Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna has a rectangular RF field spreader in contact with a triangular divergent RF conductor with an RF source point at the point. Ground planes are located on either side of the antenna. In another embodiment, the printer system extracts or parses bar code commands from a data stream and passes the commands to both a printer and an RFID reader to print the image and program the tag with the bar code information.

Abstract: An audio amplifier includes a local interface system and an audio processing system. The local interface system may include a panel mounted display and a user input device. The local interface system may be utilized to locally configure and control the audio amplifier. In addition, when the audio amplifier is connected with a network, the local interface system may be utilized to configure and/or control other network connected devices from the audio amplifier. The audio processing system may process an audio input signal and provide an audio output signal. The audio output signal may be amplified in a power stage that includes a switching amplifier output stage. The audio processing system may dynamically configure the processing to optimize the frequency response of the power stage. The audio processing system may also receive gain commands from the local interface system or over the network to adjust a gain of the audio input signals.

Abstract: There is provided a self-piercing blind fastener, usually a blind rivet, comprising a mandrel having an elongate cylindrical shell mounted on a stem of such mandrel and which extends co-axially about a central elongate axis of the blind fastener, the shell having a radially extending flange at one end and a tail-end portion at the opposite end for insertion through a workpiece, the mandrel further having a mandrel head in operative engagement with the tail-end of the fastener for transmitting a setting force thereto during setting of such fastener, the blind fastener further comprising a longitudinally extending indenting member extending co-axial with and away from the tail-end of the blind fastener, which indenting member having a cross sectional area less than the cross sectional area of the shell.

Abstract: There is provided a blind rivet (10) comprising an axially extending hollow tubular body (18) having a tail end face (22) at one end and a pre-formed radially enlarged flange (20) at the other end, together with a mandrel (30) having a stem (32) which extends co-axially though the body (18) and having enlarged head adjacent the tail end (22) of the body, the stem having a weakened region immediately adjacent the head, whereby the mandrel head having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of said body, usually by between 4% and 9%, and which has a uniform conical shoulder (38) extending between said outer diameter of the head and the stem (32), so as to exert a setting force having an axial component for compressing the rivet body axially and an angular component effecting conical deformation of the tail end radially.

Abstract: A method for the microwave irradiation of a vegetable to cook the same and to brown the exterior thereof includes the steps of applying a microwave activated browning agent to the surface of the vegetable; prior to irradiation, positioning a shielding material adjacent to the vegetable in a location such that, during irradiation, adjacent portions of the vegetable are shielded from microwave radiation; and irradiating the vegetable with microwave radiation to cook and brown the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a gene transfer vector which comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein and a carrier therefore. The composition is characterized by a relatively high ratio of the gene transfer vector to the protein in the composition.

Abstract: In a digital printing apparatus, various modules each perform a specific function, such as paper feeding, marking sheets, interpreting image data from high-level formats, and performing finishing operations. One or more of these modules includes a board therein, which is able to communicate with another board within the apparatus by infrared or other wireless communication. Such wireless communication obviates the need for large and expensive wire harnesses. There may further be provided barrier structures within the apparatus to prevent crosstalk among various wireless-capable boards. The interaction of the modules facilitates a method of outputting prints.

Abstract: A sequence from the gene encoding for reduced sugar production is used, in sense or antisense orientation to transform potato such that less sugar is stored in the tubers of the transformed plant.

Abstract: A modular storage system which includes a support rail mounted on wall or ceiling, in horizontal or vertical orientation, with slidably adjustable cantilevered hooks, from which are hung storage boxes fitted with a frame on the open side, and a transparent hinged door. A hanger and straps are utilized to attach the rigid frame to a storage box. Reinforcing support brackets can also be attached to a storage box on its underside or top, and suspended from cantilevered hooks of the modular storage system.

Abstract: A blind rivet setting tool (10) includes a front end (2) having an outer support barrel (4), an inner pulling mandrel (6) and a rivet flange contacting face (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a nuclear fuel assembly for leaks by sweeping a fluid along the fuel assembly while the fuel assembly is disposed in a pool. The apparatus includes a bridge overlying the pool and a mast assembly depending from the bridge. The mast assembly includes an outer, stationary mast and an inner, movable mast adapted to hold the fuel assembly and to position the fuel assembly in the interior channel between the upper and lower ends. The apparatus includes an injection assembly including an injection conduit, a nozzle and a clamp system for securing the nozzle to the outer mast. The apparatus also includes a suction conduit having an inlet disposed in fluid communication with the interior channel for collecting the fluid after the fluid sweeps the fuel assembly.

Abstract: An improved dispensing apparatus for metering out feed to animals such as pets, or small livestock, such device delivering feed at pre-determined times and in a pattern which is consistent day-to-day so that the pre-selected feeding schedule is maintained. The device comprising a timer having a slowly rotating axial component, a dispenser in the form of a distribution wheel anchored to such axial component and disposed outwardly from the timer for axial rotation upon rotation of the axial component, and such distribution wheel including a series of axially spaced compartments for receiving feed from an associated hopper. The timer preferably rotates the axial component so that one standard rotation is completed in a 24-hour period. Accordingly, within such time period one complete rotation of the distribution wheel occurs.

Abstract: A circuit protection device for protecting electrical circuits against voltage transients comprises a chip package which includes a threshold switch device formed from an amorphous composition.

Abstract: A support for holding beverage containers such as glasses, bottles, cups and the like, in an upright position while being used on a boat or moving vehicle. The support is fabricated from three wire elements, one of which forms a pair of opposed uprights interconnected by a transverse wire network that defines a bottom of a container receiving receptacle, the second of which is formed with a plurality of vertically spaced annular rings secured to the uprights and defining the sides of the container receiving receptacle, and the third of which forms a cantilever wall mountable member for pivotably supporting the container receiving receptacle. A screw and grommet arrangement is provided for pivotably and removably mounting the support on the wall.