Abstract: A re-closable pouring element for liquid food packaged in cardboard/plastic composite packages, comprising a base encircled by a flange and having both a solidly constructed inner thread and an outer thread, an opening element having at least one cutting edge and a screw cap formed as a threaded lid. The opening element has a solidly constructed outer thread and is arranged inside the base. The opening element is formed in such a way that when the screw cap is operated for the first time, it cuts an opening in the package material located under the pouring element.

Abstract: A drip catcher, having an adjustable neck, having a hook at the top for engaging a spout pipe of a fluid reservoir, and a basin, containing an absorbent pad and three sided slot on the flattened rear side to accommodate two legs of an alligator clasp in the neck, having a channel between the legs created by cutting three sides of a brace, bendable rearward to support the invention in vertical alignment to the spout, teeth extending from the outside edge of both legs which engage the sides of the slot, so the teeth disengage by squeezing the legs together.

Abstract: An improved dispensing package for liquids is described comprising a combination pouring spout fitment, a closure that functions as a measuring cup when removed and inverted, and a bottle. The improved liquid seal between the closure and the fitment is made possible through mismatched bevels on the closure and fitment respectively wherein the sharper angled bevel on one of the parts buries into the wider angled bevel of the other part. The applied torque is prevented from loosening prematurely through a thread configuration form that allows the closure to seat securely into the spout fitment with the closure threads pushing back up against the bottom surfaces of the fitment threads in a “locked” arrangement. The correct alignment of the fitment on the bottle is made possible through the coordination of a thread stop on the fitment and corresponding locking lug on the neck of the bottle.

Abstract: A fluid product dispensing device that has a container that contains a fluid product, a pump, and a dispensing head that serves as the actuator for the pump. The container is a single molded piece with a neck. The neck of the container has either an opening to accommodate an air filter or has a neck joint that is molded onto the neck of the container, or both. In at least one embodiment, the container also has a shoulder to assist retaining the dispensing head, and a second shoulder to form a maximum amount of actuation.

Abstract: An elastomeric dispensing container for a fluid includes an elastomeric receptacle defining a chamber therein and having an integrally formed gasket extending radially from an opening formed on a lower end and a receptacle neck providing communications between the chamber and the opening, a relatively rigid sleeve disposed concentrically about the receptacle neck having a sleeve neck with a lower face adjacent to the integral gasket, a cap having a lid covering the receptacle opening and the integral gasket with a dispensing orifice formed therein and a cap neck extending from the lid disposed concentrically about the sleeve neck, and engaging means formed on the sleeve neck and the cap neck providing removable attachment therebetween wherein the engaging means secures the integral gasket in a compressed and substantially fluid-tight state between the lid and the sleeve lower face.

Abstract: A piston pump having a piston forming element carrying at an inner end a removable member which becomes secured in a piston chamber forming member and detached from the piston forming element within the piston chamber forming member.

Abstract: A dispensing closure for a dispensing container (1) and a dispensing container (1) incorporating such a dispensing closure, wherein the closure has a unitary type of construction. The dispensing closure includes a generally annular metal ring (4) having an outer peripheral edge and a central opening encircled by an inner peripheral edge (6), the ring being attached to the edge of the container body side wall at one end of the container body; and an overmolded polymer layer (16) having an annular outer portion molded over the inward surface of the ring and having a central panel integrally formed with the outer portion so as to cover the central opening in the ring (4), the central panel of the polymer layer (16) defining at least one aperture (7) through which the product in the container body can be dispensed.

Abstract: A rod actuator particularly for a mastic gun comprises wear compensation and pressure relief. The wear compensation is effected by a biased catch plate. The catch plate is released from the rod in the actuator by a sleeve transmitting a releasing force applied to a brake plate through to the catch plate. The pressure relief is provided also by the sleeve riding on the rod such that when the trigger is released the rod is able to retreat by a limited amount defined by the movement of the release plate between a released and engaged relationship with the rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for dispensing a product. The dispensing device comprises: a container (2) containing the product under pressure, the container having a top (7), bottom (5) and body portion (8), an axial direction being defined between the bottom and top; a valve mechanism (3) mounted at the top of the container, the valve mechanism being movable with respect to the container for pressurized discharge of the product out of the container; and a dispensing cap (4) mounted on the top of the container. The dispensing cap carries: a nozzle (21) debouching outside the cap for spraying the product, the nozzle being connected to the valve mechanism by a conduit; and art actuating member (23) having a horizontal arm (25) and a vertical arm (24). The horizontal arm is hingedly suspended in the cap and engages the valve mechanism to actuate the valve mechanism upon pulling the vertical arm towards the container portion.

Abstract: An improved valve assembly for use in a pressurized dispenser is disclosed. The disclosed valve assembly may include a valve housing and a blocking member operatively associated with the valve housing, wherein the wall of the valve housing includes at least one transverse primary opening and at least one transverse secondary opening thereon. The blocking member is slidable from a filling position, in which fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the valve housing is established through both primary and secondary openings, to a dispensing position, in which fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the valve housing is established only through the primary opening and not through the secondary opening. The blocking member may include a slidable sleeve, a slidable piston plate, or a combination of both. In operation, the disclosed valve member may provide an increased flow rate during product and/or propellant filling while retaining a regular flow rate during dispensing.

Abstract: A metering valve used with a pressurized dispensing container, the metering valve has a valve stem assembly that slides co-axially within an annular metering chamber that surrounds the valve stem assembly and forms a substantially cylindrical chamber body. The metering valve also has an outer seal at the top of the cylindrical chamber body and an inner seal at the bottom of the cylindrical chamber body. The valve stem assembly has an outlet and an associated passage that is above the line of the outer seal when the metering valve is at rest, and is below the line of the outer seal when the metering valve is actuated, thereby creating a dispensing passage for the metering chamber's contents. The valve stem assembly has an inlet and an associated passage that is above the line of the inner seal when the metering valve is at rest, and is below the line of the inner seal when the metering valve is actuated.

Abstract: A tea kettle with a spout and a handle extends from a body, wherein the handle and spout are offset from one another such that when the body is tilted during pouring of a hot liquid contained therein, hot vapor from the liquid substantially is diverted away from the handle.

Abstract: A container for dispensing a fluid with no contraction/expansion “glug, glug” effect has a cover forming a sealed top with a pouring spout on top of the cover and at least one elongated handle on top of the cover. The elongated handle extends longitudinally away from the pouring spout and has a distant end coupled to a vacuum manifold formed under the cover as a void space distant from the pouring spout and above fluid within the fluid tight container. A pouring spout has a circular aperture leading into the fluid tight container. The circular aperture has a central axis; the circular aperture is bordered by a peripheral circular sealing surface that extends radially away from the aperture. An air vent opening is positioned on the circular aperture's highest radial central position on the circular sealing surface.

Abstract: A spout assembly for a packaging bag for improving the prevention of oxidation to an inner content and discharging such content at a desired amount. The spout assembly mounted to the bag body includes a spool to move along the axial direction of the spout assembly and an urging member having an outer peripheral surface fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the spout assembly and adapted to urge the spool toward the bag body side. A check valve allows the inner content to flow only from the bag body side toward the mouth portion side. The urging member has a seat surface for the spool and the urging member presses the spool against the seat surface to shut off the flow of the inner content, and when an inner pressure of the bag body or a suction force of the mouth reaches a predetermined value, the spool separates from the seat surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for supporting a firearm from a user. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a sling capable of supporting a firearm from a portion of a user's body. The sling can include a strap capable of being supported by a portion of a user's body. The sling can also include a first connector mounted to a first portion of the strap, the first connector capable of mounting to a firearm connector. Furthermore, the sling can include a second connector mounted to a second portion of the strap, the second connector capable of mounting to a third connector, and further capable of mounting to a second firearm connector. Moreover, the sling can include a third connector mounted to a third portion of the strap, the third connector capable of mounting to the second connector, whereby the mounting of the second connector to the third connector creates a loop in the strap.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted bicycle carrier for transporting non-standard bicycle frame types, such as full suspension mountain bikes. The carrier typically is mounted to the hitch structure of a vehicle and is comprised of a vertical support mast, with a top mounted horizontal bar, containing cradles for hanging bicycles from their fork crowns in a vertical position, providing independent access. The cradle design turns the fork and handlebars to a degree that prevents interference with an adjacent bicycle's handlebars, thereby allowing the closest possible spacing. Lower down on the vertical support mast is a horizontal bar for securing the bicycle rear wheels, preventing the bicycles from swinging freely on the cradles.

Abstract: An improved equipment backpack which incorporates two novel and unique features. The first feature is a unique system for holding a tripod in place so that it can be carried on the backpack. The second feature is the incorporation of wing accessory pockets on the exterior of the backpack which retain objects in a visible, organized and readily accessible manner so that easy access to the objects can be achieved without the necessity of opening the entire backpack.

Abstract: A setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component, includes a muzzle (14), a bolt guide (15) located in the muzzle (14), a magazine (20) for fastening elements (50) and releasably mountable on the tool housing (11) and having a connection section (21) provided at an end of the magazine (20) adjacent to the muzzle (14) and with which the magazine (20) is secured to the muzzle (14), and a connection device for releasably mounting the magazine (20) on the housing (11) and including a snap device (30) located between the magazine (20) and the housing (11) and having a snap member (33) and a counter-snap member (34) engageable with each other in a snap position (35) of the magazine (20), with the snap device (30) applying pressure to the muzzle (14) in the snap position (35).

Abstract: An electrically operated surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector having an actuation assembly effecting a surgical procedure when actuated and a handle connected to the end effector for actuating the assembly. A part of the assembly moves between start and fully actuated positions. The handle has a self-contained power supply and a drive assembly disposed entirely within the handle. The drive assembly has an electrically powered motor and a controller electrically connected to the power supply and to the motor. The controller selectively operates the motor. A transmission mechanically connects the motor to the moving part and selectively displaces the moving part anywhere between the start and fully extended positions when the motor is operated. A manual release is mechanically coupled to the transmission to selectively interrupt the transmission and, during interruption, displaces the moving part towards the start position independent of motor operation.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator configured to be retracted relative to the distal end of the disposable loading unit and rotate an anvil between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can include a cam, where the cam can include an arcuate profile having an apex configured to be in contact with the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. In at least one such embodiment, the anvil can apply a clamping force to the soft tissue prior to the staples being deployed to prevent, or at least inhibit, soft tissue from flowing, or ‘milking’, out of the distal end of the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit having an anvil which can be moved between open, closed, and/or collapsed positions to facilitate the insertion of the disposable loading unit through a trocar.

Abstract: The invention is a stapler device comprising an anvil and staple cartridge located in the distal tip of an endoscopic device. The staple cartridge is comprised of a fixed proximal portion and a moveable distal portion, which slides into said fixed portion. Means are provided for moving the anvil back and forth, such that the anvil pushes against the distal face of the staple cartridge thereby pushing the moveable portion of the staple cartridge into the fixed portion and causing the staples to be ejected from said staple cartridge passively without said staples moving. The stapler of the invention has two embodiments, a side fastening embodiment and a front fastening embodiment. The endoscopic device that comprises the stapler can be used to perform many different stapling tasks, e.g. closure of a hole in the wall of an internal organ.

Abstract: A hollow tissue inosculation apparatus is to inosculate two hollow tissues to each other with a staple having a plurality of elastically deformable bent staple pins. The hollow tissue inosculation apparatus includes a staple holder to hold the staple, a curvature control mechanism to control curvature of the staple pins of the staple held in the staple holder, and a gap control mechanism to control gaps of the hollow tissues with respect to the staple holder. The curvature control mechanism substantially straightens the staple pins. The gap control mechanism reduces the gaps to cause the substantially straightened staple pins to penetrate the hollow tissues. The curvature control mechanism and the gap control mechanism are independent from each other.

Abstract: A device for processing workpieces using ultrasound, comprising an ultrasound sonotrode and an anvil, wherein a workpiece is processed between the ultrasound sonotrode and the anvil, the ultrasound sonotrode having a recess with open edges in the axial direction and a die is disposed in the recess in the direction towards the workpiece and/or the anvil, the die being displaceable between a rest position retracted into the ultrasound sonotrode and an operating position in which it partially projects out of the ultrasound sonotrode.

Abstract: In a wave soldering tank using a conventional screw pump, pulsation sometimes occurred in which molten solder spouting from the discharge nozzle moved up and down. The cause of the occurrence of the pulsation in a screw pump was that the gap between the screw pump and the casing was wide, so there was reverse flow through the gap. It is conceivable to narrow the gap, but if the gap is made narrow, the screw pump ends up contacting the casing if the screw pump becomes eccentric. A wave soldering tank according to the present invention makes the diameter of the inlet in the bottom of the casing smaller than the diameter of the screw pump so that reverse flow does not take place even if the gap between the screw pump and the casing is wide. Flow is made more stable by providing outwardly flaring guide walls on the outlet of the casing.

Abstract: Method for the metallic joining of profiled rails in the longitudinal direction. Method includes heating rail ends to a joining temperature by pressing together faces of the rails end while simultaneously moving them relative to one another in an oscillating manner with a greatest oscillation amplitude relative to one another perpendicular to the main axis direction Y with the maximum moment of inertia of the cross-sectional surface, aligning the rail ends, and pressing the faces together to join the rails together.

Abstract: A tool for assembling a part made of a ferromagnetic material with a part made of a paramagnetic material. The tool includes a first tool part including a first abutment and a first electromagnetic coil. The tool also includes a second part including a second abutment, wherein the second part is mechanically assembled with the first part such that the first and second abutments are selectively attracted or repelled with respect to each other. The first electromagnetic coil is used for generating an electromagnetic flux that enables the paramagnetic part to be pushed towards the second abutment and/or the ferromagnetic part to be attracted thereto when the first and/or second part is placed between the first and second abutments.

Abstract: The present invention's composite-to-metal attachment methodology—bolt-free and adhesive-free—features the implementation of an intermediary structure containing metallic fibrous material. The intermediary structure couples a first adherend (which contains nonmetallic fibrous material) with a second adherend (which contains metallic nonfibrous material). The intermediary structure's fibrous attribute is availed of for effecting its co-cure attachment to the first adherend. The intermediary structure's metallic attribute is availed of for effecting its weld attachment to the second adherend. According to typical inventive practice, respective panels of the first adherend and the intermediary structure are arranged and connected so as to describe a stepped configuration at the interface between the first adherend and the intermediary structure. The first adherend and a first portion of the intermediary structure are co-impregnated with a uniform resinous system and are co-cured.

Abstract: This invention has an object to provide a method for precisely fabricating transportation pallets readily adaptable to model change and other alterations. In the method for fabricating a transportation pallet according to the invention, in which jig mounting plates are fixed on a steel pallet base, projecting pieces having holes to which jigs are attached are provided on one longer side of the jig mounting plates at a predetermined interval, a positioning member is secured on the pallet base, the jig mounting plates are temporarily secured along the positioning member, and the jig mounting plates are welded to be fixed on the pallet base.

Abstract: A carton is formed from an inner blank and an outer blank. The outer blank ply of the carton includes a pivoting, reclosable lid that allows a top end of the carton to be accessed and subsequently closed. A latch feature is included in the carton to allow the lid to be securely closed over the open top of the carton. The inner blank may form a closed and/or sealed liner vessel within the outer blank ply of the carton.

Abstract: A foldable pot cover provides a foldable die cut pattern which can be imprinted on its exterior surfaces with any of a number of designs. The pot cover is formed from a die cut pattern which can be folded into overlapping flaps and tabs which are folded and interlocked to define a generally trapezoidal pot cover which can receive a variety of different pot sizes and types and resists moisture. The die cut pattern forming the pot cover can be of a universal shape but formed in a variety of different sizes to accommodate different sized potted plants.

Abstract: A reinforced carton handle structure includes a carton wall panel (16) hinged along a first fold line (40) to a linear series of at least two reinforcing panels (26, 32, 34) hinged one to the next. Each of the carton wall panel (16) and reinforcing panels (26, 32, 34) includes an aperture or recess (54, 56) for forming a handle opening. One of the reinforcing panels (26) in the linear series is hinged to a next reinforcing panel (32) of the linear series about a second fold line (87a, 87b) that is closer to the first fold line (40) than an edge of the one reinforcing panel (26) which edge is furthest from the first fold line (40).

Abstract: A plurality of cartons, preferably fabricated from paper, paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard, and particularly of tray or wrapper-style construction, are provided, having integral lid constructions, and outer overlap panels, operably associated with the at least one top panel, to enable articulation of the carton into a substantially completed structure, without interfering with the subsequent articulation of the at least one top panel to enable loading of the carton subsequent to articulation and affixation of the outer overlap panels.

Abstract: A method for providing news content includes receiving, through a computer system, news content from a sender, and printing the news content in a document (print media) including coded data, the coded data including an indication of the identity of the news content and at least one reference point on the document. The method also includes using a sensing device to capture images of at least some of the coded data, when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the document. Indicating data generated by the sensing device is then received in the computer system. The indicating data includes information regarding the identity of the news content and at least one action of the sensing device in relation to the document using at least some of the coded data.

Abstract: There is provided a customized gift card and methods for customizing the gift card with buyer-selected downloadable content. A buyer may associate pre-purchased downloadable content with a gift card such that the card is “preloaded” for a recipient. The recipient may then redeem the customized gift card and download or access the pre-purchased content. The customized gift card may also include a buyer-selected image and/or personalized message on the face of the card. Alternatively, the customized gift card may have a generic design. Various methods are provided for producing the cards and selecting the downloadable content, including purchasing the card online and having it delivered; buying a generic card and associating content with it online; and purchasing and preloading the card at a dispenser, or kiosk.

Abstract: A controller for a printhead is provided having an encoder for encoding tags to be printed on a page. The encoder has an input at which to receive a tag structure template having at least one predetermined mark position, an input at which to receive fixed data bits, an input at which to receive variable data bits, and a dot generator which uses the input tag structure template, and fixed and variable data bits for outputting, for at least one mark position of a respective tag, a single bit indicating if a dot is to be provided at the at least one mark position, for the respective tag.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a housing, a gelatinous substance and an account identifier. The housing defines a storage cavity and is configured to be selectively opened and closed to provide selective access to the storage cavity. The gelatinous substance is selectively enclosed within the storage cavity, and, upon removal of the gelatinous substance from the storage cavity, the gelatinous substance is configured to selectively flow in a plurality of different directions. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the at least one of the account and the record using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically processing accounts receivable (AR) check transactions via a location-base device associated with a merchant. The location-base device, such as a point-of-sale (POS) device, can be configured to perform various functions that facilitate processing of AR checks. Such functions may include improved user interface, an ability to handle a repetitive input parameter, an ability to handle multiple merchant identifiers, an ability to generate multiple receipt types, an ability to edit check transactions, an ability to manage throughput of the device, and an ability to allow scanning of different types of checks so as to allow subsequent processing of the scanned checks to be different based on the type of the check. The location-base device configured in one or more of the foregoing manner facilitates a check authorization process performed by a check processing service.

Abstract: A system for use in banking operates responsive to data in data bearing records. The system is suitable for securing the contents in safety deposit boxes or similar locked receptacles, and selectively permits access to key locks only to individuals who have been determined to be authorized to have such access. Each safety deposit box or other receptacle includes a door (16) with at least one key lock (22, 24) thereon. An assembly (26) is installed on the preexisting door to limit access to a key lock to an authorized person. The assembly includes a body (32) that is held in a blocking position by a cover lock. A selectively programmable electronic key module (28) is operative to change the condition of the cover lock from a latched to an unlatched condition.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a sheet dispensing mechanism including at least one currency note picking member. Rotation of a picking member causes an end note to be picked from a stack of currency notes. The picking member includes an outer surface portion that has a thickness including a built in physical wear indicator. The indicator includes material surface layers of different colors. Each color indicates a different surface wear state.

Abstract: An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and at least one of a note acceptor and a cash dispenser. The automated banking machine carries out financial transfers related to user accounts based on information read from cards. The automated banking machine provides a printed receipt for transactions conducted. The machine carries out transactions when operatively connected to a source of power and a transaction network. The machine also carries out functions to control the power status of devices in the machine.

Abstract: A method for securely handling processing of information in a chip may include randomly selecting one of a plurality of data processes based on a random process index. A time interval may be randomly allocated on the chip, for processing the randomly selected one of the plurality of data processes. When the randomly allocated time interval has elapsed, the randomly selected one of the plurality of data processes may be initiated. The randomly selected one of the plurality of data processes may include one or both of accessing data and acquiring the data. Data may be verified by the randomly selected one of the plurality of data processes prior to the processing of the data. The data may be verified utilizing at least one digital signature verification algorithm, such as a Rivest-Shamir-Adelman (RSA) algorithm and/or a secure hash algorithm (SHA-1).

Abstract: Techniques are described for use in selectively authorizing proposed transactions under certain circumstances, such as when payments for the transactions are not assured. In some situations, when payments to a merchant from customers are not assured for proposed item acquisition transactions involving those customers, determinations are made to authorize and proceed with at least some of those proposed transactions in an automatic and selective manner without the assurance of receiving the payments for the selected transactions. For example, a selective determination of whether to authorize a proposed transaction may be made based on analyzing information about the proposed transaction (e.g., about the item(s) involved in the transaction, a payment amount of the transaction, the customer(s) involved in the transactions, etc.) and on information regarding other prior transactions.

Abstract: A fraud registration preventing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a registrant information obtaining section obtaining registrant information of a registrant, an operator information obtaining section obtaining operator information concerning an operator who carries out a registration operation of the registrant information obtained by the registrant information obtaining section, a collating section collating the registrant information obtained by the registrant information obtaining section and the operator information obtained by the operator information obtaining section, and a registration prohibiting section prohibiting registration of the registrant information when a collation result of the collating section shows coincidence or almost coincidence. With this, when a registration operation is carried out with respect to a user authentication system, it is possible to prevent the fraud registration by the operator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monetary cards are described. The cards are free from personally identifiable data, e.g., no name or embossment. In an example, the card includes a first number that activates the card and a second number written to the card at activation away from the card manufacturer. This helps prevent theft at the manufacturer. This second account is a bearer account where anyone who knows the account number can withdraw the funds from the account. The account may be funded with either the account number or the authentication number.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records to carry out financial transactions. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards that corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display, at least one manual input device and a cash dispenser. The machine further includes at least one computer processor that operates to cause financial transactions to be carried out on accounts corresponding to the data read from cards. The automated banking machine computer processor is operative to also cause digital information to be delivered from the machine or sent to remote system addresses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system. The embedded communication system enables data to obtained remotely, and transferred to the scanner. The scanner includes a multiplexing component that can enables data received via the communication component to be handled as though it were obtained with the scanner. In addition, the communication system enables paging/calling of remote devices.

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 printing hospital labels and wrist bands having a capture station, wherein a master label is created, and multiple independent label stations, wherein additional labels may be printed based solely on information in the master label, without being connected to a data network.

Abstract: A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) operatively positioning an optical reader relative to the surface and capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding local tag data contained in the imaged portion; and (c) determining a position of the reader. The imaged portion has a diameter of at least one tag diameter and less than two tag diameters.