Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-mating fastener that includes a backing having a first side, and a rail element protruding perpendicularly from the first side of the backing. The rail element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing. The rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cap portion distal from the backing. The cap portion has a cap width that is greater than a width of the base portion and the cap portion overhangs the base portion on opposing sides. The self-mating fastener includes an electrically conductive contact element proximate to the rail element.

Abstract: A computing system may send and receive data from a variety of other devices, such as abrading tools and consumable abrasive products. The computing system may use this data for various purposes, such as tracking worker vibration dosage, monitoring inventory, promoting use of personal protective equipment, and other purposes.

Abstract: A computing system may send and receive data from a variety of other devices, such as abrading tools and consumable abrasive products. The computing system may use this data for various purposes, such as tracking worker vibration dosage, monitoring inventory, promoting use of personal protective equipment, and other purposes.

Abstract: A microneedle application device for moving a microneedle array toward a target skin location includes a feedback sensor. The feedback sensor is operably connected to the microneedle application device, and is capable of generating an output corresponding to forces between the target skin location and the microneedle application device.

Abstract: A stylus including a pressure sensitive membrane deployed as a pressure sensor therein. The pressure sensitive membrane is deformed upon the application of pressure to the stylus tip. The deformation changes an electrical property of the pressure sensitive membrane, said property being measured and used as an analog for pressure applied by a user to a surface via the stylus.

Abstract: Electrical component assembly (30) comprising a first electrical component (32) comprising an electrical connection protrusion (34) (e.g., a solder bump) made of a first metal solder composition having a first melting point, and a second electrical component (36) comprising an electrical contact (38). A second metal solder composition (40) having a second melting point is formed or otherwise disposed so as to function as an electrical connection between at least a portion of the electrical connection protrusion (34) and the electrical contact (38) of the second electrical component (36). The second melting point is lower than the first melting point, and there is a distinct interface of demarcation between the electrical connection protrusion (34) and the second metal solder composition (40).

Abstract: A microneedle application device for moving a microneedle array toward a target skin location includes a feedback sensor. The feedback sensor is operably connected to the microneedle application device, and is capable of generating an output corresponding to forces between the target skin location and the microneedle application device.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification tag and tape applicator. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an applicator that includes a tag and tape handling system having a base, a tape supply holder attached to the base, a tag supply holder attached to the base, a tag applying mechanism attached to the base for applying a tag to a length of tape and that includes a taping head for applying the tag and the length of tape to an object. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a radio-frequency identification tag applicator that includes a tag supply holder, a carrier roll holder, a carrier path from the supply roll holder to the carrier roll holder, a tag dispensing mechanism along the carrier path between the supply roll holder and the carrier roll holder for applying a tag to an object, and an interrogator for writing information to tags along the carrier path between the tag supply holder and the tag dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: An asset tracking system is provided, having particular usefulness in connection with the interrogation of RFID-tagged pallets by a forklift equipped with one or more RFID reader antennas. A useful embodiment of an RFID-tagged pallet is described, along with other beneficial components of such a system.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification tag and tape applicator. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an applicator that includes a tag and tape handling system having a base, a tape supply holder attached to the base, a tag supply holder attached to the base, a tag applying mechanism attached to the base for applying a tag to a length of tape and that includes a taping head for applying the tag and the length of tape to an object. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a radio-frequency identification tag applicator that includes a tag supply holder, a carrier roll holder, a carrier path from the supply roll holder to the carrier roll holder, a tag dispensing mechanism along the carrier path between the supply roll holder and the carrier roll holder for applying a tag to an object, and an interrogator for writing information to tags along the carrier path between the tag supply holder and the tag dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: An asset tracking system is provided, having particular usefulness in connection with the interrogation of RFID-tagged pallets by a forklift equipped with one or more RFID reader antennas. A useful embodiment of an RFID-tagged pallet is described, along with other beneficial components of such a system.

Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided in accordance with the present invention for supplying tape at a substantially consistent tension to a tape applicator machine having an indexing demand, such as a box sealing and taping machine. In general, the continuous tape supply apparatus includes plural tape sources, such as in roll form, from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a splicing station for splicing the tape from at least one of the tape sources to another of the tape sources, a means for causing the splice and thus the changeover of tape from one source to another, and a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially consistent tension under an indexing demand. Preferably, the splicing mechanism also splices tape in the reverse order from the other tape source station back to the first tape source stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets of paper together is disclosed. A pair of clamping plates presents one edge of the sheets for binding after a jogging plate aligns the edges. After a solid hot melt adhesive material sheet is placed along the edge of the sheets, a heating platen heats and melts the hot melt adhesive material sheet and causes the liquid adhesive to bind the sheets together. The method of binding the stack of a plurality of sheets of paper includes positioning a plurality of sheets between the clamping plates, vibrating the sheets to square and align their edges, clamping the aligned sheets of paper, presenting the aligned edge of the paper to the heating platen, placing an adhesive hot melt material sheet on the edge of the sheets, heating and melting the hot melt adhesive material sheet onto the edge, and removing the bound sheets from the apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor system for use with a taping head of a box sealing machine includes a tape dispensing sensor and an box presence sensor. The tape dispensing sensor is positioned along the tape guide path of the taping head for determining whether tape is being dispensed from the taping head and for providing a positive response if tape is being dispensed. The box presence sensor is positioned on the taping head for detecting movement of an element of the taping head that reacts to the box being moved along the taping head and for providing a positive response if a box is present. A control system is provided and is connected to the tape dispensing sensor and the object presence sensor for determining a potential error condition if only one of the tape dispensing sensor and the object presence sensor provides a positive response. Preferably, three sensors are utilized in the sensor system. One senses tape dispensing, another senses a box presence, and yet another senses tape supply left on the roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets of paper together is disclosed. A pair of clamping plates presents one edge of the sheets for binding after a jogging plate aligns the edges. After a solid hot melt adhesive material sheet is placed along the edge of the sheets, a heating platen heats and melts the hot melt adhesive material sheet and causes the liquid adhesive to bind the sheets together. The method of binding the stack of a plurality of sheets of paper includes positioning a plurality of sheets between the clamping plates, vibrating the sheets to square and align their edges, clamping the aligned sheets of paper, presenting the aligned edge of the paper to the heating platen, placing an adhesive hot melt material sheet on the edge of the sheets, heating and melting the hot melt adhesive material sheet onto the edge, and removing the bound sheets from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets of paper together is disclosed. A pair of clamping plates presents one edge of the sheets for binding after a jogging plate aligns the edges. After a solid hot melt adhesive material sheet is placed along the edge of the sheets, a heating platen heats and melts the hot melt adhesive material sheet and causes the liquid adhesive to bind the sheets together. The method of binding the stack of a plurality of sheets of paper includes positioning a plurality of sheets between the clamping plates, vibrating the sheets to square and align their edges, clamping the aligned sheets of paper, presenting the aligned edge of the paper to the heating platen, placing an adhesive hot melt material sheet on the edge of the sheets, heating and melting the hot melt adhesive material sheet onto the edge, and removing the bound sheets from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets of paper together is disclosed. A pair of clamping plates presents one edge of the sheets for binding after a jogging plate aligns the edges. After a solid hot melt adhesive material sheet is placed along the edge of the sheets, a heating platen heats and melts the hot melt adhesive material sheet and causes the liquid adhesive to bind the sheets together. The method of binding the stack of a plurality of sheets of paper includes positioning a plurality of sheets between the clamping plates, vibrating the sheets to square and align their edges, clamping the aligned sheets of paper, presenting the aligned edge of the paper to the heating platen, placing an adhesive hot melt material sheet on the edge of the sheets, heating and melting the hot melt adhesive material sheet onto the edge, and removing the bound sheets from the apparatus.