Abstract: A machine and method for bonding puncture-type conductive contact members of an interconnect to the bond pads of a bare semiconductor die includes the use of one or two ultrasonic vibrators mounted to vibrate one or both of the die and interconnect. A short axial linear burst of ultrasonic energy enables the contact members to pierce hard oxide layers on the surfaces of the bond pads at a much lower compressive force and rapidly achieve full penetration depth.

Abstract: A spot joining device comprises a joining tool, an induction motor for rotating the joining tool, a servo motor for vertically moving the joining tool along an axis of the joining tool, and a receiving member placed opposite to the joining tool. The joining tool includes a short-column shaped shoulder and a pin protruded downwardly along the axis from a central portion of a lower face of the shoulder at a tip end portion thereof. Two works such as aluminum alloy plates are lapped and placed on a receiving member. When the joining tool is rotated and moved downwardly, a joint spot of the works is heated and softened due to friction heat generated by the rotating pin. Thereby, plastic flow occurs in the vicinity of the joint spot. The vicinity of the joint spot is stirred and the works are fused at the joint spot. Thus, the works are spot-joined.

Abstract: A tube clamping assembly comprising a first portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base, and a second portion having a base and a clamping device carried on the base. The first and second portions are coupled to each other such that the portions may be adjusted relative each other. In another embodiment, the invention is a tube clamping assembly comprising a base, and a first movable clamp arm and a first stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween. The tube clamping assembly further comprises a second movable clamp arm and a second stationary clamp arm coupled to the base for gripping a cylindrical workpiece therebetween, wherein at least one of the stationary clamp arms is removably coupled to the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temporary storage device associated with a home or office building for use in temporarily storing delivered goods. The storage device has a compartment with an access door associated with a locking device and preferably a handcart. In some embodiments, the storage device is integrated into a wall of a home or office associated with the storage device and further includes a second access door. In other embodiments, a temporary storage device system is provided having a switch means connected to the locking device, an input device, and a control unit, where access to the storage device is granted through entry of a valid security code. Also disclosed is a method for ordering goods from a remote location for delivery into the storage device. In some embodiments, a security code generated at the time of the order is provided to a commercial carrier to access the temporary storage device upon delivery of the good.

Abstract: A package storage and delivery system includes electronically controlled lockers disposed at or near customer locations. Each locker is unlocked by a courier, preferably by means of a short-range transceiver or transmitter carried on the courier's person. The customer can unlock the locker and receive the delivered package. Cryptographically signed communications are employed along with nonvolatile usage logs to minimize the risk of loss of a package or fraud by courier or customer. The lockers may be stackable, permitting a delivery courier to add lockers in the event a customer receives too many deliveries to fit into a single locker. Each box has, of course, a physical location, and has associated with it an address code indicative of the physical location, for example by means of a human-readable or compressed representation of the precise latitude and longitude. A package delivered to such a box preferably bears the address code.

Abstract: A method and system for token based user access authentication enables secure user access to a web server using a token, such as a smart card, and provides a single sign-on mechanism which does not employ a user name and password in the log on process. Instead, a smart card with a certificate enables the user at a client workstation to log on by authenticating himself or herself to the smart card with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The smart card then uses mutual authentication to verify the identity of the cardholder and the access server and establishes a secure link between the client workstation and the access server with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol.

Abstract: An information detection apparatus and information detection method for processing recording media to ascertain validity of checks and other negotiable instruments and print as necessary on the recording media. The information detection apparatus for processing recording media comprises in sequence along transportation path 1009 from the insertion opening 1006 a recording medium transportation mechanism 1003, printing mechanism 1004, and reading mechanism 1005. When a recording medium 1008 is transported by transportation mechanism 1003 along transportation path 1009 to a predetermined position, the check is positioned between presser roller 1051 and a detector 1052 of reading mechanism 1005. Presser roller 1051 then presses recording medium 1008 against detector 1052 while transportation mechanism 1003 pulls the recording medium and particular information recorded to the recording medium is detected. This operation straightens wrinkles and removes slack from recording medium 1008 to reduce reading errors.

Abstract: This IC card reader (1) is intended to release the software workload of a smart IC card (2) which itself supervises the running of its transaction. It is managed by a circuit (14) with microcontroller (140) and memory (141) and includes display means (11). It contains in memory (141) a library of programs which define visual, audio or other objects that are displayed on the display means and are executed by its circuit (14) with microcontroller (140) and memory (141) in response to a call from the connected IC card (2). By virtue of this library of programs, the IC card reader (1) provides a connected IC card (2) with a particularly sophisticated man-machine interface accessible using simplified commands. The object program calls are advantageously accompanied by parameters allowing the way in which the objects are defined and animated to be adjusted at leisure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warehousing information in a wallet consolidator. The wallet consolidator includes a controller for controlling operation of the wallet consolidator, a magnetic stripe reader/writer for reading and writing magnetic stripes, a bar code scanner for scanning bar codes, a keypad for inputting user selections and commands, a memory for storing information provided to the wallet consolidator, a smart card interface for effectuating communication between the wallet consolidator and a smart card and a display screen for displaying text and graphics, the display screen further for displaying a bar code pattern capable of being scanned by a bar code reader. To store information in the wallet consolidator, or alternatively in a smart card interfaced to the wallet consolidator, information is read from magnetic stripes on various types of cards such as, but not limited to, credit, debit and identification cards.

Abstract: A passport production system that is designed to personalize passports with the personal information of the intended holder of the passport, as well as an associated method of passport production. The passport production system is modular in construction, thereby readily permitting the assembly and reconfiguration of an application specific passport production system from different processing modules. Moreover, the modules permit the system to be reconfigured at the job site so as to add or remove modules as dictated by the changing needs of the application. In one embodiment, the system includes a leafing module and a personalization module for performing a personalization operation, such as laser personalization or printing on the passport. Documents other than passports can also be personalized using the system and method of this invention.

Abstract: A combination fuel dispensing and lottery ticket dispensing system includes a fuel dispensing machine, a computer controller, a display, an input device and a dispensing device. The fuel dispensing machine, the display, the input device and the dispensing device are all in communication with the computer controller. The input device communicates customer-selected lottery ticket information to the computer controller, and the dispensing device dispenses the customer-selected lottery ticket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method allowing customers to conduct a remote banking transaction at a fuel dispenser, including obtaining cash in association with the transaction at the dispenser or a common terminal in the dispenser forecourt. The system may include a cash dispenser at the dispenser, fueling position, or the central terminal, or, alternatively, a delivery system configured to deliver cash from a central location to the customer at the dispenser, fueling position, or central terminal. During a transaction for purchasing fuel or other products associated with the service station, a customer is provided an opportunity to conduct a remote banking transaction. Providing a customer the opportunity to conduct such a transaction in association with a dispenser transaction will attract more customers to the station because of convenience as well as provide customers with more disposable cash to spend at the associated quick-serve restaurants and convenience store.

Abstract: The present invention and process provides a method and device for verifying an authorized user of a credit/identification card via Internet utilizing a biometric miniature autonomous fingerprint capture and verification system device. The process includes the steps of scanning the owner's credit card information stored on the card, including fingerprint information, scanning the user's fingerprint, and comparing the scanned information to information of the card owner stored on a computer database in communication with the device. If scanned fingerprint, the information on the credit card/identification card and the information corresponding to the owner of the card which is stored in the database do not match, the card is rejected.

Abstract: A POS system issues a receipt and prints messages, etc. including variable information for each transaction or for each customer on a receipt. The POS system is provided with an output information defining file to define output information such as promotion information, etc. In the output information defining file, a message information having an area to set, for example, a price reduction value (variable information) is defined. The output information is then read as required at the time of printing the receipt and a message is printed on the receipt by adding variable information.

Abstract: A data carrier reader includes an RFID tag reading section and a machine-readable symbol reading section, which can contain some common components. The reader is operable in an RFID tag reading mode and/or a symbol reading mode. The reader provides a consistent and intuitive user interface within, and between, the operating modes. The user interface can include visual, aural and tactile indicators. The visual indicators can include a pattern displayed by indicators on the reader, or projected onto or near the data carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composite code symbology having two differently encoded information portions positioned adjacent to each other. The linking between the two portions is achieved by external link-flag that is adjacent to at least one of the encoded portions. The link-flag can extent past one or both of the encoded portions in order to enable skewed scanning of the composite label. Methods for encoding and decoding of the invented composite code that are read by optical readers are presented.

Abstract: A scanner can read machine-readable code on an object. A scanner has a scanning device, a data device, and a registration device. The scanning device can repetitively scan the code and provide a scan signal repetitively corresponding to at least fragments of the code. The data device is coupled to the scanning device and responds to its scan signal for repetitively storing it. The registration device is coupled to the data device for reconstructing the code from at least two of the fragments of the code by relatively shifting the code fragments until they are in registration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated video camera system for capturing a plurality video images of a plurality of elements included in a videographic survey, each element having a unique identifying name associated with it. The camera system includes a digital data processor for executing program steps and a memory module in communication with the digital data processor for storing the program steps and for storing digital data fields relating to each of the plurality of elements. The memory module includes a separate data field for storing each of the identifying names of the plurality of elements. A plurality of barcodes, is associated with the plurality of elements, one barcode being associated with each of the plurality of elements. Each of the plurality of barcodes comprising a bar pattern representative of the identifying name of the element associated with the barcode.

Abstract: A bar code reader has an integrated scanning component module which is mountable on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the module may include the digitizer/decoder electronics, enabling the module to be used with a generic PCB. In some embodiments, the module includes a high speed optical scanning arrangement having an optical element which extends longitudinally of a flexible member, secured at one end. In other embodiments, the invention extends to a hand-held optical scanner having a scanning assembly, detector and data transmission coupling all mounted to a common printed circuit board, preferably located within a manually-graspable handle. In yet a further embodiment, an abuse-detector or accelerometer is provided for determining when the device is exposed to deceleration above a predetermined limit, and optionally for automatically shutting down applications programs and for providing a black-box-record of a short time frame before the device was exposed to an unexpected shock.

Abstract: An optical scanner comprising an automatic (i.e., triggerless) portable bar code symbol reading device with an omnidirectional scanning engine mounted within the head portion of its housing, and adapted for use with an associated base unit. The bar code symbol reading device produces a confined scanning volume for omnidirectional scanning of code symbols presented therein, while preventing unintentional scanning of code symbols on nearby objects located outside of the confined scanning volume.

Abstract: A handheld data reader includes a head portion and an attachment device mounted to the head portion for suspending the scanner from an overhead retractor or the like such that the scanner is oriented substantially vertically with its handle directed substantially downward. The attachment device includes an arcuate member that may be configured to pivot away from the head portion. The attachment device may be recessed in the head portion such that the arcuate member is substantially coplanar with the adjacent outer surfaces of the head portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable chip card reader (1). This reader is designed so that it can operate even when it is stored. For this purpose it comprises, on one of its faces, an attachment means (4) to enable it to be fixed to the wall of a card holder compartment whilst leaving the card insertion slot (3) free. This attachment system allows simple handling of the reader under all circumstances. The chip card can be inserted either perpendicular or parallel to the direction in which information is displayed on a display device of the reader (1).

Abstract: An IC card which can normally perform the next data communication processing if there is an abnormality in data communication is provided. When abnormality determination circuit 1 determines that the previous data reception state is normal, before newly received data to be held DA is stored in a data holding memory 2, IC card 100 saves data in a region to write data DA into a data protection memory 3. Meanwhile if abnormality determination circuit 1 determines that the previous data reception state is abnormal, data in data holding memory 2 is recovered using data which has been saved in data protection memory 3 before accessing to data holding memory 2 is started.

Abstract: A system and method for carrying personal and/or medical information includes a locket designed to contain a memory electronic device to store information about the user. The locket is design to be opened to provide ready access to a machine readable portion of the memory device by a reader. The locket is combined with a pocket in a shoe to carry the locket unobtrusively. The locket and pocket can include a logo which will alert medical or other emergency personnel as to the existence of the locket during an emergency.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip, useful as an electronic thermostat, comprises a temperature sensor for providing a signal corresponding to ambient temperature. A digital counter contains a value which, after digital-to-analog conversion by a DAC, corresponds to a desired trip temperature. A comparator has an output which changes state when the magnitude of the sensor signal exceeds the output of the DAC. The value in the counter is set by maintaining the sensor at a desired trip temperature and incrementing the counter until the comparator changes state.

Abstract: A system for flushing an airless sprayer essentially reverses operation such that the spray gun is immersed in a container of water or other solvent and that fluid is pulled through the pump and flushed through the normal inlet tube. The preferred embodiment attaches a fluid bar to the front of the spray gun to redirect the fluid for flushing. This reverse flushing action allows quicker flushing using less fluid.

Abstract: A water spray assembly especially adapted for control of dust suppression in mining machines has a manifold with one or a number of nozzles mounted thereon. The manifold provides communication between the nozzles and a manifold inlet, the manifold inlet being adapted to connect to a supply of water. The manifold cooperates with a nozzle block having a bore sized to receive at least a portion of the manifold. The block is adapted to be mounted for aiming the nozzles in a particular direction. By having the block sized to receive the manifold, the manifold being removable from the bore to facilitate replacing or cleaning the nozzles.

Abstract: A cover for use with a fuel injector. The cover formed of at least two separable pieces that are assembled over the fuel injector. The pieces are held together by a detent member and cooperate to form a cavity that houses the fuel injector. A compliant member is positioned within the cavity to minimize relative movement between the cover and the fuel injector.

Abstract: A liquid fuel injection nozzle to supply atomized droplets of fuel to a combustion chamber arrangement in a gas turbine engine combustion system. The fuel droplets leave the passage through its upper end defined by an annular sharp edge of a tubular electrode which can be electrostatically charged for the sharp edge to impart electrostatic charge to the fuel droplets as they pass the edge.

Abstract: A novel apparatus can be used to simulate the chewing process, wherein the wherein the apparatus comprises a thermostattable kneading space comprising an upper portion and lower portion, wherein the lower portion comprises at least two kneading paddles for comminuting and kneading the test material and the upper portion comprising an air space for connecting the volatile components released during the comminution and kneading, wherein said apparatus comprises an inlet in which saliva is introduced into the kneading space and a second inlet in which air is passed into the kneading space, wherein air is passed together with the volatile components of the comminution and kneading process through an outlet of the kneading space to a detector system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, concaves for gyratory crushers are formed in a trapezoidal or triangular shape to achieve essentially three-point contact with an external shell of the gyratory crusher. In a further embodiment, concaves for gyratory crushers are provided with adjustable pads whose position with respect to the back surface of the concave can be changed. In a further embodiment, concaves for gyratory crushers are provided with alignment pads that are inserted between the back surface of the concave and the external shell of the gyratory crusher. In a further embodiment, concaves for gyratory crushers are provided with removable fastening member such as bolts that engage the back surface of the concave to mount the concave to the external shell of the gyratory crusher. The concaves of the present invention can provide secure mounting of the concaves in place to promote longer wear life and are easily removed for replacement.

Abstract: When material is thrown in a hopper, material of small particle diameter is loaded in between breaking teeth on two rotors and transferred toward a crushing space between the rotors by rotation. The material of small particle diameter is pressed by compression teeth on one rotor against cutting teeth on the other rotor, thereby causing compressive crushing. When material of small particle diameter clogs the crushing space and stays therein, the cutting teeth cut the material to form a gap. The breaking teeth on the two rotors move odd-shaped material or the like toward the crushing space by similar action. Consequently, the odd-shaped material assumes such a posture that it is caught between the breaking teeth, and is crushed by the breaking teeth or cut by the wedge effect.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for comminuting scrap wood and other like material has a rotor drum including a drive shaft and at least one radially projecting tool supporting member with a tool assembly receiving pocket. A releasable tool is locked in the pocket and comprises a shank, with an outer cutting head thereon, received in the pocket to bear upon the front wall of the pocket. The shank has an inclined front wall matching the inclined front wall of the pocket. A wedge mating member has a more inclined rear surface bearing upon the inclined rear wall of the pocket and a front wall bearing upon the tool shank. The wedge has a threaded opening for a threaded abutment member which is manipulatible to draw the wedge member outwardly to releasably clamp the tool shank.

Abstract: A magnetic tape is packed prior to removal from a tape drive. The tape is packed by completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape without reading or writing to the tape. Completely unwinding the tape and then completely rewinding the tape reduces air entrainment and thereby reduces the susceptibility of the tape to damage after removal from the tape drive.

Abstract: A tape cassette including a cartridge and one tape reel provided in the cartridge, with a recording medium in the form of a tape being wound upon the tape reel. In the tape cassette, a reader tape that is more rigid than the recording medium in the form of a tape is connected to an unwinding end of the recording medium in the form of a tape; a toothed portion (a protrusion) is formed on at least a portion of both side edges of the reader tape; the tape reel has a flange on a top portion and on a bottom portion of a hub, and feed teeth (engaging portions) that engage the protrusions of the reader tape are formed on outer peripheral edges of the flanges. Rotation of the tape reel in one direction causes the engaging portions to feed the protrusions, whereby the reader tape is sent out from the cartridge. The tape cartridge of the invention can be reliably mounted to a recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A tape cassette including a cartridge and one tape reel provided in the cartridge, with a recording medium in the form of a tape being wound upon the tape reel. In the tape cassette, a reader tape that is more rigid than the recording medium in the form of a tape is connected to an unwinding end of the recording medium in the form of a tape; a toothed portion (a protrusion) is formed on at least a portion of both side edges of the reader tape; the tape reel has a flange on a top portion and on a bottom portion of a hub, and feed teeth (engaging portions) that engage the protrusions of the reader tape are formed on outer peripheral edges of the flanges. Rotation of the tape reel in one direction causes the engaging portions to feed the protrusions, whereby the reader tape is sent out from the cartridge. The tape cartridge of the invention can be reliably mounted to a recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A tape cassette including a cartridge and one tape reel provided in the cartridge, with a recording medium in the form of a tape being wound upon the tape reel. In the tape cassette, a reader tape that is more rigid than the recording medium in the form of a tape is connected to an unwinding end of the recording medium in the form of a tape; a toothed portion (a protrusion) is formed on at least a portion of both side edges of the reader tape; the tape reel has a flange on a top portion and on a bottom portion of a hub, and feed teeth (engaging portions) that engage the protrusions of the reader tape are formed on outer peripheral edges of the flanges. Rotation of the tape reel in one direction causes the engaging portions to feed the protrusions, whereby the reader tape is sent out from the cartridge. The tape cartridge of the invention can be reliably mounted to a recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A motorized seat belt retractor having a load limiter to control the tensile load on a seat belt webbing, especially when the webbing is withdrawn due to an emergency condition. The load limiter controls the tension by controlling the condition of the motor that drives the retractor.

Abstract: A reel comprises a drum assembly enclosed within a shell comprising upper and lower shell portions. The drum assembly is secured to the lower shell portion. The drum assembly comprises a motor-driven rotating drum rigidly secured between two discs, and a frame subassembly. The drum is adapted to received a linear material spooled thereon. A first of the discs has a spiral groove on an outer surface thereof. The spiral groove has a first end near the center of the first disc and a second end near an outer edge thereof. The second end is tapered to lesser depth. The frame subassembly comprises side plates enclosing the drum and discs. A first side plate has a track assembly attached to its inner surface, and a translating plate adapted to translate horizontally within the track assembly. The translating plate has a horizontal pin at each of its ends, which pins are adapted to be received within the spiral groove of the first disc.

Abstract: A single body holder for a random length of line. A convenient handle in the center is used to safely and efficiently control the unit while a line is wrapped either way around it. The main body is comprised of a center and four prongs that extend out past the handle. The item is unique in its design to effectively wind line while efficiently holding the line holder.

Abstract: Arranged in the area between the winding heads (25), located closest to the winding machine (3) on one creel side, and the winding machine, is at least one thread tension sensor (9) for each thread, at which the ACTUAL value of the thread tension of a thread can be permanently measured. The ACTUAL value can be compared in a comparator device (30, 30′) with a SPECIFIED value. In the event of a deviation being determined between the ACTUAL value and the SPECIFIED value, a drive motor (20, 21) can be actuated, by means of which the thread brake of the thread concerned can be adjusted. The arrangement allows for the maintaining of a constant thread tension in a control circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gripping a wire in a winding machine for winding dynamo-electric machine components are provided. The apparatus includes a wire holding assembly mounted for selective rotational movement with respect to the winding machine. The assembly includes a gripping portion for releasably gripping the wire extending between a terminal of the dynamo-electric core and a winding apparatus. The wire assembly may be selectively rotated to angularly align the gripping portion with respect to the wire.

Abstract: A bobbin-winding device (28) for a cheese-producing textile machine with a pivotably seated creel (18) for holding a cheese (11), and a damping device (29), which can be acted on magnetically and is connected with the creel (18). The damping device (29) has a movable, electrically conductive component (30), which is at least indirectly connected with the creel (18) and is arranged such that the movably seated component (30) intersects the magnetic field of a stationarily arranged magnet system (32), preferably a permanent magnet system, in a contactless manner.

Abstract: A method for producing a roll from printed products in a winding operation includes winding the printed products with winding tape onto a winding core; driving a winding rug with a first drive, wherein the winding rug is arranged on the underside of the winding core and fitted against the winding core for rotating the winding core; driving a winding tape supply with a second drive, wherein the winding tape is unwound from the winding tape supply; and maintaining a predetermined tape tension during the winding operation. Maintaining the predetermined tape tension includes measuring speed and distance with measurement devices at the first and second drives to obtain measured values, computing the diameter of the winding tape supply with the measured values, and regulating a rotational moment with the computed diameter of the winding tape supply to maintain the tension.

Abstract: Bobbins containing convoluted webs of sheet material, particularly wrapping material for smokers' products, are transferred from a stack—wherein the axes of the cores of bobbins are vertical—onto the horizontal stub of a receiver in a web processing machine by an apparatus wherein a first set of jaws serves to engage the core of a fresh bobbin from within preparatory to transfer to the receiver and simultaneous pivoting of the first set of jaws through 90°. When the supply of web on the core borne by the stub of the receiver is exhausted, the external surface of the thus exposed core is engaged by a second set of jaws which transport the core to a collecting station or the like. Sheet-like partitions which are disposed between neighboring layers of fresh bobbins in the stack are removed by suction cups which are mounted on a reciprocable pusher together with the jaws of the second set.

Abstract: A mounting device suitable for use with a conventional bathroom tissue fixture. The mounting device may be used to support a dispenser from a conventional bathroom tissue fixture. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes a positioning member, a first support member, a second support member and a linkage operatively disposed between at least one of the support members and the positioning member whereby movement of the positioning member causes relative motion between the distal ends of the first and second support members. Latching mechanisms may also be used with the invention to inhibit the relative motion of the first and second support members. The mounting device may also include a housing and an attachment mechanism, such as a threaded fastener for attaching a dispenser to the mounting device.

Abstract: A ground effect vehicle having a jet propulsion means as well as a propeller means. The ground effect vehicle is a watercraft combining the physical and hydrodynamic features of a trimaran, water jet propelled boat and air cushion vehicle that might be considered a hybrid. The vehicle is intended to operate as a multi-modal vehicle in the approximate speed range of 0-100 knots. The vehicle from at rest to operational speed obtains its lift at first from 100% buoyancy of trimaran hulls with jet propulsion, then from powered aerostatic lift from a captured air cushion achieved by means of forward movement achieved by an airplane type motor and propeller.

Abstract: An emergency supplementary vision device comprises a collapsible tube made of airtight material and having an expanded form and a compact stowed form; first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the tube to enable the user to see through said tube and observe a source of information at the other end while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment; and a filter operably associated with the tube to filter the ambient atmosphere and fill the interior of said tube with clear air when said tube is expanded to its expanded form.

Abstract: Boeing achieves satellite diversity by having a large discrimination angle for a MEO constellation of communications satellites to limit interference in the Ku-band with GSO communications systems. Each satellite entering an exclusion zone over a GSO ground station terminates all transmissions to provide EPFD within acceptable limits. The Boeing MEO constellation preferably comprises 20 satellites, 5 in each orbit. The four orbits are inclined at about 57° with respect to the equator. Services include an Integrated Digital Service (IDS) and Backhaul Data Service (BDS) to accommodate the needs of different users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for are described for the detection of breaks in railroad track rails as well as other events. A plurality of fiber optic monitoring assemblies are located proximate a section of railroad tracks. The monitoring assemblies are capable of detecting and recognizing a rail break event. In an alternative embodiment, systems and methods are described for detection of flat spots on rail car wheels.