Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an optical projecting system having a light generating means, a light splitting and synthesizing means, a beam polarization converter, a red light reflective crystal panel, a green light reflective crystal panel, a blue light reflective liquid crystal panel and a projecting lens. The beam polarization converter polarizes lights to a specific polarization distribution. Further the light splitting and synthesizing means splits the polarized light to three beams with different colors respectively. Thus, three different color beams are modulated by three reflective liquid crystal panels to produce three color projecting beams. After the light splitting and synthesizing means synthesizes the color projecting beams, the synthesized projecting light is emitted out via the projecting lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compact integrated front projection display system. The system comprises a frame having first and second portions and a foldable arm having first and second ends. The second end of the arm is connected to the first portion of the frame. The arm is moveable between a storage position and a projection position. The system also includes a retractable projection screen disposed on the second portion of the frame and a projection head mounted on the first end of the moveable arm.

Abstract: A color wheel comprises a motor, a plurality of filter segments and an obstructing plate. The motor has a rotating casing. Protruding from the center of an upper side of the rotating casing, there is a rotating shaft. One end of each fan-shaped filter segment is in contact with the rotating shaft, and one side of its lower surface has a formation of a glue area to be glued onto an upper side of the motor, forming a rear clearance from the upper side. The filter segments are joined to each other to become a ring shape surrounding the rotating shaft. A center hole of the ring-shaped obstructing plate is mounted on the rotating shaft, keeping a clearance from the filter segment. On the outside of the obstructing plate is a ring recess. The invention provides ways of heat insulation and radiation for the filter segments, to enhance product quality.

Abstract: A portable image projector is provided with a vertically elongated tower configuration to substantially reduce its vertical footprint when it is placed on a horizontal support surface for use. A stabilizing foot is positioned below the housing portion of the projector and is horizontally pivotable between a retracted orientation in which the foot is disposed within the vertical footprint of the projector housing, and an extended orientation in which the foot projects outwardly beyond opposite sides of the projector housing. The stabilizing foot is pivotally secured to the bottom ends of a spaced pair of arcuate elevating leg members that extend upwardly through openings in the bottom side of the housing. The leg members are vertically movable through the housing openings between retracted and extended positions and are resiliently biased in a downward direction relative to the housing.

Abstract: A multi-sided metal frame having a top surface is provided with a plastic bead on the surface, extending lengthwise of each side of the frame and spaced slightly inboard from the outer perimeter of the frame. A hot-melt adhesive is provided atop the bead. A mirror film is applied to the bead and secured in place by the adhesive. The film portion within the area defined by the bead is tight and planar in a plane spaced from the frame and retained in that condition by the cured adhesive. The method can be implemented by forming a metal strip into an L-shaped cross section, applying the plastic bead along the top outside face, and then cutting and bending the strip as needed and connecting ends to form the frame. Then the top of the bead is finished to lie in a plane. Then the adhesive is applied.

Abstract: A device and method for making an electroluminescent surface illuminator device comprising electroluminescent panels built into a running board, nerfbar, step or stepside for illuminating the foot/step placement for vehicles, planes, boats, and the like. The panels comprise an electroluminescent element, a transparent panel sealing said electroluminescent element therein, and wiring for connection to an external DC/AC power inverter placed between a flexible top panel and a rigid foundational base panel commensurate in size and shape with the flexible top panel. The electroluminescent panels can be illuminated by remote control in a vehicle or a parking light switch, a headlight switch or a dome light switch.

Abstract: A decorative lava lamp includes a housing having one or more dense fluids therein, with discrete granules, such as gems or diamonds floating therein, wherein the lava lamp includes a light underneath. A lamp base both illuminates the lava lamp and heats the one or more dense fluids. The internal illumination from the bottom adds a decorative dimension that cannot be duplicated by external lighting. The brilliant gems sparkle and throw off shadows in the vicinity when placed in a dimly lit area. The heated silicone fluid rises in the center of the lower portion of the lava lamp lifting gem granules within the housing where they gently fall again due to the cooling of the silicone oil in contact with the enclosure. This creates a dynamic light show.

Abstract: An illuminated mirror is provided that has a first light source of a first color and a second light source of a second color, a reflective surface adapted to be illuminated by the light sources, and a switch. The switch selectively controls the flow of power to the first light source, the second light source, or both light sources. Controlling the flow of power to the first light source simulates home light. Controlling the flow of power to the second light source simulates office light. Controlling the flow of power to both light sources simulates Day light.

Abstract: A device for holding a light emitting source, including flashlights having incandescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (L.E.D.s), to provide a hands-free light source. The device comprises a clip that is configured for attachment to a support and a member that is attached thereto and extends outwardly therefrom. The member has a hole therethrough that is sized and configured to receive a portion of a light source therein. Many light sources are comprised of at least two parts, that are attachable to one another. A portion of one of the parts is receivable through the hole in the member and is attached to the other one of the two parts, thereby attaching the light source to the member. The clip is then attached to a support to provide a hands free light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display lamp with lamp sections, which are releasably arranged one above the other and wherein each comprises a transparent housing section with an insertion unit. The insertion unit has electrical conductors, which are connected via electrical connecting structure with the conductors of the respective insertion units arranged below or on the base of the display lamp. Furthermore the insertion units provide receiving devices for the display lamps, which are connected with the conductors. The connecting structure comprise pins and sockets extending in the axial direction. One lamp section can be axially plugged into the lamp section or base respectively arranged below it in such a way that the pins and sockets connect the conductors of the insertion unit with the conductors, arranged respectively below, of the insertion unit located below, wherein the lamp sections are connected via snap-in connections with the lamp section or base respectively located below it.

Abstract: A light emitting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a diffractive optical element, a first light emitting diode emitting first light having a first range of wavelengths, and a second light emitting diode emitting second light having a second range of wavelengths. The first light is directed onto the diffractive optical element at a first range of angles of incidence, and the second light is directed onto the diffractive optical element at a second range of angles of incidence. The diffractive optical element diffracts at least a portion of the first light and at least a portion of the second light into the same range of angles of diffraction to obtain light having a desired range of wavelengths. A light emitting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can efficiently mix the outputs of two or more light emitting diodes to form a substantially uniform output of, for example, white light.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use with a name plate sign includes an elongate frame having a planar bottom with an upper portion defining an interior space. The frame bottom includes a bracket for attachment to the name plate. A rechargeable battery is mounted within the interior space of the frame and is electrically connected to a plurality of light sources depending from the frame bottom. A thin film solar panel is positioned atop the upper frame portion and is electrically connected to the battery to repeatedly recharge it as the panel collects solar energy. A photoelectric light sensor is mounted to the frame and permits current to flow from the battery to the light sources when a sensed level of ambient light is less than a predetermined level. Therefore, the name plate is illuminated when insufficient ambient light is available.

Abstract: A rope light mainly includes a #-sectioned elongate core enclosed in an outer tube, and a plurality of bulb strings parallelly set in two adjacent channels defined on the elongate core. The elongate core includes two or three spaced conductors pre-embedded therein when the core is formed, and the two selected channels are provided at bottom surfaces with a plurality of radially extended and staggered implant holes for receiving alternate bulbs and holding terminals connecting adjacent bulbs in the bulb string. The #-sectioned core has structural strength and the radially positioned bulbs and holding terminals provide supporting forces to protect the rope light from damaged bulbs or short circuit. The holding terminals may be reflective members or covered with reflective sleeves to reflect light beams emitted by the bulbs and thereby increase the illuminance of the rope light.

Abstract: A picture light comprising a fitting (12,13) for mounting the light on a wall or picture. An arm (9) pivotally attached by pivot (10) at one end to the fitting (11) and at its other end by pivot (8) to hood or shade (1) in which at least one bulb (30) is housed. Adjustable light directing means are mounted in the hood (1) in the form of a pair of spaced vertical plates (40,44) movable axially of the hood (1) on rotation of knobs (5,6) and a pair of horizontal plates (50,50A) mounted on the vertical plates 40,44. Movement of the plates 40,44 axially along the hood (1) adjusts the depth of the pool of light (76) falling on the picture (75) whereas pivoting the horizontal plates (50,50A) adjusts the width of the pool of light (76).

Abstract: This invention relates to searchlight type light devices including underwater light devices and automobile headlights. A light device in accordance with the present invention provides light beam compression along the optical axis and thus increases considerably the intensity or optical density of the beam. The light device includes a light source, a main concave reflector, and a lens projection system, the main concave reflector and the lens projection system being aligned relative to the optical axis and the light source being located between the reflector and the lens projection system, on the same optical axis. In addition, the main collecting pre-reflector lens is mounted between the light source and the main reflector, the main reflector's concave surface being implemented as a segment of sphere, and the light source being located in the focal point of such main reflector. Said main collecting pre-reflector lens has a focal length exceeding the main reflector's focal length by a factor of 1.

Abstract: A reconfigurable reflective apparatus that includes a flexible reflector supported by a plurality of support ribs that are pivotally connected to a central locking control hub, wherein at least one support rib can be independently set in any one of a plurality of pivot positions.

Abstract: A low voltage display lamp is provided for use in standard threaded lamp sockets. The lamp has a heat shield to reflect infrared radiation (IR) away from the ballast to reduce the ballast's operating temperature. The surface of the heat shield is optically curved to direct the reflected IR back through the front of the lamp such that it exits through the transparent cover rather than being reflected into the lamp housing.

Abstract: A selectively collapsible lamp shade in which the shade is extended between upper and lower rings, the rings being held apart by a series of struts which are transverse to and engage the rings in a series of equidistant supports about the perimeter of the shade. The struts are pre formed to define the shape of the shade and inhibit improper installation of the struts.

Abstract: A portable reading light device utilizing an LEDs as the source of light mounted in a housing having a single lens through which light from the LEDs is projected, the power to the LEDs being controlled by Pulse Width Modulation.

Abstract: In the case of thickening a feed resin without pre-drying, a device is taught to enhance the thickening effect. The device includes a chamber 4 having a mixing rotor therein for continuously mixing a resin between a feed port 2 and a discharge port 3. A plurality of vent ports 7 connected to vacuum pumps 8, 9 are provided for reducing the pressure in the chamber. An element, e.g. a screw feeder 10, is provided for introducing a viscosity-increasing chemical agent into the chamber. The screw feeder is isolated from the reduced pressure areas of the chamber by elements 35, e.g. reverse screw flights of the rotor. In operation, feed resin from a hopper 6 enters the chamber through port 2 and is dehydrated while being continuously mixed in a drying section 14 via vents 7. After addition of the chemical agent, the resin is continuously mixed in a thickening section 15 while being deaerated.

Abstract: A slurry dilution system with an ultrasonic vibrator capable of diluting slurry in-situ to any desired level of concentration is proposed. Raw slurry and the de-ionized water fed into the slurry dilution system is mixed and homogenized by an ultrasonic vibrator and a mixer. The well-mixed slurry solution is then delivered to a chemical-mechanical polishing station. When the chemical-mechanical station requires slurry of a different concentration, the raw slurry can be diluted to the desired level simply by changing the rate of flow of de-ionized water into the dilution system.

Abstract: A static fluid mixer includes a cylindrical flow conduit and at least two inclined, axially spaced, and circumferentially offset internal baffle members for creating counter-rotating vortices in fluids passing through the conduit. The baffle members each have upstream edges spaced from an inner surface of the conduit by a first distance less than a radius of the conduit and downstream edges that are spaced from the inner surface of conduit by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The baffle members can each have a trapezoidal shape with the downstream edge being smaller in length than the upstream edge thereof.

Abstract: A method of setting a multimode electronic device operable in a current mode, a mode setting mode and a next mode. If a predetermined number of electrical signals are generated prior to the expiration of a predetermined period of time, the electronic device exits the current mode and enters the next mode. Locking conditions are also provided to assist in ensuring the device remains in a “home,” such as the time-of-day, mode. In one embodiment, the switching mechanism includes a rotating setting stem and the electronic device is a watch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the crystallization point of high pressure fluids comprising brine are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a temperature probe and an optical fiber probe to determine the temperature of formation and dissolution of crystals during cooling and warming cycles. The apparatus further comprises a pressurization source, preferably a positive displacement pump or connection to a positive displacement pump for pressurizing the sample. The apparatus further preferably includes a jacket for circulating coolant or heat transfer fluid to facilitate cooling of the sample. The method of the invention uses the apparatus of the invention to determine crystallization point of fluid samples.

Abstract: An accelerated thermal stress cycle test which can be conducted in a significantly reduced test time compared to the conventional test is provided. The test is carried out in a cluster of reaction chambers that includes a CVD chamber and a cool-down chamber such that a pre-processed wafer can be heated from room temperature to at least 350° C. in an inert gas in about 2 min., and then cooled down to not higher than 70° C. in a cool-down chamber in less than 30 sec. The heating and cooling steps can be repeated between 3 and 7 times to reveal any defect formation caused by the thermal stress cycle test. Typical defects are metal film peeling from insulating dielectric material layer or void formation.

Abstract: A thin film thermometer has multiple temperature sensors that individually appear within certain concealing features of the decal under different temperature ranges, otherwise blending into the concealing features and thereby disappearing into the design. Among other uses, this thermometer may be implemented as an adhesive bandage or refrigerator magnet, and may include special features such as a hologram, heat blocking backing, and ink-preserving adhesive tie coat. Also, enhanced visual effects are achieved through the coordinated multiple activation of temperature sensors.

Abstract: An X-ray tube device is rotated to a projected portion in a subject by a rotating mechanism for the X-ray tube device according to an operation for an oblique fluoroscopy. A CPU recognizes information about a rotating angle and rotation speed, and a stand for the X-ray tube is moved along a longitudinal direction of a top plate by a driving mechanism for the stand according to the information. An X-ray image detector disposed under the top plate is moved in a direction opposite to the movement of the stand to a corresponding position of the X-ray tube device by a driving mechanism for the X-ray image detector. The X-ray tube device, the projected portion in the subject and the X-ray image detector are always arranged in a straight line by the CPU and the independent driving mechanisms. A tomography may also be carried out by moving continuously the X-ray tube device and the X-ray image detector parallel to the top plate in the opposite directions.

Abstract: The useful life of x-ray tubes is extended by filtering metal particles and other decomposition products out of the coolant fluid by filter means permanently included in the closed loop cooling fluid circuit which also includes pump means and heat exchange means.

Abstract: A flexible container and method for making same are provided. the container comprises a base portion including a bottom, side walls, and an interior, the bottom defining a substantially flat planar surface when the container houses product and the container rests on its bottom, an upper panel portion, that is designed to be received within the interior of the base portion and includes side panels that define a closure member, the upper panel being so constructed and arranged to define a substantially flat surface when the closure member is closed and portions of the upper panel are folded over, the upper panel includes a portion that is sealed to the base portion, and a pair of handles may also be coupled to the base portion.

Abstract: A hydro dynamic gas bearing having a sleeve with one end closed and connected to a front end of a shaft supported at its proximal end relative to a base on a fixed side, a plurality of hydro dynamic pressure generating grooves on at least one of an outer peripheral surface of the shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve opposite the outer peripheral surface, and a through hole communicating with the outside of the base extending from the front end to the proximal end of the shaft, the through hole having an air vent for adjusting pressure between the shaft and the sleeve for adjustment of discharge air so that the sleeve rotates in a contactless fashion relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A bushing has a cylindrical wall with an inner bearing surface configured and dimensioned to surround the journal surface of a roll neck in a rolling mill. The bearing surface has a primary recess into which oil is admitted to serve as a lubricant between the journal and bearing surfaces. The primary recess has a width measured between circumferentially spaced edges, and a length spaced from the ends of the bearing surface by land segments of the bearing surface. Secondary recesses in the land segments have widths that are narrower than the width of the primary recess.

Abstract: A metallic receiving plate is located in a holding recess of a housing such that the plate opposes the distal end face of a worm shaft. The distal end of the receiving plate with respect to the rotating shaft defines a charging cavity in the holding recess. A resin material is charged into the charging cavity. A metallic ball is located between the distal end face of the worm shaft and the receiving plate. The ball makes point contact with the distal end face of the worm shaft and with the receiving plate. Two protrusions are formed on the receiving plate. The protrusions are embedded in the resin material to connect the receiving plate to the solidified resin material and to prevent the receiving plate from rotating. Thus, the rotational resistance of the worm shaft is reduced, and the durability of the bearing device is improved.

Abstract: A cable management system is provided for a fiber optic connector assembly. The system includes a receptacle and a plurality of fiber optic connector modules received by the receptacle. The modules terminate a plurality of fiber optic cables with lengths of the cables extending away from the rear ends of the modules. A cable management member has an angled cavity within which the cables extend angularly from the rear ends of the modules. Latches are provided between the cable management member and each of the plurality of modules for holding the cable management member in position at the rear ends of the modules.

Abstract: A coupling system includes an optical plug-in connector, a coupling partner and a retaining element. The housing of the plug-in connector is provided with a sliding key and with two springy detent limbs which include a detent nose for engaging with the coupling partner. In order to receive the plug-in connector, the coupling partner is provided with a plug inlet which has recesses that correspond to the detent noses of the plug-in connector. A retaining element includes a laterally displaceable outer housing and an inner housing that is pivotally arranged therein. A locking element is provided as a two-limb lever that is arranged on the inner housing and that serves to lock the plug-in connector in the retaining element. When inserting the plug inlet, this locking is released once the plug-in connector and plug inlet are engaged with one another.

Abstract: A multi axis optical component actuator mechanism is disclosed using a plurality of electromagnetic coil actuators and a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies for aligning an optical component in a plurality of axes. In the preferred embodiment the plurality of electromagnetic coils are rigidly coupled together to a carriage and the optical component. The carriage is free to move within a plurality of magnetic flux air gaps defined within a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies in response to a plurality of control signals having a magnitude and polarity. Advantageously the disclosed multi-axis optical component actuation mechanism has a high frequency response as well as inexpensive cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: A retainer (60) at the rear of each passage (14) that holds an optical fiber terminus (30), abuts the rear end (62) of a spring to normally retain the terminus while allowing its removal, with the retainer being rugged, easily manipulated, and of small diameter to allow numerous passages to lie close together. Each retainer has a primarily cylindrical outer surface (74) but with a pair of projections (80, 82). The rear portion of the passage has a first part (90) through which the retainer can be slid forwardly while the retainer is in an initial rotational orientation. A third passage part (94) receives the retainer and allows it to be turned from the initial orientation (60A) to a lock rotational orientation (60B). A second passage part (92) that lies between the first and third passage parts, allows the projections to move rearwardly into recesses (112) that prevent rotation of the retainer and that have forwardly-facing shoulders (114) that abut the retainer to limit its rearward movement.

Abstract: For optical waveguide connections that can be freely laid for transmitting optical signals, there is proposed, in accordance with the dimensions specified by the MOST Co-operation of the automobile manufacturers, a releasably formed optical plug-in connector for an modular connector system that comprises two casing parts that can be inserted in one another. In this connection, there is inserted in a casing a mounting part that receives optical waveguides provided with ferrules, wherein the ferrules of the optical waveguides are provided with a reference surface. A defined distance for an optimized signal transmission from the end face of the optical waveguides reaches by a stop of said reference surface when assembled with a reference surface of a counterplug.

Abstract: A ferrule has a body, peripherally dimensioned for receipt within a commercially available fiber optic connector, the body has a forward portion comprising a front side and a rear side, the front side defining a face of the ferrule, the rear side defining an inner surface. The forward portion has a large format array of fiber holes, each of the fiber holes in the array extending between the front side and the rear side and being sized to accept an optical fiber inserted therein, and the forward portion having a thickness, T, less than 3000 microns but at least a minimum thickness sufficient to support optical fibers inserted into the fiber holes. An optical connector, having a ferrule, and a fiber optic cable assembly are also described.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for terminating an optical fiber, the connector comprising a housing having opposed first and second ends, the housing receiving the optical fiber at the first end thereof, an elongated member retainable in the housing and extending generally from one of the opposed ends to the other of the opposed ends, the elongated member including a ferrule holding portion proximate the second end of the housing and a crimpable portion distinct from the ferrule holding portion, the crimpable portion being generally aligned with the ferrule holding portion and being closer to the first end of the housing than is the ferrule holding portion, a ferrule disposable within the ferrule holding portion of the elongated member, the ferrule including an aperture running therethrough and being generally aligned with the crimpable portion when the ferrule is disposed within the ferrule holding portion, the ferrule including a polished front face, at least one crimp supporting member disposable within the crimp

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled servo device for carrying and driving a camera, comprises a microprocessor chip processing control circuit, an I/O port, and a servo set. A user operates a keyboard to input a control signal input command and a control signal input termination command. The microprocessor reads the related program and data stored in a memory then inputs a corresponding control pulse signal to a servo set after control processing, and drives a servo to rotate after comparison and amplification. The servo set comprises two driving circuit servos that control and move a camera horizontally and vertically. The servos carry and move the camera in order to perform functions of camera monitoring, such as location memorizing of a plurality of preset points, cruise scanning, alarm output, and automatic tracking. The user can see whether the input command is correct and to monitor system execution by means of an LCD.

Abstract: A system for handling effluent from a film processor. A transportable holding tank is attached to the film processor using quick-disconnect fittings, and accepts effluent discharged from the film processor by gravity. The holding tank is uncoupled from the film processor and coupled to a receiving station with quick-disconnect fittings similar to those on the film processor. The effluent is pumped into the receiving station. The system is designed to minimize exposure to film processing chemicals, and handles parallel segregated streams of silver-bearing and non silver-bearing effluent.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data signals via an optical fiber between two network elements (14, 36, 43, 56) in a digital data transmission network comprises using a transmission protocol, wherein, in addition to said data signals, first control and/or monitor signals in the form of overhead signals are transmitted. An optical fiber amplifier (23) is inserted in the optical fiber between the two network elements. Additionally, second control and/or monitor signals in a format corresponding to said overhead signals are transferred between the optical fiber amplifier and at least one of the two network elements. An amplifier unit (22, 48) comprising an optical fiber amplifier (23) is adapted to be inserted in an optical fiber for the transmission of data signals between two network elements (14, 36, 43, 56) in such a data transmission network.

Abstract: To compensate for polarization mode dispersion (PMD) induced distortion in an optical signal, an optical pulse is split into two orthogonally polarized pulses. A polarization controller selectively aligns the arbitrarily oriented first and second principal states of polarization of the PMD pulses to match fixed orientations of predetermined first and second principal states of polarization of a beam splitter. The PMD pulses are then coupled to a Mach-Zender interferometer that measures the differential delay between them and selectively compensates for the measured differential delay. An optical combiner combines output the compensator PMP pulses to generate a combined output optical signal.

Abstract: A method for designing an optical system is disclosed. The optical system launches optical signals modulated with data into a fiber link having a property of inducing nonlinear distortion of the optical signals as a function of signal power of the optical signals and distance traversed in the fiber link. A Q-factor curve for the fiber link is determined as a function of the signal power. A signal power is preselected based on the Q-factor curve. The preselected signal power is associated with a set of channels. A coding gain is preselected based on the preselected signal power and a desired channel spacing for the set of channels.

Abstract: A method for creating a composite work of fine art, that is the combination of two works of fine art. Generally, the first work of fine art will provide the setting and will include a figure (e.g., a person,, an animal, or an inanimate object) to correspond to all or a portion of a figure in the second work. After the first and second works are created as works of fine art, typically hand-created paintings, they are digitized and imported into image editing software. There, the works are conformed and the second image is pasted into the first. The final product is then printed as a work of fine art; as a lithograph, print, or as having the appearance of a hand-created painting.

Abstract: A printer mechanism having a receptacle for receiving a printer cartridge therein. A print head is disposed in the receptacle, and a platen roller is rotatable about a roller axis. The platen roller is movable between a printing position in close proximity to the print head for urging labeling media and ink ribbon toward the print head and a nonprinting position in which the roller platen is spaced a distance from said print head to allow the labeling media and ink ribbon to be slipped therebetween. A platen roller gear is coaxial with said platen roller, and is engaged with a drive gear when the platen roller is in the printing position and disengaged from the platen roller gear when the platen roller is in the nonprinting position. A lever is linked to the platen roller, and is movable between a lock position and an unlock position.

Abstract: A method of creating an authenticatable sheet of material, includes measuring at least one physical property of the sheet of material; marking an edge of the sheet of material with indicia arranged to form a unique code identifying the sheet of material, wherein the sheet of material includes a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and an edge extending between the first surface and the second surface and peripherally about the sheet of material; and recording the measured physical property in a measure database indexed by the edge code. To verify the validity of a sheet of material, the edge code is read, the same physical property is measured and the measured value is compared with the previously stored value extracted from the measure database. If the two are substantially equal, the sheet of material is authentic.

Abstract: A system for dissipating electrostatic charge build-up in printers comprises a ribbon frame made of statically dissipative material and adapted to support a printhead bracket on which a thermal printhead is mounted proximate to a rotating platen. The statically dissipative ribbon frame may be grounded to the printer power supply which in turn is grounded to the main printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the printer which is connected to earth ground. The electrostatically dissipative material in the ribbon frame automatically dissipates static electric charge as the moving ribbon comes into physical contact with at least one portion of the grounded ribbon frame during printer operation. The printhead bracket may also be made of statically dissipative material and grounded to the PCBA. The electrostatically dissipative material in the printhead bracket automatically dissipates static electric charge as the moving ribbon comes into physical contact with at least one portion of the grounded printhead bracket.

Abstract: A keytop of keyboard is proposed. The keyboard has a main typing area on which a plurality of key tops is placed. The key tops are divided into a plurality of rows by a plurality of horizontal lines. The key tops are divided into a left-hand section and a right-hand section with a centerline of the keyboard as a border. Each key top in the left-hand section is of quadrilateral shape with right-shifted topside and left-shifted bottom side; each key top in the right-hand section is of quadrilateral shape with left-shifted topside and right-shifted bottom side.

Abstract: A keyboard and method for inputting graphical indicium representations of language characters formed from one or a combination of character units. The keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each key having at least one unit associated therewith but with selected keys, at least, having two or more units associated therewith. Included also is a key mapping for each key whereby selection of a key generates a mapped value of a unit associated with the selected key, the mapped value having a relational correlation with one or more relevant characters. The keys are so arranged on the keyboard that visually similar units are associated with the same or adjacent keys, and units which usually form left, right, top or bottom character parts are associated with keys generally located in physically similarly related positions on the left, right, top and bottom, respectively, of the keyboard.