Abstract: The reading of data from a memory tag to another device, using a memory tag reader, is described. The other device has an active portion which can detect the presence and position of the memory tag reader when brought adjacent to it. The memory tag reader is brought adjacent to the memory tag and data uploaded into the memory tag reader. The memory tag reader is moved adjacent to the active portion of the other device into a position which identifies the location to which the data is to be transferred. The data is then downloaded into that location in the other device. A similar process is described for downloading data from the other device to the memory tag. Apparatus appropriate to carry out each stage of these processes is described.

Abstract: A method for preprocessing data for strip material, i.e. metal or paper strips, provides data records for a strip surface according to coordinates with information about a condition of the strip, its surface or anomalies. Some data records are grouped and stored in cells based on grouping rules. The cells are configured on a screen or other medium similarly to the strip surface. Contents of the cells can be electronically processed or linked to other cells or data and may be one-dimensional or contain and provide source data, grouping rules or processing formulae. The cells are in rows and columns of a spreadsheet. Preprocessing of the surface data allows statements about an achievable quality of an end product based on the material and the end product, even during production of the material, and simultaneous use of the surface data simply in production planning and quality management.

Abstract: A card receptacle and a method for receiving a card in a receptacle of this type are disclosed. The receptacle and method may be used in a tacograph with a planar construction in a motor vehicle. The receptacle includes a receiving opening for receiving a card that contains a data memory, a closure for closing the receiving opening and a locking unit including at least one locking element that can be displaced into a locked position, in which the locking element secures the closure. Complex technical difficulties arising from the need for a fully-automatic card insertion necessitate a requirement for a robust, space-saving, manipulation-proof mechanical and electronic system that can be operated without incurring damage.

Abstract: A dual mode smart card controller is provided. In one embodiment, a USB and ISO7816 smart card controller is provided that determines the type of card that is inserted into a slot. If the smart card is a USB smart card, the controller is adapted to pass control of the smart card to an external PC host USB hub circuit. If the smart card is an ISO7816 card, then control is handled by the dual mode controller. In another embodiment, the controller includes an embedded USB hub circuit to permit the controller to directly control both USB and ISO7816 smart cards. Exemplary control sequencing includes monitoring a C4 signal line for a preselected time period, or generating an enable signal if a USB smart card is detected.

Abstract: A handheld scanner comprises a body including a scanner head portion and a grip portion, with a trigger for activating a scan operation provided on said grip portion. A trigger guard member is provided to form a loop together with the body surrounding the trigger, thereby preventing the trigger being accidentally or inadvertently activated.

Abstract: A contactless electronic IC card (10), includes a communication device (14) for communicating with a contactless electronic IC card reader (12) in accordance with the ISO 14443-4 standard, a contact type electronic IC card operating system (16) communicating by APDU command and APDU response in accordance with the ISO 7816-4 standard, and a protocol conversion interface (18) between the communication device (14) and the operating system (16).

Abstract: An automatic data collection device is provided for reading barcodes, matrix codes, stacked codes, or other machine-readable symbol. The data collection device generates an aiming beam that serves a dual purpose of target locating and data acquisition, such as data acquisition using imaging methods. The aiming beam defines the field of view of the data collection device for imaging. The illumination pattern provided by the aiming beam for imaging can have its shape, size, and/or intensity adaptively changed depending on conditions.

Abstract: In an imaging device for imaging a target, a photodetector with a two-dimensional light sensitive pixel area is provided. The two-dimensional light sensitive pixel area is divided into a plurality of split pixel areas. An imaging optics defines a plurality of segments of an FOV (field of view). The plurality of segments of the FOV respectively correspond to the plurality of split pixel areas of the photodetector. The imaging optics aligns, in a predetermined direction, the plurality of segments of the FOV to form a predetermined-direction oriented FOV so that the target is at least partially contained in the predetermined-direction oriented FOV.

Abstract: A method is provided for decoding an image of a pattern on an object to determine a digital identifier. An image of a pattern on the object is received. The image includes a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels having an optical attribute with a corresponding value. The image is divided into a plurality of tiles, each of the tiles containing a contiguous plurality of the pixels of the image. A digital bit is assigned to each of the tiles based on the values of the optical attribute of the pixels in the tile. A digital identifier is determined based on the digital bits assigned to the tiles.

Abstract: A portable device is provided which integrally comprises a barcode reader and a multimedia player. The multimedia player may comprise a music player, a video player, a radio receiver, a TV receiver, etc. The device preferably comprises a permanent storage such as a USB Mass Storage, and a USB connector for data transmission between the USB Mass Storage and an external unit such as a personal computer. A cap of resilient material firmly engages with the USB connector to protect the USB connector as well as to attach the device to an external item.

Abstract: A portable barcode reader is provided, which comprises a permanent storage for storing data obtained from reading barcodes. Preferably, the permanent storage is a USB Mass Storage, and a USB connector is connected to a body of the barcode reader for transmitting the data saved in the storage to an external device such as a computer for display or for further processing after scanning operations. No data transmission cable is needed to keep the barcode reader with the computer during the scanning operations.

Abstract: A handheld barcode reader comprises a scanner portion and a grip portion pivotally connected to each other. Preferably, the grip portion does not include essential electronic components of the barcode reader. Preferably, the grip portion has a profile conform to the natural grasp shape of a hand.

Abstract: A reading apparatus includes an exposure system, a light receiving system, a decoding section and a determination section. The exposure system applies light to a code image printed on a medium. The light has an infrared wavelength and a visible wavelength. The light receiving system receives infrared light and visible light, which are the light reflected on the medium, to capture the code image with the infrared light and capture the code image with the visible light. The decoding section reads a code from the code image captured with the infrared light. The determination section determines authenticity of the medium based on at least the code image captured with the visible light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information card with multiple storage media. Combining reading and writing characteristics of magnetic strip storages, ICs, PFIDs, and etc. with large storage capacity of a compound printing 2D barcode, the invention uses a base card with a magnetic strip storage medium or a base card beset with an IC read-write chip, and a RF read-write chip. On said base card contains a first 2D barcode which has difference reflectivities to lights in the first spectrum area between bars and spaces, there is a designated relation between data stored in the magnetic strip or the IC chip, RF chip and data stored in the first 2D barcode. The invention discloses a read-write device of the information card comprising a Contact Image Sensor (CIS), a magnetic head or an IC chip reader, an RF chip reader. The invention further discloses a method for reading and writing data in said information card.

Abstract: This publication discloses a method for identifying items, such as sheets of paper, or packages, a resistance mark arrangement, and reading apparatus. According to the method a mark made of electrically conductive material on the item is read contactlessly, in order to identify the item (7), or determine its properties. According to the invention, the precise absolute or relative resistance value of at least one electrically conductive mark (6) is determined and the measured resistance value is converted, for example, with the aid of a coding table or calculation formula, into information depicting the identity or properties of the item.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for generating a barcode with a human readable interpretation (HRI), herein the barcode includes an application identifier. The characters are input as an input data set that is equivalent to the complete (HRI) with a special character immediately after the application identifier. Generating a barcode encoding data set for encoding the barcode is based on the input data set. Generating the barcode encoding data set includes interpreting the special character as a field separator between the application identifier and a data portion. Generating a data set for the human readable interpretation is based on the input data set and includes converting the special character to a symbol. Generating the barcode with the human readable interpretation includes combining the barcode encoding data set and the data set for the human readable interpretation.

Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. The interactions between a temperature sensor and a temperature well integrated in the removable basin are disclosed. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device are provided.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of wireless microsystems. Each microsystem is operable to measure at least relative humidity and temperature, and to communicate temperature and relative humidity information wirelessly to a network device. The network device is operable to communicate the temperature and relative humidity information to at least a first processor configured to cause a change in a building control condition based on the information.

Abstract: A method of controlling airflow in a room using an airflow system including a fan, a compressor subsystem, a heating device, an outdoor temperature sensor, and a room temperature sensor associated with the room. The method includes determining an outdoor temperature using the outdoor temperature sensor and a room temperature using the room temperature sensor. The method also includes selectively activating the heating device or the compressor subsystem, determining a fan speed when one of the heating device and the compressor subsystem has been activated, and modulating the fan at the determined fan speed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a temperature of one or more zones using a fan. In one embodiment, the method includes inputting a temperature set point and a temperature control band for the one or more zones, initializing the fan to operate at a first speed setting, and determining a relationship between the temperature of the one or more zones, the temperature set point, and the temperature control band. The method also includes modulating a speed of the fan between the first speed setting and at least one second speed setting based at least partially on the determined relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices comprising at least one flexible seal, at least one flexible complex seal having at least one closed cavity containing a fluid, or a combination thereof. The devices may comprise at least one immobile and inflexible substrate and at least one mobile and inflexible substrate capable of movement due to the flexible seal, the flexible complex seal, or both. The flexible complex seals comprise at least one closed cavity comprising a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. As disclosed, the presence or absence of heat will cause the mobile and inflexible substrate to move. The movement will increase or decrease the fluid amount or fluid flow rate in the primary fluid layer. Also disclosed are methods for enhancing the insulating properties of insulating assemblies.

Abstract: An HVAC controller with a simplified and/or lower cost user interface. In one illustrative embodiment, the HVAC controller includes two switches, a movable member, and a plurality of detents. The detents are configured to cause the two switches to be switched in a sequence when the movable member is moved. In some cases, a controller is coupled to the two switches, and may change an HVAC control parameter based on the switch sequence.

Abstract: This invention relates to domestic heat and power systems that allow efficient methods of operating a domestic combined heat and power (dchp) unit and to energy-efficient methods of scheduling domestic appliance operation within a household having a dchp unit. Dchp units provide heating and hot water for the home and also generate electricity for use in the home. A domestic heat and power system is provided that comprises a dchp unit, a dchp unit controller, a programmer module and an energy scheduler linked to allow communication therebetween, wherein the programmer module receives data input and generates a heating and/or hot water schedule therefrom, the dchp unit controller determines operating times of the dchp unit in accordance with the schedule and provides the operating times to the energy scheduler that then operates the domestic appliance during operating times.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting abutting rail ends which are electrically isolated from one another comprises a cast tie having a pair of spaced-apart elongate support members cast into it. First and second yoke members are attached to both of the support members in a manner such that they are electrically isolated from the support members. A first clamp member associated with the first support member can be attached to both sides of the first rail end, and a second clamp member associated with the second yoke member can be attached to both sides of the second rail end. The yoke members are cast into the tie in a manner such that they are electrically isolated from one another and from the tie. The resulting structure not only holds the rail ends rigidly with respect to one another but also holds them rigidly with respect to the tie.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning components of a device. In one embodiment a method of aligning includes providing a device having a surface on which a number of adjusting structures is provided in predetermined regions, wherein each of the adjusting structures of the device has a first region having a first wettability and a second region having a second wettability, wherein the second wettability is lower than the first wettability. A number of liquid droplets is provided in a fixed arrangement which corresponds to the arrangement of the adjusting structures in the predetermined regions of the device. The device is placed on the liquid droplets in such a way that each of the droplets abuts at least partially on the inner region of the corresponding adjusting structure of the device in such a way that the device is aligned with regard to the arrangement of the number of droplets.

Abstract: An indoor fountain includes a basin, a base, a central artificial decoration device, and a plurality of LEDs disposed on a cover. The basin comprises a bowl-shaped body. The cover is disposed on the top of the basin body. A hollow water tank is defined between the cover and the basin body. The base is disposed under the bottom of the basin. A control switch is disposed on the base. The central artificial decoration device is disposed in the center of the top surface of the cover. A plurality of holes is defined in the cover surrounding the central artificial decoration device. A plurality of nozzles is defined in the cover surrounding the central artificial decoration device. The nozzles are connected to the water tank. When the control switch is turned on, the nozzles spurt water from the water tank and the LEDs emit light.

Abstract: A dual tank spray system includes a deck having wheels and an engine, first and second tanks mounted on the deck and configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively, and first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles mounted on the deck. A fluid distribution system provides fluid communication between the first and second tanks and the first and second sets of nozzles. The fluid distribution system transmits the first and second liquid materials from the first and second tanks to the first and second sets of nozzles, such that the first and second sets of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A sprinkler is provided which enables flushing an irrigation system without the need to remove the nozzles. The sprinkler includes a stem with an integral flushing valve upstream of the nozzle and any filter for the nozzle. The flushing valve is operated to block flow through the flushing port for irrigating, block flow both through the stem and the flushing port so shut off the sprinkler, or block flow through the sprinkler stem while permitting flow through the flushing port, thereby allowing the irrigation system to be flushed of dirt and debris.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray gun that comprises an inlet formed at an end thereof for introduction of compressed air and a spout for spraying paint. The spray gun is made of Polyphenylene Sulfide. The forming process of Polyphenylene Sulfide is similar to the common plastic so that the spray gun can be made by ejection molding. Therefore, the spray gun is not only low cost and light weight but also has high resistance to chemical erosion, high temperature and impact.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a needle valve having a metering land that corresponds with the metering edge to define a metering gap. The metering gap produces a pressure drop utilized to tailor needle valve opening and closing response times.

Abstract: A control system for minimizing overall water use in a food waste handling system while maximizing flow rate when needed by controlling a flow of water into the handling system based on or in response to a physical presence of an operator. The control system substantially automatically senses, detects, or otherwise determines the presence of the operator, wherein such presence is assumptively associated with use of the waste handling system (i.e., the deposition of waste thereinto), and, in response to said presence, automatically controls the flow of water accordingly and for a pre-established period of time following cessation of said presence in order to facilitate the on-going handling process.

Abstract: A powder processing apparatus includes a main body portion having a cylindrical rotor rotating at a high speed, and a cylindrical stator arranged coaxially with the rotor, outside the rotor with a gap therebetween; a supply port provided at one end of the main body portion, and supplying a processing raw material into the gap together with an airflow; and a discharge port provided at the other end of the main body portion, and discharging, from the gap, a processed product obtained by spheroidizing the processing raw material between the rotor and the stator. In the inner peripheral surface of the stator, there are provided circumferential grooves orthogonally intersecting the axis line of the stator, or a spiral groove forming an angle of not less than 60 degrees and less than 90 degrees with respect to the axis line.

Abstract: A refining surface of a refining member, adapted for use with a refiner for defibrating a lignocellulose-containing material, is provided. Such a refining surface comprises a plurality of first grooves, each first groove being defined between two adjacent first bar portions of the refining surface, and extending between opposing first and second radial edges of the refining surface. The refining surface further comprises a plurality of second grooves, each second groove being defined between two adjacent second bar portions of the refining surface forming each first bar portion, and extending between two adjacent second grooves. The first bar portions are wider than the second bar portions, and each second bar portion are between about 1 mm and about 3 mm wide. A blade segment of a refining member is also provided.

Abstract: A device (3) for guiding a thread or the like is described, which includes a holding element (4), a thread roll (5) rotatably disposed on the holding element (4) to form a bearing gap (12), and a protective shield (14), which covers the bearing gap (12) at at least one axial end. According to the invention, the protective shield (34) is non-rotatably connected to the holding element (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to thread storage and dispensing systems which protect the thread from damage. A spool system of the present invention includes a thread spool around which thread is wound. A spool cap is mounted to the thread spool in a manner which substantially encloses the thread. The spool cap may include an opening through which the thread is extended as it is fed into a sewing machine. The spool cap may be selectively and removably mounted to the thread spool in any of a variety of manners. For instance, detents may be provided on the cap to engage a corresponding groove in the thread spool. Optionally, a stopper is provided which may be inserted into the opening through which the thread is fed into a sewing machine. The stopper may frictionally engage the cap and thread, and secure the thread to prevent it from unraveling.

Abstract: The seat belt retractor is provided that comprises an electric motor; a spool operatively associated with the electric motor for winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint; and a controller. The controller can be configured to control a drive of the electric motor based on a seat belt storage starting condition defined by information about a state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and information about a state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt. The controller can be configured to control the drive of the electric motor to rotate the spool to wind up the seat belt when the seat belt storage starting condition is satisfied and to temporarily stop the rotation of the spool for a time period when a seat belt load acting on the seat belt exceeds a predetermined amount. The time period can be set according to a satisfaction pattern of the seat belt storage starting condition.

Abstract: A string fastening device includes a reel on which a string is reeled thereon and a toothed ring is connected to the reel. A knob has a shaft inserted into a tube extending from the base of the device and the reel is rotatably mounted on the tube. The knob has first teeth in an underside thereof and the first teeth are engaged with the toothed ring so that the reel is driven by rotation of the knob to tighten the ring. The knob can be pulled away from the reel to disengage the first teeth from the toothed ring so that the string can be loosened. The knob includes second teeth and the base has two pawls which limit the knob to rotate in one direction to drive the reel.

Abstract: Process for measuring the length of the yarn wound onto a bobbin which, at discreet intervals, determines the length of yarn wound in a tangential direction, the length of yarn wound in an axial direction, combining them to obtain the precise partial length wound spirally onto the bobbin at each interval and integrating the partial lengths progressively indicated during the advancement of the bobbin to obtain the overall length.

Abstract: A rewinder includes a bedroll and first and second turrets. Each turret includes a plurality of rotatable mandrels. The bedroll includes a web-transferring mechanism for transferring a web on the bedroll to a mandrel at first and second rotational positions of the bedroll. The first turret is rotatable to successively move each of its mandrels to a first web-transferring position adjacent the first rotational position of the bedroll. The second turret is rotatable to successively move each of its mandrels to a second web-transferring position adjacent the second rotational position of the bedroll. After a web is transferred to a mandrel, the mandrel rotates to wind the web into a log. As the web is being wound on a mandrel of one of the turrets, a completed log on the other turret is removed.

Abstract: When an elongate film is initially wound around a core, it is wound under a low winding tension command value T1 corresponding to the length of the core. Then, after the tension is progressively increased at a predetermined rate, the elongate film is wound while its tension is gradually lowered from a high winding tension command value T3.

Abstract: The present invention compact creel using the OETO method that accommodates an increased number of packages in a relatively small footprint while providing a straight in-line delivery path in which fiber bends and changes in direction are minimized. In addition, the present invention is a system, apparatus and method for tension control in a fiber feeding system that provides a fast and reliable method for feeding high tack elastomeric thread or fiber from a package to a manufacturing process. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for changing packages on a creel without interrupting the manufacturing process. In particular, the compact creel of the present invention provides for continuous operation of unwinding and fiber delivery by allowing a standby package to be loaded on the same mandrel as an active package that is presently being unwound.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and an arrangement for low or non-rotating artillery shells fired from launch weaponry, and which introduces a portion of the barrel pressure built up in the barrel during the launch phase into a chamber arranged in the low or non-rotating artillery shell which is delimited in at least one direction by an element which is movable relative to the rest of the shell when a differential pressure between the chamber and the external environment of the shell is sufficient to move the element. The moveable element may be a protective casing covering fins of the artillery shell.

Abstract: A rotor system (12) for a helicopter (10) includes a rotating shaft (82). A gimbaled hub assembly (56) is coupled to the rotating shaft (82). Rotating blades (24) and non-rotating blades (33) are coupled to the gimbaled hub assembly (56). The non-rotating blades (33) provide lift for the helicopter (10) in forward flight unloading the rotating blades. The rotating and non-rotating blades (24, 33) provide equal and opposite rolling moments for lift offset operation.

Abstract: For constant-speed synchrophasing of the propellers (14) of the propulsion units (10) of an aircraft each equipped with an electronic control circuit (20) connected to a communications network (32) of the aircraft, each control circuit of a propulsion unit includes a clock delivering a clock signal at a frequency representing a rotational speed of the propulsion unit propeller corresponding to said constant speed, the control circuit clocks are kept substantially synchronous by communication via the communications network of the aircraft, and in each propulsion unit, the offset between the clock signal and a signal produced from a propeller rotational speed sensor is measured and compared to a determined propeller phase value assigned to the propulsion unit and, depending on the result of the comparison, an instantaneous variation of the propeller rotational speed is applied as necessary so as to bring the measured offset to the determined value.

Abstract: Aircraft systems having thrust reversers with support members are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes a thrust reverser having a nozzle inner wall, a nozzle outer wall radially outward of the inner wall, and a blocker door carried by the outer wall. The blocker door is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The thrust reverser further includes a support member extending between a forward section of a nozzle inner wall and a forward section of the nozzle outer wall. The support member is positioned such that at least a portion of the support member is forward of the blocker door when the blocker door is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A method of launching a catapult, a catapult and a locking device for a catapult. The catapult comprises a carriage (4) for fastening an aircraft (5). The carriage (4) can be provided with a high acceleration by directing a launching force (F1) generated by a launching device thereto. The carriage (4) can be held at a launching position (6) by means of the locking device (9). The catapult further comprises a takeoff damper (34) that generates a damping force (F2) having a direction opposite relative to the launching force. Accordingly, the takeoff damper (34) restricts the acceleration of the carriage (4) at the initial launching moments.

Abstract: An aircraft stowage bin assembly includes shear fittings configured to route a content load from the bucket of the bin assembly to the airframe in the event of a forward load condition, such as a crash or severe turbulence. When the forward inertial load factor on the stowage bin is greater than about 1 g, the shear fittings create an efficient load path from the bucket to the airframe which bypasses the large metallic or composite endframes required by the designs of many conventional overhead stowage bins. As a result, significant reductions in overall bulk and weight, as well as lower manufacturing costs, can be realized.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems for controlling the direction of thermal expansion of a composite part during thermal processing. The systems may comprise at least one guiding mechanism capable of being attached to a surface of a tool for fabricating composites and at least one moveable composite insert capable of being attached to a composite part. The moveable composite insert has an opening for receiving the at least one guiding mechanism. The opening is capable of controlling movement of the at least one moveable composite insert in a desired direction during thermal expansion of the composite part, when the guiding mechanism is received by the opening. Methods for controlling the direction of thermal expansion of a composite part during thermal processing are also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-flight refueling system, boom, and method are provided for extending the range of motion of an in-flight refueling boom carried by a first aircraft so as to facilitate an in-flight refueling operation between the first and the second aircraft. More specifically, in some embodiments the present invention provides a rotating device, operably engaged with at least one airfoil, and configured to substantially surround and rotate about the in-flight refueling boom such that the rotating device and the at least one airfoil operably engaged therewith, may be actuated so as to extend the range of motion of the in-flight refueling boom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising: a primary fluid inlet (2); a secondary fluid inlet (3); a mixing chamber (4) connected to the primary fluid inlet via en ejector nozzle (6) and to the secondary fluid inlet; a fluid outlet (5) connected to the mixing chamber for outflow of gas from the mixing chamber; a valve arrangement (10) having a valve member (11) arranged to influence the secondary fluid inlet so as to adjust the amount of gas entering the mixing chamber from the secondary fluid inlet; and a temperature-dependent regulating means (20) connected to the valve arrangement for controlling the position of the valve member and thereby the amount of gas entering the mixing chamber from the secondary fluid inlet in dependence upon the temperature of the gas flowing through the primary fluid inlet or the fluid outlet. The invention also relates to an aircraft anti-icing system comprising such a device and the use thereof.