Abstract: A reclosable carton having a tuck flap that slides between a first gable panel and side gussets is provided. The tuck flap is coupled to a second gable panel along a line that is in alignment with a non-continuous free edge. The tuck flap includes a tuck flap width that is less than widths of the first and second gable panels. The tuck flap also includes a tuck flap score that is spaced apart from the line. The side gussets forming the gable angle include two perforated score lines intersecting a top of the carton at the non-continuous free edge. The perforated scores are connected to a first intersecting score by two die cuts, which are angled substantially 45 degrees from the first intersecting score.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a novel method and device that employs a coordinate scanner to monitor an identifiable surface and communicate to a computer the exact location of the placement of a pointer on any identified surface and perform a variety of preprogrammed responses. This surface is identified to a computer by identifying indicia such as a bar code or other means such as user input. The computer will perform preprogrammed electronic responses to identified points on the surface by matching the identified point on the surface with an electronic version of the surface in memory. The designated surface may be flat or it may consist of a contoured surface in a wide variety of sizes and materials. The designated surface may be a test enabling answers by point designation or an advertisement enabling ordering by designating products on the surface or other types of indicia on a surface.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying and authenticating goods. A code or checksum based on information or an image relating to a good is derived and associated with a barcode to include on a label. The label is scanned by a recipient to authenticate the goods. Scanable code are provided based on an image by distilling an image into its hue components and using a grid to create a pattern. The pattern is readable by a scanner to obtain a code directly, or by consulting a look-up table. The code, barcode, digital barcode or scanable code can be included on a label or tag, such as an RFID tag.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing competition entry by means of products having printed labels, the labels having human-readable information relating to a competition and machine-readable coded information relating to an identity of the label and being uniquely indicative of the product item. The label includes regions selected from the group consisting of information fields, buttons, and entry fields. The method includes the steps of receiving from a sensing device the machine-readable coded data, generating interaction data based on the received coded data, correlating the interaction data with a competition, and recording an entry in the competition based on the correlated interaction data. The method also includes the step of transmitting information relating to the competition entry for display on a display device.

Abstract: A method for tracking time attendance for either a single dedicated user, and typically owner, of a single multi-function electronic hand-held device without the need of entering password information, or selectively interchangeable to multiple non-dedicated users which must enter passwords to access their time tracking screens is provided. The time tracking software on the hand-held device can be placed into solo mode for a single dedicated user, which can be selectively deactivated so as to enable multiple non-dedicated users to enter their passwords to log in and clock-in or clock-out. The solo mode may be selectively reactivated so as to automatically log in the dedicated user and display his or her time tracking screen. An authorized administrator's password may be necessary to activate or deactivate solo mode.

Abstract: A self-service device, such as a cash machine, bank statement printer and/or information or transaction terminal, comprising an operator control panel which has a plurality of components is provided with an apparatus (7) for monitoring the weight of at least one of the components of the operator control panel in order to be able to identify manipulations which are carried out on the components.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia in operative connection with a frame. The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser, receipt printer, and a card reader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an identity card with improved security features. The identity card can have a programmable display. The display can be used to display sensitive data under defined circumstances. The card may have an interactive interface to receive input from a user. The card may also have a input/output interface to allow the exchange of data from the card to an external device. These elements can be used together to give a holder of a card control over the access to the data in the card and thwart counterfeiting and identity theft.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for protecting funds associated with a stored-value instrument, such as a gift card, by way of a non-limiting example. The system and method provide an ability to assign a deactivated status to a stored-value instrument in response to a deactivation request. The system and method further provide an ability to change the status of a deactivated instrument in response to a reactivation request. The reactivation request includes reactivation information assigned for the instrument in response to the deactivation request. The system and method maintain information on the status of an instrument, which status can be used as part of an authorization process to authorize a transaction in which the instrument is used.

Abstract: A system for managing enhancement features assigned to financial presentation devices such as credit cards. The system includes an accounts database and a feature management module. The accounts database stores account holder data containing assigned enhancement features for associated credit cards. The feature management module is capable of updating and managing the assigned features of an individual credit card independently of other cards so as to provide enhancement features that can be customized for each individual cardholder.

Abstract: A system and method for the capture, storage and manipulation of remote information is disclosed. The system includes at least one remote information capture device located at a remote site for capturing remote data, a central database accessible by the remote capture device for storing the captured remote data, and a computer program operative to manipulate the captured data. The method includes the steps of capturing remote data, storing the captured remote data, and manipulating the stored data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of activating a fingerprint identification process of a smart card according to a given condition and a device thereof. The present invention uses a contactless smart card as a carrier of the fingerprint identification technology and incorporates user identification during use of the card to make the transaction or access process more secure and efficient. The invention provides the steps of how to determine whether the fingerprint identification process of the smart card should be activated to verify the validation of the user before the transaction according to the comparison result between the transaction amount and the preset conditional value.

Abstract: A park user management system having a plurality of radio frequency tag readers installed along usable routes in a park for recognizing information stored in a radio frequency tag provided to each park user and an exercise quantity management module for calculating exercise information of each park user using the respective recognition times of the radio frequency tag recognized by the radio frequency tag readers and providing the calculated exercise information to each park user. The park user management system provides a recommendable exercise, a recommendable exercise section, and a recommendable target exercise quantity to each park user, calculates actual exercise quantity of each park user on the day in question, and provides the calculated exercise quantity to each park user.

Abstract: A method of tagging and sterilizing an item, the method including the steps of: providing an item (12) that is to be sterilized and tagged; applying an RFID tagging device (22) to said item, said tagging device including a data store (30) formed from an array of micromechanical resonant members (34), said resonant members being configured to vibrate in accordance with an applied RF signal, so as to provide a data response; and sterilizing said tagged item by autoclaving and/or by irradiation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method of providing incentive to recycle recyclable materials by providing financial incentives to consumers for recycling at a recycling kiosk. In one embodiment, a method of providing incentive to recycle recyclable materials comprises providing a recycling kiosk having a load determining device for receiving a quantity of recyclable materials from at least a first entity, obtaining identification data associated with the first entity, measuring the quantity of recyclable material received by the recycling kiosk, calculating a reward based on a measurement of the quantity of recyclable material disposed at least proximate to the recycling kiosk by the at least one entity, and associating the reward to the at least one entity.

Abstract: A method of conducting an election including storing a signature image for each voter, providing a plurality of return envelopes, providing an indicium having a barcode on each of the return envelopes, for each of the return envelopes, associating the barcode of the indicium with a respective one of the voters, and mailing each return envelope and a ballot to the voter with which the barcode data of the indicium of the envelope has been associated. When each return envelope including a completed ballot and a written signature thereon is received, the method includes obtaining from the return envelope the written signature and the barcode of the indicium provided thereon, using the obtained barcode to access the stored authorized signature image of the voter with which the barcode is associated, and comparing the obtained written signature to the authorized signature in the accessed image.

Abstract: A card detection apparatus and a method for detecting insertion and ejection of a card includes a card including at least one card detection terminal. A card detection unit generates a detection signal to determine whether or not the card has been inserted using a connection time difference of the card detection terminal. A controller analyses the detection signal generated by the card detection unit to determine whether or not the card has been inserted and outputs insertion information of the card according to the determination. A data processing unit writes or reads information to or from the card according to the insertion information of the card output from the controller.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a card reader (1) comprising a contacting unit (2) for a card (4) that can be inserted through a card insertion opening (6), comprises on its mounting side (7) a conductor path element (8) that can be bent against the action of an elastic restoring force and comprises two exposed electrical contacts (9a, 9b), and the bendable conductor path element (8) can be bent between its two exposed contacts (9a, 9b) until the two exposed contacts (9a, 9b) abut each other against the action of the elastic restoring force in an electrically conducting fashion.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe reading device including a magnetic head assembly including a mounting element, at least one information reading sensor having output contacts, the sensor being mounted in the mounting element and a flat cable coupled to the output contacts of the at least one information reading sensor, a portion of the flat cable being arranged in a doubled-over configuration over the output contacts, thereby to provide anti-tampering protection to the output contacts.

Abstract: A method for adaptively varying resolutions of captured images may include capturing images and processing the captured images. The method may also include determining brightness information about the captured images. The method may also include varying the resolutions of the captured images based on the brightness information that is determined about the captured images. The method may also include determining intended brightness information corresponding to the captured images, and the resolutions of the captured images may be varied based on the intended brightness information as well as the brightness information.

Abstract: A system that facilitates tracking of nutritional intake by an individual is disclosed. The innovation employs the notion of establishing a strategy to compress nutritional information into an identifying indicia (e.g., two-dimensional barcode) that can be processed (e.g., scanned) by a wide array of devices (e.g., mobile phone, personal data assistant). In operation, the ability to inject this information into a health strategies system enhances the usability while minimizing the effort needed to capture information into the system.

Abstract: Described are a method and system for filtering an optical lens. The system includes an imager providing an image of a target based on light from the target; an optical lens having a light-filtering coating blocking ambient light, the optical lens focusing at least a portion of the light from the target onto the imager; and a processing device decoding the image of the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart scanning system comprising an integrated scanning and image capture system in which one or more image capture device(s) (e.g., still camera, video camera, etc.) and a barcode scanner are positioned within a common enclosure that is a component of a checkout station. The barcode of item is scanned and an image of the item is recorded. The identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is compared to its appearance as determined based on its image. If the identity is inconsistent with its appearance, a discrepancy is registered. It is then determined whether the discrepancy is due to fraud (e.g., theft) or device error. In the case of the latter, the system can be updated to prevent a repeat of the error.

Abstract: In an imaging reader for reading a target located in a range of working distances from the reader, a solid-state imager captures light from the target, and an optical assembly visually illuminates the target to aid an operator in aiming the imager at the target, and also visually indicates to the operator the range of working distances from the imager to the target.

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 said PC board and over said area-type image detection array. These mirrors fold and project the FOV through the light transmission aperture and the imaging window.

Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly (50) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) including: a lens assembly (52) focusing light from a field of view (FV) onto a sensor array (28), the lens assembly (52) including a lens (53) movable along a path of travel; a drive mechanism (58) to drive the moving lens (53); a focusing system (60) for establishing a reference point (RP) for the moving lens (53) along the path of travel corresponding to a reference focal plane (RFP) within the field of view; and a projection assembly (62) projecting a virtual target image (64a) of a reference target light source (64) to a predetermined position (P) within the field of view and coincident with the reference focal plane (RFP), the predetermined position (P) being a known distance (D) from the lens assembly (52) along its optic axis (OA).

Abstract: A scan engine (52, 66) for imaging a target object (30) comprises a photosensitive circuitry (58, 76) located within the scan engine (52, 66) for capturing an image reflected from a target object (30) to the scan engine (52, 66). A communication interface (60, 78) is disposed within the scan engine (52, 66) and coupled to the photosensitive circuitry (58, 76) for communicating an undecoded signal (62, 80) to a remote device (14) over a digital serial interface.

Abstract: A solid-state imager and an electro-optical reader are mounted behind respective windows at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance, and for reading coded indicia. Each window allows light to pass therethrough to only one of the reader and the imager.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with light for image capture by a solid-state imager of an imaging reader over a tall field of view having an aspect ratio whose vertical dimension is larger than its horizontal dimension during image capture. The reader is pivotably mounted in a stand and has a narrow depth to enable a user to easily grasp the reader.

Abstract: An optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded on a page with ink which is substantially invisible to the human eye. The pen includes a housing, an electronics chassis mounted inside the housing, and an infrared LED supported by the chassis for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page. The pen also includes an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface, a radio frequency circuit having a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a radio antenna mounted within the housing, said antenna in signal communication with the radio frequency transmitter and receiver. Further included are a controller circuit for controlling operation of the LED, sensor and radio frequency circuit, as well as a pair of orthogonal accelerometers mounted in a normal plane of the pen axis, said accelerometers allowing the pen to sense motion without reference to a surface location.

Abstract: There is described a synthetic marker encoding data, the synthetic marker comprising an information payload represented by bits encoded along a spectrum, each of the bits having a priority level assigned thereto ranging from high to low, bits having lower priority levels being encoded along an end of the spectrum which is successively lost with progressively degrading marker viewing conditions compared to bits having higher priority levels.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to a modular marking apparatus and method are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides portable-device based store checkout. Specifically, a portable device is configured for store checkout. When the shopper obtains an item, he/she scans its barcode and captures its image using the portable device. The identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is compared with its appearance as determined based on the image. If the two are consistent with one another, the item is added to an inventory of items. The shopper can checkout by linking (e.g., porting) the portable device to a checkout station. The linking will cause the inventory of items to be made known to the checkout station, which will arrange payment using the portable device. Optionally, as an additional validation, the shopping receptacle can be weighed at the checkout station to make sure it reasonably meets an expected weight determined based on the inventory.

Abstract: An optical reading device for collecting and processing symbology data comprising: an image sensor array of pixels for converting light reflected from a target containing a machine readable indicia into output signals representative thereof, the image sensor being operated in a global shutter mode wherein all or substantially all of the pixels in the array are exposed simultaneously during an exposure time; receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor array, the optics having a receive optics optical axis; a processor for decoding the output signals; an illumination source for generating illumination light illuminating the target and illumination optics for directing the illumination light onto the target; a housing encapsulating the image sensor array, receive optics and illumination source; wherein the processor decodes in a first mode to continuously process available output signals automatically and a second mode to output signal in response to an activation event.

Abstract: A travel kiosk which focuses operator attention to a work area. The travel kiosk includes a first portion containing a touch screen, and a second portion adjacent the first portion including a printer, a barcode reader, a passport imager, and a radio frequency reader. The second portion contains a work area for obtaining first information from an operator provided passport, for obtaining second information from an operator provided travel document, and for delivering a printed travel document to the customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel extraction system for an auxiliary heating unit for extracting fuel from a fuel tank (10, 12) of a motor vehicle, wherein the fuel extraction system has a collecting tank (30) which is held in the fuel tank (10, 12) and is assigned exclusively to the auxiliary heating unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat pump. It relates to a heat pump which, in a primary circuit, comprises a compressor (10), a condenser (12) forming a heat exchanger between the refrigerating fluid and the swimming pool water, an expander (14) and an evaporator (16) forming a heat exchanger between the external surroundings and the refrigerating fluid. The condenser (12) comprises two heat exchange circuits and the heat pump comprises a pressure sensor (18), a member for switching the circulation of the refrigerating fluid between states in which it is circulated in just one or in at least two of the heat exchange circuits, and a member for controlling the switching member according to the value of the signal from the sensor (18). Application to the heating of swimming pool water.

Abstract: An automatic heating unit for personal computer includes an instruction save circuit that receives a turn-on signal from a power switch of the personal computer (PC) to thereby drive a temperature sensing circuit to sense an ambient temperature inside the PC. When it senses the ambient temperature is too low to allow normal computer booting, the temperature sensing circuit outputs a heating signal to drive a heating circuit to heat an interior of the PC. Otherwise, the temperature sensing circuit outputs a booting signal to enable a booting circuit to supply power to a mainboard of the PC.

Abstract: A mixing spray device adapted to mix an added material with source water supplied from a hose. The mixing spray device comprises a main body and a container that may be detachably attached to the main body. The mixing spray device may be configured to operate in an off configuration in which nothing is dispensed, a water configuration in which only water is dispense, and a mixture configuration in which both water and the added material are dispensed. The mixing spray device may also comprise an attachment assembly that is rotatably connected to a handle portion. The container is detachably attached to the attachment assembly and thus may rotate relative to the handle portion. The container may be provided with a container member, an interface member, and a restriction member. The container may be attached to the main body using a flange on the container and a latch structure on the main body.

Abstract: A dispersion lance is for use in combination with a fluid treatment system of the type which includes a flow duct in which a fluid stream is mixed with a treating agent. The dispersion lance includes a pipe mounted in the duct with its axis approximately transverse to the direction of the fluid stream flow, the pipe having a series of openings along its length for injecting a treating agent into the fluid stream. A baffle extends lengthwise along the pipe, the baffle having a cross-section the central portion of which is V-shaped, with the apex of the V facing upstream of the fluid stream flow, and with generally flattened wing portions extending from the legs of the V beyond the sides of the pipe in a direction where they transversely intersect the stream flow. The baffle acts to generate a low pressure zone on its downstream side which enhances turbulence in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an aerosol wherein the aerosol has a known concentration of metals or other chemical components, and wherein the aerosol concentration remains constant over a long period of time, rendering the apparatus and method suitable for application as a reference standard

Abstract: A fragrance dispenser may have an inner surface and an outer surface defining a plurality of windows. The outer surface may be coupled to the inner surface such that a cavity is defined between the inner surface and the outer surface. The cavity may be configured to receive a fragrance strip, and wherein the fragrance dispenser is configured to allow a threaded portion of a bottle to extend through the fragrance dispenser and engage with a bottle base.

Abstract: While ceramic materials possess properties that make them suitable for use in fuel system components, they tend to be susceptible to failure when exposed to tensile stresses. The retention system described herein helps to reduce the tensile stresses experienced by a retained member by providing a retained member with an engagement structure, a multi-piece retention ring that engages the engagement structure, a resilient member coupled to the retention ring, and a retainer coupled around at least a portion of the retention ring and resilient member and spaced apart from the retention ring and/or resilient member by a gap. The retained member, retention ring, resilient member, and retainer are configured so that the retention ring is moveable in an axial direction relative to the retained member and so that the movement of the retention ring acts to expand the resilient member against the bias provided by the resilient member.

Abstract: A system allows a user to manually manipulate fuel flow to a gas turbine engine during a loss of power to the fuel supply system fuel metering unit. The fuel metering unit includes a fuel metering valve, a metering valve actuator, a fail-fixed valve, a flow increase valve, and a flow decrease valve. The fuel metering unit is configured such that, upon electrical power interruption to the metering valve actuator, the fail-fixed valve shifts and provides a hydraulic lock on the fuel metering valve, to thereby maintain its position. The flow increase and flow decrease valves are powered from a power source that is independent of that used to power the fuel metering unit and, when appropriately energized will allow movement of the fuel metering valve.

Abstract: A sprinkler riser clamp securely engages a spring-retractable riser of a pop-up sprinkler. The riser clamp includes a clamping body and a handle attached thereto. The clamping body is configured to snap onto and securely grip the spring-retractable riser of the pop-up sprinkler. The clamping body exerts a gripping force while the spring-retractable riser exerts a retracing force. The gripping force exerted by the clamping body exceeds the retraction force exerted by the spring-retractable riser. The clamping body includes a resilient first clamp arm and a resilient second clamp arm connected by a joint at one end of each arm. The clamping body includes an opening for receiving the spring-retractable riser. The first clamp arm and second clamp arm of the clamping body each include rounded bottom edges configured to facilitate installation and removal by pivoting motion. The handle is attached to the clamping body by an arm. The handle has blunt ends.

Abstract: A rotary joint for a decoking tool. The rotary joint includes a seal assembly that has one or more primary seals and one or more secondary seals. The secondary seals become operative upon the presence of a leak in the primary seals such that the rotary joint can continue to be used until a scheduled maintenance outage. A selective vent is used to route leaking fluid so that one or the other of the primary and secondary seals can be activated.

Abstract: The sprinkler head location indicator is a shallow dish adapted for placement on the shaft of a pop-up sprinkler head. The dish is concave upward and has a small pilot hole formed through its center. A plurality of radially extending guidelines is formed on the bottom surface of the dish, the guidelines having hash marks at uniform intervals to form scale markings. The guidelines are severed radially to a uniform length forming flexible segments and the dish is pushed up the shaft to the ground flange of the sprinkler head. The flexible segments bend against the sprinkler head shaft, thereby retaining the dish on the shaft.

Abstract: A spray paint can positioning apparatus is provided for painting the interior of a golf hole. The positioning apparatus includes a planar base having a central opening and a plurality of downwardly extending arms forming a receptacle for holding a spray paint can. Each of the arms engage a circular masking plate having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of a golf hole. A cup having a circular sidewall is formed on the top of the masking plate for receipt of the push button from an inverted spray paint can. Located in the middle of the cup, a projection is positioned to engage and depress the push button of a spray paint can. The cup is sized to prevent lateral movement of the spray can push button and the masking plate provides a uniform width of paint around the interior periphery of a golf hole.

Abstract: A novel pistol nozzle is provided herein, in which a spherical valve having a through hole is used to control the water flow by the alignment of the through hole to the water channel of the pistol nozzle. The alignment of the spherical valve's through hole is controlled by the interaction of a pinion and a gear when the control lever of the pistol nozzle is grasped, which requires less effort and achieve more precise control to the water flow.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, may include a spray coating device having a handle, a fluid head comprising a fluid valve and a trigger coupled to the fluid valve, and a quick disconnect fastener coupling the fluid head with the handle. A system, in other embodiments, may include a spray coating device having a body, a pivot joint coupled to the body, and a trigger having a lever coupled to the pivot joint. The trigger may be configured to move in a first direction. The system also may include a valve disposed in the body and movable in a second direction crosswise to the first direction, wherein the lever is configured to bias the valve in the second direction.