Abstract: A generally flat carton blank is arranged for assembly into a carton shape holding multiple cigarette packs. The carton blank has a defined periphery, and a generally flat promotional sheet overlies the carton blank within the outer periphery thereof. A portion of the promotional sheet is adhesively secured to the carton blank. In another embodiment a generally flat promotional sheet overlies the carton blank essentially within the outer periphery thereof. Both carton blank each with its associated promotional sheet may then be assembled and loaded with cigarette packs utilizing standard assembly machinery and standard procedures. Fold lines on the carton blank and the promotional sheet facilitate assembly of the carton blank into a carton shape with the promotional sheet inside the assembled carton.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wireless measurement device is provided. A wireless transceiver is configured to communicate with a base station through a wireless medium to receive configuration information. The wireless transceiver outputs a signal for use in measuring a potential or current based on the configuration information. A circuit is configured to function as a galvanostat and can receive the signal and achieve a desired current using the signal. A potential of a test cell is then measurable using the current. Also, the circuit is configured to function as a potentiostat and can achieve a desired potential using the signal. The current of the test cell is then measurable using the potential. The wireless transceiver transmits the measured potential or current wirelessly to a second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that combine the techniques of reversal (or self-calibration) to provide a low spatial frequency measurement of a part shape, independent of systematic errors in the staging used to move the part and small aperture interferometry to provide high spatial frequency information on a large part. The low spatial frequency is used to establish the rigid body motions (e.g., tip, tilt, and piston for a plano object) to be applied to the individual sub-apertures of interferometric data in stitching them together to give a full map at high resolution of the whole part. No overlap between sub-apertures is required.

Abstract: A machine for folding and applying onserts onto consumer goods such as cigarette packs comprises a continuous roll of preprinted onserts and a transverse cutter assembly for cutting onsert segments from the continuous roll. Each onsert segment includes a pair of side-by-side preprinted onserts. A buckle folder receives each cut onsert segment and folds that segment along at least one transverse fold line. A longitudinal cutter assembly longitudinally cuts each folded onsert segment into two individual onserts. A transport system serially receives the individual folded onserts and moves the onserts along dual diverging paths where a pair of spaced apart lug belt conveyors receives the onserts from the discharge end of the transport system. Each lug belt conveyor includes spaced apart transverse lugs along the length thereof against which the onserts are positioned.

Abstract: Composite panels are separated into their component materials of metal skins and polymer cores by dimpling the metal skins to create stresses between the metal skins and polymer cores, heating the metal skins to partially separate them from the polymer core, and then pulling the metal skins away from the polymer core.

Abstract: A device for interacting with biota either on a pre-specified schedule or via actuation by remote signal. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In selected embodiments, it comprises frangible packaging enclosing means for timing interaction, at least part of the means for programming the device and means for opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is inserted in fish. Specific examples of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-specified period or, alternatively, long enough to effectively control the target aquatic plants, toxins in the device are dispensed to kill them. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life.

Abstract: A searchable database comprising a multiplicity of tables including an attributes table and a values table for a multiplicity of target search items constructed and arranged so that selection of values for one or more target search item attributes yields an attribute-value construct specifying a particular one of said target search items and precluding an indeterminate search result. Such database may be employed in an online comparison shopping system comprising a database containing product information of multiple vendors, manufacturers and/or products and a user interface generating a virtual shopping cart, and constructed and arranged to enable a user to selectively aggregate an order in said virtual shopping cart, comprising products represented in said database, and means for electronically disaggregating said order to generate vendor-specific orders to respective vendors.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing means for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: An application of phase profilometry to determine the 3-D configuration of normally obscured structure. In one application, the undercarriage of a vehicle is captured in a 3-D profile while the vehicle is operating normally. The system may use a digital camera; a computer for control, communications, processing, comparing configurations and database storage; a broadband light source; and a device positioned between the light and structure that enables an alternating strip or strips of light and shadows to impinge the obscured surface. A preferred embodiment uses a single straight edge as the device. In addition to profiling the undercarriage of a vehicle and comparing it to an expected configuration of a like vehicle, the system may be used for such diverse applications as determination of correct toll at toll booths, quality inspection in an assembly line, safety and security inspections, and access control.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing conditions or characteristics associated with a process or thing. The sensing system includes one or more energy converters and a sensor, which are coupled to the process or thing. A node is coupled to the sensor and the energy-converter, and the node is powered by output from the energy converter. In a more specific embodiment, the node includes a controller that implements one or more routines for selectively powering a wireless transmitter of the node based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may specify that sensor output values are within a predetermined range or are below or above a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may specify that electrical energy output from the energy converter is below a predetermined threshold. A remote computer may be wirelessly connected to node and may include software and/or hardware that is adapted to process information output by the sensor and relayed to the computer via the node.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.

Abstract: An application of phase profilometry to determine the 3-D configuration of normally obscured structure. In one application, the undercarriage of a vehicle is captured in a 3-D profile while the vehicle is operating normally. The system may use a digital camera; a computer for control, communications, processing, comparing configurations and database storage; a broadband light source; and a device positioned between the light and structure that enables an alternating strip or strips of light and shadows to impinge the obscured surface. A preferred embodiment uses a single straight edge as the device. In addition to profiling the undercarriage of a vehicle and comparing it to an expected configuration of a like vehicle, the system may be used for such diverse applications as determination of correct toll at toll booths, quality inspection in an assembly line, safety and security inspections, and access control.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, for filtering, containing and removing mold spores and other undesirable particulates in conjunction with a conventional vacuum cleaner. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing that contains a HEPA filter. The cylindrical housing is connected to an exhaust tubular connection which connects to a conventional vacuum or other vacuum source. The cylindrical housing is also connected to an intake tubular connection for drawing in a stream of air from which particles will be filtered. The cylindrical housing also includes a valve for selectively sealing the interior of the cylindrical housing from the atmosphere. According to one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a pressure relief valve for controlling the vacuum pressure. According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp for securing the apparatus to hoses of various sizes.

Abstract: A device for interacting with biota either on a pre-specified schedule or via actuation by remote signal. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In selected embodiments, it comprises frangible packaging enclosing means for timing interaction, at least part of the means for programming the device and means for opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is inserted in fish. Specific examples of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-specified period or, alternatively, long enough to effectively control the target aquatic plants, toxins in the device are dispensed to kill them. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing discrete filter rods includes a first conveyor for transporting filter segments of given length in a downstream direction. Three counter rotating transfer wheels receive the filter segments between spaced apart cleats on the circumference of the wheels. The first wheel receives the filter segments from the first conveyor and transfers the segments to the second wheel which in turn transfers the segments to the third wheel. Filter segments between the cleats on the third wheel are deposited upon a second conveyor with plug wrap thereon in precisely spaced apart relationship. Granular adsorbent material is filled into cavities between the filter segments, and a garniture folds the plug wrap around the filter segments and the filled cavities therebetween.

Abstract: Interferometric apparatus and methods for assembling and measuring highly precise optical assemblies such as triple corner cubes, and the like. The apparatus and methods use one or more interferometers that can simultaneously measure the shape, orientation, and distance to one or more surfaces.

Abstract: An adhesive composition that can be used in particleboards and other composites is formed from an aqueous mixture of soy protein, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, calcium oxide, sodium benzoate, pine oil, wax emulsion and non-sulfonated kraft lignin. In a second embodiment the composition further includes an acid.

Abstract: An ethylenically unsaturated vegetable oil is modified by the addition of an enophile or dienophile having an acid, ester or anhydride functionality. The modified vegetable oil is then reacted with a functional vinyl monomer to form a vegetable oil derivative. The vegetable oil derivative is useful in forming latexes and coatings.

Abstract: A generally flat carton blank is arranged for assembly into a carton shape holding multiple cigarette packs. The carton blank has a defined periphery, and a generally flat promotional sheet overlies the carton blank within the outer periphery thereof. A portion of the promotional sheet is adhesively secured to the carton blank. In another embodiment a generally flat promotional sheet overlies the carton blank essentially within the outer periphery thereof. Both carton blank each with its associated promotional sheet may then be assembled and loaded with cigarette packs utilizing standard assembly machinery and standard procedures. Fold lines on the carton blank and the promotional sheet facilitate assembly of the carton blank into a carton shape with the promotional sheet inside the assembled carton.

Abstract: A limb protection device for protecting a section of a user's limb against contact comprises and enclosure for enclosing the limb section and at least one integral flexible cuff located at a respective limb entry to the enclosure. The cuff is adapted in use for being positioned against that part of the user's limb adjacent thereto to restrict the ingress of matter via the entry into the enclosure.