Abstract: Packaging apparatus for randomly orientated fragile solid products comprising: a) an apparatus for manoeuvring randomly orientated products prior to packaging, the apparatus comprising at least one conveying means for conveying the products and a vibratory conveyor arranged to receive the products from the at least one conveying means, wherein the mechanical alignment means are arranged to sort the products into parallel lines of products and wherein the vibratory conveyor comprises: an upstream portion having a conveying surface arranged for increasing transverse spacings between the products; a downstream portion having mechanical alignment means arranged to align the products and sort the products into a plurality of lines; and b) a stick-pack packaging machine arranged to receive products from the apparatus and package the products in stick-packs, wherein the stick-pack packaging machine comprises multiple packaging lines arranged in parallel to each receive respective lines of the products.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a reel assembly and a processor operatively coupled to the reel assembly. The reel assembly includes at least one slot reel including a reel strip having a plurality of symbols positioned thereon. At least a portion of the plurality of symbols includes a plurality of frames. The at least one slot reel is configured to rotate about an axis. The reel assembly also includes at least one light device positioned with respect to the slot reel to selectively illuminate the plurality of symbols. The processor is configured to control the light device to progressively illuminate at least a portion of the plurality of frames to facilitate an appearance of animation within the plurality of frames during rotation of said at least one slot reel about the axis.

Abstract: A method for operating a locomotive is provided. The method includes coupling a processor within the locomotive to monitor at least one of an operating parameter and an equipment operation. The method also includes determining a status of a locomotive pre-trip or departure test using the processor and operating an interlock based on the status of the pre-trip or departure test, wherein the interlock is configured to regulate an operating speed of the locomotive.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating a subject who has suffered from a central nervous system disorder. More particularly, the invention provides sustained polymeric drug delivery systems having a polymer particle, a therapeutic agent, and a buoyancy agent for direct delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system.

Abstract: An underdrain apparatus includes one or more underdrain blocks and an anchor assembly that includes one or more support members. Each of the underdrain blocks includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a pair of opposing end walls, and a center separation wall that extends between the pair of opposing end walls. The center separation wall of at least one of the underdrain blocks may have one or more apertures formed therein, the apertures configured to receive at least one of the support members. One or more of the side walls of the pair of opposing side walls of the underdrain blocks may have one or more side clips. At least one of the side clips defines an aperture for receiving a support member.

Abstract: To provide alphanumeric data, such as a PIN code, to a smart card (2) a terminal (1) is used which is capable of communicating with the smart card. The terminal comprises a keypad (4) for entering the alphanumeric data and an associated keypad matrix (5) for producing key signals, which the keypad matrix (5) is scanned for any pressed keys using a scanning sequence so as to produce key signals. To securely enter the data without the risk of the terminal intercepting them it is proposed that said scanning sequence is determined by the smart card (2). In this way, the terminal has no knowledge of the actual keys pressed and the secrecy of the alphanumeric data is ensured.

Abstract: A system for providing backup power supply to a device is provided. The system includes a supercapacitor and a single circuit for charging and discharging of a supercapacitor. The single circuit operates with an inductor to provide for charging and discharging of the supercapacitor.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating a subject who has suffered from a central nervous system disorder. More particularly, the invention provides sustained polymeric drug delivery systems for direct delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating a subject who has suffered from a central nervous system disorder. More particularly, the invention provides sustained polymeric drug delivery systems having a polymer particle, a therapeutic agent, and a buoyancy agent for direct delivery of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system.

Abstract: A system for providing backup power supply to a device is provided. The system includes a supercapacitor and a single circuit for charging and discharging of a supercapacitor. The single circuit operates with an inductor to provide for charging and discharging of the supercapacitor.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a reel assembly and a processor operatively coupled to the reel assembly. The reel assembly includes at least one slot reel including a reel strip having a plurality of symbols positioned thereon. At least a portion of the plurality of symbols includes a plurality of frames. The at least one slot reel is configured to rotate about an axis. The reel assembly also includes at least one light device positioned with respect to the slot reel to selectively illuminate the plurality of symbols. The processor is configured to control the light device to progressively illuminate at least a portion of the plurality of frames to facilitate an appearance of animation within the plurality of frames during rotation of said at least one slot reel about the axis.

Abstract: An underdrain apparatus includes one or more underdrain blocks and an anchor assembly that includes one or more support members. Each of the underdrain blocks includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a pair of opposing end walls, and a center separation wall that extends between the pair of opposing end walls. The center separation wall of at least one of the underdrain blocks may have one or more apertures formed therein, the apertures configured to receive at least one of the support members. One or more of the side walls of the pair of opposing side walls of the underdrain blocks may have one or more side clips. At least one of the side clips defines an aperture for receiving a support member.

Abstract: To provide alphanumeric data, such as a PIN code, to a smart card (2) a terminal (1) is used which is capable of communicating with the smart card. The terminal comprises a keypad (4) for entering the alphanumeric data and an associated keypad matrix (5) for producing key signals, which the keypad matrix (5) is scanned for any pressed keys using a scanning sequence so as to produce key signals. To securely enter the data without the risk of the terminal intercepting them it is proposed that said scanning sequence is determined by the smart card (2). In this way, the terminal has no knowledge of the actual keys pressed and the secrecy of the alphanumeric data is ensured.

Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product comprising closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; directing powder into the closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and transferring the contents of the perforation to said container. The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade. Suitable apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A heatable electric connector for preventing frosting of an electrical connector of the heatable electric connector is provided. A heating element provides indirect heating or optionally direct heating of the electrical connector. A temperature controller senses an approximate temperature of the electrical connector and compares the connector temperature to a set-point temperature and either turns on or off the heating element thereby ensuring that the electrical connector is of a suitable temperature so that frost does not form and/or accumulate on the connector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a terminal for detecting a fake and/or modified smart card inserted into a physical interface of a terminal, the method comprising the steps of performing a sequence of current measurements by a current monitor in order to obtain a first current signature, comparing the obtained first current signature with a second current signature, representing a unique current signature of a smart card, and determining whether a difference exists within a predetermined range between the first current signature and the second current signature. This allows for simple detection of fake and/or modified smart cards. Further, it is possible to detect (and thereby protect against) false cards and/or ‘rouge’ application residing on a smart card.

Abstract: Optical data storage medium comprising a first disc (11) and a second disc (12) both having an access surface (16) and a storage layer covered by the access surface, wherein the storage layer is adapted to be accessed by a laser beam via the access surface, characterized in that the first disc and the second disc are adapted to be attached to each other in such a way, that the access surface of the first disc covers the access surface of the second disc. Further a device for reproducing information from or recording information into at least one storage layer of such an optical data storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for distributing both IP signals and non-IP signals in an Ethernet based network, wherein the Ethernet based network comprises UTP cabling comprising a number of wires, the method comprises distributing said non-IP signals through a signal path based on wires comprised in said cabling and not being used for distributing said IP signals. The invention further relates to a gateway, a router and a switch for receiving both IP signals and non-IP signals, processing said IP signals and non-IP signals and transmitting said processed IP signals and non-IP signals via the Ethernet based network.

Abstract: A method for operating a locomotive is provided. The method includes coupling a processor within the locomotive to monitor at least one of an operating parameter and an equipment operation. The method also includes determining a status of a locomotive departure test using the processor and operating an interlock based on the status of the departure test, wherein the interlock is configured to regulate an operating speed of the locomotive.

Abstract: A multi-protocol port interface coupled to a plurality of selectable circuits, each of the circuits being associated with an electrical interface standard and selectable via a mode-select input signal in order to facilitate communication with a peripheral device coupled to the port, the peripheral device having a circuit chosen from the plurality of selectable circuits and associated with an electrical interface standard.