Abstract: The carton has front, rear, side, top and bottom outer panels. At least the top and the front panel are connected together at a transversal edge. A transversally-extending tear strip extends across the front panel and divides between a bottom section and an upper section. The carton includes a lid initially made integral with the front and top panels. The lid is delimited by the tear strip, opposite edges of the front panel located on the upper section thereof and extending from the tear strip to the transversal edge, a transversal fold line extending on the top panel at a given distance from the transversal edge, and a pair of opposite and substantially longitudinal perforation lines made in the top panel and extending between the transversal edge and the fold line. The lid can be opened easily without tools and without any damage to the sheets therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discrete package for absorbent personal care articles. Provided by the present invention is a personal care product having a container component and an absorbent personal care product component. The container component has a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side. Generally there are four side walls, a front side wall, a back side wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. These walls are connected in a manner such that the top panel is connected to the bottom panel by the front side wall, the back side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall; and the front side wall is connected to the back side wall by the first side wall and the second side wall. Each wall of the container has an inside surface and an exterior surface. The inside surface of each of the bottom panel, the front side wall, the back side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall define a chamber for holding at least one absorbent personal care article.

Abstract: In the case of a stripping device (3) for use with a cutting tool (1) with a cutting element, in particular a punch (2), for machining a workpiece, in particular a curved metal sheet (6), at least one fastening piece (4, 28, 40) for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spring-elastic element (21) arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element (15, 34) which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds the cutting element (2), and at least one guide element (11, 26, 33) guiding the stripping element (15, 34) being provided, a device for securing against rotation is provided to essentially prevent the stripping element (15) from rotating.

Abstract: A system and method for printing both record members having RFID transponders disposed thereon and record members not having RFID transponders disposed thereon. In one embodiment, a RFID printer receives data to be printed on a record member and determines if the data includes RFID data to be written to a RFID transponder embedded on a record member. If the received data includes RFID data, the RFID printer prints a RFID record member according to the received data. If the received data does not include RFID data, the RFID printer transmits the data to a non-RFID printer for printing. In another embodiment, a non-RFID printer receives data to be printed on a record member and determines if the data includes RFID data to be written to a RFID transponder embedded on a record member. If the received data does not include RFID data, the non-RFID printer prints a record member according to the received data.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for transporting banknotes, within an automated teller machine, between at least one banknote cassette, for storing banknotes which are to be dispensed, and a dispensing location or between the latter and a receiving container for banknotes which have been drawn back, comprising a bundle-transporting section which is located between the dispensing location and a collecting location, at which banknotes which have been removed individually from the banknote cassette are collected into a bundle, and has two belt drives, a bundle of banknotes being gripped, and transported, between the mutually parallel endless belts of the belt drives, said endless belts circulating in the same direction in each case over a drive roller, and also has a drive arrangement for driving the belt drives, characterized in that the belt drives can be driven at different speeds at least in the direction from the dispensing location to the receiving container.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for managing possession of a financial card product are disclosed. The system consists of a transmitting device, where the transmitting device is capable of being attached to a financial card product and transmitting a pulsed electromagnetic signal. The system also consists of a separate receiving device, where the receiving device comprises a sensor for detecting the electromagnetic signal, logic for processing the electromagnetic signal, and an alarm circuit such that the receiving device actuates the alarm circuit when the sensor senses that the receiving device is moved away from the transmitting device for longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A portable profile carrier stores and securely transports a user's profile and data files from one computer to the next. The profile carrier is a two-component assembly comprising a smart card and a PCMCIA smart card reader. The reader is physically constructed in a form factor of a PCMCIA card and has a slot to receive the smart card. The reader has a smart card interface and controller to facilitate data communication with the smart card. The reader is equipped with data memory (e.g., flash memory) to store the user profile and data files. Access to the data memory is protected by the smart card. The composite profile carrier enables access to the user profile on the flash memory when the smart card is present and the user is authenticated, and disables access when the smart card is removed or the user is not authenticated.

Abstract: In a system for providing access to media selections stored on a remote storage medium, a resolving station is electronically linked to a remote station from which a user transmits a request for access to a selected data composition, the request comprising user identification information and a code corresponding to the selected data composition.

Abstract: By a receipt printer for issuing a receipt obtained by printing sales information generated in association with a merchandise sales data process onto a receipt sheet, a stamp receipt is issued, in which a pre-specified number of stamp frames for stamp marks provided to a customer in accordance with a sales amount in the merchandise sales data process are printed onto the receipt sheet.

Abstract: A baggage identification system has a label and a key fob. The label has a front face with a distinctive design thereon, and a rear face with an adhesive thereon. A backing material attached to the adhesive on the rear face of the label is removable to expose the adhesive for affixing the label to the baggage. The key fob has a design thereon matching the design on the label.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system that has been packaged for use in the home or small office environment. A package suitable for distribution through a retail sales outlet is provided and includes a series of tags, which may be active, passive or semi active, and which are capable of retaining and transmitting machine readable information, a scanner and/or reader for reading information obtained from the tags, an antenna for collecting signals from said tags and machine readable instructions for configuring the components of said package to enable a home or office computer to receive and read the information collected from the tags. The package may include instructions on obtaining additional tags as well as upgrading the system or other marketing or promotional information. The invention also includes a method for using the system and package of the present invention as well as preparing the package.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a tracking indicia may comprise receiving a request to receive the tracking indicia, the request being received from a sender of an item. Furthermore, systems and methods for providing a tracking indicia may comprise providing the tracking indicia, the tracking indicia being configured to be applied to the item by the sender. Moreover, systems and methods for providing a tracking indicia may comprise tracking the item as it passes through an item delivery system and providing data to the sender corresponding to the item's passage through the item delivery system.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a plurality of items during transfer from a source location to a destination. One embodiment is a method comprising associating information identifying the plurality of items with a radio frequency (RF) tag that identifies a carrier unit. The method further comprises storing said associated information in at least one of the RF tag and a computer memory. The method further comprises communicating with the RF tag to identify the location of the carrier unit. The method further comprises identifying the location of at least one of the plurality of items based at least in part on the location of the carrier unit. Another embodiment is a system configured to perform an embodiment of the method.

Abstract: A card reader having a memory card inserted can be disposed inside a storage box. A cover and a base of the storage box include an opening when the storage box is closed. This structure allows a transmission line connected to the card reader to stretch out of the storage box through the opening when the cover of the box is closed.

Abstract: The invention provides for polysilicon vias connecting conductive polysilicon layers formed at different heights. Polysilicon vias are advantageously used in a monolithic three dimensional memory array of charge storage transistors. Polysilicon vias according to the present invention can be used, for example, to connect the channel layer of a first device level of charge storage transistor memory cells to the channel layer of a second device layer of such cells formed above the first device level. Similarly, vias according to the present invention can be used to connect the wordline of a first device level of charge storage transistor memory cells to the channel layer of a second device layer of such cells.

Abstract: An optical reader system 7 for diffraction grating-based encoded microbeads (or bead reader system), comprises a reader box 100, which accepts a bead cell (or cuvette) 102 that holds the microbeads 8, having an embedded code therein. The reader box 100 interfaces along lines 103 with a known computer system 104. The reader box 100 interfaces with a stage position controller 112 and the controller 112 interfaces along a line 115 with the computer system 104 and a manual control device (or joy stick) 116 along a line 117. The reader interrogates the microbeads to determine the embedded code and/or the fluorescence level on the beads. The reader provides information similar to a bead flow cytometer but in a planar format, i.e., a virtual cytometer.

Abstract: A highly reliable display apparatus, a highly reliable communication system, and a highly reliable communication method capable of performing delivery of high capacity information surely are provided. A display apparatus and an input and output terminal respectively include a light-receiving-emitting section capable of displaying moving pictures and receiving light. The input and output terminal sequentially displays each symbol composing a two-dimensional dynamic code on the light-receiving-emitting section. The display apparatus reads each symbol by the light-receiving-emitting section, acquires symbol-transmission-receiving-status information based on the read symbol, determines display conditions based on the symbol-transmission-receiving-status information, and then displays each symbol of the two-dimensional dynamic code based on the display conditions.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products that provide for generating a series of visual coded images, such as barcodes that are related to a data set, displaying the series of visual coded images in sequence on a display and capturing and decoding the displayed series of visual images in one continuous process. As such the present invention provides for large volumes of data to be transferred using images of visually coded data, which are typically limited to storing and transferring a relatively small volume of data.

Abstract: Methods and systems better detect edges in a binary optical code, such as a bar code. One method constructs a threshold signal to be used for comparison with an equalized undifferentiated scan line signal imperfectly representing a binary optical code. The method comprises detecting peaks in the equalized undifferentiated scan line signal; determining midpoints between successive detected peaks; and generating a smooth signal based on the midpoints. The generated signal is the threshold signal. In one version of the method, the generating step comprises interpolating between successive midpoints so as to result in a signal passing through the midpoints and low-pass filtering the signal passing through the midpoints so as to result in a filtered signal, which is the threshold signal. In another version of the method, the generating step comprises performing regression using the midpoints so as to generate a signal curve that fits the midpoints according to a criterion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel optical reader device and method for calibrating the device. The device executes a calibration module that locates the actual coordinates for a targeting symbol in a captured image. The coordinates are stored as calibration coordinates in the memory. During normal operation of the reader device, the stored calibration coordinates are used to locate a target, such as a bar code. In order to locate the targeting symbol, the calibration module may overlay a template on clusters that may be the targeting symbol. A reasonable accurate comparison identifies the cluster as the targeting symbol. Alternatively, the calibration module may approach a cluster from four frames of the image and identify the cluster's tangents and perimeter. Geometrical calculations are used to identify the center of an identified targeting symbol.

Abstract: Analyzing copyright information written in a predetermined position of an optically read two-dimensional code symbol (step S41). After that, performing analysis in accordance with the data type, e.g., URL non-display data (UND), text data (TXD), binary data (BND), sound data (MSD), or image data (IMD), of content data in the two-dimensional code symbol (steps S42 to S54). Finally, displaying the result of analysis together with the copyright information on a display unit to provide an operator with the contents of information written in a predetermined position of a two-dimensional code. This makes it possible to appropriately process the information expressed by the two-dimensional code.

Abstract: The invention features a system and method for automatically discriminating between different types of data, such as a barcode and a signature, with an image reader. In brief overview of one embodiment, the automatic discrimination feature of the present image reader allows a human operator to aim a hand-held image reader at a target containing a dataform, a signature, or another data type and actuate the trigger on the image reader. An autodriscrimination module in the image reader in one embodiment analyzes image data representative of the target and determines whether the target contains a dataform, a signature, or another type of data. If the target contains a dataform, the image reader decodes the dataform and outputs decoded dataform data, such as the alphanumeric sequence encoded by a barcode. If the target contains a signature, the image reader captures or stores a representation of the signature.

Abstract: A print order form is provided for entering an order for a print of an image. The print order form includes a recording medium on which electrical information can be read or written in a non-contacting manner, and on which print order information of the image is recorded.

Abstract: A tag and method of making it. The tag includes a first adhesive layer provided in a first predetermined pattern between a surface of a first substrate and a first conductive foil. The first pattern corresponds to a pattern for a first conductive trace, e.g., a portion of a resonant circuit. The first conductive foil is laminated, e.g., adhesively secured, to the surface of the first substrate to form a first conductive layer. A first portion of that layer is shaped, e.g., die-cut, to generally correspond to the first pattern. A second portion of the first conductive layer not corresponding to the first portion is removed, to establish the first conductive trace, with the adhesive layer confined within the boundaries of the first conductive trace. Another conductive trace is secured to the first conductive trace, with a dielectric therebetween, to form a resonant circuit.

Abstract: A novel process for fabricating low cost RFID devices in which a pattern of metallic toner is printed on a substrate and the contacts on a silicon die are placed directly on contact points printed as part of the pattern of metallic toner; the whole device is then heated to both cure the metallic toner into metallic conductors and bond the silicon die to the metallic conductors. Alternatively, the silicon die can be physically attached to the substrate and the electrical pathway between the silicon die and the metallic conductors is established via a transformer coupling comprised of a coil winding on the silicon die and a pattern of coils printed as part of the metallic toner pattern. The pattern of coils can be comprised of individually printed coil loops printed on, and separated by, dielectric layers.

Abstract: An aiming indicia is provided for a bar code comprising a sequence of parallel code bars and intervening code spaces disposed along a longitudinal code axis in accordance with a predefined standard. The aiming indicia comprises a non-encoded graphic element disposed on the longitudinal code axis adjacent the bar code and spaced apart from the nearest code bars by a distance of at least 10 times a minimum unit width for the code bars.

Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel supply with an environmentally sensitive valve. The environmentally sensitive valve is sensitive to the environmental factor(s) such as temperature, pressure or velocity. The valve may be configured so that the valve automatically resets when the environmental triggering event no longer exists.

Abstract: A zone thermostat for use in connection with an Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing pipes, etc. in a hot water supply system includes the steps of normally heating water by driving water from a water storage tank, into a heat exchanger. Typically, a water pump is stopped once the water storage tank receives a particular percentage of hot water. However, when a sanitation mode is desired, the pump is not stopped, such that the water tank becomes all, or almost all, hot water. The hot water is then delivered to the pump, and from the pump to the heat exchanger. This hot water is thus operable to sanitize pipes and the pump.

Abstract: A snow-gun for producing man-made snow from a combination of compressed air and water features a new nozzle configuration for discharging a mixture of water-particles and air into the surrounding atmosphere. Such nozzle is provided with an elliptically-shaped discharge port having a transverse cross-section that gradually expands in size in the direction in which the air and water particles are discharged from said nozzle. Preferably, the area of the elliptical port changes non-linearly through the front wall of the nozzle, whereby water particles exiting the gun through the nozzle port are less likely to collide with the side walls of the port or with each other before reaching the relatively cold ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A dispenser for scents and aromas is disclosed. The scent dispenser includes a hollow central body that contains a rotating shaft. A wick is wound around the shaft and extends through an opening in the top of the central body. A sealable cap is included to allow scent material to be added to the wick inside the central body. Finally, a suspension mechanism in included to allow the dispense to be suspended from a separate structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water spraying device comprising a filter and a perforated plate which can be removed by being slid respectively through an opening or a hole emerging into a well provided in the body. A pin being inserted in the well. to maintain two plugs of the opening and of the holes when the pin is entirely inserted in the well.

Abstract: A fuel injection system providing both fuel injection devices and methods of fuel injection for internal combustion engines in which a piezoelectric material generates a current discharged to ignite fuel delivered into the engine combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a turbine with dual sets of fins and a stator assembly for directing water onto both sets of fins. The water flow directed to the first set of fins generates slightly more force than the water flow directed to the second set of fins. In this manner, the opposing forces generated by the water flow maintain a more uniform and constant speed of the turbine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a control device for use with dispersion apparatus capable of dispersing a liquid in a fluid, such as a gas, to form a mist. The dispersion apparatus includes a chamber having a liquid-containing portion and a mist-containing portion. The control device includes a fluid inlet in communication with a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet being such that, in use, it is within the liquid-containing portion of the chamber. The control device also includes a mist outlet capable of being, in use, in communication with the mist-containing portion of the chamber. The fluid outlet includes means for controlling the flow of fluid therefrom such that, in use, either the degree of turbulence or the ratio of fluid to liquid in the mist can be controlled. The control device may also include a by-pass means between the fluid inlet and the mist outlet for assisting in controlling the ratio of liquid to fluid in the mist.

Abstract: Man-portable systems and methods for dispensing an anti-traction, mobility denial material on a target surface. In various exemplary embodiments, a method of dispensing an anti-traction material on a target surface includes providing a dry polymer powder to a first section of a dispensing nozzle, providing a water stream to a separate second section of a dispensing nozzle, and mixing the polymer powder with the water stream upon exit of the streams out of the first and second sections of the dispensing nozzle to form the anti-traction material on the target surface, the formed anti-traction material being a gel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sprinkler nozzle having patterned exit ports within the nozzle to maximize flow area while straightening the water stream.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly for an emissions-based EMD 710 locomotive dieselengine. The fuel injector assembly includes a needle slidably positioned within a bore of a valve body of the injector assembly, where fuel pressure introduced into a bore chamber causes the needle to open a spray tip. A spring mounted within the bore forces the needle to close the spray tip when the fuel is not being applied. The spring is a dead coil spring including inactive coils where at least portions of the coils at both ends of the spring are in intimate contact with each other so as to reduce spring wear during operation of the assembly. Because the dead coil spring has reduced wear, the VOP set point of the fuel injector assembly can be reduced, which reduces NOx emissions.

Abstract: An injection nozzle (4) for an internal combustion engine, the injection nozzle (4) including a nozzle body (6) provided with a bore (8) defining a valve seating surface, and having a first nozzle outlet and a second nozzle outlet, a first delivery chamber upstream of said nozzle outlets, an outer valve member, moveable within the bore (8) and itself provided with an axial bore (8), wherein the outer valve member is engageable with an outer valve seat defined by the valve seating surface so as to control fuel flow from a first delivery chamber to at least the first nozzle outlet when the outer valve member lifts from its seat.

Abstract: A fuel injector and various methods relating to the assembly of the fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a power group subassembly and a valve group subassembly having a respectively connected first and second connector portions. The power group subassembly includes an electromagnetic coil, a housing, at least one terminal, and at least one overmold formed over the coil and housing. The valve group subassembly insertable within the overmold includes a tube assembly having an inlet tube and a filter assembly. A pole piece couples the inlet tube to one end of a non-magnetic shell having a valve body coupled to the opposite end. An axially displaceable armature assembly confronts the pole piece and is adjustably biased by a member engaged with an adjusting tube with a filter assembly mounted thereon. The seat assembly includes a flow portion and a securement portion having respective first and second axial lengths at least equal to one another.

Abstract: A fuel injector and various methods relating to the assembly of the fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a power group subassembly connected to a valve group subassembly. The power group subassembly includes an electromagnetic coil, a housing, at least one terminal, and at least one overmold formed over the coil and housing. The terminal has a first generally planar surface contiguous with a generally planar surface of a terminal connector to electrically connect the terminal to the electromagnetic coil. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having an inlet tube and a filter assembly. A pole piece couples the inlet tube to one end of a non-magnetic shell having a valve body coupled to the opposite end. An armature assembly confronts the pole piece and is adjustably biased by a member and adjusting tube toward engagement with a seat assembly. A lift setting device sets the axial displacement of the armature assembly.

Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines has a solenoid operable via an electric wire, a valve sleeve in an injection-side area forming an external sheathing of the fuel injector, and a valve housing. The fuel injector has a plastic sleeve, which contains the solenoid and the electric wire and can be pushed onto the valve sleeve.

Abstract: A granular material grinder and method of use includes a hammer mill for reducing incoming granular material into particulate material, a microgrinder for reducing the particulate matter into microground powder by particulate matter to particulate matter collisions, and a product collector to collect the microground powder portion. The granular material grinder having the feature of being operated in a closed system to facilitate efficient recovery of grain into microground powder and operable in a cooled inert gas to prevent any compound degradation due to temperature or oxygen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condiment mill for products like dry garlic or citrus fruit peels comprising a classic condiment containing container (2), a breaking mechanism (3) fixed to the bottom of the container (2) and a rotatable button (4) which is arranged on the top part of the container (2) and mechanically connected to the breaking mechanism by means of a shaft (5) in the form of a drive rotating shaft. The inventive mill (1) is also provided with a cutting blade (6) which is arranged above the breaker (3) and fixed to the drive shaft (5). Said invention is characterised in that the mill is provided with means dividing the container at least into two adjacent compartments and that said dividing means (7) conforms to the condiment sizes in such a way that they are maintained in a substantially vertical position in order to be cut by the cutting blade (6).

Abstract: A turbine operated fishing reel unit is herein disclosed. The reel unit includes a reel for fishing line that is coupled to a turbine. A mechanism for coupling a source of compressed fluid to the turbine is also secured to the reel unit. Activation of a valve that is connected between the source of compressed fluid and the turbine permits compressed fluid to flow through turbine, thereby rotating the turbine and the reel that is coupled thereto.

Abstract: A handle assembly has a handle arm, a knob shaft and a handle knob that includes a tubular portion and a substantially spherical knob portion. The tubular portion is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the knob shaft. The knob portion is unitarily formed with the tubular portion. The knob portion has a first knob with a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface and a second knob that is disposed on a side of the first knob opposite the handle arm. The second knob has a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface with a diameter larger than a diameter of the first knob. The second knob is unitarily linked with the first knob at a junction a distance from the outermost radial portion at a region of the knob portion opposite the tubular portion.

Abstract: In one example of one aspect of the invention, a data storage cartridge is provided. The data storage cartridge includes a housing having a reel disposed between an upper and lower portion of the housing, the reel capable of movement within the cartridge housing. The data storage cartridge further includes a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism selectively restricts movement of the reel within the cartridge housing. The reel may be selectively unlocked and locked to reduce the potential for damage during handling. The locking mechanism may be integrally formed with the cartridge housing, e.g., the locking mechanism is not removed from the cartridge when unlocked. In one example, the locking mechanism may include a cam actuator, wherein rotation of the cam actuator selectively restricts movement of the reel. The cam may be coaxially aligned with the reel and accessible from an exterior of the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge providing robust interactions with leadering mechanisms of data storage tape drives. In one relevant aspect, a data storage tape cartridge includes improved leader member access area features, such as a docking ramp configured to transition from a first height, to a second height greater than the first.