Abstract: A printing system capable of writing RFID data consistent with print information printed on a print-information recoding medium into an RFID chip carried on the print-information recording medium. The printing system includes a printer engine for printing print information, including at least either one of contactlessly readable information and image information visible to human being, onto at least the print-information recording medium, and an RFID reader/writer for writing RFID data consistent with the print information into the RFID chip carried on the print-information recording medium.

Abstract: The invention improves supply of an electronic circuit components by a component tape. When a number of the components remaining in each feeder becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, an operator is informed of a fact that another component tape can be connected to a currently used component tape. In response to the informed fact, the operator connects the currently used component tape as a preceding component tape to the above-described another component tape as a following tape such that a trailing end portion of the preceding component tape and a leading end portion of the following component tape are connected through a connecting tape. A connecting portion of the two connected component tapes is detected by a connecting-portion detecting device in S11, and a two-dimensional code printed on the connecting tape is recognized by an ID decoder in S12.

Abstract: A revenue balancing method and computer program that more quickly, accurately, and easily reconciles or balances revenue contained in a first cash drawer while at the same time building or filling a second cash drawer.

Abstract: A payment resolution module is configured to communicate with hand-held devices (such as mobile phones, PDA's, or computers) to allow purchase of products using the hand-held devices, without requiring the user of the hand-held device to enter payment information for each transaction. The user of the hand-held device may be identified as the owner of the device either by having the option to enter a personal identification code, or by using a biometric to identify himself, for example. Accordingly, only an authorized user of the hand-held device may use the hand-held device to purchase products. After the payment resolution module receives authorization for payment, an authorization code is transmitted to the mobile device. The user may be required to present the authorization code at the point of sale, such as by entering the code into a computing device at the point-of-sale, prior to completion of the transaction.

Abstract: Means and a method for authenticating a photographic image (3) on an identification device (1), the identification device (1) being provided with: a photographic image of a person (3) and a microprocessor (8), the microprocessor (8) having: a) a processor (7), b) a memory (9) connected to the processor (7) and having stored authentication data, and c) interface means (5) connected to the processor (7) for communicating with an external device, wherein said photographic image (3) comprises stegano-graphically hidden information, the content of which together with said authentication data allows authentication of said photographic image (3), the method having the following steps: a?) scanning the photographic image (3) and generating image data. b?) analyzing these image data in accordance with a predetermined image analysis procedure to derive said hidden information, and c?) carrying out the authentication of the photographic image (3) based on the hidden information and the authentication data.

Abstract: In a verification system which verifies individual input data against registered data to perform individual authentication, the verification program is checked for alteration. Programs for verification in a processing unit are checked for alteration by a check program in the tamper-proof environment of a lower-level storage unit. Hence illicit use of the verification system through program alteration can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for managing the operation of a transportation system for persons or goods implemented by a single administrative office (11). Participants operating or using the transportation system are registered. Identity confirming information is obtained and identification documentation is provided to each registrant. Any registered person may make a reservation for transportation services. A security check of each registered person is made. One or more transporters (14) is then chosen. Selections are then made among chosen transporters when more than one chosen transporter is suitable. The transporter is notified to confirm acceptance of the order by the passenger or shipper. The passenger or shipper is then notified of the transporter and conditions for such transportation services. Finally, payment is received for the transportation services, which may then be conveyed to the transporter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to automate inventory and dispatch procedures at a staging area by automatically detecting the arrival or departure of delivery vehicles, container devices and other such items. Detection of these items is facilitated by the use of automatic identification tags, and other such devices, that are physically associated with each such item. According to one aspect of the invention, the detection of inbound vehicles and related container devices triggers a series of automated communications that facilitate the dispatch of such items within the staging area. Additionally, when a delivery vehicle or container device departs, the system can be configured to check the tag or device associated with each such item so as to confirm that the correct container device(s) are associated with the correct outbound delivery vehicle. The system further provides a method of tracking inventories of such items in real time.

Abstract: An RFID device detection system includes a proximity locator, which generates an electric field for reading an antennaless RFID device, or for reading other, antennaed RFID devices. An antennaless RFID device includes non-antenna conductive leads coupled to a chip. The proximity locator includes one or more conductors forming a transmission line structure arranged to set up a strong RF electric field in proximity to the locator. The strong RF electric field may be a short-range field that provides significant RF energy only over a relatively short distance, when compared with traditional RF fields that are set up over a relatively large distance. The short-range RF field allows coupling to antennaed and antennaless RFID devices that are near to the proximity locator. The RFID device detection system may be employed in a variety of tasks, including inventory control and theft detection.

Abstract: An optical pen comprising a shaft, a pen tip, a light source and an optical sensor. The shaft extends a predetermined length along an axial direction. The pen tip is arranged at one end of the shaft and situated in the same axial direction. The light source produces light that illuminates an outlying surface near the pen tip to generate a reflected imaging light traveling along a light path. The light path has at least a portion near the pen tip overlapping with said axial direction. The optical sensor is disposed in the light path to receive the imaging light and convert it into electrical signals. In light that the light path that captures imaging light from the optical pen is coaxial with the pen tip, when the optical pen is used for writing, the traveling speed, direction, and distance of images captured by the optical sensor are identical to those of the pen tip.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method, an apparatus and a storage medium for locating QR codes. For automatically locating a plurality of QR codes in image of any size, the invention provides an apparatus for locating at least one QR code in an image, comprising: characteristic ratio detection means for detecting the potential QR code location symbol areas by carrying out a plurality of detections for detecting the characteristic ratio of the QR code; critical edge detection means for detecting the critical edges of the potential QR code location symbol areas so that the false areas are excluded; location symbol grouping means for matching the detected QR code location symbol areas into potential QR codes; and verification means for excluding the false QR codes. The invention also provides a corresponding method for locating at least one QR code.

Abstract: A system for identification comprising: a surface (14) comprising retro-reflective indicta; a source of light that illuminates the indicta (18) along an illumination direction; and a detector (20, 21) that views light reflected from the indicta, wherein the retro-reflector reflects the light that illuminates it as a plurality of beams at a plurality of angles relative to the illumination direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to decoding encoded barcode information from a series of camera-captured images by generating binarized sequences from the series of camera-captured images and decoding the encoded barcode information from the binarized sequences. A series of preprocessed images is generated from the series of camera-captured images by removing non-uniform illumination, reducing noise, and enhancing contrast between bars and spaces of the series of camera-captured images. Barcode-image orientations are estimated for the series of preprocessed images. The series of preprocessed images are projected along their respective barcode-image orientations to generate a series of gray-sequence images that represent barcode information in one dimension. The binarized sequences, each of which contains partial barcode information, are connected into a concatenated sequence according to computed shift information of neighboring binarized sequences.

Abstract: A scanner with a compact scan engine having a light source for generating a light beam is provided, optionally with a polygon scan mirror as well. A seat with the compact scan engine attached thereto is utilized, and the scan engine is significantly smaller than the scanner housing.

Abstract: A portable data reading device, such as a barcode scanner or RFID reader, includes a Web server and a first server-side application to modify one or more settings of the portable data reading device. The settings may include, for example, symbology settings, device settings, and network settings. The Web server may receive formatted data from a client browser representing a requested modification of at least one setting of the portable data reading device. Upon receiving the formatted data, the Web server may automatically invoke the first server-side application to modify the at least one setting responsive to the formatted data.

Abstract: A hand-supportable Digital Imaging-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Device comprises: an IR-based Object Presence and Range Detection Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Area-type Image Formation and Detection Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a Multi-Mode LED-based Illumination Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an Automatic Light Exposure Measurement and Illumination Control Subsystem; an Image Capturing and Buffering Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Image-Processing Bar Code Symbol Reading Subsystem; an Input/Output Subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; a System Mode Configuration Parameter Table; and a System Control Subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The digital imaging-based bar code reading device employs a multi-mode bar code symbol image processor that is dynamically reconfigurable in response to real-time image processing operations carried out on captured digital images.

Abstract: A system is provided for authenticating and securing product transactions. An integrated circuit is attached to a target, such as an optical disc or electronic device. The integrated circuit has an RF transceiver that is capable of establishing communication with an associated reading device. The integrated circuit also has a hidden memory, which can not be read externally, and a user memory. The hidden memory stores an authentication message, while the user memory stores readable authentication information. The hidden authentication message and the authentication information are related through a cryptographic process. However, even though the integrated circuit benefits from the cryptographic security, the integrated circuit only operates relatively simple logic operations. In this way, a highly secure transaction is enabled without requiring significant processing power or time at the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A data storage medium having a memory unit, a control unit, and an interface having contact pads for at least one voltage supply and one data transmission. Provision is made of a test signal generating device for generating test signals used to test the data storage medium. The data storage medium can be switched into a test mode in which the test signals are used for the test.

Abstract: A wireless tag includes a circuit module having an electromagnetic induction unit for generating an electromotive force by an electromagnetic wave of the outside and an information storing unit for storing information and outputting the information by the electromotive force, a base part on which the circuit module is disposed and which is foldable, and a locking member provided in the base part which electrically cuts off the electromagnetic induction unit in case that the base part is folded and locks the base part in the folded state. Further, the wireless tag includes a belt for attaching the circuit module to an object. The base part is folded with the belt disposed between its both sides and thus the belt becomes a ring shape.

Abstract: A disposable air treatment device that can be hung on the rim of a garbage bin which comprises a hanger component adapted to secure the air treatment device to a garbage bin, and a volatile material dispenser adapted to dispense a volatile material to the interior.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and which includes a fuel injector which can be acted upon by fuel at high pressure via a high-pressure source and is actuatable via a metering valve. Associated with the injection valve member is a damping element, which is movable independently of it and defines a damping chamber. The damping element has at least one overflow conduit for connecting the damping chamber to a further hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: In a fuel injector (1) configured so that fuel injection is controlled by a solenoid valve (4), the solenoid valve (4) comprises an electromagnet (43), an armature bolt (41) that has a ball (42) and a plate member (41A) attached thereto and is spring-biased in the valve closing direction by a spring member (48), a stopper member (49) that limits movement of the plate member (41A) in order to limit the maximum stroke of the ball (42) and an armature plate (44) through which the armature bolt (41) passes and which collaborates with the solenoid valve (4), the contact area (S2) between the armature plate (44) and the plate member (41A) being made larger than the contact area (S1) between the plate member (41A) and the stopper member (49).

Abstract: A nozzle (100) for air-assisted atomizing of a liquid fuel comprises a fuel feed passage (110) and an air feed passage (114) and a swirling chamber (118) from which fuel and air may be passed to an exit orifice (126) for emerging a cone shaped spray. An air bypass passage (122) is provided for leading a fraction of the air flow in the air feed passage (114) past the swirling chamber (118) and to an air exit (124) arranged such with respect to the exit orifice (126) that, during operation of the nozzle, air emerging through the air exit (124) reduces depositing of residues of fuel on a downstream surface (130, 132, 136) of the nozzle element (108). Grooves or other flow-guiding elements may confer swirling or rotation of air in or downstream of the air feed passage (114) and/or the air bypass passage (122).

Abstract: An embodiment of an internal self-rotating fluid nozzle includes a rotor rotatably moveable within a nozzle body cavity. The rotor may include a jewel holder that carries at least one jewel member and spins against a rotor seat disposed near the front of the cavity. The rotor seat may be floating. At least one fluid drive passageway may be disposed within, and oriented angularly relative to the central axis of, the cavity. A fluid flow director may be included, extend around the inner circumference of the cavity and include a protruding portion that directs fluid into a forward portion of the cavity.

Abstract: A cover mountable on a support frame for protecting a frangible item mounted within the frame is disclosed. The cover has first and second cover portions engaging the frame on opposite sides of the item. A hinge connects first ends of the covers together and a releasable fastener connects the other ends. Fingers extend from one or both of the cover portions toward the opposite cover portion and are positioned in spaced relation to the ends of the cover portions. The fingers and the ends of the cover portions define spaces at opposite ends of the cover which receive and engage portions of the support frame. The fingers are in spaced relation to one another and define a space between them for receiving the frangible item. The fingers are sized and spaced so that they transfer any force on the cover to the frame exclusively. The covers have an arcuate shape to provide increased stiffness.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and a method for braking a reel assembly comprising a lower disc rotatably supported by a stationary shaft located on the deck and an upper disc arranged on the stationary shaft to rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the lower disc. Thus, the upper and lower discs are rotatably coupled to a tape reel of a tape cassette. A disc gear is positioned between the upper and lower discs to receive power from a capstan motor. A friction member is disposed between and in contact with the lower disc.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor is disclosed. The seatbelt retractor includes a frame, a spindle, and a torsion member. The frame is attached to a structural member of a vehicle. The spindle is rotatably supported in the frame. The spindle includes a slot for accommodating a seatbelt webbing. The torsion member is coupled to the spindle, and the torsion member has a first engagement end, a second engagement end and an intermediate engagement portion disposed between the first and second engagement ends. The intermediate engagement portion includes an engagement portion and a non-engagement portion, wherein the engagement portion couples the torsion member to the spindle and the non-engagement portion is proximate the seatbelt webbing and allows seatbelt webbing to pass through the slot without interference.

Abstract: A cord-reel assembly comprises a cord-reel body rotatably installed in the electronic device, a brake member capable of selectively contacting with the cord-reel body, so that the brake member selectively restrains the rotation of the cord-reel body, a manipulation lever having a coupling part connected to the brake member, wherein the coupling part is moved between a first position at which the brake member is contacted with the cord-reel body by the manipulation of the manipulation lever by a user and a second position at which the brake member is spaced from the cord-reel body, a elastic member for elastically biasing the manipulation lever so that the coupling part is moved to the first position, and a damper unit for interfering with the movement of the coupling part in such a way that the returning velocity of the coupling part is delayed when the coupling part is returned from the second position to the first position by the elastic member.

Abstract: A plastic bag roll, dispensing container and service rack combination allows easy docking and positioning of a dispensing carton into a service rack mountable for varied configurations. The dispensing container is specifically crafted to house a roll of plastic bags. A bag is drawn from the center of the role, pulled along the feed pathway and threaded through the dispensing apertures. The electrostatic binding of the individual bags is balanced against the drag generated along the feed pathway and dispensing apertures to insure smooth and accurate disbursement of a single, hygienically safe plastic bag.

Abstract: The centroid of the discrete components forming the overall radar return from a target onto which a homing weapon is being guided may not coincide with a desired aimpoint on the target. Herein proposed is the discrimination and comparison of returns from different portions of the weapon sensor's field-of-view, i.e. different portions of the target and guidance of the weapon in dependence upon the relative values of the differences between those returns. As a result, the weapon can hit say the center of a tank turret roof rather than the probably heavily armored area forward of the turret roof.

Abstract: A vertical lift craft includes a vertical lift craft, a powered rotor system including two counter-rotating lift rotors rotatably mounted to the body and a cage fixed to the body and extending about the powered rotor system, the cage including flexible rods extending in an open mesh pattern and mutually attached at a plurality of intersections between the flexible rods and netting extending between the flexible rods to cover the cage. The mesh pattern includes latitudinally and longitudinally extending flexible rods and the cage further includes elastomeric bumpers at the plurality of intersections between flexible rods. A base has axles fixed relative to the body and wheels on the axles.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided that includes a slat having an axis, a plurality of microwheels disposed on the slat, each microwheel having a first stator wafer, a second stator wafer, and a rotor wafer disposed therebetween, the first and second stator wafers configured to spin the rotor wafer, and an actuator coupled to the slat and configured to at least partially rotate the slat about the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for a storage stand for a shopping cart 12 and baby stroller 13 which will keep the shopping cart or baby stroller erect and immobile with a pair of adjustable spring-hinged arms 19 having bungee cords 20 positioned on the outside to keep the cart in the folded position. The apparatus 10 also has a locking pin 40 that can slide vertically to lock the clamps 19 in an upright position. One distal end of the front arm or clamp 19 comprises a loop member 32 where the bungee cord 20 passes through to the second arm or clamp having a ring 30 positioned at its distal end for connecting the bungee cord hooks thereto. The base 14 forming the housing is comprised of slidably engaging members at 22, one forming a shell for the other to selectively slide into and out at the user's discretion. Each of the sliding members has a cavity forming a wheel well 16.

Abstract: One or more support stand assemblies are utilized for mounting functional equipment or creating a barrier on variable surfaces or a surface which may be sloped. Each support stand preferably includes a support post configured to be releaseably secured to a stabilizer member with the support post including a functional end adapted for attachment to a functional structure. The support stand further includes a base preferably including first and second legs being configurable in a set up operating configuration and alternately a collapsed stowed configuration. After use, the support post is removed from the stabilizer member and the locking faster is loosened to permit the first and second legs to be substantially aligned and stowed adjacent the support post in a compactable bundle for handling and shipping.

Abstract: A mount for a phone holder comprising a rear projecting housing part with an extension provided with contacts. An accommodating pocket for a cell phone having a recess is adjoined by a contact chamber with mating contacts. The housing part being inserted into the recess, having a displaceable wall component which bounds the recess on the side located opposite the contact chamber, which allows the housing part to be introduced into the recess. The housing part butts against a base of the recess. A covering of the contact chamber extends over the opening of the contact chamber and can be pushed down by means of the phone holder in order to release the opening of the contact chamber. Locking being activated by the locking means when the covering is in the pushed-down state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction safety assembly. The inventive assembly comprises: safety posts with non-skid ends, which are provided with means for the rapid connection of a barrier; and, optionally, an upper jack-type safety element having a lower horizontal protrusion along an inclined plane, which is used to brace the cornice or projecting element of a building and which can also comprise the aforementioned barrier connection means. The adjustable-length barrier comprises a base which covers the lower part thereof. In this way, the invention provides a dual safety assembly of very simple construction, which can be used to guarantee the collective safety of labourers performing external and internal construction work and prevent accidents.

Abstract: A tiltable mounting as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever has a conical shaped roller engaging the cam, the roller being mounted for rotation on the lever about an axis which passes through the pivotal axis of the lever and the conical surface of the roller having a projected apex which coincides with the pivotal axis of the roller to minimize sliding movement at the line of contact of the roller and cam as the roller moves over the cam surface.

Abstract: A combined supporting base includes a base body, a fixing device, an elasticity device and a supporting frame having a hook. The base body has a first through hole, while the fixing device has a second through hole. The fixing device is rotatably disposed within the base body. The elasticity device is disposed between the base body and the fixing device. The supporting frame is coupled with the fixing device by inserting the hook into the first through hole to drive the fixing device or separated from the fixing device by rotating the fixing device to withdraw the hook from the first through hole.

Abstract: An accessory device mounting platform includes a substantially rigid frame and a substantially rigid mating tray that are slidably interconnected along a first direction, the frame and tray include a tongue-and-groove slide mechanism arranged therebetween for sliding the tray relative to the frame relative to a first direction. A resilient biasing mechanism, such as a cantilevered flexure or tension spring, is coupled between the frame and a latch bolt portion of a clasp mechanism for biasing the latch bolt portion toward a latch strike plate mechanism formed in the tray. The latch strike plate mechanism is formed with an inclined surface that is positioned to engage a latch bolt portion of the clasp mechanism and is structured for deflecting the latch bolt away from the frame, while the resilient biasing mechanism of the clasp mechanism is structured for biasing the latch bolt back toward the frame.

Abstract: A mold 50 for forming optical lenses has a molding portion 10 having a molding surface 12, a thin film 30 is formed on the molding surface, which is made from SiCHxNy, wherein x is in the range of 0.02˜0.10, y is in the range of 0.05˜0.30. A method for manufacturing the mold is also provided.

Abstract: A positive pressure actuated aerator valve assembly adapted to discharge compressed gas into the chamber of a bulk material handling structure. The aerator valve assembly includes a housing and positive pressure actuated valve. The housing includes a chamber adapted to receive compressed gas and a discharge piston slideable between an extended position and a retracted position. The valve includes a valve body having an actuator piston seat and a fluid vent passageway in fluid communication with the actuator piston seat. An actuator piston is slideable with respect to the valve body between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic manipulating portion of an electromagnetic valve includes a fixed iron core fixedly disposed in the inside hole of a bobbin and a movable iron core movably disposed in the inside hole and attracted to the fixed iron core by a magnetic attraction force. The fixed iron core and the movable iron core are composed of the same normally magnetic material in the same shape and in the same size and have compatibility each other.

Abstract: A winch includes a first cable reel and a second cable reel. A driveshaft rotates the first cable reel and the second cable reel. The driveshaft is moveable along an axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The driveshaft operationally engages the first cable reel when in the first position and operationally engages the second cable reel when in the second position.

Abstract: Various venturi configurations are described that are particularly significant for ballistic aerosol marking (BAM) applications. The specific venturi geometries enable the printing of lines having sharp edges and particular widths, using relatively low pressures.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus for use in a vehicle including a body, a body-side member, a wheel, and a wheel-side member, the apparatus including a hydraulic suspension device which is adapted to be provided between the body-side member and the wheel-side member; a first accumulator which is connected to the hydraulic suspension device via a liquid passage and which allows a hydraulic liquid to flow from the liquid passage into the first accumulator when a pressure of the hydraulic liquid in the liquid passage exceeds a first pre-set liquid pressure, the liquid passage including a first portion which is located between an intermediate point thereof and the hydraulic suspension device, and a second portion which is located between the intermediate point thereof and the first accumulator; and a second accumulator which is connected, via a connection passage shorter than the second portion of the liquid passage, to the intermediate point of the liquid passage and which allows the hydraulic liquid to flow from the liqu

Abstract: A truss clamp for connection with a second clamp when installing truss assemblies includes a mechanism for adjustably connecting the two clamps in spaced relation. The truss clamp includes a fixed member and a rotatable member, the rotatable member having first and second ends and being pivotally connected to the fixed member intermediate the ends of the rotatable member and being rotatable between a first position wherein the first end is in confronting relation with a portion of the fixed member and a second position wherein the second end is in confronting relation with the portion of the fixed member. A holding mechanism may be disposed over a center spring action mechanism, for selectively maintaining the rotatable member in at least the second position. A method of installing trusses using a truss clamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A paper-sheet handling apparatus includes a cassette that stores a paper sheet; a cassette compartment that stores a plurality of the cassettes; a feeding mechanism that feeds out the paper sheet stored in the cassette; a conveying mechanism that conveys the paper sheet fed out; a sheet discharging port through which the paper sheet is discharged out; a sheet discharging mechanism that discharges the paper sheet through the sheet discharging port; and a feeding control mechanism that controls feeding out of the paper sheet stored in the cassette. The feeding control mechanism has a function of selectively feeding out the paper sheet from the cassette, and the function is realized by a single drive source.

Abstract: An article support apparatus facilitates article interaction such as game play upon an oblong game table. The article or game support apparatus comprises a support plate, an anchor plate, and an article-positioning assembly extending therebetween. The article-positioning assembly may comprise a plate-extending assembly and a plate-rotating assembly. The plate-extending assembly functions to extend the game support plate away from the anchor plate. The anchor plate is of sufficient mass to interface the game support apparatus with a support surface and prevent the extended game support apparatus from tipping. The support plate functions to support an interactive article such as a gaming device or a common board game. The selected gaming device is supportable atop the game support plate and is thus extendable to separated player stations about the game support surface. The article or game support apparatus functions to enable game play in a spaced player setting.

Abstract: A customer information card game is disclosed. A set of game cards is provided, each game card having a face and a reverse side, each game card having printed thereon a plurality of types of customer information indicators and a customer loyalty indicator. Methods are provided for playing a game using the game cards.

Abstract: A chuck to this disclosed which has a central body for including a nose section 6 and a tail section 8. A central portend is formed through the chuck to and a plurality of passageways 12 are angled thereto. Jaws 14 may move through the passageways 12 in response to rotation of a rotatable nut 20 which is in screw thread engagement with the jaws 14. A bearing member 36 is disclosed which sits in a tapered portion between the body for and the nut 20 so that radial displacement of the bearing 36 causes the chuck to be locked against release.