Abstract: A fastener driving device includes a housing containing a chamber for storing compressed air a cylinder structure disposed within the housing, a piston movably disposed within the cylinder, a driver connected to the piston, a main valve cooperable with the cylinder structure and movable between an open position and a closed position. The main valve in its open position allows air to move the piston through a drive stroke. The fastener driving device also includes a trigger valve operable between first and second positions. The trigger valve in its first position communicates air pressure from the chamber to the main valve through a signal passageway so as to retain the main valve in a closed position. The trigger valve in its second position allows the air to be exhausted to atmosphere through the signal passageway to permit the main valve to open. The cylinder and the signal passageway comprise an integrally molded structure.

Abstract: A contact trip assembly for a power nailer, wherein a contact member includes a curved portion that loops rearwardly towards a handle of the nailer. Also provided is an adjustment assembly including an adjustment plate and a pinion gear, a trigger that is slidably engageable within a housing of the tool, a trigger lock including a ring element, an anti-discharge mechanism including a stop member, and a contact trip lock.

Abstract: A rotary joint is provided with: an end cap body having an opening formed therein; a hollow plug housing having an opening formed along the direction of the first-named opening and directed in a first axis direction; an intermediate sleeve held turnably in the plug housing on the first axis on its one end side and having an opening formed on its other end side and extending in a second axis direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first axis; and a plug portion held turnably in the intermediate sleeve on a second axis on its one end side and having a nipple portion formed on its other end side and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the second axis. The rotary joint is characterized in that its plug housing is housed/mounted in the opening of the end cap body.

Abstract: The cylinder structure for a pneumatic tool includes a first and second cylinder placed inside the pneumatic tool, and a first and second piston placed inside the first and second cylinder. The one-piece structure of the first and second cylinder are inside the pneumatic tool, and the air inlet of the first cylinder and the air inlet of the second cylinder can be connected by a first bypass. The lower air chamber of the first cylinder is connected to the second piston of the second cylinder at the bottom by a second bypass. The double cylinder of the pneumatic tool avoids being hit by external forces, which extends the life of usage. The invention makes the manufacturing process simpler and more effective, and the end product looks more unified.

Abstract: A spring energized stapler includes a “high start” design wherein a striker has a rest position above the staple track. A handle is pressed to energize a power spring while the striker remains stationary. At a predetermined position of the handle, the striker is released to eject a staple. A subassembly of a cage and the power spring provides a preload to the power spring in the rest position. The subassembly is separately movable from the handle to allow a handle pressing end to move farther than the striker's distance of travel. The handle includes a movable pivot location to enable enhanced motion of the handle pressing end. Alternatively, an optional lever links the striker to the power spring to provide leverage upon the power spring. A release latch may be mounted in front of the striker to be engaged by the lever or the handle.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling rotation and actuation of an end effector on a surgical fastening device. In an exemplary embodiment, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. The single cable can also be effective to close opposed jaws of the end effector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a surgical stapling apparatus and/or a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism supported on the housing portion of the loading unit. The locking mechanism has a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages the drive assembly and maintains the position of the drive assembly in a ready-to-load position relative to the housing portion of the loading unit. The locking mechanism is pivotable to a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a plurality of sensors, and a status module releasably connected to the surgical instrument. The status module comprises a plurality of contacts, a circuit, and a plurality of indicators. Each individual contact is in electrical communication with a different sensor. The circuit is in electrical communication with at least one of the contacts. At least one of the indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.

Abstract: A disposable staple cartridge for a surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Various embodiments include a disposable anvil that is supported relative to the cartridge body and movable between open and closed positions. At least one tissue stop is provided on the disposable anvil for orienting the tissue to be cut and stapled relative to the staples supported within the cartridge body. Other embodiments relate to end effectors for surgical cutting and fastening instruments that can be used in connection with a plurality of staple cartridge bodies that each have a common length but which may different lengths of staple lines.

Abstract: A powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument includes a drive shaft; a motor; and a gear shifting assembly connected to the drive shaft and the motor. The gear shifting assembly may include at least a first stage gear assembly coupled to the motor and to the drive shaft for operating the gear shifting assembly in a first gear setting; and a gear coupling assembly for selectively coupling at least one additional gear to the drive shaft for operating the gear shifting assembly in a second gear setting.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly, and a handle. The handle comprises a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, a motor for actuating the gear drive train, and a firing trigger. Retraction of the firing trigger actuates the motor. Further, the firing trigger is connected to the gear drive train such that the loading force applied to the firing trigger is related to the loading force experienced by the cutting instrument in the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple anvil and a staple cartridge having a working surface, one or more rows of individual staple slots formed in the working surface, a knife track formed along a length of the working surface, and a plurality of surgical staples individually disposed within the individual staple slots. The apparatus further includes an actuation sled having a knife and being configured and adapted to movably position the knife axially within the knife track. The apparatus also includes a wound closure material applicator assembly having a needle secured to the knife to dispense a quantity of wound closure material along a length of the knife track as the actuation sled and knife are moved there along.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument, a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, and a handle connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The handle may comprises a pistol grip portion, a closure trigger, and a separate firing trigger. Retraction of the closure trigger toward the pistol grip portion causes the end effector to clamp an object positioned in the end effector and retraction of the firing trigger toward the pistol grip portion causes actuation of the main drive shaft assembly. The instrument also includes a closure trigger locking assembly for locking the closure trigger to the pistol grip portion when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector and a handle. The end effector includes a channel, an anvil pivotally attached to the channel, a moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned between the anvil and the channel, and a staple cartridge configured for removable receipt by the channel. The staple cartridge includes a sled that is engaged by the cutting instrument during a cutting stoke. The handle includes a motor for actuating the cutting instrument via a main drive shaft assembly. The instrument further includes a first interlock circuit for enabling initiation of motor operation based upon a position of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly, and a handle. The end effector comprising a cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned therein. The handle comprises a motor for actuating the shaft via a gear drive train, a firing trigger, and a run motor sensor for sensing retracting of the firing trigger. When retraction of the firing trigger is sensed by the run motor sensor, the motor is signaled to forward rotate to cause cutting of the object positioned in the end effector by the cutting instrument. The instrument may also include a reverse motor sensor for sensing a condition indicative of an end of a cutting stroke by the cutting instrument and a stop motor sensor for sensing a condition indicative of retraction of the cutting instrument.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned in the end effector, a main drive shaft assembly connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The handle includes a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, a main motor for actuating the gear drive train, and a firing trigger such that retraction of the firing trigger causes actuation of the motor. Also, the rotational position of the firing trigger is related to the position of the cutting instrument in the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument. The instrument also includes a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector. The instrument also includes a handle comprising a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, a motor for actuating the gear drive train, a closure trigger for causing the end effector to clamp an object positioned in the end effector when the closure trigger is retracted, and a firing trigger separate from the closure trigger for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. The instrument further comprises means for articulating the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a handle, a battery, a motor, and a lockout system. The handle comprises a primary portion and a grip portion. The grip portion is releasably connected to the primary portion. The battery is within the grip portion. The motor is in electrical communication with the battery. The lockout system is within the handle, and is structured and arranged to block connection of the grip portion to the primary portion after the grip portion is disconnected from the primary portion a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. Various embodiments relate to a surgical cutting and fastening instrument that has an end effector with an anvil that can pivot between open and closed positions relative to an elongate channel that can support a staple cartridge therein. The anvil may be opened and closed by a drive system. Various embodiments employ a powered drive system for opening and closing the anvil and powering a knife and staple drive assembly used to cut tissue and deploy the staples in the cartridge. Other embodiments employ a mechanical system to open and close the anvil and employ a powered system to power the knife and staple drive assembly. In various embodiments, the drive assembly serves to axially and laterally align anvil relative to the elongate channel. The anvil is constructed to move in a substantially parallel path relative to the elongate channel during closing.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector, a main drive shaft assembly connected to the end effector, and a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a movable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned in the end effector. The instrument also includes a main motor for actuating the gear drive train and a firing trigger for actuating the main motor. The instrument also includes a tactile position feedback system for applying force to the firing trigger such that the position of the firing trigger is related to the position of the cutting instrument in the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a head in which a plurality of staples are stored. The head includes a facing surface. The stapler also includes an anvil having an anvil surface shaped and dimensioned for forming the staples upon actuation of the surgical stapler, the anvil including a facing surface opposed to the facing surface of the head for mating engagement therewith. The facing surface of the head is obliquely oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of the head creating an elliptical staple line when the head is brought into contact with anvil during actuation of the surgical stapler.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.

Abstract: A system for providing an endless welding wire to a welding station from a first and second container each having a top opening with a top, inwardly facing surface and a coil of welding wire with a feed end and a trailing, transfer end where the trailing end of the first coil is connected to the feed end of the second coil. The system comprising: a grommet with a vertical wire receiving opening floating above the containers in a given path determined by a track element slidably receiving the floating grommet and the containers each have a plurality of transfer control tabs in the top inwardly facing surface. The tabs are configured to selectively support and then release the transfer end during changeover from the wire of the first coil to the wire of the second coil to reduce the tendency for a tangle during wire changeover.

Abstract: A metallic-composite joint is formed by inserting a metallic member into a slot of a pi-shaped composite preform. The preform is formed from woven carbon fiber in a binder of resin and may or may not be cured prior to assembly. An inert compliant layer is located between the legs of the preform and the metallic member. The resin binder or an adhesive is used to bond the compliant layer to the preform. The compliant layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion that more closely matches that of the preform. The properties of the compliant layer also avoid galvanic corrosion between the carbon in the preform and the metallic member.

Abstract: A method for welding and repairing cracks in metal parts is provided by subjecting the metal parts to be welded to friction stir welding and the cracks to be repaired to friction stir processing under conditions sufficient to provide a weld joint or crack repair having a preselected property or set of properties based upon the intended use of the weldment.

Abstract: A superplastically formed structural assembly is provided, as is an associated preform and method for forming such an assembly. The assembly includes a skin member and a support member that are joined to define a space between the members and between the joints. The assembly can be produced by joining the members in a flat configuration, and then forming the resulting preform to a predetermined shape of the structural assembly. The support member defines at least one aperture in communication with the space between the members. Thus, the skin member can be formed by delivering a pressurized fluid through the support member to the skin member, e.g., to superplastically form the skin member against a die that defines a contour surface corresponding in shape to the predetermined configuration of the assembly. The support member can extend in a substantially direct configuration between opposing portions of the skin member.

Abstract: In order to mount an electronic component, a connection terminal of the electronic component is bonded to electrodes of a substrate. This is done by using solder paste which mixes solder particles in a thermosetting adhesive. The solder paste is supplied to the electrodes and a recess. Solder print parts are formed. The electronic component is mounted and the connection terminal and the main body of the electronic component are adhered to the solder print parts, and are heated in this state by reflow. As a result, the connection terminal and the electrodes are bonded by a solder junction.

Abstract: A handle structure for cartons has a handle body and two symmetrical fastening pairs disposed at two ends of the handle body. Each fastening pair includes an inside L frame, an outside L frame, and a flexible ligament connecting the inside L frame and the outside L frame. While the locations of the inside L frame and the outside L frame are shifted through the flexible ligament, the inside fastening strip of the inside L frame and the outside fastening strip of the outside L frame can adjoin closely. Moreover, the inside unfolded strip of inside L frame and the outside unfolded strip of the outside L frame are led to a status as two wings spanned in parallel at both sides of the flexible ligament.

Abstract: A blank for forming a foldable carton is provided, along and the carton formed thereby, where the blank includes a center panel having a first side and an adjacent second side, a first side panel attached to the center panel at the first side, a second side panel attached to the center panel at the second side, where the first and second side panels intersect at a corner of the center panel so as to form a unique acutely angled arrangement at said intersection which is configured to form a corner of the carton having minimal visible raw edges.

Abstract: A manually actuated contactless card includes at least one manual actuator and a memory having at least one record of confidential information. The manually actuated contactless card provides the at least one record of confidential information to a reader when the manually actuated contactless card is energized by the reader provided that at least one of the manual actuators is simultaneously actuated.

Abstract: Information such as financial information related to one or more accounts of one or more business units is compiled. The compiled information is converted into a predefined format and is uploaded on a database. One or more views of the information included in the database are generated based on user privileges. Customized views of the information are used by one or more users to monitor the performance of business units.

Abstract: Systems and methods of code generation and authentication are disclosed here. One embodiment includes receiving a request for a batch of codes, each code being unique for a separate unit item, generating a batch of codes, each code being unique for a separate unit item, wherein a subsection of the code comprises a check value, and encrypting the code. In response to receiving a request to authenticate a code, decrypting the code to access a subsection of the code comprising a check value, comparing the check value to a value to authenticate the code. In one embodiment, the encrypting further comprises encrypting the code with a key, and including a key identifier as a subsection of the encrypted code; and decrypting the code further comprises using the key identifier included in the encrypted code to access the key to decrypt the code.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting digital versatile disc (DVD) content to a media renderer according to a menu set by a user via a network are provided. In the apparatus and method, a media server generates two or more types of menu setting information from combinations of options available from a menu for the DVD content, generates item information for the DVD content for each piece of the menu setting information, and transmits the item information to a control point. Accordingly, a user can use various menu information items for a DVD title which is the same as can be obtained in a local DVD system while evaluating DVD content under remote control via a network.

Abstract: An operation for a chemical of indefinite form is managed so that operation record of the chemical is traceable. An IC tag (3) is attached to various containers (4a to 4c) each holding a chemical, and a chemical ID to identify the chemical held in each of the containers (4a to 4c) is stored in the IC tag (3). When an operation involving a mass change or a change of composition information is carried out, such as apportioning, mixing, reacting, and separating, while the containers (4a to 4c) serve as receivers of the chemical, a record management apparatus (1) newly generates a chemical ID, and a IC tag terminal (2) updates the chemical ID in the IC tag (3) to the new chemical ID. In addition, the record management apparatus (1) manages a correspondence between the chemical ID stored in the IC tag (3) (old chemical ID) and the chemical ID newly stored in the IC tag (3) (new chemical ID).

Abstract: An image-based check processing software has the ability to create an electronic check form to be displayed, printed and/or exported to a file. Using various text fonts, such as the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) font, a new electronic form has been created from text data that has all the characteristics of a preauthorized draft. As computer and phone payments are processed by a financial institution, the virtual draft will be created if the routing/transit numbers of the paying institution accept images of checks as presentment through, for example, an image exchange program or the eventual printing of a substitute check. The transactions will then be routed to the financial institution who will import the necessary data to create the virtual check. The image will then be presented for payment.

Abstract: When purchasing an item or service, a user enters a PIN enter their mobile communication device and send the PIN, e.g., via text message to a payment authority. The payment authority authenticates the user using at least the PIN and the mobile communication device identifier associated with the user's mobile communication device. If the user is authenticated, then the payment authority will send a transaction code back to the user, which will be displayed on the user's mobile communication device. The user can then provide the transaction code to the merchant. The merchant can enter the transaction code into the Merchant's point of sale system and complete the transaction.

Abstract: A useful ticket management system is provided, which can perform adjustment using a ticket to which non-updatable value information is assigned together with an electronic value, according to a payment form. The ticket management system includes an IC tag attached to a money ticket, a money ticket management server, and a mobile terminal. The IC tag holds a money ticket ID for identifying the money ticket, and reads the money ticket ID. The money ticket management server includes a storage unit, receives the money ticket ID from the mobile terminal, and writes a valid money ticket ID to the storage unit. The mobile terminal includes a storage unit, acquires the money ticket ID held in the IC tag, transmits the acquired money ticket ID to the money ticket management server, and writes amount information of the money ticket identified by the valid money ticket ID to the storage unit.

Abstract: A clinical decision support system (30) displays a patient treatment guideline (20) for a given patient in response to a query from a medical practitioner along with an indicator (21) as to what state in the patient treatment guideline (20) the current patient is. According to one aspect of the present invention, an exemplary embodiment of a method (40) for interacting with a medical record of a patient includes: entering a patient identification (43) into a user interface (33) along with a care provider identification; selecting a patient treatment guideline (45) based on the entered information; and displaying the patient treatment guideline (46) on the user interface (33) along with an indicator (21) identifying a current point in the patient treatment guideline (20). An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus (30) for interacting with a medical record of a patient includes storage (32), a user interface (33) and a processor (31). The storage (32) stores one or more patient treatment guidelines (20).

Abstract: A merchandise transaction system and data reading device capable of gathering statistics of overall consuming detail data are provided. The data reading device comprises an input interface, a display interface, a data collecting processor, and a plurality of connecting ports. One end of each connecting port can electrically connect to the data collecting processor, and the other end thereof can selectively connect to a data reading module. When the consumer performs consuming transaction, the consumer can provide a plurality of identity identification elements to multiple certify to be benefit to complete the consuming behavior. The data collecting processor has a data storing interface for recording a single consuming detail data and sending it to a statistics unit which can collect every single consuming detail data to gather statistics, store, or analyze to obtain overall consuming detail data of the consumer.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are used to issue and track debit cards. A system comprises an enrolling system that verifies an enrollee, associates an enrollee's main and overdraft account, and issues a debit card, an authentication system that receives information regarding a requested transaction of a debit card and that receives information regarding the main and overdraft account associated with the debit card and accepts or rejects the requested transaction based thereon, and a settlement system that generates a periodic report of at least one of the transactions, the main account, and the overdraft account. The overdraft account can be a charge or credit account.

Abstract: An information card device may include a storage device configured to store information as a plurality of sets of information, an input device configured to select one of the plurality of sets of information, and an output device configured to output information of the selected set of information. A method of using an information card device may include: storing information as a plurality of sets of information in a storage device of the information card device; selecting one of the plurality of sets of information; and outputting information of the selected set of information. A system for an information card device may include an information card device including a storage device configured to store information as a plurality of sets of information, and a card device interface configured to interface with the information card device to store information in the storage device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a description of an open-loop gift card system and method.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to facilitate a purchase utilizing a flexible spending account, comprising the steps of: receiving, at a host computer, a request for payment authorization for an item; determining whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment; and when the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment: determining at least partial payment authorization for the item, transmitting the at least partial payment authorization for the item to a point of sale device; causing the flexible spending account to be debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and debiting a non-flexible spending account for an item not qualifying for pre-tax treatment.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for authenticating a requestor using a previously-stored biometric print. Records are stored in a database, where each record contains a previously-stored biometric print corresponding to an individual and is disassociated from an identity of the individual. An identifier and a biometric sample are requested from the requester. The identifier is then used to locate one of the plurality of records corresponding to the requestor. The requestor is authenticated if the biometric sample matches the previously-stored biometric print.

Abstract: A method of processing a transaction comprising the steps of generating a position signal indicative of position of a touching of a touch screen having a transparent reference surface, displaying an image of the touching of the screen responsive to the position signal, and changing the image as a function of the difference between the position signal and a predetermined position value.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing self-checkout services is provided. The method includes activating a detection element within an item repository in response to the initiation of a transaction, the detection element monitoring the presence of personal items placed in the item repository. The transaction includes performing a purchase transaction that includes processing items for purchase. Upon completion of the purchase transaction, the method determines if any personal items remain in the item repository. If so, the transaction includes recursively presenting a reminder message to the customer to remove the personal items and waiting a specified period of time while monitoring for removal of the personal items until each of the personal items have been removed, a total specified period of time has elapsed, or a specified number of reminder messages presented has been reached.

Abstract: An interactive product information device is disclosed for establishing a communication link between a customer using the device and a product representative at a remote location. The interactive product information device, to be used in various commercial settings such as stores, shopping malls, trade shows and the like, is designed to establish a communication link between the customer and the product representative upon activation of the device by the customer. This activation, which may be implemented through a single one-touch activation switch and corresponding circuit, operates a communication device connected thereto and automatically establishes the link. The same one-touch activation switch may also be used to activate a product demonstration unit provided with the product information the device.

Abstract: A system for routing data in an automatic identification system includes an event management system (EMS), a real-time in-memory data structure (RIED) coupled to the EMS, the RIED for storing event information gathered by the EMS and a task management system (TMS) for ensuring that the RIED is updated by one transaction at a time. With this particular arrangement, a system for managing a large number of real-time events is provided. In one embodiment, the control system can be provided in a distributed hierarchical arrangement. The EMS of each control system can include filters which limit the amount of information provided to the next level in the hierarchy. In this manner the hierarchical control system network acts as a high volume data collector and processor. In some embodiments a level of the hierarchy can be removed spatially and/or temporally from an adjacent level in the hierarchy. This approach results in an intelligent network and also lends itself to scalability.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing cards for further processing includes an envelope feed hopper configured to receive a plurality of envelopes, each having contents including a card carrier and one or more cards attached thereto. The systems also includes an envelope opener configured to receive envelopes from the hopper and create an opening into each envelope. The system further includes a contents parser configured to separate a card carrier and card attached thereto from an envelope. The system also includes a card carrier alignment device configured to unfold a card carrier and align the carrier for further processing and a separation mechanism configured to receive card carriers from the alignment device and separate the card from the carrier. The system also includes a controller programmed to control operation of the system.