Abstract: A flexible food package with a wall comprised of thin film layers, one of which has a reduced permeability characteristic that reduces absorption by the package wall of oils associated with the food product in the package. The reduced permeability characteristic is achieved by an enhanced orientation or enhanced crystallinity of the polymers forming the thin film layer. Reducing the amount of oil absorbed by the package wall reduces the amount of swelling, puckering, and disfigurement of the package.

Abstract: A document processing machine for identifying and authenticating documents having both transparent and opaque regions and routing the documents appropriately is provided. In one embodiment, the document processing machine includes an image capturing device, a light source, a data processing system, and a document control system. The image capturing device captures the image of at least a portion of a document wherein the document comprises transparent and non-transparent regions. The light source emits light toward the image capturing device and is positioned such that the document passes between the light source and the image capturing device. The data processing system is functionally connected to the image capturing device, and obtains the image of the document from the image capturing device, compares the image to a nominal pattern to determine whether the document is authentic, and determines the manner in which the document should be processed based upon whether the document is authentic.

Abstract: A yoke housing accommodates an armature having a coil and has a tubular circumferential wall. The yoke housing includes a plurality of pieces, which form the yoke housing, and a fracture portion, which is located along a boundary between the pieces. The fracture portion fractures when a compression force is applied from the outside to break the yoke housing into the pieces.

Abstract: An armature includes a rotary shaft, a core, and a coupling member. The core is formed by using magnetic metal powder and has a tooth. A wire is wound about the tooth. The coupling member has a ductility that is higher than the ductility of the core. The coupling member is located between the core and the rotary shaft. The rotary shaft is press fitted in the coupling member, and the coupling member is press fitted in the core.

Abstract: A one-step chemical spot test for the qualitative determination of lead in lead-based paint and other media. This test is based upon the reaction of lead with sodium rhodizonate under strong acid conditions to develop an intense purple colored complex. The acid preferred is dilute hydrochloric acid. The test is performed in one step using a dropper, plastic cylinders, or like apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a puff extrudate utilizing a blade that passes through the extrudate while the extrudate is in a viscous melt stage. The present invention utilizes a tube to facilitate production of a curly puff extrudate. A gap is provided in between the tube and the extruder die to allow a blade to access the extrudate as it exits an orifice in the die. The blade accesses the extrudate at the viscous melt stage, before the extrudate has cooled and hardened. The blade nicks the extrudate, as opposed to completely cutting it, which allows the extrudate to remain connected throughout processing such as curling in the containment tube. The gap also allows steam to be vented form the extrudate as it exits the orifice in the die. The nicked extrudate separates when fried or baked.

Abstract: An improved method of applying a controlled pressure to the flapper in a curly puff production apparatus. The present invention uses a pneumatic system to apply a pressure to a flapper. The invention utilizes a rotary actuator that applies a near constant pressure to the flapper. Alternatively, a pair of telescoping tubes connected to the flapper and an air pressure source can apply a near constant pressure to either the proximate end or the distal end of the flapper. Further in the alternative, a linear actuator can be used to provide a near constant pressure to the flapper. As a result of applying a constant pressure to the flapper, the pitch in the curls of the curly puff extrudate can be more predictably controlled.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. The sensor used will vary depending on the particular application. Sensors that may be used include a capacitive proximity sensor, a thickness sensor, a reflectivity sensor, a transmissivity sensor, a stiffness sensor, a color sensor, or even an odor or chemical sensor. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions.

Abstract: A flexible container with a wall structure comprised of multi-layer, flexible thin films, including a first film layer that is affixed to the wall structure by a releasable adherence and that incorporates a removable promotional piece. The removable promotional piece is incorporated into the first film layer such that, other than a continuous cut facilitating removal and any conspicuous printing on the removable portion, it is indistinguishable from the rest of the exterior of the package. The continuous cut allows for full detachment of the removable portion from the first film layer so that only the releasable adherence prevents it from separating from the container. The promotional piece is removed by peeling it away from the container, where the peeling is facilitated by the action of the continuous cut and releasable adherence. The removable piece may function as a gaming piece or redeemable coupon, or may be designed to retain a tacky surface and function as a sticker.

Abstract: A flat bottom bag or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating two vertical creases along opposite sides of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. These creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.

Abstract: A method of semi-continuous currency processing using separator cards to separate currency stacks in a batch of currency fed into a currency processing machine. This currency processing method uses separator cards that facilitate the continuous processing of individual currency stacks without the necessity of stopping the process between each currency stack. The separator cards used contain features that allow for a positive delineation between individual currency stacks and the association of account data with each individual currency stack and its accompanying separator card as it is processed by the currency processing machine.