Abstract: A machine-readable serial number is formed on a CD-ROM by using a laser to selectively remove a reflective layer from the CD-ROM. Removal of the reflective layer creates defects in addressable information storage locations on the CD-ROM. The serial number is read by detecting the defects. The serial number is used in a software distribution system in which many different software programs are distributed on a single CD-ROM and an access code based on the desired software program and the serial number of a particular CD-ROM is used to "unlock" the desired program on the particular CD-ROM.

Abstract: A label assembly for a package sleeve accommodating a storage media disc in a sleeve cavity thereof. The label assembly includes a removable tear strip covering the sleeve cavity such that when the tear strip is detached along perforation lines, the disc can be removed from the sleeve cavity. The tear strip also has a deadened adhesive portion so that no adhesive can contact the disc. In this label assembly, a first face and a second face are positioned on opposite sides of the tear strip. The first face includes mailing identification information regarding the package sleeve and the second face includes disc identification information regarding the storage media disc accommodated within the package sleeve.

Abstract: An inspection system for use with a moving conveyor (20) having a video camera (80) mounted above the conveyor (20) and first and second prisms (60, 62) mounted below the camera (80) but above the part (28) to be inspected. The prisms (60, 62) are oriented to be parallel to two opposite ends (30, 36) of the part to be inspected. Therefore, as the conveyor (20) moves the part (28) below the prisms (60, 62) to an inspection location between the prisms, the camera (80) provides simultaneous images of the ends (30,36) of the part (28) as well the part's upper surface (46).

Abstract: A secondary containment device is provided for protectively containing leaks and spills of a possibly hazardous or otherwise harmful chemical substance contained in a primary container such as a standard thirty or fifty-five gallon chemical drum. The device includes a tubular member with an open bottom equipped with a annular ring or foot of a resilient tacky material that forms a seal with the floor or other surface on which the drum is situated. A chemically resistant plastic material is preferred for the tubular member, which is preferably cylindrical. The foot is preferably triangular and presents a surface that is at least partially upwardly facing on the inside thereof so that the pressure of leaked chemical in the space between the drum and the sidewall of the device contributes sealing force to the foot. Where the floor is not sufficiently smooth to form a seal, a disc or sheet of a preferably plastic material is provided under the drum.

Abstract: A device for enabling detection of a counterfeit optical CD-ROM is disclosed for use in a conventional mastering system. The device includes a signal source for providing a first signal for forming a predetermined defect in a glass master. The device also includes a switch for connecting a recorder of the mastering system to the signal source. In addition, the device includes a decoder for decoding encoded data and address information provided from an input source of the mastering system. Furthermore, the device includes a central processor unit which serves to detect whether a selected address from the decoded data is present. Upon detection of the selected address, the CPU controls the switch to connect the signal source to the recorder to enable the recorder to receive the first signal and form the predetermined defect at the selected address.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating an article includes a first housing member mountable on a side of the article conveyor, and a second housing member mountable on the opposite side of the article conveyor. A motor having a shaft is mounted on the first housing member. The motor is arranged to drive a frictional drive roller. The frictional drive roller in turn drives a first end portion of an approaching article. A pin is mounted on the second housing member and arranged to contact a second end portion, i.e., a second end portion opposite the first end portion, of the article while the frictional drive roller drives the first end portion. The pin functions to inhibit motion of the second end portion and thereby establishes a pivot position about which the article rotates approximately ninety degrees.

Abstract: A mass-manufactured disc containing audio and non-audio data, the audio portion of which can be satisfactorily played by an audio-only player without playing the non-audio portion. The disc is mass-manufactured from a patterned glassmaster by either (1) generating suitable multisession-formatted data and subcode information and writing this data onto the glassmaster, or (2) reading data stored on a write-once multisession disc and writing this data directly onto the glassmaster.

Abstract: A pass-through conveyor having a power conveyor pivotally attached to a based that effectively conveys small and light weight articles in a lowered conveying position. The powered conveyor may be pivoted to an elevated position allowing access past the conveyor gate. The conveyor is supported in an elevated position by a spring support mechanism without the need for mechanical latches or locks.

Abstract: A machine-readable serial number is formed on a CD-ROM by using a laser to selectively remove a reflective layer from the CD-ROM. Removal of the reflective layer creates defects in addressable information storage locations on the CD-ROM. The serial number is read by detecting the defects. The serial number is used in a software distribution system in which many different software programs are distributed on a single CD-ROM and an access code based on the desired software program and the serial number of a particular CD-ROM is used to "unlock" the desired program on the particular CD-ROM.

Abstract: A machine-readable serial number is formed on a CD-ROM by using a laser to selectively remove a reflective layer from the CD-ROM, Removal of the reflective layer creates defects in addressable information storage locations on the CD-ROM, The serial number is read by detecting the defects, The serial number is used in a software distribution system in which many different software programs are distributed on a single CD-ROM and an access code based on the desired software program and the serial number of a particular CD-ROM is used to "unlock" the desired program on the particular CD-ROM,

Abstract: An inverting apparatus for inverting a product package being moved by a conveyor belt comprises an auxiliary conveyor having a pick-up end to receive the package from the conveyor surface and a discharge end located vertically above the pick-up end and the conveyor belt to discharge the package back onto the conveyor surface. The auxiliary conveyor moves the package along an inclined path from the pick-up end to the discharge end, and a fulcrum element at the discharge end horizontally spaced from the discharge end catches a forward end of the package and supports the package off center such that the package temporarily rocks on the fulcrum element and falls with a package trailing end falling forward of the package forward end to thereby invert the package as it is discharged back onto said conveyor belt.

Abstract: A machine-readable serial number is formed on a CD-ROM by using a laser to selectively remove a reflective layer from the CD-ROM. Removal of the reflective layer creates defects in addressable information storage locations on the CD-ROM. The serial number is read by detecting the defects. The serial number is used in a software distribution system in which many different software programs are distributed on a single CD-ROM and an access code based on the desired software program and the serial number of a particular CD-ROM is used to "unlock" the desired program on the particular CD-ROM.

Abstract: A storage case for accommodating a plurality of compact discs includes lid and bottom members having similar rectangular panels and pairs of opposed peripheral walls extending along the short and long sides, respectively, of the respective panels, with the lid and bottom members being pivotally connected for relative movements about an axis parallel to adjacent long sides of the panels between a closed position in which the panels are in parallel spaced relation and the pairs of peripheral walls interfit to enclose a space between the panels, and an opened position in which the panels are angularly spread apart.

Abstract: A storage case for accommodating a plurality of compact discs includes lid and bottom members having similar rectangular panels and pairs of opposed peripheral walls extending along the short and long sides, respectively, of the respective panels, with the lid and bottom members being pivotally connected for relative movements about an axis parallel to adjacent long sides of the panels between a closed position in which the panels are in parallel spaced relation and the pairs of peripheral walls interfit to enclose a space between the panels, and an opened position in which the panels are angularly spread apart. Trays having compact disc supporting elements thereon are mounted on the lid and bottom members so as to be disposed at interiors of the respective panels in the closed position with the disc supporting elements confronting each other, and with one of the trays being spaced from the respective panel to define a compartment therebetween for receiving a printed booklet or the like.

Abstract: Serial input/output multiplexing apparatus for bi-directional communication of input status signals and output control signals between remote devices and a programmable logic controller (P.L.C.) over a two-wire, asynchronous communication channel. A remote module includes an input interface circuit to receive input status signals from each of plural input devices, an output interface circuit for transmitting output control signals to each of plural output devices, and a controller for selectively coupling the input interface circuit or the output interface circuit to the two-wire asynchronous communication channel for transmitting serial status information to the communication channel or for supplying to the output interface circuit output control information serially received from the communication channel. A local module includes a local output interface circuit for applying the status information to the P.L.C., a local input interface circuit for receiving control information from the P.L.C.