Abstract: A system comprising a product tag, a consumer receiver and software for the receiver enables a consumer to electronically retrieve information about commercial product. Each product would have a tag that could contain any amount of description information about the product. The tag has the capability of transmitting this information to a consumer. A customizable and programmable receiver can read the product tag and interpret the information according to the consumer's preferences programmed on the receiver. The software would allow the receiver to interpret the product tag information into an understandable format and present it to the consumer. This system enables a consumer to more efficiently and effectively obtain information about a commercial product.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for virtually tracking unfinished ceramic structures moved by a conveyor system through a plurality of manufacturing loops which reliably and accurately preserves both identification and manufacturing information during all steps of manufacture, and in particular during mark-obliterating steps such as firing or contouring. The method includes the steps of loading the marked, unfinished ceramic structure at a selected position on the conveyor system; relaying both the information in the identification mark and the selected position of the unfinished ceramic structure on the conveyor system; conveying the unfinished ceramic structure through at least one mark-obliterating manufacturing step, and identifying the ceramic structure after completion of the mark-obliterating step by relaying and processing information relating to its position on the conveyor system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying the origin of bank notes from an automatic teller. In the inventive method for verifying the origin of bank notes, in particular forgeries, from an automatic teller, data characterizing bank notes to be paid out or already paid out from a sensor device for checking the bank notes to be paid out or already paid out for authenticity and/or type and/or state are detected, the data of the bank notes to be paid out or already paid out are stored, check data are generated by means of the sensor device for each bank note whose origin is to be verified, whereby the check data of the bank note to be verified are compared with the stored data of the paid out bank notes and the paid out bank note is ascertained whose stored data have the greatest match to the check data of the bank note to be verified, and the verification of origin for the bank note to be verified from the automatic teller is regarded as furnished if the match exceeds a given threshold value.

Abstract: Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security application installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway.

Abstract: Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security application installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway.

Abstract: Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security application installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying a compromised account. A compromised account may be identified by identifying a first unique identifier and associating the unique identifier with a fraud behavior. A second unique identifier may be identified and associated with a fraud behavior as well. The first unique identifier and the second unique identifier may be linked if at least a portion of the fraud behavior of the first unique identifier corresponds to at least a portion of the fraud behavior of the second unique identifier. Information relating to the fraud behavior of the first unique identifier, information relating to the fraud behavior of the second unique identifier, and information relating to the link between the fraud behavior of the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier may be stored in a data file. The first and/or the second unique identifiers may be an Internet protocol address.

Abstract: A method includes receiving from a remotely located computer information identifying at least one purchase category, wherein the information is transmitted by the computer responsive to user input provided to the computer by a bank customer having a debit card account with a bank; after receiving the information identifying the at least one purchase category, receiving an authorization request for a transaction corresponding to the debit card account; and causing the authorization request to be declined responsive to the at least one purchase category.

Abstract: There is provided an authentication information management system including: an information processing terminal mounted with an IC chip capable of non-contact communication with a reader/writer; and an authentication information management server capable of communication with the information processing terminal, wherein the information processing terminal includes: a plurality of memory areas provided in the IC chip for each of functions of the IC chip; and a plurality of applications for achieving each of the functions of the IC chip, and the authentication information management server includes: an authentication information setting portion for setting authentication information in the first memory area in response to a request sent from the first application of the information processing terminal; and an authentication information notifying portion which in response to a request sent from a second application of the information processing terminal, notifies the second application of the authentication info

Abstract: A storing apparatus (4) is provided with RFID readers (10, 11), and an ID of an article on a shelf (6) is read. Reading is performed when the shelf (6) is opened and at the time of closing it, and the ID of the article taken out and the ID of the article set are detected from a change made during the period. The ID of the article taken out or set is recorded as history information, and when the ID of the article is inappropriate, a monitor (28) gives warning.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying inventory grouping comprises a scanner to scan codes on labels, and a computer having a computer readable storage media storing a computer program product. The product includes instructions for causing the computer to verify that articles in a grouped order belong in the grouped order by examining codes on tags associated with each article in the group to determine that the article belongs in the group. Most dry cleaning establishments have built up over the years efficient ways to manually assemble garment articles into orders. This invention capitalizes on that investment. Rather than throwing away an established manual system to regroup, this invention establishes a verification system that can catch the infrequent but costly regrouping mistakes that occur.

Abstract: This system includes modified ATM machine, resetting machine and voter's log. This system integrates the stages of voter's verification, casting, collecting votes, prevents voter's fraud, has safeguard in place to prevent multiple voting, creates hard copy for possible recount, and verifies that every vote counts and counts correctly without exposing the selection of candidate to any person other than the voter. This system tracks and verifies votes in four different ways. 1st by hard copy of the votes, 2nd by ATM machine 3rd by resetting card machine and 4th by voters log. This system also provides security and prevents voting fraud by taking picture of the voter while voting. It also places a flag on the record of voter after casting a vote which prevents duplicate voting. This system will also print a hard copy which will be kept as a backup for possible recount. The voter selects the language to be displayed for voting therefore will be less confusion while voting.

Abstract: Methods, storage media, and systems for assigning priority to reader antennae are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, reader antennae identify the location of an object by detecting a tag or other identifier associated with each object. Sensors can be provided to provide additional information regarding the environment of the objects or their surroundings. A priority order is assigned to the reader antennae based on the location and other characteristics of the objects and/or their environment. A polling sequence for reading the reader antennae is determined according to the priority order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tag anti-collision Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system and a method for tag identification.

Abstract: In a mechanism for attaching to a cart an RFID tag used for transmitting and receiving data to and from an RFID reader/writer, a holding pocket retains the RFID tag. The orientation of the pocket is kept constant in such a manner that a surface of the RFID tag from which data can be read highly accurately faces an antenna for the RFID reader/writer while keeping the distance between the RFID tag and the antenna within a certain range regardless of the transfer direction of the cart.

Abstract: A space-efficient card reader for various electronic devices includes a plurality of adjacent, spaced-apart electrical connector pins extending outwardly from a portion of a printed circuit board (PCB) in an electronic device. A cover is configured to overlie the PCB portion, and includes a plurality of adjacent, spaced-apart apertures formed therein. Each aperture is configured to receive a respective one of the connector pins therethrough when the cover is in a secured position overlying the PCB portion. A receptacle is secured to an outer surface of the cover, and is configured to removably receive a card therein such that electrical contacts on the card make contact with the connector pins extending through the apertures in the cover.

Abstract: A barcode scanner operator interface capable of providing enhanced information. The interface includes a visual indicator including positions capable of being individually illuminated, and control circuitry for monitoring states of the barcode scanner and for illuminating the positions of the visual indicator to produce codes indicative of the states of the barcode scanner.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for controlling a driving of a scanning device included in a scanning display apparatus and a method thereof. The apparatus for controlling a driving of the scanning device can include a sensing unit, sensing an operation status of the scanning device and outputting a sensing signal corresponding to the operation status; a sensing signal determining unit, determining whether the sensing signal is within a predetermined range; a mode selecting unit, selecting an open loop mode or a close loop mode according to a result determined by the sensing signal determining unit; and a processing unit, controlling the driving of the scanning device by outputting a driving signal according to the selected mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and system that uses an improved photo detector in a laser scanner to scan bar codes. The photo detector has an increased signal to noise ratio, which improves the ability to detect faint reflected laser light. The signal to noise ratio is increased by reducing the thermal noise of the photo detector. The increased signal to noise ratio improves the laser bar code scanner's ability to read smaller bar codes as well as improving the read range of the scanner.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window; and an image formation and detection subsystem supporting a periodic snap shot mode of the operation. The system includes image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through said imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming an image of the object on an area-type image detection array having a plurality of rows of image detection elements, and detecting 2D digital images of the object while object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an LED-based illumination subsystem, with a LED illumination array, for producing a field of narrow-band illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window. A printed circuit (PC) board is mounted in the hand-supportable housing, and has front and rear surfaces and a light transmission aperture formed centrally therethrough. An image formation and detection subsystem has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and an area-type image detection array for forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object during object illumination and imaging operations. A first FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board over the light transmission aperture, and a second FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board and over the area-type image detection array. These mirrors fold and project the FOV through the light transmission aperture and the imaging window.

Abstract: A method of illuminating objects on a countertop surface using an automatically-triggered digital image capture and processing system having a single array of LEDs disposed near and behind the upper edge portion of its imaging window, which is provided with an illumination-focusing lens structure integrated therein.

Abstract: A medium storing a program to make a computer to function as a code detecting device, the code detecting device comprises a base line specifying section to extract edges from a scan image obtained by a process of scanning a printed matter in which at least a one-dimensional bar code or a two dimensional code are printed, to extract straight lines from the extracted edges, and to specify the longest straight line as a base line among the extracted straight lines; and a code detecting section to perform a pattern matching for the scan image based on the base line and to detect the one-dimensional bar code or the two dimensional code.

Abstract: A system for decoding coded data provided on or in a surface is provided. The coded data includes at least one data portion arranged on or in the surface and alignment data at least partially indicative of at least one clock indicator. The system includes a sensor which senses data provided in a sensing region and a decoder. The sensor senses at least part of the alignment data and at least part of the at least one data portion. The decoder determines, using the sensed alignment data part, the clock indicator, updates, using the clock indicator, a PLL, determines, using the PLL, a relative position between the sensing region and the at least one sensed data portion part, and at least partially decodes, using the relative position, the at least one data portion part.

Abstract: Digital image capture and processing systems and methods for generating and projecting coplanar illumination and imaging planes and/or coextensive area-type illumination and imaging zones, through one or more imaging windows, and into a 3D imaging volume in a retail POS environments, while employing automatic object motion and/or velocity detection, real-time image analysis and other techniques to capture and processing high-quality digital images of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and intelligently controlling and/or managing the use of visible and invisible forms of illumination, during object illumination and imaging operations, that might otherwise annoy or disturb human operators and/or customers working and/or shopping in such retail environments.

Abstract: A method for use in determining product counterfeiting and diversion is provided. The method includes locating an overlay on a label associated with a product. The overlay delineates areas of the label, each area having an identifier associated therewith. Presence of a taggant is detected within one or more of the areas using a reader. The taggant is hidden from sight and provides an indication of its presence that is detectable by the reader.

Abstract: A car receiving device has a receiving opening for insertion of a chip card, a closure for closing the opening, a locking unit having a locking element transferable to a locking position by way of a closing movement and a blocking unit having a blocking element transferable to a blocked position in which it blocks the locking unit brought into the locking position. A sensor system detects the locking position and monitors the course of the closing movement, wherein a sensor has a stationary sensor element. A first mobile sensor element is associated with the locking element and triggers a switching process of the sensor in a first relative position. A second mobile sensor element is associated with the blocking element and triggers a switching process of the sensor in a second relative position so that the sensor can detect the course of the closing movement.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly having a transaction card portion and an auxiliary member portion. The auxiliary member portion is attached in an edge-to-edge fashion between an edge of the transaction card and an edge of the auxiliary member portion. Both the transaction card and the auxiliary member are integrally formed from a substrate and a superposed layer. A line of weakness is formed in the substrate between the transaction card and the auxiliary member, such that, when the transaction card and auxiliary member are folded at the line of weakness, the superposed layer substantially resists breaking without the use of excessive force.

Abstract: A dual interface inlay having a bottom sheet; an antenna wire mounted to the top surface of the bottom sheet; end portions of the antenna wire formed with squiggles or meanders forming contact areas of increased surface area for subsequent attachment of a chip or chip module to the antenna wire; conductive material applied to the end portions of the antenna wire; a top sheet disposed over the bottom sheet for lamination thereto; and recesses formed in a bottom surface of the top sheet, at positions corresponding to the contact area. The antenna wire may be insulated wire, and insulation may be removed from the end portions of the antenna wire. Silicon cushions may be disposed in the bottom sheet under the contact areas.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an involatile memory device, in which additional writing of data is possible other than in manufacturing steps and forgery and the like due to rewriting can be prevented, and a semiconductor device having the memory device. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive involatile memory device and a semiconductor device having high reliability. According to the present invention, a memory device includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and an insulating layer interposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, where the first conductive layer has a convex portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contactless card in smart card field and a control method thereof. The contactless card comprises a card chip, an antenna resonant circuit, and a confirmation unit. The confirmation unit, being separated from the antenna resonant circuit and connected to the I/O interface of the card chip, is used for confirming a card operation command by a cardholder so as to send a confirmation message to the card chip. The control method can be realized according to the following steps: putting a contactless card into a valid range for its reader; determining by the contactless card whether a command transmitted from the reader needs to be confirmed by the cardholder, if not, responding to the command by the contactless card, otherwise waiting for confirmation message by the contactless card; and receiving the confirmation message from the cardholder and responding to the command by the contactless card.

Abstract: A contactless transmission system comprises a carrier substrate, an antenna on the carrier substrate, a semiconductor chip and a connecting means on the carrier substrate. In this case, the antenna and the semiconductor chip are fitted to the connecting means such that an electric current flow can take place between the antenna and the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An IC card is prevented from falling off readily an electronic device while maintaining the mechanical strength of the IC card. A recess for preventing a memory card from falling off an electronic device is provided at the side of one side of a principal surface of a cap of the memory card which is configured by fitting a memory body in a recess formed on a parts mounting surface of the cap. The bottom of the recess is terminated in the middle of the thickness of the cap. This construction makes it possible to prevent the memory card from falling off readily an electronic device while maintaining the mechanical strength of the memory card.

Abstract: A thermostatic mixer device for sanitary use with a body, an inlet passage for hot water, an inlet passage for cold water, and a distribution passage for mixed water; a thermometric element installed partly within the distribution passage; a valve connected to the thermometric element and arranged so as to open or throttle, in a complementary fashion, the inlet passages, and a spring arranged so as to bias the valve; in which the spring is formed of a corrugated section. Illustratively, the spring is housed in an opening that extends peripherally around the distribution passage in which is installed the thermometric element, and this peripheral opening may constitute the internal portion of the inlet passage for the hot water.

Abstract: A system and a method for allowing an occupant of a single unit of a multi-unit building to select an operating state of the unit which consumes less energy than a normal operating state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transport of heat energy from at least one heat source to at least one heat sink, in particular for a district heating network, by means of a working fluid which includes a mixture of at least one first component having a first boiling point and of a second component having a second boiling point, with the first boiling point being lower than the second boiling point. The method includes the step of an at least partial vaporization of the first component of the working fluid by the supply of heat from the heat source. The vaporized portion of the first component is transported separately from the working fluid depleted by the vaporization with respect to the first component from the heat source to the heat sink by means of a transport means. Subsequently, the vaporized first component is absorbed by the depleted working fluid while emitting the heat absorbed on the vaporization to the heat sink.

Abstract: A water evaporation system and method for disposing of excess water left over from oil or gas drilling, fracturing, and production operations and from other wastewater producing operations. The system comprises a pumping system for pumping the wastewater from a pond through a filtration system and then to one or more nozzle arrays attached to cables suspended over the pond.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head is disclosed. The fluid delivery head includes a body that defines a fluid chamber having a longitudinal axis. The body includes an inlet for connection to a fluid source, and the inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery head includes a plurality of outlet ports connected to and extending away from the body. Each outlet port has an interior space in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery head includes a nozzle insert removably secured in an outer end of each outlet port. At least one nozzle insert has a fluid delivery aperture in fluid communication with the interior space of its associated outlet port for delivering fluid out of the interior space of its associated outlet port. One or more of the outlet ports is angled away from a plane normal to the axis of the fluid delivery head.

Abstract: An outlet head (22) for a spray device (10), the outlet head (22) comprising an inlet section (31) having an opening (30) adapted to receive an output section (20) of a spray material container (16), said opening (30) forming a first end of a fluid channel for spray material from the spray material container (16), the outlet head (22) also comprising an outlet portion (14) adapted to eject spray material and forming a second end of the fluid channel for spray material, wherein the inlet section (31) has a first, major, lateral axis and a second, minor, lateral axis, said first and second axes being substantially at right angles to one another, wherein the size of the inlet section along the first, major, axis is greater than the size of the inlet section along the second, minor, axis.

Abstract: A mist-generating device that can be connected to a vehicle's Low Direct Current Voltage (LDCV) power supply is disclosed. The device can be used to treat mold, bacteria and clean or remove odors on exposed and hard-to-reach surfaces of the interior of a car. The device can include a unique filling system that can be used to prevent foreign materials from entering into the unit, including fluids or substances that would deteriorate the performance of the unit or the components of the device itself. The inside of the device can include an internal anti-foam and anti-splash structure designed to keep electronic components dry and reduce the foaming and turbulence of the fluid being misted. Further, the inside of the device in one embodiment is split into three adjacent areas, which govern efficient flow of air and atomized chemicals through the device.

Abstract: A fuel injector for internal combustion engines, the injector a nozzle needle axially guided for movement in a nozzle body to opens or close off at least one spray hole for a fuel injection, having a valve piston is guided so as to be axially moveable in a holding body and controls the opening and closing movement of the nozzle needle, having a valve piece in which the valve piston delimits a control space which is connected to a high-pressure side and which is connected by means of a control valve to a low-pressure side, and having a leakage oil return line which discharges leakage oil out of the region of the holding body. The leakage oil return line runs at least partially in the valve piece.

Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly of a window washing system, especially for a windshield (2), of a vehicle, comprising two closely adjacent spray nozzles (4) that are in particular provided in a common spray nozzle module and are individually adjustable in terms of their spraying direction, is designed to permit optimal window cleaning with the least possible impairment of visibility during the operation of the window washing system, while affording a streamlined design for the window washing system, that is, one in which the window (2) is cluttered with as few individual elements as possible.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Purge arrangement for powder coating system includes a gun manifold (40) that is selectively assembled for fluid communication with either a purge manifold (36) or a hopper manifold (34). This allows purging of multiple hoses and guns at the same time and simplified color change operations.

Abstract: A shower head according to the invention comprises a rotor with a closing plate which bears against a jet disk with jet passage openings and, when the rotor is rotated, alternately opens and closes said jet passage openings. Pulsed massage jets are generated at the outlet of the jet passage openings as a result. A further jet outlet disk with jet out let openings is arranged downstream of said jet disk, with said jet outlet openings being aligned axially opposite the jet passage openings of the jet disk. Ventilation chambers are arranged between the two disks, said ventilation chambers being connected to the outside of the shower head. The pulsed jets are ventilated downstream of the jet passage openings as a result.

Abstract: An improved fuel injection spray director plate including conically chamfered entries to the flow passages through the plate. The conical chamfer may extend part way or all the way through the plate. In a currently preferred embodiment, the chamfer extends only part way through the plate, and the remaining cylindrical portion of the passage provides desirable directional capability for the spray. Preferably, the conical chamfer axis forms an angle with the cylindrical portion axis. Preferably, a flow passage is positioned in the director plate such that the main flow direction of fuel exiting the fuel injector valve is received into the chamfer of the passage. Preferably, a second conical portion is formed in the passage between the first conical portion and the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve (1) configured such that control of the escape of high-pressure fuel inside a control chamber (45) to a fuel low-pressure portion is conducted by an electromagnetic valve (5) for controlling fuel injection configured such that a lift operation of an armature plate (51) is controlled by an electromagnetic solenoid (68) and an armature stopper (67) incorporated inside a fixed sleeve (61), wherein a gap (G3) is disposed between a fixed core (63) and the armature stopper (67), through holes (67B) are disposed in the armature stopper (67), and drain fuel flows to the fuel low-pressure portion via the gap (G3) and the through holes (67B) when the electromagnetic valve (5) is powered. As a result, the lift amount of the armature plate (51) can be prevented from changing as a result of debris or the like included in the drain fuel becoming caught between the armature plate (51) and the armature stopper (67).

Abstract: In a device for the injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, including an injector nozzle (5) and a nozzle needle (7) guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner within the injector nozzle (5), which nozzle needle (7) is at least partially surrounded by a nozzle prechamber (8) and, for the control of its opening and closing movements, capable of being pressurized in the axial direction by the pressure prevailing in a control chamber (12) filled with fuel, a supply line runs into the control chamber (12) and a discharge line (19) in which a magnetic control valve (16) is arranged leads away from the control chamber (12). The supply line to the control chamber (12) is guided through at least one bore (14) of the nozzle needle (7), which communicates with the nozzle prechamber (8) via a supply throttle (15).

Abstract: 1. High pressure nozzle and method for the manufacture of a high pressure nozzle. 2.1. The invention relates to a high pressure nozzle with a jet director within a supply channel to a discharge opening. 2.2 According to the invention in an area directly surrounding the supply channel median longitudinal axis, the jet director has a free flow cross-section. 2.3. Use e.g. for high pressure nozzles for descaling steel products.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device comprises a capillary spray electrode having a spraying end, a reference electrode, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the spray electrode. In use, the electrodes are connected across a generator in order to establish an electric field between the electrodes and cause fluid in the reservoir to be sprayed from the spray electrode. The spray electrode has a focus that defines a point at which the electric field is focussed on the spraying end.