: Multi-component liquid spray system including a shim having a first array of first passages and a second array of second passages are described. When the shim is positioned between the first and second die portions of a housing, a first array of first liquid conduits and a second array of second liquid conduits are formed. The first array of first liquid conduits and second array of second liquid conduits are aligned such that at least one of the second liquid conduits is interspersed between successive first liquid conduits. Methods of making such spray systems and methods of using them to produce both multi-component sprays and coated articles are also described.

Abstract: A portable pressure washer includes a housing having a front end and a rear end defining a longitudinal axis. A handle has a first end extending from a rear portion of the housing and a second end terminating in a barrel. A first nozzle and a second aperture extend from the barrel. A fluid pump and a motor disposed are disposed within the housing, which includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the first nozzle and the second aperture.

Abstract: An adjustable spray nozzle provides control over spray flow rate and spray pattern. The adjustable nozzle fits common aerosol paint cans and may replace a non-adjustable nozzle which is provided with the aerosol paint can. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a needle valve for adjusting flow, and an adjustable orifice for adjusting the spray pattern. The needle valve screws into the top of the nozzle body and is aligned with a fluid passage extending vertically through the nozzle body. The needle valve may be removed to facilitate cleaning the nozzle, and the adjustable orifice snaps into the nozzle body and may be rotated to select a vertical fan or horizontal fan spray pattern.

Abstract: When, according to the invention, a liquid atomizer unit for fire extinction is provided with a double nozzle system for liquid atomization and spreading of atomized liquid, where one nozzle is configured as a fully circular slot (14), and where the other nozzle is configured as a centrally arranged hole (17) having a baffle (18) disposed in the centre line in front of the nozzle hole (17), and where a mandrel is incorporated, extending through the cavity of the system, said mandrel (7) being penetrated by at least one slot or hole (11), all of which are arranged within the cavity, a high degree of projection is achieved for the sensitive parts of the unit, and moreover the coverage area of the water mist nozzle is optimum at a water pressure of between 200 and 2000 kPa.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam-dispensing nozzle adapted to receive a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid delivery apparatus. The foam-dispensing nozzle includes a one-piece molded body, having a quick-disconnect portion, a discharge portion extending from the quick-disconnect portion, a first passageway through the quick-disconnect portion, and a second passageway through the discharge portion in communication with the first passageway. The foam-dispensing nozzle also includes at least one aperture in the discharge portion communicating the second passageway with the exterior of the discharge portion, a diffuser positioned in the second passageway, and a retainer at least partially positioned within the second passageway adjacent the diffuser. Movement of the pressurized fluid through the first passageway and the second passageway draws air through the at least one aperture in the tubular portion to aerate the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A device for atomizing a liquid composition serves to treat a premises and equipment contained therein. The device is equipped with an atomizing nozzle including: a) a secondary duct (102) supplied with liquid and having an element (1) for effecting a first fractionation of the liquid inside an expansion chamber (2); b) a principle duct (101) flowed through by a gas stream and having an element (3) for effecting a second fractionation of the liquid, and; c) connecting element (5) for connecting a) and b). The nozzle can also be equipped with an ultrasonic resonator (21) and with a resonance chamber (22) situated in front of the discharge opening (4). Also disclosed is an atomizing method during which a first fractionation of the liquid is effected by suction through a first venturi (6), a second fractionation of the liquid is effected by suction into the gas stream while leaving a second venturi and, optionally, a third fractionation is effected by ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: A nozzle for a mist lubricator system has an emitter head located in a tubular housing. The emitter head has tapered passageways terminating at an end from which lubricant drops are directed to a target to be lubricated. The emitter head can be incorporated in lubricator systems of various types, including those utilizing a cycling feed metering system. A nozzle constructed in accordance with the present invention can be used in reduced airflow systems and exhibits substantially lessened lubricant loss during low and no airflow periods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airless dispenser which is used to dispense low doses of liquid products. The inventive dispenser is characterised in that it consists of: a first part comprising a spray nozzle which is communicated with a network of channels on the wall of an inner truncated-cone-shaped bore, and a second part comprising a deformable container which equipped with a rigid flange for fixing the first part in the aforementioned bore. The outer periphery of the flange comprises an inclined surface which defines a vortex chamber, opposite the above-mentioned network of channels, and which, together with the wall of the first part, forms an internal peripheral outlet groove. The outlet groove is defined radially by a flexible lip forming an inlet valve which is supported by the first or second part.

Abstract: Spray apparatus for cleaning inter alia toilet bowls comprises a spray head connected through a water hose to a pressurised source of water. The spray head includes a casing formed with an opening to receive one end of the water hose and an outlet nozzle form which water under pressure can leave the housing. A hand operated valve is provided for selectively enabling or preventing the flow of water through the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: Methods of applying multi-component liquid sprays are described. The methods include using the first array of first component spray orifices to produce a first spray of the first liquid; using the second array of second component spray orifices to produce a second spray of the second liquid; and mixing at least a portion of the first spray and at least a portion of second spray.

Abstract: A steam cover or blanket for use in de-icing and thawing frozen objects and surfaces, the cover comprising an inlet for receiving steam, upper and lower layers defining a steam passage area therebetween, and a plurality of evenly spaced apertures extending through the lower layer from the steam passage area for allowing release of the steam adjacent the frozen objects and surfaces. A method is also taught for using the steam cover, comprising positioning the cover adjacent the frozen objects and surfaces, connecting the inlet to a steam source, injecting steam into the inlet, allowing the steam to enter the steam passage area, allowing the steam to exit the steam passage area by means of the apertures, and allowing the steam to contact the frozen objects and surfaces.

Abstract: Multi-component liquid spray systems having a first array of first component spray nozzles and a second array of second component spray nozzles are provided. Each of the first component spray nozzles is adjacent at least one of the second component spray nozzles. Spray systems having co-aligned and parallel-aligned linear arrays of nozzles are described. Methods of making such spray systems and methods of using them to produce both multi-component sprays and coated articles are also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an orifice disc. The orifice disc includes a peripheral portion, a central portion, and an orifice. The peripheral portion is with respect to a longitudinal axis and extends parallel to a base plane. The peripheral portion bounds the central portion. The central portion includes a facet that extends parallel to a plane that is oblique with respect to the base plane. The orifice penetrates the facet and extends along an orifice axis that is oblique with resect to the plane. As such, the orientation of the orifice with respect to the longitudinal axis is defined by a combination of (1) a first relationship of the plane with respect to the base plane, and (2) a second relationship of the orifice axis with respect to the plane. A method of forming a multi-facetted dimple for the orifice disc is also described.

Abstract: A method of producing powder with a high tannin content includes pulverizing a tannin-containing plant such as bark of radiata pine (Pinus radiata) and classifying the pulverized material into fine particles having a desired particle size, for example, fine particles having a particle diameter of 100 to 1,000 ?m or less. A powder with a high tannin content is produced by such a method. The thus obtained powder with a high tannin content exhibits excellent characteristics when used as an adhesive, a binder, etc. for wood materials.

Abstract: A method and a control system for a refiner for pulp or like materials, the control system comprising a sensor mounted in direct mechanical connection to a non-rotating refining member so that the sensor is responsive to axial vibration movement of the support, and an analog to digital converter connected to the output of the sensor. The method and control system also include a controller connected to the analog to digital converter and responsive to the analog to digital converter to compare the amplitude of the output signal from the sensor to a baseline value based on the level of vibration associated with the pulp refiner when it is operating without plate clashing. When the signal exceeds the baseline value, an action is taken to help alleviate the plate clashing.

Abstract: A two-way self-lock paper shredder has a functional switch (11), a shredding mechanism (10), a control circuit power source (2) electrically connected to the said functional switch (11), as well as the following control circuits: a CPU (1), a motor-driving circuit (8), a reverse detection circuit (9), a paper-in detection circuit (5), and an unlocking circuit (4). If there is neither an input of paper-in signal nor an input of reverse signal after the paper is shredded, the said paper-in detection circuit (5) will transfer a self-lock signal to said CPU (1) and then the CPU (1) begins timing. When the duration of said self-lock signal exceeds the preset value, the CPU (1) will shut off the motor-driving circuit (8) and the paper shredder will be self-locked. The aforesaid unlocking circuit (4) contains an unlocking key, and reset of the said unlocking key can unlock the paper shredder. The present utility model enhances the safety of the paper shredder efficiently, so as to avoid unnecessary hidden trouble.