Abstract: The present invention relates to a security mailbox. The mailbox includes an inner and an outer sleeve which are slidably engaged with one another. Each sleeve has an alternating pattern of an opaque portion and a transparent portion. When the transparent portions are aligned with one another, the user is able to view the contents of the mailbox. The mailbox additionally includes a remote control for activating the power source, which slides the inner sleeve underlying the outer sleeve. In combination with a latch mechanism, this remote control also enables the user to open the mailbox door from a considerable distance away.

Abstract: A system is described for the identification, localization, storage and output of objets which carry electronically stored identity information. The system comprises at least one storage container with a reading device for reading the identity information, a display device for displaying the presence, position, or absence of the objects and an output device for releasing the objects which are stored inaccessibly or blocked. The electronically stored identity information can be read wirelessly by the reading device via a transponder located in the respective object.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a generation section configured to embed a new watermark in an original content containing an original watermark to generate a new content, and a recording section configured to record the new content.

Abstract: A processor automatically sets a direction of transferring electronic money information depending on the existence of IC cards connected to IC connecting portions and the existence of an external device connected to an external device connecting terminal, thus making instructing operations for transferring electronic money information easier.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides a variety of systems and methods for effectuating transactions using a point-of-sale device. The present invention is applicable to a broad range of transaction types including but not limited to, money or other value transfers, value transfers, check acceptance protocols, loyalty program utilization, fraud detection, and the like. The methods of the present invention provide the ability to fulfill the various transaction types through access to one or more transaction systems accessible to the point-of-sale device. Thus, in some instances, a common point-of-sale device can be used to effectuate different transaction types depending upon which transaction systems are accessible to the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A cashing device for a prepaid card in a housing which contains a card receiving unit for prepaid cards, a card reading unit to determine the balance on the old prepaid card inserted into the device, a card writing unit to initialize and record the balance on a card, a card handling unit for moving the prepaid card selectively between the various units within the device, a money storage unit and money dispenser for selectively dispensing various denominations from the money storage unit. The device has a display unit with an integrated touch panel keyboard for a user interface. The touch panel keyboard unit issues commands to the control unit which in turn operates the units in the device to refund the balance of a prepaid to the user. The device has a storage area for prepaid cards to recycle the prepaid card after cashing. The device has the capability of returning tokens instead of cash for the balance on a prepaid card. Hence, the device contains a token storage unit and a token dispensing unit.

Abstract: A portable voting booth may be placed into a closed configuration for transportation and storage where a bivalve case closes to seal an electronic voting device

Abstract: An interface card (16) comprising a substrate (60) with indicia (14) formed thereon is disclosed. The card (10) is configured for insertion into a read device (1). The read device (1) has a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane (8) arranged to overlay the interface card (16) so as to present the indicia (14) to a user of the read device (1) through the membrane (8). The card (16) comprises a memory (19) for storing a distinguishing identifier and a service identifier for identifying a service to be received via an external device (100, 601) according to indicia selected by the user and data stored in the memory (19) and associated with the indicia (14).

Abstract: The personalisation of intelligent portable objects such as smart cards is performed on a device having a support with, on one of its faces, locations intended to receive the objects (1) to be personalised. Remote from this face, equipment for electrical personalisation (40) of the objects is disposed. A graphical printing station is provided to operate upon objects located on the support, which is moved with respect to the graphical printing station (5). The electrical personalisation and the graphical printing take place at lest in part simultaneously.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle classification and identification (AVIC) system for installation along a roadway. The system comprises first and second planar light illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based imaging and profiling subsystems mounted above and along side of the roadway. The function of these subsystems is to profile the geometry of top and side surfaces of each vehicle travelling under the subsystem and generate vehicle profile data for each such vehicle, and also, to capture digital images of both the front and rear license plates mounted on each vehicle, and generate vehicle image data representative of each captured digital image thereof. A computer system is provided for receiving vehicle image and profile data generated by first and second PLIIM based profiling systems, and processing the vehicle image and profile data so as to automatically identify and classify each vehicle travelling along said roadway.

Abstract: Techniques for using imaging information computed from examining a scanner signal are described. When one or more objects passes within a field of view of a scanner, scan patterns emerging from one or more scanner windows and reflected from the objects back into the scanner windows produce one or more scanner signals. The scanner signals are processed to obtain beam position and beam length information to improve the accuracy of bar code decoding and to compute imaging information for objects within the field of view of the scanner. The imaging information for the objects is compared with bar code information for the objects. The expected number, size and shapes of objects indicated by the bar code information is compared with the actual number, size and shapes of objects in order to determine if valid scans occurred or if missed, double or otherwise erroneous scans occurred.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: A still image of a moving object is restored from portions including the object in an image by using a movement distance of the object during an exposure time and the difference value between output values of adjacent pixels, the movement distance being calculated as a number of pixels. Therefore, especially in cases where a moving bar code is imaged, even if the image of the bar code is blurred as a result of the movement of the bar code during imaging, a still image of the bar code in which the outlines of the black portions and white portions of the bar code are clear can be obtained. Accordingly, bar code information can be read out from the imaged bar code.

Abstract: A scanner for the detection of one-dimensional and/or two-dimensional codes has a light receiver arranged in a housing and an optical receiving system associated therewith and also accommodated in the housing. At least one light source is additionally provided in the housing to illuminate the region to be scanned arranged in a scanning plane. At least one of the light source and the optical receiving system is movable in order to allow a reading distance between the housing and the object plane to be varied.

Abstract: A bar code reader provided with a laser diode (2) and a rotatory mirror (8) for deflecting a laser beam emitted by the laser diode for scanning, wherein a strip (20A) attached to the rotatory mirror (8), serving as a sensing indicator, is sensed at a position corresponding to a reading start edge of a laser beam scanning range of a bar code (1), and rotation of the rotatory mirror (8) is stopped for a predetermined time length after sensing of the strip (20A) and measurement of a scanning time length up to the final position of bar code reading, respectively, in the case of automatic scanning while rotation of the rotatory mirror (8) is locked upon measurement of half of a scanning time length up to the final position of the bar code reading after the sensing of the strip (20A) in the case of manual scanning, so that the laser beam can be recognized with ease, enabling focusing thereof or the manual scanning to be implemented.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a position for a rotating optical element, or spinner, of a bar code scanner are described. A diffractive element is positioned so as to be struck by a laser beam produced by a laser source and reflected from the spinner when the spinner is in a reference position. The diffractive element diffracts the reflected beam to produce a diffracted line which strikes a reference position photodetector, thereby causing the reference position photodetector to produce a reference position photosignal. The reference position photosignal can be read by a controller to determine when the spinner is in the reference position and used by the controller as a signal to deactivate the laser source.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus and method for automatic gain control during scanning. The apparatus comprises an optical detector to receive an optical signal reflected from a symbol positioned within a scan window by an optical beam scanned from a leading edge of the scan window to a trailing edge of the scan window; and a processor coupled to the optical detector to adjust the gain of the optical detector during the beam scan. The process comprises receiving an optical signal using an optical detector, wherein the optical signal comprises optical energy reflected from a symbol positioned in a scan window as an optical beam scans from a leading edge of the scan window to a trailing edge of the scan window, and adjusting the gain of the optical detector during receipt of the optical signal.

Abstract: A mobile bar code driven information access terminal for remotely accessing package delivery instructions for an Internet information server on the Internet. A programmed bar code symbol reader is integrated within a hand-supportable housing, for reading a bar code symbol encoded with a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) specifying the location of an Internet information resource to be accessed and displayed. The bar code symbol is applied to a package to be delivered to a destination. A computing platform is disposed within the hand-supportable housing, and supports an Internet browser program for accessing and displaying the Internet information resource specified by a URL. A network communication device interconnects the Internet browser program to an Internet information server by way of a 2-way wireless telecommunication link.

Abstract: A security card is provided in which an ink region 6 bearing image or textural data is printed onto a substrate 4. A reflective portion 8 is also provided on the substrate 4. A plastics protective layer 7 is deposited over the ink 6 and reflective element 8. Portions 10 of the protective layer 7 are overworked in order to change their appearance. Those portions overlying the reflective element 8 exhibit enhanced visibility.

Abstract: To track a large number of tools, the tools are kept in sets with each set having a container. A silhouette of each tool stored in the container is printed at the point of storage along with a data matrix symbology that has stored in binary code a description of the tool, the part number, and an identification of the kit of which it is a part. The associated tool has etched into the surface thereof a data matrix symbology containing the same information as the code printed at the point of storage. The data matrix symbology is readable by a scanner and a record of all the tools is maintained on a computer. Metal tools, may have a chrome, black oxide or stainless steel surface. To prepare the surface of a metal tool for receiving a data matrix symbology applied by a laser, the surface is sand blasted and coated with an suitable epoxy to inhance contrast.

Abstract: In a data recording and reproducing method, data blocks are recorded in a storage unit. Priority levels each for one of the data blocks are set and stored. It is determined whether or not a vacant area of the storage unit is expected to be short. When the vacant area of the storage unit is expected to be short. The data blocks recorded in the storage unit are recompressed in accordance with the stored priority levels.

Abstract: A security instrument and method of forming the same, in which the instrument is comprised of a series of layers which overlay one another, and in which at least one of the layers has a pattern imprinted thereon in a predetermined location, with pearlescent materials of varying colors and hues. When the layers are bonded together on a base member, a design emerges at the surface that provides optical variations, depending on the attitude and lighting at which the instrument is viewed.

Abstract: A data carrier is disclosed. The data carrier includes a data processing unit and at least one contactless interface via which the data processing unit can be coupled to a read/write apparatus in order to exchange data signals and to take up electrical energy for the operation of the data processing unit; the data processing unit is constructed at least mainly while using at least substantially asynchronously operating logic components (asynchronous logic). The data carrier according to the invention, such as a chip card, makes optimum use of the energy applied thereto and is at the same time protected against the tapping of the signal processing steps to be executed therein.

Abstract: A sheet of printing paper has an RFID tag for receiving, storing, and transmitting data through radio wave signals. A printer detects the RFID data to be written in the RFID tag in the received data and records the RFID data in the RFID tag on a sheet of printing paper in addition to the general printing operation. A copy machine can copy the RFID data from the RFID tag on the sheet of document paper to the RFID tag on the sheet of printing paper in addition to the image copying. ID data or inhibit/permission data from the RFID tag is used to control the copy operation and transmission in a facsimile. ID data is recorded on the RFID tag on the sheet of the document paper or the printing paper on copying or transmission. The RFID data is transmitted by the facsimile in addition to image data transmission.

Abstract: A data carrier (1) for the transmission of transmission data (UD) to a base station over a transmission time range (TT) containing load time ranges (TA) and load relief time ranges (TB0, TB1) comprises cut-off means (13) which, once activated, set principal power consumers (10, 12) of the data carrier (1) into an energy-saving operating condition for a cut-off time range containing the load time range (TA), so that the storage capacitor (9) for operation of the passive data carrier (1) over the load time ranges (TA) may advantageously have only a relatively low capacitance.

Abstract: A group of SAW RFID tags or sensors each has a transducer with interdigitated fingers, a different set of fingers in each tag or sensor being reversed in phase to cause the tag or sensor to provide a unique identifier in a returned impulse response produced by the tag or sensor when interrogated by an interrogation signal.

Abstract: A identify card includes, on a first surface, human readable information relevant to the owner of the identify card and, on a second surface thereof, containing encoded information encoded in a highly fault tolerant manner, the information being adapted for sensing by a sensing device and decoded by a computational processor so as to provide information relevant to the owner in a human readable form. Preferably, the encoded information is distributed across substantially the total of the second surface of the identify card. The encoded information can be printed on the second surface and the human readable information can comprise business contact details for the owner of the identify card. The encoded information can include company information for a company associated with the owner.

Abstract: The invention relates especially to a method for producing a product that is secure against fraud, i.e. a security product.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner controls the air-conditioning automatically based on a control characteristic. The control characteristic, such as a blower voltage calculation map, is selected from plural control characteristics, or obtained by a calculation based on the personal information of the passenger or the manual operation for the air conditioner by the passenger. The control characteristic is selected or calculated as the one which is supposed to be suitable for the passenger's preference. The control characteristic can be used as a basis, or a specific characteristic for learning the passenger's preference after the control characteristic is determined.

Abstract: A sensor well mechanism is disclosed for that may be directed inserted into an enclosure where a measurement of the atmosphere within the enclosure is desired. The sensor well is provided with a drilling head and a drill point allowing the sensor well to be directly inserted into an enclosure using a tool. The sensor well is provided with a bore and slots such that a sensor may be provided within the bore of the sensor well and may be exposed to the atmosphere of an enclosure after the sensor well is inserted into the enclosure.

Abstract: A diffuser device (100) for diffusing solutions comprises a refill (6) containing the solution to be diffused, a wick (7) disposed partially inside the refill (6) to absorb the solution, a heater (1) coupled to the refill (6) and to the wick (7) and comprising a resistance (8), able to increase in temperature when crossed by a current, for heating the wick (7) and supply means (5) able to electrically supply the resistance (8), the resistance (8) being supported by a support (20) mounted movably in the heater (1) to be able to pass, by manual operation, from a position distal to the wick (7) wherein minimum heating of the wick occurs to a position proximal to the wick wherein maximum heating of the wick occurs.

Abstract: Provided is a system for delivering a liquid sample to an inlet of an analytical instrument. Included is an acoustic ejector driven by a drive system that generates drive signals provided to the ejector. The drive signals are generated with a pulse width sufficient to eject at least a portion of the liquid sample. A reservoir provided for holding the liquid sample is in operational arrangement with the acoustic ejector. A liquid sample voltage source is located within the reservoir, and the liquid sample voltage source is designed to provide a charge to the liquid sample. An analytical instrument voltage source is in operational arrangement with the analytical instrument and is designed to provide a voltage bias between the reservoir and the analytical instrument. In another aspect of the invention, provided is a method for delivering a liquid sample to an inlet of an analytical instrument.

Abstract: This above ground sprinkler system for a water supply provides a main supply hose having an inlet connected to the water supply and an outlet. A main valve is disposed between bib end of the hose and the water supply. A central station including a water supply inlet is connected to the main supply hose outlet and a plurality of hose outlets, each having an associated flow control valve, supplies water to sprinklers, or similar devices at the outer end of hoses which are connected at their inner ends to the outlets. A control system for directing the water supply to the individual hose outlets is provided including a timer. A relief valve is provided for draining water from the main supply hose and a backflow preventor valve is provided for preventing back-siphonage into the water supply.

Abstract: A liquid spraying system having a spray head and a recirculating liquid supply system for directing pressurized supply liquid to the spray head with a portion of the liquid being directed from the spray head as a discharging spray and a portion of the supply liquid exiting the spray head as a return liquid. The liquid supply system includes two separate selectively pressurizable liquid containable tanks each having a respective fluid conduit coupled to the spray head. The liquid supply system has (1) a first cycle of operation in which the first tank is pressurized and the second tank is depressurized so that pressurized liquid is supplied from the first tank to the spray head and return liquid is directed to the second tank, and (2) a second cycle of operation in which the second tank is pressurized and the first tank depressurized so that liquid is supplied to the spray head from the second tank and return liquid is directed to the first tank.

Abstract: A side-handle mist sprayer has a mist-liquid container (3) with a side handle (1) vertically above a container base (2). A finger aperture (4) is positioned between a front container extension (5) and the side handle. A spray-trigger pump (6) having a spray trigger (7) is contained in the side handle. The spray trigger is positioned forwardly from the side handle for being finger operable with one or more fingers of a user inserted into the finger aperture for simultaneously holding the side-handle mist sprayer in a use orientation and squeezing the spray trigger to mist-pump liquid from the mist-liquid container through a mist nozzle (9) on a top-front side of the front container extension. A soft-blade fan (10) extended from a fan-power pack (11) is positioned on a front side of the front container extension. The mist nozzle is positioned to direct mist onto back sides of soft blades of the soft-blade fan for being fanned by rotation of the soft-blade fan.

Abstract: A reversible, adjustable arc sprinkler head comprising a sprinkler body incorporating a fixed nozzle; a spray plate mounted on one end of a support cage for rotation with the support cage in one or the other of two opposite directions about a first axis arranged coaxially with a stream emitted from the nozzle, and for back and forth tilting motion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, an opposite end of the support cage secured to a sleeve rotatably mounted in the sprinkler body, the spray plate having a pair of substantially parallel grooves for selectively receiving the stream, wherein the direction of rotation of the spray plate about the first axis is determined by the tilting motion of the spray plate about the second axis; and a shift lever formed with an aperture sized to receive the stream, the shift lever mounted at one end on the sleeve for rotation about a third axis parallel to the first axis, the shift lever enabled to shift the stream from one of the pair of grooves to the other o

Abstract: A fertilizer dispenser with an inlet compartment and an outlet compartment with an inlet into the top of the inlet compartment. The inlet is connected to an inlet sub-line directed into the inlet compartment and an outlet sub-line directed into the outlet compartment. An outlet is located in the bottom of the outlet compartment. The inlet compartment and the outlet compartment are separated by a baffle which permits flow over the baffle from the inlet compartment to the outlet compartment. The fertilizer dispenser is used with a System for watering with a supply hoses connected in series with seep hoses. The seep hoses are located about the vegetation to be watered while the supply hoses are connected in series to the seep hoses.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to mix in a mixing chamber within the apparatus a waterless paint concentrate maintained in a reservoir within the apparatus. The concentrate is stored in the reservoir in a concentration unsuitable for application to a paintable surface. The concentrate is mixed with water received into the mixing chamber under external waterline pressure forming a paint suitable for application to a paintable surface. The paint is then discharged from the apparatus through a spray nozzle. Mixing occurs in the apparatus concurrently with discharge through the nozzle as water flows through the apparatus. The apparatus as largely a container of waterless paint concentrate with a simple mix and discharge spray head attached is disposable after consumption of the concentrate without need for cleaning.

Abstract: An external supply system includes a sensing device to provide flush water automatically, and a supply device to provide cleaning liquid. The supply device is connected to the sensing device to provide the flush water and the cleaning liquid. Thus, the supply device co-operates with the sensing device to provide the cleaning agent and the flush water synchronously, thereby facilitating the user washing and cleaning the object.

Abstract: A high pressure misting nozzle is disclosed having a nozzle stem body with a fluid inlet and a first chamber in communication with the fluid inlet, a fogger nozzle attached to the nozzle stem body, the fogger nozzle having a nozzle orifice and a second chamber in communication with the nozzle orifice and the first chamber, a valve member movably located in the first chamber and movable between a closed position preventing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the first chamber, and an open position which allows fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the first chamber, and a nozzle pin movably located in the second chamber, the nozzle pin having fluid metering notches and being freely movable between a first position in which it is displaced away from the nozzle orifice, and a second position in which it is located adjacent to the nozzle orifice, the fluid entering the second chamber urging the nozzle pin toward the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method an apparatus for atomizing liquids. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for atomizing heavy hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel, as part of a fuel reforming process. During normal operating conditions the fuel is atomized by a high pressure fluid. Under start-up conditions when only a low pressure gas is available the fuel films across part of the nozzle and is subsequently atomized by a radially directed low pressure dispersion gas.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve having a valve body (5), in which a pistonlike valve member (7) is guided longitudinally displaceably in a bore (15) embodied as a blind bore. A conical valve seat (23) and at least one injection port (25) are embodied on the bottom face of the bore (15), and the injection port connects a pressure chamber (11), formed between the portion (107) of the valve member (7) toward the combustion chamber and the bore (15), with the combustion chamber. On the end toward the combustion chamber of the valve member (7), there is a valve member tip (13), on which a first conical face (30), adjacent to the valve member (7), and a second conical face (32), disposed on the combustion chamber side of the first conical face, are embodied.

Abstract: A drip irrigation water distribution device having a housing with a top, bottom and side wall forming a chamber therein. The bottom of the housing has a rotatable coupling attached thereto and configured for attachment to a water conduit member, such as a riser, to allow water under pressure to enter the bubbler. A plurality of valves are disposed in valve openings in the housing. Each valve is in corresponding relationship with a valve receiving member that has an opening in communication with the chamber and a discharge passage. An outlet member connects to a distribution line. The opening is configured to receive a reduced section of the valve to selectively allow water to flow to the discharge passage. The opening is securely closed by lowering the reduced section until it tightly abuts against the opening. An integral screen is included to filter debris in the water supply.

Abstract: A liquid spray module which can be individually used, or which can be easily mounted in ganged side-by-side relation with a plurality of such modules. Each module includes a spray gun cartridge having liquid passages through the liquid to be sprayed, is directed and one or more air passages through which pressurized air may be directed for assisting in atomization of the liquid and controlling operating movement of a valve needle. Each spray gun cartridge further includes a manifold body having a central bore into which the spray gun cartridge is removably mounted and liquid and air inlet and outlet passages which communicate with the liquid and air spray gun cartridge passages. The spray gun cartridge is removable from the manifold body without disconnection of fluid supply lines to the manifold body and without removal of the manifold body from a ganged mounted array of such spray modules.

Abstract: An automatic start mechanism for a shredding apparatus is disclosed. The shredding apparatus includes a shredding mechanism for cutting the paper when the paper passes through a channel, a power source for outputting a motive power for the shredding mechanism, a trigger disposed at an entrance of the channel for arising a move when the paper passing through the channel to be against thereto, a delay unit for producing an against force driven by the power source, a lever connected between the trigger and the delay unit for moving in response to the trigger and the delay unit against, and a switch electrically connected to the power source and contacted to a first portion of the lever. The distance between the first portion of the lever and the trigger is smaller than a distance between the delay unit and the trigger.

Abstract: A crushing breaking—apparatus is shown having opposed jaw like members between which work to be crushed is placed; the jaw like members are brought closer to each other and in so doing the work becomes crushed; during loading and crushing of the work the lower ends of the jaw like members are held so close to each as to prevent the work, in the main, from falling out from the jaw like members.

Abstract: The device for the in situ disposal of incontinence articles comprises a basic housing (11) in which is placed a device (20) made of a drum-type housing (21) with an upper filling opening (22) and a cylindrical drum (30) placed in the inner space (23) of the housing (21), stationary or which can be set rotating about a horizontal axis of rotation (24) in one direction or alternately by means of a first driving device (25), with a filling opening (32) for the material to dispose of and with two wall plates (33, 34) closing both drum openings (30a, 30b) on the front side, the first wall plate (33) being connected with the drum housing and the second wall plate (34) being configured displaceable by means of a second driving device (35) in the drum rotation axis longitudinal direction or displaceable and rotatable about its center axis, whereby both front side drum wall plates (34, 35) carry on their opposing wall faces (33a, 34a) cutting, separating and disintegrating knives (40, 140) penetrating into the drum i

Abstract: A dry type fine powder collecting system enables a crusher and triturator which process materials under dried condition, to efficiently collect the fine powder generated during processing. In addition, the same washing effect as is obtained in wet conditions is acquired without needing a large amount of equipment cost, the quality and processing efficiency of the product is improved, and the work environment is also improved. The fine powder collection system includes a plurality of air supply lines and a plurality of auction lines, one of each of which is provided to each of a plurality of processing spaces within the crusher or triturator. The air supply floats the fine powder generated during crushing or triturating by blowing vapor into each processing space, and a suction supply sucks the fine powder floated by the air supply from each processing space.

Abstract: A hay chopper is used for chopping elongated stems of hay into small fragments. The hay chopper comprises two superimposed screens comprising an identical set of slots recessed thereon. When the two screens are well aligned, effective slot windows result from the superimposition of slots from each one of the screens. A chopping element is also provided within the hay chopper, this chopping element comprising sharp-edged blades emerging periodically from underneath said screens through said effective slot windows, in order to cut the hay located onto the chopping element of the hay chopper. By varying the alignment between the two screens, the effective slot windows' width can be adjusted accordingly. It is the width of these slots that will determine approximately the length of the chopped fragments of hay that is allowed to slip therethrough by gravity and/or drive force from the rotating blades.