Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: A method for performing soldering using a light beam, and a mask for blocking the light beam are provided. A connecting method is provided, being a method for connecting conducting lines and contacts using a light beam, including a step for installing conducting lines in regions wherein contacts are formed, a step for supplying solder to regions wherein contacts are formed, a step for installing a mask that shields at least a portion of the contacts from a light beam, and a step for connecting conducting lines and contacts by melting solder by illuminating with a light beam.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a chip-substrate connection by alloying or brazing, using a solder containing two or more components with at least two metal-containing constituents X and Y. The first constituent X contains in particular gold or a similar precious metal, and the second constituent Y being consumed in the soldering operation by reacting or being dissolved in the materials or layers which are to be joined. The solder has a hypereutectic concentration of the second constituent Y. The invention furthermore relates to a solder for the production of a chip-substrate connection, and to a semiconductor component with a semiconductor chip which is secured to a substrate by alloying or brazing.

Abstract: The mailing device of the present invention consists of a rectangular card having front and back surfaces. Front and back surfaces are divided and foldable into three corresponding sections; the front surface having first, second, and third sections; and the back surface having fourth, fifth and sixth sections. The device includes a window allowing dimensional contents to be viewed and supporting structure to resist crushing. A pocket feature allows money, notes, gift cards, etc. to be inserted by the consumer and mailed within the device. The pocket is hidden from view and located between the first section and fourth section of the mailing device. The pocket is closed by bending an envelope flap attached to the first section of the device over the fourth section of the mailing device. The envelope flap is further comprised of a low-tack adhesive strip providing securing means to the fourth section of the device.

Abstract: A carton handle comprising a first base portion; a second base portion; a pair of retaining flanges which are extended outwardly on each side of the first and the second base portions; a connecting portion connecting the first and second base portions and a ring structure with a U-shape joined on top of the second base portion. First and second base portions are molded to have a generally rectangular shape and dimensions of an aperture in a carton wall such that, upon insertion in an aperture, the first and second base portions are movable to respective positions wherein the retaining flanges lie contiguous with one surface and the opposite surface of the carton wall.

Abstract: A container assembly having an inner container and an outer cover fixedly attached to one another. The inner container has multiple sidewalls for forming the inner container sidewalls and has a bottom forming flap attached thereto. The outer cover has multiple cover sidewalls that fit over the inner container sidewalls to enclose the inner container. At least one attachment member attached to and extending from the outer cover is attached to the bottom forming flap, thereby fixedly attaching the inner container to the outer container. The attachment member can be separated from the container outer cover to allow removal of the outer cover from the inner container without marring the finish of the outside face of the sidewalls of the inner container. A knockdown assembly that is erectable to form the container assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A paper puncher includes a driving shaft, an upper cutter, a lower cutter, a control panel and a paper limiter. Both the upper cuter and the lower cutter are linked to the driving shaft and both comprise a pin thereat. The control panel comprises a trough corresponding to the pins of the cutters. The control panel comprises a post, and the paper limiter comprises a guide slot corresponding to the post. The trough comprises a vertical slot and a horizontal slot interconnected with each other. By sliding the control panel, the vertical slot of the trough allows either the pin of the upper cutter or the pin of the lower cutter to slide therein, and the post of the control panel slides in the guide slot to confine the movement of the paper limiter.

Abstract: A device and related method for counting objects, such as eggs or the like includes a plurality of first detectors, each of which has a locally delimited detection area, which can detect electromagnetic radiation, in particular light in the visible or infrared range, from the detection area, and which are arranged next to one another in a first line. An evaluation unit is coupled to the first detectors and is designed or configured to process the signals of the detectors and on the basis of the signals, to establish the presence of an object in the detection area.

Abstract: The invention concerns a secure data management device and a method for providing communication between a remote device in a chain of logistics and a host computer via a data network which ensures the identity, authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of collected information. This is provided by an item which is attached to a product subjected to a chain of logistics. The item can collect information about the product or use of the product and communicates such information to a host computer via a data network in a secure manner, which will assure the recipient of the information that the communication is made with the correct item and that the information communicated has not been manipulated and the transmission is protected from eavesdropping. The information collected by the item can be generated by sensors integrated or attached to the product.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for dispensing cash from automated teller or similar cash dispensing machines where such machines do not contain or are otherwise unable to dispense coins or certain bill denominations. Such features may be offered in combination with a request to cash a negotiable instrument, such as a check, where some or all of the amount is to be received in cash or deposited into an account. In one particular method, an automated teller machine (ATM) includes a display screen, a data entry device, a receipt printer, a bill dispenser and a reader. According to the method, information is read from a negotiable instrument using the reader. A face amount of the negotiable instrument is received at the ATM from the data entry device. The display screen is employed to display a dispense amount in bills that the ATM is capable of dispensing along with a deposit account where the remaining funds may be deposited.

Abstract: An automated banking machine that is activated responsive to data read from user cards which accepts checks and dispense cash to users. The automatic banking machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the automatic banking machine in exchange for a deposited check. The automatic banking machine dispenses cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An improved system and method for providing a rebate to a third party beneficiary for the purchase of a product from a merchant including the steps of designating a beneficiary for a rebate amount associated with a purchase of goods or services, assigning a rebate amount with one or more restrictions from a merchant based on the purchase of those goods or services by a consumer, and applying one or more rebate amounts to a subsequent purchase by the beneficiary so long as the one or more restrictions are met.

Abstract: A payment adjustment apparatus having an interface that receives an electronically watermarked image, in which an electronic-value information is embedded, extracts the electronic-value information out of the electronically watermarked image by an extracting means, adjusts a payment by subtracting an amount of a price of a purchased article from a value in the electronic-value information by a payment adjusting means, if the amount of the value in the electronic-value information is greater than the price of the purchased article. Thereafter, an updating means of the apparatus updates the contents of the electronic-value information received by the receiving means based on the balance resulted from the payment adjustment performed by the payment adjusting means.

Abstract: A mobile device as disclosed herein can support a plurality of electronic payment applications such as credit and/or debit applications. During a payment transaction, the mobile device communicates a priority list of the electronic payment applications to a point of sale terminal, which then selects one of the applications for completion of the payment transaction, where the selection is governed by the priority list. The data structure corresponding to the priority list is configured such that the end user of the mobile device has management access rights to at least some of the electronic payment applications. Such end user management access rights can be used to modify the relative priority of the electronic payment applications.

Abstract: Generating authentication data for use in a transaction by providing a contactless payment device or smart card configured to communicate with a mobile device, placing the contactless chip card in a proximity to the mobile device to instantiate communication between the contactless chip card and the mobile device, inputting a first input value into the mobile device, communicating data derived from the first input value from the mobile device to the contactless chip card, the contactless chip card converting a set of conversion data, including the first input value, into at least one dynamic value based at least in part on a secret value, communicating the dynamic value from the contactless chip card to the mobile device, and communicating authentication data based at least in part on the dynamic value to a user. In some embodiments the first input value is a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a challenge, or both a PIN and a challenge.

Abstract: The invention discloses a retail cash product available in multiple denominations, encoded with Point of Sale information allowing it to be purchased like any other retail product, which becomes a usable debit card once activated by the consumer. The ability for consumers to use gift cards, gift certificates, or credit cards to purchase this retail cash product provides them with the ability to obtain cash. Unlike reloadable debit cards, the retailer does not need special equipment, training, or processing at checkout; and the Cash Product Company even provides the funds to load onto the card, which the retailer repays in due course.

Abstract: A promotional sheet assembly assembleable from components of a single material web processed in a multi-station press is provided. The assembly includes opposing surfaces bearing printed information and/or indicia thereon, and a consumer premium delimited by one or more of visible, revealable, and/or machine readable information.

Abstract: A system has been developed which employs a Smart Card which is approximately the size and shape of an ordinary credit card that an individual can carry in their wallet. It contains a Smart Card chip or similar information storage device which contains information by which the person may be identified. It also contains financial information so the user can make purchases and receive credits. Wireless technologies are employed to provide communication between the Smart Card and a card reader. This card can be used in place of chips or coins in casinos and for on-line wagering.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of activating a plurality of disparate stored value accounts utilizes a set of multiple presentation instruments redeemable at different merchants. Each presentation instrument includes a unique presentation instrument identifier used to associate value with the presentation instrument. Also, the set includes a set identifier, which may be included on a package that secures the presentation instruments together. In one embodiment, the set identifier is received over an electronic network, a list of the presentation instruments in the set is accessed from a computer database, and each of the presentation instruments is activated.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the self-checkout of secured items from a lending or sales establishment. A self-checkout system may be configured to determine a patron's eligibility to checkout items. Subsequently, the system may be configured to determine whether an item wished to be checked out by a patron is stored in a secure locked case. The present invention provides means for allowing the patron to unlock the secure locked case without the need of library staff assistance. A blocking mechanism is provided which controls access to the unlocking mechanism such that a patron may only unlock a secure locked case when authorized to do so by the system.

Abstract: A method, procedure and operational function of the business for inhibiting internal theft of items without inventory identifiers are provided. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving an item for sale at a POS terminal, wherein the item is missing an inventory identifier. After the item is received, a determination is made as to whether a description of the item is stored in an inventory system. If the item is not stored in the inventory system, the sale of the item is inhibited. Thereafter, the entry of identifying information in the POS terminal is requested such that the identifying information identifies the item such that the description of the item can be stored in the inventory system.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, retail advertising systems and methods are provided for coordinating an advertising message with a product display. An advertising media device may be used for broadcasting recorded advertising messages about products in a retail environment. A product display may be used that is associated with a product on sale in the retail environment and that includes an associated wireless identification tag. A wireless identification system may be used that includes at least one antenna in the retail environment and that is configured to detect the wireless identification tag in the retail environment. An advertisement coordination system may be used that determines from the wireless identification system that the product display is located in the retail environment and in response causes the advertising media device to broadcast an advertising message related to the product display.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: A memory card connector (100) for insertion of a memory card (8) includes an insulative housing (1) defining a cavity (110) for receiving the memory card, a number of contacts (22), a pair of switch contacts (5) and a card eject mechanism (3). The switch contacts (5) include a first switch contact (51) and a second switch contact (52). The card eject mechanism (3) includes a slider (31) movably assembled to the insulative housing, a coiled spring (32) and a link rod (33) mating with the slider. The slider includes a protrusion (315) driven by the memory card to abut against the second switch contact (52) so that the second switch contact touches the first switch contact (51) in a vertical direction to achieve switch function.

Abstract: A reading device is disclosed for correctly reading signals from an object to be read, such as bar codes of direct marking formed on the surface of a body, such as a metal body, by utilizing light reflected by the body after projecting light onto the object that is to be read. The reading device has a housing which incorporates therein a light-emitting portion projecting light emitted from an internal source of light onto an object to be read, and a light-receiving portion reading the object to be read by receiving light reflected by the object to be read. A diffusion member is mounted on an end portion of the housing to diffuse illumination light from an external source of light, and to transmit illumination light therethrough at a predetermined rate, and to permit illumination light to uniformly fall on the object to be read.

Abstract: A two-dimensional color barcode using gradations of color is disclosed. The barcode includes a black and white configuration block that encodes configuration information about the barcode and a plurality of color data blocks that encodes data. Each tile in the data blocks has one of the-predefined recoverable gradation values of the RGB, CMY or other color sets. The number of recoverable gradation values for each color used in the color data block is specified in the configuration block. The barcode also includes a corner marker consist of a column and a row of black abutting the configuration block which is located in the top left corner, three additional corner markers and a plurality of block separators along the sides of barcode. Also described are methods for generating and decoding such a 2d color barcode. The methods include transforming data values to be encoded into the color space and vise versa.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for collecting information for distribution and billing based on distribution times.

Abstract: A barcode image generating apparatus and barcode image generating method capable of generating a barcode image containing an adequate visual expression conforming to the barcode contents. A meaningful feature related to the barcode description is extracted and the visual expression specification is determined based on this feature, whereby a barcode image is generated in conformity to the visual expression specification.

Abstract: An imaging scanner with a two dimensional array of sensors analyzes data from a segment of the array to detect if one or more indicia conditions is present that would prevent a successful decode based on data in the segment. In this manner, if decoding the indicia using data from the segment of array data is not possible, an enlarged frame of array data can be sought for decode when necessary while one-dimensional and simple two-dimensional barcodes can be quickly processed by loading and decoding only the segment of the array.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus which reads a barcode recorded on a predetermined area of an optical disc, includes a reading unit which reads the barcode from a plurality of tracks on the predetermined area of the optical disc, and a barcode data decoding unit which decodes barcode output data from a cumulative value of the barcode data of the plurality of tracks, which is read by the reading unit.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system for installation at a retail POS environment comprising a system housing having an imaging window; and a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging subsystems for projecting a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through a 3D imaging volume defined relative to the imaging window, for digital imaging of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume. A globally-deployed object motion detection subsystem automatically detects and analyzes the motion of an object passing through at least a portion of the 3D imaging volume, and generates object motion data in response thereto. Object motion data, including object velocity data, is used to generate control data for controlling the operation of the coplanar illumination and imaging subsystems.

Abstract: An digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes into a 3D imaging volume so as to support pass-through and presentation modes of digital imaging at a point of sale (POS) environment. Each station includes an illumination subsystem having a linear illumination array including a plurality of light emitting devices for producing a planar illumination beam (PLIB), and an image formation and detection subsystem including a linear image sensing array having optics providing a field of view (FOV) on the linear image detection array, and extending substantially along the PLIB. A plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging planes (PLIB/FOVs) are formed and projected through the imaging window and into the 3D imaging volume, for capturing linear (1D) digital images of objects moving through the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.

Abstract: Contamination in a feedback signal is eliminated in a laser scanning arrangement having a drive coil driven by a drive signal formed as a periodic train of drive pulses to oscillate a scan mirror and a light beam reflected from the scan mirror. A feedback coil generates a feedback signal during oscillation of the scan mirror, the feedback coil being in proximity with the drive coil and being subject to corruption by cross-coupling between the coils. The drive coil is not driven with at least one drive pulse during a quiet time period. Cross-coupling is eliminated by generating the feedback signal only during the quiet time period, and by monitoring a position of the scan mirror by processing the feedback signal which was generated only during the quiet time period.

Abstract: A blocking portion is provided at an end of the mirror to prevent a light beam emitted from an input port from being transmitted to or reflected by first and second output ports. The mirror is inserted to a position where the end of the blocking portion of the mirror reaches a boundary P2? on the insertion side of an area to be blocked to obtain a permissible crosstalk value of the light beam. The mirror is removed to a position where the rear end of the blocking portion of the mirror reaches a boundary P2 on the removal side of the area to be blocked. The mirror is movably driven between the removal position and the insertion position in the optical path of a first light beam by a drive. Thus it is possible to reduce the length of the driving stroke of the mirror.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention comprises a method of embedding data in a code readable by machine from a visible light scan of the code. The method comprises pre-printing a two dimensional array of pixels on a substrate. The pixels include at least one calibration pixel, and each have color values. The method selectively alters at least a subset of the pixels by using laser radiation to alter color saturation of the color values of the pixels in the subset relative to the calibration pixel according to digital data values of the code to be embedded in the subset of pixels. This method has been adapted to embed personalized information in pre-printed graphic elements on ID cards.

Abstract: A generally disc-shaped token of the type having a body produced by multiple injection of plastic material and method of fabricating the same, which includes a core produced by a first injection of plastic material and having a central portion defining the central portion of the body of the token and a peripheral portion with radial projections defining at least part of the edge of the body of the token. The core incorporates an insert including a contactless electronic microchip identification device buried in the central portion during the first injection and retained at its periphery by projections or fingers attached to the injection mold and defining openings in the core. The body of the token includes a covering layer produced by a second injection of plastic material around the peripheral portion of the core to produce in conjunction with the core the whole of the edge and the annular peripheral portion of the body of the token. A decorated label is fixed to each face of the token.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat transponder having an electronic circuit which is arranged in a layer or in a layer composite and which contains at least one chip and conductor tracks or conductor wires, and also to a method for the production thereof. The invention is based on the object of specifying a transponder of the type mentioned at the beginning and a method for the production thereof which is flexible, has the most uniform thickness possible and can be bonded to further elements by means of water-based adhesives, its electronic components largely being protected against damage by bending and against being detected by feel. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a transponder in which the circuit is arranged in or on a circuit carrier (7) made of plastic, on whose two larger opposite outer surfaces a paper layer (6) applied by lamination is in each case applied.

Abstract: A circular bar code includes at least one circular data ring having a plurality of data cells arranged side-by-side in a circle, a circular locator ring of a solid color and conveying the location and size of the bar code to a reading device; and a locator cell conveying the orientation of the bar code to the reading device. The locator ring and the at least one data ring have a finite width, and are concentric, without any gap between adjacent rings. The locator ring can be either inside or outside of the at least one data ring. The locator cell is defined by a gap in the locator ring and a single data cell located in a data ring adjacent the locator ring. The circumferential and radial dimensions of the locator cell convey the data cell size to the reading device.

Abstract: A mini card adapter for removably holding and fixing a mini card in a secure manner is provided. The mini card adapter holds a mini card having the same thickness as the standard card and outline dimensions smaller than those of the standard card. The mini card comprises a reference wall 8 having the same thickness as the standard card and a bulging section 9 formed on the top surface of the reference wall 8. In the reference wall 8, a card pocket 10 for is formed for loading therein the mini card 1. The land section 9 is formed in a region Z corresponding to the emboss section of the standard card, and a part of the land section 9 bulges over the card pocket 10. As a result, an eaves wall 15 for supporting one side of the mini card 1 is formed. The eaves wall 15 has a boss 16 which fits in a hole 3 formed in the mini card 1. A receiving nail 17 for receiving the periphery of the mini card 1 in corporation with the eaves wall 15 is provided on the peripheral lower surface of the card pocket 10.

Abstract: A water control fixture includes a housing having a plurality of ports defining a hot water inlet port, a bypass port, and a fixture outlet port, wherein water is dispensed via the fixture outlet port. At least one operating valve is disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the fixture outlet port. A bypass valve is disposed in the housing for controlling a flow of water from the hot water inlet port to the bypass port.

Abstract: A gas oven, is provided with a proportionally adjustable gas to regulate the temperature of the oven.

Abstract: A programmable controller for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds, such as thermostat, that has a display and an external interface. The external interface may be use for uploading electronic images and/or other information from an external data source, and may use the uploaded electronic images and/or other information for programming and/or updating the controller and/or for viewing the electronic images and/or other information on the display of the controller.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes a pump, a cylinder installed on the pump, an exhaust pipe, a flow restrictor, an output pipe. The flow restrictor includes an inlet fluidly connected with an outlet of the pump, and an outlet fluidly connected with an inlet of the output pipe. The exhaust pipe includes an inlet fluidly connected to the flow restrictor and an outlet in fluid communication with an inner chamber at the top of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grooved rail for rail vehicles provided with flange wheels, said grooved rail comprising a rail head (5) provided with a running rail (2), a flange groove (3), and a counterrail (4), in addition to a rail web (6), a rail base (7), and lateral rail chambers (8,9) extending between the rail head and the rail base. The running rail comprises a vehicle-guiding flange (10) extending towards the flange groove, said flange being asymmetrically arranged in relation to the rail head, when the depth of the flange groove is more than >20 mm in relation to an essentially horizontally extending axis (11) of the rail web, in such a way that the width part (B1) of the rail base, on the side of the running rail, is larger, at least by the factor 1.2, than the width part (B2) on the side of the counterrail.

Abstract: A charging circuit for a fuel injection coil enables the controller to selectively add a pulse of increased amplitude to the beginning of an injection current pulse. Optionally, the controller can also select one of a plurality of amplitudes for the pulse and control the duration of the pulse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for cold gas spraying in which gas and spraying particles are accelerated. According to the invention, the cold gas spraying nozzle is at least partially coated at its inner wall.

Abstract: A headlamp cleaner includes a tank in which a cleaning fluid is stored, a motor pump which pumps the cleaning fluid stored inside the tank, a fluid path through which the cleaning fluid pumped by the motor pump is pressure-transferred, and a nozzle from which the cleaning fluid pressure-transferred through the fluid path is ejected toward a headlamp. The fluid path mainly includes a hose made of a rigid material such as plastic.

Abstract: A sprayer includes a container and a battery. The container contains water. The container includes two tracks formed thereon and two elastic contacts installed thereon. The battery includes two contacts formed thereon and two flanges for engagement with the tracks so that the battery is attached to the container and that the contacts of the battery contact the elastic contacts of the container.