Abstract: The present invention involves booths for performing financial transactions which are particularly accessible by wheelchair users or other handicapped individuals. In one embodiment, a transaction staging booth includes a staging surface and at least one leg for holding the staging surface to accommodate a user in a wheelchair. The booth includes one or more transaction interfaces. The transaction interface is adapted to provide an instruction set to the user for performing a financial transaction. In this manner, the physical structure of the transaction staging booth provides readily available access for both handicapped and non-handicapped users.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) comprising a plurality of components associated with a valuable media, such as a card reader (28) or cash dispenser (30). Each component includes or is associated with one or more sensors for detecting potentially fraudulent activity and a component agent (34) for generating a warning signal in the event that such activity is detected. Also provided is a higher level agent (38) that is operable to receive warning signals from the component agents (34), and use the received signals to identify potentially fraudulent activity. By providing a hierarchy of fraud detection agents (34,38), the likelihood of a fraud being successfully detected is improved.

Abstract: A portable credit card reader. A portable terminal reads a credit card, and accepts a keyed-in monetary amount. The terminal communicates with a credit card verification service, which accepts or rejects the monetary amount. The communication is done in a wireless manner. The terminal is self-teaching, allowing persons unfamiliar with its operation to successfully execute a credit card transaction without previous training.

Abstract: A smart card is used with a network based system to providing portable telecommunication and computing services. In an exemplary embodiment the smart card holds a user authentication code and user telephony account information. The smart card transfers the user authentication code and the account information to one of a plurality of geographically dispersed card readers which are each connected to a local telephony device. When the smart card is plugged into a first card reader, telephone calls directed to the smart card user's follow-me telephone number are received at a first local telephony device. When the smart card is plugged into a second smart card reader, telephone calls directed to the follow-me telephone number are received at a second telephony local device. Hence the user is enabled to receive and place calls using any of the geographically dispersed telephony devices as though they were his/her own personal landline or cellular telephone supplied by his/her telephony services provider.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a method for creating an electronic identification card during a real time communications session including: presenting a user with an option to enter personal information; receiving a command from the user to send the electronic identification card including the personal information during the real time communications session; recording the personal information for the electronic identification card with a data entry method; and sending the electronic identification card to a device involved in the real time communications session.

Abstract: Apparatus forming a portable charge, debit or similar identification card which can be read using a magnetic card reader and methods for securing information are described. The preferred apparatus includes a magnetic stripe for storing information, a jamming assembly configured to emit a jamming signal which temporarily renders at least a portion of the magnetic stripe unreadable when the card is swiped through the card reader without first entering correct authentication data, and a power source adapted to supply power to the jamming assembly. Other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using biometrics in a smartcard-reader system. The biometric security system also includes a biometric sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a smartcard configured with a biometric sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with a biometric sensor. The device for verifying samples compares the biometric samples with information stored on databases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using biometrics in a smartcard-reader system. The biometric security system also includes a biometric sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a smartcard configured with a biometric sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with a biometric sensor. The device for verifying samples compares the biometric samples with information stored on databases.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or arrangement that can limit access to sensitive information by means of encryption. In particular, data obtained from a payment instrument at, e.g., a Point-Of-Sale (POS) location can be encrypted at an early stage such that a POS (or another) application does not have access to the data in an unencrypted form and/or does not have access to a means for decrypting the data. For example, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) arrangement can be employed such that a back-end payment processor can define encryption algorithms, associate itself with a public key, and maintain a private key for decryption. The public key can be delivered to the POS location and employed for data encryption, and, moreover, the PKI can be regulated by the more trusted parties.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating an item includes a mesh network communication device, a global positioning satellite chipset, a cellular telecommunications modem, a digital memory that stores a unique identification and a processor. The processor is programmed to determine the location of the item based on an input from the global positioning satellite chipset. If a mesh network connection is available, then processor transmits the unique identification and the location of the item to a requester via the mesh network, otherwise the processor registers with a wireless communication network with the cellular telecommunications modem and transmits the unique identification and the location of the item to a requester via the wireless communication network.

Abstract: In a transparent election system that protects voter privacy, the actual votes cast are published as a public record, with individual voter information redacted, allowing verification of the election results. A voter may verify that his votes were properly read and counted, to a high degree of certainty. The voter retains a receipt, including a unique voterID, from his ballot. During verification, using the voterID, the voter receives a plurality of non-matching sets of votes, one of which is his, without any indication of which one that is. If a voter does not recognize his set of votes, his marked ballot may be physically audited by voterID. A third party may verify the election results using these verification and auditing procedures on randomly selected ballots or sets of votes from a database.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring electrical contacts comprising measuring a first voltage across a connection between a device and a base, charging a power source in the device, measuring a second voltage across the connection, determining a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage and initiating a signal alarm if the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The device may be maintained by a management system.

Abstract: An optical cell mount and a corresponding method of mounting an optical cell comprising inserting into the optical cell an adjustable nut portion comprising an upper section threaded on the outside and a lower section threaded on the inside and rounded on the bottom exterior thereof, contacting with the adjustable nut portion a seating portion for receiving the lower section, and securing the adjustable nut portion with a set screw portion having threading corresponding to that of the lower section.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting a barcode involves obtaining a two-dimensional source image and converting it into a frequency domain image (FDI). Frequency trends in the FDI are then analyzed to determine whether barcode information is present in the FDI. In this way, the presence, location, orientation, size and symbology of a barcode can be quickly and accurately determined.

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

Abstract: A device and a process for acquiring symbols by interleaving data samples in a plurality of data sets gathered during sampling of returns from a plurality of scanning passes. In one embodiment, the sampling frequency is proportional to the scanning frequency by a quotient of twice the number of samples in a representation and an integer such that the quotient is an irreducible fraction.

Abstract: An IC card including a circuit board, an IC chip mounted on the circuit board, an antenna wiring on the circuit board, a noise absorber on the circuit board and effective to absorb and remove noise input to and output from the IC chip, and a pair of card-shaped sheets sandwiching the circuit board therebetween. Noises from the IC card generated during communications by the IC card are removed to exclude adverse effect on the operation of a peripheral apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing photoresist fabrication. In one example, the system includes a holder that can removably receive a chemical container. The system includes chemical supply structure associated with the holder and adapted to be coupled to a processing module, wherein when a chemical container is removably disposed in the holder the chemical supply structure can carry a chemical away from the chemical container. The system includes an identification (ID) reader associated with the holder, wherein when a chemical container is removably disposed in the holder the ID reader automatically communicates with a container ID unit associated with the chemical container. The system includes a control module coupled to the ID reader and adapted to be coupled to a processing module.

Abstract: Module for contactless chip cards or identification systems having a first antenna contact strip and a second antenna contact strip, which each have a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, a semiconductor chip with at least two contacts, at least one contact contact-connecting the first surface of the first antenna contact strip and at least one further contact contact-connecting the first surface of the second antenna contact strip, and at least one adhesive film strip, which at least partially covers the first surface of both the first antenna contact strip and the second antenna contact strip, the at least one adhesive film strip being arranged outside a region of the first and second antenna contact strips that is covered by the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An innovative thermostat having a handicap access mode is described. When the handicap access mode is triggered, the thermostat accepts voice commands to control thermostat settings. This innovative thermostat is a particularly convenient feature for the visually impaired, and individuals with limited mobility. In one exemplary embodiment, the thermostat includes a controller operable in a direct input mode and/or a handicap access mode. When in the direct input mode, the controller receives user commands through mechanical actuation of an adjustment mechanism to adjust a thermostat setting. When in the handicap access mode the controller receives voice commands through a microphone to adjust a thermostat setting.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a valve member which is engageable with a valve seating to control fuel delivery from the injector, an actuator arrangement and an amplifier arrangement for transmitting movement of the actuator arrangement to the valve member. The amplifier arrangement comprises a piston member with which the actuator arrangement is cooperable to apply a retracting force to the piston member, and a control chamber for fluid. The amplifier arrangement preferably comprises a mechanical coupling arrangement for coupling movement of the piston member to the valve member upon application of an initial retracting force to the piston member.

Abstract: A multi-stage swing horticultural watering appliance includes a base, a water-dispensing basin, a swing device, a spraying cover and a swing outlet pipe. The base is formed in a center thereof with a circular receiving recess for accommodation of the water-dispensing basin. An inlet hole and an outlet connector are arranged at two opposite sides of the receiving recess of the base. A plurality of inlet apertures is formed in an outer periphery of the water-dispensing basin. In the water-dispensing basin are provided with a water-supplying pipe and a plurality of water-separating boards. In use, water flows through the inlet hole of the base and into the water-dispensing basin via the inlet apertures. When the water-dispensing basin is full of water and the pressure therein reaches a certain level, the water will flow into the swing outlet pipe via the inlet hole thereof and will be sprayed out via the spraying apertures.

Abstract: This invention will allow an individual to take a shower or bath and apply a moisturizer at the same time by moving a shaft into a particular position on the device. The movement of the shaft section will align a series of internal cavities or internal grooves to produce a vacuum in a connected bottle of moisturizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dense fluid spray cleaning apparatus comprising a gas supply (3) for providing a predetermined amount of a gas to an enhanced joule-thompson condensation reactor (2) and for providing gas to a propellant generator (4), a premix chamber (6) for receiving a solid particulate from the enhanced joule thompson condensation reactor and heated gas from the propellant generator, and a mixing chamber (8) for receiving the solid particulate and the heated gas and producing a spray stream containing the solid particulate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the injection of compressible gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chamber of a reciprocating piston-type internal combustion engine. In particular, the invention provides apparatus and methods for low-pressure, high-speed direct injection of compressed natural gas into a combustion chamber of an engine. Using the present invention, relatively low intake pressures of about 50 to about 150 PSIG yield high-speed (sonic and supersonic) gas flow through the diverging nozzle portion for injection into the combustion chamber. Preferably, the gas reaches supersonic velocity, approaching Mach 1.5 to 2.5.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a liquid electrostatographic toner or liquid ink jet ink which includes the steps of heating a marking particle mix of particles of a resin and a colourant blend in a carrier liquid to a temperature between about the first softening point of the resin and about the second softening point of the resin, maintaining the temperature of the heated marking particle mix for a selected period of time, cooling the marking particle mix to room temperature, and mixing the marking particle mix with high shear. The particle mix can be produced by coarse grinding in a ball mill. The resultant toner or ink has an improved Newtonian like flow behaviour, improved electrical properties, reduced sedimentation and agglomeration and significantly improved optical density and reduced background. The invention also includes toners and inks produced by the method.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a cone crusher comprises a crushing surface comprising a conical head and a concave bowl. At least one of the head or bowl comprises a segmented wear liner wherein at least one segment of the wear liner is held in place by compression.

Abstract: A roller press with a hinged frame having a frame substructure, a frame top wall and two head pieces arranged at the side, with at least one head piece, with a part of the frame top waling arranged on it, forming a side flap which is arranged on the frame substructure for opening out. In the hinged frame at least two rollers are placed, positioned adjacently, which, in a roller removal position of the hinged frame, can be removed from the hinged frame sideways via the removal opening formed by the opened-out side flap. The part of the frame top wall assigned to the side flap is arranged for swivelling relative to the head piece by means of an articulated joint arranged on the associated head piece, whereby the swivel axis of the articulated joint is arranged essentially parallel to the axes of the rollers.

Abstract: Refining elements for use in a refining apparatus for refining lignocellulosic fibrous material between a pair of refining members are disclosed. The refining element is adapted to be mounted on the inwardly facing conical surface of an outer stationary refining member and includes a plurality of bars and intermediate grooves in which the bars extend along the refining gap and include a pair of side walls and an upper surface forming an acute angle with a least one of the pair of side walls.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting structure (1) for mounting an engine (2) under an aircraft wing (4), the structure comprising a rigid structure (8) and means (10) of fastening this rigid structure under the wing, the mounting means comprising a forward fastener (14), an intermediate fastener (15) and an aft fastener (16). According to the invention, the forward fastener has at least one triangular shackle on each side of a vertical plane passing through a longitudinal axis (5) of the engine (2), placed in a vertical plane oriented along a longitudinal direction (X) of the aircraft. Furthermore, the intermediate fastener comprises a connecting rod capable of transferring forces applied in a direction (Y) transverse to the aircraft, and the aft fastener comprises at least one shackle oriented along a vertical direction (Z) of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for deicing a surface of an aircraft includes a pair of adjacent movable surface elements that lie in a common plane and cover a portion of an aircraft. The pair of surface elements are connected to a reciprocating actuator through a bell crank for reciprocal movement and in opposite directions to one another. The apparatus also includes a tie bar at one end of the surface elements for maintaining the surface elements in a parallel relationship. In a second embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a pair of coaxial, coplanar circular disc and a reciprocating actuator for rotating the disc in opposite directions relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and a device allow for reducing the vibration generated on the structure 17 of a helicopter 2 by the air flow through the main rotor 5 and by the air flow along the fuselage 3. The device 1 includes: at least one sensor 18, 19, 20 measuring the vibration generated on the structure 17; and computer element 30 responsive to the measurements to determine a variation in angle of incidence for a stabilizer 39 of the helicopter 2 that is suitable for generating a vertical opposing force {right arrow over (TZ)} for opposing the vertical vibration, with the variation in angle of incidence as determined in this way being transmitted to a system 10 for controlling the angle of incidence of the stabilizer 39.

Abstract: A joint arrangement connects a longitudinal edge of a first component with an upper surface of a second component. At least two cooperating bands are secured with their first ends respectively on opposite sides of the first component, and are secured with their second ends respectively on clamping elements arranged on the second component, so that the bands intersect the major center plane of the first component in the joint area between the components. A pressure element is positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component, and the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus is described comprising: an aircraft having one or more control surfaces; and one or more micro-electro mechanical systems (“MEM S”) actuators to control the movement of the one or more control surfaces.

Abstract: A section of a foil is sandwiched between an upper die and a first lower die and heat deformed into a cavity of the first lower die while simultaneously synchronously displacing the upper die, the first lower die, and the foil downstream. Then the upper die is raised and recirculated back upstream while cooling the section of foil in the cavity of the first lower die and displacing the lower die with the section of the foil downstream. Another section of the foil is sandwiched between the upper die and a second lower die and heat deformed into a cavity of the second lower die while simultaneously synchronously displacing the upper die, the second lower die, and the foil downstream. The first lower die is disengaged from the foil in the downstream station and recirculated back upstream to the upstream station. These steps are then repeated.

Abstract: A new and improved adjustable furnace leg assembly is described herein. The furnace leg assembly is adjustable once the furnace has been set on the assembly. The furnace leg assembly has a carriage bolt with a rounded head, which allows the assembly to support the furnace on any part of the rounded head so that if the furnace shifts at any point, the bolt will adjust and the pressure will shift to wherever needed on the head of the carriage bolt to keep the furnace level.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism is applied to a computer device that has a first body and a second body. The sliding mechanism includes two fixed members, two sliding members, and two pushing members. The fixed members are disposed on the first body, and have an arc slide track respectively. The sliding members are disposed on the slide tracks respectively and joined to the second body. The pushing members are joined to the fixed members and the sliding members. When the sliding members are between critical positions of the slide tracks and one end, the pushing members normally push the sliding members towards a first end or a second end, so that the second body slides relative to the first body along the arc slide tracks.

Abstract: A wall-mounting structure allowing an object to be supported such as furniture or an electrical appliance to freely move on the wall surface and capable of preventing the aesthetic appearance of the wall surface from being impaired, including a mounting plate to which the object to be supported is fixed and slide support members for movably supporting the mounting plate on the wall surface, in which each of the slide support members is composed of a track rail which has a substantially rectangular section and ball rolling surfaces on the both side surfaces thereof, and moving blocks assembled with the track rail through a large number of balls.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket for mounting the headrail for a covering for architectural openings includes a stationary base member mountable on a wall or ceiling surface having a slot formed therein and a headrail holder connectable to the headrail and adjustably movable and operably connected within the elongated slot between fixed positions.

Abstract: A cable management device for managing cables extending between a support rack and an object slideable in and out of the support rack includes a support having a stop member and a mounting surface that is removably fastenable to the support rack. A first elongate member extends between a proximal end and a distal end and is pivotably fastened to the support at the proximal end. A second elongate member extends between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the second elongate member pivotably fastened to the distal end of the first elongate member. The first and second elongate members are movable from a folded position where the elongate members are substantially adjacent each other to an unfolded position, wherein the stop member limits the rotation of the first elongate member between the folded and unfolded positions to about ninety degrees.

Abstract: Apparatus for operation of a vehicle seat swivel or rotation mechanism are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a cable assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to a rotation mechanism of a vehicle seat. A release member is operatively coupled to the second end of the cable assembly so that the rotation mechanism is urged toward a locked condition in the absence of a force being applied to the release member by a person.

Abstract: A fluid control valve utilizes a rotatable plug valve member mounted in a fluid passage to control the flow of fluids. Two segments are placed on each side of the plug valve member within a recess located between the plug valve member and the body of the fluid passage. The outer surface of the segments includes an elastomeric seal and metal annular boss, which acts as a stop to limit deformation of the seal when the valve is closed and under pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a tool on an object. The apparatus has a frame and ways on the frame for fixing the apparatus to the object. The tool is attached to the apparatus and the latter supports itself against the object In addition, the frame displays an upper and a lower support claw that are effective even in an inclined disposition with respect to the object. The frame including the upper and lower support claws further forms a C-shape. Moreover, the upper as well as lower support claws are designed such tat the holding effect during loading of the apparatus arises through the canting of the two support claws with respect to a portion of the object located between the two support claws.

Abstract: A tail section for a carpet stretching tool. The carpet stretching tool is the type having a carpet engaging head, an elongate body, a tail section and a lever mechanism allowing extension of the elongate body. The tail section includes a first leg and a second leg, each leg having a wall running face. The legs may be selectively positioned between at least two positions. In one positions the wall running faces form a substantially flat surface allowing use of the tool down a wall section. In a second position the wall running faces on the first and second leg of the tool may be positioned at an angle to allow the tool to be used on corner locations within a room or on a post.

Abstract: A turnbuckle having pivoting releasable anchors on opposing ends that when attached to different articles provides for moving one or both of the attached article toward or away from the other. The turnbuckle anchors comprise a plate incorporating housing for releasably receiving a turnbuckle eyelet and a blade extending from the base having a substantially triangular shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Koepe winder or drum winder comprising an electric motor (5) for driving winding ropes (11). The rotor (6) of said motor is connected to the cylinder jacket (4) of the Koepe winder (2) and the stator frame (7) is fixed on a support structure that has a hollow shaft (3). The winder is characterised by an improved ventilation system. The motor (5) is located inside the cylinder jacket (4) in a cavity (12) between the plates (13) of the Koepe winder (2), said cavity being supplied with cooling air to ventilate the motor (5) from the exterior The hollow shaft (3) is formed by two half-shafts (18, 19), which together with at least one support disc (8) and the stator frame (7) form the support structure (10).

Abstract: Fence post (1) having a point portion (2) and a principal portion (3). The principal portion is provided with connection elements to assemble a plurality of posts (1, 1?). The connection elements include assembly elements (81, 82) constituted by a female element and a male element. The male element is connected to the principal portion by means of a spacer element (83) connected to the principal portion. The assembly elements permit connecting head to tail two posts to form a pair of posts. The connecting elements also include through holes (71, 72) located on the principal portion. The through holes permit associating on connecting rods several pairs of posts.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: An isolator mount with shock and vibration applications is presented. Specifically, the invention is comprised of an energy dissipating material disposed between deflectable elements. The invention is capable of damping small disturbance excitations and mitigating large shocks. The invention transfers mechanical energy to the dissipating materials via device structure and matrix. Materials dissipate shock and vibration either as heat or magnet energy. The invention includes a semi-passive mode for harsh environments and an active mode for benign environments. A snap-together modular embodiment with quasi-static adjustability enables two or more isolators to address a wide variety of conditions and to respond to changing conditions.

Abstract: A pivot bushing for a suspension system has an inner metal and a split outer metal with an elastomeric bushing disposed between the metals. The split outer metal has one end which is partially closed by an inwardly curved portion and one end which is open. The assembly of the bushing is through the open end. Once assembled the open end is closed by placing a cover over the open end and crimping the cover to a flange formed at the open end. In another embodiment, the cover is inserted into the outer metal and the split outer metal is crimped to secure the cover in place.