Abstract: A wedge-shaped support caddy device suitably adapted to be placed on an automobile seat to provide a level surface on which to place objects, while also providing a container for smaller objects. The support caddy device is constructed of corrugated cardboard for strength, rigidity, durability, and low cost, and can be manufactured from a unitary sheet, thereby allowing for ease of storage until needed for use, when it can be folded into its intended configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is to an easy-open envelope having a tear-line located within a length of the envelope's seam fastened to frangible portions of the envelope created by strategically placed perforations creating an envelope mailer with an integral opener that eliminates the need for using a knife or letter opener potentially damaging the envelope contents or using a finger which leaves the envelope ragged.

Abstract: A banknote transporter comprising a carrier (1) and a lid. The carrier is adapted to receive bank notes and has side channels (74) into which the lid can be slid to prevent access to the bank notes in the carrier. The side channels of the carrier engage with side portions of the lid, at least a component of the engagement providing resistance to or permanent indication of flexure or relative separation of the lid and carrier in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processor capable of preventing illegal copying of a document. The image processor first extracts information from a barcode in a first region of document image data. Then, the image processor extracts information from a barcode in a second region of the document image data if the information is extracted from the barcode in the first region. On the other hand, if the information is not extracted from the barcode in the first region, the image processor does not extract the information from the barcode in the second region of the document image data. This enables a copying operation for a document consisting of a plurality of pages to be efficiently controlled.

Abstract: An operation support system, method and apparatus that transmit operation information indicating an operation to an operator and supports the operation. The system includes a reading unit that reads, from a plurality of codes affixed to parts, position information of the codes. The system also includes a calculation unit that calculates a positional relationship between the codes. The system also includes a transmission unit that transmits the operation information, based on the position information read by the reading unit, and on the positional relationship calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods of payment processing via employing a payment token(s) that is supplied to smart portable devices, which are carried by customers. Such a token can be in form of a unique identifier(s) (which is generated by an issuing bank and received by the smart portable devices), and is associated with a payment amount for a merchant. Moreover, the point of sale (POS) terminal can accept the token offline, and hence a requirement for availability of communication between the POS and a payment processor/issuing bank can be mitigated.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operatively controlled from a front consumer user station and a rear maintenance user station. The machine is operative to output a consumer user interface through a front display device. The consumer user interface includes interactive options for performing transactions with the machine including dispensing cash with a cash dispenser. The machine is further operative to output a maintenance user interface, through a rear display device. The maintenance user interface includes options for configuring, troubleshooting, servicing and maintaining the machine. The operating system of the machine is operative to generate a desktop environment that spans both the front display device and rear display device, such that a first portion of the desktop is output by the first display device and a second portion of the desktop is output by the second display device.

Abstract: An interest bearing gift card (“IBGC”) and related methods and systems are compatible with various credit and debit card networks and may be employed almost universally.

Abstract: To prevent fraud, a magnetic card's ID, which may be a stripe ID or security chip, is converted to an encrypted card ID, which is stored on the card and in a database. Information about the card's history is captured, encrypted, and stored on the card and in a database. To validate the card, the magnetic card ID on the card is again converted to the card ID. This card ID is then compared with the card ID for that card in the database. The card history data stored on the card may also be compared, for validity and to determine points of fraud, with the card history data stored in the database. The data in the card's magnetic card ID can also be compared with the decrypted data in the card ID stored on that card to help determine the card's validity, for example, when the database is inaccessible. Card data about the account holder, stored on the card's magnetic stripe, may also be used to create the card ID for verification.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed of executing a financial transaction that enable enhanced usage monitoring. Funds are received from a buyer for purchase of a single-load stored-value instrument. The single-load stored-value instrument is associated with a predefined value amount. Buyer identification information that identifies the buyer is received. The buyer identification information is stored in association with the stored-value instrument. The stored-value instrument is validated for use in making purchase by drawing from value associated with the stored-value instrument.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes an enclosure, a step detector, and a processing device. The enclosure includes an account identifier linked to a financial account or record such that the financial transaction card can be used toward the purchase or use of at least one of goods and services. The step detector is positioned within the enclosure and configured to perceive movement caused each time a person carrying the financial transaction card takes a step. The processing device is positioned within the enclosure and in communication with the step detector, the processing device being configured to identify movement perceived by the step detector and to determine a cumulative number of steps taken by the person while carrying the financial transaction card. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing energy consumption in an unoccupied room having a keycard actuated card and a plurality of appliance control units interposed between electrical appliances and their power sources such that the card reader wirelessly transmits signals to the appliance control units upon insertion and removal of the keycard and the appliance control units energize the appliances only when the keycard is present in the card reader.

Abstract: A card authenticates a cardholder. The card includes a substrate, a sensor module, a wireless transceiver module, and a power circuit. The sensor module includes (a) a biometric sensor adapted to detect biometric information from a person's body, (b) a processor unit adapted to authenticate the person in response to the detected biometric information and generate an authentication signal representing an authentication result, and (c) a memory adapted to store biometric information of a specific individual associated with the card. The wireless transceiver module transmits signals received from the processor unit and receives a wirelessly-transmitted power signal. The power circuit generates at least one supply voltage from the received power signal and provides the supply voltage to the sensor module. An electronic passport is embedded with the card, and a terminal module is used for wirelessly transmitting power to and receiving signals from the electronic passport.

Abstract: An example apparatus for allowing operation of equipment by an authorized operator comprises a biometric scanner receiving a biometric input from an authorized operator, and transmitting an authorization signal. The apparatus may further includes a base station that allows the equipment to operate while the base station receives the authorization signal from the biometric scanner, and which prevents the equipment from operating shortly after the authorization signal is no longer received from the biometric scanner.

Abstract: An entry and exit control apparatus wherein missing entry and exit information on a user entering and exiting a controlled area by tailgating is complemented by entry and exit information on another user presumed to enter and exit the controlled area along with the user that is tailgating. Therefore, reliability of user entry and exit history is improved to sufficiently suppress a decrease in security in the controlled area.

Abstract: A waste disposal system comprises a waste disposal unit, including a processor, a scanner, a network interface coupled to a network, and a remote processing system coupled to the waste disposal unit via the network. The remote processing system includes a database storing user sample preferences, wherein the sample preferences are used to select samples to be provided to the user, and instructions configured to receive scanned information from the waste disposal unit for a first item, determine from the received scanned information that the first item is a sample, receive an indication via the waste disposal unit whether the user wants to order a replacement for the sample, locate replacement options for the sample, transmit the replacement options to the waste disposal unit, and receive from the waste disposal unit an option selection by the user.

Abstract: It aims, for example, at enabling to easily check whether information displayed on a label etc. attached to a food product is reliable or not. First, a producer 402 registers an ingredient analysis result of a food product. A terminal apparatus 400b of the producer 402 acquires a verification code verifying a production location and a shipment date and time of the food product, from a verification server apparatus 300, at the shipment of the food product. A storage part 202 of a food product trace apparatus 200 stores the verification code, shipment sender information indicating the producer 402, and registration information indicating whether the producer 402 has previously registered the ingredient analysis result of the food product, upon making the verification code, the shipment sender information, and the registration information mutually corresponding. Next, the producer 402 attaches a label displaying the verification code to the food product, and ships the food product.

Abstract: A system of tracking the location of cash is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic circuit (12, 12?) for a reader device (10, 10?) for contactless communication with a transponder (20) is disclosed. The electronic circuit (12, 12?) comprises a connection (13a, 13b) to an antenna (11) of said reader device (10, 10?), which antenna (11) is designed for receiving a radio signal (TRS) from said transponder (20). Furthermore, it comprises a receiving module (14), which is connected to the antenna connection (13a, 13b) and arranged for processing an input voltage (VI) from said antenna (11) representing said radio signal (TRS). To provide satisfactory operation of the receiving module (14) and to compensate a bad matching of the antenna circuit to the electronic circuit (12, 12?) and/or bad environmental conditions where the reader device (10, 10?) is operated, the electronic circuit furthermore comprises a control module (15, 15?).

Abstract: A secure magnetic stripe card stripe reader (MSR) module and software system capable of encrypting the magnetic stripe data to CPI, SDP and CISP standards for use in point of sale (POS) and other applications requiring data security using non secure networks and computing devices. Additionally, when incorporated within an attachment for conventional personal digital assistant (PDA) or cell phone or stationary terminal, provides encrypted data from the magnetic head assembly providing compliance with Federal Information Processing Standards Publication Series FIPS 140 covering security and tampering standards. Moreover, this module and software system includes the capability of providing secure POS transactions to legacy transaction processing systems and POS terminals transparently to the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, this module and software system includes the capability of transparently providing detection of fraudulently copied magnetic stripe cards.

Abstract: A method aligns a second image of an object taken at a second time with a first image taken at a first time, wherein the object experiences motion relative to an imager between the first and second times. The images are formed of sets of pixels arranged horizontally and vertically in a pattern. The method operates on the pixels of the second image by performing a series of operations to affect an affine transformation without performing matrix arithmetic, preferably by table look-up. The method shifts the pixels of the second image vertically by a constant vertical offset, shifts the pixels of the second image horizontally by a constant horizontal offset, shears the second image horizontally by a skew factor, shears the second image vertically by a skew factor, scales the second image horizontally by a horizontal scale factor; and scale the second image vertically by a vertical scale factor.

Abstract: An imaging module for data collection devices, such as bar code scanners. The module includes an aiming or illumination light source or sources, seated on a support is mounted in a housing. The support is fixed in the housing to provide for its precise placement therein, in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatic data collection. An automatic data collection system includes an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem. The automatic data collection system is operable to decode machine-readable symbols in a machine-readable symbol reading mode, and to automatically switch from a machine-readable symbol reading mode to an optical character recognition mode in response to information encoded in a machine-readable symbol. In some embodiments, the automatic data collection system is further operable to perform optical character recognition on human-readable symbols in a human-readable symbol reading mode.

Abstract: Various RFID based blister pack embodiments are provided for improving the ability to detect and prevent tampering and counterfeiting of blister packs and/or facilitating the chain of custody tracking of blister packs during manufacture. Some embodiments employ an RFID chip network on the blister pack and some embodiments employ an RFID strap network on the blister pack, wherein the integrity of the network (or lack thereof) is used to indicate the possibility of tampering. Other embodiments determine the possibility of tampering based on the frequency of an RF signal that is received from a chip provided on the blister pack, which will vary depending on whether the associated antenna has been detuned as a result of some type of tampering.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an apparatus and method for making secured transactions. Such an apparatus may include a smart card device configured with a display for display a static or dynamic number for making a secured transaction. The display is configured to display a valid card number after the user's identify has been verified using a biometric verification process. The device may further comprise a programmable magnetic strip that is programmed with user data after the user's identify has been verified. The apparatus may further include a cloning process to allow a second device to perform secure transactions. One such second device is a smart module associated with a vehicle.

Abstract: A payment card with a display and/or dynamic magnetic stripe that operates using power received from an electro-magnetic/RF signal, without the need for incorporating a battery within the payment card. In one example, a payment card includes a receiver for receiving an external electro-magnetic signal and converting it to an electrical signal for powering the payment card; a CPU coupled with the electrical signal of the receiver; a display (i.e., a persistent display) for displaying data, wherein the display receives power based on the electrical signal from the receiver; and a dynamic magnetic stripe storing magnetically readable data, wherein the dynamic magnetic stripe receives power based on the electrical signal from the receiver. Responsive to the electro-magnetic signal received by the payment card, the data displayed on the display and stored in the dynamic magnetic stripe is changed. Methods relating to a payment card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card assembly comprises a financial transaction card, a package, and at least one article. The financial transaction card includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The package is separate from the financial transaction card and defines an internal cavity. The at least one article is enclosed within the internal cavity. The financial transaction card is maintained outside of the internal cavity and is removably coupled to the package. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic ticket management system mainly includes a vendor module, a ticket process module, a Web module, a ticket order module, a delivery module and a ticket verification module. After a consumer has purchased a ticket through a communication network, a service center transmits the information of the electronic ticket to a designated mobile communication device equipped with graphic display capability. When in use the consumer displays bar code graphics of the electronic ticket. Through a scanner at a ticket verification end the graphics of the electronic ticket on the mobile communication device can be captured, and identification result is verified online. Thus the total process does not have physical contact. The risk of carrying the currency can be prevented. The costs of manual operation and paper ticket can be saved. Therefore ticket processing efficiency increases.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for collecting, processing and displaying medical measurement data in human-readable and machine-readable formats. The system may collect medical measurement data using one or more sensors. The system may then analyze the collected measurement data as well as various characteristics of the available display device. Based on these characteristics, the system may select an optimum barcode format for displaying the measurement data. The system may then convert the measurement data into the selected barcode format and display the measurement data in the selected barcode format and an alphanumeric format on the display device. The barcoded measurement data may then be scanned by a scanning device and transmitted to a computer system for storage and further analysis.

Abstract: A rotary absolute value scale includes a rotor in which two rotor side coil patterns provided with different pitches are laminated, and a stator in which two stator side coil patterns provided with different pitches are also laminated. A linear absolute value scale includes a slider in which two slider side coil patterns provided with different pitches are laminated, and a scale in which two scale side coil patterns provided with different pitches are also laminated.

Abstract: A zone control panel for use with an HVAC system having zone control and a variable speed blower, and a method for controlling a fluid temperature conditioning device. In one aspect, the zone control panel includes a plurality of thermostat terminals for receiving thermostat signals, a plurality of damper terminals for transmitting damper control signals, and one or more terminals for transmitting signals to control a fluid temperature conditioning device having a variable speed blower. The zone control panel also includes a blower terminal for transmitting a signal to a dehumidification terminal associated with the fluid temperature conditioning device, where the dehumidification terminal is labeled or indicated for use with a dehumidification operating mode or for initiating a dehumidification operating mode of the variable speed blower.

Abstract: HVAC apparatus is configured to include a control system with a controller which may be connected directly to a personality module for transferring information stored in the controller related to historic operating conditions of the apparatus to the module, or information may be transferred to the controller from the module to configure the controller for operation of the apparatus at selected operating conditions of temperature, pressure and blower motor speed, for example. The personality module includes a memory circuit and a connector for releasably connecting the module to the control system of the apparatus for transferring information between the module and the controller.

Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments, which may include a heating system with one or more heat exchangers. The heat exchangers may be capable of transferring heat in, to, and/or from the heating system to reduce inefficiencies, and/or allow the heating system to operate in a relatively more efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas controlling and blocking valves and An automatic warm water circulator using the same, and includes a circulation cycle formed such that a reservoir is connected to a boiler by a supply pipe, the boiler is connected to a heat exchanger by a discharge pipe, and the reservoir is connected to the heat exchanger by a circulation pipe, a hollow combustion chamber provided in the lower side of the boiler and having both sides protruded toward the outside of the boiler, a gas supply and ignition device for supplying the gas to the inside of the combustion chamber and for burning the gas to heat water in the boiler, and a supply valve and discharge valve respectively provided in the supply pipe and the discharge pipe and automatically opened and closed in response to the inner pressure for the boiler.

Abstract: This new invention of steam heating system is derived from my new steam baseboards. This new system combines the merits from hot water heating system and traditional steam heating system, but without the shortcoming. We can control the temperature of each room or every floor. This system is easy to apply for large apartment buildings. This system has several zone valves to control the steam flow. The zone valve will be controlled by thermostats. The returned condensation water will be pushed by John's effect. There is no need for the returned water pipes. The new steam baseboard is made of copper. The heat transfer is much faster than the traditional cast iron radiator. The room temperature is much faster to reach.

Abstract: A protection device for a sprinkler is connected between two rods of the sprinkler and includes two recessed support areas which are located beneath two extreme positions of a travel trace of the pivotable tube of the sprinkler. When the pivotable tube is pressed by a load, the pivotable tube is supported by either of the two recessed support areas so as to protect the gear mechanism from being damaged.

Abstract: A Remote controlled air freshening and sound generating machine with a radio control transmitter, a radio controlled receiver, an internal speaker, an internal battery compartment accessible from the outer housing, a canister of scent, a mechanical actuator, and switches to allow sound or scent activation or deactivation individually, a circuit board containing the preprogrammed sounds, a button allowing activation on the unit itself, and a self containing outer housing, and an aperture in the outer housing to allow the dispersing of scent.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprises sprinkler heads with an electrically configurable spray pattern, moisture sensors, and a controller. Based upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be watered and less water to fall on areas that do not require additional water. The irrigation system can additionally comprise fire sensors. Based upon input from the fire sensors, the controller activates the sprinklers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handheld element and a remote control. The handheld element has a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal flow conduit. The internal flow conduit extends between the proximal and distal ends. The internal flow conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose. The remote control is integrated with the handheld element. The remote control is configured to transmit wireless data signals for controlling a device associated with the hose. The device may include a reel, a valve system, a valve unit, and/or a plurality of valves.

Abstract: A system for the data management of a thermal spraying apparatus with a spray gun (2) is made available, wherein the system includes a decentrally arranged device (1) with a memory (4), in order to detect process parameters and to store data of the thermal spraying apparatus and wherein the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spraying apparatus and the device (1) additionally includes a bus interface (6) for the transmitting of the data.

Abstract: [OBJECTS AND PROBLEMS] Relating to a mist generator capable of emitting any of chemical substances used in life, such as perfumes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, in the form of fog or vapor. An object of the invention is to attain means for efficiently atomizing liquid, means for easily and rapidly switching the type of chemical substance emitted and a compact apparatus of good maintainability. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer; an ultrasonic propagation medium disposed so as to fill a plane of vibration of the transducer; liquid retaining means disposed so as to be in contact with an end face of the medium; and an ultrasonic focusing reflecting mechanism (concave reflection mirror) disposed in an ultrasonic propagation path, thereby the apparatus attains discharging into air and atomization of the liquid by means of ultrasonic waves. Atomization efficiency is enhanced by the use of an ultrasonic reflection tube, and mist emission is carried out.

Abstract: A crop sprayer, including: a chassis; a number of wheels which support the chassis; an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel said chassis; a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein; a boom arm mounted to the chassis including a plurality of nozzles operable for dispersing chemicals; a control handle for controlling the position of the boom arm and the dispersion of the chemicals through at least a portion of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the control handle has an adjustable position to accommodate various size operators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a railway vehicle comprising a fire-fighting system having a supply container for extinguishing agent, a system of pipes, means for dispensing extinguishing agent, and a pressure-generating means. To improve the reliability of this system, it is proposed that the pressure-generating means be coupled to a compressed-air supply belonging to the railway vehicle, that a quiescent pressure can be generated in the system of pipes with the help of the pressure-generating means, and that a case of fire can be detected by means of a pressure drop in the system of pipes.

Abstract: Provided is a variable-throat exhaust turbocharger in which a nozzle assembly including a nozzle mount and nozzle vanes has a firm support structure without affection by a thermal deformation of a turbine casing and an external force exerted to the turbine casing, and a scroll portion is formed in a substantially opened configuration so that the nozzle assembly can be simply formed in order to reduce the number of mold cores for a scroll during casting of the turbine casing, thereby it is possible to enhance the productivity of the turbine casing.

Abstract: A shower head for a hand-held shower attachment contains, in the center of its jet disc, an insert with three individual nozzle bodies. Each individual nozzle body is designed for discharging an individual jet. To this end, it has a continuous jet opening. Each of these in individual nozzle bodies is mounted in a manner that enables it to move relative to the shower head and to the jet disc, and is placed in rotation by a water-driven rotor. Said continuous jet opening extends at an angle to the rotation axis of the individual nozzle body. When the individual nozzle body rotates, the jet exiting there from moves on an envelope of a cone. Each individual nozzle body, contains an aerating device that aspirates the air immediately next to the outlet opening and, inside the individual nozzle body, mixes the air with the water entering this individual nozzle body. As a result, the individual nozzle body discharges an aerated jet.

Abstract: A paint spray gun with suspension bracket attachment is provided whereby the spray gun can be easily and quickly suspended by the painting operator from a ladder rung, scaffold railing, pipe, bar or other structural element by the suspension bracket during the painting operation when the spray gun is temporarily not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. A nozzle body has at least one spray hole, a nozzle needle mounted in the nozzle body with adjustable stroke for controlling an injection of fuel through the at least one spray hole. A booster piston is drive-coupled to an actuator and has a booster face which delimits a booster chamber. According to the invention, the nozzle needle has a control face which delimits a control chamber. In order to dampen the movement of the nozzle needle into its needle seat as the nozzle needle closes, a damping piston is arranged in the nozzle body with an adjustable stroke. The damping piston separates the control chamber from the booster chamber. A damping path is provided in the damping piston to hydraulically connect the control chamber to the booster chamber in a throttled manner.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a main body having a nozzle hole and a compression chamber. The main body accommodates a compression unit for pressurizing fuel accumulated in the compression chamber. The fuel injection valve further includes a valve element being axially movable in the main body. The valve element includes a valve portion and a pressure-receiving portion. The valve portion is movable in an opening direction to open the nozzle hole in response to pressure of fuel being pressurized by the compression unit and applied to the pressure-receiving portion. A regulating unit is provided in the compression chamber for regulating movement of the valve element with respect to the opening direction.

Abstract: A pipe for carrying a fluid, having a longitudinal axis and defining a radial aperture for release of a jet of fluid having a radial direction component ?, the aperture having an aspect ratio greater than 2 and arranged with its elongate axis within 30 degrees of the longitudinal axis and having area greater than 0.2 the cross-sectional area of the pipe, the fluid jet having an angle ? between 30 and 80 degrees from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Improved ball mill disruption techniques. In different embodiments, disrupting particles that are not substantially spherical are used. In other embodiments, roughened disrupting particles are used. In other embodiments, larger disrupting particles are used. In each instance, improved disruption can be achieved.