Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing an end-to-end anastomosis of first and second luminal structures includes a housing having at least one actuator attached thereto and a selectively removable loading unit engageable at a distal end of the housing. The actuator includes a cam member having at least one cam follower which rides along a corresponding cam slot defined within the cam member. A plurality of surgical fasteners is releasably supported in an array-like fashion in a distal end of the loading unit. The plurality of surgical fasteners is simultaneously deformable upon activation of the actuator to complete the end-to-end anastomosis wherein the resulting eversion is exterior to the luminal structures.

Abstract: A boiler tube alignment clamp with a clamp body having a V-shaped channel and two U-bolts bolted to the clamp body opposite the V-shaped channel for use in aligning and holding in place two sections of boiler tube for welding them together. A jacking screw at each end of the V-shaped channel adjusts the boiler tubes for alignment of interior surfaces when the exterior surfaces are uneven.

Abstract: On production of a component, two primary pieces must often be fixed together to give one piece. In order to achieve the above, it is important that the two primary pieces are oriented in a particular manner during the fixing process, which provides some difficulties. According to the invention, a plug body is fixed to the component by a mounting, whereby the position of the plug body relative to the component remains unchanged during a fixing process.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrical circuit apparatus that includes; a substrate having a top side, a ground layer, at least one thermal aperture, and at least one solder aperture; a heat sink; and an adhesive layer for mechanically coupling the heat sink to the ground layer of the substrate, the adhesive layer having at least one aperture wherein aligning the at least one substrate solder aperture with the at least one adhesive layer aperture enables solder wetting in a predetermined area between the heat sink and the ground layer of the substrate.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a generally horizontal support tray to support a mailbox; a post interface bracket for attachment to a mailbox support post; a spring attached to said generally horizontal support tray and said post interface bracket and disposed so as to return said generally horizontal support tray to its normal position after said generally horizontal support tray is rotated out of position; and a connection pivot bolt connecting said spring and said post interface bracket, said connection bolt being sole method of fixed attachment of said generally horizontal support tray and said post interface bracket.

Abstract: A portable promotional ashtray and methods of manufacturing the same. The portable promotional ashtray may have a rectangular outer housing with an upper lip attached to the front portion and having a promotional display a rectangular drawer having a rear portion that is higher than the sides of the rectangular drawer to partially removably contain the rectangular drawer within the rectangular outer housing and containing an extinguishing substance; and a looking mechanism for securing the rectangular drawer when in a closed position. A promotional display may be affixed to the outer housing. As such a portable, disposable ashtray for giveaways at bars, restaurants is provided.

Abstract: A card printer in a card information management system. The card printer has a data input part for inputting data acquired by a user. The data is character information of a character generated by a program stored in a predetermined apparatus according to predetermined operations of a user. The card printer has a user ID input part for inputting an ID of the user. The data inputted from the data input part is converted into print information by a print information generation part. Approval information of the supplier of the card is generated by an approval information generation part. This print information and the approval information are printed on a card by a print part through an image processing part and a print control part. The user can obtain the card to which the approval information is added on demand.

Abstract: A hose tracking system having a hose assembly with an attached RF ID tag imbedded therein during manufacture, molded thereon or permanently attached. The RF ID tag is coded with an identification specific to the particular hose assembly. An RF ID tag reader is provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the hose, preferably after it is installed at the user facility. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and is at least one of connectable to a computer network or compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to a network accessible device. A network accessible hose database is provided, having hose-related information. The network accessible hose database provides access to a user to obtain the hose-related information based on the identification from the RF ID tag and receives and stores data related to the at least one trackable event.

Abstract: Data is obtained from one or more data sources. The data sources may be real time data sources and non-real time data sources. Calculations may be performed on the data before delivering the data to one or more applications. A direct connection may be established between a first computing device and a second computing device. The direct connection may be used to deliver the data. The data may be broadcast to one or more applications. For example, the broadcast may be to a different subnets within one or more networks.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for authorizing automated value transfers from an account available to users who do not have a pre-existing trust, business or financial relationship. In an embodiment of the present invention, a Sender at a first location purchases a PIN Card at a point of sale, such as a retail location or a bank teller. The Sender contacts an intended Recipient at a remote location and discloses a Transfer PIN associated with the PIN Card, as well as the amount being transferred, to that intended Recipient. The Recipient needs only the Transfer PIN and a Cash Card to receive the money transfer at a participating remote location. To receive the value associated with the PIN Card, the Recipient inserts or swipes the Cash Card at an ATM and enters the Transfer PIN. An authorization system then authorizes the dispensing unit to dispense that value amount.

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 ATM includes plural user interfaces. Each user interface is vertically arranged at a different height. The user interfaces include identical input devices, but share a common currency dispenser. The ATM can receive a cash withdrawal request from an ATM user at any of the user interfaces. The ATM can carry out a cash withdrawal transaction that was requested at a particular user interface, including the dispense of cash, independent from any other user interface. The ATM can also accept deposits. Each user interface includes a slot sized to receive an envelope deposit therethrough. The ATM is located adjacent a vehicle drive-up lane. The different user interface heights respectively correspond to different vehicle heights, which enables an ATM user to select the closest user interface based on vehicle height.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a 0Transaction Information Block (“TIB”), a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The money source can use the TIB to determine whether the SCN should be used once or multiple times or to identify one of several physical devices, all of which are issued to the first entity, used to generate the SCN. The money source validates the SCN by duplicating the encryption process used to create an encrypted PIN Block and comparing the result to the encrypted PIN Block received with the transaction.

Abstract: A mobile dispensing display, method for conversion of shopping cart into dispensing display and a method of advertising and dispensing products involves the use of a conventional shopping cart. The shopping cart is provided from a store where the promotional activity is to be conducted and converted into a mobile dispensing display by mounting an advertising display onto the basket and mounting a product sample support panel on the shopping cart over the child seat. The mobile display may be moved intermittently to advantageous locations throughout the store where shoppers congregate. Product to be sold and/or sampled, as well as coupons or other promotional materials may be placed in the cart, whereby the cart becomes a mobile promotional and sales display as the user functions as a shoppers assistant providing information, samples or coupons. The user is not restricted to a single location, and may maintain personal and promotional items under direct supervision.

Abstract: An inventory management system and method for replenishing manufacturing kits includes a shelving system, a mobile pick station, a data server, and a network node proxy. The mobile pick station communicates with both the shelving system via the network node proxy, and to the data server via a communications interface. Manufacturing kit specification data is supplied to the system through the data server and is thus used to generate a map of the manufacturing kit onto a touchscreen display located on the mobile pick station. The map displays the type, quantity, and placement of parts within the manufacturing kit. System components are tracked using a barcode system that reduces the frequency of incorrectly selected and placed parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.

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

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for tracking items automatically are described. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is used with a material tracking system to enable the identification and locating of aviation assets in an airport environment. For example, passive (e.g., non-battery) RFID tags are attached to an aviation asset. Antennas are placed at locations where monitoring of assets is necessary. A local controller and RFID reader use the antennas to communicate with the passive RFID tags to determine the identity and location of the asset.

Abstract: A card reader system includes a sensor to sense the presence of a scoring of a card at a specified card location. A read head is employed to read a magnetic stripe disposed on the card. Also, a circuit is coupled to both a sensor and the read head. The circuit is configured to receive input from the sensor, to determine whether the card is a first size or a second size based on the received input, and to enable the read head to read the entire magstripe when the card is the first size and to read a portion of the magstripe when the card is the second size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart card reader (10) that enables a user to insert a smart card (20) into an open receptacle (15) that includes tabs (16) or a lip (32) that resiliently holds the smart card (20) within the receptacle (15). The present invention provides users a novel and useful design to reduce smart card abrasion as opposed to the card readers of the prior art. The present invention relates to a card reader (10) for usage with a smart card (20) comprising: a receptacle (15), where the receptacle (15) includes at least one open side; at least one placement tab (16), where the at least one placement tab (16) extends into the receptacle (15) and secures the placement of the smart card (20) in the receptacle (15); and a plurality of contacts (18) residing within the receptacle (15) where the plurality of contacts (18) connect to a smart chip (22) within the smart card (20) upon placement of the smart card (20) in the receptacle (15).

Abstract: An automatic optical reading apparatus (1) having a light emitting section (26), a light receiving section (27) and an outside interface section (36). A first unit (2) houses at least one of the emitting section (26) and the receiving section (27) and a second unit (3) houses at least the outside interface section (36). The first unit (2) and the second unit (3) are mutually connectable in at least two different mutual orientations.

Abstract: A laser scanning unit to form an electrostatic latent image according to an image signal by projecting a light onto a photosensitive medium. The laser scanning unit has a light source having a cylindrical shape of a predetermined length; a reflective member surrounding the light source to focus the light from the light source; a micro-mirror array to reflect the light focused by the reflective member toward the photosensitive medium; a driving control unit to drive the micro-mirror array according to the image signal; and a micro-lens array disposed in an optical path between the micro-mirror array and the photosensitive medium, to focus the light reflected from the micro-mirror array onto the surface of the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is provided having more than one imaging engine, and preferably, two imagining engines. Switching circuitry is provided for switching between the two imaging engines. Each imaging engine is optimized for use in specific applications and includes different specifications from the other imaging engine. Preferably, one imaging engine is optimized to provide higher resolution images than the other imaging engine, and one imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located 7.50 to 12.50 cm from the mobile computing device (near-to-mid range imaging), while the other imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located from 12.50 cm to infinity from the mobile computing device (mid-to-far range imaging). One imaging engine preferably includes a color image sensor, while the other imaging engine includes a black and white image sensor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using machine-readable technology to uniquely identify garments and to associate the garments with particular users, wherein the machine-readable technology is designed to withstand the various environments that are imposed upon a garment during its lifetime. The machine-readable technology includes identification tracking markers such as bar codes, magnetic tags, and other identification tracking markers that withstand laundering, mending, sterilizing and other processing.

Abstract: A method is provided for decoding data stored in a partial area of a coding pattern on a surface, based on a recorded image of the partial area. The coding pattern contains elements which each have at least two possible decoding values. The method identifies in the image a plurality of elements. The method further calculates, for each identified element, an associated value probability for each possible decoding value that the element has this decoding value. Additionally, the method performs the decoding of data based on the decoding values and the corresponding value probabilities. A device and a memory medium storing a computer program with instructions for performing such a data decoding technique are also provided.

Abstract: A modular omnidirectional laser-based bar code symbol scanning system having at least one scan module insert that is removably disposed (e.g., removably installed) within a system housing (or portion thereof) through a service port (e.g., opening) in the system housing (or portion thereof). The scan module insert is a self-contained unit including at least the following components (in addition to mechanical support structures for such components): at least one laser diode, a rotating scanning element, an electric motor that rotates the rotating scanning element, one or more photodetectors, and analog signal processing circuitry that conditions (e.g., amplifies and/or filters out unwanted noise in) the electrical signal produced by the one or more photodetectors. The scan module insert can optionally include additional components including one or more light collecting optical elements, one or more beam folding mirrors, circuitry for detecting and decoding bar code symbols scanned by the system, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for isolating a portable hand held electronic unit from external mechanical shocks and/or vibrations by dampening them at several levels. The system can absorb an external mechanical shock at three different levels by employing an external bumper system, elastic housing design features, and an internal frame isolation. Moreover, such isolation assembly simplifies production of the portable electronic unit by enabling a “build to order process” according to a customer's specification.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods for employing a housing as part of a hand held scanner as to increase utility and add ruggedness. The housing comprises an upper top housing and lower bottom housing, with the top housing comprising a set of accessory rails adapted to accept accessories associated with the hand held scanner, and the lower housing including an adjustable mass element for balancing a weight of the scanner. Also, top housing can be adapted to accept various key pad configurations via a transitional mounting frame, and the bottom housing can hold a stylus. A bar code scanner system employing such housing can incorporate displays located on various sides of the housing and/or key pads to facilitate a reading from the scanner at slanted angles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for storing, sorting, sharing and communicating information with a device, which uses a tangible real-world user interface. In an embodiment of the invention, the device is intended to facilitate communication of information through intuitive operations and commands.

Abstract: Print jobs having a mixture of first image sheets and second image sheets are sorted to a first image forming device and a second image forming device. After image formation is performed on sheets by the respective image forming devices, radio frequency IC tags (RFID tags) are affixed to the sheets, in which attribute information including post-processing information and page identification information is written. Sheet bundles produced by the respective image forming devices are separately set to a post-processing device. The post-processing device reads out the attribute information stored in the radio frequency IC tags, and the sheets are selectively fed from the respective sheet bundles while conforming to the page order. Thereafter, the post processing is performed.

Abstract: A card reader for an automated banking machine is provided. The card reader includes a processor and a card transport. The card transport moves at least one card a plurality of cycles between a first position and a second position within the card transport. The card transport continuously moves the card in a first direction for a first time period at a first speed, then continuously moves the card in the first direction for a second time period at a second speed which is slower than the first speed. Subsequent to the second time period, the card transport moves the card in the first direction for a third time period, during which the card stops and starts moving more than five times. Both the second and third time periods vary from cycle to cycle responsive to a variable parameter determined by the at least one processor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the negotiation of a population of RFID tags with improved security is provided. In one aspect, a binary traversal is performed to singulate tags without using information that directly identifies the tags in the tag population. A key is generated to identify each RFID tag of the population of RFID tags. The generated key does not include bits identifying an item with which the particular RFID tag is associated. A binary tree algorithm is operated to identify one or more tags in the population of RFIDs tags using the generated keys. In another aspect, frequency hopping and/or spread spectrum techniques are used to provide improved security while negotiating tags. In another aspect, the reader causes the tags to scroll series of bits back to the reader for each bit sent to the tags to provide improved security.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal in accordance with the present invention includes a non-contact IC card into which an external IC-card reader/writer can write transaction information. The mobile communication terminal, when transaction information is written into the non-contact IC card, transforms the transaction information into an electric mail, and transmits the electric mail to a predetermined address.

Abstract: A temperate water supply is provided. The temperate water supply system includes a temperate water storage tank and a heat exchanger. The temperate water storage tank has a first tank inlet, a first tank outlet, a second tank inlet and a second tank outlet. The first tank inlet is connectable to a cold water source. The first tank outlet is connectable to at least one temperate water use point in the residence. The heat exchanger has a heat exchanger inlet and a heat exchanger outlet and a plurality of water conduits connected in parallel fluid communication with the heat exchanger inlet and with the heat exchanger outlet. The heat exchanger inlet is connectable to the second tank outlet, and the heat exchanger outlet is connectable to the second tank inlet. In use, the plurality of water conduits are filled with water and are in contact with ambient air in the residence that is warmer than the water at least a portion of the time, so that heat is transferred from the ambient air to the water.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a chamber, having a replaceable part which has a moisture adsorption characteristic and which is in communication with the chamber, and having a humidity monitoring section which is responsive to the humidity within the chamber. A method of controlling humidity within a chamber in a housing includes: providing a replaceable part which has a moisture adsorption characteristic and which is in communication with the chamber, and monitoring the humidity within the chamber using a humidity monitoring section which is responsive to the humidity within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooling ceiling installation with at least one heat exchanger, a valve, which controls the flow of a heat transfer medium through the heat exchanger and a mechanical control device, and a monitoring device. It is endeavored to provide a simple manner of avoiding a condensate formation on the cooling ceiling installation. For this purpose, the monitoring device has an adjustment drive, which mechanically displaces the control device to a state, in which the valve is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention includes: a container operable to hold a liquid; circuitry operable to provide an electrical stimulus; and a piezoelectric element electrically coupled to the circuitry. The piezoelectric element includes a first face positioned beneath the liquid when the liquid is placed in the container, the piezoelectric element being responsive to the electrical stimulus to produce acoustic energy that causes droplets to form from the liquid. The piezoelectric element has a focal length along a focal axis intersecting the first face. The piezoelectric element and the container are structured in relation to one another to form an oblique angle between the focal axis and an axis generally parallel to a surface of the liquid when the liquid is at rest in the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for simulating multi-phase fluid flows, including fire suppressant flows, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes estimating flow properties of a multi-phase flow at a boundary of a volume and, based on the estimate of flow properties at the volume boundary, at least estimating a value for a quality of the multi-phase flow at the volume boundary. Based on the quality of the flow and the flow properties, the method can further include at least estimating a value for a liquid phase droplet velocity of a liquid phase portion of the flow, and based on the liquid phase droplet velocity, simulating characteristics of the flow into the volume. Accordingly, the method can be used to predict constituent concentrations in the volume, for example, concentrations of a fire suppressant in an aircraft engine compartment.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a disc and a handle for the receiver section of a fire fighting nozzle. Together, this disc and handle facilitate the opening and closing of a fire nozzle assembly, for permitting and preventing, respectively, the discharge of fire extinguishing fluids from that nozzle. The improvement of the present invention results from the use of a one-piece disc with generally resilient arms, and from the use of a plastic handle with a generally oblong shaped slot.

Abstract: A dosing device comprises a housing (1) provided with an actuator, a dosing opening (8), a guiding shaft (6) which surrounds part of the valve needle (7) and forms a valve chamber (10) with the same, and a fluid chamber module (4) which is welded to the housing (1) in the form of a duct for guiding the valve needle (7) into the housing (9). The fluid chamber module (4) and the housing (1) are assembled along a separation surface (13) which is subjected to pressure by the dosing liquid and is formed almost only by axial cylinder wall surface parts (13) in order to reduce the pressure load on the weld seam (13).

Abstract: A method or processing composite waste including combustibles and incombustibles has a press process for pressing the composite waste, a dry distillation process for performing dry distillation on the pressed composite waste, a shredding process for shredding the composite waste that has been pressed and has undergone dry distillation and a separating process for separating the shredded composite waste into combustible carbide and incombustibles.

Abstract: In a method of crushing silicon blocks, a silicon block to be crushed is heated and is then forcedly cooled. Subsequently, a crushing member which contains no metal component at least on a surface thereof is made to strike the cooled silicon block to thereby crush the silicon block. Alternatively, two silicon blocks to be crushed are heated and are then forcedly cooled. Subsequently, the cooled silicon blocks are made to strike against each other, whereby the silicon blocks are crushed.

Abstract: A shedder is disclosed. The shredder includes a waste receptacle that has an interior waste receiving space, and a shredder mechanism that includes a motor and cutter elements. The shredder mechanism is positioned so that shredded articles are discharged downwardly into the waste receiving space. The receptacle includes a waste opening separate from the shredder mechanism for enabling articles to be discarded though the waste opening and received in the waste receiving space without passing through the shredder mechanism. A cover is moveable between a closed position that covers the waste opening, and an open position that opens the waste opening. A sensor for sensing the position of the cover is operatively connected to the shredder mechanism so that the shredder mechanism is inoperable at least when the sensor senses that the cover is in the open position. Other variations and improvements to shredders are also disclosed.

Abstract: A segmented wear resistant band for protecting a surface subject to wear in a crusher is comprised of segments or concaves. The segments of the wear resistant band can be separated from each other by portions of reduced thickness. The portions of reduced thickness can be cut after the installation to the surface. The segments can also include a flange for reception in a recess between a spider and the top shell of a gyratory crusher.

Abstract: A rolling mill system has oppositely driven, temperature-controlled first and second rolls, each having a first roll half with a first end face, a second roll half with a second end face, and a roll center. The first roll has a peripheral surface with open grooves arranged on the first and second roll halves and with ribs between the grooves. The grooves of the roll halves are arranged opposed to one another at an obtuse angle and symmetrically to the roll center. The width of the ribs is smaller than the width of the grooves. The grooves extend continuously between the end faces. The second roll has a smooth peripheral surface. First and second cutting devices are arranged at the first and second end faces of the first roll, respectively. The cutting devices are arranged near open ends of the grooves.

Abstract: A fishing reel is disclosed including a spool for storing and dispensing line, and a winding mechanism for winding the line onto the spool about a winding axis, the spool is releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. A spool having an eccentrically positioned bore, a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool, and a clutch releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tape recording system is provided having an improved load/unload path, the system comprising a first pair of guides and a second pair of guides movable from an unloaded position to a loaded position. In the unloaded position, a gap between the first pair of guides and the second pair of guides provides a path for loading a tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel without contacting any of the first pair of guides, the second pair of guides and the head assembly to prevent contamination and damage of these components. The tape loader path is isolated from the head by the first pair of guides providing protection of the head from possible contact damage by the loader mechanism and tape leader.

Abstract: A pin retainer locks a leader pin during a movement of a pull-out assembly where the leader pin is coupled to a grabber between a grabber holder and a take-up reel. The pin retainer is urged toward a locking position by a spring. When the grabber comes close to a cartridge, a first releasing arm makes the pin retainer retract to a retracted position opposed to urging force of the spring.

Abstract: An oil spatter prevention apparatus having a shaft for use with a device, such as a tape recorder, including a stationary portion fixed to a deck, a shaft body extended from the stationary portion on which a rotation body is rotatably supported on an outer circumference, and an oil spattering prevention means for preventing oil applied between the shaft body and the rotation body from being spattered when the shaft body rotates, the oil spatter prevention means being at least one of a circumferential recess on the shaft body, an annular recess on the shaft stationary portion, and a recess exterior and adjacent to the shaft.

Abstract: A tape cartridge includes a leader pin that is fixed to an end of a magnetic tape, a case main body that is composed of an upper case and a lower case, has a tape withdrawal opening through which the magnetic tape can be withdrawn formed in a side surface thereof, and has leader pin storage parts capable of respectively storing an upper end and a lower end of the leader pin formed in the upper case and the lower case in a vicinity of the tape withdrawal opening, and a spring member that is disposed in the case main body, regulates movement of the leader pin by having contact surfaces thereof contact or be near to side surfaces of both the end parts of the leader pin that are stored in the leader pin storage parts, and elastically deforms when the leader pin is withdrawn to stop regulating the movement. The contact surfaces of the spring member are curved towards central parts thereof so as to project towards the side surfaces.