Abstract: An integral tab 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab 300 is provided near the apex of the folder by cutting free/lose a portion of the existing flap material 14 of the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs or material being affixed. The cut creates the tab without additional material required. The 3-D tab 300 version is created adding a triangular portion 301 which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side and top. A perforated version allows for user selectable tab and a plurality of placements across the common edge allows the user to select the tab position.

Abstract: An envelope having a compartment and a sealed display rack hole is made from a single blank and has a front panel, two side flaps, a top flap, and a bottom flap. Each flap is integrated with the front panel and folds around a respective fold line to form the compartment. The front panel and either the top or bottom flap each have a display rack hole disposed to register with one another when the flap having the display rack hole is folded around its fold line. The front panel is affixed to the flap having the second display rack hole, preferably with adhesive or by heat sealing, to create an area that seals the display rack holes from the compartment. In preferred embodiments, the front panel has a window covered with transparent sheet.

Abstract: More than four sidewalls extend upwardly and outwardly from a periphery of a central base panel of a tray. Each sidewall includes opposite first and second marginal portions extending outwardly from the base panel. For each adjacent pair of sidewalls of the plurality of sidewalls, the first marginal portion of a first sidewall of the adjacent pair of sidewalls is in an overlapping relationship with, and is fastened to, the second marginal portion of a second sidewall of the adjacent pair of sidewalls.

Abstract: A blank, carton, or package that includes a dispensing flap is described. The dispensing flap is formed in an end flap and covers an opening formed in another end flap when the carton is formed. The dispensing flap is detachable along a pattern of tear lines and the dispensing flap can be hinged to expose the opening and allow contents of the carton to be dispensed from the opening. A tear tab can be included to initiate detachment of the dispensing flap along the tear line pattern. A hanging flap can be provided to hang the carton from a vertical surface. End flaps and tuck-in flaps can be provided at a first end and a second end of the blank to secure the ends of the carton.

Abstract: A carton for containing a product. The carton comprises a back panel, a front panel, a bottom panel, and a top flap. A first compartment is foldably connected to the back panel, and a second compartment is foldably connected to the front panel. The top flap is operable to overlap the first and second compartments of the carton.

Abstract: Provided is a valuable medium processing system capable of improving the work efficiency of a person in charge when continuously storing a quantity of valuable media collected from a plurality of valuable medium transaction machines into a storage unit. The valuable medium processing system comprises: a valuable medium processing machine for performing a count process on a predetermined kind of valuable media from among the valuable media collected from the valuable medium transaction machines; and a control machine for storing and managing the quantity of valuable media collected from the valuable medium transaction machines on a per valuable medium transaction machine basis.

Abstract: A method for processing a matrix barcode displayed in three dimensions to extract data represented thereby involves capturing the component images of the three-dimensional representation. The method includes receiving a first component image of the matrix barcode and receiving a second component image of the matrix barcode as the two images are displayed on a display device. After the two images have been received, the first component image and the second component image of the matrix barcode are captured on an image capture device. Then depth information between elements of the matrix barcode presented in the first and second component images is determined and additional data represented in such depth information is extracted.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a first display operably coupled to the housing, and a second display comprising an electronic paper display operably coupled to the housing. A processor is operably coupled to the first display and to the second electronic paper display. A wireless receiver is coupled to the processor for receiving data comprising, for example, an electronic ticket having a scannable optical indicia, and the processor and the second electronic paper display are operable to display of the optically scannable indicia on the electronic paper display. The second electronic paper display is operable to display the optically scannable indicia such as a barcode with at least one of a lower reflectance, a higher resolution, and a higher contrast compared to display of the optically scannable indicia on the first display.

Abstract: A method of making an ordered element list includes providing a plurality of machine-readable codes, each machine-readable code encoding a corresponding element or a reference to a corresponding element, and wherein each element of the plurality of elements forms a portion of a plurality of different ordered lists, each ordered list enabling a function having one or more operations; using a receiver to receive in order a digital image of each of a plurality of the machine-readable codes; using a processor to extract the elements received or referenced by the received digital images of the machine-readable codes; arranging the extracted elements in the received order to form an ordered list; and using a processor to perform the function enabled by the ordered list.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating an individual item of a manufactured product with a mobile computing device includes generating a first identifier including an at least partially random visual feature on the item during manufacture of the item, and generating a second identifier associated with the item, where the second identifier is cryptographically related to the first identifier. One or more digital images of the first and second identifiers may be created by a camera of the mobile computing device. The digital images may be used to validate the authenticity of the item at the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating an individual item of a manufactured product with a mobile computing device includes generating a first identifier including an at least partially random visual feature on the item during manufacture of the item, and generating a second identifier associated with the item, where the second identifier is cryptographically related to the first identifier. One or more digital images of the first and second identifiers may be created by a camera of the mobile computing device. The digital images may be used to validate the authenticity of the item at the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A crop traceability system includes: a terminal which moves together with a machine to harvest or transport a crop; and a server which receives an information from the terminal. The terminal includes: a location information acquisition unit which acquires a location information of the terminal; and a transmitter which transmits the location information and a machine ID of the machine to the server. The server includes: a storage unit which stores a location information of a planimetric feature; a receiver which receives the location information and the machine ID which are transmitted by the terminal; and an ID information processor which links the machine ID with a planimetric feature ID of the planimetric feature when a location information of the planimetric feature stored in the storage unit coincides with the location information transmitted by the terminal.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to enable an individual to complete a financial transaction by swiping a magnetic stripe card through a card reader connected to a mobile device. The size of the card reader is miniaturized to be portable for connection with the mobile device. The card reader is configured to reliably read data encoded in a magnetic strip of the card with minimum error in a single swipe and provide a signal that corresponds to the data read to the mobile device, which then decodes the incoming signal from the card reader and acts as a point-of-sale device to complete the financial transaction. Such an approach enables a person to become either a micro-merchant (payee) or a buyer/customer (payer) without having to purchase expensive card reader devices or software.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards. The machine includes sensing devices adjacent a card reader slot. The sensing devices enable the machine controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article. The article enables access to diagnostic data stored in machine memory. The article also provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operable to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The machine is operative responsive to read card data to carry out transactions that transfer and/or allocate funds between accounts. The machine can also provide machine users with a receipt for transactions conducted. The machine includes a cash dispenser that can dispense cash to users, and cause the value of dispensed cash to be assessed to accounts corresponding to the read card data. The machine also includes a sheet accepting device that can receive currency notes and/or checks from users. An account that corresponds to the read card data can be credited for the value of received notes and/or checks.

Abstract: Enabling the management of biometric data, including and not limited to blood pressure readings taken on automated kiosks, which is stored on personal Smart Cards and synchronized to a database via a secure network. Also, enabling the providers of automated blood pressure readings, such as pharmacies, corporate work sites, health clubs and other customers, to charge a fee for the long-term use of a memory card to record non-invasive physiological test data and make the data available for health consultations. In an automated blood pressure system with one or more memory-card interface devices, a custom-formatted end-user memory card keeps track of the user's non-invasive physiological test data, and a recharge memory card controls the provider's recharging of the end-user memory card after the end-user memory card expires. The contents of the recharge memory card are updated in order to track its use by the provider of the readings.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a portable consumer device is disclosed. The method comprises receiving the first set of authentication data from the portable consumer device, the portable consumer device comprising a sensor configured to observe one or more events, a memory comprising a first set of authentication data, an alteration module with instructions for altering the first set of authentication data and a processer configured to execute the instructions for altering the first set of authentication data when the sensor observes the one or more events. The method further comprises comparing the first set of authentication data with a second set of authentication data, determining if the first set of authentication data complies with an expected change in authentication data from the second set of authentication data and sending an authentication response accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for providing digital receipts for purchase transactions are provided. The method includes the steps receiving information for a first credit card account for executing a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; charging an amount of the transaction to the first credit card account; and transmitting a receipt to a predetermined location of the customer. The predetermined location may be an e-mail address of the customer or a server residing on the network. By receiving digital receipts, a customer or end-user will be able to digitally store these receipts and view or print the receipts out when necessary. Furthermore, the customer will be able to manage the receipts with conventional software packages.

Abstract: A system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption provides customers making online purchases to automatically retrieve and redeem all applicable rebates and coupons during an online purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system makes purchases from merchants or manufacturers using all applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system automatically retrieves coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site and to retrieve manufacturer's and merchant's coupons prior to an online purchasing activity for subsequent submission to an online merchant during a subsequent purchasing activity.

Abstract: A device for conducting rail car inspections including an inspection module, an imaging module, a scanner module, a location module, a printer module and a communication module.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting commercial transactions with a server using a transaction card via a communication device is provided. The apparatus includes a transaction device coupled with the communication device for capturing information from the transaction card and a controller for converting the captured card information into an encrypted audio signal and for transmitting the audio signal to the communication device. The communication device delivers the audio signal to the server for processing the commercial transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reconfigurable stripe reader configured to receive read head signals corresponding to states on a magnetic stripe. The reconfigurable stripe reader can have a first configuration with a first routing of the read head signals to detect an initiation of a swipe of the magnetic stripe from the read head signals. The reconfigurable stripe reader can have a second configuration with a second routing of the read head signals to read data stored on the magnetic stripe from the read head signals during the swipe of the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: Vertical parallax between an imaging linear field of view (FOV) and an aiming light pattern is reduced in a reader for electro-optically reading symbols to be read by image capture by an arrangement that includes an imaging assembly having a solid-state imager with a linear array of image sensors, and an imaging lens for capturing return light over the imaging linear FOV from a symbol and for projecting the captured return light onto the linear array, an aiming light assembly spaced vertically away from the imaging assembly for generating the aiming light pattern on the symbol prior to reading, and an optical assembly for intercepting the aiming light pattern and for vertically aligning the aiming light pattern with the imaging linear FOV to reduce the vertical parallax.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel type of information carrier, onto which information is stored in the form of diffraction structures. An information carrier according to the present invention can be read by being drawn manually through a reading device. The present invention also relates to a device with which an information carrier according to the invention can be read.

Abstract: In an optical information reader, an entire size is reduced while a space for accommodating an imaging unit, a space for accommodating a cable of an external interface, and a space for accommodating plural boards in which circuits of a signal processing unit are accommodated are secured. An entire size of a housing is determined based on sizes of a main board and an imaging unit to realize an optical information reader having a minimum shape. The main board has the largest area as a board, and a CPU and a memory are mounted thereon. The imaging unit includes a camera module, a lighting LED unit, and a marker. The main board is disposed near an internal wall of a housing. Other functions are functionally divided into sub-boards and disposed around a frame body, and a connection portion to the cable is accommodated in the frame body to achieve miniaturization.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images of a target object having a barcode. The apparatus includes a portable housing configured for standing on top of a flat surface and a window on the portable housing. The apparatus also includes an imaging system configured to capture a first image of the target object within a first field of view through the window and to capture a second image of the target object within a second field of view through the window. The first field of view and the second field of view overlap with each other at a reference plane that is substantially parallel to the front face and located within a working distance of the imaging system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology that specifies each of a plurality of two-dimensional codes in an image and reduces the processing time for judging color in each cell region in each specified two-dimensional code. Based on edge images generated from obtained images, candidate regions among these edge images are extracted, a judgment is made about whether or not a characteristic pattern is included in each of the corresponding regions in the original images that correspond to these extracted candidate regions, and then the two-dimensional code regions are detected from among the original images. The color is judged both for each pixel group that comprises each row of that region and for each pixel cell, in pixel array order. If it is determined that a certain number or more pixels in each row that corresponds to each cell region are included in the color judgment region, color judgment is omitted for the remaining pixels in that row.

Abstract: The antenna-forming insert for a chip card includes a central layer forming an antenna including a substrate and at least one conductor extending along at least one face of the substrate. At least one cover layer covering on at least one side the central layer and capable of compensating for the irregularities of the surface of the central layer. Each cover layer includes a proximal sheet located in proximity to the central layer and a distal sheet located away from the central layer, both sheets being superposed and laminated and the proximal sheet during the lamination phase has lower fluidity than that of the distal sheet.

Abstract: An identification or security badge has a radio frequency identification (RFID) device that is on a flexible substrate of the badge. A first part of the flexible substrate, including a first part of an antenna of the RFID device, overlaps a second part of the substrate that contains a second part of the antenna, with the parts physically separated from one another. A holder of the badge may be mechanically coupled to the flexible substrate to provide the separation between the substrate parts. The holder may hold ends of the flexible substrate with clips, so that at least one part of the substrate has a curved or bowed (arcuate) shape that separates it from another part of the substrate. The separation of different antenna parts from each other means that at least part of the antenna is spaced away from a wearer of the badge.

Abstract: An exemplary aspect of the present invention is a memory card that includes: a memory that stores data; a driver that modulates the data stored in the memory; a transmitter that transmits the data modulated by the driver to a receiver provided in an external main unit; and an IC chip having the driver and the transmitter formed therein.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is communicatively coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computer's networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a user's portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computer's networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network. The verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computer's display, or may display the value to the user using the computer's display.

Abstract: A two-dimensional optical identification device for a quick decoding operation in a same gray level and decoding method applied to the same. The two-dimensional optical identification device has at least one two-dimensional optical identification with the same gray level. The two-dimensional optical identification has a first positioning block, a plurality of data blocks, and a second positioning block. The first positioning block has a plurality of first positioning points. The data blocks are placed around the first positioning block. The second positioning block has a plurality of second positioning points and a second direction identification point for providing the direction of the two-dimensional optical identification, and the second positioning block is placed at each boundary of the plurality of data blocks for defining the positions of the plurality of data blocks. The second direction identification point indicates an identification direction of the two-dimensional optical identification.

Abstract: A product has a surface and a plurality of marks detectable on the surface, wherein each mark is arranged at a predetermined displacement value relative to a raster location, wherein each mark has associated with the mark a displacement value corresponding to each mark's displacement relative to the raster location, and wherein a plurality of displacement values collectively encode a position on the surface.

Abstract: Methods for efficiently retrieving information from an image of a symbol are described. Symbols are described that contain detection patterns that facilitate the determination of location, alignment, size and orientation of the symbol in an image. Detection patterns are described that possess geometric shapes susceptible to efficient decoding using probabilistic detection algorithms. Detection patterns are described that are provided in colors, shapes and sizes different from the color, shape and sizes of modules carrying information in the symbol. Methods are described for identifying the location and size of detection patterns in images of the symbol and for locating modules in the symbol to facilitate extraction of information carried by the modules.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a cold water connection; a hot water connection; a mixed water outlet; a valve device for setting a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate, wherein the valve device is connected to the cold water connection and the hot water connection at one end and is connected to the mixed water outlet at the other end; an electrical controller for actuating a valve; and a control signal transmitter for generating an input signal to the controller, wherein the valve is an integral constituent part of the valve device, and the controller actuates the valve device as a function of the input signal of the control signal transmitter such that a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate are set.

Abstract: In a cooling device for a vehicle having a main passage through which coolant water is circulated between the interior of an engine and a radiator 13, a heater passage through which the coolant water is circulated between the interior of the engine and a heater core 15, and a thermostat 18 that operates in response to the temperature of the coolant water and selectively permits and stops circulation of the coolant water in the main passage, the heater passage is used as a heater/bypass passage, which functions also as a bypass passage, through which the coolant medium is circulated without passing through the radiator 13 when the engine warms up. This makes it unnecessary to form a separate bypass passage, thus simplifying the passage configuration.

Abstract: Adaptive structures, systems incorporating such adaptive structures and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptive structure is provided that includes a first structure and at least one microstructure associated with the first structure. The at least one microstructure may include a microscale beam configured to be displaced relative to the first structure upon the adaptive structure being exposed to a specified temperature. The beam may be formed, for example, of a metallic material, of multiple different metallic materials, or of a shape memory alloy. In one embodiment, a plurality of the adaptive structures may be associated with micropores of a skin panel. The adaptive structures may be utilized to control the flow rate of a coolant or other fluid through the micropores responsive to a sensed environmental parameter such as, for example, temperature.

Abstract: A method of conserving energy during a heating event wherein a coolant is heated in a cooling system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a first set point temperature for a first point in the cooling system and establishing a second set point temperature lower than the first set point temperature for a second point in the cooling system. Normally, the coolant is maintained at the second set point temperature at the second set point in the cooling system. During the heating event, the second set point temperature is raised to substantially match the first set point temperature to reduce necessary heating of the coolant at the first point.

Abstract: A riser seal cartridge for an irrigation sprinkler. The cartridge is formed of a rigid self support shell, and a sealing member formed of a resilient material covering the shell in areas which provide the seal. The sealing member includes a first portion which seals the top end of the sprinkler body, a second portion which seals an outer surface of the riser, a third portion which connects the first and second portions, and a fourth portion extending from the third seal portion which provides a seal for the support shell lower end portion. The first seal portion provides a high pressure seal to prevent leakage when the riser is in a fully extended position; and the second seal portion provides a low pressure seal during pressure build-up as the riser is extending.

Abstract: A sprinkler has a sprinkling device, and an inlet controlling device and an end cap respectively mounted on two opposite ends of the sprinkling device. The sprinkling device has a casing having outlet holes, and two regulating panels having regulating slots, two regulating wheels, two transmission rods and a cover having limit slots mounted on the casing. The outlet holes, the regulating slots and the limit slots respectively align with each other and are mounted around multiple nozzles. Turning the regulating wheels forces the nozzles to bend through the regulating panels so the sprinkler has a variety of sprinkling patterns to be suitable for every place where the sprinkler is placed. The nozzles are individually manufactured and are easily mounted on the casing and replaced.

Abstract: The present disclosure relate to the field of depositing an underfill material between a microelectronic die and a substrate for flip-chip packages with an underfill material dispenser. In at least one embodiment, an underfill material dispenser may include a heater having a plurality of conduits. Other embodiments of the present disclosure may further include multiple dispense needle configurations, angled dispense nozzle exit conduits, conical nozzle exit conduits, and satellite traps.

Abstract: A spraying device having a spray head for spraying at least one component comprises at least one substance component duct (6, 6?; 20), the component outlet (8, 8?; 23, 23?) of which leads out of a spray head tip (7). An annular duct (12) for a pressurized gas surrounds the at least one component duct (6, 6?; 20) at least partially in the longitudinal direction and leads out of the spray head (5) at the spray head tip (7). A pressurized gas supply duct (13) is provided for introducing pressurized gas at the annular duct (12). The annular duct (12) has a plurality of ribs (16, 16?), which divide the annular duct (12) at least in the region of the spray head tip (7) into pressurized gas outlet ducts (17, 17?) that are separated from each other.

Abstract: A shower head for a hand-held shower attachment, an overhead shower attachment or a side shower attachment contains, in its shower-head housing, a vortex chamber which is of funnel shape with the side wall curved. The funnel begins, at the location of the largest diameter, in a radial plane and then decreases in diameter along a curved contour to an exit, where the walls of the funnel run in the axial direction. At the location of the largest diameter of the vortex chamber, upstream of this tapering region, the water is let in tangentially in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction. The vortex which is generated by virtue of the water being let in tangentially accelerates its speed of rotation in the direction of the spray disc. Arranged at the end of the tapering region is a jet-outlet chamber which is very flat, but is of large diameter in relation to the vortex chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle comprises a lower nozzle plate including a lower impingement surface formed therein, at least one fluid intake port disposed at an inner end of the lower impingement surface, and an upper nozzle plate including an upper impingement surface formed therein and an upper orifice edge disposed along an outer end of the upper impingement surface. The nozzle includes a seal configured for sealing the lower nozzle plate to the upper nozzle plate, such that the lower and upper impingement surfaces are opposed toward one another, thereby forming a fluid channel between the impingement surfaces, directing pressurized fluid from the at least one fluid intake port to a slotted orifice formed between the opposed lower and upper orifice edges. The nozzle includes a droplet size adjustment mechanism configured for attachment to the upper and lower nozzle plates for selectively controlling fluid droplet size ejected from the slotted orifice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for recovering valuable metals from slag and manufacturing multifunctional aggregate, wherein a reducing agent is fed into molten slag discharged into a slag pot or a slag reforming pot from a converter or an electric arc furnace thus recovering valuable metals from the molten slag, and then the molten slag is formed into a lightweight porous structure. Accordingly, the valuable metals (Fe, Mn) are recovered from the slag discharged from the converter or electric arc furnace, and slag having low specific gravity is ensured using foaming and controlled cooling and then formed into multifunctional aggregate.

Abstract: A grinding device includes a mobile grinder group having openings for dispensing a ground product and a fixed counter-grinder having a central hole the surface of which comprises a grinding surface. The grinder group has a casing and a grinder which can be fixedly coupled, the grinder having a grinding surface that is inserted inside the central hole of the counter-grinder and that cooperates with the opposing grinding surface of the counter-grinder when grinding a product. The grinder group is arranged straddling the counter-grinder with the casing being arranged outside the counter-grinder. The casing can rotate with respect to the counter-grinder and is axially mobile with respect to the counter-grinder between two or more reciprocal adjustment positions. The grinder and the counter-grinder are made in a substantially rigid material and the casing is made from a substantially flexible material.

Abstract: A rotary knife for a granulator having a two-piece design comprising a blade holder and a removable blade, the blade holder having a V-shaped saddle for holding the removable blade aligned. The V-shaped saddle having a flat surface for absorbing the shock of force transmitted by the blade shearing plastic and other materials for recycling and reuse.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hold down device for coiled wire stored in a wire storing container having a heading member that bounds a first coil face, a cover member bounding a second coil face, and a tensioning device extendable between the heading member and the cover member where the tensioning device is capable of applying compressive force between the heading member and the cover member. The heading member is fashioned having an integrally formed handle that eliminates the need to incorporate additional components for connecting to the tensioning device.

Abstract: A support comprising a handhold in the center with two ends extending straight out in opposite directions away from the handhold for winding and storing a rope or cord in a secure condition in a figure-8 configuration around the ends of the support using a flexible tie affixed at one end to the center of the support to wrap around and secure the rope or cord to the support when the other end of the tie is fastened to a cleat located in the center of the support. A method of winding and releasing a line on the support.

Abstract: A drag mechanism for a fishing reel having a dual braking configuration to provide efficient drag control is provided. A spool is rotatable on a drag shaft. A first braking pad and a second braking pad are disposed on opposite ends of the spool. A first braking surface engages the first braking pad, and a second braking surface engages the second braking pad. Means are provided for translating each of the first braking surface and the second braking surface on the drag shaft to control the engagement with each of the first braking pad and second braking pad, respectively. More braking force is provided when the first braking surface and the second braking surface are translated toward the longitudinal center of the spool.