Abstract: Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.

Abstract: The present invention is a data transfer system and method in which paper-based forms sum up patient encounter information using a combination of machine readable barcodes and OMR bubbles to transfer patient encounter information from paper forms into electronic medical billing information systems.

Abstract: A method for storing banking transaction information, includes: entering, by a first bank teller, first banking transaction information corresponding to a first bank customer into a first bank teller computer; storing the first banking transaction information at the first bank teller computer; transmitting the first banking transaction information from the first bank teller computer to a second bank teller computer that is used by a second bank teller; and storing the first banking transaction information at the second bank teller computer.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for performing transactions with a universal transaction card. A computer system in a specified venue submits an accessed card serial number, corresponding to a detected universal transaction card, to a card management system. The universal transaction card is authenticated, and the card management system returns venue specific content back to the computer system. The computer system presents the venue specific content. A user at computer system can then interact with venue specific content to perform venue specific transactions. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention facilitate the use of a single passive card that can uniquely identify customers, display and access venue specific information, and automatically charge users for products and services.

Abstract: A credit card transaction authorization method includes receiving information concerning a prospective remote credit card transaction with a credit card, obtaining location information from a wireless network provider for a wireless terminal that is associated with a cardholder of the credit card for the prospective credit card transaction, and correlating a location of the wireless terminal with a registered purchasing location associated with the user. Authorization information for the prospective credit card transaction may be generated in response to a result of the correlation of the location of the wireless terminal and the registered purchasing location. Credit card transaction servers and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A scanner or other data reader is equipped with means for determining characteristics of an operator's scanning technique. In a preferred configuration, the scanner is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale. Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information. The scanner may be connected to a PC-based training system which uses the scanning technique information to provide feedback to the operator indicating the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique, and may also provide information to management for analysis. The technique information may be collected by a store controller or other suitable collection device for later analysis and reporting.

Abstract: A labeling system includes at least one display device associated with one or more particular locations within a space and a device associated with the at least one display device that identifies that display device or a portion thereof with a particular location in the space.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for monitoring and tracking an item in a controlled space. In one embodiment, a portal system that monitors the controlled space includes a radio frequency tag that is attached to inventory and a portal device, which includes a computing device, a receiver and a locking door. The receiver is configured to receive a signal from radio frequency tag, and send the signal to the computing device. The locking door is coupled to the computing device. The computing device is configured to verify whether the user is authorized to be taking inventory in and out of the controlled space through the locking door based on the received signal, and to unlock the locking door based on the received signal. The computing device has a database that includes the total value of the inventory that the user has taken out of the controlled space.

Abstract: Associating and/or disassociating a mobile point-of-sale scanner device with a particular shopper. Shoppers may be identified, for example, using biometrics or by scanning a loyalty card. As an example of using biometrics, the shopper's fingerprint may be scanned as a trigger of the scanner is activated to scan an item's barcode. The fingerprint is preferably transmitted, along with the scanned barcode, to a server or other device for comparison to previously-stored information. The scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the fingerprint corresponds. In another embodiment, scanned loyalty card information is preferably transmitted (optionally, along with a scanned barcode), such that the scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the loyalty card corresponds.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system having a set of standard features and functions, and a set of custom features and functionalities said external host computer system, which can be extended by third parties to modify the standard behavior of the digital image capture and processing system into a custom behavior for the system, without permanently modifying the standard features and functions thereof.

Abstract: There is described in one embodiment a method for use by an apparatus that can acquire an image. According to a described method, a method can include acquiring an image and can further include evaluating an image. According to a described method, an apparatus can acquire an image, can evaluate an image, and can provide parameters for utilization by the apparatus. In another embodiment, there is described an apparatus comprising a plurality of digitizers. In one example of an embodiment of an apparatus including a plurality of digitizers, the digitizers can be configured to run in parallel. In another example of an embodiment of an apparatus including a plurality of digitizers, the digitizers can be configured to run in series.

Abstract: An optical reader comprises: a first illumination source for projecting a first illumination field on a target; a second illumination source for projecting a second illumination field on a target; an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof; and, a processor for decoding information from information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals; and, wherein the illuminance of the first illumination field on the target at a distance D from the first illumination source is greater than the illuminance of the second illumination field on the target at the distance D from the second illumination source.

Abstract: A modular camera having a chassis module, a camera module, an illumination module and a communications module that together form a cooling passageway. The chassis module has a back wall having a first end and an opposite second end, a bottom wall having at least one opening formed therein, a first fan mounted at the chassis back wall first end, and a second fan mounted at the chassis back wall second end. The camera module has a body, wherein the camera body is removably received through a hole formed through the chassis module back wall. The illumination module has a back wall, wherein the illumination module is removably coupled to the chassis module so that the illumination module back wall is spaced apart from the chassis module back wall. The communication module is removably coupled to the chassis module. The chassis module back wall, the camera module body, the illumination module back wall and the communications module together form a cooling channel.

Abstract: A method of modifying and/or extending the standard features and functions of a digital image capture and processing system. The method involves providing the system with a set of standard features and functions, and a computing platform which includes (i) memory for storing pieces of original product code written by the original designers of the system, and (ii) a microprocessor for running one or more applications by calling and executing pieces of the original product code in a particular sequence, so as support the set of standard features and functions which characterize a standard behavior of the system. The one or more pieces of original product code have a set of place holders into which third-party product code can be inserted or plugged by third parties, including value-added resellers (VARs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and also end-users of the system.

Abstract: Described is an improved trigger assembly for use in an electronic device. The trigger assembly includes a pressure sensitive member and a trigger button. The pressure sensitive member includes two or more conductive lines. The pressure sensitive member is secured to a portion of the mobile terminal. The trigger button is secured to the mobile terminal in a manner such that a force applied to the trigger button causes a resultant force to be applied on the pressure sensitive member. The force applied on the pressure sensitive member causes a change in an electrical property between at least two of the conductive lines. A module measures the electrical property between the conductive lines. A function of the device is initiated depending on a comparison of the measured electrical property to a threshold value.

Abstract: The proposed apparatus (100) for recognizing user identifying data, stored in a support, and for joining the support to a corresponding document containing personal pieces of information, to be sent to the user, is associated to a documents (D) feeding line (A), which includes: a magazine (10) for storing a series of supports (11). A plurality of reading devices (12) read and recognize the data stored in the supports (11). A work unit (L) is situated near the feeding line (A) and has a work surface (13), on which the reading devices (12) are placed The work surface (13) is rotated to convey angularly the reading devices (12), so that each of them is placed, for each complete rotation of the surface (13), subsequently in a positions corresponding to a first section (S1) and to a second section (S2) of the unit (L). First conveying means (T1) are situated between the magazine (10) and the first section (S1) of the unit (L), to convey the supports (11) from the magazine (10) to a respective reading device (12).

Abstract: A secure card reader (1) includes several security measures. Access to the reader's main circuitry is prevented by an enclosure (9) whose walls contain embedded i conductive paths (18a, 18b, 18c). Breaking or grounding of one of these paths can be detected electronically. A similar arrangement of conductive paths prevent enlarging of a card receiving slot (9c) If tampering is detected using the embedded conductive paths (18a, 18b, 18c), the reader's memory (69) is wiped. The enclosure (9) has apertures (20) in its walls and is held in place by a potting material that extends into the apertures. Means (31, 35) is also provided to detect attempts to probe behind a keypad membrane (7). The contacts (42) for the chip of a chip card are arranged so that their leads all extend away from the card insertion slot.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a serial ATA (SATA) card reader control system and a controlling method of the same. The SATA card reader control system and the controlling method are capable of identifying a flash memory card type which is intended to be accessed by an SATA host based on a 4-bit Port Multiplier port information defined in SATA Frame Information Structure (FIS). Accordingly, the SATA host with usage of only one physical transport can access at most fifteen different types of flash memory cards. And a SATA transmission interface can be utilized in a multi-card reader in order to access various types of flash memory cards and increase the transmission speed between the SATA host and the multi-card reader.

Abstract: Laminates are provided which are to be laminated onto identification documents, for example cards or passports, to provide protection for the document. Each laminate is provided with a unique code. The codes on the laminates can be read and stored with cardholder data. After issuance, the code can be read and then the stored codes accessed to determine whether or not the code, and the associated card, is correct. The codes can also be provided to the user of the laminate roll to be stored in a database accessible by the personalization equipment. The equipment can then read each code, and check the code against the database to determine whether the code is proper. If the code is not proper, the equipment operator can be alerted to that fact, and suitable action taken.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking a bar code in a package includes a carrier with a plurality of apertures. The carrier is formed with a plastic material containing an absorbing dye and a fluorescing dye so that a bar code on each container is not readable by a bar code scanner.

Abstract: A chip for a smart card including a plurality of electrical contacts for communication of data with a smart card reader is disclosed. In one embodiment, a chip for a smart card includes a core circuit and a plurality of input/output pads corresponding to said set of electrical contacts, wherein said input/output pads are divided into at least a first column and a second column placed immediately adjacent to the first column, such that the first and second columns form a cluster. In another embodiment, eight input/output pads are divided into two columns, placed immediately adjacent to each other. The cluster may be partially surrounded by the core circuit. The chip may further comprise an ESD network, comprising VDD and GND buses for improved ESD protection while reducing the size of the chip.

Abstract: Universal electronic card, of the smart card or intelligent card type, similar to a form of plastic card, with integrated circuital elements which are integrated in the thickness of the stratified card and with in it at least one microchip, structured integrally with: i—a microprocessor associated to a memory; ii—an interchangeable flat battery within the card-thickness able to power-supply the said microprocessor and the said memory; iii—at least one data transmission device connected to the said microprocessor and/or to the said memory; iv—one fingerprint reader device integrated in it and to the processor system to read the imprint of the user, checking its authenticity before allowing the access at its various functions.

Abstract: When at least one IC chip is mounted on electrode parts, a connecting part for mounting IC chip according to the present invention can control an area of an overlap between the electrode parts on which each IC chip is mounted and each IC chip according to a mounting position of each IC chip. An antenna circuit according to the present invention includes a connecting part for mounting IC chip and an antenna unit of the present invention. An IC inlet according to the present invention includes at least one IC chip on the connecting part for mounting IC chip of the antenna circuit of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a foldable document comprising a support (10) provided with first and second parts (12, 14) adapted to pivot relative to each other about a folding axis (16) along the edges of (18, 20) of said parts and a non-contact electronic device (1) mounted in the first part (12) of the support and comprising an electronic microcircuit (3) and an antenna (2) electrically connected to said electronic microcircuit (3), and adapted to be (electro)magnetically coupled with an external reading station (5).

Abstract: Disclosed are arrangements encode protection marks (302) into an unprotected document, where the protection marks are modulated according to a attributes of corresponding areas (902) of the unprotected document associated with the protection marks (302). Unauthorised amendment of the protected document can be detected by demodulating (1107) the modulated protection marks in the protected document, to derive the attribute of the unprotected document. This is compared to the corresponding attribute of the protected document, and this comparison indicates if unauthorised amendment has taken place.

Abstract: An apparatus that monitors the voter's actions while he or she votes, with tests for applied pressure, rapid and deliberate motion, and range of motion, within a limited time frame and designated area, to thereby generate electronic data directly and simultaneously from the voter's hand motion and thus accurately determine the voter's intent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermostatic water mixing valve having a sub-base coupled to a base, both having a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet. A disk assembly including a lower or stationary disk and an upper or rotatable disk are positioned on the base. Each disk includes a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a central opening. The lower disk also has a peripheral notch that receives an extent of an engaging member that extends from a sidewall of the base, while the upper disk has a peripheral cavity that also receives an extent of the engaging member. A cap is coupled to the upper disk, wherein the cap and the upper disk rotate as a unit with respect to the lower disk. The cap has a hot water cavity and cold water cavity positioned about a central opening. A cartridge assembly extends through the cap and includes a collar with at least one aperture aligned with the cold water cavity of the cap.

Abstract: A fluid delivery control system including a rotatable flow control member to provide a flow control signal to a controller and a rotatable temperature control member to provide a temperature control signal to a controller.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus that utilizes heated fluid circulated through heat emitting tubing held within heat emitting plates that transfer heat from the tubing to the sub-floor of an occupied space for purposes of heating that space. The configuration and placement of the heat emitting plates is such that heat is transferred by means of conduction, convection and radiation while avoiding potential puncture from nails or other penetrations of the sub-floor from above the sub-floor. A manifold configuration allows for fluid distribution to the heat emitting tubing in joist spaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building heating system which includes an insulated foundation (9) beneath the lowermost (12) of the building. According to the invention, the system comprises at least one heat pump (1, 2) that includes a heat absorbing side (2) located in the foundation space (9). The system also includes means (23) for distributing air from the foundation space (9) to spaces situated above the floor (12). The system also includes means (7) for delivering external air to the foundation space (9). The invention also relates to a method of heating a building.

Abstract: A dry-fire protection system and method. The dry-fire protection system includes a tank, a heating element, a powered electrode, a sensor, and a microcircuit. The heating element and the powered electrode are positioned in the tank, the powered electrode being positioned above the heating element. The powered electrode includes an electrode wire and a connector having an electrical connector coupled to the electrode wire, but electrically isolated from the tank, and a fastener for coupling the powered electrode to the tank. The sensor detects an electrical characteristic of a circuit formed by the tank, the powered electrode, and water in the tank. The microcircuit determines if a possible dry-fire condition exists based on a signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling edge definition of viscous material applied to an application area on a substrate comprises dispensing a row of droplets of the viscous material onto the application area with a dispensing apparatus. While moving relative to the substrate along a path proximate the row of droplets, the dispensing apparatus dispenses a fan spray pattern of the viscous material. At least some of the viscous material dispensed in the fan spray pattern impinges and mixes with the row of droplets to define an edge of the fan spray pattern.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting has a water inlet, at least one operating element and an outlet, the outlet consisting, at least in part, of a transparent material. Also provided is an illuminating device which incorporates light into the transparent material. In this way, straightforward technical means provide for a large number of new design possibilities which increase the attractiveness of the sanitary fitting for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to provide in an atmosphere one of at least three volatile liquids, the apparatus comprising a source of air current, radially extending from the source of air current a plurality of coplanar air channels, corresponding to the number of volatile liquids, placed such that the air current flows through them, each channel leading to a different volatile liquid-emitting member and then into the atmosphere; and located in each channel between the source and the volatile liquid-emitting member, means of blocking the channel and preventing the flow of air therethrough. The apparatus allows an easy change from one liquid to another and control over the time of the emission of each liquid.

Abstract: A fluid applicator. The fluid applicator includes a body having a nozzle and trigger and optionally at least one part connected to the body, the body having a groove therein; and a removable color-coded identification clip made of a flexible material positioned in the groove in the body. The invention also involves a method of identifying a fluid applicator.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device (1) for atomising a product including: a reservoir (10) containing the product, means of atomising the product which include: a wall (20) permeable to the product through which the product is sprayed, an actuator (40) designed to cause the permeable wall (20) to vibrate thereby atomising the product, the device being characterised in that the reservoir contains a porous member (30), in contact with the permeable wall so as to feed product thereto, the porous member occupying substantially the entire volume of the reservoir.

Abstract: A self-cleaning sprinkler is disclosed. The self-cleaning sprinkler includes a housing having an internal chamber. The internal chamber defines an interior scraping surface. A rotatable spool is disposed within the internal chamber. The spool includes external threads, defining a spiral passageway. Pressurized fluid passing through the spiral passageway causes the spool to rotate. As the spool rotates, debris is compressed between the threads and the scraping surface, breaking the debris up into smaller pieces.

Abstract: A sprinkler comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a water supply line and extending into an inlet chamber, a hollow stem member with an inlet end thereof being in flow communication with said inlet chamber and an outlet end thereof being in flow communication with an irrigation head, a diaphragm seal sealingly fixed at peripheral boundaries thereof to the housing and sealingly articulated to the stem member and supporting it at an essentially upright position. The diaphragm is deformable between a first position in which the irrigation head is retracted within the housing and a second position in which the irrigation head projects from the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary nozzle combination (P) for coating product comprising an atomizing bowl (3) and a rotor (11) adapted to rotate the bowl about a geometrical axis (X-X?), and means (4, 5, 6, 7) for controlling the presence and/or proper mounting of the bowl (3) on the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is spaced apart from a non-rotating part (P1) and the control means comprise first means (4, 5) enabling a force (F3) to be applied on the bowl (3) tending to vary the thickness of an air-film of the pneumatic thrust bearing (P1), as well as second means (7, 8) for determining the air pressure in the bearing (P1). The pressure of air in the thrust bearing (P1) can be determined when the latter is normally supplied and compared with at least one reference value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor nozzle, in particular for high pressure devices, having a nozzle housing which has a swirl chamber between a rear inflow opening for a fluid, in particular water, and a front outlet opening, with a front end of a rotor, which is inclined during operation toward a longitudinal axis, being supported at a bearing, in particular a cup-shaped bearing, in said swirl chamber and being able to be driven by fluid flowing into the swirl chamber to make a rotary movement around the longitudinal axis such that the fluid exits the nozzle housing via the outlet opening in the form of a conical jet, and having a gravity circuit which includes at least one movable switching element and which switches between at least two different operating modes by movement of the rotor nozzle in the space, wherein the gravity circuit is arranged in the front region of the rotor nozzle downstream of the swirl chamber, wherein the switching element releases the outlet opening and closes a functional opening o

Abstract: The invention relates to a pump intended to be mounted on a bottle so as to enable a liquid contained in said bottle to be dispensed, said pump including a pump body, an atomizer secured to a push button, a means for the elastic return of the translatory motion of said atomizer in said body, and a plunger mounted in frictional contact against the internal surface of said body so as to define a dosing chamber which is in communication with the liquid by means of a clack valve, wherein the plunger is mounted coaxially around the atomizer in an association zone, said association zone being arranged so as to enable sealed swiveling between the plunger and the atomizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray head for atomising a medium using a pressurised propellant, with a spray head body (10) which comprises a fastening ring (6) and an actuating element (20) movably connected thereto, a holding element (12) which comprises an inlet port (24), an adjoining duct section (26) and a holding section (28), and a duct element (14) which has an outlet port (62) for the medium and which has in at least one section a diameter such that the medium to be discharged atomizes in the flow of propellant, the duct element (14) preferably being a capillary pipe or capillary tube and/or having a constant diameter over its entire length, the duct element (14) being arranged in the holding section (28) of the holding element (12) and, preferably, being bent through approximately 90° in the holding section (28) of the holding element (12) and the holding element (12) preferably being connected to the spray head body (10).

Abstract: Spray nozzle comprising a front wall, an outlet channel delimited by a lateral surface substantially of revolution about an axis perpendicular to the front wall, an intake conduit supplying fluid product to the outlet channel, said intake conduit extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis, substantially tangentially to the lateral surface of the outlet channel, between an upstream and a downstream end opening out into the lateral surface of the outlet channel, the lateral surface of the outlet channel comprising a relief arranged radially relative to the axis and suitable for forming a static surface layer of fluid product.

Abstract: The invention concerns a push-button nozzle for liquid or semi-liquid product dispenser, said dispenser comprising means for delivering the product under pressure which are mounted on the product container bottle and which comprise an ejection tube projecting outside. The invention is characterized in that said nozzle comprises a needle valve tightly closing the spraying orifice provided at the end of said nozzle, means for being fixed on the ejection tube and means for supplying products to a turbulence chamber located proximate said orifice.

Abstract: A fuel injector (1), in particular a pump-nozzle injector for a diesel engine has an injector body (50), which is held in place with a nozzle body (40) and/or a lower body (60) by a clamping nut (10, 30). The fuel supply conduit of the injector body (50) is provided with a fuel filter (20), which is offset in the longitudinal direction of the fuel injector (1) in relation to the clamping nut (10, 30) and is configured independently of said clamping nut (10, 30) on the fuel injector (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shutoff mechanism for shredders. The shredder has a shutoff button coupled to the on/off switch whereby activation of the shutoff button results in the on/off switch switching to the off position thereby shutting off power to the shredder. The shredder can also be turned off by the conventional means of sliding the on/off switch from the on to the off position.

Abstract: A multi-functional food processor contains a machine body and a top cover. It further includes a container and a driving device. The drive shaft of the driving device is extended to the container, and a juicer shredder, a vegetable shredder or a meat grinder blade are selectively installed in the transmission shaft, which is connected to the drive shaft. The top cover is provided with two feed tubes, where the first feed tube is use for feeding vegetables and fruits in conjunction with a first pusher. The second feed tube is used for feeding vegetables or meat, and uses a vegetable shredder or a meat grinder blade in conjunction with push of the second pusher. A safety switch is mounted between the feed tubes, and it allows only one pusher to operate in each sole feed tube thus avoiding the food being fed into the wrong feed tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shutoff mechanism for shredders. The shredder has a shutoff button coupled to the on/off switch whereby activation of the shutoff button results in the on/off switch switching to the off position thereby shutting off power to the shredder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for granulation of an ejected material form at least one nozzle (7), in particular a thermoplastic plastic, with a perforated plate (2) comprising the nozzles (7). A blade head (10), supporting several blades (11) lies opposite the same, fixed to a shaft (9) which is rotatably driven by a motor (13). The motor (13) is suspended such as to be displaced relative to the housing (1) by means of a suspension (15), however the above is suspended in such a manner that displacement is only possible in the direction of the axis (8) of the shaft (9) and not in a radial direction. Said suspension (15) comprises at least one membrane (14) which suspends the motor (13) on the granulator housing (1). The motor (13) can be adjusted relative to the perforated plate (2) by means of an adjuster device (27), such that the desired pressure of the blade on the perforated plate (2) is maintained. The excised granulate particles are drawn out of the housing (1) by means of coolant.

Abstract: A jaw crusher where the tension rod includes an electronically-controlled hydraulic pre-load and an automatically releasable pre-load whenever adjustments to the size of the material output are made, together with a remote visual indicator of the setting of the size of the material output.