Abstract: A telephone with a card reader is disclosed. The telephone includes means for providing a first communication service. The card includes a memory, which stores information, where the telephone reads the information stored in the memory and provides a means for providing a second communication service based on the information. In providing the second communication service, the telephone obtains second communication service information from a datastore, which includes pairs of information and corresponding second communication service information. The telephone may include the datastore. The telephone may alternatively obtain the second communication service information from or a service server in response to a request. Alternatively, the information stored in the memory can be the second communication service information itself.

Abstract: A method of receiving identification information identifying a physical object is described. The method includes receiving identification information from an identification capture system that obtains the identification information from an identification component associated with a physical object. The identification information identifies the physical object to which the identification component has been associated. The identification information is encoded in a format compatible with an input device for the identification capture system. The method also includes determining a software object predefined by a process flow to receive the identifier information. The software object has at least one field to store the identifier information. The method also includes identifying a format used for the at least one software object field, and converting the format compatible with the input device of the identification capture system into the format of the at least one software object field.

Abstract: Providing repair information for a part. A first website may be provided which includes part information. The part information may include at least one of a plurality of possible vehicles and/or a plurality of possible parts. First user input may be received to the first website specifying a vehicle from the plurality of possible vehicles. Second user input may be received specifying a part of the plurality of possible parts, and third user input may be received to view labor cost information associated with the part. Correspondingly, labor cost information may be automatically provided which is associated with the part in response to the third user input to the first website to view the labor cost information. Automatically providing the labor cost information may be performed without further user input specifying the part or another website.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request. The transaction approval request can also be automatically verified if one or many pre-verification criteria is/are satisfied by data contained in the transaction approval request.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for managing financial data associated with a plurality of financial service providers. According to one embodiment, a method of managing financial data associated with a plurality of financial service providers can comprise receiving a set of criteria for identifying one or more accounts for one of the financial service providers. The criteria can specify an environment in which the financial data is stored, the environment comprising a plurality of categories for storing the financial data. The criteria can also include a date criterion. The one or more accounts can be identified based on the set of criteria in the environment specified by the criteria. The identified accounts can be evaluated based on the set of criteria. In some cases, the method can further comprise updating the accounts based on the evaluation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring money or value, using a wide range of interfaces to initiate a transfer and a wide range of options for receiving the transfer, including receiving the transferred sum directly to the communication device/account of the receiver. The receiver can use the transferred sum as an airtime credit, to obtain cash or to pay for other goods or services.

Abstract: Imagine a machine that allows you to view all bank transactions in addition to giving you the ability to check your balance, make payments, and transfer money into different accounts, in the palm of your hand. All these options are accessible through the said device. The disclosed electronic device has an embodied display screen for viewing account activity as well as merchant information, and any deposits made. It also has primary acquisition alert, in addition to having pin code or finger print recognition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purchasing cash from an ATM. The ATM has a unique identifier visibly located thereon. A customer phone includes a camera and a programmable memory. The camera can be used to capture an image of the ATM's identifier. The memory includes customer account data. A customer uses their phone to establish wireless communication with a transaction host. The customer can transmit to the host a request for cash from the ATM. The request includes the account data and the image. The host can use the account data in payment for the requested cash. The host uses the image to identify the particular ATM associated with the request. After payment, the host causes the identified ATM to dispense the requested cash.

Abstract: Electronic Credit Card (ECC) is an electronic device that enables transmission/reception of data and/or digital information to/from a host computer via a Terminal Station (TS). TS includes Teller Machines in supermarkets/shopping complex, Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), EFTPOS devices and proprietary transceiver devices developed by Creative On-Line Technologies Limited for PC interface. It provides latest financial information including balances on its display unit. Keypads (1) enable PIN (personal identification number) entries so that an ECC is operational. Information Display Unit (2) including an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen or other display screens provides visual information. ENTER key (3) confirms a transaction. It is also used to activate an ECC when a PIN is keyed. Audio Transducer (4) confirms entries made on keypads (1). Audio Transducer is also used to activate a financial transaction via a telephone.

Abstract: Described is a hand-held device having a biometric reader and optional GPS functionality. The device acts as identification of the user. The device transmits the user's biometric data (e.g., fingerprint) to a central database of biometric information for verification of the user. The transmission may be wireless or via a wired or connected configuration. Upon verification, the central database transmits the verification to a participating business requiring the same to complete an immediate user transaction. If the transaction is a purchase, the central database also transmits bank account or credit card information of the user. The GPS functionality allows a user's location to also be verified for transaction requiring such information (e.g., online gaming).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for counting stock stored in hierarchical levels at a facility is described. The method includes receiving count initiation information at a counting module. The count initiation information includes at least one parameter associated with stock to be counted and one or more hierarchical levels for the stock to be counted. The method also includes receiving quantity information associated with the one or more hierarchical levels, and generating count results based on the received quantity information. In certain embodiments, the quantity information can be received by multiple count activity objects associated with the counting module. Each count activity object can independently track separate portions of the quantity information.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating inventory management in financial transaction instrument distribution is disclosed. The method may include the steps of: receiving information related to the sale of a first transaction instrument, wherein the first transaction instrument is associated with a second transaction instrument, wherein the first and second transaction instruments comprise a group of transaction instruments, and wherein the information identifies a location of the sale of the first transaction instrument; and associating the location of the sale of the first transaction instrument with the second transaction instrument and/or the group of transaction instruments.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, in a card reader (1) comprising a contacting unit (2) for a card (3) that has been inserted through a card insertion opening (5), the contacting unit (2) is disposed in a pocket (6) which is open at the card insertion opening (5) and has a fine-meshed conductor path structure with at least one continuous conductor path (9), and is formed from at least one conductor path foil (7) by mutually overlapping sections, wherein the overlapping sections comprise conductor path ends which are interconnected in an electrically conducting fashion to form the continuous conductor path (9), and wherein one pocket side that forms the bottom (8) of the card reader (1) has a recess (10) for contacting the contacting unit (2).

Abstract: Described is an optical device. The optical device comprises a housing, a scanning engine located within the housing, and a transparent exit window formed in the housing allowing light to pass from an exterior of the optical device to the scanning engine within the housing, the exit window having a glass layer coupled to a plastic layer, wherein the glass layer forms an exterior surface of the exit window and the plastic layer forms an interior surface of the exit window.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention may include an apparatus. The apparatus may include a channel configured to accommodate a note, a photodetector array preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the note through the channel, a transporter configured to transport the note through the channel, at least one illuminator configured to illuminate a width of the channel, and a lens associated with the photodetector array. The lens and the at least one illuminator may be arranged to provide optical data collected from the width of the channel to the photodetector array. The photodetector array may include a plurality of photodetectors.

Abstract: An automatic code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic object motion detection and illumination control, and digital video image capturing and processing techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which human operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.

Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading a graphic symbol composed of a plurality of optically identifiable unit sections of information, a first image pickup unit has a first photodetector and picks up a first optical image of the graphic symbol based on light detected by the first photodetector. A second image pickup unit has a second photodetector and configured to pick up a second optical image of the graphic symbol based on light detected by the second photodetector. A correcting unit corrects a light intensity level of at least one section of one of the first and second optical images based on a light intensity level of at least one section of the other of the first and second optical images. The at least one section corresponds to at least one of the unit sections of information of the graphic symbol.

Abstract: A counter with communication function allows the counts of a counting mechanism to be transmitted through a communication line such as the Internet, so that no meter reading by a meter reader is required. A CPU of a control unit checks the time given in a timer and determines whether the current time and date is the date and time to transmit counts. It drives a bar code reader when it is the date and time to transmit the counts, and the bar code reader reads the counts of a counting mechanism of a copy machine and stores it in a memory. The CPU then gives a user or a management company notice of the read counts and counter information, such as a counter number, through a communication interface, a router and an Internet network by Electronic Mail.

Abstract: A mirrored spinner with paired offset facets for scattering a laser beam. The mirrored spinner includes a first number of mirrored facets, including a second number of pairs of offset mirrored facets.

Abstract: An automatic data collection device, such as a scanner-type device, is provided with a deformable mirror that operates in conjunction with a scanning mirror to scan a target machine-readable symbol using a scanning beam. The deformable mirror includes a reflective membrane having a shape that can be changed by applying electric charge to conductors, or by some other type of actuation. In this manner, the focus distance, depth of field, wavefront shape, or other property of the scanning beam can be changed dynamically. Feedback information can be provided to a focus control algorithm to control adjustment of the deformable mirror so as to optimize the scanning.

Abstract: A power plane including a supply power pin receptacle, a first connector power pin receptacle, and a second power pin receptacle, where a first electrical resistance between the supply power pin receptacle and the first connector power pin receptacle is substantially equal to a second electrical resistance between the supply power pin receptacle and the second connector power pin receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pushmatic smart card connector comprising a housing into which a smart card or card having two longitudinal edges, a front edge, and a rear edge can be inserted into a reading position in which the smart card contacts located on the smart card are in contact with contact elements disposed directly or indirectly in the housing, a card ejection slide that is movably disposed in the housing and is moved or can be displaced from a neutral position into a locked position counter to the force of a card ejection spring when the smart card is inserted, said card ejection spring gripping the card ejection slide, means for locking the card ejection slide in the locked position thereof and releasing the card ejection slide so as to move the card ejection slide into the neutral position thereof in order for the smart card to be ejected, and a card locking slide which engages with the rear edge of the card and locks the smart card in the reading position when the card is inserted into the readin

Abstract: A stored-value card assembly includes a base substrate and an auxiliary member. The base substrate includes an account identifier linking the stored-value card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The auxiliary member is movably coupled to the base substrate and includes a first graphic portion. The auxiliary member is movable between a first position relative to the base substrate, in which the first graphic portion partially defines a first graphic, and at least a second position, in which the first graphic portion partially defines a second graphic different from the first graphic. Methods of assembling a stored-value card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.

Abstract: An article transport material loaded with an article on a base and used for transport includes noncontact communication means for conducting noncontact communications with a noncontact IC tag put on the article and portable power supply means for supplying electric power to the noncontact communication means, wherein the communication direction of the noncontact communication means is directed to the area above the base.

Abstract: A radio communication system of a water heater comprising a slave set which remotely operates a water heater main body by radio communication, and a master set which continuously communicates with the water heater main body by wired communication and which intermittently communicates with the slave set by radio communication to relay communication between the water heater main body and the slave set, wherein after the slave set instructs to change a hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body to a requested temperature by the salve set, the requested temperature previously instructed by the slave set is maintained as the hot water supply temperature displayed on the display section of the slave set for a particular time until the hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body reaches the temperature requested by the slave set.

Abstract: A heating system for use on an exhaust system of a vehicle having an exhaust gas passageway to emit exhaust gases from an engine to an outlet includes a quasi black body heat collector. The heat collector is located on the exhaust gas passageway for capturing heat from the exhaust gases. The heating system includes an inlet conduit for circulating air from the HVAC system of the vehicle to the heat collector. The air is heated at the heat collector, and an outlet conduit circulates the heated air back to the HVAC system.

Abstract: A washer fluid heater apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a heat exchanger having a washer fluid inlet to allow washer fluid to enter the heat exchanger and a washer fluid outlet to allow the washer fluid to exit the heat exchanger; and (b) a coolant passage traversing through the heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet operably coupled to an engine's coolant system to allow passage of engine coolant through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fluid system is provided comprising: a heater having an inlet and an outlet; a storage vessel; storage vessel heating means for heating the fluid in the storage vessel; a mixing valve having a first inlet for receiving fluid to be heated from a fluid supply, a second inlet for receiving fluid from the storage vessel, and an outlet for supplying fluid to the inlet of the heater; and a controller wherein the controller is arranged to monitor the heater's performance and to operate the mixing valve to blend the fluid from the fluid supply with fluid from the storage vessel, for example, when a demand on the heater exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A multi-layer heated floor includes insulating layer having a bottom surface positioned on a ground level and a top surface. Heating conduits are positioned above the top surface of the insulating layer and a base material layer is positioned on the insulating layer where the base material layer encases the conduits. The base material comprises a compactible material and wherein the base layer comprises a top surface. A concrete layer is positioned on the top surface of the base layer wherein heat from the heating conduit passes through the base layer and wherein the base layer distributes the heat. The heat enters the concrete slab through a bottom surface through a top surface of the concrete layer to heat the space above the floor.

Abstract: Design the device Steam baseboard to use for steam heating. Water is not easy to get out and water creates the noise and does not easy to get out of the system. Water prevents the heating. We convert the hot water heating baseboard to steam baseboard by using the John's pipe and John's effect.

Abstract: A closed piping comprised of ground water pipe of a water supply system buried in the stratum and a closed water pipe provided on the ground to execute thermal conduction for equilibrating temperature from the thermal energy in the deeper stratum to a subject matter on the ground by the current running in the closed water pipes.

Abstract: A modular boiler system includes a boiler control, a first boiler in operative connection with the boiler control, and a temperature sensor in operative connection with the first boiler. The system also features at least one secondary boiler in operative connection with the master boiler. The boiler control is operatively connected to only the first boiler and it enables the first boiler to control a boiler parameter of the first boiler and the at least one secondary boiler.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.

Abstract: An actuator for a fuel injector is disclosed. The actuator has a piezo element, a casing, and at least one end plate. The casing is fabricated through a deep draw process, has bellows, and is configured to house the piezo element. The at least one end plate is hermetically connected to an end portion of the casing.

Abstract: [Subject]A thermal spraying nozzle device and a thermal spraying system are to be provided which can supply a thermal spraying material constantly and can control the state of a film or deposit. [Solution] In a thermal spraying nozzle device wherein carrier gas is introduced into an inlet side of a nozzle to form a supersonic gas flow and a thermal spraying material is atomized and ejected by the gas flow, a storage section (4) for the storage of molten metal as the thermal spraying material is connected an end portion on the inlet side of the nozzle (2) through a connecting pipe, the nozzle has a throat portion (2a) for accelerating the introduced carrier gas to supersonic velocity and a divergent region (2b) formed downstream of the throat portion toward an outlet, the metal particles atomized by the supersonic gas being cooled to a solidified or semi-solidified state in the divergent region.

Abstract: A sprayer for providing a regulated flow of material to a gun wherein said material is disbursed by means of a flow of air provided by a compressor. The sprayer includes a number of features that facilitate usage. Such features include a polygonal-shaped free end of a cartridge shaft that is aligned with and coupled to thereby rotate with the augur of a pump. An aperture in a guard that overlies the free end of the shaft permits easy access with a socket-like tool for unfreezing the pump without disassembly. The rear panel of a hopper exceeds that of the side and front panels to permit tipping of the sprayer frame for manual transport without spillage of material. A hook is provided on the frame of the sprayer for ready attachment and detachment of controller electronics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device by means of which droplets can be produced from liquids having a different viscosity both in gaseous and liquid media. The inventive system is characterized by a nozzle which is devoid of moving parts, which has a modular architecture and which can be used both in gaseous media and in liquids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting paint powder between first and second locations with at least one positive pressure air flow. One or more positive pressure air flows can transfer paint powder from a tote to a first hopper, from a virgin hopper to one or more mix hoppers, from a reclaim hopper to one or more mix hoppers, from one of the mix hoppers through one or more multidirectional valves to one or more final feed hoppers and/or positive pressure air flow final feed powder pumps located in a first position, and from one of the mix hoppers through one or more multidirectional valves to one or more final feed hoppers and/or positive pressure air flow final feed powder pumps located in a second position.

Abstract: A faucet head has a tubular and arcuate casing having an inlet end connectable to a pressurized-water supply and an outlet end. An integral core unit in the casing forms a sprayer having a first central inner spray chamber at the outlet end centered on an outlet-end spray axis and a second generally coaxial annular outer spray chamber at the outlet end around the inner chamber. The sprayer further forms inner and outer holes open generally parallel to the outlet-end axis from the spray chambers. The cure unit further forms a valve housing having an inlet port and a pair of offset first and second outlet ports. The valve housing extends along an axis offset radially from the outlet-end axis. The core unit forms also an inlet conduit forming an inlet passage extending between the in let port and the inlet end of the casing and first and second outlet conduits.

Abstract: During the production of an actuator unit (11), which is to be installed in a fuel injector, a piezoelectric element (8) is firstly inserted into a plastic sleeve (1). Two contact pins (5) are provided for the external power supply for the piezoelectric element (8), and are guided outside the plastic sleeve (1). In order to fix the position of the contact pins (5), particularly before encapsulating the piezoelectric element (8) with the plastic sleeve (1), pin mounts (2) provided in the form of detent connections are provided for the contact pins (5). The detent connections (2) are designed for fixing the contact pins (5) in the position thereof after they have been inserted into these detent connections. In one particular embodiment, the plastic sleeve (1) is provided in the form of a one-piece hollow body so that the mounting can be effected in a particularly simple manner.

Abstract: Nozzle beam on device for generating liquid jets for jet interweaving of the fibers of a fiber path, comprising an upper part that extends over the operational width of the fiber path, and a lower part that is attached to it in liquid-sealed fashion, wherein a) a pressure chamber is arrayed in the upper part over its length, to which liquid under pressure is fed, and b) a pressure-distributing chamber is provided parallel to chamber (a), which is connected with chamber (a) via liquid flow-through boreholes situated in an intermediate partition, and c) on the lower part, a nozzle strip having boreholes for the nozzle chamber is supported in liquid-sealed fashion, and d) (b) on the area that lies opposite the liquid flow-through boreholds runs out into a slot that terminates at the boreholes of the nozzle strip, and e) in (b) between the liquid flow-through boreholes and the slot, a baffle is situated over the length of the slot, which over its length and over its cross section is situated in (a) so as to allow

Abstract: An improved fluidic oscillator, that operates on a pressurized liquid flowing through the oscillator to generate a liquid jet that flows into the surrounding environment to form of an oscillating spray of liquid droplets, includes: a member into which is fabricated a two-portion, flow channel, with this first portion configured so as to create the flow phenomena in the member that yields the spray's oscillating nature, and wherein its second portion is configured so as to provide a plurality of throats by which the pressurized liquid exhausts into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a nozzle assembly for electrostatic deposition comprising a single point nozzle, the single point nozzle being conically shaped and including an apex and a circular base, the circular base including a smaller diameter cylindrical protrusion including a counter bore which connects to a passage leading to the apex; and a nozzle body, in contact with the single point nozzle and including a first through bore, a larger second through bore and a cross drilled port into the first through bore; and a cylindrical electrode, at least partially inserted within the first through bore of the nozzle body and in contact with the counter bore of the single point nozzle, the electrode including a bore mating aligned with the cross drilled port of the nozzle body, and inlets positioned at either end.

Abstract: A rocking wastebasket or bin for paper shredder, including a machine body having cutting blades therein and a wastebasket or bin for containing paper chips, wherein the wastebasket or bin has a section of planar placement surface at a bottom thereof, and the planar placement surface is provided with arcuate faces between the planar placement surface and engagement portions at the bin walls, such that when the user rocks the wastebasket or bin forwards and backwards, or sideways, the chips in the chip mountain accumulated beneath the discharge port at the cutting blades can be spread outwards, so as to increase the space for receiving the paper chips in the wastebasket or bin, and to prevent the “chip mountain” from impeding smooth falling of subsequent paper chips, thereby eliminating the defects of affecting overall operative functions of the paper shredders.

Abstract: A combination shredder and storage unit that combines various desirable features. The unit includes a cabinet having lower and upper ends and front, rear and side faces. A front access is located in the front face and configured to permit access to the interior of the cabinet. An upper opening is located in the upper end of the cabinet through which a shredding device within the cabinet is accessed. A door is provided for opening and closing the upper opening to allow and prevent access to the shredding device. A receptacle within the cabinet is sized for receiving and storing shredded material, and is accessible by opening the front access of the cabinet. The unit also includes at least one exterior storage compartment on the front access of the cabinet, and at least one closable drawer located beneath the receptacle. The unit can be configured as a floor-standing unit, as well as much smaller counter and wall-mounted units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical shaft impact crusher, and more specifically, to a vertical shaft impact crusher designed to be able to efficiently crush objects to be crushed and maximize the lifespan of a rotor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a round undulating blade for shredder, where a sheet metal is integrally formed into a round undulating blade to serve as the blades for constructing a blade module. The blade includes: a periphery; an undulating blade flank including at least two cambers having a first curvature and at least two cambers having a second curvature alternatively arranged with respect to the cambers having the first curvature; and hooked edges formed on the periphery of the cambers having the first curvature, wherein the undulating blade flank of the blade serves to cut paper along a longitudinal direction to form paper strips having double-tapering end, and the hooked edges serve to cut the strips along a horizontal direction into paper chips. These characteristics help to reduce the manufacturing cost, reduce the motor load and power consumption, to thereby enhance the market competitiveness.

Abstract: A caddy for carrying spools such as those for electrical wire. The caddy has complementary T-shaped slots in opposite side walls and members affixed between the side wall that support the spools, forming a cage, and one member rides within the T-shaped slot. The moving member may be pulled away from the cage to allow for room to release a spool from its cage, but the member will move by itself in response to movement of the caddy to keep the spool or spools locked within the cage.

Abstract: A roll of wire is captured in a cardboard container so the roll is rotatable in the container about a rotation axis of the roll. The container has opposite sidewalls with aligned slots receiving ends of a shaft about which a spool carrying the roll turns. Each side wall includes three panels in different parallel planes; two of these panels include slots with aligned shoulders supporting the shaft. The container has a slot for enabling the wire to be paid from the roll as the roll turns about its rotation axis and a slit having edges for holding the wire in place.