Abstract: Systems and methods maintain a database of recipient names and addresses where the delivery point addresses contain secondary address. Data that is stored in the database may be arrayed in secure data tables. The structure of the secure data tables ensures that the data is secure and prevents an unauthorized user from learning address information improperly. A delivery service provider may create secure data tables using 20-byte Secure Hash Algorithm. A software searches secure data tables for the matching recipient name and address. If the match is found, a business sender may receive valid secondary address information for that recipient. If, however, a database does not contain a matching recipient name and address, a business sender may not receive any further information about that recipient's address.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for scanning of information, such as characters or symbols, without requiring a controlled scan velocity. Preferred embodiments utilize an optical sensor in detecting attributes of information scanned and implement compensation techniques to remediate the effects of distortion and present information which may be identified to a high level of confidence. A known topology may be relied upon to present known markers in the scanned information, such as known blank or filled regions, patterns, or other observable traits and utilized with respect to a distorted scanned image to compensate for the effects of the distortion. Additionally or alternatively, vector based pattern recognition may be utilized in remediating distortion of a scanned image.

Abstract: A graphical code reader is disclosed. The graphical code reader includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. The memory is used for storing a digital image of a graphical code. The graphical code reader also includes a plurality of decoders. Each decoder of the plurality of decoders is cofigured to decode at least one graphical code symbology. The graphical code reader also includes a decoder manager that implements a method. The method involves identifying a most recently successful decoder from the plurality of decoders. The most recently successful decoder decoded a most recently decoded graphical code. The method also involves instructing the most recently successful decoder to process the digital image before instructing any other decoder to process the digital image.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with high intensity light pulses to make the target appear stationary to a solid state imager of an imaging reader to improve reader performance at high swipe speeds of the target.

Abstract: An indicia for marking on an object, such as a cartridge case, for representing selected information, such as identification indicia identifying the firearm that discharged the cartridge, and methods and apparatus for generating, imprinting and reading the identification indicia. An indicia includes a multi-dimensional array of encoded marks, including encoded marks determined by spectral encoding variables representing the selected information wherein each spectral variable is spectrally distinguishable from others of the spectral variables representing variables, and an encoded pattern of the encoded marks is determined by algorithmic transformation of the selected information. An indicia may also include hologram related artwork. An indicia may be an encoded hologram multi-dimensional barcode, an encoded hologram or an encoded concentric circular barcode and may be formed of a single indicia or as an array of indicia.

Abstract: Described is a scanner for reading an optical code which includes a light transmission system and an image acquisition system. The light transmission system projects light on a target. The image acquisition system receives light reflected from the target to generate an image of the target. The image acquisition system is arranged to receive the light reflected from the target at a plurality of angles so that, when specular reflection of the target is associated with a first of the plurality of angles, light from a second one of the plurality of angles is available to minimize image degradation associated with the specular reflection.

Abstract: A method for identifying/authenticating a product. The method includes providing a substrate coupled to the product that includes an identification pattern within a region of interest and imaging the region of interest of the substrate to identify identification particles of the identification pattern. For the identified identification particles in the region of interest, calculating a mathematical value representative of a position of the particle relative to at least one other identification particle and converting the mathematical values of the identified identification particles into an identification value representative of the identified identification particles. The identification value is compared with stored identification values in a database to identify/authenticate the product. Alternately, or in addition, the identification value is compared to an identification value decoded from a bar code imprinted on the product.

Abstract: Systems process an input signal, derived from a binary optical code, having a series of multiple successive local peaks of the same given polarity. The circuit comprises a peak detector, a node in the peak detector, and a set-reset flip-flop. The peak detector has an input receiving the input signal and produces an output that approximately tracks the input signal while it is sloping in the direction of the given polarity and that approximately holds near those local peaks having successively larger magnitude. A node in the peak detector has a voltage indicative of whether the peak detector is in a tracking or holding state. The set-reset flip-flop has a set input connected to the node, whereby the output of the flip-flop is high when the peak detector is in a tracking state. The circuit is useful for qualifying optical edges in a bar code.

Abstract: A low pass filter that approximates a Gaussian transfer function filters the analog bar code signal prior to digitization is used to smooth the bar code signal. The Gaussian filter has a transfer function that compensates for beam distortion close in to the bar code scanner. The smoothed bar code signal is provided to the digitizer to improve the efficiency with which the bar code signal can be digitized.

Abstract: A portable electo-optical scanner for reading a target bar code having a plurality of bar code elements. The portable scanner includes: a housing supporting a scanning module and an exit window. The scanning module scans the target bar code with a scanning beam and collecting reflected light returning from the bar code. The scanning module includes: a beam source emitting a scanning beam; photodetector circuitry; and a retro-reflective oscillating mirror including a light collection mirror and an integral scanning or beam directing mirror. The scanning mirror is positioned to intersect the scanning beam and direct the scanning beam through the exit window. Oscillation of the oscillating mirror causes the scanning beam to be repetitively scanned along a scanning direction across the target bar code. The light collection mirror has a field of view that follows the scanning beam.

Abstract: An enhanced identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch, headband, neckband, ankleband, legband, card, sticker, or other wearable appliance, may have a biometric, chemical, optical, heat, pressure, humidity, electromagnetic, and/or acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features. The sensors may obtain wearer-related information such as a fingerprint, retina, iris, blood, DNA, genetic data, voice pattern, temperature and other characteristic. Security features include a fastener on the identification appliance, which indicates whether the appliance has been attached to a wearer and if so, enables circuit functions. If one tampers with the appliance, circuit functions may be disabled, certain data erased, and/or evidence of tampering made apparent. The appliance may monitor the location or determine the identity of vehicle passengers for an airplane, train, boat, bus, etc.

Abstract: In a support server communicable with a computer through a network, a first receiving unit is configured to receive a control parameter and communication state data transmitted from a reader/writer, a determining unit is configured to determine an update control parameter based on the received control parameter and the communication state data. In the support server, a second transmitting unit is configured to transmit the determined update control parameter to the reader/writer.

Abstract: A method for producing contact-free chip card includes embedding metallized bumps of the chip into an antenna as the chip is mounted on the antenna.

Abstract: A coded pattern applied to an object is identified when the object is placed on a display surface of an interactive display. The coded pattern is detected in an image of the display surface produced in response to reflected infrared (IR) light received from the coded pattern by an IR video camera disposed on an opposite side of the display surface from the object. The coded pattern can be either a circular, linear, matrix, variable bit length matrix, multi-level matrix, black/white (binary), or gray scale pattern. The coded pattern serves as an identifier of the object and includes a cue component and a code portion disposed in a predefined location relative to the cue component. A border region encompasses the cue component and the code portion and masks undesired noise that might interfere with decoding the code portion.

Abstract: A forced-air HVAC system has an induction motor that drives its fan or blower. The motor is controlled by a circuit that causes the speed of the fan or blower to vary continuously whenever the HVAC system operates. The controller circuit includes temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature of the air the system is delivering. These sensors signal the controller circuit to vary the speed of the fan or blower motor in order to maintain at an optimal level the air temperature in the spaces heated or cooled by the system.

Abstract: A railroad track tie comprises a body formed at least partially of polymeric material, and a reinforcement totally encapsulated within the body, wherein there is at least one opening through the reinforcement with polymeric material therein.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrospray apparatus with an auxiliary electrode, and a method of using.

Abstract: A window-washer sprayer is configured to provide an orientable jet by substitution of a cylindrical nipple installed within a seat of an enbloc sprayer body. The sprayer body defines the seat, an internal duct for passage of a detergent fluid, and a side window made in a position corresponding to the seat and partially occupied in use by the cylindrical nipple. The internal duct, the seat, and the nipple have a geometry such that when a flow of detergent fluid is fed into the internal duct it splits by fluid-dynamic effect into a number of separate flows that simultaneously reach the seat and are expelled through a through radial slit or a plurality of through radial holes selectively made in the cylindrical nipple in a position corresponding to the side window of the sprayer body.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve has: a tubular body, a valve seat member, a valve body, a core tube, a bias spring, and an electromagnetic actuator. The core tube is press fitted into the tubular body. The core tube has a first end side opposing an absorption section of the valve body in such a manner as to form an axial gap interposed between the first end side of the core tube and the absorption section. The core tube has a second end side axially extending in the tubular body to a certain position on a way to the second end side of the tubular body. The axially extending second end side of the core tube has an outer periphery which is formed with a reduced diameter section for increasing an accuracy in positioning the core tube when the core tube is press fitted into the tubular body.

Abstract: A fuel injector has an injection valve having a movable pin terminating with a shutter head; a tubular supporting body having a feed channel; and a sealing body, in which a valve seat of the injection valve is defined; the shutter head is truncated-cone-shaped, is located outside the sealing body, and, in a closed position, is pushed against the sealing body in the opposite direction to the fuel feed direction; the pin has a stop member, which is integral with the pin and comes to rest on a top surface of the sealing body, when the pin is in the open position opening the injection valve, so as to determine travel of the pin.

Abstract: The magnetic tape cassette has a base with an opening for forming a transparent window and a transparent resin-made window member to be installed in said opening. The window member is provided with an engaging unit which is to be fitted into the base at an angle and the base is provided with an engaging portion that is formed at an angle in correspondence to the engaging unit and the window member is installed in the opening by being fitted in at an angle.

Abstract: True zero-clearance cutting on a commercial scale is provided via a cutting area including a sacrifice material that is relatively softer than the cutter. One example is a cutting system which is capable of cutting a material such as, for example, tape or paper, into a fiber or powder. Destruction of the material is further enhanced by advantageous strategic patterning of cutting edges on a rotary cutter, and further by secondary shredding features. For example, on the same axis as the rotary cutter, may be disposed, one on each end, rotating secondary shredders that receive material that has been cut by the rotary cutter as well as material that has escaped cutting by the rotary cutter. A variety of materials, of different thicknesses and types, may be reduced to a dust or powder-size.

Abstract: In a waste pulping apparatus, an impeller assembly comprises a rotating blade for pulping solid waste to form a slurry, the rotating blade having an axis of rotation, a base and a plurality of ears that axially extend away from the base. The impeller assembly also includes a sieve ring having axially opposed first and second ends, an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface, where the sieve ring encircles the base of the rotating blade at the first end so that a portion of the ears are radially spaced inside the inner cylindrical surface so that the ears rotate within the sieve ring. A plurality of pumping vanes are also provided for pumping the slurry, where each pumping vane has a pumping surface that rotates radially outside the outer cylindrical surface of the sieve ring. Preferably, the pumping vanes can be easily changed to allow for various head condition while providing a predetermined pumping capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact crushing apparatus that mills grain between a milling cylinder and a screen. Each of a plurality of blades mounted along the circumference of the milling cylinder comprises a columnar body with a square cross section, cutting tools disposed on all ridges of the columnar body, and mounting parts formed at the top and bottom of the columnar body. Each blade is attached to the milling cylinder in such a way that any one of the four directions of the blade can be selected by rotating the blade around the central axis of the columnar body.

Abstract: Efficient process control of a rotary breaker is dependent upon the rate at which aggregate material is delivered to the rotary breaker. An improved pre-screening apparatus provides enhanced control of the amount of undersized material allowed to bypass the rotary breaker, thus allows some control of feed rate other than the upstream mining conditions. Further, a variable speed drive mechanism allows for enhanced control of the breaking process occurring within the rotary breaker. These improvements allow for the increase in maximum feed rate to an existing rotary breaker or allows for the installation of smaller and more economical original equipment. In addition, an improved discharge mechanism is provided to increase the discharge rates of a breaker without varying size or speed of rotation. These improvements allow for advanced automated process control.

Abstract: A condiment grinder has a main container with a top rotatable drive portion having Drive arms are rotatably mounted in the bottom portion of the container in a compartment formed between a flat top plate and a flat bottom plate having cutting blades formed therein. The top plate is resiliently urged towards the flat bottom plate by a spring mounted in the container between the drive portion and the top plate. Condiment to be ground is placed in the compartment. The top drive portion is connected to the drive arms such that when the top drive portion is rotated, the drive arms drive the condiment against the cutting blades to effect the grinding action, the ground condiment being passed out from the container.

Abstract: A shredder apparatus is provided that may include a bin for receiving shredded materials and a shredder housing that contains a shredder mechanism. The shredder housing is configured to be seated upon the bin and to provide a bin access opening to allow for the deposit of articles into the bin when the shredder housing is seated upon the bin. A movable member is pivotally connected to the bin side of the shredder housing and is configured to rotate such that a portion of a visual indicator is visible by a user.

Abstract: A rotary drum having a cutter extending outward from the outer diameter of the rotary drum. The rotary drum further includes a sleeve. The cutter is retained in a position relative to the drum by at least one block having a surface that wedges the cutter and/or interconnected member against the sleeve.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol film roll including a cylindrical core tube made of a metallic material and having a surface roughness of at most 100 S and a polyvinyl alcohol film wound up around the cylindrical core tube, the film roll being obtained by forming the film from a solution of a polyvinyl alcohol resin and winding up the film around the core tube, and the film roll being capable of providing an optically homogeneous polyvinyl alcohol film having an excellent appearance.

Abstract: In one example of one aspect of the invention, a data storage cartridge is provided. The data storage cartridge includes a housing having at least one opening, a reel rotatably disposed within the housing and accessible through the opening, the reel capable of translating axially, a biasing member for biasing the reel toward the opening, and an absorbing member disposed between the reel and a portion of the housing opposite the opening. In one example, the absorbing member includes a spring constant value of greater than 30 ounces per inch. The absorbing member may be disposed to engage and dampen the motion of the reel when the reel is displaced beyond a desired distance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to arrangements of tape guides which can improve the guiding of data storage tape. Tape guides having specific sizes relative to the data storage tape are also disclosed. The disclosed tape guides and arrangements of tape guides can improve the ability to properly guide the data storage tape, e.g., during media fabrication, servo recording or readout, data recording or data readout. The invention is particularly useful for magnetic tape, but may also find application with optical tape, holographic tape, or other formats of data storage tape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to arrangements of tapered data storage tape guides which can improve the guiding of data storage tape. Tapered data storage tape guides having specific sizes relative to the data storage tape are also disclosed. The tapered data storage tape guides and arrangements of tapered guides can improve the ability to properly guide the data storage tape, e.g., during media fabrication, servo recording or readout, data recording or data readout. In one embodiment, a data storage tape guiding system may include a first tapered guide and a second tapered guide. The taper in the first guide can be opposite the taper in the second guide such that the data storage tape is forced against an upper flange of the first guide and forced against a lower flange of the second guide, or vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording tape cartridge comprising: a rectangular case having, at a corner portion, an opening for pulling-out of one end of a recording tape, and accommodating the recording tape; and a cover member which opens and closes the opening. The opening is formed by cutting-off the corner portion of the rectangular case, and when the cover member at least opens the opening, the cover member is accommodated within the case.

Abstract: A device for producing film rolls, which is in particular suitable for producing coreless film rolls, comprises a roll holder for receiving a film roll comprising a film sheet to be wound off. The film sheet is wound up to a winding mandrel for producing the preferably coreless film roll. For producing in particular a coreless film roll the winding mandrel comprises a plurality of radially displaceable holding segments extending in longitudinal direction of the winding mandrel. After transfer of the winding mandrel, together with the wound-up film roll, to a transport means, the winding mandrel is transported to a delivery station. The delivery station serving for automatically delivering the wound-up film roll from the winding mandrel comprises a displacement means with the aid of which the holding elements of the winding mandrel are displaced into a delivery position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cover strip for at least partially covering an adhesive tape in the contact area with a drive belt for automatic reel change, comprising two longitudinal edges, a front side and a rear side, characterized in that positioning aids are placed on at least one of the longitudinal edges of the cover strip. Said positioning aids are used to position the cover strip at a defined distance from the edge of the adhesive tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing garbage bags is described herein. The apparatus includes one or more sides, a bottom, connected to the sides, and a top, connected to the sides. The top includes a slit flap and one or more hole flaps. The slit flap defines a slit. Each hole flap defines a hole and overlaps the slit flap so that the hole is centered on the slit and garbage bags are dispensed through the slit and the hole when the top is closed. The garbage bags may be dispensed, one at a time, from the center of a vertical, upright roll of garbage bags.

Abstract: A winding core, a winding core assembly for winding web materials, and a method are provided. The winding core includes a hollow cylindrical core member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second ends. A chuck-engaging layer is located on the inner surface of the core member, wherein the chuck-engaging layer is softer than the core member.

Abstract: A dispenser for an elongate material is provided having a support and a spool rotatably mounted in the support. The spool includes a core and two ends extending radially outward from the core. At least one ring on the support encircles a respective end of the spool. In one embodiment, the radial outside of each ring is provided with a formation tapering towards the middle of the spool.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotor that enables an aircraft to be passively stable in hover. The rotor, having a generally fixed geometry is tiltably connected to its rotor shaft. The outer part of the rotor blades have a pitch fixed relative to the rotational plane, whereas the inner part of the rotor blades have a pitch fixed relative to a reference plane perpendicular to the rotor shaft.

Abstract: An articulated leading edge for the fuselage and wings of an aircraft is disclosed. The leading edge may be moved from an undeflected or retracted position adjacent to the fuselage and wings to a deflected or extended position. The leading edge includes fuselage and wing portions which are articulated with respect to each other. The fuselage portion of the leading edge may be rotated around an axis near the nose of the aircraft. When the fuselage portion is rotated, the region between the fuselage portion and wing portion of the leading edge bends and the wing portion is elevated with respect to the wing. In such an extended position, the leading edge increases lift of the aircraft at low speeds. In the retracted position, gaps associated with the leading edge are avoided.

Abstract: A drive assembly for use with a mechanical flying or walking device comprises an articulated member (7) having first and second portions (7a, 7b) arranged such that the portions move relative to each other, and a drive mechanism (9) for imparting motion to the articulated member. The drive mechanism (9) comprises: a drive member for imparting a cyclic motion on the articulated member, and a control member for controlling, in a predetermined manner, the relative position of the first and second portions during each cycle of the cyclic motion of the articulated member. In the case of a mechanical flying device, two such drive assemblies may be provided, the articulated member of each assembly forming a wing.

Abstract: A landing gear includes a shock absorber having first and second elements slidable relative to each other, the slidable elements defining an inside volume which is filled in part with hydraulic fluid so as to leave a first chamber filled with gas under pressure and located at the end of one of the slidable elements. A vessel filled with gas under pressure is housed in the end and is provided with a shutter member that is initially in a closed state and that is suitable for taking up a stable open state when the pressure in the first chamber exceeds the pressure in the vessel by a predetermined threshold amount.

Abstract: A barrier net (12) across a space defined by the fuselage (6) of an aircraft and a floor (7) of the aircraft comprising a first plurality of parallel lengths (13) orientated in a first direction transverse to a second plurality of parallel lengths (14) orientated in a second direction wherein the lengths (13, 14) have fastening means at each end which provide a means for fastening the net to attachment points on the aircraft fuselage (6), characterised in that neither the first nor the second plurality of lengths (13, 14) is parallel to said floor (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system interposed between two elements that can occupy an open position and a closed position with respect to each other, the system comprising at least one main locking mechanism. The system according to the invention also comprises at least one emergency locking mechanism that is automatically engaged when the two elements are moved from the open position to the closed position, each emergency locking mechanism being able to be activated only when at least one main locking mechanism is not locked.

Abstract: A kite has a cover sheet having first and second opposed main surfaces. A frame assembly is attached to the second main surface of the cover sheet to define a body having an overall height and an overall width. The frame assembly has frame members connected together to form a generally conical-shaped sector portion defining an air passage through which air flows when the kite is in flight. A rotational vane is mounted on the frame assembly for undergoing rotation to regulate the flow of air flowing through the air passage when the kite is in flight.

Abstract: An orbital debris shield for protecting the hull of a spacecraft is claimed. The shield is comprised of a number of flexible and releasably attached gores that substantially cover the hull. Interleafed between layers of the gores are layers of a spacing material. As debris collides with the gores, the material is shocked and breaks up to some degree. As the shocked debris disperses through a layer of the gore, the spacing material interacts with the debris. After dispersing through a number of layers of the gores and the spacing material, the debris transfers a significant portion of kinetic energy and the probability of the remaining particles piercing the hull is significantly decreased.

Abstract: A wire cloth includes metallic warp wires and metallic weft wires interwoven with one another, wherein the weft wires have each a diameter which is equal or smaller than a clear distance between two neighboring warp wires, and wherein the weft wires are constricted in crossing regions with the warp wires.

Abstract: An insulation delivery apparatus has a hose holder and a nozzle section holder, the nozzle section holder being mounted on an extensible section of the hose holder.

Abstract: A balancer device, which is adapted for incorporating with a hanging article having two sidewalls, a front side, and an opposed rear side facing towards a supporting surface, includes two balancing wings each having an inner end, and two connecting units provided at the inner ends of the balancing wings for connecting the two balancing wings on the hanging article, wherein the balancing wings are adapted to be folded at an unfolded position that the two balancing wings are arranged for outwardly extending from the two sidewalls of the hanging article in such a manner that the two balancing wings are capable of blocking a spinning movement of the hanging article with respect to the supporting surface so as to retain the front side of the hanging article in position.

Abstract: A device can easily and releasably secure a medical wire such as a guidewire or a filter wire. In some instances, such a device can include a wire holding device that may be considered to be disposable. A wire holding device may include a base fixture, a clamp fixture, holding apparatus to hold the clamp fixture to the base fixture, releasing apparatus to release the clamp fixture from the base fixture, and selecting apparatus to select between the holding apparatus and the releasing apparatus.