Abstract: To provide a corrugated board packaging assembly, in which its assembly and disassembly is easy, there is no bulky storage, and handling of a set during storage and transfer is possible, and which is suitable for repeated use. In a corrugated board packaging assembly 1 having a corrugated board box body 2b and a corrugated board pallet 12, the corrugated board box body 2 comprises a lid 3 and a foldable shell frame 4, the corrugated board pallet 12 has a side flaps for fitting the shell frame 4 into the corrugated board pallet 12, on the top of the corrugated board pallet 12, the shell frame 4 is folded to be accommodated inside the side flaps 17 before assembly of the corrugated board packaging assembly 1, and a lower outside surface of the shell frame 4 is removably fitted into the inside surfaces of the side flaps 17 to be assembled during the assembly of the corrugated board packaging assembly 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: Used articles of different types are sorted into individual types through a sorting line, and are feed to disassembling lines that are provided for the respective article types. The sorting line is provided with a type discriminating section and a sorting section. In the sorting section, a number of sorting mechanisms are provided for the respective article types, and are arranged sequentially along a conveying direction of the articles. The individual sorting mechanism sorts out articles of a designated type on the basis of discrimination data from the type discriminating section. A controller counts the number of discriminated articles separately from type to type, and controls the sorting mechanisms depending upon the count of each type, to feed the sorted articles either to a corresponding one of the disassembling lines through a respective supply line, or to a buffer section.

Abstract: A microfluidic sieve having a substrate with a microfluidic channel, and a carbon nanotube mesh. The carbon nanotube mesh is formed from a plurality of intertwined free-standing carbon nanotubes which are fixedly attached within the channel for separating, concentrating, and/or filtering molecules flowed through the channel. In one embodiment, the microfluidic sieve is fabricated by providing a substrate having a microfluidic channel, and growing the intertwined free-standing carbon nanotubes from within the channel to produce the carbon nanotube mesh attached within the channel.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber wick is provided for use in processing an analyte fluid. The bicomponent fiber wick comprises a self-sustaining, fluid transmissive body comprising a plurality of bundled, crimped, bicomponent fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points. Each bicomponent fiber has a fiber structure comprising a first fiber component formed from a polyamide material and a second fiber component. The fibers collectively define tortuous fluid flow paths through the fluid transmissive body, the fiber structure being configured for controlling flow of the analyte fluid through the fluid transmissive body with at least a portion of the first fiber component in contact with the analyte fluid.

Abstract: An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes an auger positioned in the aperture of the septum. The vessel includes an opening in the top for receiving the auger. The auger extends from a drive housing, which is position over the opening and provides a seal around the opening. The drive housing is adjustable relative to the vessel. The position of the auger in the aperture can be adjusted by adjusting the drive housing relative to the vessel. The auger adjustment mechanism allows the auger to be accurately positioned within the aperture. The drive housing can also include a fluid to provide an additional seal around the shaft of the auger.

Abstract: A bike rack includes two main arms, two links, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a first pivot member pivotally mounted on a first main arm, a second pivot member pivotally mounted on a second main arm and pivotally connected with the first pivot member, and a control handle secured to the second pivot member to drive the locking mechanism to expand and fold the two main arms. Thus, the control handle is held by a user' one hand to operate the locking mechanism so as to lock and unlock the bike rack, thereby facilitating the user mounting and detaching the bike rack.

Abstract: A crane performs a self-assembling/disassembling operation using a hoisting winch, a hoisting rope, and a hanging hook, and includes a sheave device for guiding the hoisting rope on an upper portion of a lower boom. The sheave device includes a first sheave on a rear side of the lower boom and second and third sheaves on a front side of the lower boom. The second and third sheaves are arranged next to each other in the left-right direction, and the rope end is attached to the lower boom at a position near the top end of the lower boom. Accordingly, a lifting height in the self-assembling/disassembling operation is increased and the rope end can be attached/detached easily and safely from the front side of the lower boom when the lower boom is laid on the ground.

Abstract: A crane tower device includes a basket that supports a tower crane and sits within a bay formed by the vertical columns of a building under construction. The basket and the tower crane are supported by support stubs that are attached to the vertical columns. Because the lateral and vertical load is principally distributed vertically to the vertical columns rather than horizontally, no reinforcement of the horizontal beams, floors or any other portion of the building structure are needed, which results in substantial cost savings.

Abstract: A cap device or fuel cap has a cap main body, a cover, and a torque plate that transmits a rotational torque. The torque plate is attached to the cap main body in a rotatable manner through engagement of catching claws formed on the outer circumference of the torque plate with catching projections formed on the cap main body. The cover is held on the torque plate in a rotatable manner through engagement of engagement projections formed on the inner wall of the cover with catching claws formed on respective fixation elements. The engagement projections are arranged about an axis of the cap main body and outside the catching claws. The engagement projections are thus readily released from engagement with the catching claws under application of an external force in any of diverse directions, for example, due to a collision of a vehicle, so as to maintain the sufficient sealing properties of the cap main body.

Abstract: A bifurcated trash bin includes a rectangular housing having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion defining a cavity therein. A divider member is removably positionable along the top portion for bifurcating the cavity into a pair of substantially symmetric partitions. The trash bin further includes a plurality of rectangular lids pivotally connected to the housing and a plurality of bag-supporting members pivotally connected to the housing adjacent to the lids. A mechanism for maintaining the lids and the bag-supporting members at closed positions is disposed about a partial perimeter of the housing.

Abstract: A method of making a tank out of blown, thermoformed, or rotomolded thermoplastic material, the method comprising the following steps: making a portion in relief on the inside of the tank, said portion in relief enabling an attachment to be mounted inside the tank and defining a permanent housing for receiving at least a portion of said attachment, the portion in relief being made: either by implementing the following steps: a) placing at least one insert inside an enclosure; b) inserting the material that is to form the wall of the tank inside the enclosure; and c) forming the wall of the tank by blowing, thermoforming, or rotomolding, the insert being positioned inside the enclosure in such a manner that while the wall is being formed, it covers the insert at least in part, the insert also being of a shape that is selected in such a manner that said wall, by taking on at least part of the shape of the insert, constitutes said portion in relief; or else by mounting a mounting member on the wall of the

Abstract: A lining system for a fluid containment vessel having an outer section with a floor surface and a vertical surface. The inner section is attached to the outer section so that interstitial space exists between the outer section and the inner section and a continuous negative pressure exists in the interstitial space. The floor surface is formed from a cost saving template. The vessel is divided into at least two independently sealed portions. The inner section includes a shell skirt that reaches a critical height within the vessel to reduce the effects of corrosion and to avoid stresses on the vertical surface. A flushing mechanism allows the area to be purged of any leaked material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining container contents in a desired ambient temperature and a container assembly for achieving the same. The method incorporates use of a container assembly comprising an outer bowl member, an inner vessel member and a lid member, all of which are constructed with porous materials. Critically-select portions of the outer bowl member, the inner vessel member and the lid member are glazed with a vapor-impervious coating while the remaining portions of the container assembly are left unglazed. The glazed portions thus provide an avenue for vapor or liquid media, emanating from temperature-maintaining matter, to permeate through the interstitial pores of the material by entering and exiting through the unglazed portions of the container assemblage. Container contents, housed in the lidded inner vessel member, are thus more efficiently maintained in a desired ambient temperature.

Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle has a rotation type support structure. The cup holder includes a support member which can rotate horizontally around a rotary shaft of a surrounding portion of a container insertion member and closely contact the outer surface of a beverage container inserted into a container insertion member. A locking member fixes the support member at a predetermined rotation angle on the rotary shaft using a button installed on the support member. The cup holder of the present invention can stably support a beverage container of various sizes. In addition, rattling noise as well as beverage spill that might occur during a shaky movement of a beverage container can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: A foldable air insulating sleeve for insulating beverage and food containers is herein provided. More particularly, the foldable air insulating sleeve secures a cup in a manner that leaves a pocket of air surrounding the cup. This provides for improved temperature regulation and sufficient thermal insulation to assist the user in firmly grasping and handling the cup despite excess heat or condensation caused by the temperature of the cup's contents. Because the bases of most disposable cups are narrower than their respective rims, more air and thus greater insulation is found towards the bottom of cups secured by foldable air insulating sleeves. The wider base also gives such cups more stability. Printable material can also be affixed on the foldable air insulating sleeve's outer surface for advertising or other purposes. Some embodiments of the foldable air insulating sleeve include a lid to further improve thermal insulation.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage valve provides for automatic, accurate beverage ratioing. A valve body can be assembled, and includes a water flow hard body, syrup body and common nozzle body. The water and syrup flow bodies define flow channels and include one end for connection to water and syrup respectively, and opposite ends for fluid connection to the nozzle body. The water flow channel includes a turbine flow sensor connected to a micro-controller determining the water flow rate. The syrup flow channel includes a flow sensor, two MEMS pressure sensors, monitoring the syrup. The sensors are connected to the micro-controller and positioned about an orifice and senses sense a differential pressure indicative of syrup flow rate solenoid regulates flow of syrup through the syrup body. A stepper motor on the water body controls a rod in the flow channel in conjunction with a V-groove.

Abstract: A dispenser head (1) for assembly on two parallel, hollow actuator rods, said head being made as a single piece of plastics material and comprising: two parallel coupling sleeves (11, 12) for engaging with respective ones of the actuator rods, the sleeves defining respective inlet ducts (110, 120); a dispenser endpiece (13) defining at least one outlet duct discharging into at least one dispenser orifice (1310, 1320); and a cross member (10) linking the sleeves to the endpiece, the cross member defining at least one connection duct (101, 102) linking the inlet ducts (110, 120) to the outlet duct(s) (1310, 1320), said at least one connection duct extending transversally both relative to the sleeves and relative to the outlet duct(s), said at least one connection duct (101, 102) including an access opening (1010, 1020) closed by a closure element (14, 15),the dispenser head being characterized in that the closure element (14, 15) is made integrally with the remainder (10, 11, 12, 13) of the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing soft serve frozen food product, such as soft serve ice cream and the like, provides the ability to select the fat content or other characteristic of the ice cream dispensed from the machine.

Abstract: Flush mount dispensing bottle and apparatus includes a bracket having a mounting flange and a bottle having a flat back with an embossment for receiving the flange and enabling the flat back to flushly contact a surface supporting the bracket. A button attachable to the surface at a spaced apart distance from the bracket is provided and a second embossment receiving the button enables the flat back to flushly contact the surface and further prevents unauthorized removal of the bottle from the bracket.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a fluid outlet and an ambient inlet. The dispenser includes a container having a cavity, and a regulator device within the container cavity for regulating liquid flow out of the fluid outlet. The regulator device has a cavity in fluid communication with the ambient inlet, and an air transfer orifice for placing the device cavity in fluid communication with the container cavity. The air transfer orifice is spaced apart from the ambient inlet. The regulator device also has a fluid inlet. Location of the air transfer orifice with respect to the fluid inlet is such that flow of liquid from the container cavity into the device cavity stops when the liquid in the device cavity reaches the air transfer orifice.

Abstract: It is an object to form a plate for a sliding nozzle apparatus in a shape for decreasing extreme erosion and extend durability of the plate to enable cost reduction, the sliding-nozzle plate having dimensions (unit length is mm) as indicated in following equations: a dimension from the center position X of the nozzle hole to a closest end of the plate for the sliding nozzle in the longitudinal direction is a sum of a dimension “b” from the center position X to an ideal circle with the position X as the center and a dimension “d” from the ideal circle to the closest end in the longitudinal direction, a dimension from the center position X and to a center position Y is a dimension S of the stroke, and a dimension from the center position Y to a closest end of the plate for the sliding nozzle in the longitudinal direction is a dimension “c”, where b: a+30˜40, c: 0.75a+20˜30, d:0.5a, S:2a+m, and m:15˜35.

Abstract: A clothes-hanging apparatus is made of a wire formed into an upwardly extending hanger contiguous with a downwardly extending pair of sloping shoulders, the shoulders each contiguous with one of a pair of separate collinear horizontal legs, the horizontal legs terminating in an adjacent, close-abutting relationship. A strengthening web is formed on and between critical portions of the shoulders and the legs for rigidizing the apparatus. An element is used to support or connect the legs so they may be parted or joined as desired for placement and removal of a garment.

Abstract: A garment hanger having two clamps respectively provided on two ends thereof, each clamp includes a first jaw and a second jaw adapted to closing to each other for clamping; wherein the first jaw has on its inner surface thereof an elliptical protrusion, and the second jaw has on its inner surface thereof ridges circling to form an elliptical shape; the ridges in the elliptical shape form a recessed area for accommodating the elliptical protrusion, the protrusion and the recess are made mainly of soft materials such as rubber, so that taking advantage of the friction of the rubber, softer garments can be firmly clamped without damaging material of the garments.

Abstract: A tactical gear receptacle including a carrying apparatus affixed on a first side thereof, the carrying apparatus being adapted to support at least a partial weight of the tactical gear receptacle when the tactical gear receptacle is carried, and a light rail affixed to a second side of the tactical gear receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved bow holder. An engagement member is provided to connect the holder with a hunter or a hunter's apparel or equipment. A spacing member extends outwardly and downwardly therefrom to a support member. The support member forms a generally open-topped support structure such as a trough or arms located below a hunter's waist to suspend a bow by supporting a generally taut bow string, thus allowing the bow handle to rest generally at a height near the hunter's free-hanging and naturally resting hand.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing one or a pair of article holders to a land or sea craft to facilitate the carrying of articles on the craft; the mounting bracket comprising a non-circular body with opposing flat surfaces and threaded holes extending centrally through the body; a V-notch at one end of the body extending into one flat face and holes through the body at opposite sides of the V-notch and a threaded bore in the end of the body remote from the V-notch; the threaded bores being adapted to reserve a shank of an article holder; and a channel member to fit co-operably over the non-circular body and to hold a pair of spaced apart article holders, while being secured to the body member by a bolt threaded into the body member.

Abstract: A pneumatic nail gun has a gun body having a main air housing; a cylinder fixed in the main air housing; a hitting piston slidably movable in the cylinder; a dish-shaped piston disposed at a top end portion of the cylinder; an upper slidable sleeve valve disposed at a top portion of an out peripheral surface of the cylinder, which is driven to move upward by the high pressure air in the main air housing; and a lower slidable sleeve valve disposed at a lower portion of an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, which is driven to move downward for guiding the high pressure air into the cylinder for upward deposition of the hitting piston when the upper slidable sleeve valve moves upward, and is driven to upward reposite when the hitting piston moves to its upper dead center.

Abstract: A safety mechanism to prevent unintended ejection of a staple or fastener in a stapler or fastening tool. A low-start version of the stapler has a handle that when pressed pivots a lever which lifts a striker and energizes a power spring. At the release point, the striker is released and accelerated under spring bias into a staple, ejecting the staple by impact blow. A high-start version has the striker stationary in the upper position as the power spring is energized. In the safety mechanism, a movable hook or arm selectively prevents the striker, and linked components thereto, from completing an operational cycle.

Abstract: A cable holding assembly for cable staplers is provided, which is housed inside a slot in front of the muzzle of a cable stapler. The cable holding assembly contains a spring blade, a holder blade, and a resistance blade. The spring blade is configured on the wall of the slot to position the holder blade inside the slot but flexible enough to allow the holder blade to be removed and inserted. The holder blade is H-shaped, forming a first cable holding end and a second holding end at the top and the bottom for cables of different gauges respectively. When the holder blade is inserted into the slot, the bottom end of the resistance blade is pressed against the arched edge of the cable holding end at the top so that the other cable holding end is extended outside of the slot and the cable stapler for holding down the cable reliably.

Abstract: A stapler and detachable accessory combination includes a stapler having a base with an accessory storage chamber. A detachable accessory defines an operating end, a non-operating end, and a grasping portion intermediate the operating and non-operating ends. The detachable accessory is insertable into and removable from the storage chamber such that the operating end leads during insertion into the storage chamber and the non-operating end leads during removal from the storage chamber. The accessory can be a staple remover, a hole punch, a pencil sharpener, or other office tool.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a base 23 fixed at a predetermine position, a tool holding jig 29, to which a welding tool 21 is mounted, installed on the base 23 rotatably about a preset reference axis L1 and movably along the reference axis L1, a tool rotation driving means for rotating the tool holding jig about the reference axis L1, and a tool movement driving means for moving the tool holding jig along the reference axis L1. The apparatus realizes miniaturization of the apparatus, simplification of the structure, and improvement of the operability.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes top panel assemblies that form additional bearing surfaces. The blank is configured to form a container that includes corners having multiple thicknesses. However, despite the multiple thickness of the corner assemblies, the panels are only adhered in one location per corner. The single adhesion/corner arrangement provides a multi-wall corner arrangement that is strong, yet has flexible applications. The single adhesive/corner adds vertical stacking strength and lateral stability between the panels. The unique approach of only adhering at one place per corner is a space and cost saving improvement that maintains a container integrity and usefulness.

Abstract: A mailbox support structure device, an associated kit and method of using same are disclosed. The mailbox support structure device includes the interconnected components of a telescoping vertical post member, a telescoping horizontal post member and a pair of locking pins. The mailbox support structure device may be lengthened horizontally and vertically to overcome snow piling up at or near the device. The kit includes the unassembled components of the device. The method of using same includes the steps of adjoining, affixing, boring, cutting, digging, drilling, enlarging, expanding, inserting, locking, obtaining, piercing, placing, pouring, screwing, and slipping.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information about recorded media content having a beginning and end time. A progress bar including a first portion is displayed on a display device. The first portion graphically represents the duration of the recorded media content and has a first color. The progress bar also includes a second portion having a second color. The second portion graphically represents a section of the recorded media content that is viewed during a viewing session. The second color is distinct from the first color.

Abstract: A rights management system, method and device for managing use of items having usage rights associated therewith by enforcement of the usage rights with repositories, including a client device adapted to request an item and receive the item and a usage right associated with the item and specifying a permitted manner of use of the item; and a server device adapted to send the item and the associated usage right to the client device in response to the request. The client device includes means for establishing a communication between the client device and a third party entity associated with the rights management system based on a received item and associated usage right.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio content with text including a book holder and a book. The book holder identifies which book of a plurality is placed in the holder by detecting magnetic indicators in specific locations and arrangements which are unique to each book. The page of the book which a user views at any given time is identified by detection of ambient light, by detection of a number of circuit elements in parallel, by detection of progressively stacked magnetic sensors, or by microwave reflection.

Abstract: A method of identifying electrical components picked from trays stacked in a tray tower of an electrical component placement machine includes placing identification tags on each tray. The tags contain data correlated to component part and lot number. As the stack of trays is moved into position for component picking, the tag of the upper tray is read by a tag reader. Gathered data is employed for component tracking, inventory control and setup verification.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for using a remote control device such as car key that generates unknown coded signal with other appliances, such as building's door, garage door or parking barriers, by demodulating and detecting time durations, sequence and other data pertaining the envelope of the unknown coded signal and storing the envelope data into a memory for comparing the stored envelope data with a data of an envelope of a newly received unknown coded signal and outputting match signal when the stored data and the newly received data match. The match signal can be used to operate locks, doors and barriers also in conjunction with systems including video interphone, alarm, emergency and access control system.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly and method for forming a transaction card assembly. The transaction card assembly may include two or more transaction cards that are each useable with different issuers. A first transaction card may be useable only with a first issuer, and the second transaction card may be useable with one or more entities other than the first issuer. The transaction card assembly may be formed from a same piece of material and may include one or more machine-readable features, such as a barcode, magnetic strip or electronic device. The transaction cards may meet ANSI and ISO specifications, e.g., after the cards are separated from each other without the use of tools.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a method to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a system to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided.

Abstract: To personalize a value-bearing instrument, such as a gift card (100), a user-operated station (200) is provided. The user provides funds to the gift card (100) via a fund receiving module (287). The user then selects a set of merchants for which the funds are to be used via a user-interface. The user then authors a graphic arrangement on a template (233) presented on a display (230) of the user interface. When the graphic arrangement is to the user's liking, it is printed on an indicia carrier (105) by an instrument printer (215). The completed gift card is dispensed to the user via an instrument dispenser (220).

Abstract: A detector for a deposit accepting apparatus of an automated banking machine includes an ultrasonic transmitter driven by a driving signal operative to cause the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic sound signal through a sheet pathway of the detector. The detector also includes an ultrasonic receiver operative to generate a receiver signal responsive to the ultrasonic sound signal. The detector further includes first and second correlation filters. The first and second correlation filters are operative to generate first and second outputs responsive to the receiver signal. At least one processor is operative responsive to the first and second outputs of the correlation filters to determine information associated with changes in phase of the ultrasonic sound signal and to distinguish between single and multiple sheets in the pathway responsive to the information associated with changes in phase.

Abstract: A tele-inventory system for inventorying various kinds of commodities in a shop by an operator from a remote management apparatus installed remotely from the shop, includes, at shop, a camera for taking images of object commodities to be inventoried, a image-transmitter for transmitting the taken images of the object commodities to the remote management apparatus, and, at the remote management apparatus, an image-receiver for receiving the taken images of the object commodities from the image-transmitter and display for displaying the taken images of the object commodities, whereby the operator can make an inventory of the object commodities at the remote management apparatus with consulting the taken images of the object commodities which images have been displayed on the display. With this system, it is possible to inventory commodities sold and stocked in a department store or a convenience store from a remote place.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for real-time data transfer between sensor or actuator devices and higher-level applications. In one aspect, an integration engine receives a set of rules from an external application and receives item data including item identifiers from one or more tag readers, each item identifier being read from a digital tag bound to a physical item. The integration engine uses the rules and item data to determine in real time which subset of the item data to furnish to the external application. In another aspect, the integration engine receives from the external application configuration data for controlling an actuator device. The integration engine converts the configuration data to a format compatible with the actuator device; and furnishes the converted configuration data in real time to the actuator device.

Abstract: A data distribution system (10) including an information card (12) to work with a reader (14, 72). The information card (12) includes visible indicia (20) on its front, stripe zones (34) and a ring zone (36) nominally “on” its back and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (70). The zones (34, 36) are suitable for magnetically recording and the RFID tag is suitable for electronically storing data. Optional characteristics for such data can concurrently be recorded or stored. The reader (14, 72) may be a linear reader (14a), a rotary reader (14b), a card-stationary reader (14c, 14d), or a RFID reader/interrogator (72), and may optionally act automatically in response to reading one or more of the optional data characteristics. If the reader (14) is a rotary reader (14b) the information card (12) may particularly be loaded into a cartridge (16) which is loaded into the rotary reader (14b).

Abstract: A system passively identifies objects at large distances with an integrated two-dimensional pattern, spectral tailoring, and an imaging system. Encoded information allows objects of various origin and configuration to be easily and rapidly identified by optical means, but is invisible to the naked eye. The devices used for detecting the objects may be ground-based, airborne, or even satellite-based, and can track engagements of such marked objects in real-time. A tailored reflective surface at a specific wavelength band is applied to the exteriors of the objects to form a unique signature. A scanning system passively records the light emanating from the signature in the specific band, and recognizes the signature to discern what the object is based on a database of information.

Abstract: A system and method for reading an optical code is provided. The method comprises the steps of sensing incident light reflected from a target optical code to be imaged; generating an image signal including a plurality of electrical signals corresponding to the sensing; generating information relating to an amplitude of the image signal; and generating a control signal for adjusting an exposure time during the sensing in accordance with the information relating to the amplitude for minimizing sensitivity to motion.

Abstract: An electronic screen display includes a screen, a memory storing digital content for display on the screen, a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the screen, and a sensor communicatively coupled to the processor. The processor obtains digital content from the memory and generates signals causing a primary display to appear on the screen. The sensor is activated by sensing a light signal emitted from an external device being used to read information from the primary display, and causes the processor to obtain further digital content from the memory and generate signals causing a secondary display to appear on the screen. A corresponding display method includes displaying primary digital content on a screen, sensing a light signal emitted from an external device being used to read information from the screen, and in response to the sensing the light signal, causing secondary digital content to appear on the screen.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an electrical assembly, a housing, and decorative indicia. The electrical assembly stores an audio file and includes at least one light and a speaker. The housing generally encloses the electrical assembly and includes an account identifier and an activation area. The account identifier signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Decorative indicia correspond with the audio file and the at least one light. The activation area and the electrical assembly are adapted such that depressing the activation area activates the electrical assembly to play the audio file via the speaker and to illuminate the at least one light to provide an audio and visual presentation. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods, of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.