Abstract: A plastic item, such as a beverage bottle, conveys two distinct digital watermarks, encoded using two distinct signaling protocols. A first, printed label watermark conveys a retailing payload, including a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) used by a point-of-sale scanner in a retail store to identify and price the item when presented for checkout. A second, plastic texture watermark conveys a recycling payload, including data identifying the composition of the plastic. The use of two different signaling protocols assures that a point-of-sale scanner will not spend its limited time and computational resources working to decode the recycling watermark, which lacks the data needed for retail checkout. In some embodiments, a recycling apparatus makes advantageous use of both types of watermarks to identify the plastic composition of the item (e.g., relating GTIN to plastic type using an associated database), thereby increasing the fraction of items that are correctly identified for sorting and recycling.

Abstract: A plastic item, such as a beverage bottle, conveys two distinct digital watermarks, encoded using two distinct signaling protocols. A first, printed label watermark conveys a retailing payload, including a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) used by a point-of-sale scanner in a retail store to identify and price the item when presented for checkout. A second, plastic texture watermark conveys a recycling payload, including data identifying the composition of the plastic. The use of two different signaling protocols assures that a point-of-sale scanner will not spend its limited time and computational resources working to decode the recycling watermark, which lacks the data needed for retail checkout. In some embodiments, a recycling apparatus makes advantageous use of both types of watermarks to identify the plastic composition of the item (e.g., relating GTIN to plastic type using an associated database), thereby increasing the fraction of items that are correctly identified for sorting and recycling.

Abstract: Medical tape containing hooks or rings is applied to both sides of a wound and the application of medical lace or elastic bands having a physiologic pull are then applied for superior closure.

Abstract: A small diameter rod of sintered fine-grain and high-purity alumina rotated around its axis against the cutting edge of an instrument provides superior cutting edges with a minimum reduction of the surface of the instrument.

Abstract: A DNA preparation is provided which comprises a nucleotide sequence coding for at least a portion of the precursor polypeptide of ricin. Also provided are recombinant DNA molecules containing such a nucleotide sequence, as well as microorganisms transformed with such recombinant DNA molecules.

Abstract: A cordless powered ratchet wrench includes a ratchet actuator that selects a direction of rotation of an output shaft that is adapted to hold rotating tools for use. The ratchet actuator also serves as a ratcheting stop to permit a limited amount of ratcheting motion for manual tightening or loosening of a nut, bolt or the like. A lost-motion drive transmits power from a battery to the output shaft while permitting nearly two full circles of ratcheting rotation. An external pushbutton operates internal switches to connect a rechargeable battery in a desired direction, and also functions as an interlock to prevent reversal of the direction in which torque is applied while the pushbutton is engaged.

Abstract: A telephone hookswitch actuator and handset support assembly arranged to allow a telephone instrument to be used as either a desk or wall unit. The actuator is constructed of two independently pivoting members, a first hookswitch actuator member controlling the "on-hook" and "off-hook" switching and a second alternatively positionable support member. When the telephone instrument is intended to be used as a desk unit a retaining device manipulated from the exterior of the telephone is adjusted out of contact with the support member allowing the support member and actuator to act in unison. When used as a wall unit the retaining device is adjusted into contact with the support member which then retains the member outwardly extended allowing a cavity on the handset to accept the support member, supporting the handset.