Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to read a bar code or other optical code using a laser device and an image capture device. Using both devices improves the probability that a bar code is read on the first pass while still allowing a high pass by speed. In addition, using both devices improves the probability of reading a damaged or partially obscured bar code.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to read a bar code or other optical code using a laser device and an image capture device. Using both devices improves the probability that a bar code is read on the first pass while still allowing a high pass by speed. In addition, using both devices improves the probability of reading a damaged or partially obscured bar code.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for coordinating data received from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and additional data input devices. An RFID reader communicates with RFID tags and also receives data from additional input devices that may be correlated with the RFID data. The reader correlates information received from various data sources. Correlation may include validation of RFID data with corresponding data received from other devices. Once data has been received and correlation has been performed, transaction entries are prepared based on the correlated and validated data. Transaction entries may be passed to a data station for processing or logging, or to allow the data station to indicate appropriate actions to be taken. Appropriate software modules used by the reader are changed in response to changes to data input devices or the data station used with the reader.

Abstract: A bar code reader which includes an image display system to more effectively promote retailers and their products. The bar code reader includes a housing portion and an image display system in the housing portion. An example bar code reader includes a dual-aperture bar code reader with a first housing portion containing a substantially horizontal aperture through which first scanning light beams pass for scanning an item, and a second housing portion vertically extending from a checkout counter containing a substantially vertical aperture through which second scanning light beams pass for scanning the item. The second housing portion includes a surface visible to the customer and an image display system in the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and fire protection system for detecting and extinguishing a spark, flame, or fire on a heat sensitive explosive object, which identifies, locates and relays vital information related to the particular endangered explosive object. The invention can be used to protect any heat sensitive object from thermal damage, explosive or not. Thermal energy activates a power supply, which powers the system, including a plurality of status sensor circuits that determine the status of the source of thermal energy. Each source of thermal energy is individually encoded to relay traits specific to the particular hazardous item, such as cook-off rate, type of energetic material and detonation temperature. Ultimately, all the information from the plurality of circuits and the EEPROM is relayed to personnel via the main system status display board. This permits personnel to become aware of a potential threat and monitor efforts to subdue the threat.

Abstract: An apparatus and fire protection system for detecting and extinguishing a spark, flame, or fire on a heat sensitive explosive object, which identifies, locates and relays vital information related to the particular endangered explosive object. The invention can be used to protect any heat sensitive object from thermal damage, explosive or not. Thermal energy activates a power supply, which powers the system, including a plurality of status sensor circuits that determine the status of the source of thermal energy. Each source of thermal energy is individually encoded to relay traits specific to the particular hazardous item, such as cook-off rate, type of energetic material and detonation temperature. Ultimately, all the information from the plurality of circuits and the EEPROM is relayed to personnel via the main system status display board. This permits personnel to become aware of a potential threat and monitor efforts to subdue the threat.

Abstract: A slitter for webs, such as sheet aluminum or other metals, has a simple and effective method and apparatus for controlling the movement of a strip of metallic trim into a scrap reclamation system. One or more air nozzles direct a stream of air between the knife roll and the trim strip in the area where the trim strip leaves the knife roll. This presses the trim strip away from the knife roll, and reduces the risk that trim will adhere to the knife roll and cause problems.

Abstract: A substrate such as a woven or nonwoven fabric bound with a light-activated dye alone or in combination with additional conventional antimicrobial agents. The substrate is impregnated with a light-activated non-leachable dye having antimicrobial and/or antiviral characteristics which can be imparted to the substrate. The dye is bound by a cationic or anionic binder such as a water soluble polymer or carrageenan. Upon exposure to normal light, the dye generates singlet oxygen that kills microorganisms and viruses.

Abstract: A process for preparing moisture wicking polyester fabrics is disclosed which comprises the steps of: winding hydrophobic polyester yarn onto a package; subjecting the wound package to a dyebath including at least one dye and an agent rendering the polyester yarn hydrophilic while subjecting the yarn to elevated temperatures, pressures or both to dye the polyester yarn and render the polyester fibers hydrophilic; and preparing the thus dyed and treated polyester yarn into a fabric, biaxially stretching and heat-setting the fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for inhibiting hexokinase enzymes in mammalian cells. Specifically provided are proteins that stimulate the production of trehalose-6-phosphate and their respective genes; hexokinase-specific ribozymes and genes encoding such constructs; and agents that competitively reduce hexokinase activity, e.g., by displacing hexokinase from mitochondria, and their respective genes. The latter group of agents includes inactive hexokinases and fragments thereof that retain mitochondrial binding functions and hexokinase-glucokinase chimeras that further substitute glucokinase activity for hexokinase activity. Mammalian cells including such hexokinase inhibitors, methods of making such cells and various in vitro and in vivo methods of using cells with reduced hexokinase activity are also described herein.

Abstract: A substrate such as a woven or nonwoven fabric bound with a light-activated dye alone or in combination with additional conventional antimicrobial agents. The substrate is impregnated with a light-activated non-leachable dye having antimicrobial and/or antiviral characteristics which can be imparted to the substrate. The dye is bound by a cationic or anionic binder such as a water soluble polymer or carrageenan. Upon exposure to normal light, the dye generates singlet oxygen that kills microorganisms and viruses.

Abstract: The present waterproofing laminates comprise a flexible sheet-like polymeric support having a first major side thereof coated with a release coating which is substantially non-adherent to bituminous compositions and having a second major side thereof coated with a flexible membrane layer of an adhesive bituminous composition, wherein said release coating can be removed with wet abrasion. These laminates can be formed into rolls for shipment without the need for a large release paper layer over the bituminous adhesive layer. The present invention also relates to a novel method of forming tight overlap seams between the adjacent layers of the present laminates. The method involves washing the first applied layer with a wet abrasion before applying an upper overlapping laminate.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for finding fish both onshore and offshore, and under a diversity of marine conditions is provided. A specially configured rod and reel combination enables the electrical communication between a sensor float disposed at the remote open end of the rod and a display unit releasably attached to the reel portion disposed opposite of the reel. A transducer is disposed vertically within a foam matrix positioned in a sensor float. Electrical signals are generated within a display unit and then transmitted to the transducer. These signals are conventionally converted into corresponding ultrasonic signals which are directed downward into the environing water. The ultrasonic signals travel until deterred by either fish, an unknown obstacle, or the bottom of the body of water. These signals are then echoed back to the transducer and converted into corresponding electrical signals, for transmission through the conductor cable to the display unit.

Abstract: A gable-top carton has a pair of panels (4, 6) which form sloping walls and have marginal portions (4m, 6m). Another pair of panels (3m, 5m), are tucked beneath the sloping walls and have marginal portions (3m, 5m). The marginal portions (3m-6m) are heat sealed together to form a ridge-shaped seal. One panel (5) is the pouring spout panel and this is revealed when wings (9, 10), on the sealed carton are folded back. The pouring spout panel (5) is secured by a bond (34) made in a central folded corner (26), a bond (35, 36) between outer corners of the wings (9, 10), and a bond between confronting surfaces of the marginal portions 4m, 6 m). Areas on the marginal portions (4m, 6 m) are not directly heated to facilitate opening of the pouring spout whilst providing an hermetic seal.

Abstract: In an axial flow rotary separator, a separator grate forming part of a generally cylindrical separator casing consists of a series of circumferentially spaced, axially extending, finger bar assemblies. In each finger bar assembly side by side fingers extend circumferentially in the direction of rotation, supported cantilever fashion by an axially extending finger support bar. The fingers and support bar inner surfaces all lie approximately in a cylindrical surface but the radial offset of the free ends of the fingers relative to the following finger support bar, may be chosen or varied according to the crop handled and the grate characteristics desired. In a second embodiment a threshing concave of the same general structure is used in conjunction with a conventional rasp bar threshing cylinder.

Abstract: The invention is an electroplating apparatus which partially submerges disks in the electrolytic solution, and provides electrical contact to the portions of the disk protruding above the solution. The disks are rotated during plating such that successive portions of the disk emerge from the solution, contact the electrical contact and then re-enter the solution. The disks are inserted into individual disk holders consisting of non-conductive shielding rings attached to a common bracket. The shielding rings are hinged such that the rings may be opened to insert the disks. When the disks are enclosed in the rings, they are supported by small non-conductive support wheels rotatably mounted in the rings. The rings remain stationary as the disks are rotated. To promote even plating, selectively-coated anode sheets are interleaved with the disk holding rings such that each holder has an anode sheet on either side.