Abstract: An optical disc has a first transparent substrate, a second substrate, and at least a first and a second recording layer formed between the substrates. The first substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first surface is a beam incidence surface for a laser beam, the second surface having a first concave section and a first convex section formed adjacent to each other thereon, the first concave section being farther than the first convex section from the incidence surface, first pre-pits being formed on the first concave section. The second substrate has a second concave section and a second convex section formed adjacent to each other thereon, the second concave section being farther than the second convex section from the incidence surface, second pre-pits being formed on the second concave section, a top surface of each second pre-pit being closer than a top surface of the second convex section to the beam surface.

Abstract: A series of pre-opened resealable bags formed as a continuous web and received on a roll suitable for implementation in an automatic bagging machine are presented. The web of bags consist of top and bottom films thermally bonded together along the edges thereof. Transverse resealable zipper strips are interposed between the top and bottom films, with mating portions thereof respectively bonded to an associated films. A top film is provided with a filling slit, adapted for receiving product or materials therethrough. Appropriate seals and perforations are provided transverse to the web to allow the bags to be separated from each other and to allow for operator access to the resealable zipper strip. In another embodiment, the zipper strips are substituted or supplemented with plastic reinforcing strips to accommodate a punched hold for hanging display of the bag. A process for manufacturing such bags from a pair of webs received inserted zipper strips is also presented.

Abstract: A tractor/trailer combination wherein a trailer is connected to a tractor through the connection of a kingpin with a fifth wheel is provided with a trailer steering system. Using given dimensions of the tractor/trailer combination and a measured articulation angle between the tractor and trailer during a turn, the wheels of the rear axles of the trailer are turned so that they turn approximately about the instant center established for the tractor. In this way, the trailer turns around approximately the same point as does the tractor, thus significantly eliminating off tracking.

Abstract: A splice seam for joining various sections of fabric together is disclosed, wherein the fabric sections are initially delaminated into their constituent plies. The plies associated with each fabric section are then interleaved with each other, and bonded together. The amount of surface area between each interleaved plies can be adjusted as so as to achieve a desired level of load carrying strength between the fabric sections. Additionally, the splice seam may utilize an external and/or internal seam tape to increase the strength of the resultant seam.

Abstract: A daisy chained ethernet network data acquisition system for use in industrial processes is shown. The system employs standard category five twisted-pair connectors, each having four twisted-pairs associated therewith. Two of the twisted-pairs are employed for transmitting and receiving command signals and data, while the remaining two are employed for transmitting a common clock and synchronizing signal to each of the various stages of the processing line at which data is to be acquired. The system thus allows for the time correlated acquisition of data from a plurality of stages or stations of a lengthy processing line by employing ethernet interconnection.

Abstract: A door system (10) including, a door (D) movably mounted on a track assembly (15), a counterbalance system (20) connected to the door and having at least one spring (25), a tool adapter (26) proximate at least one end of the counterbalance system, a detachable winding assembly (30) adapted to selectively engage and selectively rotate the tool adapter to adjust tensioning of the spring, and a locking assembly (36) interacting with the counterbalance system to maintain a selected tensioning of the counterbalance system upon detaching the winding assembly from the tool adapter.

Abstract: Four high-frequency components are extracted from video signals: the first from a blanking interval; the second from an image-carrying period between blanking intervals; and the third and fourth from the video and one-line and -frame delayed signals, respectively. Statistical processing is performed to obtain absolute values of the second to fourth component levels per pixel and the number of pixels of the components per image per absolute level. A noise detecting signal is generated based on the first component level irrespective of the processing when the level is higher than a predetermined level, if not, first to third levels are obtained for the first to third components, respectively, each having the smallest number of pixels among levels other than zero each having a larger number of pixels than zero for the components. The detecting signal is generated based upon the lowest or second lowest level among the first to third levels.

Abstract: A queue management system for e.g. supermarket checkouts uses counting devices located at checkouts and optimally entrances/exits in conjunction with P.O.S. information to produce a schedule of how many checkouts are needed to avoid queue length exceeding preset limits. The system includes a dynamic learning system which can optimise calculated schedules on the basis of historical data.

Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food in a cup (C) includes a housing having an agitator assembly (15) extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to be rotated by a motor to mix food in the cup (C). A switch assembly (20) is provided to operate the agitator assembly (15). The switch assembly (20) includes a bracket (21) which pivotally carries a plate (41) which extends downwardly adjacent to the agitator assembly (15). A switch (31) is carried by the bracket (21) and has an arm (36) biased toward the plate (41). The plate (41) is biased toward the arm (36) by springs (50) to maintain the switch (31) in the open position. Pivoting the plate (41) relative to the bracket (21) against the bias of the springs (50) allows the arm (36) of the switch (31) to pivot to close the switch (31) allowing the agitator assembly (15) to rotate.

Abstract: A light filter or an array of filters can be either one or two dimensional. The filter or filters use multiple beam interference by varying an optical path length between semi-reflective surfaces. The optical path length between the semi-reflective surfaces is varied by changing a thickness of a polymer film in response to an electric field formed between two semi-transparent electrodes. The filter can be configured in either a transmissive or reflective mode.

Abstract: A currency receiving/dispensing machine comprises a currency receiving opening, identifying means for transferring currency set into the currency receiving opening and for identifying the currency, a currency storing section for storing the currency in a predetermined place based on a currency receiving approving instruction and a result of identification of the identifying means, a currency dispensing opening through which the currency taken out from the currency storing section is dispensed based on a currency dispensing instruction, and mode designating means for switching and designating various operation modes, wherein the currency receiving/dispensing machine has two kinds of maintenance modes for carrying out maintenance and inspection of the currency receiving/dispensing machine designated by the mode designating means, the two kinds of maintenance modes comprises a first maintenance mode in which currency can not be taken out from the currency storing section, and a second maintenance mode in which c

Abstract: A bill and coin processing system including a bill and coin processing apparatus having: an interface unit capable of exchanging information via a communication unit with the point-of-sales terminal machine; a money receiving unit receiving money by way of a price of a commercial product; a discriminating unit discriminating between at least denominations of the bills and coins received from the money receiving unit; a storing/discharging unit stored with the received bills and coins on the basis of a result of the discrimination made by the discriminating unit and capable of discharging the bills and coins by giving a discharge instruction to the bill and coin processing apparatus from the point-of-sales terminal machine; a money discharging unit discharging the bills and coins outside a machine, which have been discharged from the storing/discharging unit; and a control unit controlling the money discharging unit to discharge the bills and coins from the storing/discharging unit on the basis of a discharge

Abstract: An antenna includes a feedpoint support plate (10) which is provided with terminal connectors (27, 28) to attach feed wires (25, 26) to dipole lines (31, 32). A balun (33) of one size may be connected to the plate (10) by fastening assemblies (43, 44, 45) received at apertures (29, 30) in the plate (10) and at apertures (41) of the balun (33). Baluns of other sizes may also be connected to the plate (10) by fastening assemblies (64, 65, 66) received at apertures (62, 63) in the plate (10) and at holes (60, 61) provided with the coil (57). The plate (10) can also carry a strain relief bracket (70) which includes grip members (76) which engage the feed line (24) at two spaced locations with a loop (79) formed therebetween to isolate a coupling (34) from any strain.

Abstract: A currency processing apparatus, which includes a bill processing device for paying dispensing and depositing a bill, a coin processing device for paying dispensing and depositing a coin, and a stacked coin processing device for keeping a stacked coin, comprises inventory management means for administrating cash data of each of the devices, a memory for storing the cash data and remaining data, and controlling means for dispensing currencies deposited into the bill processing device and the coin processing device based on the remaining data stored in the memory and inventory amount in the coin-roll storing device.

Abstract: A step stool with positionable lights and a rechargeable battery is carried upon retractable casters for suitable positioning and utility. A motion and timer switch is interposed between the battery and the positionable lights to allow the positionable lights to be illuminated only for a fixed period of time following movement of the step stool. The lights may be positionable as by adjustable brackets or by a cord reel assembly. The step stool has contact bands thereabout that are adapted for engagement with contacts in a charging station that is specifically configured to receive the step stool. Receipt of the step stool by the charging station activates a battery charger that serves to charge the battery of the step stool thereafter. A solenoid switch disconnects the lights of the step stool upon commencement of the charging operation.

Abstract: A crossbow (20) has a stock (21) which can be adjusted in length by utilization of an adjustment mechanism (34). In order to conveniently cock the crossbow (20) the adjustment mechanism (34) is used to shorten the length of the stock (21). But when the crossbow (20) is to be fired, the length of the stock may be increased as described by the user.