Abstract: An electronic flow instrument and method which uses the instrument for monitoring and/or controlling the production or flow of a fluid. The instrument has a multiplexer linked by a USB connection to a microcontroller so that the multiplexer provides multiple USB connection ports for the microcontroller. A resident USB flash drive is installed in one of the USB connection ports for storing long term logging data related to the production or flow of the fluid. Secure access to the electronic flow instrument is provided by using a second USB flash drive containing a security file or password as a security key.

Abstract: Printing and scanning methods using a facsimile machine communicating with a computer over a bi-directional direct passive link connected between digital communication ports of the computer and facsimile machine Upon receipt of an instruction at the facsimile machine, the printing method includes receiving digital image data from the computer via the bi-directional direct passive link. The digital image data is processed substantially as it is received at the facsimile machine and printed onto media. Upon receipt of an instruction at the facsimile machine, the scanning method includes scanning content from media provided within the facsimile machine to create digital image data digital image data representative of the content, and providing the digital image data substantially as it is created to the computer via the bi-directional direct passive link. The instructions and digital image data are transmitted in a standard facsimile machine format using standard facsimile machine protocols.

Abstract: Apparatus for interfacing a conventional facsimile machine with a PC enabling the use of the facsimile machine as a scanner or printer. A first switch assembly selectively couples the PC modem and facsimile machine either to independent telephone lines in a normal mode or to one another in a scan print mode. A manually operated switch assembly is depressed for a brief interval sufficient to activate a ringing circuit which converts DC power from a small battery source to a 20 Hz sine wave of 90 volt amplitude and applies the sine wave signal to the PC to cause the PC or facsimile to enter into a scan or print mode, respectively. The manually operable switch is then released to apply a constant current to the facsimile machine to simulate an off-hook condition.

Abstract: Maintaining faulty radio frequency identification (RFID) labels on a surface of a web carrier. The various embodiments of the invention provide apparatus for controlling whether RFID labels are separated from a label web. In one embodiment, a frame has first and second side members, and a peel bar is mounted between the first and second side members. The peel bar has a radial portion that causes an RFID label to be separated from the surface of the web carrier as the web carrier contacts and travels over the radial portion. A cam bar is mounted on the frame and is rotatable. In a first position the cam bar causes the web carrier to contact and travel at least partially around the radial portion of the peel bar, and in a second position the cam bar prevents the web carrier from contacting and traveling at least partially around the radial portion of the peel bar.

Abstract: A hard disk drive is rendered removable by modifying its ID buffer to indicate to the host computer that the hard drive is a removable media device. A drive assembly is mounted in a drive bay of the host computer and permanently connected to the assembly. A hard drive is mounted in a removable cartridge that is dimensioned for insertion into the drive assembly. The drive assembly reads the hard drive ID buffer, modifies the buffer and stores the same. Upon request from the host computer, the modified buffer is presented.

Abstract: The printable substrate of biaxially multi-layered laminate material is perforated to define a flap overlying a window having a frame. The window is sized to allow the tag body to be passed through it and thereby secure the tag to an article. The tag substrate may be provided as a continuous web that has been perforated to define multiple tags, suitable for printing and dispensing by automated mechanism.

Abstract: A stackable heat sink having a core shaft in heat-engaging relation with a semiconductor device and a plurality of individual thin fins having an opening for receiving the core shaft in press fit relation so that a plurality of the fins, when mounted on the shaft, define a plurality of air passageways and the fins and shaft efficiently transfer heat away from the semiconductor device and into the surrounding atmosphere. In an improved version of the heat sink, the heat-dissipating fins may be corrugated so as to increase the surface area of each individual fin without increasing its perimeter. A heat pipe may be used in conjunction with the core shaft or base of the heat sink so as to facilitate heat transfer away from the electronic component. An improved heat sink may also include a base having a plurality of openings and a small fan connected to the portion of the base with the openings, so as to direct air across and between adjacent fins.

Abstract: A heat sink retainer clip for attaching a heat sink to an electronic device and its housing such as a microprocessor module. The clip is comprised of flexible rails having slots that corresponding pins are inserted through. The pins are inserted vertically through registered openings in the heat sink and microprocessor module, and through corresponding holes in the retainer clip. Then the clip is expanded by a handle causing the pins to slide horizontally through the slots and lock into place because the size of the bulb at one end of the pin is larger than the width of the slot. Each pin also contains a spacer for maintaining a fixed distance between components of the microprocessor module and heat sink.

Abstract: A label dispensing apparatus is provided for applying labels to advancing articles. The label dispensing apparatus features a modular design that couples different types of label dispensing modules to one of several label applicators through a standard chassis.

Abstract: A retainer clip for retaining a component to a board and a handle for handling the same.

Abstract: A stackable heat sink having a core shaft in heat-engaging relation with a semiconductor device and a plurality of individual thin fins having an opening for receiving the core shaft in press fit relation so that a plurality of the fins, when mounted on the shaft, define a plurality of air passageways and the fins and shaft efficiently transfer heat away from the semiconductor device and into the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: The printable substrate of biaxially multi-layered laminate material is perforated to define an integral strap having a free end for insertion into a crescent-cut slotted opening. An additional perforation defines an optional, removable index card that may be printed upon when the tag itself is printed. The tag substrate may be provided as a continuous web that has been perforated to define multiple tags, suitable for printing and dispensing by automated mechanism.

Abstract: An outlet strip having a cable manager arranged to permit organization of power cables coupled to device receptacles in the outlet strip housing. The cable manager may be positioned at an end of an elongated outlet strip having device receptacles positioned along greater than two surfaces of the outlet strip housing. Alternatively, the cable manager may include a plurality of cable management devices, each device preferably positioned adjacent an associated device receptacle. Various electronic device receptacles, such as electrical plug receptacles, and communication data line jack receptacles, are provided on the outlet strip. Preferably, the electrical plug receptacles are arranged to permit each electrical plug receptacle to accept a transformer block without interfering with access to an adjacent receptacle. Marking elements, each corresponding to a different cable management device, may be provided to identify the device receptacle to which a power cable marked therewith is coupled.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly having a cable terminating in a molded end and a cable-orienting device shaped and configured to bend the cable with respect to the molded end. Preferably, the cable-orienting device is in the form of a tubular body formed to maintain the cable at any desired angle and orientation with respect to the molded end. The cable-orienting device preferably is easily removable and insertable over the cable such that the cable-orienting device may be removed, or its position along the cable or orientation with respect to the cable may be adjusted. Moreover, the cable-orienting device may be rotatable once positioned over the cable to vary the orientation of the cable with respect to the molded end.

Abstract: The printable substrate of biaxially multi-layered laminate material is perforated to define an integral loop structure having a slotted opening to receive the tag body and thereby secure the tag to an article. An additional perforation defines an optional, removable index card that may be printed upon when the tag itself is printed. The tag substrate may be provided as a continuous web that has been perforated to define multiple tags, suitable for printing and dispensing by automated mechanism.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly comprises a heat sink and a retainer clip for attachment to an electronic package or semiconductor device so as to dissipate heat from such device. The heat sink may comprise a flat base with a plurality of upwardly extending fins. The fins will define at least one channel. The retainer clip includes two parts. One part is an elongated, resilient, metal strap that has holding means at each end for engaging a semiconductor socket, or a semiconductor module, so as to secure the retainer clip and heat sink to the device or module. The retainer clip also includes a cam-type latch which is pivotally positioned in the middle of the elongated strap and includes an arm and a cam. The cam has a bearing surface which is spaced from the axis of the elongated member a distance greater than the distance between the elongated member and the upper surface of the heat sink base when in the initially assembled position.