Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit that is formed of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected through indoor/outdoor connection pipes. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger. Combustible refrigerant is used as refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor unit includes a refrigerant filling-dedicated connection port to fill the refrigerant and an evacuation-dedicated connection port to evacuate the refrigerant inside the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant filling-dedicated connection port is provided inside a machine chamber that accommodates the compressor and the expansion valve, and the evacuation-dedicated connection port is provided outside the machine chamber.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and storage media for issuing and verifying a secondary cryptographic photo ID are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: capture, using a scanning component of a printing device, a primary digital image of a primary photo ID; recognize, using a processing component of the printing device, alphanumeric information in the captured primary digital image; encrypt, using the processing component of the printing device, the recognized alphanumeric information; generate, using the processing component of the printing device, a digital watermark comprising the encrypted recognized alphanumeric information; recognize, using the processing component of the printing device, a photograph in the primary digital image; generate, using the processing component of the printing device, a secondary digital image comprising the recognized photograph and the generated digital watermark; and print, using a printing component of the printing device, a secondary photo ID comprising the secondary digital image.

Abstract: An access card issuance system comprising an access card issuance device located at a facility of an organization and a web server is disclosed. The access card issuance system provides a web interface in response to a request from a mobile device, and receives user information identifying a user of the mobile device. The system is also configured to validate the identity of an authorized individual associated with the facility identified by a user of the mobile device, and issue an access card to the user of the mobile device. The access card has indicia printed thereon identifying at least a portion of the user information, and programmable information encoded onto the access card providing access rights to the facility. The system further transmits, to the authorized individual, a message associated with issuance of the access card.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a handle, a head mounted to one end of the handle that includes a first face having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom and a second face, a store of dentifrice retained at the head, and a film matrix retained at the head containing at least one rapidly releasable agent. A soft tissue cleaner can be included on the second face. The at least one rapidly releasable agent can be provided to the first and/or second faces during use from the film matrix. In addition, dentifrice can be provided to the first and/or second faces during use from the store of dentifrice. The at least one rapidly releasable agent can include, for example, a flavoring agent, a dentifrice, or a therapeutic agent. The toothbrush can be small in size and lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle includes a pedal engaging member (105), a first locking mechanism (215) and a second locking mechanism (210). The pedal engaging member (105) is movable between a first position and a second position, the first position for engaging a pedal of the motor vehicle and the second position for enabling the pedal to move freely. The first locking mechanism (215) is operatively connected to the pedal engaging member (105), for locking the pedal engaging member (105) at the first position. The second locking mechanism (210) is operatively connected to the pedal engaging member (105), for locking the pedal engaging member (105) at the second position.

Abstract: In an outdoor unit, at least the name of a refrigerant used is indicated on the outer side of a cover.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant container and tamper resistant label is disclosed. The tamper resistant label includes front, top, and back portions. The front portion includes a front top, a front bottom having a first edge in communication with a first edge of the front top. A breakable seal is disposed between the front top and front bottom. The top portion has a first edge in communication with a second edge of the front top. The back portion is in communication with the top portion and includes a back top having a first edge in communication with a second edge of the top portion, a back bottom having a first edge in communication with a second edge of the back top. A second breakable seal is disposed between the back top and the back bottom. The tamper-resistant label may include one or more indicia relating to the contents of the tamper-resistant container.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for forming a three-dimensional image and, more particularly, for making three-dimensional digital image transfer thermoformed objects on, e.g., generic molds. The method includes manipulating digital images of a subject into a single image; printing the single image onto a media; and thermoforming the media with the single image using a generic mold. The system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: receive images of a subject; display the images; stitch together the images to form a single image; adjust portions of the images or single image to compensate for deformation during thermoforming of the single image; register the single image with points on a mold; and print the single image.

Abstract: A method for promoting individual support, affiliation or allegiance, including printing a message on an elastic loop, wherein the message is decompressed and fully legible when the elastic loop is stretched and wherein the message is compressed and not fully legible when the elastic loop is unstretched, and distributing the elastic loop to a wearer. The elastic loop is sized to be stretched when worn on the wearer's wrist, such that the message is expanded into an uncompressed and legible configuration.

Abstract: A self-laminating assembly for providing information, such as emergency medical or contact information, or a temporary identification card, for general purposes. Medical data or contact information is entered on a card which is predisposed within the assembly. The card can then be covered with a transparent plastic sheet and folded in half, along a perforation in its center to permanently seal the card within the transparent plastic enclosure.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to an identification assembly, and in particular, to a clasp device for securing to an identification wristband, and to a wristband and clasp assembly. In one embodiment, a identification assembly for a patient includes a band with first and second opposite ends and first and second opposite edges and a width measured between the first and second edges. The identification assembly also includes a clasp secured to the band. The clasp has a first section having an inside surface and an outside surface; a second section having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface of the second section facing the inside surface of the first section; and a protrusion extending from one of the first or the second section to engage the other of the first or the second section to secure the first and second sections together in a closed position.

Abstract: A method for promoting individual support, affiliation or allegiance, including printing a message on an elastic loop, wherein the message is decompressed and fully legible when the elastic loop is stretched and wherein the message is compressed and not fully legible when the elastic loop is unstretched, and distributing the elastic loop to a wearer. The elastic loop is sized to be stretched when worn on the wearer's wrist, such that the message is expanded into an uncompressed and legible configuration.

Abstract: A group of size-adjustable wristbands is disclosed. The group of wristbands includes a backing sheet that is connected to a stub area disposed at an end of the backing sheet. A plurality of elongated strips is connected to the stub area in a side-by-side fashion. Each strip includes a first end attached to an additional stub area and a second end attached to the stub area. Each strip further includes a top surface. The group of wristbands further includes a plurality of top sheets, each top sheet having a first end and a second end. The first end of each top sheet is attached to one of the strips along a top surface thereof. Each top sheet is clear and includes a bottom side coated with a top adhesive layer. Finally, the group of wristbands includes a plurality of top liners with each top liner being sandwiched between one of the top adhesive layers and one of the strips.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a housing (4), and a tag-shaped identification element (14.1; 14.2) mountable on the housing (4) so that it becomes visible on an outer side of the housing (4), provided with an identification mark (16.1; 16.2), insertable in a receptacle (20.1; 20.2) provided on the housing.

Abstract: A personal item and detachable identity items for attachment to a user or a user's belongings is disclosed The identity items serve to identify interests, dating status, personality traits, preferences, or other vital information about a user to anyone viewing the identity items. The personal item can be any accessory generally worn by a user or attached to a user's belongings. The identity items employ an attachment mechanism to allow for frequent and easy interchangeability of identity items. The method includes customizing the personal item and identity items to allow for maximum personal expression to serve as a means to provide information about a user to anyone viewing the personal item and identity items.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for a security device for a bottle are disclosed.

Abstract: A security information and graphic image fusion system to be used with verification equipment to provide a tamper proof labeled article having security information thereon. The label comprises a printable sheet having at least one invisible IR or UV image, or both, printed thereon, at least one visible image printed thereon, and an over-coating layer thereon. The invisible IR or UV image, or both, provide security information. The visible image provides the graphic image. The label is permanently fused by an in-mold molding process to an article made of plastic, rubber or the combination thereof to render it tamper proof.

Abstract: A wristband and clasp for securing the wristband to a person is disclosed. The wristband includes at least one attachment aperture. The clasp includes a folding base having a first triangular section connected to a second triangular section and a hinge connecting the first and second triangular sections. The hinge defines a folding axis that enables the base to be folded so that the first triangular section is positioned adjacent to the second triangular section in an overlapping relationship. A securement aperture is formed in the first triangular section, and a post extends from the second triangular section to couple with the securement aperture when the base is folded along the folding axis. The post extends from the second triangular section through the attachment aperture of the wristband and couples to the securement aperture of the first triangular section so that the clasp is secured to the wristband.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of label sets or arrays having a substantial capacity for printed information while maintaining all the labels of the array associated and properly oriented with respect to each other, wherein all the labels of each set or array can be printed in a printer. The labels of the array are preferably printed in transverse rows across a label web to increase the number of labels that can be carried on a roll.

Abstract: An information band (1) for fitting around a wrist of a wearer and for containing information about the wearer. The information band includes a clip (2) and a band (3). The clip (2) has a lid part (5) pivotably connected to a bottom part (4), at least one bulge formed between the lid and bottom parts (4, 5), and a locking device. The lid and bottom parts (4, 5) close to fix the band (3) in position around the wrist by a strong squeezing force resulting from a lockable, snappable co-operation between parts of the locking device during application of the information band so that a two-handed grip is required to open the clip and release the band.

Abstract: A direct thermal printing material having at least one planar layer containing thermally activatable materials, wherein said planar layer forms an image upon application of laser light.

Abstract: Introduced is a power system chassis identification system. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a power system chassis rack holding a plurality of chassis, each housing a rectifier or a converter and (2) a label located on each chassis having symbols thereon identifying the chassis as housing a rectifier or a converter and its voltage input/output, which label is readable at a distance of not less than twenty feet.

Abstract: A labeling assembly and method of using same for releasably supporting a label and identifying a feature of an object upon which the labeling assembly is adapted for installation. The labeling assembly includes a protective layer having a release surface for releasably supporting the label and an information storage device located adjacent to a contacting surface of the protective layer such that the information storage device is disposed between the protective layer and the object when the labeling assembly is installed on the object. The information storage device is adapted for transmitting a signal comprising information. The method of the present invention includes using the labeling assembly for releasably supporting a label and identifying a feature of an object upon which the labeling assembly is adapted for installation.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printer technology and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.

Abstract: A genetic identification card having read only memory (ROM) for storing identity related information, a microcircuit, a magnetic recordable strip and an incorporated capsule adapted for storing a biological sample of the individual. The card is waterproof and may include a laminated or printed photograph, developed fingerprint, point of contact telephone number, magnetic recordable strip, and capsule containing a sample of biological origin. The identification system facilitates the production of a permanent identification card containing information necessary to positively identify a human being. The system will also include a means to check and verify the identity of the card owner through DNA sampling and testing.

Abstract: A hanger is provided with a web with an internally disposed tab for movement in the plane of the web between a first position and a second position. A size indicator that is mounted on the web has a pair of walls disposed on opposite sides of the web and a bridge that extends between the walls for locking engagement with the tab in the first position. In one embodiment, the end of the tab may be accessed by a pointed tool to allow the block to be removed. In another embodiment, the tab is covered over to prevent the block from being removed. Several seating arrangements are provided for seating of the block on the web.

Abstract: A self-adhesive label for displaying information includes a leaflet, a tab member, and an adhesive layer. The leaflet has a lower surface and an end edge. The tab member is separately formed from the leaflet. An exposed portion of the tab member is disposed alongside the leaflet adjacent the end edge. The tab member has a lower surface. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the leaflet and a second adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the tab member. At least a portion of the leaflet does not overlie the tab member. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the upper surface of the leaflet and including a laminate tab portion overlying the exposed portion of the tab member.

Abstract: An injected plastic product, such as a security seal, individualised by means of a strip of paper printed with an identification and integrated with an identification surface of the product. According to the invention, delamination of the strip of paper, so as to remove the outer layer or layers with the individualized identification, is not possible without tearing the paper. This may be done by forming the identification surface with one or more small protuberances which are covered by the paper strip or by at least part of the outer surface of the paper strip covered by the plastic injected when making the product. Injection molds suitable for making the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information carrier which has flat surfaces, is excellent in beautiful appearance and permits beautiful necessary printing, and a production process which permits easy and inexpensive production of such an information carrier. An IC chip 1 and a coil 2 connected to the IC chip are embedded in a substrate 3 composed of a nonwoven fabric. The IC chip and the coil are held between two nonwoven fabrics produced according to a conventional production procedure. The laminate of the nonwoven fabrics is fed to a roller or a press and the two nonwoven fabrics are hot-pressed, whereby their mating surfaces are joined with or without an adhesive (including low-melting synthetic resin fiber) incorporated into the webs. After positioning of the coil in the thus obtained raw product of information carrier, the laminate of the nonwoven fabrics and cover sheets is cut to obtain an information carrier of predetermined shape and size.

Abstract: Substantially similar thermometers present in the same locality are distinguished from each other by the attachment of distinguishing indicia or by supplying non-critical portions of said thermometers in a plurality of colors and/or designs.

Abstract: Identification and antitheft devices for parts of a motor vehicle including the preparation of a plurality of metal plates provided with different inscriptions including several embossed or texturized information, such as the chassis number, the licensing plate number, color, manufacture year, series, model, owner and/or other required data. The plates are permanently fixed in different locations in the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment, vehicle body, bumpers, wheels (including spare tire), drive shaft, gearbox, transmissions, doors, mudguards and/or other places.

Abstract: A label is manufactured for permanent mounting to a gas flow regulator. The label is made from a material having a surface that can be permanently colored with a color layer and permanently etched, such as an aluminum alloy. The color layer can be anodized with a color layer to various colors. The etching can includes an etched bar code, which is readable by typical bar code readers, or an etched design. The label is formed as a continuous walled structure, such as a cylindrical tube.

Abstract: An invisible information mark is provided on a facet of a diamond gemstone by applying a plasma resist to the exposed surface of the gemstone, applying an electrically conducting layer of metal to the region where the information mark is to be formed, ablating a selected zone of the metal and resist layers by ultraviolet laser thus forming a mask on the surface of the facet, electrically connecting the metal layer and plasma etching the facet through the mask, thus forming a mark of appropriate depth on the surface of the gemstone.

Abstract: A planar form or structure is used to create a laminated card or other planar article. The structure and related method allow the carrier surface of the laminated article to be customized or personalized, before it is laminated, such as by adding to the carrier surface an account number, signature, address, serial number, photograph, microchip, or other planar indicia. The carrier surface is adhered to the transparent lamina across substantially all its surface area to create a strong, tamper resistant bond. The laminated card is created from a multiple-ply structure defined within the boundaries of the larger form. The multiple-ply structure has horizontal dimensions substantially corresponding to the ultimate horizontal dimensions of the laminated card or article being created. The carrier is printable and able to be laminated on both sides, yet if desired, the carrier can be limited to only a single ply, thereby reducing the thickness of the resulting laminated card.

Abstract: A credit card with driver's license for providing credit to an individual, information regarding the individual and proof of registration to operate a motor vehicle on a single form of identification. The credit card with driver's license includes a semi rigid thin piece of material having a face side, a photograph of the individual positioned on the face side, additional identifying information positioned on the face side and a magnetic strip storing information providing access to credit of the individual and personal information regarding the individual upon reading of said magnetic strip by a credit card terminal. The credit card with driver's license is registered with a department of motor vehicles in a state in which the owner resides and credit is provided by either an independent financial institution or the state government issuing the driver's license.

Abstract: A tamper-proof seal assembly for discouraging and detecting tampering of containers onto which the tamper-proof seal assembly is installed. The container includes a closure assembly. The closure assembly defines an opening. The tamper-proof seal assembly includes a security tag and a button assembly. The security tag includes a flag and a stem. The flag and stem are integral but are easily severable. The button assembly includes an outer button and an inner button. The button assembly is mounted on the container proximate the closure assembly. The stem is inserted through the closure assembly opening and into the button assembly, where the stem is secured against withdrawal by a ratchet.

Abstract: An indicator device includes a support member formed by two coupled flat panels made of metal or synthetic material, a plurality of holes formed in the exposed panel according to the pattern of Braille writing according to the characters to be represented; the holes are engaged by pins made of synthetic material which is resistant to abrasion and to rubbing-induced wear, so that their dome-shaped rounded ends protrude from the exposed panel.

Abstract: A conventional magnetomechanical EAS marker is modified to aid in authenticating an article of merchandise to which the marker is to be applied. The marker includes a housing, a magnetostrictive element in the housing, a bias magnet mounted to the housing, and an authentication element in the housing for indicating the authenticity of the item to which the marker is to be applied. The authentication element may be a printed logo, bar code or character string or a discrete element having distinctive or rare characteristics.

Abstract: Permanent care label fabric is coated with a water-based acrylic or acrylic/urethane coating. The coating is dried and the coated fabric is fed into a standard laser printer. The permanent care instructions are laser printed on the coated fabric and the print meets the AATCC test methods 143-1992 and 61-1993.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tag for irreversible fixing to objects displayed for sale including a body having abutments and a through cavity with a rectangular cross-section, a retention structure arranged in the cavity and having projections cooperating with the abutments of the body such that movement of the retention structure out of the cavity is prevented. The retention structure has first and second opposed portions and a pawl arranged on one or both of the first and second portions. The body also includes an elongate strip having teeth along its edges and arranged to slide into the cavity such that the pawl(s) engages teeth on a respective edge of the aid strip and prevents removal of the strip from the cavity once the pawl(s) engages the teeth on the respective edge of the strip. The retention structure also includes a crosspiece extending between the first and second portions to provide rigidity to the retention structure when intact and to enable removable of the strip from the cavity when broken.

Abstract: An identification card assembly, made from an intermediate, comprises a carrier sheet with at least one ID card mounted on, and having smaller dimensions than, the carrier sheet. The ID card is connected to repositional adhesive, which in turn is connected through a tie coat to paper label stock, in turn connected by permanent adhesive to the paper carrier sheet. The assembly is constructed from an intermediate which includes a roll of release material on which are provided a number of spaced ID cards and associated adhesive. The carrier sheet is fed through a non-impact printer for variably imaging indicia on the top face of the ID card. A carrier sheet can be made into a mailer.

Abstract: A method or system, and the appropriate structural components therefor to allow for readily identifying which particular coded load side conductors of a ballast feed which particular lamp sockets and thus lamps of an advertising sign illuminated by florescent lamps. Coded markers indicative of particular coded load side conductors of the ballast are placed on or adjacent each lamp socket within the open interior of the sign to allow for the quick identification of the sign wiring circuitry without the need to remove lamps or an excessive number of wire raceway covers. In a preferred embodiment, the coded markers are durable, inexpensive to manufacture, readily attachable, readily changeable yet cannot inadvertently be dislodged, and are viewable from generally any angle once a translucent display panel of the sign has been moved to expose the sockets, lamps and adjacent raceways within the interior of the sign.

Abstract: A security fastener for non-releasably securing an identification band to a person or object which includes carrier means located inside the lower extremity of said band, the carrier means incorporating fastener means insertable through openings in the upper and lower extremities of the band. Receptor means is provided in a security shroud which overlies the upper extremity of the band, locking means being engagable with the fastener means to maintain said shroud in said overlying relationship.

Abstract: A sheet for formation of a burned pattern and a burning label are disclosed. The sheet comprises a shape retaining layer comprising an organic binder and glass powder which is retained in a sheet form by the organic binder, the shape retaining layer further comprising mica powder covered with an oxide type ceramic compound.

Abstract: A multi ply laminae which provides weather resistance, tamper resistance and is a sturdy and legible temporary license plate. A printed serialized plate is affixed by a pressure sensitive adhesive to the upper portion of a transparent polymeric sheet by removing the protective liner and affixing the back of the plate to the polymeric sheet. An expiration date is applied to the face of the plate and the protective liner is removed from the bottom portion of the transparent polymeric sheet and the bottom portion of the transparent polymeric sheet is folded along a perforated portion centered on the transparent polymeric sheet sealing the upper portion to the bottom portion forming the temporary plate which is attached to a motor vehicle through the retention receptors in any conventional manner.

Abstract: An article surveillance marker includes a marker body having two sections connected together by a resilient hinge. A securing pin holds the body sections together in a closed position and secures the marker to an article to be protected. Two ferromagnetic ribbons are housed within separate cavities in the marker body. The first ribbon is free to mechanically vibrate and produce a first signal in response to an applied interrogation field that indicates the conveyance of the protected article from an authorized area. A contact button on the marker body damps and deactivates the second ribbon when the marker body sections are closed and the marker is secured to the article. Specifically, the contact button extends through an aperture in the marker body that communicates with the cavity containing the second marker ribbon. When the marker is closed, the button engages the second ribbon and prevents mechanical vibration and, therefore, the production of a second response signal.

Abstract: A high-security identification card is produced in a system in which a photograph from a video camera is converted to digital data and reproduced with high-fidelity on a video display screen. Other images, such as signatures and fingerprints, can be treated in a similar manner using either a video camera or a CCD (charge-coupled device). After processing, the video information is displayed on the screen where it is combined with variable data typed in from a keyboard. The digital data from the terminal is fed into a laser printer that prints the portrait and any desired alphanumeric information on a paper sheet. The paper is then laminated, under heat and pressure, between two sheets of transparent thermoplastic material, at a temperature and pressure sufficient to cause the plastic material to penetrate the interstices between the fibers of the paper card and form a unitary structure that cannot be delaminated without destruction of the identifying data.

Abstract: A plastic article such as key tops of a key board needs wear resistant printing. This is attained in a styrene-based resin body suitable for such an article including key tops, by a process for permeation printing, comprising the steps of printing an article with an ink comprising a medium having a solubility parameter of 8.5 to 11.5 (cal/cc).sup.1/2 and then closing the printed surface of the article to permeate the ink into the article. Further, a system suitable for permeation printing a plastic article is provided which comprises a transfer-type printing device and a body heating and covering device, the body heating and covering device comprising a covering body which is heated and covers the printed surface of the plastic article to cause ink permeate into the plastic article.

Abstract: A dental instrument of the type comprising an elongate handle portion (1) which consists of a plastic material and which, at least at its one end, has an instrument portion (2,3). In its circumferential surface it has annular, differently colored zones (4,5) which facilitate identification of a desired instrument in the way that different functions correspond to annular zones in different numbers and/or in different colors. The invention solves the problem of providing such an instrument having an essentially unlimited usefull life as far as the colored marking is concerned. This has been achieved in the way that each annular zone (4,5) is constituted by the circumferential surface of a member (7) shaped like a ring, a sleeve, or disc which is mounted on a shaft-like extension(6) of the instrument portion inside the handle portion (1) and between the ends thereof.

Abstract: An IC card has a laminated card body in which an IC module is housed. The card body is formed by lamination of a plurality of sheets, at least the sheet which contacts the bottom surface of the IC module being made of a synthetic paper having good flexing resistance. The remaining sheets are made of a rigid polyvinyl chloride. The card body is formed by conventional laminating processes.