Abstract: An integrated card personalization system is provided using an “in-line” approach for seamless card personalization directly from cardholder data files to avoid duplication of hardware and eliminate the need for an overnight batch process to prepare cardholder data for card personalization. Such integrated card personalization system allows for the personalization of transaction cards such as smart cards on more flexible, low cost, low maintenance and smaller personalization systems so as to save the personalization bureau time and money, particularly on small volume production runs, and eliminate the need to hire and maintain internal software development staff with high attendant cost.

Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperses a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (76,102) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the hollow plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the hollow plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50). In another embodiment, the plunger rod (28) is solid and the reservoir (50) has fluid communication with the misting nozzle (34) through a second one-way valve (106) that permits liquid flow out of the reservoir (50).

Abstract: A spray head assembly particularly, but not exclusively, adapted for use in conjunction with a pulse-action lubrication system that dispenses measured quantities of fluid and propels the fluid through a fluid-carrying apparatus to the spray head assembly. The spray head assembly applies the fluid, e.g., lubricant or coolant, to a target object or article, in particular, a cutting tool, at the remote end of said tube, in the form of a dispersion. The spray head assembly has a plurality of outlet apertures which are disposed at predetermined locations and at predetermined angles with respect to the target object, so as to apply the fluid to multiple surfaces of the target object and thereby ensure thorough lubrication, cooling, etc. of the surfaces of the target object.

Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperses a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (76) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the hollow plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the hollow plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50).

Abstract: A piston-type positive-displacement liquid-metering pump with an output-control apparatus for varying the pump output volume per piston stroke by very minute amounts on a smoothly gradual and continuous basis, in which an actuator or actuation portion of the piston has an associated stop structure for limiting its allowable movement to thereby limit the output volume produced on each stroke of the piston, and an indexing member disposed in alignment with the stop structure and having a portion engageable therewith to effect the aforementioned limitation on allowable piston movement and thus define the stroke length of the piston. A continuously variable coupling is operatively disposed between the indexing member and the pump body and/or the indexing member, for changing the effective position of the stop structure relative to the pump body or indexing member and thus changing the allowable length of the piston stroke.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument assembly including a support sheath, a miniature medical implement member, and a securing mechanism for securing the support sheath and the medical implement member together in fixed relationship. The securing mechanism is adapted for securing the miniature medical implement member and the support sheath to one another when the miniature medical implement member is advanced axially through the support sheath so that the implement member and the support sheath form a co-axial unit. As a result, the support sheath provides rigid support for the miniature medical implement member and prevents the elongated portion thereof from breaking during an endoscopic medical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical retractor for use in combination with balloon dissection of internal body tissue of a human body part to maintain an operative space created by the dissection of the internal body tissue. The retractor has a frame comprising a base with opposing sides and at least one arcuate body tissue support element extending upwardly from one side to the other side of the base so as to form an arc extending transversely over a human body part wherein internal body tissue is to be balloon dissected. As least one suture anchor element is located along the length of the arcuate support element to allow a tensioning suture extending from separated internal body tissue of the human body part being balloon dissected to be secured thereto to maintain an open operation cavity.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument assembly including a support sheath, a miniature medical implement member, and a securing mechanism for securing the support sheath and the medical implement member together in fixed relationship. The securing mechanism is adapted for securing the miniature medical implement member and the support sheath to one another when the miniature medical implement member is advanced axially through the support sheath so that the implement member and the support sheath form a co-axial unit. As a result, the support sheath provides rigid support for the miniature medical implement member and prevents the elongated portion thereof from breaking during an endoscopic medical procedure.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus for automatically measuring out and discharging desired quantities of fluid such as lubricants or coolants and the like from a self-contained supply of the same, and for pneumatically dispersing the measured quantities of fluid into and propelling it through either a common or a coaxial tube. The dispersed fluid is applied to a desired object or article, in particular a cutting tool, workpiece, operating tool, or the like, at a remote end of said tube, in the form of a pneumatic dispersion or mist of said lubricant, coolant, or other fluid.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus for automatically measuring out and discharging desired quantities of fluid such as lubricants or coolants and the like from a self-contained supply of the same, and for pneumatically dispersing the measured quantities of fluid into and propelling it through either a common or a coaxial tube. The dispersed fluid is applied to a desired object or article, in particular a cutting tool, workpiece, operating tool, or the like, at a remote end of said tube, in the form of a pneumatic dispersion or mist of said lubricant, coolant, or other fluid.

Abstract: A connector specially suited for coupling soft resilient hose, in particular polyurethane hose, includes complementary male and female members defining a pair of concentric and generally parallel conical surfaces which receive therebetween the end of the hose to be engaged. At least one sharp circumferential barb is fixedly positioned along the conical surface of the male member to bite into the inner sidewall of the hose, to thereby effectively prevent the hose from slipping off the connector during assembly or subsequent use. The two complementing members are also provided with a pair of cooperating annular shoulders which abuttingly engage when the two members are joined together, to position the conical surface of the male member completely within the female member and thereby eliminate the danger of cutting and for damaging the hose along a projecting edge of the connector.

Abstract: A sound masking apparatus especially useful for setting background noise levels in discrete zones includes a signal source, power amplifier, programmable attenuator and remote control. The remote control is a short range radio transmitter that sends a series of pulses that are decoded to control the attenuator. The attenuator selects among discrete possible volume levels using serially-connected analog multiplexers, the multiplexer-selected lines connecting the signal to a desired part of a resistor network defining voltage dividers. The short range radio control makes a single remote controller operable to control volume levels in any zone of a multiple zone installation without direct access to the signal source, whereby the user can change volume levels in small increments to accomodate changing conditions or preferences and to slowly bring sound masking units to full volume levels.

Abstract: A coupling for a vacuum system includes a socket member and a plug member. The socket member has a body defining a through bore opening at a front face. A cover supporting a gasket is pivotally carried on the socket member and adapted to cover and seal the through bore opening. The plug member includes a body defining a tubular nipple dimensioned to be received within the socket member through bore. A seal is carried by the plug member and positioned to engage the front face of the socket member when the nipple is inserted into the socket member. A lock pin is carried by the cover and dimensioned to fit within a recess defined by the plug member body.