Abstract: A gate keeping system for a user accessible resource is provided. The system has a server, a transceiver and an RFID tag. The server is communicably connected to the resource for sending commands allowing and terminating user access to the resource. The receiver is communicably connected to the server. and capable of sending an RF interrogation signal. The RFID tag is capable of sending an RF signal in response to the receiving the interrogation signal. The RFID tag has a program that embodies user unique credentials capable of providing user access to the resource. The user unique credentials represent a user associated with the tag.

Abstract: A vehicle information processing apparatus provided in a vehicle is provided with a TPMS valve that includes an air pressure sensor which obtains a tire air pressure as wheel information and a wheel-side communication device that transmits the wheel information and an ID unique to that wheel-side communication device at regular intervals; an ECU which receives the wheel information from the wheel-side communication device in each TPMS valve via a vehicle body-side communication device and processes that wheel information; and an onboard battery which supplies power to the ECU. Upon receiving a command to shift into a verification mode while power is being supplied from the onboard battery, the ECU performs a predetermined verification based on a signal transmitted at regular intervals from each wheel-side communication device. After receiving the command to shift into the verification mode, the ECU remains in the verification mode until a preset condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An electronic plan-o-gram system and method for determining plan-o-gram data are provided. In accordance with the method, identifiers associated with each of more than one product located in at least one storage area in a storage facility are sensed and a product type and product location of each product is determined based upon the sensed identifiers. A configuration of the at least one storage area in the storage facility and a location of each product in the storage facility is determined based upon the configuration and the determined product locations. A plan-o-gram data is stored indicating the location of products in the storage facility.

Abstract: An electronic product identifier system is provided for use with a product storage area adapted to store more than one type of product. The electronic product identifier system has a display adapted to present product information for more than one product along a length of the storage area. Each product has an electronic product identifier. An electromagnetic sensing circuit is provided having at least one transmitter for transmitting polling electromagnetic fields so that the electronic product identifier associated with each product can generate a response. The electromagnetic sensing circuit further has at least one receiver for receiving each responsive electromagnetic signal at two separated sensing locations.

Abstract: An inventory management system is provided that utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to drive RFID tags to provide a notification signal, such as by illuminating light emitting diodes (LEDs) embodied by the RFID tags. The RFID tags may be placed on medication bins within a pharmacy pick-station in order to indicate which medication to select for processing an order or in which medication bin to place a particular medication being restocked. A method and computer program product for managing inventory, as well as an automated dispensing cabinet are further provided.

Abstract: A medication-dispensing unit is provided for tracking medical products having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag uniquely associated therewith. The dispensing unit includes compartments for receiving medical products therein, and readers for reading the RFID tags associated with the medical products in the compartments. A processor is coupled to the readers for receiving and processing readings of the RFID tags in the compartment to identify the medical products in the compartments. The processor may identify a medical product removed from a compartment by determining a difference between readings of the RFID tags in the compartment taken before and after the medical product is removed from the compartment. The processor may verify that the medical product removed from the compartment is authorized to be removed or confirmed that an identified patient is intended to receive the medical product being removed from the compartment.

Abstract: A method to improve precinct privacy can be achieved after a successful voter verification process, by using the computerized list (as defined by HAVA), if we extract the voter's voting code and then secretly and securely load it into the device (smart card) required by the voting equipment to guarantee that the voter can cast his/her vote only once. Once the voting equipment gets the voting code, the voter can type sequential numbers to fill-out the available alternatives for each question on the ballot; for example, Mr. Bush, 3; Mr. Edwards, 4; Mr. Buchanan, 5 . . . and so on. Hence only the voter and the voting equipment would know what the voter's selections were even if a camera or recording device was used. If a paper verification printer is required, the printer output, even though visible, would not disclose the voting code. It would still hold all the required information for a paper recount.

Abstract: A system and method is provided overcoming decision-making and communications errors to produce expedited and accurate group choices. The invention provides collective outcomes that are resilient to communication and decision making errors, and which are provided with a minimum wait time. The system comprises a user interface engine that provides a channel to the features of the present invention, an agenda manager module for creating and presenting questions, a user manager module that controls interactions with user who request questionnaires, submit response data, and request access to analytical results, and a report manager module that identifies collective outcomes that are resilient to error and/or that weight individual votes to optimize the group's performance in producing one or more correct or optimal collective choices. A common data exchange allows communication between the modules.

Abstract: An RFID tag is pre-programmed with information about an object or device used in an RFID printer system. The RFID printer system can then read this information and take the appropriate action, such as user notification or printer parameter adjustment, to improve printer performance. The RFID tag can contain information about and be attached to printer elements, such as an RFID label or roll of labels, a print head, or a printer ribbon.

Abstract: An RFID tag comprises a semiconductor chip storing therein information of an object to be discriminated and carrying out radio communication with a reader/writer device; and an antenna coil provided with a magnetic core member and connected electrically to the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip and the magnetic core member are wrapped by an insulation sheet carrying an interconnection pattern connecting a pad of the semiconductor chip and the antenna coil electrically and plural coil patterns on one side thereof. The plural coil patterns includes bar-shaped conductor patterns formed obliquely to the magnetic core member, each of the bar-shaped conductor patterns having an end connected to an end of an adjacent coil pattern, the bar-shaped conductor patterns thereby forming together a spiral coil around the magnetic core member. The coil patterns being connected with each other at a part where the coil patterns overlap with each other.

Abstract: A reader-writer array which collectively reads or writes management information of each of a plurality of managed articles that are stored in a rack. The reader-writer array includes a plurality of readers-writers for wirelessly reading or writing management information which is stored in a RFID tag mounted on each of the managed articles. The reader-writer array further includes a support member having the plurality of readers-writers attached thereto. The support member is formed separately from the rack. The readers-writers are attached to the support member so that they correspond to positions of a plurality of managed articles arranged and stored on at least one shelf of the rack.

Abstract: A system which uses movement of a human body to control a function of a terminal comprises: a detecting device for detecting variation of the movement of the human body depending on an intention of a user so as to transmit a detection signal; and a terminal for storing a reference signal according to at least one class of movement and a control signal corresponding to the reference signal, for searching for a reference signal the same as the detection signal received from the detecting device, and for processing a function based on the control signal corresponding to the reference signal when the reference signal the same as the detection signal is identified. Thereby, a user not only controls the terminal or a driving device, but also performs authentication processing using simple movement of his/her body without any hand operation. A corresponding method for controlling a function using movement of the human body is disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a contactless reader/writer comprising a transmission section for transmitting a plurality of transmission signals using carrier waves of different frequencies, a reception section for receiving a plurality of reply signals which are a response to a plurality of transmission signals transmitted by the transmission section, a phase calculation section for calculating phase data of the reply signals on the basis of the reply signals, a distance calculation section for calculating a distance to an object having returned the reply signal, on the basis of the phase data from the phase calculation section and/or a speed calculation section for calculating a frequency component of baseband signals on the basis of the baseband signals acquired from the received signal, and thereby calculating a traveling speed of an object having returned the reply signal on the basis of the frequency component, and a control section for controlling a transmission direction of the transmiss

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to the field of securing, prevention of fraud, or theft of products such as pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, alcohol and other high value often counterfeited products. In particular the invention teaches an apparatus and method to encode packaging of the protected goods using a near infrared luminescing compound and detecting the compound through recognition of a characteristic spectral signature of its emission.

Abstract: A medium management system includes an identification information acquisition unit that acquires first identification information uniquely identifying a first medium surface and second identification information uniquely identifying a second medium surface and being associated with the first identification information, and a code image generating unit that generates a first code image to be printed on the first medium surface from the first identification information, and a second code image to be printed on the second medium surface from the second identification information.

Abstract: A code pattern image generation apparatus for generating a code pattern image, which includes position-dependent information differing at every position and position-independent information in common at various positions, the code pattern image generation apparatus includes; an image generator that generates a code pattern image by disposing a plurality of position-dependent code images, which include position-dependent information, at a mutually predetermined spacing along at least one side and repeatedly disposing a position-independent code image, which includes position-independent information, in the spacing between the disposed position-dependent code images.

Abstract: A method of providing an access to contents on a network includes sorting a first code for accessing the contents received from a contents requesting source to a pre-registered sorting destination based on a predetermined rule, and converting the first code, or a second code that is generated based on the first code, into information indicating a storage place of the contents.

Abstract: An open-ended two-strip meander line antenna, an RFID tag using the same and an antenna impedance matching method thereof are provided. The antenna includes: a radiating strip line for deciding a resonant frequency of the antenna; and a feeding strip line for providing a radio frequency (RF) signal to an element connected to the antenna, wherein ends of the radiating strip line and the feeding strip line are open.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemas for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.

Abstract: A pointing device having a laser in a handheld housing is disclosed. The laser generates a light beam that exits the housing. A beam steering assembly causes the light beam to move relative to the housing. The pointer includes a housing orientation sensor that measures the orientation of the housing. A controller operates the beam steering assembly to compensate for changes in the housing orientation. Embodiments based on housing orientation sensors constructed from a gyroscope and a camera are described. In addition to stabilizing the light beam location, embodiments in which the beam steering assembly also causes the light beam to execute a fixed pattern can also be constructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aerator of a container comprising an aerator mounted on the side board of the container and an electronic label installed in the interior space of the aerator. The present invention also provides a container comprising a container body, a penetrated hole locating on the side board of the container body, and an aerator installed in the penetrated hole from the outside of the container body. An electronic label is installed in the interior space of the aerator. The electronic label based on the RFID technology is combined with the aerator of the container. Since the electronic label stores the relative data of the containers which can be read by the readers through radio, the container will be automatically identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data transfer system apparatus that automatically loads the necessary drivers and code through two interface elements to facilitate the transfer of electronic data from one EDP to another. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the apparatus consists of a cable, USB interface plug, floppy drive transfer device (diskette), processor, controller, memory, circuitry components and software code. The electronic components and software applications are contained in the cable housing unit. Each interface element is attached at one end of the cable so they can be inserted into the respective EDP interfaces. Insertion of the apparatus into the EDP interfaces automatically triggers the execution of the embedded software for auto loading of the necessary code to control the transfer of the data directly from one EDP to the other.

Abstract: A card tray to be mounted to a memory card can make the memory card mountable in a card slot for memory cards conforming to standards different from those to which the memory card conforms. The card tray has a main body and a recessed mount section. The recessed mount section is formed such that the holder of a second memory card can be mounted to one of the major surfaces of the main body. A memory-card-mounted body is produced when the second memory card is mounted to the recessed mount section. The card tray is configured such that, when the first memory card is placed on the memory-card-mounted body with the left and right edges thereof aligned with each other, the contact pieces of the first memory card and the contact pieces of the second memory card have longitudinally overlapping parts and transversally overlapping parts as viewed from above.

Abstract: A stored-value card assembly comprises a stored-value card and a magnetic sheet. The stored-value card defines a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface includes an account identifier linking the stored-value card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The stored-value card is substantially non-magnetic. The magnetic sheet is placed on the second surface of stored-value card and is removably coupled to the stored-value card. Methods of assembling a stored-value card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic stripe card senses when it is being swiped passed a read head, and drives a conductive path to mimic a magnetic card track. Multiple conductive paths may be driven in an interleaved fashion one after another. The card may include multiple swipe sensors to detect when to start and stop driving the conductive paths. The conductive paths may include traces on a top metal layer and bottom metal layer without magnetic material therebetween.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling the temperature of a zone with airflow. In one embodiment, the method includes entering a first temperature control mode that modulates airflow to the zone between a maximum airflow set point and a minimum airflow set point to maintain the temperature of the zone between a zone cooling temperature set point and a zone heating temperature set point. The method also includes switching to a second temperature control mode upon the airflow reaching the maximum airflow set point and the temperature of the zone reaching the zone cooling temperature set point; and switching to a third temperature control mode upon the airflow reaching the minimum airflow set point and the temperature of the zone reaching the zone heating temperature set point.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling a water heat pump system. The water heat pump system includes a fan, a water pump, and a boiler. The method includes determining a system time characteristic, determining a heat rejection rate based on the system time characteristic, and determining a loop flow rate based on the heat rejection rate. The method also includes sensing a loop flow rate of the water heat pump system, comparing the sensed loop flow rate with the determined loop flow rate, and modulating a speed of the water pump based on the comparing.

Abstract: Thermostatic mixing valve has a valve body, a cold fluid inlet, a hot fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. Mixing chamber is located between the respective fluid inlets and the fluid outlet. Thermostatic element is located in or adjacent to the mixing chamber and is arranged to contact a piston at one end and via a mixing tube the valve body at the other end. Piston regulates flow through the fluid inlets into the mixing chamber. The piston is can move due to continued expansion of the thermostatic element after the piston has closed off the second fluid inlet. Valve body has an internal thread with which a thread on mixing tube permits adjustment of the relative position of the thermostatic element within the valve body and hence the set temperature of the thermostatic mixing valve.

Abstract: A humidity control apparatus and methods for use with, e.g., an environmental test chamber. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a system having a test chamber, a water tank, motive source for a gaseous humidity carrier, and temperature controllers for the tank and chamber. The carrier gas (e.g., air) is diffused through the water tank, thereby saturating the gas to a prescribed humidity level. This saturated gas is then passed into the chamber, and the environment within the chamber (i.e., humidity and temperature) controlled by the controller(s) so as to maintain the desired humidity level. The apparatus disclosed has the primary advantage of reducing or even substantially eliminating condensation within the test chamber when humidity levels are increased.

Abstract: This device gives a user/technician the ability to test a digital thermostat as a component in an HVAC system. A thermostat must have control voltage to send to the individual components which comprise a heating and/or cooling system. This device lets the user/technician see, by visual indicators when circuits are being closed or opened by the thermostat being tested.

Abstract: A railway system has a pre-determined profile of contact surfaces between the rail and the wheel rolling along the rail. The length of the contact surface is determined based on the value of the convex-to convex or flat-to-convex contacting running surface of the rail and rolling surface of the wheel. Improved profile allows to significantly decrease contact stress loads and extend useful life of the railway system.

Abstract: An air freshener includes a cup-shaped container including a base, a side wall, and a rim. An air freshener composition is disposed within the container. The air freshener composition includes a bottom layer disposed adjacent to the base and has a plurality of ethylene-vinyl-acetate beads. The air freshener composition further including a top layer extending over the bottom layer. Alternatively, the air freshener composition includes a single layer having a plurality of ethylene-vinyl-acetate beads dispersed throughout.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fragrance sensory stimulation connected to a multimedia source that has at least one audiovisual signal connected to an audiovisual display, and also has fragrance information synchronized with the audiovisual signal is disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a fragrance generator processes the fragrance information into a fragrance signal and at least one fragrance control system accepts a fragrance signal as an input, and generates a control signal and a controlled airflow. In turn, a fragrance delivery system preferably comprising a plurality of fragrance chemicals in communication with the controlled airflow, selectively volatilizes the fragrance chemicals is so that a short burst of fragrance is sensed by the subject. In certain embodiments, the fragrance delivery system comprises an indexing turret containing a plurality of ports, each port containing one of said plurality of fragrance chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to disseminate a volatile liquid, such as a fragrance, an insecticide or a fungicide, into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising a reservoir containing the liquid and a porous transfer member through which the liquid is conveyed from the reservoir to the atmosphere, the apparatus additionally comprising means of pressure equalization between atmosphere and reservoir, which means is adapted to effect a pressure-equalising change in volume of the reservoir, when the apparatus is in operation. The apparatus does not suffer from the leaking problems of known apparatus of the same kind, and is especially useful in apparatus in which one of two liquids, particularly fragrances, may be singly dispensed, by the inversion of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector with a piezoelectric actuator that actuates an injection valve member. This piezoelectric actuator acts on the injection valve member, which a spring element acts on in the closing direction. The fuel injector has a hydraulic coupling chamber that hydraulically couples a transmission piston to the injection valve member. A sleeve-shaped body rests against the injection valve member and cooperates with an edge that constitutes an intermediate stroke stop for the injection valve member.

Abstract: The telescoping pop-up sprinkler includes a telescoping piston assembly that allows the piston assembly of the pop-up to extend upwards at a greater height than the length of the pop-up sprinkler body. The telescoping pop-up sprinkler has a main body with a piston assembly that includes two or more pistons that engage internally with one another, with stops provided at one end of each piston to limit the stroke of each piston. Multiple internal seals are provided to prevent the bypassing of water around the outer diameter of each piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray kit with a conduit assembly. The invention generally includes a container with an aperture, a hose passing through that aperture, a conduit assembly that resides at least partially in the container, and a spray device. At least a portion of the hose resides in the conduit assembly. In addition, the spray device fluidly communicates with the container via the hose.

Abstract: The invention provides an injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine, the injection nozzle comprising a nozzle body defining a seating surface and having a first nozzle outlet, an outer valve member received within the nozzle body and being engageable with an external seating defined by the seating surface so as to control fuel injection through the first outlet, the outer valve member being provided with a bore having an internal bore surface and an insert received within the bore. The insert includes a part-spherical head which spans the internal diameter of the bore to define an annular gap with the internal bore surface, wherein the outer valve member is engageable with an internal seating defined by a surface of the part-spherical head to control fuel flow through the annular gap to the first outlet.

Abstract: A nozzle structure for a high-pressure spray head includes a nozzle and a nozzle head. The nozzle is made of iron in a concave shape. The nozzle head is disposed in the nozzle. The nozzle head includes a glass ring and a ceramic ring. The ceramic ring comprises an outlet therein. The nozzle and the ceramic ring are combined together by means of the glass ring.

Abstract: A method for performing an aperture plate comprises providing a mandrel that is constructed of a mandrel body having a conductive surface and a plurality of non-conductive islands disposed on the conductive surface. The mandrel is placed within a solution containing a material that is to be deposited onto the mandrel. Electrical current is applied to the mandrel to form an aperture plate on the mandrel, with the apertures having an exit angle that is in the range from about 30° to about 60°.

Abstract: The Stemmed-Nozzle consists of a nozzle that is attached to a cylindrical hollow rigid stem, together forming one integral part that can then be inserted into Quick-Connect fittings (of matching size) to create a misting or fogging systems (in conjunction with necessary tubing and pressurized water source). It can be dimensioned to fit standard sizes of Quick-Connect Fittings, and can be used with liquids and gases.

Abstract: The invention provides low-cost, non-thermal methods to transform and beneficiate bulk materials, including low rank coals such as peat, lignite, brown coal, subbituminous coal, other carbonaceous solids or derived feedstock. High pressure compaction and comminution processes are linked to transform the solid materials by eliminating interstitial, capillary, pores, or other voids that are present in the materials and that may contain liquid, air or gases that are detrimental to the quality and performance of the bulk materials, thereby beneficiating the bulk products to provide premium feedstock for industrial or commercial uses, such as electric power generation, gasification, liquefaction, and carbon activation. The handling characteristics, dust mitigation aspects and combustion emissions of the products may also be improved.

Abstract: An infectious waste treatment system uses a chlorine dioxide based liquid disinfectant generated from combining precursors comprising sodium chlorite, acid, and bleach. The waste is ground into small pieces and soaked in the liquid disinfectant. The chlorine dioxide is generated by combining dilute aqueous precursors with a flow of the liquid disinfectant into a circulation pump. A preferred set of precursors comprises an approximately 25 percent aqueous sodium chlorite solution, an approximately 12 percent to approximately 50 percent citric acid solution, and an approximately 12 percent industrial bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solution such as Clorox® bleach. A continuous gas monitoring system measures the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the liquid disinfectant and commands the chlorine dioxide generator to generate chlorine dioxide when necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the granulation of sludge- and optionally dust-form material, in which the material to be granulated is mixed with hydratable or hydraulically settable solids and water, which solids react exothermically with water and act as binder in the mixture, where the solids are allowed to hydrate or set fully or partly, and where the mixture containing the fully or partly hydrated or set solids is shaped into granules, where the solids and, if desired, dust-form materials to be granulated are wetted or moistened with water, and subsequently and/or at essentially the same time the solids are mixed with the material to be granulated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A compression device, adapted for use with a shredder having an output aperture from which shredded material is output, comprising first and second compression plates, each compression plate adapted for attachment at the output aperture of the shredder, and each being pivotably moveable between respective first positions in which the compression plates act to impede the flow of the shredded material away from the output aperture of the shredder, to respective second positions in which the shredded material is allowed to flow away from the output aperture of the shredder, between the compression plates, wherein the free ends of the compression plates, remote from their attachment at the output aperture of the shredder, are biased towards each other by respective resilient members.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which interfaces with a pepper mill and facilitates the transfer of peppercorns into the interior of the pepper mill. The pepper mill filler is primarily designed to work with a type of pepper mill which contains a removable top component secured in place by a locking nut screwed to a threaded shaft. When the top component is removed, the threaded shaft remains exposed. The pepper mill filler is a generally hemispherical bowl which is wide at the apex and narrower at the base. The base contains an outlet in the center which is wide enough to fit over the threaded shaft with ample room left over for whole peppercorns to fall through. The pepper mill filler is placed over the threaded shaft and rests on top of the peppermill. Peppercorns are poured through the wide opening of the dispenser and are guided to the interior of the pepper mill.

Abstract: An improved free swinging hammer mill hammer design is disclosed and described for comminution of materials such as grain and refuse. The hammer design of the present art is adaptable to most hammer mill or grinders having free swinging systems. The improved hammermill hammer may incorporate multiple comminution edges for increased comminution efficiencies. The improved hammermill hammer may incorporate multiple comminution edges for having increased hardness for longer operational run times. The design as disclosed and claimed may be forged to increase the strength of the hammer. The shape of the hammer body may be varied, as disclosed and claimed, to improve the hammer strength reduce or maintain the weight of the hammer while increasing the amount of force delivered to the material to be comminuted. The improved design may also incorporate comminution edges having increased hardness for longer operational run times.

Abstract: A crank handle for a spinning reel includes an axle inserted through a base, an bush mounted on the axle inside the base and having two cut faces, a retaining member, which has an axial hole for receiving the axle and the bush, two notches at one end, and two flat portions for engaging the cut faces of the bush, a spring sleeved onto the bush and stopped between the base and the retaining member, and a handle, which is pivoted to one end of the axle and has two blocks for engaging the notches of the retaining member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording tape cartridge including an engagement portion formed on a hub of a reel; a brake member provided movable along an axial-direction, regulating reel rotation by engaging with the engaging portion and releasing the engagement to allow reel rotation; a component mounting portion formed at a position further at inner-side of the hub; a lock member, mounted at the component mounting portion movable in a radial-direction and provided between the reel and the case to regulate movement of the reel in the axial-direction, which moves away from the reel by being pressed by the brake member to allow movement of the reel, the lock member having a center of gravity provided along a direction in which the brake member initially abuts with and presses the lock member; and a biasing member biasing the lock member in the radial-direction.

Abstract: A retractor has a housing with a rotatable reel captured therein and a cable wound on the reel. A terminal end of the cable extends exteriorly of the housing and is extendable from the housing. The cable is retractable onto the reel by the force of a spring located in the housing. A rotary damper is connected to the reel for restricting the speed of rotation of the reel as the cable is retracted via the force of the spring. A product display utilizing the retractor and a method of tethering lightweight objects to displays are also disclosed.