Abstract: An apparatus may include a gantry including an arm configured to affix a transaction card to a card carrier, a conveyor configured to convey the card carrier to the gantry in a first direction, and a controller configured to receive inputs comprising at least a desired location on the card carrier where the transaction card is to be affixed and a desired orientation of the transaction card on the card carrier, move the arm of the gantry based on the inputs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, rotate the arm based on the inputs in a fourth direction perpendicular to the second direction and the third direction, and affix the transaction card to the card carrier by the arm of the gantry.

Abstract: A system may include a folding apparatus configured to fold a card carrier for affixing a transaction card to the card carrier and a processor which can receive a first input from a user regarding a number of folds desired in the card carrier and a location of the folds on the card carrier, receive a second input regarding one or more directions of the folds to be made on the card carrier, and transmit a signal to a positioner motor configured to position the card carrier based on the first input and the second input such that the folding apparatus folds the card carrier according to the first input and the second input.

Abstract: A system may include a transaction card reader configured to detect an identifier of a transaction card to be affixed to a card carrier, a card carrier reader configured to detect an identifier of the card carrier, a transaction card stager comprising a plurality of compartments each configured to hold a transaction card, and a processor. The processor may receive, from the transaction card reader, the identifier of the transaction card, receive, from the card carrier reader, the identifier of the card carrier, and determine whether the identifier of the transaction card corresponds to the identifier of the card carrier. Based on the determination that the identifier of the transaction card corresponds to the identifier of the card carrier, the processor may select a first compartment of the plurality of compartments to place the transaction card.

Abstract: A protective accessory for ankle or leg, wearable with a footwear, the accessory comprising a resilient fabric band incorporated with an elastic material adapted to fit closely over a portion of a leg of a wearer. The fabric band form a protective layer between a cuff portion of the footwear and skin of the wearer, thereby protecting the skin region beneath the cuff portion from chafing or irritation due to friction of the skin with cuff portion of footwear.

Abstract: A hand-held device for managing documents or cards and associated light sources both for illuminating the documents in use, and an adjacent object or person. The hand-held device described herein provides the capability to individuals working in unlit or dimly lit areas the ability to view a document or record information while being able to illuminate another subject, without the use of a separate flashlight.

Abstract: An automotive blade-type fuse and method of manufacturing same are provided. The fuse includes a pair of metallic terminals separated by and in electrical communication with a fuse element. An insulative housing is provided that covers at least a portion of an inner edge of each of the terminals and exposes the outer edges of the terminals and at least a portion of the upper edges of the terminals. The terminals can define grooves that interface with projections extending inwardly from the housing to hold the terminals firmly within the housing. Also, the upper edges of the terminals are bent inward to crimp the housing between an intermediate portion of the terminals and the bent upper end edges.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine variable geometry exhaust nozzle including a seal system that facilitates extending a useful life of the engine variable geometry system is described. The seal system includes a backbone and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly frictionally engages the backbone to secure the attachment assembly to the backbone. The attachment assembly includes a plurality of clamp sub-assemblies and base sheet fabricated from a ceramic matrix composite material. The clamp sub-assemblies are clamped through openings extending through the base sheet, such that a predetermined amount of preload force is applied to the base sheet.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine variable geometry exhaust nozzle including a seal system that facilitates extending a useful life of the engine variable geometry system is described. The seal system includes a backbone and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly frictionally engages the backbone to secure the attachment assembly to the backbone. The attachment assembly includes a plurality of clamp sub-assemblies and base sheet fabricated from a ceramic matrix composite material. The clamp sub-assemblies are clamped through openings extending through the base sheet, such that a predetermined amount of preload force is applied to the base sheet.

Abstract: Methods of improving the bondability of thermoplastic plastic substrates are described. In the methods, a bondable substrate is adhered to a thermoplastic plastic material of choice through mechanical, thermal, or chemical procedures, resulting in bond-enhanced thermoplastic materials. In one example, a urethane honeycomb panel with bond enhancement substrates is described. Thermoplastic panels with bond enhancement layers are laminated to secondary materials such as metal or plastic by applying an adhesive to the bond enhancement layer and adhering the secondary material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for the distributed management of the storage space and data on a networked computer system wherein the networked computer system includes at least two storage devices for storing data files comprised of one or more binary objects. The distributed storage management system includes a device for selectively copying the binary objects stored on one of the storage devices to another of the storage devices and another device for calculating a current value for a binary object identifier for selected binary objects stored on the storage devices wherein the calculation of the binary object identifier is based upon the actual data contents of the associated binary object.

Abstract: A console for charging a portable communications device and converting it for mobile operation can accommodate portable units of varying lengths. The contacts for the charging current are positioned by the insertion of a portable unit by means of a unique reel mechanism. Interconnection and latching are also activated by the insertion of the portable unit. The converter connector serves as a part of the latching and locking apparatus which makes the unattended portable essentially theft proof.