Abstract: A blister collation system includes a blister packager with a blister seal station which seals a blister package with a medicament inside and a blister package stacker connected to the blister packager via a conveyor which moves individual blister packages. The blister package stacker has a nest inlet for reception of the blister packages from the conveyor, a nest assembly for holding one of the blister packages, and a first blister package collection tower for storing a stack of the blister packages. The nest assembly is configured to insert one blister package at a time upward into a bottom of the first collection tower. The stacker further has a tower gate holding the inserted blister packages and a mechanism for pushing the stack of the blister packages from the first collection tower into a storage container.

Abstract: Methods, software products, digital cameras and other image processing systems process a set of transform coefficients. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises, for each block of transform coefficients representing an image: ordering the block's coefficients into a sequence; encoding the ordered coefficients to yield a sequence of codewords, each codeword including one or more encoded coefficients; and dividing the sequence of codewords into two or more sub-sequences.

Abstract: Methods, software products, digital cameras and other image processing systems process a set of transform coefficients. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises, for each block of transform coefficients representing an image: ordering the block's coefficients into a sequence; encoding the ordered coefficients to yield a sequence of codewords, each codeword including one or more encoded coefficients; and dividing the sequence of codewords into two or more sub-sequences.

Abstract: An exercise and training tool is provided for training handgun users to establish a strong grip with the thumb, palm, and other fingers of the hand which are not the trigger finger, and then to independently exercise the index finger in the more delicate and precise motions used for controlling the trigger for improved accuracy. The training tool may also disable a trigger pull function by the index finger unless a proper grip is maintained with the thumb, palm, and other fingers of the hand. Other tactile feedback included within the trigger pull sensation may be offered, to represent operations of a handgun such as trigger “break,” trigger reset, or recoil during a discharge.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating alternative payment submissions. According to a one aspect, a selection by a purchaser of one or more items is received, one or more characteristics associated with the purchaser are processed to determine a reliability of the purchaser, and an option to provide payment for the one or more items by way of a first payment method in lieu of a second payment method is selectively provided to the purchaser based on the determined reliability, the second payment method corresponding to a payment method requiring the purchaser to provide banking information and the first payment method corresponding to a payment method not requiring the purchaser to provide banking information. Other embodiments of the various aspects include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating alternative payment submissions. According to a one aspect, a selection by a purchaser of one or more items is received, one or more characteristics associated with the purchaser are processed to determine a reliability of the purchaser, and an option to provide payment for the one or more items by way of a first payment method in lieu of a second payment method is selectively provided to the purchaser based on the determined reliability, the second payment method corresponding to a payment method requiring the purchaser to provide banking information and the first payment method corresponding to a payment method not requiring the purchaser to provide banking information. Other embodiments of the various aspects include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating alternative payment submissions. According to a one aspect, a selection by a purchaser of one or more items is received, one or more characteristics associated with the purchaser are processed to determine a reliability of the purchaser, and an option to provide payment for the one or more items by way of a first payment method in lieu of a second payment method is selectively provided to the purchaser based on the determined reliability, the second payment method corresponding to a payment method requiring the purchaser to provide banking information and the first payment method corresponding to a payment method not requiring the purchaser to provide banking information. Other embodiments of the various aspects include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight knife. Conventional knives are made of steel and other heavy materials. While metal knives provide excellent strength and cutting ability, they can be heavy, which adds weight to an individual's load, pack, kit, or supplies on their person. Previous attempts to produce a lightweight knife have focused on replacing steel with lightweight materials. Plastic knives are light and have been produced, but do not provide an effective, sharp cutting edge. The present invention uses plastic insertion molding technology to imbed a partial steel blade in an otherwise plastic knife, significantly reducing overall weight while still providing a strong, effective cutting edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture of at least two different dispersing agents, an aqueous dispersion containing a UV absorber selected from benzotriazoles, benzotriazines and benzophenones and a mixture of at least two different dispersing agents and a method for reducing the differential pressure in the static dyeing process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses mixtures of dyes, dye compositions comprising them and the use of said mixtures and compositions, optionally in combination with UV absorbers, to dye or print textile materials, particularly hydrophobic textile materials such as polyester, that must meet stringent lightfastness requirements. Fibers dyed with the inventive dye mixtures exhibit exceptional high temperature light fastness and good all-round fastness properties.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the thermal, oxidative and photochemical stability of dyed or printed polyamide fiber material, comprises treating the polyamide fiber material, before, during or after a dyeing or printing step, with an effective stabilizing amount of a stabilizer mixture which comprises at least one compound of the formula and at least one compound of the formula in which R1 and R1? independently of one another are each linear or branched C1-C18alkyl, C3-C8cycloalkyl, C3-C6alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl or C7-C12aralkyl, and R2, R2?, R3, R3?, R4 and R5 are as described herein. The treated polyamide fiber materials have excellent thermal, oxidative and photochemical stability.

Abstract: Features of the direct fired heater can facilitate and improve setup and operation thereof. The direct fired heater can include a housing forming an airflow passage and the airflow passage having an inlet and an outlet; an air moving device to flow air from the inlet to the outlet; gas fired burner disposed in the housing; a pivotal airflow damper disposed in the housing relative to the gas fired burner to control the air flow rate through the burner; and an adjusting device for adjusting the damper from outside the airflow passage. Sensing probes disposed in the airflow passage upstream and downstream of the burner and a pressure differential measuring instrument, such as a manometer, disposed outside of airflow passage in communication with the upstream sensing probe and the downstream sensing probe can measure the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the burner.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing a selected fluid to a movable substrate includes a nozzle connected to a movable support, and a supplying mechanism for providing the fluid to the nozzle at a pressure which provides for a selected fluid flow rate from the nozzle. The supplying mechanism includes a torque conduit section which has a longitudinal torque axis thereof and is configured to absorb torsional energy produced by moving the support. An actuating servo rotates the support to move the cutter nozzle along a selected cutting path, and the actuating servo has a servo axis of rotation which is arranged substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis of the torque tube conduit section.