Abstract: The present application describes an electronically powered postage stamp or mailing label and including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and system mounted between the opposing and facing major surfaces thereof. The RFID device and system includes an integrated circuit transceiver chip which is connected to and powered by a thin flat battery cell and is operated with a thin film RF antenna, all of which are mounted in side-by-side relationship on a thin base or support layer. These thin flat components are mounted in an essentially two dimensional planar configuration well suited for incorporation into the planar structure of a postage stamp or a mailing label. In addition, the RFID transceiver chip may be replaced with an electro-optically operated IC chip using, for example, LEDs or laser diodes for the propagation of light signals to an interrogator.

Abstract: An enhanced identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch, headband, neckband, ankleband, legband, card, sticker, or other wearable appliance, may have a biometric sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor, acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features. The sensors may obtain information about the wearer such as a fingerprint, retina, iris, blood, DNA, genetic data, voice pattern, temperature and other characteristic. Security features include a fastener on the identification appliance, which indicates whether the appliance has been attached to a wearer and if so, enables circuit functions. If one tampers with the appliance, circuit functions may be disabled, certain data erased, and/or evidence of tampering made apparent.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device comprises an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.

Abstract: A control feedback system and method for industrial processes using automated particle or object analysis is disclosed. The control feedback system and method includes a particle characteristic measuring unit to obtain first measured characteristics of a first sample and second measured characteristics of a second sample, the first sample having a substantially different characteristic than the second sample; an optimal characteristic definition for comparison with the first and second measured characteristics; a corrective action database to define and select actions to be taken in response to a comparison of the first and second measured characteristics with the optimal characteristic definition; and a control line network to transfer control signal to a plurality of processing units in response to a selected action to be taken. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell (10) is provided. The thin-film solar cell (10) comprises a flexible metallic substrate (12) a having a first surface and a second surface. A back metal contact layer (16) is deposited on the first surface of the flexible metallic substrate (12). A semiconductor absorber layer (14) is deposited on the back metal contact. A photoactive film deposited on the semiconductor absorber layer (14) forms a heterojunction structure and a grid contact (24) deposited on the heterjunction structure. The flexible metal substrate (12) can be constructed of either aluminium or stainless steel. Furthermore, a method of constructing a solar cell is provided. The method comprises providing an aluminum substrate (12), depositing a semiconductor absorber layer (14) on the aluminum substrate (12), and insulating the aluminum substrate (12) from the semiconductor absorber layer (14) to inhibit reaction between the aluminum substrate (12) and the semiconductor absorber layer (14).

Abstract: A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination.

Abstract: A control feedback system and method for industrial processes using automated particle or object analysis is disclosed. The control feedback system and method includes a particle characteristic measuring unit to obtain first measured characteristics of a first sample and second measured characteristics of a second sample, the first sample having a substantially different characteristic than the second sample; an optimal characteristic definition for comparison with the first and second measured characteristics; a corrective action database to define and select actions to be taken in response to a comparison of the first and second measured characteristics with the optimal characteristic definition; and a control line network to transfer control signal to a plurality of processing units in response to a selected action to be taken. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base frame, a patient support coupled to the base frame, a plurality of casters each having a sleeve, and a plurality of caster mounting tubes having an interior configured to receive the sleeve of a caster. The caster mounting tubes have a plurality of external side walls, a first generally planar side wall abutting the base frame. Each of the plurality of caster mounting tubes are connected to the base frame by welds located adjacent the first side wall.

Abstract: A braking system for a hospital bed having a base frame includes a plurality of caster devices rotatably coupled to the base frame. Each caster device has a wheel and a brake that inhibits rotation of the wheel. The braking system further includes a plurality of pedals configured to move the brakes between a position inhibiting movement of the wheels and a position permitting rotation of the wheels. The braking system further includes a linkage coupled to the caster devices so that movement of any one of the plurality of pedals causes movement of the brakes of the caster devices.

Abstract: An adjustable eyeglass temple is disclosed that provides fast and easy adjustment. The primary adjustment mechanism is a two piece telescoping temple that is adjusted by a screw within the temple. The screw is accessible from the front portion of the temple allowing the temple to be adjusted while the eyeglasses are being worn. It is also possible for glass wearers to make the adjustments by themselves, while wearing the glasses. Two types of removal caps are disclosed. These caps cover the access port to the adjusting screw. One cap mearly acts to conceal the screw, while the other cap is fitted with a plug that engages the screw slot, thereby allowing adjustment of the temple without removing the cap.Form fitting ear and nose pads are also disclosed. These pads will conform to the surface they contact, in the presence of body heat, and then set rigidly in the form fitting shape. Alternatively, oil-filled membranes can be substituted for the form fitting material.