Abstract: A slide and shell container, which finds particular application as a pack for smoking articles such as cigarettes. The container includes an outer shell having opposed first, front, and second, rear, walls connected by opposed third and fourth, side, walls and an inner slide in the outer shell for slidable movement relative thereto between a closed position and an open position. The inner slide comprises: a body having a first, rear, wall and a second, bottom, wall; and a lid having a first, rear, wall, a second, top, wall and opposed third and fourth, side, walls. The rear walls of the body and the lid are connected along a hinge line about which the lid is pivotable when the inner slide is in the open position.

Abstract: A content-carrying device, such as, for example, a sheet of photographic paper having a photographic image content printed on it, has a key device secured to it that is programmed with information that associates the content-carrying device with content that is related to the content printed on the content-carrying device. A recipient of the content-carrying device may use a key reader to read the information programmed into the key device to access this other related content, which may be stored in electronic form on a storage device at a location designated by the key information.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a nonvolatile memory includes a nonvolatile memory, a working buffer temporality storing a predetermined unit output from the nonvolatile memory, a checksum buffer storing a checksum of at least one unit output from the nonvolatile memory, and a read verification engine controlling storing of a unit output from the nonvolatile memory corresponding to a read signal that is externally input, in the working buffer. The read verification engine calculates a checksum of the unit corresponding to the read signal stored in the working buffer and compares a calculated checksum with a checksum of the unit corresponding to the read signal stored in the checksum buffer.

Abstract: Systems according to embodiments of the present invention include a core adapter module configured to receive reservation information from a reservation system in a first format useable be the reservation system, a web service module configured to identify a provider system based on the reservation information and to place the reservation information into a second format useable by the provider system, and a distribution module configured to send the reservation information in the second format to the provider system. Methods according to embodiments of the present invention include receiving reservation from a reservation system in a first format useable by the reservation system identifying a provider system based on the reservation information, processing the reservation information to place the reservation information into a second format useable by the provider system, and sending the reservation information in the second format to the provider system.

Abstract: An electronic system for recharging prepaid credit/payment cards active on a telecommunication network for electronic bank transactions which comprises a central processing unit (2), a series of electronic terminals (3) in which a user can effect a bank transaction connected to said central processing unit by means of a communication channel (4).

Abstract: A bill depositing/withdrawing apparatus having a cash slot for charging/discharging a bill or bills, comprises: a bill storage section provided inwardly of the cash slot in the apparatus to store a bill or bills, and posture changing means that changes the bill storage section to a money depositing/withdrawing posture, in which a bill or bills are received from and paid to a user through the cash slot, and to a feeding/stacking posture, in which a bill or bills are fed into the apparatus and stacked in the bill storage section, and wherein a bill or bills stored in the bill storage section are caused to project toward a user when the money depositing/withdrawing posture is assumed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically processing financial transactions involving corporate checks. A front end device at a location associated with a merchant and a check processing service configured to detect and process corporate checks. In one embodiment, the detection of the corporate check is achieved at the front end device by reading of an auxiliary on-us field in the check's magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line. Such information denoting the check as a corporate check is used by the check processing service to at least partially base its assessment of whether to approve and process the corporate check electronically.

Abstract: A system and method for tendering payment for products and/or services that are provided to passengers on a transportation vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. More particularly, the present invention provides a system and method that employ a rewritable radio frequency identification device (RFID), or smart card technology, as an electronic wallet to which charges can be wirelessly debited and credited.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a system that includes a smart phone and a smart card. The smart phone includes a web browser and a display for displaying a web page, where the web page includes at least one selectable entry. The smart card includes at least one proactive logic entity, where the at least one proactive logic entity is configured to respond to selection of the at least one selectable on the web page.

Abstract: A delivery system, comprising the steps of: assigning field personnel to provide a delivery or service at a designated location; traveling to the designated location to provide an on-site delivery or service; remotely actuating an opening mechanism to open an emergency exit door; entering the designated location through the door opening; providing a delivery or service at the designated location; and closing the emergency exit door after the delivery or service has been substantially completed.

Abstract: An access control system comprising: a primary contactless read write device; at least one secondary contactless read write device; and a plurality of smart cards configured for use with the primary contactless read write device and the at least one secondary contactless read write device, the plurality of smart cards being further configured to exhibit a temporary storage space for use by one of the primary contactless read write device and the at least one secondary contactless read write device.

Abstract: A purchase transaction device is attached to each product to be purchased in a retail environment. The purchase transaction device is equipped with Electronic Article Surveillance (ESA), a biometric (thumbprint) or non-biometric reader, and the ability to transmit and receive information from a network. The purchase transaction device is also configured with a releasable locking mechanism attaching the device to the product.

Abstract: A method and portable terminal device for collecting data of product items. After the user has counted a number of product items belonging to same product identifier he/she stores the counted number of product items to the terminal device by a voice command. The updated inventory data is then stored to the inventory file of the inventory system using the portable terminal device immediately or afterwards. In addition or alternatively, another voice command is used in initiating the reader to read the product identifier. In addition or alternatively, still another voice command is used to transfer the number of identified products linked to the corresponding product identifiers between the terminal device and the inventory system file. This provides a fast and reliable way of collecting data of products in the inventory systems and also a fast and reliable way of updating information of inventory files in the inventory systems.

Abstract: A Reconfigurable Nose Control System (RNCS) is designed to adjust the flight path of spin-stabilized artillery projectiles. The RNCS uses the surface of a projectile nose cone as a trim tab. The nose cone may be despun by the action of aerodynamic surfaces, to zero spin relative to earth fixed coordinates using local air flow, and deflected by a simple rotary motion of a Divert Motor about the longitudinal axis of the projectile. A forward section of the nose cone having an ogive is mounted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, forming an axial offset of an axis of the forward section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Another section of the nose cone includes another motor, the Roll Generator Motor, that is rotationally decoupled from the forward section and rotates the deflected forward section so that its axis may be pointed in any direction within its range of motion.

Abstract: A wireless sensor reader includes at least one antenna configured for communication with one or more radio frequency (RF) addressable sensors; a controller; a network communications module coupled to the controller, the network communications module having an interface for coupling to a communications network; a logic module coupled to the controller; and a user interface. The logic module includes a sensor communications module for receiving sensor data from the one or more RF addressable sensors. The wireless sensor reader is configured for common designation network communications. The wireless sensor reader is capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal. The wireless sensor reader includes (i) a transmitter and a first receiver, and (ii) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency transmission and provide the electronic signal in order to power up the wireless sensor reader.

Abstract: An interface assembly is for an electronic device including a base and a control on the base and includes a contact on the base and coupled with the control and a data port spaced from the contact. A conductor is disposed between the data port and the contact such that data is transmissible between the data port and the contact through the conductor. The conductor is generally compressed or/and compressible between the data port and the contact and is formed of a conductive carbon material. The data port is spaced from the contact by a distance within a range of values, and the conductor provides a conductive path between the data port and the contact at each spacing distance value. A fluid impermeable cover is disposed over the base and covers the control and the contact to prevent moisture from contacting these components, with the conductor extending through the cover.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a flap with a window that aligns with a signature area on the envelope. The window appears opaque under normal lighting conditions, but appears transparent when illuminated with light having a predetermined wavelength. A movable signature stub is positioned on top of the signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and moves the signature stub. The flap of the envelope is then sealed, thereby covering the voter's signature in the signature area with the window of the envelope flap. To read the signature, light having the predetermined wavelength can be directed onto the window, thereby rendering the window transparent and the signature visible.

Abstract: The invention provides for a card reader, and a self-service terminal employing the same. The reader comprises a card receiving means (14) for receiving a card having stored data to be read and card reading means (12) for reading the stored data. The reader is arranged to deliver a card received at the card receiving means (14) to the card reading means via a delivery path. The path (30) is arranged to maintain the card in a predetermined plane during transportation. A signal source (28) is arranged to produce an output signal (26) which is projected across the delivery path (30) in the plane which a card passes when in use. Detecting means (32) are also arranged to receive the output signal (26) and to detect the presence of an object in the path (30) in response to the object interfering with the signal.

Abstract: A POS-based digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an coplanar illumination and imaging station for projecting at least one coplanar illumination and imaging plane into a imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The coplanar illumination and imaging station includes an illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible VLDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) laser diodes (IR-LDs). wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and are substantially coplanar with the FOV of the linear image sensing array.

Abstract: A barcode reader having a diffuser providing diffused light to a surface including a target barcode, the diffuser including an aiming screen portion, a camera capturing an image of the target barcode and an aiming mechanism projecting an aiming pattern on the surface, the aiming pattern being reflected by the surface, wherein, when a reflection of the aiming pattern creates an aiming image on the aiming screen, the barcode reader is oriented to read the target barcode.

Abstract: A apparatus, method, and system for reading an optical code with an image scanning device. The apparatus includes an image capture device with an electronic shutter that freezes the motion of the optical code so a clear image can be captured. The clear image allows the image scanning device to detect and read optical codes with high pass-by speeds.

Abstract: Methods and systems to meter point-of-purchase conduct with a wireless communication device equipped with a camera are disclosed. An example method includes receiving purchased product information from a camera-enabled telephone and receiving at least one of user demographics or user identification information from the camera-enabled telephone. The example method also includes receiving point-of-purchase information from the camera-enabled telephone.

Abstract: A barcode reader having a light source illuminating a barcode, a diffuser disposed between the light source and the barcode, a camera opening at least partially surrounded by the diffuser, light reflected from the barcode passing through the camera opening and a camera oriented to acquire light reflected from the barcode after passing through the diffuser from the light source.

Abstract: A device for optically multiplexing a laser beam, having a glass plate construction with an input surface and an output surface, and bearing reflective and semi-reflective coatings arranged so as to optically multiplex an input laser beam entering the input surface, into multiple spatial-coherence reduced output laser beams exiting from the output surface. Through such optical multiplexing, and recombination, the coherence of the resulting laser beam is substantially reduced, as is the power of speckle pattern noise observed at an image detection array detecting an image of an object illuminated by said laser beam.

Abstract: A laser illumination beam generation system including a laser diode (LD) for producing a laser beam in response to a diode current supplied thereto, wherein the laser beam has a central characteristic wavelength. Diode current drive circuitry generates the diode current and supplies the same to the VLD. A high frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry modulates the diode current supplied to the laser diode, so as to produce a spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and thereby reduces the coherence of the laser illumination beam as well as its coherence length. An optical multiplexing (OMUX) device receives the laser beam as an input beam and generates multiple laser beams therefrom and recombines the multiple laser beams so as to produce a composite output laser illumination beam having reduce coherence.

Abstract: A portable data capturing device including an upper housing including a display on one side thereof and a lower housing, the housings being mechanically connected together with a hinge arrangement in such a way so as to allow the two housings to be moved between an open position and first and second closed positions, wherein in the first closed position the display is not visible to a user of the device but in the second closed position the display is visible to a user of the device. A flexible electrical signal connection extends between the two separate housings. Also included in the housings are processing means with program and data storage memory, a keypad, a barcode reader, at least one battery to power the device and a communications interface to allow the device to communicate with another device. Furthermore, the device may include an RFID reader integrated into one of the two housings.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a symbol associated with an object which includes a housing and an imaging module connected to the housing, where the imaging module includes at least one lens for creating an image of the symbol. The imaging module further has a sensor for sensing the image. An electroluminescent light sheet is connected to the housing, and the electroluminescent light sheet provides at least one of dark field illumination and bright field illumination.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a marking device for a storage and/or transport container for medical devices with a mat made of sterilizable material and a marking element for storage of electronic information on characteristic parameters of the medical devices stored and/or transported in the storage and transport container, which can be read out in wireless fashion. An RFID tag can be used, for example, as marking element, in which information concerning sterilization processes, sterilization time and/or other parameters characteristic for the medical devices accommodated in the storage and/or transport container is stored.

Abstract: An invention relating to an eFuse bar code structure and a method of using the bar code structure is disclosed. The bar code structure includes a substrate and a plurality of eFuse elements disposed on the substrate and arranged in a form of an array, such that a bar pattern can be formed by the result of whether the fuse of the eFuse elements is blown or not. The method of using the bar code structure includes, with respect to a data, fuses of the eFuse elements in the bar code structure being correspondingly blown in accordance with an encoding method to form a bar pattern. The eFuse bar code structure according to the present invention can be manufactured by using a semiconductor manufacturing process, and thus it has small volume, a high density and may record a huge number of data.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system containing at least one outdoor unit and plural indoor units and a central control device for concentrically controlling the overall air conditioning system and calculating an energy using charge corresponding to an energy using amount of each indoor unit as a charge proration data, the central control device includes an operation data obtaining unit for obtaining operation data based on an operation state of each indoor unit every predetermined time, a storing unit for successively storing the obtained operation data in a database, and a calculation unit for extracting the operation data used to calculate the charge proration data from the database and calculating the charge proration data on the basis of the extracted operation data.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for operating a steam power plant having a coal-fired steam generator, in which at least two partial air streams are heated by means of the exchange of heat in at least one exhaust gas/air heat exchanger with hot exhaust gases that are obtained in the steam generator by the combustion of coal. The coal is dried in a milling-drying system with a first partial air stream of the heated air supplied as a primary air stream and a second partial air stream of the heated air is supplied to the steam generator as a secondary air stream for the combustion of the coal. The secondary air stream is preheated in an air/air heat exchanger upstream from the exhaust gas/air heat exchanger, with respect to the direction in which the secondary air stream flows, by the exchange of heat with the heated primary air stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a domestic water heating unit (10) for mobile applications, with a domestic water storage unit (12). The invention provides that the domestic water heating unit (10) has a fluid/domestic water heat exchanger (14), wherein thermal energy can be supplied to the fluid (16) via an auxiliary heating device, and the thermal energy from the fluid (16) can be transferred at least in part (20) [sic] via the heat exchanger (14). The invention further relates to a method for heating domestic water.

Abstract: A heat exchange and ventilation system integrated with a hollow core concrete floor having an air passage therethrough with an inlet and outlet for receiving air and permitting relative heat exchange therebetween; a raised floor supported by said hollow core concrete floor, defining a floor plenum between said hollow core concrete floor and said raised floor, said floor plenum communicating with said outlet so as to receive air from said air passage through said hollow core concrete floor; and adjustable terminal means carried by said raised floor for delivering a portion of said air from said floor plenum into a space above said floor. A method of conditioning air through a hollow core medium supporting a raised floor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elongate railway crosstie for supporting rail tracks on a bed of stones or the like, said tie having a first end, a second end, a length between said first and second ends and a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces between said first and second ends, characterized in that at least one of said side surfaces has a portion of a non-planar stone-embeddable form extending between said first and second ends, so-shaped as to effect reduced lateral and longitudinal slippage of said tie within said bed, while providing a reduction in the volume of material used.

Abstract: An adjustable variable-effect fountain for a liquid, such as water, is disclosed. A support frame includes an upper support level, under which a pump is adapted to fit. The support frame includes a base that has a substantially hollow, water impermeable enclosure with an open top end. A cover plate having at least one apertures therein is adapted to fit at least partially within the top open end of the base to form the upper support level. An elongated pipe has an upper open end and a lower end adapted to engage an outlet port of the pump, and at least one of the apertures in the cover plate is of sufficient size to receive the pipe therethrough. A plurality of stackable members each include at least one aperture therethrough, each aperture being of sufficient size to receive the pipe therethrough. A bottom-most member is supported by the upper support level of the support frame.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to disseminate volatile liquid, such as an insecticide or a fragrance, into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising a reservoir containing volatile liquid and a liquid transfer member adapted to have contact with both liquid and atmosphere, the transfer member being slideable within a liquid-impermeable sleeve and having a liquid-impermeable lower end, the liquid-impermeable lower end and liquid-impermeable sleeve combining, when the transfer member is in a raised position, to deny access of the liquid to the transfer member, the transfer member being held in the raised position by suitable releasable locking means that, when released, allows the transfer member to be moved with respect to the sleeve to a lowered position in liquid transfer contact with the liquid. The apparatus is convenient to use and leakproof, and it permits liquid dissemination to be stopped and started at will.

Abstract: A zone pressure management system and method are provided for use in an irrigation system having at least one irrigation controller for operating multiple irrigation zones each including multiple irrigation devices or heads, wherein a water supply pump is variably controlled to deliver water to each irrigation zone at an individually preset pressure selected to meet zone pressure requirements while minimizing pump energy requirements. The irrigation controller operates a plurality of solenoid control valves or the like associated respectively with the multiple irrigation zones, and is adapted to open these valves typically in a timed sequence for water flow from the pump to the associated irrigation zones. A zone pressure management unit or module monitors the irrigation controller to determine which irrigation zone is in an “on” state, and signals a pump controller for operating the pump to produce a unique and programmably set output pressure for that irrigation zone.

Abstract: A watering nozzle includes a water volume detection unit received in the barrel of the watering nozzle and the water volume detection unit has two stationary members and a rotatable member which is rotatably connected between the two stationary members. The rotatable member has a magnet connected thereto which is rotated with the rotatable member when water passes through the rotatable member. A display unit is connected to the barrel and has a circuit board and a display member which is electrically connected to the circuit board. The times of revolution are detected by a magnetic spring switch on the circuit board and transferred into digits on the display member to show the volume of water that flows through the rotatable member and the nozzle unit connected to the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of utilizing ultrasound to atomize a liquid comprising the steps of inducing ultrasonic vibrations within a solid member, delivering a liquid to be atomized to a surface of said member from which ultrasonic waves radiate from said member (hereafter referred to as a “radiation surface”), and allowing the liquid delivered to said radiation to be atomized and propelled away from said member. Delivering the liquid to be atomized to the radiation surface of the vibrating member may comprise the steps placing the liquid on a side of the vibrating member and allowing the liquid to be carried by the ultrasonic waves traveling through the vibrating member to a radiation surface. Alternatively, delivering the liquid to be atomized to a radiation surface of the vibrating member may comprise the step of passing the liquid through a channel opening within a radiation surface.

Abstract: A spray device which can spray a liquid without using a pump and does not cause dripping of a material liquid at a spray port is provided. The spray device comprises a housing 2, a material liquid tank 6 attached to or stored in the housing 2 and reserving a predetermined material liquid, a spray portion 20 having a spray port for spraying the material liquid to the outside, a liquid passage 8 having the material liquid tank 6 communicate with the spray portion 20, and liquid passing adjusting unit 10 for applying resistance to a flow of the material liquid in the liquid passage 8, and the liquid passage 8 is arranged so that the flow direction of the material liquid in the liquid passage 8 is coaxial with the spray direction of the spray portion 20.

Abstract: A sprinkler having a water-driven drive mechanism or motor for rotating a sprinkler head is disclosed where the drive mechanism converts a constant input rate into a variable rate to reduce tailing from overly-rapid rotation and to promote full develop of water stream discharge profile. The drive mechanism includes continuously engaged members including one or more planet gears each having an offset or eccentrically positioned engagement portion for driving a second gear member. As the planet gear rotates, the movement of the engagement portion has a radial component relative to the second gear, and the rotational velocity of the second gear is related to the radial position of the engagement portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray washer nozzle structure for a vehicle. The spray washer nozzle structure includes: a housing installed to a hood panel or a cowl top cover of a vehicle; and a spray washer nozzle integrally formed with the housing for supplying toward the windshield glass of a vehicle a cleaning solution received from the housing.

Abstract: A nozzle for a spray head includes a nozzle body having a cavity which can be supplied with discharge material via a material feed and in which a swirl-inducing body is arranged which has arranged on it a nozzle insert with a nozzle bore via which the discharge material can be sprayed out. The swirl-inducing body has a disk or plate-shaped base on which an annular web is arranged, with the base being breached by at least one through opening which is arranged radially outside the annular web. The annular web is breached at least one point radially from the outside to the inside by at least one substantially straight or helical groove, and the swirl-inducing body and the nozzle insert are arranged in the nozzle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines having a valve body in which a blind hole is formed, with at least one injection opening proceeding from said blind hole. A longitudinally displaceable needle in the valve body has a valve sealing face formed at its end which faces towards the blind hole. The valve sealing face is formed from one or more conical faces, and the valve needle interacting, by means of a body seat, with said valve sealing face to control a fuel flow to the at least one injection opening. A needle tip adjoining the valve sealing face dips into the blind hole when the valve needle bears against the body seat, the needle tip being curved in a concave fashion directly adjacent to the valve sealing face.

Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle for use with an internal combustion engine utilizes arrangements of nozzle openings that are designed to increase fuel contact with oxygen within a combustion chamber. Nozzle openings are positioned in more than one plane substantially parallel with the cylinder head surface, with the planes preferably at least 2 millimeters apart, and with the respective pluralities of nozzle openings oriented to provide diverging injection angles in relation to the cylinder head surface. The fuel injector is particularly designed for use with oxygen-dilute (e.g., high EGR) controlled temperature combustion, direct injection compression ignition engines.

Abstract: In the valve, fuel, flowing down as a valve side flow along the side of the valve, further flows down toward an orifice plate through a fuel path which closes and opens upon forward and backward movement of the valve, and is injected as a mist from each orifice. The valve moves forward and backward by sliding on a valve surrounding portion through a guide portion constituted by plural sliding guides arranged between the valve and valve surrounding portion. Since the sliding guides are tapered from the valve to the surrounding portion, the side flow from the guide portion has a flow velocity distribution biased toward the surrounding portion.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a liquid includes a chamber holding a supply of liquid, an annular conduit substantially filled with liquid from the chamber, and a thermoelectric transducer near one end of the annular conduit. Upon application of electrical current to the thermoelectric transducer, the transducer operates to cause boiling of a quantity of liquid in the annular conduit. Expansion of a resulting bubble forces liquid out the end of the annular conduit. The dispenser may include battery powered electronic control circuit that includes a supercapacitor. The liquid may be dispensed in periodic bursts. In one application, the dispenser is especially suited to automatically and unobtrusively dispense a fragrance, perfume, or other personal care liquid worn by a person. In some applications, the dispenser may be worn on or under an article of clothing, or attached to an article of jewelry.

Abstract: A beater for a rotary shredder comprises an oblong base body with a pivot bearing adapted for pivotal connection of the beater to a rotor. A cutting head is formed with protruding cutting edges on opposite ends supported by the base body via the support surface. Complementary interlocking structures are provided by the support surface on the support surface and the cutting head. A releasable connection passes through the complementary structures connecting the base body with the cutting head. The complementary structures are provided by a recess formed in the support surface of the base body and a thereto complementary projection of the cutting head.

Abstract: Provided is a pail-pack for welding wire including: an outer tube forming a main body and having a square cross-section; a cover covering an upper end of the outer tube; and a bottom plate provided inside a lower end of the outer tube and having a support part that is bent downward from an edge of the bottom plate to contact an inner lateral surface of the lower end of the outer tube. Accordingly, the pail-pack for welding wire is easy to load and keep and can be carried more stably.

Abstract: Provided is a pail-pack for welding wire including: an outer cylinder forming a main body; a bottom plate provided inside a lower end of the outer cylinder and having a support part that is bent downward from an edge of the bottom plate to contact an inner circumferential surface of the lower end of the outer cylinder; and a polygonal tube inscribed in the outer cylinder and having a polygonal cross-section containing a welding wire winding layer therein. Accordingly, the pail-pack for welding wire is easy to recycle and carry and has increased strength.