Abstract: Systems for mounting and using portable electronic devices (PEDs) on vehicles make PEDs easier to secure to, transport on, and protect from the elements while mounted on the vehicle. One embodiment of a mounting system includes a PED cabinet having a hard, weatherproofed outer shell with the PED mounted therein, a harness system which detachably mounts the PED cabinet, and an anchor system which detachably mounts the harness system to the vehicle. The harness system may include a strap which wraps around the top of the PED cabinet to firmly hold the PED cabinet in place on a harness pad part of the harness system. The anchor system may include straps which connect to the motorcycle rearward of a motorcycle's gas tank and additional straps which connect to the motorcycle forward of the motorcycle's gas tank. The PED cabinet may include adjustable speakers mounted thereon. An accessory bar can be mounted to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for transport and cutting of a quantity of Duct Tape in which the tape is mounted upon a polyhedron mandrel containing a cutting blade so configured as to be cooperative with, and useful in, cutting of segments of the tape directly from the mandrel.

Abstract: A portable setting tool includes a housing (2), a guide tube (3) for guiding the fastening elements and connectable with the housing and having a side cut-out through which the fastening elements are fed into the guide tube (3), and a feeler (13) extendable into the guide tube (3) at a location opposite the cut-out (11) of the guide tube (3) and having, at an end thereof extendable into the guide tube (3), an end surface (13a) providing for displacement of the feeler (13) in a direction transverse t a longitudinal axis (14) of the guide tube (3) upon being acted upon by a fastening element, and an adjusting rim (17) adjoining the end surface (13a) and forming, with a longitudinal axis (14) of the guide tube (3), an acute angle (&agr;1) opening in a direction toward a mouth opening of the guide tube (3) with the adjusting rim providing for displacement of the feeler (13) in the transverse direction upon being acted upon by an object displaceable along the longitudinal axis (14) of the guide tube (3).

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a housing assembly with a nosepiece assembly defining a drive track. A safety trip assembly includes a trigger enabling portion and a workpiece engaging portion and is movable between an extended disabling position and a retracted enabling position. The safety trip assembly is biased toward the extended position and is moved toward the retracted position by engagement between a workpiece and the workpiece engaging member. The workpiece engaging portion is movable to permit adjustment of a length of the safety trip assembly. The workpiece engaging portion may be removed from the safety trip assembly and exchanged with another different workpiece engaging portion. A workpiece engaging portion usable with the fastener driving tool includes a positioning mechanism having an opening locating structure and a guiding structure.

Abstract: A combustion-powered nail gun drives nails into a workpiece when both a head switch and a trigger switch are turned ON. The head switch is turned ON when a push lever is urged against the workpiece. Fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber is ignited when the head switch and the trigger switch are turned ON irrespective of an order in which the head switch and the trigger switch are turned ON, whereby “successive-shot driving” can be performed in which the trigger switch is maintained in its ON position while successively driving a plurality of nails at different locations of the workpiece by repeatedly pushing and releasing the push lever toward and away from the workpiece.

Abstract: A device for securing a plug, of the type involving a piston (9) propelled by gas, has a combustion chamber (5) delimited on one side by the piston and on the other side by a cylinder head (7) with a duct (19) for injecting combustible gas open via one end (19A) into the chamber. The duct (19) has an orifice for creating a pressure drop between the part of the duct (19) upstream of the end (19A) and the chamber (5) itself, so as to at least partially avoid the vaporizing of the combustible gas in the part of the duct upstream of the end.

Abstract: An expanding gas-operated setting tool for driving fastening elements, such as nails, bolts, pins, etc., into a substrate, includes a housing (11), a setting mechanism (15), located in the housing (11) for driving the fastening element into a substrate, electrical consumers at the setting tool (10), the source of power comprising a fuel cell (31), which is mounted on the setting tool for supplying power to electronic components of the setting tool and which can be operated with fuel in a fuel reservoir (20, 30), which is mounted on the setting tool (10), and with oxygen.

Abstract: A fastener used to secure a surface layer to a base and a two-stage fastener driver used the drive the fastener into the base. The fastener comprising a non-magnetic fastener body retaining a ferro-magnetic nail. The fastener driver for driving the fastener into the base. The fastener driver having a housing for magnetically retaining the fastener.

Abstract: A fluid-fuel operated setting tool for driving in fastening elements includes a housing (11) with a combustion chamber provided therein for combusting fluid fuel, with a released energy of combustion of the fluid being used for driving in a fastening element, and a reservoir (20, 20′, 20″) for storing the fluid fuel and attached to the tool housing and having, in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis (22), a jacket (21) shape and habit of which are defined by inscribed and circumscribing envelope circles (211, 212), with the cricumscribing envelope circle having a size of its circumference greater than the size of the circumference of the insribed envelope circle.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered nail gun having a duster mechanism which is also pneumatically powered with the same pneumatic source. The nail gun includes a main body having a lower end and defines therein a compressed air chamber. A cylinder piston arrangement is disposed in the main body, and the compressed air is selectively applied to the piston for moving a driver blade connected to the piston to drive a nail. The duster mechanism includes a duster nozzle provided at the main body for ejecting a compressed air therethrough. A pressure release valve is disposed at an air passage extending between the duster nozzle and the compressed air chamber for selectively shutting off a fluid communication therebetween. A pressure regulating section is disposed at the air passage for providing a compressed air passing through the duster nozzle at a pressure lower than that in the compressed air chamber.

Abstract: A point driver is provided that comprises a body, a selectively operable actuator, a pushplate connected to the actuator, and a head. The head includes a channel disposed between a first section and a second section. At least a segment of the channel follows an arcuate path. The head is aligned with the actuator so that a portion or all of the pushplate can be driven by the selectively operable actuator through at least a portion of the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for clamping an object. The apparatus comprises a clamping mechanism and an actuation system to actuate clamping and de-clamping of the clamping mechanism, wherein the actuation system comprises two actuator devices which are operatively coupled whereby to provide an actuation force to the clamping mechanism. Preferably, the actuator devices comprises a variable reluctance actuator and a linear induction actuator coupled together and adapted to cooperate to provide the actuation force to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for locating sheet metal components includes a carrier plate and a clamping jaw swivel-mounted in relation to the carrier plate, the sheet metal components being clamped in contact areas between the carrier plate and the clamping jaw. The carrier plate is bolted to a support element, which is fixed to a base unit. Between the carrier plate and the support element there is an intermediate plate, which is positioned in relation to the carrier plate by a first set of locating pins and in relation to the support element by a second set of locating pins. The use of an intermediate plate with modified orientation of the locating pins may enable the carrier plate together with the component contact areas provided thereon to be displaced in relation to the support element.

Abstract: A system (10) for conducting welding adjacent flammable materials (12) on a platform (11) is disclosed having a chamber (13) defining an interior space (16). The system also includes a welding apparatus (48) operable within the interior space. A sensor (54) is provided for sensing the presence of combustible gas within the interior space above a pre-selected level and generating a signal. An exterior sensor (57) is provided for sensing the presence of combustible gas outside the interior space above a pre-selected level and generating a signal. A controller (66) is in communication with the welding apparatus, the sensor, and the exterior sensor to control the operations of the welding apparatus in response to signals received from the sensor.

Abstract: A rotary tool (200) having on the end surface of a large-diameter portion (210) facing a small-diameter portion (220) grooves (213) formed in arc-like shapes, and performing friction stir weld by inserting the end surface of the large-diameter portion (210) and the small-diameter portion to members and rotating the tool (200). By the rotation, the metal of the members moves along the grooves (213) to the center axis direction of the rotary tool (200). The arc-shaped grooves (213)are formed to curve toward the direction of rotation. Since the metal material of the members is moved toward the center, a good weld is realized even when only one of the members to be welded has a projection, or when a large gap is formed therebetween.

Abstract: Fluoride-based flux is uniformly dispersed in and mixed with synthetic resin, which has fluidity at room temperature and sublimes at a temperature lower than a brazing temperature, so as to constitute 40 to 70 wt. % of the mixture, thereby producing coating material. This coating material is applied to coating belts which undergo rotation and is transferred from the coating belts to the surface of the aluminum material. The coating material has high viscosity and stably adheres to the transferred areas.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to employ a solder alloy comprising tin/lead/silver in order to provide a wider solidification range and achieve balance between the surface tensions of both side of a small leadless component. The expanded solidification range slows the melting and wetting time so as to balance the surface tension of the molten solder, and in turn reduces the tombstoning frequency. The preferred Ag concentration is 0.2-0.5% in weight, the more preferred Ag concentration is 0.3-0.4% in weight. For reflow soldering of small leadless components, the pastes made with the alloy compositions of Sn62.6Pb37Ag0.4 and Sn63Pb36.6Ag0.4 results in improvements in tombstoning.

Abstract: An octagonal bulk bin of corrugated paperboard has opposed parallel side walls spaced a predetermined distance apart and opposed parallel end walls spaced a predetermined distance apart. The side and end walls are joined by diagonal corner panels. The diagonal corner panels are made wider than the corner panels in a conventional bin, and the side and end walls are narrower, with the corner panels and the end walls having approximately the same width, while maintaining the predetermined spacing. This configuration reduces the bulge experienced when product is loaded into the bin. In addition to the wider corner panels, or in lieu thereof, scores may be placed in at least one of the side and end panels to define a line along which controlled and predetermined buckling will take place, if buckling occurs.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device for imaging a volume is provided with at least one main magnet for generating a magnetic field, and at least one gradient coil for manipulating the magnetic field generated by the at least one main magnet to image the volume. The magnetic fields generated by the at least one gradient coil are substantially unshielded.

Abstract: A business card that contains printed textual information on the first side and magnetic media for storing electronic information on a second side. The second side contains all of the printed information displayed on the first side of the document. The business card also allows users to include additional information on the second side such as attached files and hyperlinks. To write and read to and from the business card, a reader/writer is disclosed. The reader/writer interfaces to a desktop computer. A software program in the personal computer enables reading and writing data to and from the business card. Because the data to be read is in XML format, any application capable of handling data in XML format will be able to process the information scanned from the card.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user. Documents produced by the machine such as receipts, checks or money orders as well as notes dispensed from the machine are assembled into a stack within the machine and delivered from the machine through the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for inhibiting fraud in relation to the use of negotiable instruments and, particularly, in relation to cheques and credit cards. The system requires the owners of cheques and credit cards to be registered with the system, as well as the presentees to whom cheques and credit cards are presented. Via an authorisation and verification procedure to be followed respectively by owners and presentees, particularly by communicating with a central communication and processing unit, fraud in relation to the presentation of cheques and credit cards can be largely eliminated. Communication with the central communication and processing unit will be via telephone lines, although adaptation to accommodate internet communication also is envisaged.

Abstract: Existing delivery systems, such as the U.S. Postal System, can be modified to operate more efficiently, and to maintain confidentiality regarding a specific address and/or recipient identity. A coded designation, preferably alphanumeric, is assigned to individual recipients. Destination data, as well as other data regarding the recipient is accessed from a database using the coded designation. Recipient information is kept within the system and is not exposed to those outside of it, thereby maintaining a high level of confidentiality and security for the recipient. Because full addresses do not have to be read or otherwise input into the system, the use of the short coded designation provides more reliable operation, as well as much faster operation of the routing and delivery system.

Abstract: An automated transaction system includes an automated transaction machine (10) for carrying out banking transactions. The machine includes a plurality of customer stations (16, 18, 20) at which customers may conduct transactions. Each of the transactions requested by customers is carried out using a set of transaction function devices (34) positioned within or adjacent to the machine housing. The robotic item handling device (42) is included among the transaction function devices and enables moving items between the customer stations and the transaction function devices included in the machine. The machine is enabled to carry out transactions for multiple users simultaneously. The machine is also readily configured to add and delete transaction function devices, thereby more readily changing the types of transactions which may be conducted.

Abstract: A method for quantifying risk of fraud associated with a purchasing card transaction includes obtaining a charge-back history associated with a consumer involved in the purchasing card transaction; and determining a risk score based on the charge-back history. In one embodiment of the invention, the step of obtaining a charge-back history includes obtaining a reason code for each charge-back included in the charge-back history.

Abstract: An on-premises restaurant paging system and method for paging a customer in the restaurant. A data token provided to the customer includes an encoded customer identifier which the customer inputs into one of a plurality of paging receivers that are mounted on different tables in the restaurant. Each of the paging receivers includes a data input device for reading the data token, and storing the customer identifier in a database. A programmable paging transmitter broadcasts a paging message in the restaurant that includes a broadcast customer identifier. Each of the fixed paging receivers receives the broadcast paging message, extracts the broadcast customer identifier, and compares the broadcast customer identifier with the customer identifier stored in its database. The paging receiver that determines a match generates an alert signal to alert the customer.

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 scanning system utilizes a randomly addressable image sensor which is selectively positioned at the Scheimpflug angle in the image plane in order to detect focused light reflected from an object. Light reflected from the object is focused onto the sensor through an objective lens. Since the sensor is mounted at the Scheimpflug angle, each strip within the depth of field of the object plane has corresponding pixels on the sensor which are in focus.

Abstract: A mouse incorporating a camera captures an image of embedded data from a substrate under the mouse. The embedded data in the image is decoded to determine address or location information coded in the embedded data. Based on the decoded information and other user input signals, such as mouse button selection signals, the computer executes operations. The mouse also has a display controlled by the computer for providing visual feedback to a user. The display might generate an image of the substrate area under the mouse, making it appear to the user as if they are looking through the mouse directly onto the substrate. The display may also generate visual feedback regarding operations occurring in the computer, such as selection or other computer operations.

Abstract: A device for the sensitization/desensitization of magnetic security strips/EAS markers, the device comprising an electromagnetic transducer that operates alternately on AC/DC power to provide a small zone of electromagnetic flux that will sensitize/desensitize such strips or markers without damage to videos, audios, other equipment and operators.

Abstract: Wireless data communications using a master/slave protocol are easily established between a master radio module which is part of a POS terminal and a slave radio module which is part of a portable bar code scanning device. A bar code identifying the portable bar code scanning device is provided on the outside of the housing of the portable device. By scanning this bar code with a scanner associated with the POS terminal, such as a fixed scanner built onto a counter, the master/slave radio communications link can be automatically implemented.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. In one configuration, a data reader such as a bar code scanner is equipped with an EAS deactivation module disposed behind the scanner surface preferably downstream and/or upstream of the scanner window. The system may be configured such that the EAS deactivation module is interchangeable from the right side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for left-to-right scanning motion) to the left side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for right-to-left scanning motion). In other configurations, the deactivation module may be disposed in the housing adjacent to the window and oriented longitudinally and parallel to the sweep direction of the item. The EAS deactivation modules have various configurations such as simple planar coils, a magnetically active core with coil windings, or two part L-shape construction.

Abstract: An image input system includes a solid state image pickup device and a preprocessor for performing correlated double sampling amplification on an output of the image pickup device and outputting a video signal. The preprocessor has a correlated double sampling amplifier for outputting signal information corresponding to a difference voltage between the black level in a feedthrough period of the image pickup device and a signal level in a charge signal output period; and an offset cancelling circuit for cancelling an offset voltage corresponding to the difference voltage in a state where the image pickup device is optically interrupted to the input terminal of the correlated double sampling amplifier. The correlated double sampling amplifier cancels out the offset voltage and the offset cancelling voltage as signal components of polarities opposite to each other, so that circuits following the correlated double sampling amplifier are not influenced by the offset voltage.

Abstract: Techniques for arrangement of components in a bar code scanner so as to make efficient use of space are described. A scanner includes a single scan window, a laser source for producing a laser beam, a rotating optical spinner to reflect the laser beam to produce a scan beam and a collection of fixed mirrors to reflect the scan beam in order to give it a desired optical length and to direct it out of the scan window. In order to make efficient use of space within the scanner, the spinner comprises a multifaceted hollow reflector, and a collector mirror is placed within a volume bounded by the reflector. The space made available by placement of the collector within the volume bounded by the collector makes it possible to arrange the collection of fixed mirrors such that the scan beam experiences at least three reflections after leaving the spinner.

Abstract: A portable hand-supportable data terminal for allowing an operator to enter, collect, and display data. The data terminal comprises a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture and an automatically-activated bar code symbol reading subsystem integrated therewithin. The bar code symbol reading subsystem includes a bar code symbol reading mechanism. Each instant a bar code symbol is read within a predetermined time period, a symbol character data string representative of the read bar code symbol is automatically produced. A manually-activatable data transmission switch generates a data transmission control activation signal in response to the activation of the switch. A system controller controls a data transmission circuit so that the symbol character data string, produced at substantially the same time when the data transmission control activation signal is generated, is transmitted to a data storage device aboard the data terminal or to a host system in communication therewith.

Abstract: A memory card is disclosed which has a card body (2) having a concavity (9) formed at the forward end thereof in the inserting direction and in which terminals (5) are disposed and projections (10) are formed between the terminals (5) to prevent the terminals (5) from being touched or accessed from outside. A receptacle for the memory card is also disclosed. The memory card has a simple structure designed to positively protect the terminals and easily let out dust or the like from inside, thereby permitting to assure a positive connection with the receptacle.

Abstract: A conductor track supporting layer for laminating inside a chip card includes at least one conductor track and connecting areas that are connected to the conductor track. The conductor track is applied to the conductor track supporting layer during a screen printing method and is made of a screen printing paste. The conductor track supporting layer has indentations which are located in the area of the connecting areas and which are filled with the screen printing paste during the screen printing process. As a result, it is possible to produce conductor track supporting layers provided with connecting areas of varying thicknesses which enable the production of recesses in the chip cards, after the conductor track supporting layers are laminated in chip cards. These recesses expose the connecting i, areas for connection to electronic components. And, the sensitive strip conductors, also located in the chip card, are prevented from becoming damaged.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for a smart card may include a universal serial bus (USB) transceiver and a microprocessor connected to the USB transceiver and operable in a test mode and a user mode. The microprocessor, when in the test mode, upon receiving at least one test request from the USB host device may cause the USB transceiver to output test data, read back the test data from the USB transceiver, compare the test data with the test data read back from USB transceiver, and generate test results for the USB host device based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A digital programmable thermostat comprising up and down temperature adjustment buttons, an LCD display, and a Program button, which a user can simply press once to initiate a single setback program that sets back the last user selected temperature setting during a predetermined setback time period. The thermostat can also automatically set the current time and date, to allow the user to initiate the program without having to set the current time and date.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a critical process variable, such as the temperature of one or more temperature control units for cluster tools in a semiconductor fabrication facility, uses dual interrelated PID) algorithms for interrelated but at times separate control of heating capabilities. The temperature control units operate with high power efficiency, because no heating energy is expended during cooling and non-transition modes. When approaching a temperature threshold, however, the heating algorithm is reinstated just long enough to provide minimum undershoot and enabling precise, low per consuming, steady state control at ±0.1° C., minimizing undershoot and enabling precise steady state control at ±0.1° C.

Abstract: A combustion exhaler for the vaporization of an insecticide or perfumed substance, comprises a housing (1, 2) having intake and exit vents (4), and a solid porous combustible element (6, 9) impregnated with said substance, placed inside said housing between said intake and exit vents, and fixed onto appropriate support means. The combustible element shows a high ratio between the mass of the active substance and the mass of the combustible element and, in one embodiment, a low mass/length ratio.

Abstract: A system utilizing a rotary atomizer for applying a liquid based substance to particles. In one example, a motor provides an in-line, direct drive force on a cage atomizer. With some systems, the cage atomizer has a vertical axis of rotation. With some systems, the motor is mounted external to the particle path and supported by a housing structure that provides an angled particle path. With some systems, other types of rotary atomizers may be used such as disk, bowl, or hollow disk rotary atomizers. With some examples of cage atomizers, a first portion of the cage atomizer may include a thread set that screws to a thread set of a second portion to hold a perforated structure in place. With some systems, the thread sets surround the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A fluid spraying apparatus (10) comprising a generally cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis, which body comprises: a first fixed part (12) comprising inlet means (16) adapted for connection to a pumped supply of fluid, and turbine means (40, 42, 44) arranged to be driven by said fluid; and a second rotatable part (14) comprising gear means (46-60), and one or more nozzles (82) in fluid communication with the turbine means for outletting the fluid as one or more jets, which nozzles extend radially of the longitudinal axis, which rotatable part is drivable by the turbine means through said gear means such that said nozzles are caused to rotate about said longitudinal axis; characterized in that none of the nozzles extends radially of the longitudinal axis further than the body. The apparatus is adapted to operate at a working pressure of 4-8 bar to provide a flow-rate of 400-700 m3/hr, and is thus suitable for use with low pressure pumps of the kind often found at oil refineries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering aromatic substances for olfactory stimulation, treatment and/or therapy which includes a delivery assembly including a chamber into which air is introduced and subsequently delivered under even pressure through a mixing venturi. A plurality of conveying conduits are selectively communicated with the venturi so that aromatic substances are entrained in the air passing through the venturi to a discharge mask or zone. The conduits communicate with a plurality of containers of aromatic liquids, solids, and semi-solids. The containers are subject to selective introduction of pressurized air by way of a plurality of valves. A system is provided for controlling the operation of the valves to thereby control the substances discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle assembly includes an injector body including a valve seat with a supply passage through which fuel flows generally along a supply axis. A nozzle plate having a top surface and a bottom surface is mounted onto the valve seat. The top surface includes a recess formed therein whereby fuel flows into the recess from the supply passage. A plurality of swirl chambers are formed within the top surface, each having a conical orifice extending from the swirl chamber to the bottom surface of the nozzle plate. A plurality of channels interconnect each of the swirl chambers to the recess, wherein the channels meet the swirl chambers offset from a center of the swirl chambers.

Abstract: A two-stage magnet valve for injectors of injection systems for internal combustion engines is proposed, which is very compact and simple in design, because an in-line connection of the first valve spring and a second valve spring can be avoided.

Abstract: An injector has an orifice plate formed with plural orifices. At a radially outward position of the orifice plate is disposed a wall at least partially. It is preferable that the wall be disposed at a lower position in the direction of gravity. In the wall is formed a guide hole toward an area on the orifice plate where a strong negative pressure is developed. A portion of fuel injected from the injector adheres as adhered fuel to the orifice plate or the wall. Under the action of a negative pressure on the orifice plate the guide hole sucks in the adhered fuel and returns it onto the surface of the orifice plate. The adhered fuel flows from the wall onto the surface of the orifice plate and again joins a fuel jet injected from the orifices. By utilizing a negative pressure developed near the plural orifices, the adhered fuel can be recovered and again injected. Consequently, it is possible to decrease the amount of adhered fuel.

Abstract: A method of producing glass as an abrasive media for cutting materials includes the steps of providing a glass feed stock and reducing the glass feed stock in size to produce glass particles with a high angularity and low aspect ratio. The method also includes the step of classifying the glass particles to remove at least one of coarses and fines. The method further includes the steps of size classifying the glass particles to produce an abrasive media with a predetermined size classification for use in abrasivejet cutting of materials.

Abstract: A food ingredient grinder assembly (10) having ingredient hoppers (12) and grinding blades (20) for grinding ingredient upon receipt within grinding chamber (14) has a controller that maintains a motor (38) operating after the ingredient in the grinding chamber has been depleted to vibrate and blow away residual ground ingredient from interior surfaces of the grinder assembly to reduce contamination of different type of ingredient subsequently ground in the same grinding chamber and passed to a brew basket (24) through the same outlets and manifold (50). In one embodiment the grinding blades are controlled according to a preselected time period and in another embodiment the control is based on the net weight of the ground ingredient within the brew basket (24) which is measured through use of strain gages (30).