Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis system 10 can include an XRF analyzer 20 which can communicate wirelessly with other devices. The system 10 can also include remote-processor software configured to be loaded onto a handheld electronic device 23 and/or remote-computer software configured to be loaded onto a remote-computer 28. The XRF analyzer 20 can include a microphone 18 and/or an output device 31 to allow a user 19 to communicate conveniently with the XRF analyzer 20.

Abstract: A twister assembly for use in connection with bundling one or more objects with a length of wire may cut, grip, eject, and twist the length of wire. The twister assembly includes a main shaft driven by a main shaft motor and a twister shaft driven by a twister motor. The main shaft may be operatively coupled to a gripping mechanism, which is operable between an open and a closed position, a cutting mechanism, and an ejector mechanism. The twister shaft may be operatively coupled to a twisting mechanism, where the twisting mechanism includes a plurality of gears configured to rotate a twister pinion. The twister pinion is further configured to engage the length of wire and twist a portion of the length of wire to form a knot. Related twister assemblies and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An XRF analyzer can include a rotatable filter structure to separately position at least two different x-ray source modification regions between an x-ray source and a focal point and at least two different x-ray detector modification regions between an x-ray detector and the focal point. An XRF analyzer can include a rotatable source filter wheel between an x-ray source and a focal point and a rotatable detector filter wheel between an x-ray detector and the focal point. The source filter wheel can include multiple x-ray source modification regions. The detector filter wheel can include multiple x-ray detector modification regions. A gear wheel can mesh with a gear on the source filter wheel and with a gear on the detector filter wheel and can cause the source filter wheel and the detector filter wheel to rotate together.

Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis system 10 can include an XRF analyzer 20 which can communicate wirelessly with other devices. The system 10 can also include remote-processor software configured to be loaded onto a handheld electronic device 23 and/or remote-computer software configured to be loaded onto a remote-computer 28. The XRF analyzer 20 can include a microphone 18 and/or an output device 31 to allow a user 19 to communicate conveniently with the XRF analyzer 20.

Abstract: The invention includes various electronic devices for avoiding or minimizing XRF analyzer user fatigue. In one embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger sensor for activating an XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger tap switch for activating the XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a microphone for activating the XRF analysis by receipt of a verbal command. Additional benefits of some embodiments include improving XRF analysis safety and avoiding XRF analyzer theft.

Abstract: A portable XRF analyzer can include a hand shield to substantially block x-rays from impinging on a hand of a user. The portable XRF analyzer can include a heat sink over an x-ray source and a heat sink over an x-ray detector. The heat sinks can be separated from each other by a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.

Abstract: A track system, for use in connection with bundling one or more objects positioned within a bundling station, includes guiding a length of wire through a track guide assembly. The track guide assembly includes a plurality of straight and corner track segments coupled to each other and to a carrier plate subassembly, the track guide assembly substantially enclosing a wire guide path to guide the length of wire about the one or more objects. The track system further includes a pneumatic system configured to reduce a pressure to release the plurality of straight and corner track segments to free the length of wire during a tension cycle and to increase the pressure to fix the plurality of straight and corner track segments during a feed cycle. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A twister assembly for use in connection with bundling one or more objects with a length of wire may cut, grip, eject, and twist the length of wire. The twister assembly includes a main shaft driven by a main shaft motor and a twister shaft driven by a twister motor. The main shaft may be operatively coupled to a gripping mechanism, which is operable between an open and a closed position, a cutting mechanism, and an ejector mechanism. The twister shaft may be operatively coupled to a twisting mechanism, where the twisting mechanism includes a plurality of gears configured to rotate a twister pinion. The twister pinion is further configured to engage the length of wire and twist a portion of the length of wire to form a knot. Related twister assemblies and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: The present description discusses apparatuses and methods for applying straps around a bundle of objects by applying a variable force to tension the strap around the bundle of objects and then actuating a series of cams to control the sealing of the strap around the bundle of objects. The apparatus includes a track assembly extending substantially about a strapping station. The track assembly is adapted to receive a strap and to release the strap during a tensioning operation. An accumulator delivers strap to the track assembly. The accumulator has a strap conveyor system that defines a strap path and an accumulator container adjacent to the strap path. Strap can be accumulated in the accumulator container and subsequently delivered to the track assembly.

Abstract: A toilet ventilation system with replaceable filtration, the system comprised of a vented seat, a separate evacuation unit having a motor and fan within, the fan having a fan shroud with a restrictor, the shroud threadably attached to a filter housing with filter, the filter housing having a housing choke connected to a housing tube such that exiting air velocity is increased. The evacuation case has a threadably received vented cover, such that filter removal and replacement is provided for. A flexible collection tube connects the seat to the evacuation unit.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: A can bottom having an approximately frustoconical portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the can side wall, an annular nose portion extending downwardly from the approximately frustoconical portion, and a central portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the nose. The nose is formed by inner and outer circumferentially extending frustoconical walls that are joined by a downwardly convex arcuate portion. The inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose has a radius of curvature adjacent the nose inner wall of at least 0.060 inch. The central portion of the can bottom has a substantially flat disc-shaped central section, having a diameter of at least about 1.40 inches, and an approximately dome-shaped and downwardly concave having a radius of curvature no greater than 1.475 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose is formed by a sector of a circle and has radius of curvature is no greater than about 0.070 inch.

Abstract: A can bottom having an approximately frustoconical portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the can side wall, an annular nose portion extending downwardly from the approximately frustoconical portion, and a central portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the nose. The nose is formed by inner and outer circumferentially extending frustoconical walls that are joined by a downwardly convex arcuate portion. The inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose has a radius of curvature adjacent the nose inner wall of at least 0.060 inch. The central portion of the can bottom has a substantially flat disc-shaped central section, having a diameter of at least about 1.40 inches, and an approximately dome-shaped and downwardly concave having a radius of curvature no greater than 1.475 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose is formed by a sector of a circle and has radius of curvature is no greater than about 0.070 inch.

Abstract: A can bottom having an approximately frustoconical portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the can side wall, an annular nose portion extending downwardly from the approximately frustoconical portion, and a central portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the nose. The nose is formed by inner and outer circumferentially extending frustoconical walls that are joined by a downwardly convex arcuate portion. The inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose has a radius of curvature adjacent the nose inner wall of at least 0.060 inch. The central portion of the can bottom has a substantially flat disc-shaped central section, having a diameter of at least about 1.40 inches, and an approximately dome-shaped and downwardly concave having a radius of curvature no greater than 1.475 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose is formed by a sector of a circle and has radius of curvature is no greater than about 0.070 inch.