Abstract: Some embodiments of a protector apparatus for protecting a printhead having a nozzle plate include a protection layer, a spacer layer, a flexible magnetic layer having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, and a handle connected to one end of the flexible magnetic layer. The spacer layer is sandwiched between the protection layer and the first surface of the flexible magnetic layer. The handle is connected to the second surface of the flexible magnetic layer. The protector apparatus can be magnetically attached to the printhead in such a manner that the first protection layer covers the nozzle plate.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an imaging assembly located in a scan room and a controller coupled to the imaging assembly and located in a separate control room. A display is coupled to the controller and located in the scan room. The display is configured to display at least one graphical user interface relating to the set up of a patient and a scan for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. An input device is also located in the scan room and is coupled to the display and the controller. The input device is configured to receive data regarding the set up of a patient and a scan for the MRI exam.

Abstract: Presented are improvements for speech recognition systems used to control devices. Features include two-stage confirmation, two-stage limited speech recognition mode, and two-stage wake-up for speech driven applications and systems. A headset computer device includes such staged confirmation operation.

Abstract: The invention presented relates to wireless handsfree head worn headset computing devices including a microdisplay device and spatially diverse antenna system. The spatially diverse antenna system provides an effective headset computing device radiation pattern that enables arbitrary user movement and promotes freedom of mobility. Disclosed is a headset computing device including a head worn frame having a profile relatively low in height with respect to a user's head, the user's head creating a RF shadow region along the headset profile by blocking line-of-sight RF propagation paths, the headset includes two or more antennas integrated with the headset frame to sufficiently maintained its low profile. Each antenna has a radiation pattern and are collectively arranged to form an omnidirectional radiation pattern, where at least a first radiation pattern provides coverage in the line-of-sight propagation path while the at least second radiation antenna pattern is in the RF shadow region.

Abstract: Presented are improvements for speech recognition systems used to control devices. Features include two-stage confirmation, two-stage limited speech recognition mode, and two-stage wake-up for speech driven applications and systems. A headset computer device includes such staged confirmation operation.

Abstract: The invention presented relates to wireless handsfree head worn headset computing devices including a microdisplay device and spatially diverse antenna system. The spatially diverse antenna system provides an effective headset computing device radiation pattern that enables arbitrary user movement and promotes freedom of mobility. Disclosed is a headset computing device including a head worn frame having a profile relatively low in height with respect to a user's head, the user's head creating a RF shadow region along the headset profile by blocking line-of-sight RF propagation paths, the headset includes two or more antennas integrated with the headset frame to sufficiently maintained its low profile. Each antenna has a radiation pattern and are collectively arranged to form an omnidirectional radiation pattern, where at least a first radiation pattern provides coverage in the line-of-sight propagation path while the at least second radiation antenna pattern is in the RF shadow region.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes an imaging assembly located in a scan room and a controller coupled to the imaging assembly and located in a separate control room. A display is coupled to the controller and located in the scan room. The display is configured to display at least one graphical user interface relating to the set up of a patient and a scan for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. An input device is also located in the scan room and is coupled to the display and the controller. The input device is configured to receive data regarding the set up of a patient and a scan for the MRI exam.

Abstract: An EAS tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly a part of which is releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp provides the releasable preventing function and includes jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional forces provided by the arcuate probe which is moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. The tag has improved anti-defeat devices and methods including one or more of the following; a shield to protect the EAS sensor, a shield to protect the releasable spring clamp, a tag self-alarm that alarms upon various unauthorized defeat attempts, an LED to signal an armed condition of the tag alarm, a magnet switch to alarm the tag upon exposure to a relatively strong magnetic field, and a plurality of apertures to decoy the position of the alarm piezo.

Abstract: An EAS tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly a part of which is releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp provides the releasable preventing function and includes jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional forces provided by the arcuate probe which is moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. The tag has improved anti-defeat devices and methods including one or more of the following; a shield to protect the EAS sensor, a shield to protect the releasable spring clamp, a tag self-alarm that alarms upon various unauthorized defeat attempts, an LED to signal an armed condition of the tag alarm, a magnet switch to alarm the tag upon exposure to a relatively strong magnetic field, and a plurality of apertures to decoy the position of the alarm piezo.

Abstract: A combined article surveillance and product identification system is formed of conventional elements, of which some are modified. Included in the system are conventional EAS detection equipment, hard EAS tags with RFID circuitry installed in the hard tag enclosure, a tag detaching device modified to include product data reading and transaction data writing capabilities, and a point-of-sale terminal modified to interact with the detaching device. The point-of-sale terminal triggers operation of the detaching device to separate the hard tag from an article of merchandise in response to data read from the tag by the detaching device and relayed to the point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A multi-bit electronic article surveillance marker includes an antenna circuit and is powered by an interrogation field generated by EAS detection equipment and received by the marker's antenna circuit. The marker generates a multi-bit signal by selectively disturbing the interrogation field. The disturbances may be created by selectively short circuiting the marker's antenna circuit. All of the marker circuitry, including a coil that is part of the antenna circuit, may be provided as circuit elements formed on a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate.

Abstract: An EAS system in which a transmitter transmits an RF transmitter signal into an interrogation zone and a receiver receives RF signals from the interrogation zone. The received RF signals include any RF tag signals generated by tags situated in the zone and adapted to respond to the RF transmitter signal. In order to reduce interference effects, the RF carrier frequency of the transmitter signal is adapted to take on a plurality of different frequency values during different ones of a plurality of finite dwell time periods of the RF transmitter signal.

Abstract: An EAS system having a protection zone in which tags are to be detected and a transition zone outward of the protection zone beyond which tagged articles for sale and/or monitoring can be displayed. The EAS system includes a receiving and processing unit which processes received signals in accordance with first and second different criteria to develop a first signal which can, be used to indicate the presence of a tag in the protection zone and a second signal which can be used to indicate the presence of a tag in the transition zone. Visual indication of the tags in the transition zone is also selectively provided.

Abstract: The production of sunflower seeds (i.e. Helianthus annus seeds) is an important industry in the United States as well as in many other parts of the world. Such seeds are useful in the production of sunflower oil or may serve as a food source for man and other animals. The present invention provides a novel and highly effective technique for enhancing the production of sunflower seeds via an agricultural process wherein a greater proportion of the florets which make up the sunflower are effectively pollinated. The production of sunflower achene which lack the desired kernels accordingly is minimized and a greater seed yield is made possible per growing area.