Abstract: A method for cleaning items comprising a washing system that includes a washing device employing a water source and a bleaching agent, which is composed of a chlorine dioxide composition. The washing system further including a detergent system. Chlorine dioxide as the bleaching agent of the washing system in at least 10 ppm and most preferable from 20 to 75 ppm.

Abstract: A process of transferring a protection layer from a dye-donor receiver after thermal dye transfer. In one embodiment, the transferable protection layer contains inorganic particles, a polymeric binder, organic particles and an organic gloss-enhancing agent that enhances the gloss of the final print. The transferred protection layer that provides a higher gloss to an image after transfer. A laminate containing such a gloss-enhancing agent has been found to enable printing at lower line times, faster printing, for thermal prints withwhile maintaining high gloss.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for transferring a protective overcoat for a thermal print wherein the protective overcoat is applied to a dye-donor element under predesigned conditions after thermal dye transfer, the dye-donor element comprising patches of dye for transfer to a thermal print to provide a protective layer thereon. In particular, the invention improves the process of providing an improved level of gloss to the transferred protective overcoat. The method involves a preselected duration between printing and peeling the transferable laminate patch, respectively, to and from the donor. The invention is particularly advantageous at lower line times, faster printing, for thermal prints with high gloss.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus having a first frame; a second frame having a chain mounted thereupon; and a locking system that is mounted on the first frame. The locking system has a drive wheel, a first arm member and a second arm member. The system is configured such that in a generally closed position, the chain engages the drive wheel in a first position, the drive wheel is connected to the arms; the arms are urged into the closed position. In a generally open position, the chain engages the drive wheel in a second position and the arms are urged into the open position by the second frame.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte dispensing polishing pad, a process for its production and a method of polishing, e.g., chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer, are provided. The pad is usable for CMP planarization of an oxide or metal layer on the wafer. The pad has a polishing layer of erodible binder material containing uniformly distributed therein both abrasive particles and a water soluble ionizable electrolyte substance such as a polyelectrolyte, such that during polishing the binder material incrementally erodes and the abrasive particles and electrolyte substance incrementally release into direct contact with the substrate. The electrolyte substance inhibits CMP removal of silicon nitride, e.g., as a stop layer, under an upper oxide or metal layer, such that the upper layer is selectively polished and the CMP stops on the stop layer leaving the latter intact.

Abstract: The method is adapted for using multiple cards with a single reader. The method initiates a session of an application upon an insertion of a first card into the reader. The session is maintained active when the first card is removed from the reader and a second card associated with the first card is to be inserted in the reader. The method performs an action upon an insertion of the second card into the reader.

Abstract: A wavelength locker comprising a semiconductor or air gap etalon is used to monitor and maintain the output wavelength of a coherent radiation source. Said etalon may be fabricated from a commercially available silicon wafer, with individual regions of the wafer, each functioning as a separate etalon, etched or otherwise processed to produce different thicknesses. Illumination by the coherent radiation source generated transmitted signal intensities that are detected and processed to determine the output wavelength of the coherent radiation source. A wavelength tuner is then used to maintain or vary the output wavelength based on continuous measurements of etalon signal intensity.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for conveying a video message is disclosed. Video data comprising at least image data and associated audio data is captured and a video message structure (401) is created. A link is established between the structure (401) and the video data to create a structured video message. The structured video message is characterized by a video message structure (401) that provides an originator (103), of the message, enhanced manipulation capabilities for the video data by manipulating the structure (401). The structured video message can be conveyed to a recipient for viewing and/or for providing the recipient substantially the same enhanced manipulation capabilities.

Abstract: A service providing apparatus for providing a service to a user of a user interface card (10) is disclosed. The card (10) is configured for insertion into a card read device (1) that has a receptacle (4) to receive the interface card (10). The interface card (10) comprises a substrate (12) with indicia (14) formed thereon. The apparatus also comprises a central processing unit for receiving a service identifier and data stored on the card (10), from the read device (1). The data is related to a user selected indicia (14) wherein the central processing unit is configured to provide a service. The service is identified by the service identifier.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for conveying a video message is disclosed. Video data comprising at least image data and associated audio data is captured and a video message structure (401) is created. A link is established between the structure (401) and the video data to create a structured video message. The structured video message is characterized by a video message structure (401) that provides an originator (103), of the message, enhanced manipulation capabilities for the video data by manipulating the structure (401). The structured video message can be conveyed to a recipient for viewing and/or for providing the recipient substantially the same enhanced manipulation capabilities.

Abstract: A read device (1) for reading an interface card (10) is disclosed. The card (10) is configured for insertion into the read device (1). The card (10) comprises indicia (14) formed thereon and a memory (19) having data stored therein for communicating with an external device. The read device (1) comprises a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay the interface card (10) upon receipt of the card (10) in the read device (1). The read device (1) also comprises a central processing unit for sending a service identifier, and a specific portion of the data to the external device. The specific data is related to a user selected indicia (14), wherein the external device provides a service identified by the service identifier upon receipt of the data.

Abstract: A “secure pick-up” process is described, allowing secure print jobs to be sent across a network (100). A security key (300) is inserted into an initiating camera (102), allowing information (110) to be transferred from the camera (102) to a printer (104). However, the printer (104) is not permitted to output printed pages until the security key (300) is equivalently inserted into the printer (104). Such provides the initiating party with the assurance that the print job will not be output by the printer (104) until the print initiator (ie. the user) goes to the printer (104) and physically inserts the security key (300).

Abstract: A multi-purpose ground support vehicle for an aircraft comprises a four wheel drive land vehicle in which the main power unit is also connected to an aircraft services gearbox by a power take-off shaft to provide a self-propelled aerospace ground equipment facility in a variety of terrains. The aircraft services gearbox includes a plurality of service devices such as e.g. a hydraulic pump, an electrical generator, a low or high pressure air compressor etc.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte dispensing polishing pad, a process for its production and a method of polishing, e.g., chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer, are provided. The pad is usable for CMP planarization of an oxide or metal layer on the wafer. The pad has a polishing layer of erodible binder material containing uniformly distributed therein both abrasive particles and a water soluble ionizable electrolyte substance such as a polyelectrolyte, such that during polishing the binder material incrementally erodes and the abrasive particles and electrolyte substance incrementally release into direct contact with the substrate. The electrolyte substance inhibits CMP removal of silicon nitride, e.g., as a stop layer, under an upper oxide or metal layer, such that the upper layer is selectively polished and the CMP stops on the stop layer leaving the latter intact.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus having a first frame; a second frame having a chain mounted thereupon; and a locking system that is mounted on the first frame. The locking system has a drive wheel, a first arm member and a second arm member. The system is configured such that in a generally closed position, the chain engages the drive wheel in a first position, the drive wheel is connected to the arms; the arms are urged into the closed position. In a generally open position, the chain engages the drive wheel in a second position and the arms are urged into the open position by the second frame.

Abstract: A method is described whereby a user may interact with control indicia (22, 24) of a smartcard (10) to modify data stored in a volatile portion of a memory chip (19). A possible source of data may be from the smartcard 10 itself, whereby an incident where a region on a pressure sensitive membrane (8) of a controller (2) associated with a specific index (22, 24) has been pressed is stored on the memory chip (19). This enables the occurrence of this incident to be extracted later. Another possible source of the data is a software application, running on a computer. A user may save a state of the application, enabling the user to return to that state of the application later by activation of a region on the pressure sensitive membrane (8) associated with the same control index (22, 24).

Abstract: A read device (1) for reading an interface card (16). The card (16) is configured for insertion into the read device (1). The card (16) comprises indicia formed thereon and a memory having data stored therein for communicating with an external device (601, 700). The read device (1) comprises a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay the interface card (16) upon receipt of the card (16) in the read device (1). The read device (1) also comprises a central processing unit (45) for sending a service identifier, a distinguishing identifier and a specific portion of the data to the external device (601, 700). The specific data is related to a user selected indicia (14). A service identified by the service identifier upon receipt of the data is provided via the external device (601, 700).

Abstract: An improved image analysis method to quantify uniformity of visual appearance of planar objects. The measurements are substantially independent of both the image shading and the overall lightness differences among the objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of establishing a desired communication between an originating entity (102) and a target entity (106). Each entity is coupled to a communication network (100) and has a corresponding profile (112, 142) related to information handled by the entity. Initially a compatibility is determined between the profile (112) of the originating entity (102) and the profile (140) of the target entity (106). If a direct profile compatibility is determined between the originating entity and the target entity, the desired communication are establishing directly between the originating entity and the target entity. If step a direct profile compatibility between the originating entity and the target entity cannot be determined the network is searched to identify an additional entity (108) coupled to the network (100) and having a direct profile compatibility with one of the target or source entity to thereby form a linked entity pair providing communications (112, 124) with the additional entity.

Abstract: The method is adapted for using multiple smartcards with a single reader. The method initiates (1.3) a session of an application upon an insertion of a first smartcard into the reader. The session is maintained active when the first smartcard is removed from the reader and a second smartcard associated with the first smartcard is to be inserted in the reader (1.4.4.1). The method performs (1.4.4.2.4.2) an action upon an insertion of the second smartcard into the reader.