Abstract: An automatic cutting device is described for cutting an assembly. The assembly includes a material having a weakened zone therein that defines a useful layer and being attached to a source substrate. The cutting device includes a cutting mechanism and a holding and positioning mechanism operatively associated with the cutting mechanism. The holding and positioning mechanism positions the material so that the cutting mechanism detaches the layer from the source substrate along the weakened zone. The cutting device also includes a control mechanism for adjusting at least two different portions of the assembly during detachment of the layer to facilitate a more precise detachment.

Abstract: A method for regulating a web tension of a continuous materials which is moving using a transport device with a web-tension controller, includes determining controller characteristic parameters, and using for the determining of controller characteristic parameters a characteristic which is specifiable as a function and/or at several support points.

Abstract: Vacuum belt conveying device for guiding a moving web, in particular a web threading strip of a paper or board web, having an air-permeable transport belt guided endlessly in a loop with an upper run and a lower run, and a device arranged within the loop for applying a vacuum to the inner side of one of the runs of the transport belt in order to hold the web firmly on the transport belt, in which the device for applying a vacuum is formed by means of at least one long-gap ejector, which in each case has an air jet injector having a large number of air outlet nozzles along the inlet side of the long gap and, on the inlet side, is positioned at a distance under the inner side of the run which is provided to hold the web firmly.

Abstract: A tensioner for deploying a member such as a pipe or cable, such as a sub-sea cable deployed from a ship, comprises an endless track and drive means for driving the track. The track includes a plurality of traction elements mounted thereon for movement with the track. Each traction element includes one or more cushions for supporting the member, and a pair of opposed arms mounted on respective sides of the base of the traction element. One or more of the arms is pivotally mounted for movement between a clamping position and a release position. In an alternative arrangement, four moveable arms are linked in diametrically opposite pairs to move between a release position and a clamping position. Cushions on the arms clamp the member in conjunction with the cushions of the traction element, when the arms are in the clamping position. Guide means are provided to urge the arms into the clamping position to grip the member as it passes through the tensioner.

Abstract: A propellant container for a hand-held setting tool includes a valve outlet (23) for delivery of propellant, and a terminal element (24) provided at an end region (29) of the propellant container (20) remote from the valve outlet (23) and having a locking member (25) for securing the propellant container (20) in a propellant container receptacle (16) of the setting tool (10) and having a terminal element (14) for the valve outlet (23) of the propellant container (20), and a counter-locking element (35) provided in an end region (39) of the propellant container receptacle (16) adjoining the receiving opening (19) and cooperating with the locking member (25) of the propellant container (20).

Abstract: A staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 is provided having an apparatus 22 for movement of the cutter box 20 to allow automatic variations in staple length for one or more staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 said staple-forming and inserting apparatus 10 being provided with a staple crown 105 supporting shoe 56 to permit supported insertion of the staple into the workpiece the device 10 having blades 50a, 50b for pinch-cutting of the staple wire 72 to provide chisel ends to legs 101 of stable 100 device 10 have key and rail construction to allow the operating drive 16 and bender 18 rails to travel on keys 32 that may be replaced to avoid wear on drive 16 and bender 18 rails and replacement of the rails and a floating bender rail 18 that prevents overstrike and damage to knives 50a, 50b.

Abstract: A pneumatic fixing machine comprises a piston mean (30) sliding into a cylinder (33); first valve means (5) mobile between two extreme opening (E) and closing (D) positions, in correspondence of which they connect in flow communication a inlet portion (33a) of said cylinder (33) respectively with a feeding of pressurized fluid and with an external outlet; second valve means (2) which can be operated by means of a trigger mean (7) and mobile at least between an occlusion position (M) and a passage position (L) to connect in flow connection, through at least a first duct (9), a base portion (5a) of the first valve means (5) respectively with the feeding of fluid in pressure and with an external outlet.

Abstract: An improved surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section with the cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position. The apparatus includes a replaceable staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples and a pivotably mounted safety lock-out. The safety lock-out is pivotable between an initial position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to the fully clamped position is permitted and a blocking position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to return them to their fully clamped position after the plurality of staples have been at least partially fired is prevented. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted firing lever for moving a pair of camming surfaces longitudinally.

Abstract: An improved surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a cartridge half-section and an anvil half-section with the cartridge and anvil half-sections being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position. The apparatus includes a replaceable staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples and a pivotably mounted safety lock-out. The safety lock-out is pivotable between an initial position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to the fully clamped position is permitted and a blocking position in which a relative movement of the cartridge and anvil half-sections to return them to their fully clamped position after the plurality of staples have been at least partially fired is prevented. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted firing lever for moving a pair of camming surfaces longitudinally.

Abstract: A surgical stapler may include a staple holder, an anvil connected to the staple holder, where at least one of the staple holder and the anvil may be movable relative to the other, and where the anvil may include a groove defined therein, and a cutter that may be slidable along the groove in the anvil. Such a stapler may be used for treating a tissue structure having a lumen defined therein and a wall surrounding the lumen, such as by inserting the anvil into the lumen of the tissue structure through an opening in the wall of the tissue structure; and incising the wall of the tissue structure from the inside, utilizing the cutter.

Abstract: A two-step high bottleneck type capillary for a wire bonding device having a height of 1.5˜5.0 mm and taper of 10˜15° from the capillary end is disclosed. The capillary consists of a straight portion; a first bottleneck portion extending upwards from the end of the capillary to a first step with a first taper of 8˜12°, said the first bottleneck portion having a first height of 0.1˜0.5 mm from the end of the capillary to the first step; and a second bottleneck portion extending upwards from the first step to a second step on the border of the straight portion with a second taper of 10˜15°, the second bottleneck portion having a second height of 1.1˜5.0 mm from the end of the capillary to the second step.

Abstract: 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: Component 3 is pressed onto a circuit board 4 so that their respective metal interconnects 5, 6 are in close contact with each other, and ultrasonic vibration is applied to the suction nozzle 14 holding the component 3. Friction is thereby generated between metal interconnects 5, 6 whereby the component 3 is bonded on circuit substrate. Suction nozzle 14 for handling components is made of stainless steel and has a working face 14a provided with a hardened layer 14b, or alternatively, suction nozzle 14 may have a suction head 14c having a working face 14a made of cemented carbide. Working face 14a of suction nozzle 14 is refined by polishing as required during the mounting operation.

Abstract: A deposition friction stir weld process of joining work pieces includes placing a filler material on and about a joint line formed by butting a first work piece surface against a second work piece surface; and frictionally heating the filler material to soften the filler material and portions of the first and second work piece surfaces in thermal contact with the filler material and form a weld between the first and second work pieces, wherein frictionally heating is at a temperature below a melting point of the filler material and the first and second workpiece surfaces. Also disclosed herein are friction stir welding assemblies for providing the deposition friction stir weld as well as processes for depositing filler material and contouring a workpiece surface.

Abstract: A composite body which can withstand high thermal stresses is formed by high-temperature soldering at least a part of a high-temperature-resistant, metallic or nonmetallic component and at least a part of a high-temperature-resistant, nonmetallic component. Prior to soldering, a metallic barrier layer, which is impervious to the solder melt, of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Ti, Zr, Hf and alloys thereof, is deposited on that surface of each nonmetallic component which is to be soldered. Solder material, barrier layer and soldering conditions are adapted to one another in such a manner that during the soldering operation the metallic barrier layer remains at least partially in the solid state, so that after the soldering operation it is still present in a thickness of at least 10 ?m at least over the majority of the soldering surface.

Abstract: A titanium-aluminide turbine wheel (120, 220, 320, 420) is joined to the end of a shaft (110, 210, 310, 410) by utilizing a titanium surface on the end of the shaft to be joined to the wheel, and electron-beam welding the wheel onto the titanium surface on the shaft. A steel shaft (110, 310, 410) can have a titanium-containing end piece (130, 330, 430) mechanically joined (by brazing, bonding, or welding) to the end of the shaft, and the end piece can be directly electron-beam welded to the wheel. Alternatively, the shaft (210) can be formed as a titanium member and the end (212) of the shaft can be directly electron-beam welded to the wheel (220). In another embodiment, a ferrous end piece (330) is mechanically joined to the titanium-aluminide turbine wheel (320) and then the end piece is directly electron-beam welded to the end of a steel shaft (310). Alternatively, a silver-titanium alloy member (430) is sandwiched between the wheel (420) and a steel shaft (410) and is melted to join the parts together.

Abstract: A method of processing seals (20), like leaf seals, in which seals (20) an annular gap, formed between two coaxial, cylindrical surfaces, is sealed off in the axial direction by a multiplicity of individual, thin sealing elements (22; 22a, b) which, with an orientation deviating from the radial direction, extend transversely through the gap and are fixed at their end assigned to the one cylindrical surface and bear loosely with the other, free end against the other cylindrical surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mounting electrical components to electric circuit boards. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for mounting electrical components having near-zero standoff height to electrical printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A composite standoff is formed on a circuit board during the processing of the circuit board while an array of electrical circuit traces including contact pads are formed, portions of the electrical circuit traces are covered by a solder mask, and legend ink is applied to the circuit board for locating electronic components on the circuit board without any need for an additional step.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a device for presenting dining accessories includes a flexible, foldable pocket having a front panel and a taller back panel. The upper edge of the front panel defines an opening for the pocket. The pocket can lay flat on a surface and may be configured and sized to receive flatware so that the operable ends of the flatware are inserted into and enclosed by the pocket and the handles project from the pocket and onto the taller back panel. The front of the pocket may include a coupling device for releasably attaching a decorative accessory to the pocket. The decorative accessories may be, for example, a ribbon or other member having an aesthetic or informational element. A system for presenting dining accessories includes a pocket having a coupling device and a plurality of interchangeable decorative members that are releasably attachable to the coupling device.

Abstract: A carton is provided with side walls that are shaped to securely or tightly enclose a group of tapered cylindrical articles. The curvature of the edges of each side wall is selected to cause the end wall or end closure structure to conform to the tapered shape of articles in the endmost row that is disposed adjacent to the respective end closure structure of the carton. More specifically, the edges of each side wall are substantially continuously arcuate and the curvature of the edge is determined such that the maximum width of each side wall is greater than the width of the respective bottom edge of the side wall.

Abstract: A carton includes a pivoting recloseable lid that is easy to open and recluse. The recloseable lid includes a breachable closure aperture section that can be adapted to receive a portion of a bag or other flexible container accommodated within the carton. When the lid is opened, the contents of the flexible container can be dispensed.

Abstract: A carton structure includes a circling peripheral plate providing two opposing open ends, and a plurality of seal plates for covering respective open ends of the peripheral plate. The seal plate includes at least a seal-assistant ear located at one lateral side of the seal plate. When the seal plate covers the respective open end, the seal-assistant ear can be folded toward the peripheral plate so that a correct position of the seal plate for sealing the open end of the peripheral plate can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring performance and ordering supplies in a collision center includes an identification reader for reading product identification tags corresponding products removed from a supply of products. The identification reader also reads a repair order identification tag corresponding to a repair order of a vehicle under repair and a technician identification tag corresponding to a technician using the product(s) to repair the vehicle. The system further includes a computer having a plurality of database for storing repair order data, technician data, benchmark data, and inventory data. The computer receives data from the identification reader and computes a performance level of the technician by comparing the product(s) used by the technician to a standard benchmark. The computer also analyzes the inventory data and automatically generates a supply order for products that fall below an inventory level. The supply order is electronically sent to a supplier.

Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) card stores therein card identification. The IC card includes a verification data fetching unit that fetches verification data from a mobile communication terminal of a user; a verification process unit that verifies whether fetched verification data is authentic thereby verifying whether the user is an authorized user of the IC card; and a controller that permits exchange of the card identification data between the IC card and the transaction terminal upon the verification process unit confirming that the user is an authorized user thereby permitting execution of a transaction process at the transaction terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for execution of financial and data transactions includes a point-of-sale device configured to execute a transaction in which at least one good or service is sold to an individual having a card with a storage medium encoding a card number. The transaction is completed after said point-of-sale device receives a data transmission authorizing said transaction. The point-of-sale device is configured to communicate via the Internet with a first computing system. The first computing system stores a set of instructions that cause the first computing system to evaluate the transaction to determine whether the transaction is to be authorized, and to send a transmission authorizing the transaction via the open network to said point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing fraud detection rules system includes a first transaction card through which access to monetary funds is extended and a database associating said transaction card with one or more fraud detection rules governing access to said monetary funds by said transaction card. The system also includes a computing system programmed to permit an individual owning said transaction card to specify said fraud detection rules governing access to said monetary funds by said transaction card.

Abstract: A system and method for disputing individual items that are the subject of a transaction includes storing, in a database, a record of a transaction in which a plurality of goods or services were sold to an individual that owns a transaction card through which access to monetary funds may be obtained, so that the transaction is identified by a transaction identifier. Also, information identifying each good or service that is a subject of the transaction is associated with said transaction identifier. A cost associated with one of the goods or services associated with the transaction identifier is disputed, without subjecting costs of all goods or services that are associated with said transaction identifier to dispute.

Abstract: A system and method for establishment of rules governing child accounts may include associating, in a database, a first transaction card through which access to monetary funds is extended with a second transaction card through which access to said monetary funds is extended. Also, in said database, said second transaction card is associated with one or more rules governing access to said monetary funds by said second transaction card. Finally, an individual owning said first transaction card is permitted to specify said rules governing access to said monetary funds by said second transaction card.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a method, device and/or system illumination-based disinfection. A disinfector may include, for example, a conduit to carry a flowing medium to be disinfected, the conduit having an inlet to receive the medium and an outlet to discharge the medium; a flow adapter configured to adapt a flow of the medium at the inlet based on an intended spatial distribution of flow velocities of entities suspended in the medium along a plurality of intended flow paths from the inlet to the outlet; and at least one illumination source to illuminate the conduit with light having a customized spatial light flux distribution, which is based at least in part on the intended distribution of flow velocities. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method for tokenless authentication. A customer can enroll with a customer identifier and by providing biometric samples. A customer checking, credit or debit account can be associated with the information provided by the customer. When the customer seeks to enter into a transaction, the customer provides his identifier and biometric information. The identifier can be used to locate the biometric information stored for the customer during enrollment. If the received biometric matches the stored biometric, the customer can be authenticated and the transaction approved.

Abstract: The security clearance card, system, and method include a card that stores data to verify the identity of an owner of the card. In addition to other types of information, the card stores biometric data of the owner and other identity data. Different portions of the data may be encrypted with different encryption techniques based upon a predetermined level of security assigned to the portions of the stored data. Reader elements are then capable of reading at least a portion of the encrypted data stored on the security clearance card, and receiving at least one biometric from an individual. The biometric stored in the card is then compared with the biometric of the individual presenting the security clearance card to verify that the holder of the card is the owner of the card.

Abstract: A burglarproof tag and a method for preventing tag data from being stolen are disclosed. The burglarproof tag includes a license number (Ln) corresponding to a license code (L code) and a royalty number (Rn) corresponding to a royalty code (R code) by way of a random code. Moreover, both the Ln and the Rn are disposed on a corresponding product. Whereby, after using an audit unit to read a tag with the L code and the R code, a user can directly use the audit unit to judge whether the tag corresponds to the L code and the R code that are stored in the audit unit, for identifying whether the corresponding product has been licensed and for preventing the L code and the R code from being stolen.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for tracking items automatically are ed. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is used with a material g system to enable the identification, location tracking, and managing of aviation assets, such as baggage and cargo, in an airport environment. For example, passive 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 tag mounting device can temporarily mount a tag transmitter on a shipping container or trailer for tracking location of the shipping container or trailer. The tag mounting device includes a mounting frame having a support leg with opposing ends. A clamp mechanism is carried by the support leg for clamping the support leg onto a rim of a container or trailer such that the support leg extends against a surface of the container or trailer. A tag support member extends outward from the support leg. A tag transmitter is carried by the tag support member and operative for transmitting wireless signals to at least one receiver for subsequent processing to determine the location of the tag transmitter and a container or trailer on which the tag mounting device is mounted.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are described for registering a dispensation from an inventory and responding to the registering by indicating a nutraceutical request quantity partly based on the inventory and partly based on a consumption regimen.

Abstract: A computer readable medium including executable instructions to analyze radio frequency (RF) tag information includes executable instruction to access cross-enterprise RF tag information, identify a product transition based upon the cross-enterprise RF tag information, and define a new product path based upon the product transition, where the new product path defines product pedigree information. Additional executable instructions authenticate a user, secure product information, supply product pedigree information corresponding to the product information, and verify the pedigree of the product based upon the product pedigree information.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: The conventional apparatus for reading/writing storage devices need a built-in microprocessor control unit (MCU) to process commands. Thus, the flexiability (e.g.: supporting capacity of storage device) and the cost of the apparatus are not satisfied. The present invention employs a driver and a hardwire circuit to replace the MCU for money saving without changing other units in the apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus of the present invention can raise the supporting capacity of storage device and compatibility by just updating the driver.

Abstract: A tag access control system for controlling data communication between a plurality of reader/writers respectively having a plurality of antennas and one or more IC tags moving sequentially through communication ranges of the plurality of antennas includes a storing portion for storing movement information and reader/writer information, a command accepting portion for accepting a command, a dividing portion for generating a plurality of divided commands from the command, a detecting portion for detecting the IC tag located within the communication range of the antenna in one reader/writer of the plurality of reader/writers, a job controlling portion for sequentially assigning the plurality of reader/writers the plurality of divided commands according to the movement information and the reader/writer information, and a returning portion for returning a result of processing the command.

Abstract: An optical unit includes an optical emitter receiving an optical emitter current, an optical sensor receiving an optical sensor current and light from the optical emitter and in response thereto outputting at least one signal indicating relative movement between the optical unit and an optical code scale, and an optical sensor current detector comparing the optical sensor current to a reference value. In response to the optical sensor current being different than the reference value, the optical sensor current detector outputs an optical sensor current detector signal. The optical sensor current detector signal indicates the presence of a contaminant in a light path from the optical emitter to the optical sensor, and is used to regulate the current to the optical emitter so as to counteract the negative effects of the contaminant in the light path.

Abstract: A scan beam formed by the optical scanning unit is divided by the first scan beam dividing unit and the second scan beam dividing unit. The first scan beam dividing unit and the second scan beam dividing unit are disposed in such a manner that the scan beams divided by the first scan beam dividing unit traverse a rotation axis of the optical scanning unit before reaching the second scan beam dividing unit.

Abstract: An optical scanning system having an imaging optical system for imaging a plurality of light beams deflected by a deflecting surface of a optical deflector upon different scan surfaces. The imaging optical system includes an imaging optical element which has at least one optical surface defined, with respect to the sub-scan sectional plane, in accordance with different functions related to different regions. When with respect to the sub-scan sectional plane the plurality of light beams incident on one and the same deflecting surface of the optical deflector have the same reflection point thereon, there is relationship defined for a meridional line of the optical surface of the imaging optical element defined in accordance with the function, whereas when the plurality of light beams have different reflection points on the optical deflector, there is a different relationship for the meridional line.

Abstract: A barcode reader outputs a beep sound upon successfully reading a barcode. The barcode reader includes separate buttons for changing an output volume level and output tine level of the beep sound. The buttons are provided on a surface of the barcode reader.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a communication interface receives image data through the communication interface to form an image. The image forming apparatus includes a power supply unit, a states monitor unit, and a mode switch unit. The power supply unit supplies electric power either in an operation mode in which the electric power necessary to form the image is supplied or in a power saving mode in which stand-by electric power is supplied. The states monitor unit monitors a connection state and a non-connection state of the communication interface. In the power saving mode, the mode switch unit switches the power supply unit to the operation mode, in response to detection by the states monitor unit of either of a change from the non-connection state to the connection state or a change from the connection state to the non-connection state.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for barcode decoding. The method comprises receiving an input signal corresponding to a reflection of light from a bar code. The input signal is divided into a predetermined number of segments. Each segment includes a plurality of samples. Each of the segments is represented using at least one of the samples therefrom. At least one sample from each segment is analyzed to determine a location the bar code within the input signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for selecting a particular barcode on an item that includes multiple barcodes. The system (1) acquires, via a barcode imager, an image of the item within the field of view of the barcode imager, (2) analyzes the acquired image to determine a set of potential barcode fields, (3) determines, using a predetermined criterion (e.g., distance from center of imaged area, type of bar code, etc.), a candidate barcode field from among the set of potential barcode fields, (4) displays a modified image derived from the acquired image, wherein the candidate barcode field is identified within the modified image, and (5) allows the user to initiate a decode session when the candidate barcode field includes the desired barcode.

Abstract: A two-dimensional bar code image generation apparatus for generating a color image according to a two-dimensional bar code comprises a two-dimensional bar code encoding section 11 that encodes the input information into a two-dimensional bar code, an up-sampling section 12 that up-samples the two-dimensional bar code, a luminance signal generating section 13 that applies a band limit to the output of the up-sampling section and outputs the band-limited output as luminance signal and a blue color difference signal generating section 14 and a red color difference signal generating section 15 that output the quantity of variance between any two adjacent pieces of information respectively as a blue color difference signal and as a red color difference signal in the output of the up-sampling section.

Abstract: A user generates a programming bar code or programming parameter file that encompasses all desired parameter settings. A batch of scanners is programmed by scanning the bar code or reading the parameter file to simplify and expedite the programming process.

Abstract: A method for improving the depth of field in the detection of a linear optical code includes simultaneously forming two or more overlapped equally focused but differently diaphragmed in phase images of an optical code onto a linear sensor. Diaphragms and optical receiving devices suitable to implement the method are described.