Abstract: A computerized system including an integrated inventory and point of sale management system.

Abstract: An external unit is externally attached to a storage-medium storage device. The external unit includes a verification unit that verifies whether a storage medium that is about to be inserted in a storage slot of the storage-medium storage device is legitimate, and an open/close unit that opens the storage slot so that the storage medium can be inserted in the storage slot only upon the verifying unit verifying that the storage medium is legitimate.

Abstract: An apparatus for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and wireless smart card is provided. The apparatus includes a mode detection circuit, a switching block, a controller, an antenna, and a wired interface. Furthermore, an apparatus for a triple-mode smart card is also provided herein. The apparatus for the triple mode smart card includes a mode detection circuit, a switching block, a controller, an antenna, and a wired interface. The apparatus for the triple mode smart card operates in one of a wireless mode, a USB mode and an International Standards Organization 7816 mode or other wired mode. Furthermore, the apparatus for any of these smart cards could operate in both the wireless and wired mode(s) without conflict, and without switching power off and on to change configuration.

Abstract: A reader/writer 25 transmits an instruction for changing over between antennas 31 and 32, carried on a high frequency wave in the same format as a common command. A part of the antenna is equipped with a command interpretation circuit 30 which demodulates a high frequency wave received from the reader/writer body 25 and obtains a command content. If this command is an antenna changeover instruction of the reader/writer itself, the command interpretation circuit 30 instructs a changeover signal generation unit 28 for generating a changeover signal and changes over antennas by controlling a high frequency wave switch unit 29.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with light for image capture by a solid-state imager of an imaging reader over a tall field of view having an aspect ratio whose vertical dimension is larger than its horizontal dimension during image capture.

Abstract: An electronic business card case has a body, an image scanning device and an image processing circuit. The image scanning device is mounted inside the body to generate a digital image of a business card, The image processing circuit is mounted inside the body, is connected to the image scanning device and comprises a digital signal processor having built-in character recognition software, an input unit, an output unit, a memory card slot and a communication interface. The digital image generated by the image scanning device can be viewed and edited directly via the output unit and the input unit, saved in a database format after character recognition processing, stored to an external memory card via the memory card slot, uploaded to or downloaded from an external device via the communication interface.

Abstract: A system and method for reliable content access using a cellular/wireless device with imaging capabilities, to use part of a printed or displayed medium for identifying and using a reference to access information, services, or content related to the reference, including capturing an image of the reference with an imaging device, sending the image via a communications network to a processing center, pre-processing to identify relevant frames within the image and to perform general purpose enhancement operations, detecting the most relevant frame within the image, and frame properties, applying geometric, illumination, and focus correction on the relevant frame, using color, aspect ration, and frame color, to perform a coarse recognition and thereby limit the number of possible identifications of a reference within the relevant frame, and using specific techniques of resealing, histogram equalization, block labeling, edge operation, and normalized cross correlation, to identify the reference within the image.

Abstract: A hand-supportable linear-type planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based device comprising a linear image formation and detection (IFD) module having a linear array of image detection elements and also image formation optics having a field of view (FOV) focusing a linear image of an object onto the linear array of image detection elements. A pair of planar laser illumination arrays (PLIAs) is arranged on opposite sides of the linear image formation and detection module, and produces a plurality of spatially-incoherent planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) components that are optically combined with respect to other PLIB components so as to produce a composite planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) that is arranged in a coplanar relationship with at least a portion of the FOV. Each PLIA includes a plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM includes a laser diode and beam focusing and diverging optics for producing one spatially-incoherent PLIB component.

Abstract: A method of processing a document is described in which selected area(s) of the document, such as areas containing sensitive information, with a barcode(s) that represents the information in the selected area(s). Selection of the area(s) may be done by a user or automatically. When the processed document is printed or electronically displayed, the selected area(s) is replaced with barcode(s) so the information in the area(s) cannot be visually discerned by a human observer. The intended recipient or reader of the document can decode it using a decoder to display the document, including the selected area(s), in the original form. The method may be implemented in a computer, a scanner/copier, a printer or the like.

Abstract: A document is printed on a recoding medium together with a high resolution 2d barcode that encodes desired information about the document, and a low resolution 2d barcode that encode resolution data that specifies the spatial resolution of the high resolution barcode. The low resolution barcode has a sufficiently low spatial resolution so that it can be adequately read by a majority of scanners at their low resolution settings. Thus, if the printed document is scanned at a low scan resolution, the low resolution barcode can be adequately read to extract the resolution data in order to determined whether the scan resolution is adequate for reading the high resolution barcode. If necessary, the printed document can be re-scanned at a higher scan resolution so that the high resolution barcode can be adequately read. Alternatively, the resolution data may specify the print resolution at which the document is printed.

Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system comprising an image sensing array with a field of view (FOV), an illumination subsystem with an LED illumination array, an automatic illumination measurement subsystem, an illumination control subsystem, and programmed imager processor supporting an image-processing based illumination metering program. The automatic illumination measurement subsystem, employing a photodetector operating independently from the image sensing array, is used to automatically measure the illumination level at a particular region of the FOV and determine the illumination duration necessary to achieve a desired spatial intensity in the detected digital image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading a target object having areas of differing light reflectivity on the target such as a handheld bar code reader having a first illumination pattern, a detector for measuring a distance from the reader to a target object, a system threshold, and a comparator for evaluating the measured distance against the threshold. Should the reader's internal circuitry and/or software determine that the measured distance is greater than the threshold, a second illumination pattern is activated that has power effective illumination for increasing the operable reading distance between the reader and the target object. The second illumination pattern can be generated from a secondary illumination source or through a lens internal to the reader.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: A card processing system comprises an input section for inputting extraction information of a ticket to be extracted from a storage box and a control section for specifying the storage box storing the ticket carrying identification information which corresponds to the extraction information input at the input section according to the barcode information of the ticket, the cassette information of the corresponding cassette and the barcode information of the storage box associated and stored in a memory section.

Abstract: A deck of cards for facilitating a multi-component, goal-oriented process such as development of a business and methods therefore including a plurality of cards each divided into a plurality of areas, the first area containing a process component, and each card including color-coding corresponding to at least one of several modular categories and either at least one sequential alpha-numeric value or a phrase. As constructed, the cards may be organized individually, modularly, linearly or in combinations thereof.

Abstract: A plastic card carrier connecting a mini card is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first plastic substrate is connected to a second plastic substrate to define the carrier having edges that form a perimeter of a carrier. A plurality of slots extend through the first and second plastic substrates and interior of the perimeter of the carrier to define the mini card within the perimeter of the carrier. Further, tabs are provided between the slots to connect the mini card to the carrier. The tabs have weakened areas to allow the mini card to be disconnected from the carrier. In one embodiment, a transponder is provided in association with the mini card carrier, and the slots are provided at least partially around the transponder to define a contactless mini card.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature compensating circuit. The circuit generally includes a clock element operable to provide an adjustable clock signal, a buffer element coupled with an analog-to-digital converter and operable to receive the adjustable clock signal, a temperature sensor operable to sense a temperature, and a logic element coupled with the clock element and the temperature sensor. The logic element is operable to acquire the temperature from the temperature sensor and adjust the clock signal based upon the acquired ambient temperature. Such a configuration compensates for temperature variations and reduces system complexity and required component space, thereby providing a compact and efficient design.

Abstract: A thermostatic valve has a housing; a valve seat which surrounds a valve housing at both sides; valve chambers provided on the both sides for an inflow and an outflow of a medium; a thermostat element having at least one valve element controlling the valve opening; and a housing retaining at least one valve element braced with a relatively displaceable part; a restoring spring with urges said valve element in a closing direction and is braced on one end on the housing or the valve element and on another end on an abutment that is held on the valve housing by means of struts, the valve housing having a separate component on which at least the struts for the abutment are configured integrally, the component has heavy-duty material and being integral with the valve housing.

Abstract: A system and method for heating a fluid include a base and a cover, and a flexible heating element maintained between the base and the cover. A wall plate can be provided to which the flexible heating element is connected to create a sealed fluidic flow path encased between the base and the cover, which provides a geometry that creates at least one air pocket for thermal isolation. A fluid can then flow through the fluidic flow path in order to be heated by the flexible heating element, thereby permitting the fluid to be heated to a desired temperature within a particular timeframe. The flexible heater can be formed from, for example, copper. The fluid is mixed in the fluidic flow path to ensure a uniform temperature of the liquid at an exit of the fluidic flow path.

Abstract: A ground heater includes an insulated housing enclosing a primary fuel line within the insulation, an ambiently aspirated hollow tube running the length of the housing and extending substantially entirely through a cavity defined by an inner surface of the housing and wherein the cavity defines an opening into the housing, a torch head mounted in a torch head housing and having a fuel line thereto branched from the primary fuel line and mounted in fluid communication with an upstream end of the tube, the opposite downstream end venting to atmosphere so that a flame from the torch head extends along the interior of the tube to heat the cavity and a ground surface in registry with the opening.

Abstract: A rail system comprising an elongate ducting trough (22) located, for example, generally centrally along a swept path (20). The ducting trough (22) comprises a plurality of trough sections, each defining a pair of channels (24, 26) for housing electrical cables (not shown). The system further comprises a pair of rails (34) positioned, for example, on either side of the ducting trough (22) and running substantially parallel thereto. The rails (34) and the ducting trough (22) are substantially in the same plane and/or at substantially the same level.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for adjusting the position of a rail or a track unit comprising at least one rail relative to a supporting road bed. In this case, a simple and efficient adjustment should also be possible in the banked regions of track curves. The adjusting device should furthermore remain unaffected by possible length changes of the rails such that it can also be easily removed from the concrete track plate if significant length changes occur. This is achieved in that the device consists of at least one fixing element (2) that directly engages on the rail (1) and is supported on the supporting road bed by means of at least one connecting element (3) that can be tilted about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail (1).

Abstract: A modular fountain assembly for controlling the temperature and flow of viscous fluid with a melting point between ambient and approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit is disclosed. The modular assembly for controlling the heating and flow of fluid includes an enclosed controlling base and an upper recirculation module having a detachable lower basin, one or more modular tubular sections, a small high basin on top of the highest tubular section, an Archimedes screw of a set pitch dimension to facilitate the flow of the fluid from the lower reservoir to the small high reservoir atop the tubular section or sections, and a series of circular tiers atop each tubular section. The lower basin is attached to the controlling base using mechanical or electro mechanical support structures. The controlling base provides rotational force for the Archimedes screw at variable rotational speeds to drive the fluid upward within the modular tubes as well as a heating sub module.

Abstract: A flippable/tiltable non-energised volatile material delivery system for delivery in a continuous manner and boost on demand, the system comprising: A) a delivery engine comprising: i) a liquid comprising at least one volatile material; ii) at least two liquid reservoirs; iii) a liquid flow retardant situated in the liquid flow path between the at least two liquid reservoirs and wherein the flow retardant has at least one evaporative surface; and iv) a protective membrane adjacent to the retardant; and B) optionally a housing encasing the delivery engine.

Abstract: A switch provides a sprinkler valve signal to a first sprinkler valve, and after a period of time, diverts the sprinkler valve signal to a second sprinkler valve. The switch is serially wired into sprinkler wires running between a timer and at least two sprinkler valves, and operates off the sprinkler valve signal present in the sprinkler wires. When the sprinkler valve signal comes on, the switch provides the sprinkler valve signal to the first sprinkler valve and starts a clock which counts for a period of time T. When the period of time T passes, the clock switches a relay which switches the sprinkler valve signal to the second sprinkler valve.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nozzle configured to form relatively small drops of liquid at relatively high rates. The nozzle includes two horns, at least one of which includes a ceramic material. The nozzle also includes one or more transducers that cause mechanical motion in at least one of the horns. In addition, a method of forming micrometer-scaled drops of liquid at relatively high rates is provided.

Abstract: In a case of disposing a jet dispersing device for jetting, spraying and mixing a main agent and a curing agent by passing them through fine nozzle holes in a coating material flow channel in an in-line arrangement, it is adapted such that a cleaning fluid can be caused to flow about at a flow rate capable of cleaning the coating material flow channel rapidly and reliably.

Abstract: Painting spindle comprising a housing (3) with, mounted rotatably therein, a spindle shaft driven by an electric motor, and which at one end has a painting bell (8), the potential of which is considerably higher than that of the object to be painted, an axially shaping airflow forcing the particles thrown out by the painting bell (8) towards the object, and also with connection means such as mounting bolts (36) and air connections for the functioning and operation of the painting spindle. The painting spindle have at least one connection means electrically conductive and electrically separated from the housing (3) and also electrically connected to the motor or its control electronics (34).

Abstract: A timer controlled olfactory fragrance dispenser that has the olfaction as the interface to aid time telling while the conventional clock works on the sense of hearing and/or sight as the interface for time telling; providing additional funs and sense of comfort, the present invention allows its user to “smell” the time when he/she is in the dark or in sleeping, and the blind and/or the deaf to “smell” the changes of time; and allowing to be preset for emitting fragrance of different odors, the lapse between two emissions or the concentration of the fragrant; and may be made in a portable form to satisfy personal needs.

Abstract: An adjustable and sealable jet nebulizer for bottles able to be elastically deformed by squeezing is mounted on the mouth of the neck (2) of a bottle (3). A conduit for air (16) and a conduit for liquid (17) are obtained coaxially in a cylindrical body (4) of the nebulizer, which is engaged with a screw-on cap (28), provided with a central exhaust orifice (29). The screw-on cap (28) has a cylindrical wall (30), to be inserted between the conduit for air (16) and the conduit for liquid (17), to create a mixing chamber (33) with variable geometry. The conduit for liquid (17) has on its upper end an arm (26) oriented upwards, bearing, at its free end, a tip cap (27), able to be inserted into the central exhaust orifice (29) whilst the screw-on cap (28) is screwed onto the cylindrical body (9), until sealing the nebulizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device allowing an overheated liquid to be sprayed in very fine droplets at a very high speed, comprised of a nozzle body (1) followed by a mixer head and several injectors (16) opening onto a divergent and speed attainment nozzle (5). The invention also relates to fittings designed to adjust the exit section of the nozzle by adding a profiled core (11) that may slide on the axis of the divergent nozzle (5) and allowing, depending on its position, the exit section of the nozzle to be adjusted to maintain a maximum ejection speed of sprayed droplets. The device is essentially designed for chemical and energy industries.

Abstract: A side spray has a hand-held spray unit connected via a manifold to two fluid input supplies. The manifold converts the two separate input supplies into a joint output supply, in which a first fluid feed is partitioned from a second fluid feed. The first and second fluid feeds are supplied to first and second input ports respectively of a mixing chamber located in the spray unit. Upon actuation of the side spray, fluid from the first and second fluid feeds can mix in the mixing chamber in the spray unit before being output. The mix ratio of the first and second fluid feeds may be adjustable.

Abstract: A plumbing spout device (4) which has a jet regulating device (5) is provided, which is situated on an outflow side from an upstream attachment screen (6) in a direction of lfow. The jet regulating device (5) is provided in the form of a perforated plate having at least a perforated field in at least a partial area thereof. The spout device (4) has a mounting sleeve (7) that supports the jet regulating device on an outflow side sleeve end area thereof, and the mounting sleeve (7) is joined to the water spout (3) of the plumbing spout fitment (1) via a screwed, clip, detent, adhesive or welded connection. The spout device (4) has a comparatively low installation height that does not significantly limit design possibilities when designing associated spout fitments. The spout device (4) also makes it possible to achieve a high jet quality and a good jet pattern.

Abstract: A magnetic component for a magnetically actuated fuel injection device is formed of a corrosion resistant soft magnetic alloy consisting essentially of, in weight percent, 3%<Co<20%, 6%<Cr<15%, 0%?S?0.5%, 0%?Mo?3%, 0%?Si?3.5%, 0%?Al?4.5%, 0%?Mn?4.5%, 0%?Me?6%, where Me is one or more of the elements Sn, Zn, W, Ta, Nb, Zr and Ti, 0%?V?4.5%, 0%?Ni?5%, 0%?C<0.05%, 0%?Cu<1%, 0%?P<0.1%, 0%?N<0.5%, 0%?0<0.05%, 0%?B<0.01%, and the balance being essentially iron and the usual impurities.

Abstract: A nozzle beam formed with an annular groove is fitted with a seal ring by an apparatus having an elongated support bar, a pair of holders fixed on the bar spaced apart sufficiently that the seal ring can be stretched between them, and a release element for pushing the seal ring off one of the holders.

Abstract: The invention provides an electromagnetic driven type fuel injection valve employing an electromagnetic coil spring for a valve closing spring, which can achieve an accurate valve function over a long period of time while making interference between members caused by the valve closing spring to the minimum.

Abstract: Nozzle arrangement for generating a spray of fluid comprise a body defining a flow passageway (10), which receives fluid from a supply via an inlet (11 or 12) and is configured to present a plurality of chambers (13, 16, 20) separated by constriction such as (15, 17). The chambers include expansion chambers such as (13, 20), and the constrictions may be associated with respective convergent and divergent passage sections (14, 19). The inner surfaces of the passageway or chambers, may be provide with small scale structures such as grooves, ribs, pits or protrusions.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid and an emitter electrode disposed adjacent to the nozzle for charging the liquid composition just being dispensed from the nozzle. A field electrode surrounds the reservoir in order to charge the liquid composition within the reservoir, thereby avoiding an occurrence of electric current which would deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is at least partially made of deformable material such that the reservoir is capable of receiving pressure to deform and thus supply the liquid composition out of the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir can be designed into a simple and compact structure, thereby providing an increased liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.

Abstract: The left and right truss rod assemblies of a truss that supports the span of an irrigation pipeline are bridged by a single sensor device. A movable linear connector in the sensor receives oppositely directed loads from axially spaced members of the two truss rod assemblies and provides a linear motion that can be transmitted to a control device to shut down the system if tension force in the truss becomes excessive. Movement of the linear connector is yieldably resisted by a resilient element, which resistance is overcome if and when the tension force in the truss exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: A disposal processing apparatus comprises: a disposal processing section that disposes of a recording medium; an arrival detecting section that detects whether the recording medium has reached the disposal processing section; and a judging section that judges whether the recording medium has been disposed of by the disposal processing section based on a detection result of the arrival detecting section.

Abstract: A method of densifying a bulk particulate material includes at least partially confining the bulk particulate material, and mechanically agitating the confined bulk particulate material with at least two elongate rotatable members (14), (15) of which at least one is submerged in the confined bulk particulate material. The rotatable members each have an axis of rotation and include a plurality of axially spaced agitating formations (40) which project outwardly away from their axes of rotation. The rotatable members are transversely spaced.

Abstract: A shredder equipped with paper feeder comprises a shredder unit including a pair of intermeshed cutting cylinders driven by a power source and a paper feeder, which paper feeder has a cover, a paper feeding tray on which paper sheets are set and held, a lifter unit pivotally mounted on a base of the paper feeding tray to be vertically movable, a first feed roller for feeding out multiple paper sheets from the paper feeding tray, a separator wall for controlling the number of paper sheets fed to approximately the number the shredder can shred at one time, a second feed roller for feeding forward the paper sheets passed by the separator wall, a control unit for feeding from the second feed roller a number of paper sheets not greater than the number the shredder can shred at one time, a third feed roller and fourth feed roller for nipping and transporting to the shredder the paper sheets exiting the control unit, and a control switch for controlling the operation of the first feed roller and second feed roller.

Abstract: A machine having a snag anvil that prevents an excessive intake rate of material into a grinding or chipping chamber of the machine. The snag anvil includes a recessed impact plane located between longitudinal edges that snag material entering the grinding chamber at an excess intake rate. The machine also includes an open feed roller constructed to prevent material plugging, and a sealing arrangement that eliminates the build up of chip piles underneath the machine.

Abstract: This invention is a rotary motion control device comprising a housing, a rotor for connection to a rotary member to be braked, a magnetorheological material contacting the rotor, a first set of magnets having alternating magnetic orientation and a second set of magnets having alternating magnetic orientation, the first and second sets of magnets are adapted for selective alignment with respect to each other so that the magnetic orientation of one of the magnet sets may be repositioned relative to the other of the magnet sets to modulate the overall field strength of the magnets and change the viscosity of the magnetorheological material so that the shearing force on the rotor is increased or decreased. The invention further includes a fishing reel with a brake and a method for controlling the speed of a rotating member.

Abstract: A relatively lighter fishing reel with a spool having an inner annular member with circumferentially spaced indentations or gaps on the outer edge of the periphery which coacts with a spring and pawl assembly to prevent free spinning of the spool during payout and retrieval of the fishing line. The operative coaction of this mechanism and a unidirectional roller clutch bearing for rotationally mounting the spool with a manually adjustable drag assembly act to control the forces and tensions acting during payout of the fishing line in the use of the fly fishing reel.

Abstract: A storage medium leader mechanism for threading a film of a storage medium on a machine reel in a storage medium apparatus along a guide includes a rotational shaft and a leader block. The leader block includes a first contact unit that is contactable with the guide that guides the leader block, and a second contact unit that is contactable with the guide. The first and second contact units are co-planar, a co-planarity of the first and second contact units being substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotational shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing a hose or tools on a portable compressor. One embodiment of a hose storage device includes a support bar, a securing plate, and a locking bar. Another embodiment of a hose storage device includes a bracket, a hose reel, and a roller plate having a hose opening and at least one roller. One embodiment of a tool storage device includes a support structure having a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface. The tool storage device also includes a foam layer positioned between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: The rewinding machine comprises: a first winding roller (11) and a second winding roller (13) defining a nip (15) through which said cores are inserted and through which said web material (N) is fed; and at least one pair of motorized engaging members (57), to engage the ends of a winding core and transmit a rotational movement to the core during at least part of the winding cycle of each log. The engaging members and the first and second winding roller are produced and disposed so that the log being formed is in contact with said first and said second winding roller. Moreover, a third winding roller (17) is provided, defining a winding space with said first and said second winding roller, said third winding roller being movable to allow increase and completion of winding of each log in said winding space.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for controlling reeling used in connection with the making of paper/board/some equivalent web-like material, a reeler is used in the reeling which has a reeling element (2), a reeling core (T), around which the web (W) is reeled to form a reel (3), as well as elements for loading the reeling core (T) and the reeling element (2) against each other in order to bring about a reeling nip (N) in between the reeling element (2) and the reel (3). The reeling is monitored by a detection apparatus, which automatically detects any events differing from normal reeling.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The dispenser comprises a housing for containing a toilet paper roll; a drive roller engagable with the roll; a motor; and a one-way coupling that couples the motor to the drive roller in a first direction to automatically dispense paper from the dispenser and decouples same in an opposite second direction, thereby enabling toilet paper to be manually dispensed in the first direction.