Abstract: A shipping container liner system for use in the shipping of bulk flowable products is described. The system comprises a specially adapted shipping container liner that is self-supporting without the need of rear-mounted rigid supportive bars to retain the liner within the shipping container during filling and discharge. The system comprises an arrangement of interior support baffles operating in conjunction with a plurality of exterior anchor straps adapted to distribute the cargo load throughout the length of the liner. A specialized hopper for unloading the bulk material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for moisture-proof storage and loading of charcoal in portions, contained in a charcoal container with a pouring device. According to said invention, the container is fireproof, rust-proof, light and resealable and has a sufficient charcoal capacity; said container can be sealed by means of a cover, said container comprises a dust protection device; the pouring device, located on the top or at the bottom, simplifies pouring of charcoal in portions and a solid rod is designed for cleaning said pouring device.

Abstract: A carton is formed from two or more laminated webs that can be cut, scored, or otherwise provided with lines of weakening. The carton includes a reclosable pivotable lid that can be secured in a closed position by a latch.

Abstract: A membrane closure for a container is provided. The membrane closure includes an integral tab for removing the membrane closure from the container. The closure includes a lower layer, an adhesive layer, and an upper layer. The lower layer is sealed to the body of a container. The upper layer includes a score pattern that defines a tab area and a fixed area. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive for releasably attaching the tab area to the lower layer and a second adhesive for permanently bonding the fixed area to the lower layer. The membrane closure is removable from the container by pulling on the tab area.

Abstract: Stiffened double walled gift boxes are formed from paperboard blanks having main panels and wall panels with inner halves connected by gussets. A stiffener with a central panel and hinged sides half as wide as the side panels is placed in the main panel. Adhesive is applied on inner surfaces of the outer panels. As the wall panels are folded along peripheral edges of the main panel the loose stiffener is aligned by the wall panels. Sides of the stiffener bend with side panels of the box. Gussets are folded and placed inside end walls and are secured by outer end panels secured to inner end panels. Outer side panels are folded inward and adhered on sides of the stiffener, locking the stiffener in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressed paperboard containers, such as disposable paper plates and bowls, having increased strength and rigidity, and the processes used to form such containers by the formation of non-radial pleats at outer regions of the container. The invention also provides pleats about the outer periphery that are non-linear along the length of the pleat. Such non-radial and non-linear pleats are formed by forming non-radial and non-linear scores in a blank of paperboard converted into the container geometry.

Abstract: A mailbox mounting apparatus comprises three elongated members, a mounting bracket and a mailbox attachment bracket. A first one of the elongated members is movably attached to a second one of the elongated members for enabling the first and second elongated members to be moved between a respective stacked configuration and a respective extended configuration. The second one of the elongated members is movably attached to a third one of the elongated members for enabling the second and third elongated members to be moved between a respective stacked configuration and a respective extended configuration. The mounting bracket is attached to the first one of the elongated members. The mounting bracket is specifically configured for being attached to a mailbox support structure. The mailbox attachment bracket is attached to a third one of the elongated members. The mailbox attachment bracket is specifically configured for mating with a base portion of a mailbox.

Abstract: A method for electronically providing identification of a removable data cartridge is disclosed. In one step, an identifier is programmed into the removable data cartridge. A command is received to provide a machine-readable marking from the removable data cartridge. An identifier is read from within the removable data cartridge. The machine-readable marking is determined using the identifier. Responding to the command with a response, where the response provides the machine-readable marking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring the security of a particular configuration of hardware and software for an information handling system that is assembled using a “build-to-order” system. The present invention ensures the security and integrity of data on an information handling system from the point of manufacture to the final destination at the customer's facility. The information handling system is then manufactured with the operating system and a predetermined set of software being installed thereon. A manifest file is constructed comprising a predetermined set of data files and configuration information. The manifest file is digitally signed with at least one digital key. When the information handling system performs its initial boot, a second digital key, securely stored in a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), is used to extract information from the manifest file and the existing data files and configuration information is compared to the information contained in the manifest file.

Abstract: Monitoring an electronic check processing status of an image cash letter (“ICL”) and items in the ICL includes processing each ICL item by performing at least one electronic check processing event in connection with the item. For each electronic check processing event and for each item, a record comprising information related to a status of the electronic check processing event is created. Each record is associated with the corresponding item and the ICL. A status of each item can be determined based on the information stored in the records corresponding to that item. A status of the ICL can be determined based on the status of the items from the ICL.

Abstract: Provided is a dongle that is connected to a portable terminal for providing a mobile banking transaction service with a banking equipment that includes a banking transaction unit for providing a mobile banking transaction service with a banking equipment; an FM transmitter for outputting a sound source played in a portable terminal through a speaker of an external FM receiver; a charger for receiving an external voltage to charge the portable terminal; and a connector to be connected to the portable terminal simultaneously or individually in order to perform functions of the banking transaction unit, the FM transmitter, and the charger. The banking transaction related components are implemented with a single separate device, i.e., dongle, and can be mounted when necessary. Therefore, a separate banking related module (software and/or hardware) is unnecessary, thereby slimming the portable terminal.

Abstract: A card actuated automated banking machine (152, 198, 200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a display (182), a check imaging device (186) and at least one processor (190). The automated banking machine is operative responsive to receiving a check and certification data to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices in order to receive cash for the check. A check recipient prior to presenting the check for payment is also enabled to verify that the check will be paid through communication with at least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208).

Abstract: An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items.

Abstract: A method, a framework, a computer program product and a system for conducting cash deposit/issuance transactions in which the actual cash deposit/issuance occurs at a cash issuing/accepting system, i.e., cash handling station that is separate from the transaction processing point. This approach addresses both the issuance of cash to customers and the receipt of cash from customers. The approach is generic in the sense that any Microsoft Windows based application or Microsoft Windows based Terminal Emulator may act as the source of information relating to cash to be issued to a customer/user or serve as the target for the automatic entry of information relating to cash accepted at a remote or central point by a customer/user.

Abstract: A data card management system that consolidates and manages use of a plurality of single-function data cards using one, portable multifunction data card. The cardholder accesses the secure, internet-based system using a computer with access to the Internet. Once accessed, the user completes: (1) account registration; (2) card data collection from the user's single-function data cards; (3) profile creation defining how collected card data will be used; and (4) multifunction card data card activation choosing personalized features, which includes profiles, to be saved on the card subsequently issued to the user. Several multifunction data cards can be issued to one user account with access to the account's card data being dependent upon profiles stored on that card. The system also has the ability to assists the user in typical personal tasks, such as budgeting using a budget profile, and generating reports tracking the use of the multifunction data card.

Abstract: A method for transferring information between a first entity and a second entity The method includes presenting a set of information to which the first entity has access in a memory that is at a location that does not coincide with a location of the first entity and sending a code to the second entity. The code contains information that allows access to the set of information present in the memory.

Abstract: A system for allowing access to a driver of a vehicle based on validity information of the driver is provided. The system requires the driver to insert a valid driving license card into a card reader installed in the vehicle for checking the validity of the driving license card of the driver. The system provides access to the driver of the vehicle only if the card reader validates the driving license card of the driver. The system may also store parameter information of the vehicle onto the driving license card during the drive. The validity information stored in the driving license card may be updated by the card writer or traffic authorities based on the parameter information.

Abstract: A method for conducting a sales transaction. The method can include receiving at a terminal within a store a first identifier generated for a first item of merchandise selected by a customer while the customer is located within the store. The method also can include receiving from a virtual shopping cart a second identifier generated for a second item of merchandise. The first identifier and the second identifier can be processed in the sales transaction.

Abstract: A method of managing inventories of expiration dated products, utilizing a portable programmable electronic code reading device with a keypad for inputting data, a display for displaying data, memory, and data storage, includes the steps of reading a product identification code for a set of product units with the same identification code and same expiration date, entering the expiration date into the device, associating the product identification with the expiration date and storing the associated information in a database, and stocking the product units in inventory. A date is entered into the device to initiate a query of the database for product expiration dates within a preselected range of days from the entered date, generating a sequential listing of product identification and associated expiration dates within the preselected range, enabling a user to check inventory for the presence or absence of product units with the displayed expiration date or dates.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and program product for identifying a product selected by a consumer. In one embodiment, the invention includes: accessing a wireless network; identifying a location of a consumer electronic device carried by a consumer by allowing the wireless network to identify a unique feature of the consumer electronic device; identifying a location of a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with a first product selected by the consumer; and coordinating the location of the consumer electronic device with the location of the first RFID tag.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal is disclosed. The point of sale terminal includes a terminal housing with a controller portion and a cash drawer portion, a sliding sled coupled to the terminal housing residing within the controller portion of the terminal housing and between a first position and a second position wherein the first position is within the controller portion of the terminal housing and the second position is without the controller portion of the terminal housing, and a system controller coupled to the sliding sled such that when the sliding sled is without the controller portion of the terminal housing, the system controller is exposed for service.

Abstract: A convertible self-checkout system includes a base and a stand rotatably mounted to the base. The stand includes an input/output device facing in a first direction and a product scanner, and the stand is positionable relative to the base in at least a first angular position and a second angular position. The input/output device is an interactive video display, and the interactive video display has a first mode corresponding to the first angular position and a second mode corresponding to the second angular position. A sensor determines an angular position of the stand relative to the base and communicates the angular position to the interactive video display. The stand further includes a video display facing in a second direction substantially opposite from the first direction.

Abstract: A shopping system comprising a reading device is provided. The reading device is adapted to read an interface surface provided on a product item. The interface surface has coded data disposed thereon which includes, at a plurality of locations on the interface surface, a corresponding plurality of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the product item and the location of the coded data portion. The reading device includes: (a) a radiation source for emitting radiation such that it exposes at least one coded data portion; (b) an image sensor for sensing the exposed coded data portion; and (c) a processor for determining, using the sensed coded data, product identity data and/or position data.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to techniques for processing self-serve transactions. A store controller may be capable of communication with a payment network. At least one self-serve device may allow the customer to order an item via the device. The at least one self-serve device may comprise customer recognizing programmed logic circuitry to recognize the customer, authorizing programmed logic circuitry to authorize, via the payment network, transactions on behalf of the customer after the customer is recognized, and delivering programmed logic circuitry to cause an ordered item to be delivered to the customer after the customer is recognized by the customer recognizing programmed logic circuitry and after the authorizing programmed logic circuitry authorizes transactions for the customer. An application controller may be capable of mediating between the store controller and the at least one self-serve device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and software for determining voter eligibility in an election on an electronic device through decision support program control. The primary method includes confirming the election and an election date on a screen provided by the device, selecting the proper precinct, and selecting a desired voter election decision process from a menu. Other methods include providing a voter lookup screen, initiating a voter lookup search, providing a voter search result list, providing detailed information on a selected voter, providing detailed information for a particular polling place, providing an address lookup screen to determine a voter's correct voting location, providing a broadened search function, identifying that the voter is only eligible to vote provisionally, identifying that the voter is not eligible to vote, providing help information on a topic selected from the menu screen, and displaying an integrated video on a selected election topic.

Abstract: To provide a printer for an electronic voting apparatus which is capable of smoothly transporting a recording sheet having a free end at an end thereof with a small transport load, and which is reduced in size and is simplified in structure. Fanfold paper (16) is accommodated in a container (7) mounted on a casing (6a) of a printer (6). The fanfold paper (16) supplied into the casing (6a) from the container (7) is printed with contents of a vote inputted by a voter using a touch panel with a recording head (9), is transported to a platen roller (10), and enters a gap (12c) of a window portion (12) through a guide (13). The voter in a voting booth confirms printed contents (contents of the vote) from the window portion (12), and carries out a process of approving the contents of the vote. Then, a recording head (9) is used to print characters representing the approval, and the fanfold paper (16) is cut by a cutter portion (11).

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is capable of being connected to an IC card via a reader/writer. The information processing apparatus includes a middleware and a device driver provided so as to correspond to the reader/writer. The middleware provides a plurality of applications for the IC card with basic functions shared by the applications. The device driver sequentially processes a plurality of commands received from the plurality of applications via the middleware in the order in which the commands are received so as to control the corresponding reader/writer. In this way, the applications concurrently access the reader/writer.

Abstract: An electronic device and an ejection device for ejecting a separable device from the electronic device are provided. The ejection device includes a first arm, a second arm, a tray, and a tray guide. The first arm includes a pivot. The second arm is fixed on the first arm such that an angle is formed therebetween. The tray includes a base plate which has a second arm guiding element extending in a first direction on its bottom surface. The tray is movably connected to the tray guide such that the tray is movable in a second direction. When the first arm rotates relative the pivot, the first arm also compels the second arm to rotate about the pivot. In the meantime, the second arm moves along the second arm guiding element to drive the tray moving along the second direction.

Abstract: A mobile device provided with a secure chip and a short-range wireless RF communication module, which can be used for contactless transactions with external short-range wireless RF communication devices, for example at a point of sales. The mobile device is provided with user selectable activity levels of the secure chip to reduce security risks/concerns associated with such a terminal. The user selectable activity levels may include levels in which the secure chip is deactivated by default, and only temporarily activated upon user confirmation or the entry of a password or PIN.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves reducing the space required inside a printer or other machine in which a bar code or other machine readable indicia reader is installed. In an embodiment, machine readable indicia are read from close range by mounting a sensor in close proximity to the path along which a medium is moved. The sensor reads the indicia as it is moved past the sensor and transmits the image data to a processor, which may optionally be mounted remotely, to decode the data.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus and method for entering a user input into the apparatus uses a non-electrical control device having a target undersurface, which can be manually manipulated to a particular setting. The particular setting of the non-electrical control device is determined by processing an image of at least a portion of the target undersurface captured by a scan sensor of the scanning apparatus.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there are achieved an apparatus for image reading and a setting method for the apparatus with which adjusting workability is enhanced, an adjusting time is shortened and focusing of a 4-line CCD sensor as an optical sensor is set to the averagely best state. This embodiment is equipped with an optical sensor having plural line sensors having different numbers of pixels, a condenser lens for projecting an optical image to the optical sensor, and an adjusting mechanism for setting the distance between the condenser lens and the optical sensor so that the resolution of the line sensor having the largest number of pixels is highest among the plural line sensors.

Abstract: A system for adaptive laser scanning correction includes a laser scanner coupled to a controller. The controller develops control signals for the laser scanner for a directed scan pattern that is modified to compensate for a characteristic scan-pattern distortion introduced by the laser scanner. The laser scanner responds to the control signals to provide an actual scan pattern approaching a target scan-pattern shape. The system may be useful for ophthalmologic laser surgery and other applications requiring precise control over scan pattern shape and a high scanning speed.

Abstract: Method and system for expanding the memory capacity of devices that use flash memory cards. In one aspect, a memory card expander assembly includes an adaptor shaped to be connected to a memory card slot of a host device, and a receptacle assembly in communication with the adaptor and operative to be attached to the host device. The receptacle assembly includes an expanded memory card slot operative to connect to a memory card such that the host device can communicate with the connected memory card when the adaptor is connected to the memory card slot.

Abstract: A device includes a carrier having a form factor of a smart card and a mechanism for reversibly retaining a card within an aperture of the carrier. The card is configured according to a standard, such as an ID-000 format, with an electronic circuitry. The mechanism can be by means of cuts, adhesive label, breakable extensions, solidifying adhesive material, connectors, etc.

Abstract: A viscoelastic liquid flow splitter includes a flow splitter body having a first bore including a first bore outlet and a first bore inlet, and a second bore including a second bore outlet and a second bore inlet The bore inlets are substantially parallel to each other and the bore outlets diverge from each other at an angle. The flow splitter also includes a compression fitting having a first and a second tubular portion fluidically coupled to the first and second bore inlets where the tubular portions are configured to fluidically couple to a double barreled viscoelastic liquid dispensing syringe.

Abstract: A carrier arrangement having a carrier configured to fix a semiconductor chip, contacts located on the carrier and configured to make contact with the semiconductor chip, and an overvoltage protection in a form of a spark gap arrangement formed between the contacts.

Abstract: The disclosed electronic inlay and the method of making such an electronic inlay includes a circuit board, a plurality of circuit components attached to the circuit board, a bottom cover sheet, a top cover sheet, and a layer of thermosetting material between the bottom and top cover sheets. The electronic inlay can be used to manufacture electronic cards while using conventional equipment to apply top and bottom overlays to the electronic inlay.

Abstract: A window fog detecting system for detecting fog on a windshield of a vehicle, including: a glass temperature detecting system including a contact temperature sensor attached to a portion of the windshield on the driver's seat side of the center in a width direction of the windshield, or to a portion where ceramic print is applied on the upper-side periphery of the windshield; a humidity detection device which detects the humidity of air in a vicinity of the inner surface of the windshield; and a judging device which judges the presence of fog on the windshield, on the basis of the detected values of the glass temperature detecting system and the detected values of the humidity detection device.

Abstract: A method and device, wherein the following steps are carried out: measurement or determination of waste gas concentration parameters, waste gas temperature, outside temperature, fuel power during a limited observation period; determination of the efficiency of the heating system in the area of observation over a period of time; determination of the average outside temperature in the area of observation; determination of heating performance produced in accordance with an average outside temperature on the basis of fuel power over a period of time and the efficiency of the heating system over a period of time in the area of observation; determination of maximum heating performance which is to be obtained in accordance with a minimum outside temperature from the average heating performance, minimum outside temperature, average inside temperature and average outside temperature in the area of observation; determination of the heat contact value of the heating system from the maximum heating performance and durati

Abstract: A rail cushion assembly including a resilient rail pad for placement against the lower surface of a railroad rail, and an underlying abrasion plate for placement against a railroad tie. The rail pad includes a pair of slots that extend through opposite end sloping edge panels that are adjacent to the lower surface of the rail pad. The abrasion plate is a flat, sheet-like component that has a generally similar shape as that of the rail pad but includes a pair of outwardly-extending connection tabs, one at each of a pair of opposite edge surfaces. The connection tabs of the abrasion plate are received in respective slots of the rail pad to provide the rail cushion assembly in ready-to-use form and without requiring on-site assembly of the components.

Abstract: A volatile dispenser is provided, including a reservoir containing a quantity of volatile liquid having a viscosity of no greater than 3.9 centipoises. Each of its individual components has a vapor pressure of no less than 0.008 mm Hg. The dispenser also includes an emanator fluidly coupled to the reservoir (either directly or through a wick) that is comprised of elongated oriented bonded fibers, the fibers being impermeable to the volatile material.

Abstract: A balloon valve assembly for cooperating with a balloon includes a neck fitting to extend beyond a neck of the balloon, a collar portion to accept the balloon and the neck fitting. A change of pressure from the balloon urges the balloon and the collar portion together. The valve assembly is adapted to secure accessories that affect the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

Abstract: A dual stroke fuel injector including a shape memory alloy component for controlling the short and long strokes of the injector.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a fluid comprises a housing having an internal power source and a mounting assembly adapted for receiving a replaceable fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir includes a capillary element for movement of the fluid to a discharge end thereof. A mechanism is disposed within the housing and is energized by the internal power source for vibrating a perforated discharge plate disposed adjacent the discharge end of the capillary element. The mechanism provides sufficient vibratory movement in a dispensing state to pump the fluid from the discharge end through the discharge plate and into the atmosphere. A control is carried by the housing and is disposed beneath the mounting assembly. The control provides an interface for a user to select at least one of a timed mode of operation, an automatic mode of operation dependent upon a sensor output developed by a sensor, and a manual mode of operation.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly includes a housing defining a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage, and a sleeve disposed within the housing and fluidly connected to the first and second fluid passages. The nozzle assembly also includes a shaft disposed within the sleeve and movable between a closed position and an open position. The nozzle assembly further includes at least one orifice in selective communication with a regeneration device.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine includes a valve body 14. A valve seat 18 is associated with the valve body. The valve seat defines an outlet opening 24 through which fuel may flow. An armature 38 is associated with the valve body and is movable with respect to the valve body between a first position and a second position. The armature is associated with a closure member 24 proximate the outlet opening and contiguous to the valve seat when in the first position, and spaced from the valve seat when in the second position. An electromagnetic coil 44 is energizable to provide magnetic flux that moves the armature between the first and second positions to control liquid fuel flow through the outlet opening. A heating coil 50 is energizable to provide heat and thereby vaporize liquid fuel as it exits the outlet opening.

Abstract: A system for continuously metering and transporting a powder comprises means (104-107) for fluidizing (F2) the powder in a closed reservoir (4), a tube (110) dipping into the fluidized powder (L4) and discharging (110B) to the outside of the reservoir (4), and means (S2, C2) for pressurizing the reservoir. The system further comprises supply means (C3) for continuously supplying pressurizing gas from the reservoir (4) to a chamber (V6) for mixing the gas with fluidized powder leaving the tube (110), said supply means (C3) being equipped with or constituting a constriction (R3) to the flow of the pressurizing gas. A hose (7) for transporting the powder mixed with the pressurizing gas is connected to the downstream end of the mixing chamber (V6).