Abstract: An optical fiber cutting device including: a rotatable blade including positioning holes; a first fastening member that is engageable with said positioning holes; and a second fastening member that is engageable with said positioning holes. When said first fastening member is engaged with a first one of said positioning holes, said second fastening member is not engaged with any of said positioning holes. Thus, the blade is fixed in a non-rotating state after being rotated by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for assembling and disassembling pipe. The device has a drive mechanism that be used to either assemble or disassemble pipe. The drive mechanism has two independent traction drives that can independently impart longitudinal forces on a pipe, either in the same or opposing directions. The drive unit can thus transport pipe or can facilitate the assembly of pipe from modular units or the disassembly of pipe into modular units. The method includes pulling or pushing pipe from the field from a fixed location with a traction device.

Abstract: A rivet delivery apparatus and method which is configured to drop a rivet into a position such that the rivet can be threaded onto a guide wire and shot along the guide wire, such as to a rivet tool for broaching. Preferably, the rivet delivery apparatus includes a means to clamp the guide wire at two positions—a first position before a rivet is threaded onto the guide wire, and a second position after the rivet has been threaded onto the guide wire. Specifically, preferably the guide wire is clamped in a first position, and the rivet delivery apparatus includes a plate which shifts, causing a single rivet to fall in place for threading onto the guide wire. Then, the guide wire is unclamped, moved to the second position such that the rivet threads onto the guide wire, and the guide wire is clamped. Then, the rivet is shot along the guide wire, the guide wire is unclamped, moved to the first position, and clamped again so that a new rivet can be received and threaded onto the guide wire.

Abstract: A system for deploying an anvil in a subject comprises a tube having a first open end, a second open end and a lumen that extends between the respective first and second ends. The system further comprises an anvil configured to selectively move between a compressed and an expanded position. In one aspect, in the expanded position, at least a portion of the anvil is configured to form staples fired by the surgical stapling device after the anvil is expelled from the second open end of the tube.

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circular stapler used for an operation of cutting off and suturing a jejunum, where a structure of the circular stapler is improved to facilitate manipulation thereof and to enhance the potential for success of the operation. The circular stapler comprises: a detachable anvil; a head section coupled to the detachable anvil and having a head section cover; and a cylindrical body which extends longs and of which the top end is coupled to the head section, and a recessed portion is formed in a side surface of the cylindrical body positioned under the head section cover. According to the circular stapler, it is possible to considerably reduce the potential for constricting the small intestine, to reduce the bleeding, which may be generated due to the stapling in a state where the tension is applied, and to reduce a risk that the small intestine is caught by the head section of the circular stapler during the suturing operation.

Abstract: A bonding mechanism for a heat conduction tube and heat dissipation plate is disclosed. The bonding mechanism comprises an installation platform, an elevating device, and a height-adjusting device. The installation platform allows the heat dissipation plates to be placed flatly on the surface of the platform and the height adjusting device is for the control of the height of the heat conduction tube. A plurality of heat dissipation plates can be mounted in sequence with a fixed gap onto the heat conduction tube. The bonding mechanism provides a low noise and low vibration and facilitating adjustment of bonding gap of the heat dissipation plates.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning tubular members comprising a first and second expandable member coupled to a rod. A first expandable member is disclosed that moves in an axial direction toward the second expandable member. The first expandable member engages a first tubular member and the second expandable member engages a second tubular member. After alignment, the first tubular member is concentric with the second tubular member and an end of the first tubular member is adjacent to an end of the second tubular member.

Abstract: Described are medical grafting materials that include a base substrate material and an adherent fibrous mass of extracellular matrix components received upon the substrate material. Also described are methods of preparing and using such materials.

Abstract: A fine pad pitch organic circuit board with plating solder and a method for fabricating the circuit board with plating solder are provided. The circuit board is formed with a plurality of densely arranged contact pads on at least a surface thereof in the absence of solder mask being applied over the surface. After deposition of a conductive seed layer on the contact pads, a resist layer is applied over the surface of the circuit board, and formed with a plurality of openings for exposing the seed layer corresponding in position to the contact pads. Then, a solder material is deposited in the openings by a plating method. Finally, the resist layer and the seed layer underneath the resist layer are removed, making the circuit board readily subject to subsequent fabrication processes for forming flip-chip joints or board-to-board joints.

Abstract: A method for producing permanent integral connections of oxide-dispersed metallic materials by welding. The materials or components to be connected are overlapped to form an overlapping region in a joining region of the overlapping region. The materials or components are heated below the melting temperatures of the materials and are welded to at least partially form a diffusion bond by a welding method. A noble metal foil may be between the components to be connected. The diffusion bond is heated subsequently to a temperature below the melting temperature of the materials or components and the bond is mechanically recompacted by hammering.

Abstract: In an electronic component mounting method in which electronic components are sucked/held by plural respective nozzles provided on a mounting head so as to be mounted on electronic component mounting portions of a board, such a mounting operation is sequentially carried out as to all of the electronic components, in which the electronic components are sucked/held by the plural nozzles; an electronic component sucked/held by one of the plural nozzles is provisionally positioned above one electronic component mounting portion; both this electronic component and the electronic component mounting portion are observed by an observation head which is located between the board and the mounting head; a relative position detecting operation for detecting a relative positional relationship between this electronic component and the electronic component mounting portion is carried out as to all of the electronic components held by the mounting head; and the electronic component is positioned with respect to the electroni

Abstract: An eccentric rotation soldering method and apparatus, forming a curved sealing portion at one end of a heating after the heat pipe is pressed sealed, and aligning the electrode of a soldering unit with the pressed edge of the sealing portion of the heat pipe. When the heat pipe is rotating, the electrode of the soldering unit is not aligned with the central axis of the heat pipe, such that an eccentric rotation soldering is performed on the pressed edge. Therefore, a rotation soldering trace is formed at the pressed edge to improve the aesthetic effect and integrality of the sealing portion.

Abstract: A method and system for heating a circuit board component to an approximately uniform temperature sufficient to reflow the connections between the circuit board component and the circuit board. The method and system include a supplemental gas heater having a diffuser plate. The circuit board is placed against the diffuser plate and heated gas is channeled through openings in the diffuser plate into vias in the circuit board to heat a circuit board component connected on the opposite side of the circuit board. Heated gas can be channeled through selected vias towards predetermined areas and/or specified connections such as towards those areas or connections where there is a temperature differential greater than approximately 10 degrees Celsius compared to other areas or connections across the circuit board component. Hot gas can be channeled through selected vias by baffling or patterning the diffuser plate, accordingly.

Abstract: A presentation folder includes a backing having an outer surface and an inner surface; a fold line dividing the inner surface into a left side and a right side; a first pocket secured to either the left or right sides; and one or more inserts detachably connected to the inner surface, wherein the one or more inserts are partially contained within the first pocket. Each of the inserts includes a perforation defining a top portion and a bottom portion of the insert. The perforation allows the top portion to be torn from the bottom portion. The top portion may contain preprinted informational material on either one or both sides thereof. A functionally equivalent second pocket may be secured to the right side. A method for manufacturing the presentation folder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carton blank having an outer layer of a relatively rigid material, a first inner layer of a relatively rigid material superposed over a portion of the outer layer and a second inner layer of a relatively flexible layer of a fluid impervious material is provided with first and second weakened portions so that, after a carton has been formed from the carton blank, filled with a desired material and sealed, the first weakened portion may be broken to form a flip top lid which when moved in an arcuate path will gradually sever the second weakened portion to form an opening in the carton so that an amount of the desired material may be removed from the carton. The carton also may include a feature which allows the flip top lid to be securely re-closed after initial opening of the lid.

Abstract: A paint container comprises a box (104) supporting a sealed bag (102) within its interior. The bag (102) is fabricated from a paint impermeable material and contains the paint. Alternatively the box may have a paint impermeable inner surface so that no bag is required.

Abstract: A container including an outer shell, a flexible bag within the outer shell, a mouth and a handle. The outer shell has a top, a bottom and sidewalls. The outer shell also defines an opening. The flexible bag within the outer shell defines an aperture. The mouth is secured to said flexible bag surrounding said aperture and defines a fluid passageway. The mouth is sized and shaped such that fluid can be poured through the mouth from a source having an outlet spaced above the mouth. The handle extends outward from said top of said outer shell and has sufficient strength to provide essentially all support for said container when the bag is filled with liquid in either of two positions, with the first position being where the opening is facing upwards and the second position being where opening is facing sidewards. Desirably, the mouth and opening are sized and shaped such that when the opening is facing upwards the human eye can detect when a level of fluid in the container is approaching the mouth.

Abstract: A recycling trash can includes a body, a top open end and a bottom open end. The body is made of cardboard and provided with a closed side wall and having multiple longitudinal seams and latitudinal seams formed on an outer periphery of the body to allow the body to be folded to be compact. The bottom open end has multiple bends formed on a peripheral edge of the bottom open end and each bend being separated from one another via a gap defined between two adjacent bends. Each bend is attachable to an adjacent bend via an adhesive agent applied to each of the bends.

Abstract: A tray comprising a cover comprising a planar rectangular panel having a flap on each edge. The cover can also include a gusset coupling at least one flap to an adjacent flap. There can also be at least one tab coupled to at least one flap and an insert comprising a planar rectangular base which is substantially the same size as the planar rectangular panel. There can also be a plurality of flaps coupled to the base with at least one flap coupled to each edge of the base. In addition, there can be at least one additional cover, comprising a planar rectangle, wherein in use, the first cover is wrapped around the insert to form a full cover over the insert while the additional cover is wrapped around the cover to cover over an opening tray section, to form a substantially closed box.

Abstract: An insert and envelope assembly including a first envelope having a flap portion and a body portion having an inner cavity. The flap portion is directly attachable to the body portion to generally seal the inner cavity. The assembly further includes an insert located externally of the inner cavity and coupled to the first envelope. The insert is positioned to at least partially block access the inner cavity, and the insert is located and positioned such the insert must be handled or moved in order to fully access the inner cavity. The assembly further includes a second envelope receiving therein the first envelope along with the located and positioned insert.

Abstract: Buildings such as residences and commercial locations are provided with an address marker including a barcode and/or RF tag. This allows immediate verification of the physical address of the location and/or the name of the owner, business(es), residents, and/or employees at that location. A service provider utilizes the address information during the provision of services. For example, when a package is to be delivered the address is scanned/interrogated for verification and then the item is delivered. This speeds up the tracking and delivery of goods and services. It also reduces or eliminates human error during this process as every residence and business has an address.

Abstract: A method of supplying information comprises providing a document having a memory tag. The document has a human-readable part presenting the information in human-readable form. The method further comprises storing change information identifying changes to the information on the memory tag.

Abstract: An radio frequency aerial is capable of remote identifying and applied in a wireless communication apparatus. The radio frequency aerial comprises an identification chip for receiving a radio frequency identification signal, therefore, not only transmitting for general radio frequency communication signal, but also for radio frequency identification signal. Thus, a product data stored in the identification chip can be directly transmitted to an exterior reading device via the radio frequency aerial and radio frequency identification signal without further setting up a chip aerial. In this way, not only is the radio frequency identification and communication ability of the exterior reading device and identification chip improved, but the aerial design of the identification chip and setting cost is simplified.

Abstract: A transaction fraud detection system allows for the processing of documents such as checks in a way that reduces the possibility of fraud. The transaction fraud detection system provides customer enrollment and check enrollment functionality. It applies rules to data collected using the customer enrollment, the check enrollment, and possibly other data sources to determine a risk associated with a transaction, which may include generating a score. The applied rules may be customized via risk modeling functionality. For example, an administrator may be able to custom-select the types of rules to apply, the weighting or value given to any given rule, etc. The risk modeling may be at least partially automated, and may involve self-learning aspects that allow the risk modeling and/or application of rules to be at least partially based on past transactions.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically processing accounts receivable (AR) check transactions via a location-base device associated with a merchant. The location-base device, such as a point-of-sale (POS) device, can be configured to perform various functions that facilitate processing of AR checks. Such functions may include improved user interface, an ability to handle a repetitive input parameter, an ability to handle multiple merchant identifiers, an ability to generate multiple receipt types, an ability to edit check transactions, an ability to manage throughput of the device, and an ability to allow scanning of different types of checks so as to allow subsequent processing of the scanned checks to be different based on the type of the check. The location-base device configured in one or more of the foregoing manner facilitates a check authorization process performed by a check processing service.

Abstract: An added level of security is added to charge card transactions. Upon presenting a credit card for a purchase, for example, the cardholder receives a message on his cell phone that a charge authorization request has been received. The cardholder may also be prompted to reply with a password or a PIN, so as to add a second security authorization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a financial automated-teller machine comprising a main body having an operation unit and a cash deposit/withdrawal unit installed at a front face thereof; a safety door having a locking function and hingedly connected to an edge of the front face of the main body; a safe that is disposed within the main body and is opened and closed by means of the safety door; a bill storage unit with a bill-receiving and dispensing function for allowing a deposited bill to be received therein and a bill to be withdrawn to be dispensed therefrom; and a base that has the bill storage unit mounted thereon, is placed within the safe when the safety door is closed, can be withdrawn to the outside of the safe when the safety door is opened, and is provided with a first guide at a lower portion thereof so that the base can be withdrawn along the first guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for remote authorization of fuel dispensing and authorization or confirmation of participation in frequent shopper programs, club memberships, and the like. In one embodiment, identification documents may be used as membership cards for a retailer's membership or frequent shopper program and any of a plurality of identification document readers can be used. In another embodiment, an identification may be a membership card to gain access to a retailer. In another aspect, an identification document may be coupled with one or more PINs to validate a customer, or alternatively, the one or more PINs can be used instead of the identification document to validate a customer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for biometric sensing. An illumination subsystem provides light at discrete wavelengths to a skin site of an individual. A detection subsystem receives light scattered from the skin site. A computational unit is interfaced with the detection system. The computational unit has instructions for deriving a spatially distributed multispectral image from the received light at the discrete wavelengths. The computational unit also has instructions for comparing the derived multispectral image with a database of multispectral images to identify the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a method for managing traveler information of a traveler having a country of origin and traveling from a country of embarkation to a country of destination. The method includes receiving input data from a graphic user interface containing traveler information at the country of embarkation, sending the traveler information to the country of origin, and requesting confirmation from the country of origin of the accuracy of the traveler information by comparing the traveler information with data received from at least one of a police department, customs department, or immigration department. The method further includes receiving the confirmed traveler information from the country of origin and verifying traveler identity at the country of embarkation.

Abstract: This discloses an accountability system for monitoring the status of a certain condition of a moveable object having an electronic identification device with a transmittable unique identification code. A verification station with an electronic signal transmission and reception device remotely initiates communication with the electronic identification device on the moveable object and receives the unique identification code. A database at the verification station retrieves information related to said unique identification code, and a camera captures a digital image of said moveable object, while displaying the image and querying a user to input verification data to an input device. A data processing sub-system at the verification station verifies the user's input and compiles a data record of the unique identification code, the digital image, and data input from the user into a data record and stores the compiled record in memory for later communication with a remote storage device.

Abstract: A ballot reader images a ballot, checks the ballot, and displays the ballot image for voter review. The voter may cast the ballot causing it to be collected and the vote thereon recorded, or may have the ballot returned. Checking may include, e.g., checking for a complete ballot, undervotes and/or overvotes.

Abstract: An automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) system is provided. The system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, an image reader, a memory module, and a central processing unit (CPU). The image reader captures image data from a label and transmits the data to the memory module. The RFID reader captures RFID data from another label and transmits the data to the memory module. The memory module assembles the received image data and RFID data into respective frames, and then transmits the frames to the CPU. The CPU decodes the frames and outputs identifying information as a result of the decoding. The image data may include a two-dimensional image. The system may further include a flash emitter for emitting a flash of light upon the first label after prompting by a user. The system may be contained in a housing, such as a hand-held scanning module. The system may use a low-voltage battery to provide operating power.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems for, and methods of transporting digital signals and radio-frequency (“RF”) signals are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intelligent network (e.g., a combination router) and corresponding method are provided for transporting RF signals to, for example, an RFID antenna and transporting digital signals to, for example, a controller. In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent network is implemented with a manager unit for controlling a plurality of network devices to facilitate the efficient management of RFID-enabled devices. The network devices may include a combination router/switch, which has the capability of switching both digital data and RF data, RFID readers, RFID reader/writer pads, and other devices. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the intelligent network allows enhanced flexibility in controlling systems for interrogation of RFID antennae.

Abstract: Electronic systems, such as automobile radios, portable and other computing devices, and global positioning system receivers, often require that a correct security code be inputted from a small memory card that is removably inserted into a card slot of the system before the system is rendered operable in total or in part, or before certain data can be retrieved. The same type of memory card is also used to store digital data that is utilized by the system in conjunction with its function that is enabled by the security code, such data cards being removably inserted into the same card slot as the card containing the security code. Alternately, both the utilization data and the security code are included on a single card. An example application is an automobile radio wherein data supplied by the second card are of music that is reproduced through the radio's audio system.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.