Abstract: A sealing assembly includes a first roller having a sealing ridge attached thereto. The sealing assembly includes a second roller. The sealing ridge is positioned in operative contact with the second roller during a first mode of operation. The sealing ridge is positioned out of operative contact with the second roller during a second mode of operation. The first roller rotates during the first mode operation. The second roller is held stationary during the first mode of operation. A method of sealing an envelope in a document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A core module assembly of a retail terminal includes a microprocessor which performs computing functions associated with operation of the retail terminal, whereby heat is generated by the microprocessor during performance of the computing functions. The core module assembly further includes a first heat transfer structure positioned in thermal communication with the microprocessor. The first heat transfer structure has a body portion and a key portion extending from the body portion. The core module assembly also includes a second heat transfer structure having a keying slot defined therein. Relative movement between the first heat transfer structure and the second heat transfer structure is limited when the key portion of the first heat transfer structure is positioned within the keying slot of the second heat transfer structure. The core module assembly includes a fastener for maintaining the key portion of the first heat transfer structure within the keying slot of the second heat transfer structure.

Abstract: A core module assembly of a retail terminal includes a microprocessor which performs computing functions associated with operation of the retail terminal, whereby heat is generated by the microprocessor during performance of the computing functions. The core module assembly also includes a housing for containing the microprocessor. The housing has a first fastening surface. The housing also includes a heat transfer structure positioned in thermal communication with the microprocessor. The heat transfer structure has an elongated channel defined therein. The core module assembly further includes a heat dissipating cover having an elongated tongue extending therefrom. The cover further has a second fastening surface. The cover is positionable between a non-biased position and a biased position.

Abstract: A method of monitoring item shuffling in a post-scan area of a self-service checkout terminal having a post-scan shelf, a bagwell with a grocery container positioned therein, and a weight scale positioned so as to detect weight of items positioned both on the post-scan shelf and in the grocery container, includes the step of detecting removal of a first number of items from the post-scan shelf with the weight scale and generating a first weight decrease value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the first number of items. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of a second number of items into the grocery container with the weight scale and generating a first weight increase value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the second number of items.

Abstract: A system and method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal by detecting movement of an item within a scanner zone associated with the terminal with a video system and generating a scanning-attempt control signal in response thereto. The method also includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal if a product code associated with the item is entered into the terminal. The method further includes the step of generating an attempt-failed control signal if the item-entered control signal is not generated in response to the movement of the item within the scanner zone. Moreover, the method includes the step of detecting insertion of the item into a grocery container with the video system and generating a detection control signal in response thereto. The method yet further includes the step of generating an invalid-use control signal if the item-entered control signal has not been generated prior to generation of the detection control signal.

Abstract: A method of forming an envelope in a document security apparatus includes the step of advancing a first enclosure sheet and a second enclosure sheet to a sealing station within the document security apparatus. The method includes the step of holding both the first enclosure sheet and the second enclosure sheet stationary relative to the sealing station. The method also includes the step of securing the first enclosure sheet to the second enclosure sheet during the holding step. A document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a checkout terminal, with the terminal having a scale, includes the step of storing a first identification code associated with a first item in a memory in response to entry of the first item into the terminal. The method also includes the step of detecting the weight of the first item with the scale and storing a first weight value associated with the weight of the first item in the memory in response thereto. The method further includes the step of storing a second identification code associated with a second item in the memory in response to entry of the second item into the terminal. The method moreover includes the step of detecting the weight of the second item with the scale and storing a second weight value associated with the weight of the second item in the memory in response thereto.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has a lumen defined therein, (2) the trocar is positionable between a first trocar position and a second trocar position, (3) the trocar is positioned within the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the first trocar position, and (4) the trocar is completely removed from the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the second trocar position. The medical apparatus also includes a sleeve having a passageway extending therethrough, and a number of sealing members extending therefrom, wherein (1) the cannula is positionable between a first cannula position and a second cannula position, (2) the cannula is positioned within the passageway of the sleeve when the cannula is positioned at the first cannula position, and (3) the cannula is completely removed from the passageway of the sleeve when the cannula is positioned at the second cannula position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a precombustion member which has a number of first ignition orifices defined therein. The precombustion member further has a precombustion chamber defined therein. The precombustion member is positioned relative to the head of the engine such that the precombustion chamber is in fluid communication with the engine's main combustion chamber via the first ignition orifices. The internal combustion engine further has a spark plug for igniting a gaseous fuel. The spark plug includes an encapsulating member which has a number of second ignition orifices defined therein. The encapsulating member defines a plug combustion chamber. The spark plug further includes a center electrode and a ground electrode which are both positioned within the plug combustion chamber. The encapsulating member is positioned relative to the precombustion member such that the plug combustion chamber is in fluid communication with the precombustion chamber via the second ignition orifices.

Abstract: A method of enclosing a confidential sheet in an envelope within a document security apparatus includes the step of operating a print engine so as to advance a first enclosure sheet therethrough. The method also includes the step of advancing the first enclosure sheet from an output of the print engine to a first position at a sealing station. The method further includes the step of advancing a second enclosure sheet to a second position at a sealing station. The method moreover includes the step of securing a first portion of the first enclosure sheet to a second portion of the second enclosure sheet at the sealing station so as to create the envelope having an access opening defined therein. The method also includes the step of operating the print engine so as to advance the confidential sheet therethrough.

Abstract: Frequency domain reflectometer and method of determining severity of faults in a transmission line are disclosed. The reflectometer compensates for attenuation effects in the transmission line when determining severity of faults. In general, the reflectometer applies a sweep signal to the transmission line in order to obtain a reflected sweep response signal. Then, the reflectometer obtains a sweep response spectrum from the reflected sweep response signal. The reflected sweep response signal includes a plurality of spectral peaks which represent the frequency components of the reflected sweep response signal. Then, the reflectometer determines a first attenuation compensation factor for a first spectral peak of the reflected sweep response spectrum.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a trocar assembly including a cannula and a trocar, wherein (1) the cannula has a lumen defined therein, (2) the trocar is positionable between a first trocar position and a second trocar position, (3) the trocar is positioned within the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the first trocar position, and (4) the trocar is completely removed from the lumen of the cannula when the trocar is positioned at the second trocar position. The medical apparatus also includes a sleeve having a passageway extending therethrough, and a number of sealing members extending therefrom, wherein (1) the cannula is positionable between a first cannula position and a second cannula position, (2) the cannula is positioned within the passageway of the sleeve when the cannula is positioned at the first cannula position, and (3) the cannula is completely removed from the passageway of the sleeve when the cannula is positioned at the second cannula position.

Abstract: A sealing assembly includes a support roller. The sealing assembly also includes a center roller having a sealing ridge attached thereto which operatively contacts the support roller so as to urge a first enclosure sheet into contact with a second enclosure sheet. The sealing assembly further includes a first edge roller which operatively contacts the support roller so as to urge the first enclosure sheet into contact with the second enclosure sheet. The center roller and the first edge roller are rotatably supported on a common axis. The center roller rotates independently of the first edge roller. A method of sealing an envelope in a document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible lift mechanism for lifting an object from a first surface to a vertically displaced second surface includes a source of motive force, a conversion stair, and a lift linkage. The convertible lift mechanism may be utilized as a platform lift or a wheelchair lift. The conversion stair has a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the conversion stair functions as a stair within a stairway. In the second configuration, the conversion stair has a substantially horizontal lifting surface movable between a first position and a second position. The substantially horizontal lifting surface forms at least a portion of a lift platform.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for sealing an envelope having a first lateral side and a second lateral side includes a support roller. The envelope includes (1) a first enclosure sheet having a first pressure sensitive adhesive thereon, and (2) a second enclosure sheet having a second pressure sensitive adhesive thereon. The sealing assembly also includes a sealing member which is movable between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The first pressure sensitive adhesive is urged into contact with the second pressure sensitive adhesive by interaction between the sealing member and the support roller when the sealing member is moved between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. A method of sealing an envelope having a first lateral side and a second lateral in a document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing confidentiality to a facsimile transmission includes the step of advancing a front enclosure sheet into the print engine. The method also includes the step of printing information associated with a first page of the facsimile transmission onto the front enclosure sheet with the print engine. The method further includes the step of advancing the front enclosure sheet out of the print engine and to an envelope forming station. The method yet further includes the step of advancing a back enclosure sheet to the envelope forming station. Moreover, the method includes the step of securing the back enclosure sheet to the front enclosure sheet so as to form an envelope at the envelope forming station. The method also includes the step of advancing a confidential sheet into the print engine. The method yet further includes the step of printing information associated with a second page of the facsimile transmission onto the confidential sheet with the print engine.

Abstract: A method of securing an end portion of a graft to a blood vessel of a patient's circulatory system during a bypass grafting procedure includes the step of inhibiting blood flow to a region of the circulatory system by inflating a number of balloons within the circulatory system, wherein a segment of the blood vessel is located in the blood flow inhibited region. The method further includes the step of creating an arteriotomy in a sidewall of the segment of the blood vessel while the number of balloons are inflated within the circulatory system. Additionally, the method includes the step of anastomosing the end portion of the graft to the segment of the blood vessel during the blood flow inhibiting step.

Abstract: A method of covering a valve and rocker arm area of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine includes an engine exhaust outlet and an engine air inlet. The method includes the step of providing a valve cover assembly which includes a housing having a chamber defined therein, and a conduit positioned in the chamber. The conduit connects the engine exhaust outlet to the engine air inlet. The method also includes the step of securing the valve cover assembly to the engine so that the cover portion of the valve cover assembly covers the valve and rocker arm area. The method further includes the step of advancing exhaust gas from the engine exhaust outlet to the engine air inlet through the conduit. The method still further includes the step of advancing fluid through the housing so as to cool the conduit. A valve cover assembly for use on an internal combustion engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a housing which defines a chamber. The housing further defines an outlet, a first inlet, and a second inlet, each of which is in fluid communication with the chamber. The valve assembly further includes a master valve positioned within the chamber. The master valve isolates the first inlet from the outlet when the master valve is positioned in a seated master position. The master valve places the first inlet in fluid communication with the outlet when the master valve is located in an open master position. The valve assembly still further includes a slave valve positioned within the chamber. The slave valve isolates the second inlet from the outlet when the slave valve is positioned in a seated slave position. The slave valve places the second inlet in fluid communication with the outlet when the slave valve is located in an open slave position.

Abstract: A crop sprayer having a chassis and a number of wheels which support the chassis is disclosed. The crop sprayer further includes an engine for driving at least one of the number of wheels so as to propel the chassis, and a storage tank, supported by the chassis, for storing a quantity of water therein. The crop still sprayer further includes a chemical receptacle, supported by the chassis, for receiving and holding a chemical solution therein. The crop sprayer yet further includes a first loading conduit which is in fluid communication with the chemical receptacle, a second loading conduit which is in fluid communication with the storage tank, and an electric pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet is coupled to the first loading conduit. The pump outlet is coupled to the second loading conduit.