Abstract: A compound that includes an aqueous dispersion, wherein the dispersion includes a thermoplastic resin and at least one stabilizing agent, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a colorant and a magnetic pigment, wherein the dispersion has an average volume diameter particle size from about 0.05 to about 10 microns is described.

Abstract: Combining one or more spatio-temporal sensors with a personal digital assistant or similar small electronic device and with sliding window (roaming and stabilization) software and memory management and user interface functions, to enable a user to see documents and objects that appear to be fixed in space. This may allow the user to navigate using his or her eidetic memory. Navigation of images, documents or other objects substantially bigger than the display is made easier and faster. Using the invention, the user scrolls and views larger documents or objects as if they were affixed in space to a selected viewing platform. The viewing platform can correspond to, for example, the ground, a building, a wall, an arbitrary reference point, or any other suitable fixed or substantially fixed position or object. The invention uses and adjusts for the body-arm-hand-finger motion of the user so that the imagery appears affixed to the selected reference platform.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) checkout system includes a reader, a first RFID tag, and a second RFID tag. The first tag is configured to be attached to an item selected to not be read by the reader, and the second tag is configured to be attached to an item selected to be read by the reader. Upon items being positioned within the reader, the reader reads the tags to determine if the first tag is present within the reader. The reader is enabled to complete a checkout transaction if no first tags are detected within the reader during the reading. The first tag includes an attachment base, an extension portion connected to the attachment base, and a RFID antenna connected to the extension portion. The extension portion is movable relative to the attachment base between at least a first position and a second position, and the extension portion extends away from the attachment base in the first position.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning goods and loading the goods into receptacles by a user includes a scanner and a plurality of loading stations. The scanner scans the goods, and the scanned goods are placed on the loading stations. Each loading station separately obtains a weight of the goods within each respective loading station. In response to each of the weights obtained by all of the plurality of loading stations exceeding a predetermined first weight, the self-checkout system is configured to initiate a first alarm detectable by the user, and in response to the first alarm being initiated, the self-checkout system is configured to prevent additional goods from being scanned by the scanner. In response to each of the weights obtained by all of the plurality of loading stations being below or substantially at a predetermined second weight, the self-checkout system is configured to allow additional goods to be scanned by the scanner after the first alarm is initiated.

Abstract: A case erector is configured to open folded cases. In one example, the case erector includes a planar bearing surface. A semi-circular channel is defined in the planar bearing surface about a center point. Additionally, a notch is located so that the planar bearing surface does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. A plate is in contact with the planar bearing surface. The plate has at least one flange sized for travel within the semi-circular channel so that the plate rotates against the planar bearing surface in a circular manner about the center point. A notch is defined in the plate so that the plate does not extend to the center point of the semi-circular channel. An arm is connected to the plate so that the plate and the arm rotate together with respect to the planar bearing surface. In operation, a folded edge of a folded case is positioned at the center point. One or two arms, moved by plates rotating on bearing surfaces, attach to and open the folded case.

Abstract: A dual braided catheter shaft includes a flat wire forming the inner braid, thereby potentially allowing for reduced radial thickness of the shaft. In one embodiment, the shaft (100) includes an inner polymer jacket (104), an inner braid (106) formed on the inner jacket (104), an intermediate jacket (108) formed over the inner braid (106), an outer braid (110) formed on the intermediate jacket (108) and an outer jacket (112) formed on the outer braid (110). A preferred construction process involves extruding polymer material directly onto each of the inner and outer braids (106 and 110) so that little or no air gaps remain between the polymer material and the braids (106 and 110). The braiding parameters of the inner and outer braids (106 and 110) can be varied along the length of the catheter to provide varying mechanical properties.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning goods and loading the goods into receptacles by a user includes a scanner and a plurality of loading stations. The scanner scans the goods, and the scanned goods are placed on the loading stations. Each loading station separately obtains a weight of the goods within each respective loading station. In response to each of the weights obtained by all of the plurality of loading stations exceeding a predetermined first weight, the self-checkout system is configured to initiate a first alarm detectable by the user, and in response to the first alarm being initiated, the self-checkout system is configured to prevent additional goods from being scanned by the scanner. In response to each of the weights obtained by all of the plurality of loading stations being below or substantially at a predetermined second weight, the self-checkout system is configured to allow additional goods to be scanned by the scanner after the first alarm is initiated.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a method to estimate travel costs using a spreadsheet application. The method includes receiving inputs in a spreadsheet file using the spreadsheet application. The user inputs include an origination, a destination, a start date and an end date. The method also includes storing prices in the spreadsheet file, determining a travel cost estimate based on the inputs and the stored prices and rendering the travel cost estimate in the spreadsheet file.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer program product for data transformation. A message is received and transformed into an input tree of elements, each element having a value associated therewith. At least one transformation expression is issued against the input tree in order to create an output tree of elements having values associated therewith. The output tree of elements may then be serialized into a message for forward transmission. The creation of the output tree of elements uses the contents of the at least one transformation expression to determine when an element needs to be created in the output tree.

Abstract: A compensating roller system is adapted to adjust to size variation of product moving through a conveyor system. In one example, the compensating roller system is used to control a force resulting in deflection of a conveyor belt. In a specific implementation of such an example, a first rail is configured to support a first conveyor belt. A plurality of rollers is attached to the first rail and supports a conveyor belt moving over the rollers. The attachment allows each roller to pivot independently of movement of other rollers. Each of the rollers' movement is against a bias, and allows for deflection of the conveyor belt. A second rail may be configured as the first rail, and oriented define a channel for product movement between conveyor belts carried by the first and second rails.

Abstract: Chain-drive systems and methods of operation are described that allow chain travel along a non-linear path. In one example, the chain-drive system comprises a chain guide defining a channel having at least one non-linear region. A chain, sized to move within the channel, is driven by a drive sprocket. In one example, the non-linear region could redirect the chain 180 degrees and obviate the need for an idler sprocket. In another example, two channels are defined in the chain guide, including regions wherein the channels are parallel and regions where they have an angularly skewed relationship.

Abstract: A detection system includes a fixed-position transmitter and a mobile unit. The transmitter digitally transmits a data packet including angle information associated with the transmitter, and the mobile unit includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted data packet. The mobile unit is configured to detect a plurality of data packets from a single transmitter, the plurality of data packets including non-identical angle information. The mobile also determines new angle information from the non-identical angle information in the plurality of data packets and determines a location of the mobile unit relative to the transmitter using the new angle information. Also, the mobile unit is configured to indicate information associated with the determined location to a user.

Abstract: A steel rule die for cutting cloth and synthetic materials. The cutting die includes a primary substrate and a plurality of cutting units that are removably attachable to the substrate in such a manner that they are easy to adjust, remove and replace. The cutting units include secondary substrates with lengths of steel rule attached to them. The cutting units are secured to the primary substrate. Each steel rule is fixedly attached to a secondary substrate that is substantially harder than the primary substrate. The secondary substrate distributes the cutting load applied to the rule over a large surface area on the primary substrate to prevent the cutting units from diving into the soft primary substrate. Substantially the entire length of the steel rule is supported by the secondary substrate, thereby yielding a rigid cutting unit that is not susceptible to deformation.

Abstract: A steel rule die for cutting cloth and synthetic materials. The cutting die includes a primary substrate and a plurality of cutting units that are removably attachable to the substrate in such a manner that they are easy to adjust, remove and replace. The cutting units include secondary substrates with lengths of steel rule attached to them. The cutting units are secured to the primary substrate. Each steel rule is fixedly attached to a secondary substrate that is substantially harder than the primary substrate. The secondary substrate distributes the cutting load applied to the rule over a large surface area on the primary substrate to prevent the cutting units from diving into the soft primary substrate. Substantially the entire length of the steel rule is supported by the secondary substrate, thereby yielding a rigid cutting unit that is not susceptible to deformation.

Abstract: An optical fiber ramp management system provides a system, device and method for organizing, managing and storing optical fiber during and after the production of an opto-electronic assembly. Opto-electronic components are arranged on a substrate located at a first level so as to define a space between the components. The space defines an optical fiber pathway along the surface of the substrate through which optical fibers formed as fiber bundle travel. A ramp supports the fiber bundle as it extends from the substrate to a storage tray located at a second level. The optical fibers are retained on the storage tray as a plurality of unconstrained loops. The pathway, ramp and tray are formed to maintain the radius of curvature of the optical fiber at or above the minimum bend radius of the fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber ramp management system provides a system, device and method for organizing, managing and storing optical fiber during and after the production of an opto-electronic assembly. Opto-electronic components are arranged on a substrate located at a first level so as to define a space between the components. The space defines an optical fiber pathway along the surface of the substrate through which optical fibers formed as fiber bundle travel. A ramp supports the fiber bundle as it extends from the substrate to a storage tray located at a second level. The optical fibers are retained on the storage tray as a plurality of unconstrained loops. The pathway, ramp and tray are formed to maintain the radius of curvature of the optical fiber at or above the minimum bend radius of the fiber.

Abstract: A steel rule die for cutting cloth and synthetic materials. The cutting die includes a primary substrate and a plurality of cutting units that are removably attachable to the substrate in such a manner that they are easy to adjust, remove and replace. The cutting units include secondary substrates with lengths of steel rule attached to them. The cutting units are secured to the primary substrate. Each steel rule is fixedly attached to a secondary substrate that is substantially harder than the primary substrate. The secondary substrate distributes the cutting load applied to the rule over a large surface area on the primary substrate to prevent the cutting units from diving into the soft primary substrate. Substantially the entire length of the steel rule is supported by the secondary substrate, thereby yielding a rigid cutting unit that is not susceptible to deformation.

Abstract: A steel rule die for cutting cloth and synthetic materials. The cutting die includes a primary substrate and a plurality of cutting units that are removably attachable to the substrate in such a manner that they are easy to adjust, remove and replace. The cutting units include secondary substrates with lengths of steel rule attached to them. The cutting units are secured to the primary substrate. Each steel rule is fixedly attached to a secondary substrate that is substantially harder than the primary substrate. The secondary substrate distributes the cutting load applied to the rule over a large surface area on the primary substrate to prevent the cutting units from diving into the soft primary substrate. Substantially the entire length of the steel rule is supported by the secondary substrate, thereby yielding a rigid cutting unit that is not susceptible to deformation.

Abstract: A steel rule die for cutting cloth and synthetic materials. The cutting die includes a primary substrate and a plurality of cutting units that are removably attachable to the substrate in such a manner that they are easy to adjust, remove and replace. The cutting units include secondary substrates with lengths of steel rule attached to them. The cutting units are secured to the primary substrate. Each steel rule is fixedly attached to a secondary substrate that is substantially harder than the primary substrate. The secondary substrate distributes the cutting load applied to the rule over a large surface area on the primary substrate to prevent the cutting units from diving into the soft primary substrate. Substantially the entire length of the steel rule is supported by the secondary substrate, thereby yielding a rigid cutting unit that is not susceptible to deformation.

Abstract: An optical fiber ramp management system provides a system, device and method for organizing, managing and storing optical fiber during and after the production of an opto-electronic assembly. Opto-electronic components are arranged on a substrate located at a first level so as to define a space between the components. The space defines an optical fiber pathway along the surface of the substrate through which optical fibers formed as fiber bundle travel. A ramp supports the fiber bundle as it extends from the substrate to a storage tray located at a second level. The optical fibers are retained on the storage tray as a plurality of unconstrained loops. The pathway, ramp and tray are formed to maintain the radius of curvature of the optical fiber at or above the minimum bend radius of the fiber.