Abstract: A fast data transfer collection system using message authentication and contactless RF proximity card technology in non-contact storage and retrieval applications. The system is generally comprised of Host computers (application computer systems), Target radio frequency (RF) terminals, and a plurality of portable Tags (“smart” or “proximity” cards). A Host provides specific application functionality to a Tag holder, with a high degree of protection from fraudulent use. A Target provides control of the RF antenna and resolves collisions between multiple Tags in the RF field. A Tag provides reliable, high speed, and well authenticated secure exchanges of data/information with the Host resulting from the use of a custom ASIC design incorporating unique analog and digital circuits, nonvolatile memory, and state logic. Each Tag engages in a transaction with the Target in which a sequence of message exchanges allow data to be read(written) from(to) the Tag.

Abstract: A process for applying a portion of a closed zipper inside a container of flexible material, in which a segment or portion of a closed zipper-strip is first applied by a fixing device upon the inner sides of a film of flexible material, prior to cutting of the zipper strip portion from the remainder of the zipper strip. The zipper portion is applied in such a position that it will not interfere with the subsequent sealing along transverse seal lines defining the opposite sides of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus used for gas purification in a manner that allows for higher flow rates without an unacceptable increase in the pressure vessel diameter. The purifier contains inner and outer filter sleeves. Between the sleeves is contained a purification medium that allows for radial flow of the gas from the inner filter sleeve to the outer filter sleeve, via the purification medium, in order to be released from the purifier.

Abstract: A joint apparatus for joining two objects together with end faces in face-to-face engagement includes first and second flat elongate plates for attachment to faces of the respective objects adjacent the end face. Each plate has a first side edge for facing the first side edge of the other plate when secured to the respective object, and the first side edges each have a series of alternating tongues and recesses positioned for alignment with the recesses and tongues of the other plate, respectively. The plates are positioned on the respective objects such that the tongues project out from the end face of the object and engage in the recesses of the other plate when the end faces are abutted, in a zipper-like fashion. The plates may be temporarily clamped together while the tongues are secured to the face of the opposing object, thereby forming the joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate component for protecting hangers associated with electrostatic coating processes. The component is an electrically conductive, pliable, tubular member, and inexpensive relative to the hanger which it serves to protect. The component lessens the cost associated with traditional hanger cleaning and preserves hanger life and integrity. The tubular member may have a longitudinal slit for installing the member over a cross bar of a hanger.

Abstract: An underwater connector has a plug and a receptacle unit each having an internal chamber in which a respective contact module is located. Each module has an end face having contacts for engagement with corresponding contacts on the other module when the units are releasably mated together. Each chamber has a resilient forward end with an opening communicating with the respective chamber, and an actuator in each unit compresses the forward end to seal the opening when the units are unmated. As the units are mated, the actuator in one unit is urged rearwardly and the forward end of the chamber in the other unit is urged rearwardly, such that each end opens to permit the module of one unit to pass into the chamber of the other unit, and into engagement with the other module so that all contacts are engaged for communication between the units.

Abstract: Indicia are formed on the outside surface of drip irrigation tape by deforming the strip of flexible material when it is in a semi-molten state and cooling the strip while it is deformed. The indicia may include alphanumeric characters, logos or symbols that convey information. Indicia forming features in the surface of a shaping drum mold the strip of semi-molten material as the semi-molten material cures to form a flexible strip. The flexible strip is folded and sealed to form the drip irrigation tape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound having the structure: wherein R1a and R1b are independently selected from the group consisting of —H, alkyl, lower-alkyl, substituted alkyl and substituted lower-alkyl; R2a and R2b are independently selected from the group consisting of —H, lower-alkyl, and substituted lower-alkyl; R3 is —H, lower-alkyl, substituted lower-alkyl and where R3 and R4 are attached together by a lower-alkyl or a substituted lower-alkyl moiety; R4 is —H, lower-alkyl, substituted lower-alkyl and where R3 and R4 are attached together form a lower-alkyl or substituted lower-alkyl bridge; R5, R7, R9 and R11 are independently selected from the group consisting of —H, lower-alkyl, and substituted lower-alkyl; R6 is —H, lower-alkyl and substituted lower-alkyl; R8 is —H, lower-alkyl and substituted lower-alkyl; R10 is —H, lower-alkyl and substituted lower-alkyl; R12 is —H, lower-alkyl and substituted lower-alkyl; and

Abstract: This invention relates to a voting system. In particular, this invention relates to a ballot paper which includes an option section and response section, whereby the response section is adapted to be separable from the option section. The option section preferably contains at least two options, the options being generated and/or presented in random order, and the response section preferably includes at least one selection portion for each option presented on the option section. The response section preferably includes a unique identifier which may be utilized to identify each voter, and the response section may preferably include reading means adjacent each selection portion. Preferably a key such as a dongle may be required to produce the ballot paper and be required to count the votes and/or collate the results. A method of conduct a ballot utilizing such a ballot paper is also described.

Abstract: A multi-lenses optical device with high resolution and low cost is provided for converting an image into electronic signals. The optical device includes a plurality of focusing units for focusing a plurality of sections of the image respectively, and correspondingly generating a plurality of focused image sections magnified with the same ratio and having different optical path lengths, a photoelectric conversion unit for converting the plurality of focused image sections to the electronic signals, a switching unit for sequentially having only one of the focused image sections transmitted to the photoelectric conversion unit at an instant, and a light-reflecting unit mounted between the photoelectric conversion unit and the plurality of focusing units for transmitting the plurality of focused image sections to the photoelectric conversion unit.

Abstract: A targeted UV phototherapy apparatus has a UV radiation source for emitting UV radiation at a first wavelength and a phosphor element separate from the source for converting the UV radiation in the first wavelength to a different UV wavelength in the therapeutic UVB or UVA range. A radiation directing assembly directs radiation from the UV source to the separate phosphor element, and a shaped exit aperture placed directly against a lesion directs radiation emitted from the phosphor element onto a predetermined target area of the lesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus, preferably adapted to spray a veterinarian preparation. The apparatus includes: (a) a mixture delivery line to deliver preparation from a source through a lance to a mixture chamber, and (b) air delivery lines to deliver air from a source through a lance to a mixing chamber, and (c) control means for controlling the rate of delivery of mixture and/or air to the mixing chamber, and (d) a nozzle, wherein the arrangement and configuration of the mixing chamber is such that the venturi effect is harnessed to effectively mix the preparation and air, carrying and/or atomising the preparation to spray same. Methods of applying a veterinarian products or preparations using the above spray device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A knife and sheath assembly includes a knife having a handle and a blade and a sheath having a cavity for releasably receiving the knife blade in a storage condition. A first end portion of the blade is adjustably mounted in the handle and a second end portion including a cutting edge protrudes from the handle. The blade is movable between a first, retracted position in which a first length of the blade protrudes from the handle and a second, extended position in which a second length of the blade longer than the first length protrudes from the handle. A releasable latch member on the handle releasably locks the knife blade in the first and second positions, and the sheath cavity is designed to receive the portion of the knife blade which protrudes from the handle in the retracted position, such that the overall length of the assembly is reduced when the knife is sheathed.

Abstract: An optical security article has a substrate with printed information and an optical security coating adhered to the substrate over the printed information. The security coating contains engraved optical elements which cannot be readily duplicated. The coating has adhesive characteristics whereby it is temporarily adhered to the substrate to resist accidental removal or peeling off, while permitting the coating to be scratched or scraped off to reveal the underlying information.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame having a forward end. A leg exercise arm has a first end pivoted to the support frame adjacent the forward end of the seat, and a second end. The arm has a continuous curve extending along at least a major portion of its length and bending through an arc of at least 180 degrees. In its rest position, the arm first projects forwards from the pivot and then bends back rearwards. A cable links the arm to an exercise resistance, and a leg engaging assembly is mattached to the arm for engagement by the legs of a user in performing exercises.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly has releasably mating first and second units each having a through bore and a respective ferrule mounted in the through bore and having a front end face having a plurality of optical contacts for mating, face-to-face engagement with corresponding contacts in the front end face of the other ferrule. At least one of the ferrules is movably mounted in the through bore for movement between an advanced and retracted position. A ribbon fiber extends through each through bore and the individual fibers in the ribbon fiber extend through the respective ferrule and are terminated at respective contacts in the end face. A biasing device is mounted in the through bore of at least one unit behind the movable ferrule and bears against the rear end of the ferrule to bias it towards its advanced position.