Abstract: A card reader which reads or writes data from or to a card inserted through a card insertion port into a card reader body via a card transport path is described the card reader comprises a shutter provided near the card insertion port to open or close the card transport path. A first detector is provided for detecting the card inserted therein near a first end of the card insertion port. A sensor is provided for detecting a change in the first detector. A locking member of the card reader is capable of switching positions of the shutter between an open-position and a close-and-lock position. A controller is provided for controlling switching positions of the locking member between the open position and the close-and-lock position of the shutter.

Abstract: Scanning in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia is obtained by moving one array of microlenses relative to another microlens array. An outgoing laser beam directed to indicia for reflection therefrom and/or return light reflected from the indicia is steered through a scan angle by the moving array.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system component is deformed to control a shape and size and orientation of a laser beam spot that is scanned across a symbol to be read by an electro-optical reader.

Abstract: One or more response bubbles are used on a scannable form to be read by a scanning system. An unambiguous symbology of marks is defined to fill into each response bubble, thereby allowing at least one of a plurality of different responses to be entered into each response bubble. One or more response bubbles are provided on the scannable form to be filled in according to the defined symbology of unambiguous marks. A filled in form is scanned with the scanning system and an image of the scanned form is processed by identifying pixels associated with each response bubble, interpreting the pixels associated with each response bubble to define a raw score according to the defined unambiguous symbology of marks used to mark each response bubble, translating the raw score for each response bubble into one of the plurality of different responses, and outputting the response for each response bubble.

Abstract: A compact, omni-directional scan pattern generator for generating multiple scan lines used for electro-optically reading bar code symbols includes stationary light-folding mirrors arranged at different elevations on a support, and a rotary mirrored component having a plurality of rotary mirrors for respectively reflecting an incident light beam toward the mirrors at each elevation.

Abstract: A printing unit 14 is built into an upper portion of a handheld terminal (11), a display unit (13) is built into the middle portion, and a key inputting unit (12) is built into a lower portion. A laser type scanner (15) for reading a barcode, etc. is built into the right side of the main body, and a switch (16) for turning on/off the scanner (15) is built into the proximity of the bottom of the scanner (15). The scanner (15) is aimed at the direction of a barcode, and the switch (16) is turned on to irradiate a laser beam, so that the barcode can be read.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable communication device. The portable communication device includes a first housing extending in a first direction, a second housing extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and formed at a bottom surface of the first housing so that a predetermined region of an outer circumferential surface of the second housing protrudes perpendicularly outward from the bottom surface of the first housing, and a camera lens module rotatably or linearly movably mounted in the second housing. The camera lens module is inserted into or drawn out from the second housing in the second direction. The camera lens module is repeatedly inserted into and drawn out from the second housing by pushing the camera lens module, and the camera lens module moves upward and downward when it is drawn out from the second housing.

Abstract: Coding 1, in particular a bar code, is printed by intaglio printing on substrate 10, in particular a bank note. Individual coding areas 2, 3, 4 differ in their ink layer thickness. The printing ink contains luminescent and/or electroconductive and/or x-ray absorbing and/or infrared radiation absorbing substances, so that the different ink layer thicknesses can be differentiated by different signal intensities.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is combined with a transponder to function either as a voltage or power supply for the transponder by extracting energy out of an electromagnetic field transmitted by a base station or as a detector in the transponder to act as a remote sensor. For this purpose the integrated circuit comprises diode rectifiers. Each of the diode rectifiers has a first and a second service terminal and a reference terminal. In order to reduce a parasitic impedance between the first service terminal and the reference terminal, the first service terminal of at least one rectifier diode is electrically connected to a reference potential such as ground. Parasitic diode characteristics are further reduced by surrounding the respective diode or diodes by an electrical conductor path also connected to the reference potential.

Abstract: A position-identifying coded page uses invisible codes to record relative position information. The page includes a page surface and a plurality of tags printed on the page surface in an ink that is invisible to the human eye. Each particular tag includes coded data that identifies the page surface and a relative position of that particular tag on the page surface. Each particular tag also includes a plurality of fixed target structures and a plurality of variable data areas.

Abstract: A method for the automated manufacture of personal optical security cards utilizing commercial equipment known in the art for creating integrated circuit chip cards, also known as smart cards. Optical security chip areas, including reflective optical recording medium for recording optical data, are formatted on a carrier utilizing the same layout and spacing as integrated circuit chips formatted on an integrated circuit chip carrier so that the optical security chip carrier may be loaded onto the smart card/integrated circuit card manufacturing equipment. In one embodiment, the carrier may remain blank and optical security chips are defined and removed by a punching tool of the integrated circuit card manufacturing equipment. A cavity is milled in a card body. The optical security chip carrier is loaded onto the smart card manufacturing machine and the milled card is fed into the machine.

Abstract: A method for making a combination IC card comprising the steps of forming antenna leads and patterned connection leads, forming a hole for mounting an external electrode chip on a sheath on at least one side of the antenna substrate, mounting an IC chip on the antenna substrate having the antenna leads and the patterned connection leads, mounting the external electrode chip on the antenna substrate having the antenna leads and the patterned connection leads, and attaching the sheath having the hole on the antenna substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a cellular phone radio that is capable of utilizing a contactless IC media. A contactless IC media 20b is molded in the form of a coin and interchangeably born by a cellular phone radio 110. The cellular phone radio 110 includes a media holder 111, a radio transceiver circuit having an antenna 112, and a control circuit that conducts the read control and the write control of digital information with respect to both recording regions of a contactless IC media 20b within the media holder 111 and an external contactless IC media 20a, ICC, and also includes a processor that conducts information processing on the basis of the read digital information as occasion demands.

Abstract: A thermostat is operable from battery, common-wire (“C-wire”), or furnace relay power. The thermostat includes a power source selector, such as a jumper wire, that is set when the thermostat is installed in a heating system. In a gas millivolt heating system, the thermostat operates off of battery power. In heating systems having a C-wire, a diode bridge converter converts alternating-current voltage to direct-current voltage to provide operating power to the thermostat. In heating systems without a C-wire and having sufficient furnace relay current, a triac converter in series with the furnace relay provides voltage spikes to the diode bridge converter to provide operating power to the thermostat when the furnace is on, and the diode bridge converts AC to DC voltage when the furnace is not on. The thermostat can also be used in cooling systems and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Thus, the thermostat can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for fluorescence imaging using multiple excitation-emission pairs is revealed. A target object is illuminated by light in at least two spectral regions, causing fluorescence emission in at least two spectral regions. The emitted light is collected and separated for analysis.

Abstract: A smart, adaptive control system that monitors and influences physical conditions of an architectural setting. The architectural setting in which the system is deployed typically includes a plurality of private spaces and at least one community space. The individual private spaces, and the community spaces, may include an environmental control device that affects one or more physical conditions of the individual private space. Each private space may also include an environmental sensor that measures a particular physical condition of the private space. The private spaces may also include one or more occupant sensors, which measure either behavioral or physiological parameters of an occupant. The environmental control devices, environmental sensors, and occupant sensors are in communication with a computer. The computer is also in communication with a database, which houses a data set that describes how to best modify the physical conditions of the architectural setting.

Abstract: A thermostat is programmable by entering input through a large-format touch-screen display. The touch-screen display displays different sets of icons depending on the mode the thermostat is in. A set of icons is displayed in one mode that allows the user to put the thermostat in a temporary operating mode. Another set of icons is displayed when programming the thermostat. Displaying several sets of icons at once allows a user to quickly and intuitively operate the thermostat, which in turn facilitates using energy-saving functions of the thermostat.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a rail arrangement in which a rail is releasably supported in an inner shell, and the inner shell and rail are received within an outer shell. This provides flexibility in that the design of the inner shell can be varied to provide different relative positioning of the rail with respect to the outer shell. Thus, the inner shell can be used to take account of sinking of the outer shell, which is typically cast into the rail foundations.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a spray process that may include measuring a particle property associated with a spray jet of particles, calculating a centroid for the measured particle property and using the calculated centroid as a control parameter for controlling the spray process. At least one operating parameter associated with the spray process may be adjusted in response to the calculated centroid to change a trajectory of at least a portion of the particles within the spray jet of particles. The operating parameter may be adjusted so that an ensemble of particles having the highest measured temperature and an ensemble of particles having the highest measured velocity and an ensemble of particles having the highest measured flow rate are moved more closely together to create a common region proximate a surface of a substrate to be coated by the spray process.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for a mixer and sprayer unit are provided. A mixer and sprayer unit includes a mixing container for combining mixture ingredients, a nozzle operable to spray the mixture ingredients, and base unit containing a pump component. The pump component is operable to convey the mixture ingredients from the mixing container to the nozzle. The base unit and the mixing container are a unitary structure. A transport mechanism is coupled to the base unit and operable to facilitate portability of the mixer and sprayer unit.

Abstract: A cavitation nozzle comprising a first cylindrical section that is connected to a second cylindrical section, which is connected to a diffuser. In the cavitation nozzle of the present invention, the diameter of the second cylindrical section is greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical section. The inner surface of the first diffuse section is rifled. An optimal magnet can be placed around either the first or the second cylindrical section.

Abstract: To provide a particle pulverizer capable of suppressing the wear of parts. The particle pulverizer comprises: two flow passages 8a, 8a positioned on an approximately same straight line and having outlets disposed so as to be close and opposed to each other; through-holes 9, 9 provided at any positions of passages and having diameters smaller than the diameters of the flow passages, wherein liquid jetted out of one through-hole 9 does not reach the other through-hole 9.

Abstract: Various mechanisms for reducing food waste in a food waste disposer are disclosed. In each of the reduction mechanisms, structures are provided for shearing food waste as it passes through or past a rotating shredder plate of the disposer. Each of the reduction mechanism has a rotatable plate having a plurality of lugs positioned for rotation relative to an inner wall of a stationary ring. In one embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a horizontal toothed ledge positioned above the stationary ring is used to enhance grinding the food waste. In another embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a vertical rasping surface positioned above the stationary ring. In yet another embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes serrated edges added to the vertical leading edges of the teeth on the stationary ring.

Abstract: Truck for shredding and mixing products for zootechnical use comprising, on a chassis with wheels that is self-propelled or towed, a container that is substantially shaped like an inverted frustum, is open in an upper region and contains shredding and mixing elements which comprise at least two adjacent rotating screw feeders with substantially vertical axes arranged at staggered levels on corresponding staggered bottom regions of the container, each screw feeder having an external profile that lies on a substantially conical imaginary surface and at which shredding cutters are mounted, contrast cutters substantially shaped like circular sectors being hinged to the internal wall of the container by their respective vertices in a vertical arrangement in substantially radial positions and being insertable and removable through appropriately provided slots.

Abstract: For easy maintenance and cleaning, a rigid structure and low cost, a shredder for shredding a by-product such as a sprue, a runner and the like generated when molding a thermoplastic synthetic resin product, to be reusable shredded pieces, is structured such that front and rear oscillating side walls (11) are openable, right and left stationary side walls (9) are connected by two support shafts (10) and one connection member (12), and two support shafts (10) serve double as pivot axes of the oscillating side walls (11) and connection members connecting the right and left stationary side walls (9).

Abstract: A rotary drive device for a winding shaft of a seat belt retractor has preformed drive bodies arranged one behind the other, which are guided and can be driven in a guide path.

Abstract: A holiday decorations string reel including a vertically disposed hollow column with a top end and a bottom end and having a generally cylindrical configuration and a longitudinal centerline with an outer wall spaced a distance from said centerline, a substantially horizontally disposed top flange and bottom flange encapsulating said column at the top end and the bottom end of said column, a plurality of separator disks concentrically mounted along the length of the outer wall of said column, wherein said disks are vertically adjustable up and down the length of the outer wall of said column, and a reel platform rotatably attached to said bottom flange of said column. A method for hanging holiday decorations strings. A method for storing holiday decorations strings.

Abstract: A device (1) serves to regulate the tension of a running web (2). The Web (2) is deflected on rollers (6, 7, 8, 9, 15) of which one is designed as a force measuring roller (15) and tension regulating roller (18). This roller (15, 18) is provided with at least one force sensor (16) that determines the bearing force (F). In addition, this roller (15, 18) is adjustably held by an actuating drive (13) in order to be able to adjust the tension of the web (2). The actuating drive (13) is in an operative connection with a regulating device (21) influenced by a correction device (17). This correction device (17) determines the web tension from the bearing force (F) measured by the force sensor (16) and from the looping, that changes with the position of the tension regulating roller (18), and transmits this web tension as an actual value to the regulating device (21).

Abstract: The combination of a bobbin assembly and a support for the bobbin assembly. The bobbin assembly has a core around which a supply of thread can be wrapped. The core has a rotational axis. The bobbin assembly further has a first flange with first and second oppositely facing surfaces, with the first surface bounding a storage space for thread wrapped around the core. The support allows the bobbin assembly to rotate around the rotational axis. The support has a third surface facing the second surface with the bobbin assembly operatively connected to the support. The bobbin assembly and support are magnetically attracted to each other with a force of a first magnitude with the bobbin assembly and support in a first state. The force resists rotation of the bobbin assembly around the rotational axis.

Abstract: A machine for winding thin metal ribbon continuously on spools comprising a fixed entry chute (1) to receive the ribbon, a pair of support rollers (3, 3′) with a dancing roller (4) between them to support and guide the ribbon delivered through said fixed entry chute (1). A thickness measuring gauge (6) is provided in the path of the ribbon for continuously monitoring the thickness of the ribbon, a snubber roller assembly (30) is provided for pressing the ribbon and a brush assembly (31) is provided for catching the ribbon.

Abstract: Device for continuous winding of webs onto winding shafts or winding cores to winding rollers, consisting of arms supporting the winding shaft that, or a pressure roller that can be engaged on the winding shaft or winding core, or the forming winding roller, respectively, which is supported in a frame and with a knife separating the web during a roller change. In order to be able to engage the pressure roller with the winding core or winding roller in a low in friction and sensitive manner by means of a drive, the pressure roller is supported on at least one steering rod, which is pivot-connected to two guides, the other ends of which are pivot-supported in the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for stabilising high speed running along a longitudinal direction, of a band (4) applied on a rotary surface (3) and along which a portion of the surrounding air forms a boundary layer (43) trapped with the band (4).

Abstract: A tubular core assembly for a roll of paper or other sheet material has a hollow cylindrical core member of metal or plastic material, the core member having at least one lug projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface thereof adjacent to each end of the core member. Each lug is longitudinally spaced from the respective adjacent end of the core member, and an annular plastic end member is located within each opposite end portion of the core member and is a friction fit therein. Each end member has a notch at its longitudinally inner end receiving the lug adjacent to the respective end of the core member to facilitate transmission of torque and axial chuck pressure from the end members to the core member.

Abstract: A munition is presented which includes an integrity verification system that measures the integrity of the munition. When an integrity threshold is not met, engagement of the munition with a predetermined target is aborted. Also presented is a methodology for gating the engagement of the munition with the target. The methodology includes performing an integrity check of the munition after it is deployed. The method further includes aborting the engagement of the target when the integrity check of the munition fails.

Abstract: Method for guiding a rocket (1) to a target, wherein, the rocket (1) being equipped with automatic guiding means with an image-formation device (10) and means for correction of the trajectory (11):

Abstract: A three-axis attitude control propulsion device and a flying object like a rocket comprising the same are provided in which combustion gas for attitude control can be efficiently used. A three-axis attitude control propulsion device 4, having six nozzles, comprises a motor case 6 and three-way discharge changeover valves 10, 10′ of a valve plug rotation type enabling a changeover of flow passage by rotation of the valve plug. Combustion gas 18 is generated by combustion of propellant 8 in the motor case 6. The three-axis attitude control propulsion device is operated so that one or two of the nozzles are opened to thereby discharge the combustion gas 18 and the remaining 5 or 4 nozzles are fully closed. Thereby, a three-axis attitude control of pitch control, roll control and yaw control and a control of neutral state are selected.

Abstract: A method of controlling pitch on a gyroplane. A first step involves pivotally securing a wing to a mast supporting a rotor of the gyroplane. A second step involves providing a linkage between the wing and a rotor head. The linkage is secured to the rotor head with a universal joint connection so as not to restrict movement of the rotor head while maintaining a constant relationship between the wing and the rotor. A third step involves providing controls for a pilot to lengthen and shorten the linkage while in flight in order to pivot the wing and thereby alter positioning of the wing relative to the rotor to help control the angle of the rotor relative to wind direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermal protection is provided. A thermal protection apparatus includes a porous layer attached to an inner structural member requiring thermal protection. The porous layer serves as both a cooling air plenum and a transpiring medium. The porous layer may include a low strength ceramic foam layer. Thermal protection may be achieved by flowing cooling air the length of the porous layer. The voids in the porous layer may be sized to less than 50 &mgr;m, producing uniquely efficient thermal protection due to micro-fluidic effects in the air flowing through the layer. A semi-permeable layer may be attached to the outer surface of the porous layer. The semi-permeable layer may prevent erosion of the porous layer and may transform the porous layer into a plenum by making the majority of the cooling air flow the length of the porous layer before exiting through small holes drilled or punched through the semi-permeable layer.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft includes a fuselage, a left wing, a right wing, at least one forward thruster, a horizontal stabilizer and a vertical stabilizer. The left and right wings extend from substantially a middle of the fuselage on left and right sides, respectively. The at least one forward thruster is preferably mounted to the fuselage, substantially behind the left and right wings. The horizontal stabilizer extends from a rear of the fuselage. The vertical stabilizer extends from a top of the fuselage at a rear thereof. At least two left lift rotors are retained in the left wing and at least two right lift rotors are retained in the right wing. A second embodiment of the VTOL aircraft includes a fuselage truncated behind the left and right wings with a twin tail empennage.

Abstract: Integrated high-speed aircraft, such as high-speed transport aircraft, and associated methods of manufacture. In one embodiment, a high-speed transport aircraft includes a fuselage having a first fuselage portion and a second fuselage portion positioned aft of the first fuselage portion. The first fuselage portion can have a first cross-sectional area and the second fuselage portion can have a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area. The high-speed transport aircraft can further include a wing and a propulsion system. The wing can extend outwardly from the fuselage at least proximate to the second fuselage portion and can include a leading edge region and a trailing edge region. The propulsion system can include an engine nacelle fixedly attached to the wing and laterally aligned with the second fuselage portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotor that enables an aircraft to be passively stable in hover. The rotor, having a generally fixed geometry is tiltably connected to its rotor shaft. The outer part of the rotor blades have a pitch fixed relative to the rotational plane, whereas the inner part of the rotor blades have a pitch fixed relative to a reference plane perpendicular to the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A helicopter having: a flow control device provided at one of a lower portion of a side surface of a fuselage and a portion on a lower surface of the fuselage near the side surface and extending downward.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an autonomous control method that autonomously controls a small unmanned helicopter toward target values, such as a set position and velocity, by deriving model formulas that are well suited for the autonomous control of small unmanned helicopters, by designing an autonomous control algorithm based on the model formulas, and by calculating the autonomous control algorithm.

Abstract: An aircraft with swept back wings and spoilers inlaid into the top surface near the tips of the wings. The aircraft also includes an elevator formed in the center back portion of the aircraft, which is also aft of the spoilers. It is aft to allow an auxiliary control in the elevator signal to cancel the unwanted pitch up moment caused by the spoilers only going up and being aft of the center of gravity of the aircraft. Roll is achieved with these spoilers by the direct action of the lift dumping on one side or the other and by taking advantage of the transformation of yaw into roll by the sweep back of the wings.

Abstract: An aircraft capable of supersonic flight comprises a body portion including a fuselage, a wing, and an engine nacelle mounted below the wing. The aircraft may also include a high-mounted aft, tail. The area/lift distribution of the body portion is tailored to reduce sonic boom disturbance. The body portion further includes a blunt nose and a gull dihedral wing configuration that further reduces sonic boom disturbance and eases constraints on area/lift distribution tailoring. The gull dihedral wing or tail is configured to carry lifting force to its trailing edge to create an expansion at the aft end of the aircraft that reduces aft sonic boom ground shock strength. The volume of the mid-portion of the fuselage can be reduced above the wing to create a sloped surface that generates an expansion fan over the wings.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for use in hot gas applications such as in rocket or missile engine systems or the like. The valve is designed to withstand the extreme temperatures encountered in the gas exhaust from rocket propellants. The valve seat of the valve is constructed of fibrous monolith ceramic. This material does not degrade significantly when rocket exhaust, such as resulting when ammonium perchlorate propellant is burned, is ported through the valve. The valve generally includes a valve body, a valve seat, through which gases may pass, and a poppet which opens and closes the valve by pressing against and moving away from the valve seat.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises fuel tanks for storing liquid fuel, water reservoirs for storing reforming water, reforming devices for generating a high temperature steam by heating the reforming water from the water reservoirs to generate hydrogen by the chemical reaction of the generated steam with the liquid fuel from the fuel tanks, and engines of generating the thrust by the combustion of the hydrogen thus generated in the reforming devices. The utilization of the aircraft allows the fuel cost to be reduced about ¼ times, compared with that arisen in the conventional jet engine aircrafts. The liquid fuel of hydrogen also allows the emission of pollution material to be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement (46) for mounting a turbofan gas turbine engine (10) on an aircraft pylon (44). The gas turbine engine (10) comprises a core engine (24) having a core engine casing (26). The mounting (46) comprises a first mounting (48) for mounting the core engine casing (26) on the pylon (44) and a second mounting (50) for mounting the core engine casing (26) on the pylon (44). The first mounting (48) comprises a first hinge adjacent (52) the core engine casing (26) and a second hinge adjacent (54) adjacent the pylon (44). The first hinge (52) is arranged parallel to the axis (S) of the gas turbine engine (10) to form a roll hinge. The second hinge (54) is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis (S) of the gas turbine engine (10) to form a pitch hinge. The second mounting (50) comprises a third hinge (56) adjacent the core engine casing (26) and a fourth hinge (58) adjacent the pylon (44).

Abstract: An aircraft designed to prevent foreign object damage to the aircraft. The aircraft includes an engine coupled aft of the aircraft's landing gear, and a deflecting member is coupled to the aircraft between the landing gear and an inlet of the engine so that when the deflecting member is extended, it intersects with a portion of lines of sight between the landing gear and an inlet of the engine.

Abstract: A neutrally buoyant airship, such as a blimp, contains a lifting body which allows the airship to remain neutrally buoyant in air and a fuel cell located in the airship. A method of generating power in the neutrally buoyant airship, comprising providing a fuel and a oxidizer to a solid oxide fuel cell to generate power, and providing heat from the fuel cell to a remotely located lifting body, wherein the lifting body allows the airship to remain neutrally buoyant in air.