Abstract: A container is formed, in which firstly a contained fluid is protected by the packaging, which corresponds to dangerous medium requirements and, with a simple configuration of the closure combination, first closure of the filled container and easy opening and resealing may be achieved. To this end, a container is structured having a press-in lid which serves for first closure. It has a lid ring having a film which is fastened to it in a fluidtight manner and closes an opening which is delimited on the inside by the lid ring. A lid cap which serves to reseal the container is provided. The first closure means and the resealing means can be moved into a tightly sealing position during first closure of the filled container by means of pressure in the direction of one axis of the container, optionally individually or, if preassembled to form one unit, together.

Abstract: A hinged lid for a food container is provided. The lid structure includes a rim with an attached cover member. The lid structure also includes a mounting structure for mounting the lid structure to a food container. A tamper evidence latch is provided to releasably secure the rim in a closed configuration overlying the open end of the food container. The rim engages an upper rolled lip of the food container sidewall when the lid structure is in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A container (20) having an opening, a lid (10) pivotally mounted on the container (2) and movable to open and close the opening, a lid latch assembly (100) mounted on the lid (8), the lid latch assembly (100) and container (2) having cooperating engagement portions by which the lid (10) can be held while the opening in the container (2) is closed, the lid latch assembly (100) having a handle (114) by which the lid (10) can be manually pivoted to engage the cooperating engagement portions whilst storing energy in a spring (126) in the lid latch assembly (100), the handle (114) being manually moveable to cause the cooperating engagement portions to disengage and so allow the lid (10) to move to open the opening and an electrical solenoid (121) which can be activated to cause the cooperating engagement means to disengage under the action of the spring (126) in which energy was stored on closing the lid (10).

Abstract: A lottery ticket machine able to prevent tickets from being illegally drawn out includes a machine base provided with a driving device, two press rollers with pressed streaks on the wheel surface and a control device. One of the two press rollers is provided with a shaft extending out of the machine base for fixing the control device that contains a rotary gear with engage holes, a bushing and a control wheel bored with bushing hole to be fitted with the bushing and disposed with engage teeth and projecting members to be respectively engaged with the engage holes of the rotary gear. An outer cover covered on the control device is provided inside with engage teeth to correspondingly engage with the engage teeth of the control wheel, and a spring has opposite ends respectively pushing against the control wheel and the inner wall of the bushing cover.

Abstract: A dispenser for salt or other dry granulated material includes a combination of a container, a sprinkling cap and a flow-reducing element located between the sprinkling cap and an opening of the container. The flow-reducing element includes openings such that it allows fewer granules to pass when the container is inverted and shaken than would otherwise be allowed by the sprinkling cap alone. The combination of the sprinkling cap and the internal flow-reducing element provide the function of evenly releasing and distributing the granules in an expected and continuous manner, yet at a significantly lower rate than standard dispensers.

Abstract: An appliance with a rear wall section, a first side wall section, and a second side wall section, defining an interior. The appliance includes a refrigerator section within the appliance interior and the refrigerator section has the same or a smaller volume than the appliance interior. The appliance also includes a door with an exterior surface and an interior surface with a door liner. Further included is a module removably engaged with the appliance. Yet further included is a resealable comestible dry goods container having a defined interior volume, an exterior, and a bottom portion where the container is removably engaged within the module.

Abstract: A system for providing an iced alcoholic beverage such as iced beer or carbonated soft drink includes a source of chilled coolant (16), and a beverage line (10) for supplying the beverage. A heat exchanger (20) is disposed in the beverage line (10) for cooling the beverage by heat transfer to the chilled coolant. A restriction (22) or orifice forming a venturi is provided in the beverage line (10) downstream from the heat exchanger. A chilled font (18) for further cooling the beverage is provided downstream from the orifice. The font (18) includes a dispenser tap (30) capable of dispensing the beverage at a relatively low dispense rate and at a relatively higher dispense rate. In use the beverage is first dispensed at a relatively low dispense rate through a smaller orifice of a narrow diameter at a preset low flow rate of beverage, and becomes ice or slush (40).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for cooling a beverage and dispensing a beverage cooling medium. The system comprises a beverage line connectable to a beverage supply for transporting beverage from the beverage supply through a conduit to a beverage dispense valve at a dispensation site, and a cooling line for transporting a cooling medium through the conduit so as to allow heat exchange between the cooling medium in the cooling line and the beverage in the beverage line. The cooling line is connectable to the beverage supply or to a second beverage supply such that the cooling medium is a beverage cooling medium. The system further comprises a cooling medium dispense valve in communication with the cooling line at the dispensation site for dispensing the beverage cooling medium.

Abstract: A foam reducing or eliminating container for containing a liquid includes: a container body having a top portion, a bottom portion and an opening for adding a liquid to or removing a liquid from the container body; and a hollow baffle located within the container with first and second openings therein. The first and second openings are covered with a pierceable seal, wherein the first opening of the baffle is at least partially aligned with the opening of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a reagent supply container for an automated analyzer, which includes: a container as described above; and a closure which is movable away from the opening of the container to be in an open position and movable into contact with the opening to be in a closed position. In another preferred embodiment a reagent supply for an automated analyzer includes: the reagent supply container as described above; and a liquid reagent therein. The second opening of the baffle is submerged in liquid.

Abstract: An oil delivery system for a popcorn popping machine to deliver cooking oil to a kettle of the popping machine. In one embodiment, the oil delivery system includes more or more containers of oil which are supported within a cabinet of the popping machine so that the outlet of each container is facing downwardly so as to be oriented along a vertical axis. Flexible tubing is provided to connect the outlets of the containers to a pump of the oil delivery system. Each container may comprise a flexible bag which is enclosed in a rectangular box. The outlets of the flexible bags include quick connect/disconnect connectors which are connected with quick connect/disconnect connectors provided on the flexible tubing. The oil delivery system is provided with a flow sensor to detect when a container of oil is empty and provide an alert to an operator to remove and replace the container with a filled container. An electronic valve is provided in the oil delivery system to control the flow of oil from the containers.

Abstract: A container comprising a rigid body (5) having a neck (6) defining an aperture providing access to the container cavity and a bag (9) positioned in the interior of the body (5), the bag being formed of thermoplastic material and itself having a neck (2) from which there radially extends a flange (3) which rests on a free edge of the neck (6) of the body (5) and defines a hole for providing access to the cavity of the bag (9) and for sealedly housing the body of a hermetic pump (P) operable manually to withdraw the fluid substance (F) from the bag and feed it to the outside through its dispensing stem (S), the bag being formed by hot blow moulding of a preform placed directly within the container, said bag having a substantially uniform thickness and being detached from the container along its entire outer surface.

Abstract: A device for dispensing fluid substances, comprising a rigid container (5) having a neck (6) delimiting an opening giving access to the cavity of the container, a bag (9) made of thermoplastic material housed inside the container (5), a hermetic pump (P) connected in sealed conditions to the bag and which can be activated manually to draw off a fluid substance (F) from the bag and feed it to the outside via a stem of the pump, where inside said bag is an element with substantially axial development suitable for guiding crumpling of the bag due to emptying thereof by means of said pump.

Abstract: A substance container may be used for containing substances such as liquids or powders. The container assembly includes a body. A top panel of the body includes a flap that folds into the back panel of the body. A first aperture is located on the front panel to accommodate a dispensing assembly. A second aperture is also located on the top panel to accommodate a filling assembly. The filling assembly does not protrude past an uppermost plane represented by a top surface of the body.

Abstract: A process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film; supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material; pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube; evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.

Abstract: There is disclosed a beverage dispenser capable of appropriately and smoothly supplying a supercooled beverage without being influenced by a type of raw water. The present invention is a beverage dispenser 1 comprising: a raw water treatment device 63 which deaerates raw water and/or filters the raw water through a reverse osmosis film; a primary cooling device 13 which cools said raw water to an ice point or so; a raw water supply circuit 59 which supplies the raw water cooled by the primary cooling device 13 to the outside; a secondary cooling device 30 which cools the raw water flowing through the raw water supply circuit 59 into the supercooled state at the solidifying point or less; and a syrup circuit 53 which supplies a syrup to the raw water supplied to the outside through a heat exchanger 61 for supercooling the raw water of the secondary cooling device 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module (28) for a modular pressure distribution system (8) comprising a plurality of modules. The module (28) comprises a frame (60, 60?, 61, 61?) defining an outer periphery and a space defined within the outer periphery and a pressure chamber (22) for receiving a beverage container (68), the pressure chamber being arranged within the space. The module further comprises a first type connector (46) and a second type connector (48) positioned at the outer periphery. A fluid path (47) establishes fluid communication from the first type connector to the second type connector. The first type connector (46) is connectable to a connector of the second type connector (48) of a neighbouring module, and the first type connector is adapted to receive a pressure-fluid from a pressure-fluid source. The second type connector is adapted to transfer the pressure-fluid to a first type connector of a neighbouring module.

Abstract: A serving apparatus without oxygen, from an open bottle, of a liquid that can be affected by oxygen, in particular wine, by insufflating inert pressurized gas in said bottle, comprising a fixed engagement member (1) and a releasable fastening member (2) fixed to a bottle (30). A pressurized gas supply without oxygen is provided, for example nitrogen or argon, having for example a cylinder (41) connected to a gas supply machine (40). By the gas supply machine (40) the pressurized gas can be distributed and supplied in the bottles (30), flowing through a pressure reducing valve (42), a pressure switch (43) for indication of the lack of gas in the cylinder (41), a solenoid valve (44) adapted to delivery gas on driving the pressure switch (47), a safety valve (45) adapted to avoid that a maximum threshold value is exceeded, a gas tank (46) that prevents a solenoid valve (44) from opening continuously, a pressure switch (47) adapted to keep the pressure in the bottle (30) fixed.

Abstract: A trigger sprayer may include a rotatable nozzle to facilitate the discharge of liquid from the nozzle in any desired direction and may also include a locking mechanism for preventing activation of the trigger sprayer. The trigger sprayer may also fit within the footprint of a container to which the trigger sprayer is attached.

Abstract: Dispenser of liquid or viscous product, characterised in that it comprises a cup (3, 17) to receive the product, a sole piece to support the dispenser, a pump, comprising a pump body (13) and a piston, to transport the product from a reserve of product up to the cup (3, 17), the sole piece and the cup (3, 17) being connected by a hinge, the pump being inserted between the sole piece and the cup (3, 17) so as to transport the product when the piston is squashed on the pump body (13) by the movement of the cup (3, 17) in relation to the sole piece, the cup (3, 17) and the sole piece extending beyond the pump in relation to the hinge to enable the squashing of the piston on the pump body (13) by a user pressing with a utensil on the cup (3, 17).

Abstract: Pump operable manually or by a utensil held in one hand by a user, characterised in that it comprises an elastically deformable chamber (10), the inside of which is suited to containing a liquid or viscous product (8) and the outside of which is intended to be brought into contact with air at a slit (7) made in this chamber (10) and brought into contact with a replacement fluid at an opening (6) made on said chamber, in that the chamber is suited to deforming elastically, by a pressing of a user, to create a higher pressure in the product (8) compared to the outside, and to open the slit (7), allowing a useful volume of product (8) to escape from it, in that the chamber (10) is suited to making its deformation elastically disappear, following the cessation of the pressing of the user, to create a lower pressure in the product (8), in the presence of a flow of replacement fluid through the opening (6) towards the inside, and to close the slit (7), and in that the wall of the chamber (10) is essentially planar

Abstract: A protective cap for covering, in a closed position, a dispenser head (4) of a fluid dispenser, said head including an end wall (40) incorporating a dispenser orifice (401), and a lateral wall (42), said cap including, on its inside, at least one sealing profile (500, 520) that, in the closed position, co-operates in leaktight manner with the lateral wall (42) of the head (4), in the proximity of said dispenser orifice.

Abstract: The device (1000), for dispensing viscous or pasty material (42), such as sealing materials or adhesives, comprises a drive unit (2) in a housing (3), by means of which a main guide rod (1) which may be connected at the front end thereof to a piston (5, 500) is mounted such as to be axially movable, introducible into a main cylinder (9) and connectable to the drive unit (2) on the drive side by first assembly means (8?, 23) and retains at least one sealing element (7, 71; 700; 701) on the front side thereof by means of two assembly means (8; 800). The piston (5; 500) driven by the main guide rod (1) acts on the material (42) and forces the same out of the main cylinder (9) through the sealing element (7, 71; 700; 701).

Abstract: A ring (10) for disposing around a valve body (21) of an aerosol dispenser valve (20) that is mounted by means of a fastener element (50), such as a crimpable capsule, on a reservoir (1) containing fluid to be dispensed, said ring (10) comprising at least an outer portion (15) and an inner portion (11, 11?) that co-operates with said valve body (21), said ring (10) being made as a single piece that is substantially rigid, said outer portion (15) being adapted to co-operate in leaktight manner, by deformation of its material, with a portion of the reservoir (1) while the fastener element (50) is being assembled on the reservoir (1).

Abstract: A toggle-action dispensing closure is provided for manipulation between a closed, non-dispensing orientation and an open, dispensing orientation that is easily assembled, resists inadvertent opening and has an improved aesthetic appearance for variously shaped closures. The closure includes an actuator rotationally mounted on a housing whereby the housing may be secured to a container. The axis of rotation of the actuator is asymmetrically disposed in the housing. The actuator has a rear flange with an articulatable hinge that is longer than its front flange. When the closure is securely mounted to a container, the portion of the rear flange below the hinge resiliently contacts the container assisting in preventing inadvertently opening the closure.

Abstract: A dispensing cap is provided for a container and includes a body portion having a formed sliding track thereon. An opening is provided in the body for providing access through the body. A retention slot is formed adjacent the sliding track. A slider is moveably positioned within the sliding track for selectively opening and closing the body opening. A frangible tab is initially formed as part of the slider and engaged within the retention slot to fix the position of the slider within the sliding track. Removal of the frangible tab permits the slider to move relative to the body opening. The cap is formed by an injection molding process, in conjunction with an in-mold assembly of the slider.

Abstract: The bracelet donning assistance device is a clamping device for holding a bracelet, allowing the user to easily secure the bracelet about his or her wrist, using only his or her other hand to clasp the bracelet. The bracelet donning assistance device includes a tray having a base and at least one sidewall, defining an open interior region therein for storing jewelry. A shaft is provided, with the shaft having opposed upper and lower ends. The lower end thereof is pivotal with respect to an upper surface of the base of the tray. Additionally, a clamp is secured to the upper end of the shaft for releasably holding the bracelet. A pair of lids are pivotally secured to the at least one sidewall for releasably covering and sealing the open interior region of the tray.

Abstract: An accessory attachment platform, including a platform body having a plate attachment portion, wherein the plate attachment portion includes a platform opening; a platform plate portion coupled to an accessory plate portion, through the platform opening, such that the platform plate portion and the accessory plate portion are rotatable relative to the platform body; and a release lever pivotably attached to the platform body, wherein the release lever is pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and wherein the release lever is capable of releasably interacting with a primary notch of the platform plate portion such that when the release lever is in the locking position relative to the primary notch of the platform plate portion, the platform plate portion is unable to rotate relative to the platform body.

Abstract: Holster apparatus for use with firearms are described. An example holster apparatus comprises an elongate body having a first interface coupled to a first portion of the body to engage a first element of a firearm. The first interface moves between a first position to engage the first element of the firearm and a second position to release the first element of the firearm. The example holster apparatus also includes a second interface removably coupled to the body adjacent the first interface to engage a second element of a firearm.

Abstract: A cup holder (1) for receiving a vessel (6) includes a drawer (2) capable of sliding inside a body (3) so as to move identically between a closed position and an open position. The drawer (2) locally includes an outer outline (9) in the shape of an open arc of a circle that engages a partial perimeter (C1) of the vessel (6). The cup holder further includes a stowable front (4) that is flush with a side of the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the closed position, and that is in an inclined position relative to the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the open position in order to hold the base of the vessel (6).

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes: a processing section that is provided at the processing position Pn and that performs the processing on the work while the work is being halted; an entering-side buffer mechanism that is provided on an upstream side of the processing section in the predetermined direction and that can accumulate the work carried from upstream; an exit-side buffer mechanism that is provided on a downstream side of the processing section in the predetermined direction and that can accumulate the work having been processed and to be carried downstream; and a sending section that is provided between the entering-side buffer mechanism and the processing section and that sends out the work accumulated by the entering-side buffer mechanism to the processing section.

Abstract: An fastener driving apparatus has an actuator linked to a work contact element so as to move a trigger plate when the work contact element retracts. A button is movable back and forth along a transverse axis when depressed from its opposite ends. The actuator has a bump mode surface and a sequential mode surface at different locations along the axis, and is moveable transversely back and forth between a bump mode arrangement in which the bump mode surface can move the trigger plate and a sequential mode arrangement in which the sequential mode surface can move the trigger plate. The button is linked to the actuator so as to move the actuator to the bump mode arrangement when depressed from one end, and to move the actuator to the sequential mode arrangement when depressed from the opposite end.

Abstract: A marker installation system comprises a marker comprising a shaft having a bottom end and a top end, and including an insertion portion, a mast portion, and an engagement portion located between the insertion portion and the mast portion. The engagement portion is configured to resist further insertion of the shaft into the ground beyond the insertion portion. The system includes a marker installation apparatus including a magazine assembly defining a magazine space in which the marker is positioned. The magazine space has a push position in the magazine space for receiving the marker. The apparatus includes a push assembly mounted on the magazine assembly to engage the engagement portion of the marker when the marker is located in the push position. The push assembly pushes the marker from the push position of the magazine assembly when the push assembly is actuated.

Abstract: An improvement in a stapling device and method designed to capture a tissue fold between first and second members in the device and to staple and cut the fold to form a stapled tissue plication with a hole therein is disclosed. The improvement includes an engagement assembly in the first member movable from a retracted position in the first member to an extended position in the second member, and releasably attached to second member, an anchor assembly that includes the anchor, wherein (i) movement of the engagement assembly from its retracted to its extended position, through a tissue fold captured in the device between the first and second device members, is operable to engage the anchor assembly, and (ii) movement of the engagement assembly, with the anchor assembly engaged therewith, back toward its retracted position, is effective to pull at least a portion of the assembly through the hole in the stapled tissue plication formed by the device.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, in which the first and second jaws are aligned within a plane, and a second position, in which the second jaw is in non-parallel correspondence to the plane. The surgical device may include a surgical member, e.g., a cutting and/or stapling element, disposed within the first jaw, and a second driver configured to cause relative movement of the surgical member in a direction parallel to the plane. The first and second jaws may include a camming arrangement that is configured to move the second jaw between the first and second positions. The camming arrangement may include a channel disposed along at least a portion of one or both of the first and second jaws, a ball bearing disposed within the channel.

Abstract: A medical tool comprising an electromechanical driver and a surgical instrument attachment for use in invasive surgery, including a handle coupled to a flexible sheath which is in turn coupled to a surgical attachment. The handle of the driver includes the electromechanical driver and at least one processor element which controls the actions of the electromechanical driver, and therefore the application elements of the surgical attachment, based on information relayed between the processor element and remotely activateable sensor assemblies in the surgical instrument attachment.

Abstract: A modified ultrasonic bonding machine and process uses a sharpened bonding wedge to perform cutting of short material. The sharpened wedge is controlled by the same position control device control used to position the bonding wedge for bonding. The software is modified to permit selection of bonding or cutting, and the bonding wedge is replaced with a cutting wedge. The modified ultrasonic bonding machine allows the operator to use the automated system of the machine to do the cutting, and the precision gained ensures that no damage to the parts is caused by the cutting process.

Abstract: The invention is a method for permanent connection of two components by soldering employing a glass or metal solder as the solder material. A layer system providing adhesion is applied to both components, between which the solder material is introduced. the layer system is heated to a soldering temperature characteristic for the solder material and results in a permanent solder connection between both components after cooling. The layer system providing adhesion has an adhesive layer applicable directly to the component and a solderable layer. The adhesive layer, if a glass solder is used, contains oxidic, carbidic, or nitridic components or mixed compounds thereof and, if a metal solder is used, the adhesive layer contains carbidic or nitridic components or mixed compounds thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnect joint includes providing a first metal layer (210, 310), providing a film (220, 320) including metal particles (221, 321) and organic molecules (222, 322), placing the film over the first metal layer, placing a second metal layer (230, 330) over the film, and sintering the metal particles such that the organic molecules degrade and the first metal layer and the second metal layer are joined together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply device for feeding a gas to a wave brazing or tinning machine, wherein said machine is capable of generating at least one soldering wave, comprising: a gas inlet channel, a set of N secondary channels immersed in the solder bath of the brazing or tinning machine, and an injection channel supplying at least one injection means for injecting the gas in the vicinity of said at least one wave, each secondary channel having its inlet end connected to the injection channel, characterized in that the number N of secondary channels is equal to or higher than 1, and in that the inner diameter d of the secondary channels and the gas flow rate Q0 in the inlet channel are selected so that the gas flow in the secondary channels is in a turbulent mode.

Abstract: A biodegradeable jar has an enclosure wall with a cap that form ajar that holds a semi-solid material. In order to prevent the biodegradable wall from being weakened by the semi-solid material in the jar, both an exterior surface and an interior surface of the wall and the cap include a permeation barrier material that substantially prevents the semi-solid material from seeping through the walls of the jar. The enclosure wall could have an inner wall that is shorter than the outer wall which forms a ledge that a separate cover for the semi-solid material could rest upon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clip file, comprising a clip body with a front and a rear clip jaw (5) made from sheet steel, wherein both clip jaws (5) are connected by means of a yoke and the rear clip jaw rests against a rear wall of a rear cover of the file, whilst the front clip jaw (5) presses against a section of a multiply folded strip (2), provided with a window (4), formed from the longitudinal edge of the rear cover folded towards the front of the file and the strip (2) forms a stop which cooperates with a counter stop formed from an edge of the front clip jaw (5) folded inwards. According to the invention, the clip body may be provided with a defined grip point by means of a projection embossed in the centre of at least the front clip jaw, the apex of which faces the yoke of the clip body.

Abstract: Foldable container including a base having a first base portion and an opposing second base portion. The base has a base surface free of hinge lines between the first base portion and the second base portion. A sidewall surrounds at least a portion of the base and extends generally upward from the base with a non-uniform height to define a compartment. A rim having a first rim portion and an opposing second rim portion is disposed proximate the top edge of the sidewall. At least one transition region is formed in the sidewall to allow the first base portion to pivot between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the container defines a plate. When in the closed position, the first base portion defines at least a portion of a cover relative to the second base portion. A packaged product is also provided, including a foldable container and a cover member removably attached to the rim of the foldable container in the open position to contain a product therein.

Abstract: A small and bright light-emitting device, comprising an outer boundary lens surface and at least one LED, is achieved by carefully choosing the inclination of each surface portion of the outer lens surface with respect to the chip size of the light source. The inclination of the surface portions are chosen such that the lens provides an optimal weighing between size and light efficiency.

Abstract: An cup insulating insert is provided that is adapted for placement between a container and an outer base sheet. The insert includes a plurality of spaced-apart fingers for separating the container from the base sheet and creating an air gap therebetween. The insert has void spaces or air gaps between the fingers that are sized such that, when a plurality of inserts are formed from a single sheet, the fingers of one insert are formed from the void spaces of an adjacent insert. Multiple inserts can be formed from a single sheet of recyclable material with substantially no waste material being created.

Abstract: A system for recording a transaction of a packaged item. The system includes the item having a product contained in a package and an optically imaging pen. The package has a printed interface surface containing information relating to the item and coded data indicative of an identity of the item and of coordinates of a plurality of locations on the interface surface. The pen has a marking nib for marking the interface surface; an image sensor for optically imaging the coded data when said marking nib is used to mark the interface surface; a processor for generating indicating data indicative of the identity of the item and of a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface; and a transceiver for communicating the indicating data to a computer system so as to initiate recordation of the transaction.

Abstract: A system for reducing energy consumption in an unoccupied room is disclosed in which a battery-powered card reader placed inside a room has a keycard switch adapted to be activated upon insertion of a keycard and to be deactivated substantially upon its removal. The card reader also has a controller and a transceiver and is adapted to transmit an insertion signal substantially upon activation of the keycard switch, a removal signal after the deactivation of the keycard switch, and a periodic status signal indicating the activation state of the keycard switch. At least one secondary unit comprising a means to connect to a power source, a means to connect to a room appliance, a transceiver, and a controller, is adapted to cause a room appliance to enter a powered mode substantially upon receipt of the insertion signal or receipt of a periodic status signal indicating the keycard switch is activated, and to cause that room appliance to enter an energy-saving mode after receiving the removal signal.

Abstract: An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen includes: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; and a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the force sensor detects that the nib is in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: An e-wallet service allows a consumer to retrieve a list of merchants selling goods and services specified by the consumer, see reviews by other consumers who conducted transactions with the merchants on the retrieved list; select a merchant from the retrieved list and an account to pay for a staged transaction and a corresponding token for the staged transaction with the selected merchant, conduct the staged transaction with the merchant by the submission of the token to the merchant as form of payment; and use the token, after conducting the staged transaction with the selected merchant, to gain access to a social media portal and input the consumer's opinion about the selected merchant's performance of the staged transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for currency discrimination comprises first and second stationary scanheads, disposed on opposite sides of a bill transport path, for scanning respective first and second opposing surfaces of a bill traveling along the bill transport path and for producing respective output signals. The bill travels along the transport path in the direction of a predetermined dimension of the bill. A memory stores master characteristic patterns corresponding to associated predetermined surfaces of a plurality of denominations of genuine bills. Sampling circuitry samples the output signals associated with the respective first and second opposing surfaces of the scanned bill. A signal processor is programmed to determine which one of the first and second opposing surfaces corresponds to the associated predetermined surfaces of the plurality of denominations of genuine bills.

Abstract: Issuing a debit card associated with only non-personally identifying information includes communicating among an input device, a network coupling, and a card dispenser. The input device is configured to receive a new account request. The new account request includes only non-personally identifiable information. The network coupling is configured to send the new account request to an acquirer processor and to receive an approval response from the acquirer processor. The card dispenser is configured to dispense a debit card to the user based on the approval response received from the acquirer processor. The debit card includes only non-personally identifiable information. The non-personally identifiable information includes the account number.