Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing researchers with a computer-assisted tool to evaluate, over a communications network, large electronic data sets stored on a remote server. The system allows the centralization of multiple data manipulation and analysis software modules co-located with the large data sets to reduce the amount of data from the data sets and software that has to be downloaded to a particular user's client computer. The system is designed to accommodate multiple researchers located at different geographic locations each of whom may have, with regard to the data, different scientific research objectives.

Abstract: The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to decoding encoded barcode information from a camera-captured image by generating a binarized sequence from the camera-captured image and decoding the encoded barcode information from the binarized sequence. The camera-captured image is transformed into a preprocessed grayscale image, reducing noise and enhancing contrast between bars and spaces in the preprocessed image. A barcode orientation is identified that is parallel to bars in the preprocessed image. A projected sequence is generated by projecting pixels of the preprocessed image along the barcode orientation. The binarized sequence is generated by applying a threshold to detected peaks and valleys of the projected sequence. A barcode-encoding sequence is generated, from the binarized sequence, in which each barcode bar module and each barcode space module is represented by a single respective bit in the barcode-encoding sequence. The barcode encoded information is extracted from the barcode-encoding sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to decoding encoded barcode information from a series of camera-captured images by generating binarized sequences from the series of camera-captured images and decoding the encoded barcode information from the binarized sequences. A series of preprocessed images is generated from the series of camera-captured images by removing non-uniform illumination, reducing noise, and enhancing contrast between bars and spaces of the series of camera-captured images. Barcode-image orientations are estimated for the series of preprocessed images. The series of preprocessed images are projected along their respective barcode-image orientations to generate a series of gray-sequence images that represent barcode information in one dimension. The binarized sequences, each of which contains partial barcode information, are connected into a concatenated sequence according to computed shift information of neighboring binarized sequences.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip is mounted onto a wiring substrate having external connecting terminals, electrodes on the semiconductor chip and wiring lines on the wiring substrate are connected together electrically through bonding wires, and a sealing portion is formed by resin molding, to form an IC body. Further, a case formed of a thermoplastic resin is provided. The IC body is mounted into a recess of the case through a bonding material. Thereafter, a region near the recess of the case is deformed plastically to fix the IC body to the case and then the bonding material is cured. In this way there is fabricated an IC card comprising the case and the IC body whose stability is improved by being bonded to the case through the bonding material. The production yield of the IC card can be improved.

Abstract: A label for a product includes an electronic display for displaying label information. The digital label includes an operating system program with an applications interface to allow development of custom applications by manufacturers, retailers, and users of the product. The digital label also includes a communications interface enable communication with external devices, such as other computer systems. The processor in the digital label can process, display, and transmit information.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device (IC) and a contactless IC card including a receiver circuit that is able to stably demodulate information signals superimposed on AC signals from an interrogator. The receiver circuit included in the IC is equipped with antenna terminals, a power supply circuit, and a filter circuit. The information signal from which a high frequency component was eliminated through the filter circuit is input via a capacitor to an inverting input terminal of an operational amplifier and a reference voltage is input to a non-inverting input terminal thereof. After the information signal is fed back through a feedback path to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier, that signal is amplified and the amplified information signal is binarized by a binarizing circuit, thereby data transmitted from the interrogator is demodulated. The contactless IC card comprises an antenna coil and the IC including this receiver circuit.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting a humidity and temperature of a surface of a glass pane facing an interior of a vehicle. The measuring device includes at least one humidity sensor and at least one temperature sensor jointly arranged on the surface of the glass pane, an evaluation unit connected downstream of the humidity and temperature sensors, and a signal conversion and linking unit arranged between the humidity and temperature sensors and the evaluation unit. Further, the converting and linking unit generates a rectangular wave-shaped signal having at least two different impulse lengths, each impulse length being a measure of a detected humidity and temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low-noise cooling method and device for a computer host. In the preferred embodiment, an electric gate and a fan are provided for the computer host. In addition, the invention includes a control circuit for controlling open/close states of the electric gate and rotation speeds of the fan according to an interior temperature of the computer host. When the interior temperature of the computer host decreases, the noise generated by the fan decreases due to a slightly open state of the electric gate and a reduced rotation speed of the fan. Therefore, the power consumption of the computer host and the noise of the fan are decreased.

Abstract: A vehicle temperature control system comprising an internal combustion engine with an engine block and with a cylinder head, a heat source for heating a heat transfer medium, a heat exchanger arrangement for the transfer of heat transported in the heat transfer medium to air to be introduced into a vehicle interior, and a valve arrangement, by means of which the heat transfer medium heated by the heat source can be fed selectively, at least in part, to a first heat transfer region, provided in the region of the cylinder head, of the internal combustion engine, without being conducted into a second heat transfer region, provided in the region of the engine block, of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Railroad track transition curves having shapes referred to as K_spirals, Bends, Jogs, and Wiggles are suitable for use in various situations where railroad track transition curves are needed and have good dynamic characteristics. Such shapes can be used for design of railroad track turnouts and crossovers. In order for such shapes to be incorporated into turnouts and crossovers, rail switch arrangements are provided that can accommodate the superelevation profiles on which the favorable dynamic characteristics of those shapes depend.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for providing sensory cues, signals, or indicators regarding the status of electrohydrodynamically spraying a material, including power-on status of an electrohydrodynamic spray device, active electrohydrodynamic spray status, and material status within the electrohydrodynamic spray device. In particular, audible, tactile, or intermittent visible signals indicate active electrohydrodynamic spraying, audible, tactile, or visible signals indicate power-on status of the electrohydrodynamic spray device, and sensory signals indicate the status of other operationally-related variables, including the rate of electrohydrodynamic spray, time increments, which may be correlated with electrohydrodynamic spray flowrates, and material supply levels.

Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting water, in particular into the gas flow of fuel cells, has a valve needle having joined to its spray-discharge end a valve-closure member, which cooperates with a valve-seat surface formed on a valve-closure member a sealing seat. A spray-discharge orifice is provided downstream from the sealing seat, at least a portion of the surfaces of the fuel injector that come into contact with water being coated by a corrosion-inhibiting and/or friction-reducing coating.

Abstract: The device for diffusing volatile substances comprises two containers (1, 2) to hold respective liquids with respective volatile substances. Each container has at least one aperture closed by a cap (12, 22). The device is configured so that it can be located on a supporting surface with the containers (1, 2) vertically confronting, so that one of the containers is selectively in an upper position or in a lower position with respect to the other container. The container which is in the upper position emanates the volatile substance which it contains, and the other one does not emanate the volatile substance which it contains.

Abstract: A multizone irrigation system includes a central control unit having a central control system interfaced with a central valve and a central communication unit. The central valve regulates water flow for irrigation from a water source and can lower water pressure in the pipes at its output. The central communication unit is constructed to transmit or receive pressure based communication signals providing irrigation information. Each zone includes a sprinkler control unit having a sprinkler connected to a water pipe for irrigation. Each sprinkler control unit includes a local controller interfaced with a local valve for controlling water flow to the sprinkler. The sprinkler control unit also includes a local communication unit (e.g., a pressure sensor) constructed to receive communication signals from the central communication unit and provide received irrigation information to the local controller.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines, having an outer valve needle and an inner valve needle guided therein, in which the outer valve needle and the inner valve needle can be actuated independently of one another. In an especially preferred embodiment, the course of injection of the inner nozzle needle can be shaped within wide limits by means of a third outlet throttle restriction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control valve assembly having at least one housing with a first and a second passage. First and second valve members are disposed at least partially within the housing, and in series. The first and second valve members are moveable between a first position to close fluid communications between the first and second passages and a second position to open fluid communications therebetween. The present disclosure further provides a fuel injector having an electronically controlled start of injection valve and an electronically controlled end of injection valve in series with the start of injection valve. A method is provided for controlling fluid flow in a fluid passage of a control valve assembly. The method includes commanding a change in position of a first electrically actuated valve member, and commanding the change in position of a second electrically actuated valve member prior to resetting the first electrically actuated valve member.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning a liquid delivery device such as a dispensing or pipetting device, the liquid chamber can be flushed in a cleaning step. To remove gas bubbles which might exist in the liquid chamber, for example, the liquid in the liquid chamber is vibrated during the cleaning step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for producing a protective liquid barrier which prevents gases (G) coming from a structure, such as a machine, a storage unit or a production system (P), from spreading at ground level beyond a particular area in the event of an incident.

Abstract: A roller comprising a substantially cylindrical body (2) and a handle (3) pivotably attached to the body, the body (2) comprising a chamber (8) for containing a liquid, an outlet (16) in fluid communication with the chamber (8) and pump means (11) for dispensing a liquid from the chamber (2) through the outlet. The handle (3) may be detached from the body (2) of the roller and may house a hose. The roller may be used for multiple functions including a spray, a lawn aerator and lawn edger.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fertilizer distribution apparatus is described that can be incorporated into a new or existing underground irrigation system that facilitates the distribution of either liquid or solid fertilizer in the form of tablets or pellets. A main canister is adapted with an air sealed removable lid to allow access to replenish the fertilizer. The main canister has an integrated rod to hold specially designed fertilizer tablets and utilizes standard connectors to connect the apparatus to both the fluid source line of the irrigation system and the output line. The main canister permits connectors with integrated filters to be attached to permit easy connection between the apparatus and the irrigation system piping. The entire apparatus may be buried in the ground and is accessible at ground level for replenishment of fertilizer.

Abstract: A child-proof spray system and a dispensing closure for a spray system. The closure has a ball valve that can seal when the closure is in an open position allowing spraying to occur, but cannot seal when the closure is in a closed position inhibiting spraying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for mixing at least two separate fluid flows (2, 3), in particular for a burner of a power plant. To improve the mixing, a plurality of swirl flows (7, 8), which are annular and concentric with respect to a longitudinal center line (6), are generated from the fluid flows (2, 3), in such a manner that radially adjacent swirl flows (7, 8) have opposite directions of rotation.

Abstract: A hand tool includes at least a handle and an adjustable finger shelf, or a handle and a trigger. If a handle and adjustable finger shelf, one of the handle and adjustable finger shelf includes a first engagement portion, and the other of the handle and adjustable finger shelf includes a second engagement portion for movably engaging the first engagement portion to permit relative movement between the first and second engagement portions. A device is provided for fixing the first and second engagement portions in an adjusted orientation. If the hand tool includes a handle and trigger, one of the trigger and handle includes bosses and the other of the trigger and handle includes openings for receiving the bosses to mount the trigger movably from the handle.

Abstract: An atomization system for fuels, particularly for charging a chemical reformer for obtaining hydrogen, includes a fuel injector, an atomization tube, an air inlet and at least one metering aperture. The atomization tube features at least a first section and a second section having different outer diameters or wall thicknesses.

Abstract: An orifice disc for a fuel injector includes two orifices that provide a desired interaction between two fuel flows to increase fuel atomization and improve combustion performance. The orifice disc includes a first orifice and a second orifice that are disposed at an interaction angle relative to each other. The orifices are orientated relative to each other such that fuel flow exiting the outlets impinges on each other to further reduce the size of fuel droplets. Large dramatic changes in momentum caused by the impingement of fuel flows disintegrates fuel droplets into much smaller finer fuel droplets that provided enhanced atomization.

Abstract: In an injection hole plate of a fuel injection apparatus, a second-side hole section of each injection hole extends from a downstream end of a base wall of the injection hole plate and is communicated with first-side hole sections, which extends from an upstream end of the wall of the injection hole plate to an axially intermediate point of the wall. The first-side hole sections may discharge fuel into the second-side hole section in a manner that forms a swirl fuel flow in the second-side hole section. The injection hole plate may includes a collision portion, in which fuel flows supplied from the first-side hole sections collide with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bundle of nozzles for vacuum sealing a plastic bag that are inserted into the plastic bag to form air discharging passages by the coupling to one another and are then heat sealed together with the plastic bag. The bundle of nozzles of this invention include a plurality of nozzles being made of a heat sealable material in order to be inserted into the plastic bag and heat sealed together with the plastic bag, wherein the plural nozzles are coupled to one another along the outer peripheral surfaces thereof, thereby providing the air discharging passages from the plastic bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nozzle for vacuum sealing a plastic bag, the nozzle including: an embossing part formed on the peripheral surface of the nozzle, so that air discharging passages are formed on the peripheral surface of the nozzle; and a plurality of break lines formed at predetermined regular intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle, for cutting the nozzle to a predetermined length, wherein the nozzle is made of a heat sealable material, so that the nozzle cut by the break line is inserted into the plastic bag and heat sealed together with the plastic bag.

Abstract: In a fluid injection valve, a fuel filter is installed in an upstream portion of the housing. A valve element is slidably installed in the housing to lift off and seat on a valve seat provided at a downstream portion of the housing. A passage portion is provided in the housing between the fuel filter and the valve element to face the fuel filter and has an opening portion at an upstream end thereof. An inner width of the opening portion is narrower than a bore of the upstream portion of the housing. A distance between the opening portion and the fuel filter is 4.5 mm or greater.

Abstract: An electrostatic atomizer 30 has a removably attachable canister 24. Once a paint bag 2 housed in the canister 24 exhausts, it is replaced by a new canister 24. Paint in a paint bag 2 is driven out by a mono pump 35 located in a pump segment 23 of the electrostatic atomizer 20. The mono pump 35 has a helical shaft 36 inside a paint feed tube 31. The mono pump 35 is driven by a servomotor via an insulating drive shaft 38. Paint in the paint bag 2 is drawn up when the helical shaft 36 rotates, and it is delivered to a bell cup 21 through the feed tube 31. Quantity of paint atomized by the bell cup 21 and interruption of the atomization are controlled by controlling the rotation of the mono pump 35.

Abstract: An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, at least one sample retainer configured for accommodating at least one biological specimen and constructed and arranged for engagement in the receiving component. The sample retainer includes a first component configured for receiving a specimen prior to comminution and a second component for receiving the specimen after comminution. In addition, the sample retainer is insertable into the receiving component as a single piece.

Abstract: A disposer is disclosed, having one or more parts made with anti-microbial properties in order to protect the disposer against odors and to resist the growth of microbial organisms within the disposer.

Abstract: An ice shaver/blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined portion size and the number of portions to be blended.

Abstract: An ice dispenser apparatus, comprising: an ice bin to receive ice cubes; a shutter mechanism located near a bottom of the ice bin to selectively dispense ice cubes or crushed ice; an ice crusher located above the shutter mechanism to crush ice cubes into crushed ice; and an ice discharge controller located adjacent to the ice crusher and having a structure to selectively provide a certain amount of ice cubes onto the shutter mechanism and to effectively minimize an undesirable accumulation of ice near the ice crusher that may cause interference during operation.

Abstract: An ice bin apparatus includes a case with an open upper portion for receiving pieces of ice. A guide within the case guides the received ice pieces and an auger adjacent to the guide transfers the guided ice pieces. A grinder for grinds the transferred ice pieces and a diffuser located at a bottom portion of the case discharges the ground ice. A shutter having a hinge that allows movement thereof opens or closes the diffuser for selectively discharging the ground ice therethrough, and a shutter press prevention part is capable of preventing the shutter from being pressed down during the grinding of ice pieces performed by the grinder.

Abstract: An aggregate processing unit is provided that includes an in-feed conveyor adapted to have a first lower section that can move laterally to accommodate various processing configurations and to also allow for enhanced mobility.

Abstract: Refining elements for use with disc refiners for the processing of fibrous materials are disclosed. The refining element include a refining surface having a plurality of bars and intermediate grooves, with the bars having an upper surface and a pair of side surfaces defining longitudinal edges, with the plurality of bars including a plurality of recesses disposed along at least one of the longitudinal edges, the recesses including open portions in both the upper surface and one of the side surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A jaw crusher where the tension rod includes an electronically-controlled hydraulic pre-load and an automatically releasable pre-load whenever adjustments to the size of the material output are made, together with a remote visual indicator of the setting of the size of the material output.

Abstract: In a single-reel type tape cartridge of a servo tracking system in which signal recording is performed, a tape reel capable of eliminating edge projection during tape winding and achieving high recording density of a magnetic tape is provided. The tape reel is provided with a cylindrical hub around which the magnetic tape is wound and a pair of upper and lower flanges. The average value of the thickness of a reference flange that receives the tape edge of the magnetic tape during tape winding is set greater than the average value of the thickness of the opposite flange. The tape receiving surface of the reference flange is formed into an inclined surface, and three or more air escape recess portions are formed on the tape receiving surface. The depth of each air escape recess portion is set not smaller than 0.05 mm and not greater than 0.40 mm. The occupation area of all the air escape recess portions is set to 30% to 80% of the total area of the reference flange.

Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.

Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.

Abstract: A container for dispensing selected portions of a web material and a method of making such a container are disclosed. The container is arranged to contain the web material and having an opening through which the web material can be led out of the container. A slot is positioned such that web material led out of the container through the opening can be laid across the slot. A cutter is capable of sliding along the slot and of cutting web material laid across the slot. At least one cling strip, of a material that displays the phenomenon of cling with the web material, is applied to the surface of the container alongside the slot.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing roll material is described that substantially prevents toilet paper runaway and is useful in reducing irritation caused by using dry toilet paper. In one embodiment, the dispenser has a structure that has a thin, but strong curved, rigid arm with a tooth that is biased to engage the toilet paper roll in such a manner that it will only permit the roll to turn only in one direction. If the roll is attempted to be turned in the opposite direction, the tooth, which is disposed toward the roll, will engage the roll and prevent rotation in the second direction without substantially damaging the toilet paper on the roll. In a second embodiment, the toilet paper dispenser will dispense a predetermined amount of toilet paper into a receiver that has a sufficient size that it will fold over onto itself a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: An STOL or VTOL winged aircraft comprises a fuselage and a fixed wing attached to the fuselage and extending outward from the two lateral sides thereof, forming one wing component extending outward from one side of the fuselage and a second wing component extending outward from the opposite side of the fuselage. At least one “thruster” is disposed in each wing component to provide vertical lift to the aircraft when the aircraft is stationary or moving forward only slowly. The thruster includes a shaft mounted for rotation in the respective wing component and extending substantially parallel to the wing axis and a plurality of fan blades attached; to the shaft for movement of air. A shroud is preferably arranged in each wing component, adjacent to the fan blades, for directing the airflow downward or rearward. Ducted fans a preferably arranged on both sides of the aircraft for providing additional vertical thrust.

Abstract: A system for controlling unwanted flow separation. One or more microjets are placed to feed auxiliary fluid into a region of suspected flow separation. If the separation is intermittent, sensors can be employed to detect its onset. Once separation is developing, the microjets are activated to inject a stream of fluid into the separation region. This injected fluid affects the flow and serves to control the flow separation. A steady-state embodiment can be used to continuously fluid. On the other hand, sensors and a rapidly reactive control circuit can be used to inject fluid only when it is needed to inhibit flow separation. The sensors and control circuit can operate off of simple pressure gradient detection or predictive algorithms that anticipate when flow separation will occur.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft comprises (1) a fuselage having a front end, a rear end and two lateral sides, the fuselage defining a substantially horizontal central longitudinal axis of the aircraft; (2) an aircraft tail arranged at the rear end of the fuselage and including a rudder and an elevator on each side of the fuselage with movable surfaces for controlling the aircraft; and (3) a wing on each side of the fuselage having a front edge, a trailing edge and an upper surface extending from the front edge to the trailing edge. According to the invention, means are provided for increasing the speed of an airstream flowing over the upper surface of each wing, and an air deflector is disposed on each side of the fuselage between the trailing edge of each wing and the aircraft tail.

Abstract: A floor for an aircraft cabin, made of a removable floor panel having an opening and fasteners for removably mounting to flanges of transverse floor beams and longitudinal floor joists, with a channel formed by a pair of support brackets having: an upper wall mounted to an underside of the floor panel adjacent the opening; side walls; and a bottom wall, the floor having cover mounting tabs extending from the upper walls into the opening; and an access cover removably mounted on the tabs.

Abstract: An arrangement, includes a first furnishing and a second furnishing, at least one part of the first furnishing being movable in the direction of the second furnishing, and at least one part of the second furnishing being movable to free a space for receiving the at least one part of the first furnishing.