Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for protecting an identity of a user. The method includes conducting a transaction with a transaction medium issued from of an institution, which provides transaction information to the institution. A government-issued identification number (GIN) of the user and a personal identification number (PIN) of the user are provided to a database. The database returns verification information based on whether the GIN and the PIN provided to the database correspond to a recorded GIN of the user stored in the database and a recorded PIN of the user stored in the database. The institution is allowed to authorize the transaction based on the returned verification information.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided a computer-based method and a computer program product for automatically sorting customers who make purchases from merchants using a credit card. The computer-based method includes the following steps. An adjusted index is calculated for a customer based on an amount of money the customer spent across merchants during a time period. The adjusted index is compared to a cut-off value. The customer is classified based on the comparison of the adjusted index to the cut-off value. In an embodiment, the method also includes re-classifying the customer based on at least one of (i) information about the merchants, or (ii) a number of transactions in a predetermined industry.

Abstract: A method for locating a machine includes collecting machine data from a first machine over a communications network. The machine data for the first machine includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the first machine. The method also includes determining that the first machine is missing based on the collected machine data and receiving, from the first machine, over the communications network, a location message including location data reflecting a geographic location of the first machine. The method further includes sending a notification message to a first entity including data reflecting a status of the first machine and the location data, and sending a command to the first machine to control at least one operation of the first machine based on determining that the first machine is missing.

Abstract: A method and form for an integrated voting system includes a single sheet having ballot information, verification information and mailing information thereon. The sheet is folded to form various panels including a first and a second panel having ballot information thereon. Sealing means is provided on one of the first and second panels and located to obscure the ballot information from view when used seal the first and the second panels. A verification panel is attached to the first and said second ballot panels to provide for verification. A first mailing panel is attached to one of the first and the second ballot panel and said verification panel to form an outer mailing envelope such that the ballot panels and verification panel can be mailed to a voting authority for processing. The panels may be of different heights to facilitate processing by a voting authority.

Abstract: A scanning unit is for scanning a measuring standard having a coded track formed by a graduated scale, such as an incremental track, and a reference mark system, including a detector system for scanning the coded track and an additional detector system for scanning the reference mark system. The detector system, when scanning the associated coded track or reference mark system, receives scanning signals on a signal-sensitive surface, and the additional detector system includes at least two sensors, of which only one is used for scanning the reference mark system during operation of the scanning unit. Each of the two sensors is connected to one of the two inputs of a differential amplifier, and the sensor not used for scanning is deactivated in that its signal-sensitive surface is covered.

Abstract: There are provided a barcode reader for reading an article code in a barcode form from an article tag, and an RFID tag reader for reading a shelf code from a shelf tag in a non-contact wireless manner. The article code read by the barcode reader is stored in an article code memory, and the shelf code read by the RFID tag reader is stored in a shelf code memory. There are also provided an information processing unit, a control unit and a transmission unit. The information processing unit is controlled by the control unit to process the article code and the shelf code as one set of information for article management. Then, the transmission unit transmits the processed information to a personal computer.

Abstract: A data acquisition system including a first sensor, a second sensor, and an electronic data acquisition device. The sensors can assume a variety of forms, such as analog, digital, bus, GPS, etc., and have disparate information formats. The data acquisition unit is electronically coupled to the sensors, and includes a processor, an aggregator module and a communication device. The processor processes information from the sensors. The aggregator module correlates signaled information from the first sensor with signaled information from the second sensor based on time. Finally, the communication device is adapted to transmit information generated by the aggregator module to a location remote of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and wireless smart card is provided. The apparatus includes a mode detection circuit, a switching block, a controller, an antenna, and a wired interface. Furthermore, an apparatus for a triple-mode smart card is also provided herein. The apparatus for the triple mode smart card includes a mode detection circuit, a switching block, a controller, an antenna, and a wired interface. The apparatus for the triple mode smart card operates in one of a wireless mode, a USB mode and an International Standards Organization 7816 mode or other wired mode. Furthermore, the apparatus for any of these smart cards could operate in both the wireless and wired mode(s) without conflict, and without switching power off and on to change configuration.

Abstract: An item handling system for and method of handling items in an item stream, the system comprising: a validation unit for validating an element containing an authentication code on each item in an item stream, wherein an item is assigned as being spoiled where the element does not satisfy at least one validation criterion; and a sorting unit for separating spoiled items from the item stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having in one embodiment a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.

Abstract: An alternator and starter tester system having a bar code reader. The bar code can contain information regarding the component being tested and can direct the tester to conduct the appropriate test. The bar code can also encode the results of the test on a second bar code. The second bar code can then be coupled to the tested component.

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: Infrared light having a wavelength in a range from about 700 nm to about 760 nm, which is non-readily visible, illuminates indicia to be electro-optically read by default. Blue visible light having a wavelength in a range from about 430 nm to about 505 nm illuminates the indicia when high-density and/or low-contrast indicia are detected.

Abstract: Handheld mobile communication devices according to the disclosure have a closed position, in which the display member of the device covers at least a portion of the keys of on the keypad member of the device, and an open position, in which the keys are accessible and the device is operated. When the display member is in the open position, it forms an ergonomically desirable angle (e.g., on the order of about 155°) relative to the keypad member. However, unlike clamshell-type cellular phones, the display member does not simply flip open about a conventional pivot joint. Rather, it moves from the closed position, where it is parallel and adjacent to the keypad member, to the open, angled position through a sliding/sweeping motion; through an eccentric, “up-and-over” rotational motion; or through a combination sliding/“up-and-over” motion.

Abstract: A method for registering biometric information for use in a transponder-reader system is disclosed. The method includes steps of detecting, verifying and storing a proffered biometric sample. During detecting, a sensor detects a proffered biometric to obtain a biometric sample. During the verifying step, the biometric sample is compared with other stored samples and/or other information. During the storing step, the biometric sample is stored on a database, for use by the transponder-reader system in authorizing transactions.

Abstract: A flat IC tag contains memory means capable of data storage and transmission means capable of data transmission. The IC tag has on a surface thereof an unvulcanized rubber having identical properties to the unvulcanized rubber used for an article to which the IC tag is mounted. The opposite surface of the IC tag is mounted to the article before vulcanization. The article is vulcanized in this state to mount the IC tag to the article. Hence, the IC tag is not damaged if attached to tires and other articles in harsh operating environment.

Abstract: A wireless-enabled smart card reader receives an Answer to Reset (ATR) from a smart card and transmits the ATR using a wireless communication link to a computing device without waiting for an ATR request from the computing device. The computing device may cache the ATR and use it for subsequent communication sessions with the smart card.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods backward compatible with existing card processing infrastructure are provided to furnish dynamically configurable data to a card reader to facilitate transactions such as credit card transactions. The inventive apparatuses and methods are operable even with card readers configured to read statically implemented data, such as statically implement magnetic stripe data and/or statically printed bar codes. Techniques are also provided to take advantage of features of the inventive apparatus and method to substantially reduce or to eliminate transaction fraud and to improve efficiency for cardholders, card issuers, and intermediary institutions.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for generating a barcode with a human readable interpretation (HRI), herein the barcode includes an application identifier. The characters are input as an input data set that is equivalent to the complete (HRI) with a special character immediately after the application identifier. Generating a barcode encoding data set for encoding the barcode is based on the input data set. Generating the barcode encoding data set includes interpreting the special character as a field separator between the application identifier and a data portion. Generating a data set for the human readable interpretation is based on the input data set and includes converting the special character to a symbol. Generating the barcode with the human readable interpretation includes combining the barcode encoding data set and the data set for the human readable interpretation.

Abstract: A humidity controller apparatus (20) contains an adsorption rotor (24) and a heater (25). A first passage (21) along which a first air stream flows and a second passage (22) along which a second air stream flows are formed in the humidity controller apparatus (20). The amount of heat exchange between the first and second air streams and the amount of moisture exchange between the first and second air streams vary by adjustment to the rotating speed of the adsorption rotor (24), and the humidity controller apparatus (20) is switched between a dehumidification operation and a humidification/heating operation. During the dehumidification operation, the rotating speed of the adsorption rotor (24) is set low. The first air stream is dehumidified by the adsorption rotor (24) and then supplied to the inside of a room. The second air stream is used for regeneration of the adsorption rotor (24) and then discharged to the outside of the room.

Abstract: A sensor in a bathroom continuously senses the humidity level therein at periodic intervals and provides the sensed humidity values to a processor, which stores the sensed values and continuously calculates an average humidity value over a time period. The processor continuously checks if the current sensed value exceeds an upper threshold value related to the calculated average humidity value and, if so, turns on an exhaust fan. Once the upper threshold value has been exceeded, the processor continuously checks if the current sensed value has dropped below a lower threshold value related to the calculated average humidity value and, if so, turns off the exhaust fan and, if not, leaves the exhaust fan on for a period of time. If the processor is not controlling the exhaust fan in the on position, a user can manually activate a switch to turn on the exhaust fan for a certain period of time.

Abstract: A fastener for supporting a rail on a railroad tie using clips, includes an abrasion plate having an upper surface, and being constructed and arranged to fit on the railroad tie; a rail pad having a lower surface and being constructed and arranged to fit on said abrasion plate with said lower surface facing and contacting said upper surface and to support the rail; a pair of insulators disposed on said rail pad, said insulators being configured to receive the clips when the fastener is installed and to insulate said fastener from said clips; and coupling means integrally formed on one of said abrasion plate and said rail pad to hold said pair of insulators prior to the installation of the fastener.

Abstract: A volcano food fountain is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the volcano food fountain includes a fountain base having a bowl, a simulated volcano carried by the fountain base in the bowl, a pump provided in the simulated volcano and communicating with the bowl, a volcano opening provided in the simulated volcano and communicating with the pump and a tray carried by the fountain base.

Abstract: A deodorizer for a refrigerator is formed of a mesh type material having fine multiple pores through which the air in the refrigerator passes and the material having multiple pleats so as to enlarge a surface area coming in contact with the air, thereby maximizing a surface area coming in contact with the cool air and accordingly, improving deodorizing performance.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use in an internal combustion engine, the fuel injector comprising: a valve needle which is engageable with a valve needle seat to control fuel injection through an injector outlet; an actuator arrangement arranged to control fuel pressure with in a control chamber, a surface associated with the valve needle being exposed to fuel pressure with in the control chamber such that fuel pressure variations within the control chamber control movement of the valve needle relative to the valve needle seat; damping means for damping opening movement of the valve member, the damping means comprising a damper chamber and the damping means being arranged such that fuel pressure variations within the damper chamber damp opening movement of the valve member wherein the damping means is arranged such that in use there is a through flow of fuel through the damper chamber.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided having a needle valve element and a nozzle member with a central bore configured to slidingly receive the needle valve element. The fuel injector also has a spring configured to bias the needle valve element toward a closed position. In addition, the fuel injection assembly has a guide element configured to reduce a lateral movement of the needle valve element. The fuel injection assembly further has a fluid flow restricting device configured to restrict the flow of a fluid through the needle valve element and create a fluid pressure differential between the fluid upstream and downstream of the fluid flow restricting device.

Abstract: A method of separating at least one cluster of a plurality of clustered particles of a specified material. The method includes: initiating the wetting of at least a portion of the plurality of cluster particles; disaggregating at least a portion of the wetted plurality of cluster particles into a disaggregated material including a plurality of smaller clusters, discrete particles or any combination thereof; and stabilizing at least a portion of the disaggregated material by reducing, eliminating or replacing specified controlling attractive forces. A system and apparatus for separating at least one cluster of a plurality of clustered particles of a specified material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronically controlled journal loading system 20 for controlling and adjusting the amplitude of the load applied to a journal assembly 19 of a pulverizing mill 10. The journal loading system 20 includes a servomotor 44, resolver 134, vertical gearbox 42, coil spring assembly 40, controller 46 and a user interface 48. The journal loading system 20 provides electronic control and adjustment of the force applied to the journal assembly 19 to thereby increase or decrease the load that a grinding roll 18 imposes on the material being pulverized. In the mode of operation of the servo journal loading system 20, a desired load set point is selected via the user/operator interface 48. The servomotor 44 rotates a preload stud (or servo screw) 50 within the coiled spring assembly 40 in the appropriate direction via the gearbox 42. As the preload stud 50 turns, a bronze nut 100 and bushing 94 move axially along the stud to compress or decompress the spring 86.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller mill, particularly intended for dressing ores. To reduce the energy demand for comminution and classifying a grinding product, a classifying device is positioned below the grinding area and to it is supplied the comminuted ground material under gravity action, as well as classifying air from an annular chamber in the lower region of the grinding bowl and which has at least one fine material outlet and coarse material outlet.

Abstract: The invention provides an interlock system whereby operation of a domestic appliance such as a food processor containing an electric motor capable of driving a bladed or similar processing tool at relatively high speed is inhibited unless a vessel having a first or a second base configuration is securely mounted to the appliance so as to contain the tool; the vessel having a lid or cover intended to be in place for safe operation when the processing tool is driven by the motor. A vessel-supporting surface of the appliance carries several up-standing latches, each of which is formed with features capable of co-operating with vessels having either of the base configurations to temporarily latch either type of vessel operationally to the appliance.

Abstract: A wire guiding device includes a base and a guide portion for streamlining the flow of coiled wire from a storage container. Side walls may be included to bridge the distance between the device and the storage container to prevent wire from rising upward around the outside of the wire guiding device. As the amount of wire in the bin decreases, the wire guiding device will float downward maintaining constant downward pressure on the coil of wire. Wire in the storage container will therefore be drawn out in a smooth manner limiting or substantially preventing tangles.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge is provided that includes a leader pin attached, directly or through a leader tape, to an end portion of a recording tape, and includes flange portions formed at both ends thereof, an opening formed at a case, and from which the leader pin is pulled out; holding portions formed at an upper case and a lower case respectively, and holding respectively the flange portions of the leader pin in the vicinity of the opening; an overhang portion formed at at least one of the holding portions, and overlaping with the flange portion at an inner surface side thereof when the leader pin is held at the holding portions; and an elastic deformable engaging portion formed at at least one of the holding portions to urge the flange portion in an axial direction of the leader pin when the leader pin is held at the holding portions.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for throat corner scoop offtake for mixed compression inlets for high speed aircraft engine applications is disclosed. The throat corner scoops are small air intakes located inside the large mixed compression inlet. They are positioned in a region otherwise prone to generate low pressure airflow. The throat corner scoops capture and remove the low pressure airflow from the bulk stream that is passed on to the engine. This location also provides inlet stability enhancement, and the airflow is used on the auxiliary systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching and recovering a lighter-than-air aircraft is provided. The aircraft includes an envelope that is substantially filled before launch with a lift gas and a second gas. The lift gas and second gas are substantially separated in the envelope by a boundary layer of mixed gas, formed by the lift and second gases. The aircraft is supported by one or more masts as the lift gas is injected to achieve the required buoyancy for launch. The aircraft is then released and rises, for example, in an inclined orientation. As the aircraft climbs, the lift gas expands in the envelope, and the second gas is vented therefrom. During horizontal descent, air can be pumped into the envelope to maintain the envelope in a substantially filled configuration. The air and lift gas can be mixed to avoid sloshing and pooling.

Abstract: A flap actuator is provided for controlling movement of a flap on a wing of an aircraft. The flap actuator includes a housing having a leading end and a trailing end. A ball nut is rotatably supported in the housing. A motor has a rotatable drive shaft that is rotatable in first and second opposite directions. A gear assembly translates rotation of the drive shaft to the ball nut. A ball screw extends along a longitudinal axis and has a terminal end operatively connectable to the flap. The ball screw is movable between a first retracted in response to rotation of the ball nut in a first direction and a second extended position in response to rotation of the ball nut in a second direction. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connectable to the ball nut. The roller clutch engages the housing and prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw by the flap.

Abstract: An aircraft exhaust vent assembly for venting an exhaust gas through a window opening formed in an airplane fuselage. The aircraft exhaust vent assembly has an enclosure connected to the airplane fuselage and at least partially disposed within the window opening. An inlet is formed in the enclosure and connectable to an exhaust gas source for directing the exhaust gas into the enclosure. An outlet is formed in the enclosure for venting said exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage. An outlet flap is connected to the enclosure for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet flap substantially seals the outlet in the enclosure when the exhaust gas is not supplied to the enclosure. In the second position, the outlet flap does not seal the outlet in the enclosure to allow for venting of the exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage.

Abstract: An illuminating system, device, and method are provided to illuminate an in-flight refueling operation involving a first aircraft, serving as a tanker aircraft and carrying the illuminating system of the present invention, and a second aircraft, entering an in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide eye-safe, covert illumination suitable for illuminating the in-flight refueling position such that the second aircraft is illuminated upon entering the in-flight refueling position.

Abstract: An aerially transportable tank (20) for storing a composition for discharging in flight, the tank including a neck (23) terminated by a composition discharge opening (24), and having a wall (21) extending the neck that is sufficiently deformable to be received in part or in full within the neck.

Abstract: A reversible aerospace plane includes an air intake at a first end of the aerospace plane, at least one heat exchanger disposed in the aerospace plane, an engine at a second end of the aerospace plane, wherein the aerospace plane is configured to accelerate in a first direction and configured to glide and land in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially in a reverse direction from the first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for active motion damping of a spacecraft whose attitude control system (SACS) has experienced a partial failure. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises, an attitude control processor (ACP), a motion damping controller (MDC) coupled to the ACP, a control moment gyro (CMG) comprising a gimbal loop controller (GLC) coupled to the MDC and a gimbal motor with input coupled to the GLC and gyroscopic torque output coupled to the satellite. Normally, a gimbal rate command (GRC) from the ACP passes to the GLC for execution to rotate the CMG gimbal and the coupled satellite. If the ACP output becomes invalid, the MDC assumes control and can modify CMG operation in several ways to safely decelerate a moving satellite without hazardous mechanical stress. Following such active motion damping, the CMG remains quiescent until a RESET is received whereby further valid GRCs are then executable.

Abstract: A method to assist the piloting of an aircraft in a non-precision approach during a landing phase may include a series of successive steps that are carried out interactively and automatically. The steps include verifying, in accordance with respective standards of operation, conditions relating to the correct functioning of a plurality of equipment of the aircraft and to the integrity and precision of measurements of parameters used for implementing the non-precision approach, based on information from the plurality of equipment. On the basis of the verified conditions, an appropriate approach category is selected and presented on a display screen.

Abstract: A rudder pedal assembly exhibits sufficient ergonomic feel for a pilot, and is relatively small in overall size. The rudder pedal assembly includes a plurality of rails disposed non-parallel to each other within a common plane, and a rudder pedal. The rudder pedal is movably coupled to the plurality of rails and is configured to receive an input force in at least a first direction and a second direction. The rudder pedal is further configured, in response to the input force, to move along a path constrained by the plurality of rails in at least the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and within the common plane.

Abstract: The invention provides a support structure with torque transfer function including a link member having an upper end and a lower end; a pair of main brackets located on a surface of a base member and being pivotally connected to the lower end of the link member through an intermediate hinge. The link member is rotatably pivoted between the two main brackets. The base member has a pair of auxiliary brackets located at one side of the pair of main brackets. A base hinge is socketingly connected to a resilient support and disposed between the main brackets and the auxiliary brackets. A torque transfer device having upper and lower rotation parts pivoted to the intermediate hinge and the base hinge so as to move synchronously together and a connecting part linking the upper and lower rotation parts to rotate in the same direction, thereby forming a torque transmission path.

Abstract: The universal work stand is a device that is useful for holding a pistol or other small items to assist the user in cleaning, assembly and repair. The device is mounted to any relatively flat surface. Once the device is secure to that surface the pivoting ball can accept a plurality of work piece holders such as a firearm holder, a fly tying vise, a reel vise (for holding fishing reels), fishing rod holder, pistol barrel holder or any other vise configuration that will hold a work piece. The unique pivoting ball allows for the manipulation of the ball to aid in the worker in placing the work at various angles. The ball lock is a standard locking mechanism and is also available with a quick release that can be adjusted with one hand while the other hand securely moves the work piece or the holder.

Abstract: Bracket for mounting a guiding rail to a support surface. The mounting bracket includes a body part having a main body defining a mounting hole and opposite parallel first and second snap flanges. The bracket further has a clip part for engaging its body part and has at least one resilient tongue and at least one resilient arm extending from the clip part in alignment with the first and second snap flanges. The invention also relates to the combination of the mounting bracket and a guiding rail, as well as to a method for mounting a plurality of the brackets and the guiding rail to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for securing objects to a substrate in a manner that permits the objects to be removed from the mounting assembly and from the substrate. The mounting assembly includes a planar sheet-like holder with opposite front and rear faces. A repositionable adhesive is applied across the entire rear face of the holder, and the holder is removably disposed on a release liner. A generally U-shaped cut is formed in the holder to define a flap. The flap can be repositionably attached to the object, while remaining portions of the holder can be repositionably secured to a substrate.

Abstract: A suction cup having an adsorption surface is provided wherein the suction cup has a disk-like main suction cup unit composed of an elastically-deformable material and has an attachment surface. The attachment surface has a gel layer composed of a gel, bonded thereto so as to cover the attachment surface. The adsorption surface is formed by the surface of the gel layer, and the gel layer are composed of a center portion composing the center of the adsorption surface, and a circumferential portion composing the outer circumference of the adsorption surface. The outer circumferential portion has the thickness larger than the thickness of the center portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction-type holding device (1) to be fixed to fastening surfaces (17). Said holding device comprises a hollow suction base (2) that is open towards the fastening surface (17) and encompasses a central piece (11), and a sealing edge (5) which is provided with an elastic material at least towards the fastening surface (17) and can be placed on the fastening surface (17) along with the suction base (2) such that a suction chamber (30) that is gas-tight sealed towards the outside is embodied between the bottom face (9) of the suction base (2) and the fastening surface (17). The inventive suction-type holding device (1) further comprises contact pressure transmitters (8) and pressing means (18) for transmitting the contact pressure to the wall (7) of the suction base, thus applying additional contact pressure used for firmly attaching the suction-type holding device.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a first surface and a second surface. A device panel can include at least first and second engaging members. The first and second surfaces are sized and shaped to engage the first and second engaging members respectively, and the first and second engaging members move along the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are sized and shaped so the reaction forces between the first and second engaging members and the mounting panel cooperate to counteract the moment created by the center of gravity of the device panel to continuously immobilize the device panel at the plurality of angles relative to the support surface.

Abstract: A one-piece slip-on accessory hanger includes an engaging and support portion, an extension portion, and an end portion, all of which are formed of a single length of an elongated rod member. The accessory hanger is formed by including a plurality of spaced bends, with each bend formed at a predetermined bend location, with a predetermined bend angle, and in a predetermined bend direction. The accessory hanger is specifically structured for being slipped over and securely engaging an upper portion of a support structure such as a PVC fence, without the need for any fastening devices. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.