Abstract: A machine for continuously making spirally wrapped tubular filter material screens utilizes a mandrel around which one or more strips of filter material are wrapped. The resulting spirally wrapped tubular filter material screen may or may not comprise multiple layers of filter material. In one embodiment, the strips of filter material are continuously resistance welded along or about the helical seams of the filter material strips utilizing an outer welding wheel and an inner welding wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for forming a bump for semiconductor interconnect applications, such as reverse wire bonding or stud bumping for flip chip interconnections. The bump is formed by (1) ball bonding at the bump site, (2) raising the capillary a predetermined height after forming the ball bond with the wire paying out of the capillary tip, (3) moving the capillary laterally a predetermined distance, preferably in a direction toward the site of other end of the wire loop, if the bump is to be used as the platform for a stitch bond of a wire loop, (4) raising the capillary further, and (5) moving the capillary diagonally downwardly and in the opposite direction of the first lateral motion. The wire is then severed by raising the capillary, closing the clamps and raising the capillary again to snap the wire pigtail off at the bump.

Abstract: A cartridge system for a cartridge type soldering iron has a sleeve stopper with hooks and a sleeve which goes over the stopper. The hooks of the sleeve stopper lock with a socket assembly of the soldering iron which connects to an electrical source. A tip cartridge of the soldering iron has a tip retaining mechanism to fix the sleeve stopper with respect to the tip cartridge. The sleeve is made from a non-heat conducting material to protect a user's fingers from heat.

Abstract: A process of forming a polyol includes the steps of providing an alkylene oxide, providing an initiator composition having an average functionality of at least four, and providing an alkaline earth metal hydroxide and an amine. The process also includes the step of reacting the initiator composition and the alkylene oxide in the presence of the alkaline earth metal hydroxide and the amine to form the polyol. This allows the polyol to have consistent chain length and be formed with increased speed and in high yield, while reducing costs and maximizing efficiency. The polyol is reacted with an isocyanate and used to form a polyurethane article.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a turbocharger. The turbocharger may include a titanium-aluminide turbine and a shaft. A single joint connects the turbine to the shaft. The joint may include an alloy comprising at least 80 atomic percent nickel and palladium.

Abstract: There is provided a friction stir welding method for forming a satisfactory weld portion by two steps when members having different thicknesses are butted together and friction stir welded. A first member 10 having a thickness T1 and the second member 20 having a thickness T2, which is smaller than the thickness T1, are placed on a table 40 to form a stepped butt portion 30. In a first step, metal is transferred from the first member 10 to the second member 20 to form a convex substitute portion 150 in the stepped portion by rotatingly moving a columnar tool 100 along the butt portion 30. In a second step, friction stir welding is performed on the convex substitute portion 150 to obtain a satisfactory weld portion 250 by using a friction stir welding tool 200.

Abstract: A carton is provided with side walls and chamfered corners shaped to securely or tightly enclose a group of cylindrical articles, such as beverage bottles. The curvature of the edges of each side wall is selected to cause the end wall or end closure structure to conform to the cylindrical and tapered shape of articles in the endmost row. More specifically, the end edges of each side wall are substantially concave and their curvature is determined such that the minimum width of each side wall is less than or equal to the width of the top wall. To encourage side end flaps, which partially form the end closure structure, to crease so as to define the chamfered corners, a fold line is formed in the side end flaps.

Abstract: A carton for holding a food product. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The front and back panels each have a curved edge at an end of the carton.

Abstract: A carton with a generally open top and bottom end includes front and back panels foldably connected by side panels. The side panels have corner panels adapted for forming webbed corners of the carton for holding a food product in the carton.

Abstract: A box formed from a single piece of cardboard or the like having an internal panel defining within the box an internal pocket for housing an extractable leaflet or the like, this internal panel being situated in proximity to that box main panel which is parallel to but distinct from that from which the box lid extends.

Abstract: A rotating cutting tool (2, 14, 16) for machining a workpiece on a machine tool, in particular for dressing the grinding worm of a tooth flank grinding machine, having an electronic data carrier for storing data relevant to the use of the tool, has an annular data carrier (7) arranged concentrically to the rotation axis of the tool and having an above-average storage capacity, and said data carrier (7), during the machining process, with the tool (2, 14, 16) rotating, exchanges tool-relevant data, at a high transmission rate, with a likewise annular write/read head (10) arranged concentrically thereto on the machine.

Abstract: An automated banking machine has sensing devices adjacent a card reader slot. The sensing devices enable detection of a fraudulent card reading device.

Abstract: A method of, and system for, processing payment for a transaction is provided. The method includes providing a user with an option to select payment for the transaction from an account associated with a communication line via which an electronic terminal is connected to a communication network. The communication line is typically a subscriber line and, accordingly, the account is a telephone account associated with the subscriber line. When a user transacts with a vendor for goods and/or services, the user may request to process payment using the telephone account instead of using a credit or debit card. The method includes investigating data using the telephone number associated with the subscriber line and, selectively approving the transaction dependent upon an outcome of the investigation. The invention extends to a transaction processor interface and to and a transaction validation module. The invention also extends to computer program products including the invention.

Abstract: Issuing a debit card associated with only non-personally identifying information includes communicating among an input device, a network coupling, and a card dispenser. The input device is configured to receive a new account request. The new account request includes only non-personally identifiable information. The network coupling is configured to send the new account request to an acquirer processor and to receive an approval response from the acquirer processor. The card dispenser is configured to dispense a debit card to the user based on the approval response received from the acquirer processor. The debit card includes only non-personally identifiable information. The non-personally identifiable information includes the account number.

Abstract: An IC card adapter apparatus and a vehicle control device which can control a vehicle, and which are convenient to use are provided with using a proximity type IC card that stores personal information for controlling a vehicle are provided. An IC card adapter apparatus has a first communicating unit 9, 6 for reading personal information from an IC card 2 in which personal information is stored; a storage unit 8 in which personal information is previously stored, a second communicating unit 6, 10 for communicating with a vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, and a control unit 7 for collating the information read from the IC card 2 by the first communicating unit 6, 9 with the information stored in the storage unit 8. When a result of the collation indicates coincidence, allowing the second communicating unit 6, 10 to perform transmitting and receiving operations, thereby transmitting personal information to the vehicle control device.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and labels, as a means of preventing and/or detecting counterfeiting in the fashion, jewelry, timepiece, art, luxury goods and wearable accessory industries and the authentication of bona fide articles and/or their owners.

Abstract: An apparatus that combines an RFID-like machine configuration reader with a device for acquiring machine diagnostic information. The apparatus includes an RFID-like communicator with an antenna and a machine diagnostic sensor, with the RFID-like communicator and the machine diagnostic sensor being substantially combined in a single housing. The apparatus is generally used with a portable data processor. The machine diagnostic sensor may be a thermal sensor, a vibration sensor, a flux sensor, or any other diagnostic sensor used in analysis of machine health. Electromagnetic interference shielding material may be disposed between the RFID-like communicator antenna and the machine diagnostic sensor to prevent electromagnetic interference between the RFID-like communicator and the machine diagnostic sensor.

Abstract: A printed material includes a first coded pattern of image identification information repeatedly formed on a recording material, and a second coded pattern of a coordinate value on the recording material recorded as a background image. The first coded pattern and the second coded pattern are provided to identify an image formed on the recording material, and the first coded pattern represents a second pattern value, on the basis of a value obtained by adding a third pattern value to a first pattern value, the third pattern value being obtained by encoding the coordinate value, the first pattern value being obtained by encoding the image identification information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the authenticity of an object, the method comprising the steps of: providing an authentication code, determining the positions of particles being distributed in an object, encoding of the positions to provide a check-code, using the check-code and the authentication-code to determine the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: Characteristics of a code are decided upon. For example, the geometry and how noisy the background of the barcode can be may be decided upon. A representation of the code based on the code's characteristics is automatically placed in a variety of trial locations, which are each tested to see if the current trial location is acceptable. In one embodiment, the representation of the code is slid across the document, and code may be placed in the first acceptable location found. For example, in one embodiment, if placing the code in the trial location results in obscuring foreground information, the location is determined to be unacceptable. In another embodiment, if the trial location obscures information that is critical to the purpose of the document, the location is determined to be unacceptable.

Abstract: An automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting a presentation mode of system operation, automatic object direction detection and illumination control, and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining optimum color gradation levels used by a color gradation barcode in a system including a rendering device for rendering the barcode and a detector for detecting the barcode. The method includes: (a) obtaining input color gradation data; (b) rendering, by using the rendering device, a test pattern based on the input color gradation data, the test pattern comprising at least one color gradation pattern; (c) detecting, by using the detector, the rendered test pattern to generate detected color gradation data; (d) based on the detected color gradation data and the input color gradation data, determining a plurality of optimum color gradation levels to be used for a color gradation barcode; and (e) storing the plurality of optimum color gradation levels.

Abstract: An automatic digital imaging-based code symbol reading system supporting a presentation-type mode of system operation, a multi-tier modular software architecture, automatic illumination control and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital imaging-based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of 1D and/or 2D code symbols graphically represented in digital images captured in demanding point-of-sale and other environments.

Abstract: An ambient illumination shielding apparatus for an imaging-based scanner adapted to read direct part marking (DPM) bar codes. The shielding apparatus includes an illumination shield extending from a housing of the scanner and extending along at least a portion of a path of travel of an aiming pattern generated by an aiming apparatus of the scanner. The shield passes illumination within a predetermined wavelength range and impedes passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range. The predetermined wavelength range of the shield includes a wavelength range of the aiming pattern generated by the aiming apparatus. The shielding apparatus further includes a filter disposed in proximity to an imaging system of the scanner and passing illumination within a predetermined wavelength range to the pixel array and impeding the passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bar-code reading from a carried object such as a cartridge and enables the bar-code reading from a gripped carried object. For a bar-code label attached to a carried object such as a cartridge storing a magnetic tape, a bar-code reading unit is provided in a hand unit, which grips the carried object, at a surface opposite to the carried object; the bar-code reading unit includes a light source (light emitting device) that emits light to the bar-code label and a light receiving unit (light receiving device) that receives reflected light from the bar-code label; the bar-code label is detected by scanning with the light; and therefore, the gripping of the carrier object can be performed concurrently with the reading of the bar-code label.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system employing automated real-time analysis of digital image exposure quality to automatically reconfigure system control parameters, and dynamically control illumination and imaging operations within the digital image capture and processing system.

Abstract: A valuable document comprising at least one security element that is provided with a marking layer in a marking region, the layer containing an electroluminescent pigment and being applied to a carrier body. The electroluminescence of the pigment of one such valuable document must be able to be excited even with comparably low, externally applied field intensities. To this end, a plurality of electrically insulated field displacement elements having a minimum dielectric constant of 100 are distributed over the surface of the marking region, the field displacement elements being at a distance of approximately between 5 ?m to 500 ?m from each other and compressing the applied field in the gaps thereinbetween.

Abstract: Provided is a total gift package for promotional and/or entertainment media and the like along with transactional media items as desired. Various configurations of the above mentioned media and entertainment and promotional items may be packaged with an informational wrap sheet and a transactional media item along with a multimedia gift card. The entire assembly may be packaged so that point of purchase transactions can be conducted without opening or otherwise disturbing the package or its contents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying unique composite indicia or markings to a succession of articles, in which each unique composite indicium comprises two or more indicia. At least part of each of the indicia may be co-located at a predetermined location on the article with such co-location being unique or distinct for each composite indicium for each article. The indicium may be overprinted with one or more images, logos or color-schemes. A code (e.g. an alphanumeric string) that is stored in a database may be derived from the composite indicium from one or more mathematical properties. The code may be later accessed for identifying or verifying the article with the indicium.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed that has an image formed upon a substrate. The image has a first printed region and a second different printed region both printed with a same ink formulation of field alignable flakes. At least one of the printed regions has optically variable effects. One of the first and second printed regions at least partially surrounds the other. The second printed region is formed of thin parallel lines and the first printed region has substantially wider lines than are printed in the second printed region. The area density of the ink in a line in the first group of wider lines is greater than the area density of a line in the second group of narrower lines. A surprising effect of this image is that particles or flakes in the ink are field aligned so as to produce a visible kinematic dynamic effect visible in the first region and not visible in the second region when the image is tilted or rotated.

Abstract: An integrated circuit card includes a plurality of electrical contacts; and a memory to store information, the memory being allowed to communicate with a processor via the plurality of electrical contacts. One set of electrical contacts are allowed to be allocated by the processor to support an operation in at least one mode depending on a presence of a certain protocol mode detected by the processor. The integrated circuit card is operable in various modes including both contactless and high speed protocols, a contactless only without the high speed protocol and the high speed protocol only without the contactless protocol.

Abstract: An electronic device such as an HVAC controller that accounts for internal heating in determining an environmental condition such as temperature or humidity in the space surrounding the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller may calculate a transient heat rise value that is based upon a powered time period and a first order time lag, especially during a time period before which the HVAC controller reaches a steady state temperature condition.

Abstract: Elastomeric pads are shown for positioning on top of railroad ties. Pre-cast concrete panels that are commonly provided at railway grade crossings between and alongside the rails rest on the pads. The pads may be extruded from a variety of natural or synthetic elastomeric materials. The pads include a panel or body formed of the elastomeric material with an exterior surface. A synthetic, polymeric coating is applied to at least selected portions of the exterior surface of the elastomeric body. The coating provides improved properties which allow more standard elastomers to be utilized for the main body of the component. The coatings can also be applied to railroad tie boots to provide increased ozone resistance.

Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a zero-voltage switching oscillator that is impedance coupled to an imbedded multiple function signal separator and integrated with a conventionally implemented electronic fuel injector driver. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, and couples the high frequency energy to a high pass filter such that the useful energy is utilized in an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spraying device for melt granulation in fluidised bed comprising a nozzle (2) with a feed channel for a liquid to be atomised, where the liquid is led through emulsifying means and into an internal mixing chamber for gas and liquid, before it is fed to the fluidised bed. The nozzle has a separate channel for the atomising gas fitted concentrically around the central liquid supply channel for the liquid to be atomised or nebulised. The mixing chamber surrounds the outlet zone of the liquid spray from the emulsifying means and the gas, allowing efficient mixing of high speed atomisation gas and liquid, and having an external gas cap (1) where fluidisation gas is channelled into a spout above the spraying device.

Abstract: A method of fire prevention/extinguishing for an aircraft runway is provided where the method includes: providing a supply of fire preventing/extinguishing chemical; disposing a piping system beneath a top surface of the runway and having an inlet in communication with the supply and an outlet in communication with the top surface; and delivering the fire preventing/extinguishing chemicals from the supply through the piping system and outlet to the top surface.

Abstract: An improved showerhead provides a fluid diverter valve that allows quick connection and disconnection of a hand held sprayer used for cleaning shower stalls and bathrooms. The diverter valve includes a valve housing having a water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet. A valve runner moves between a first position wherein the valve runner seats to permit fluid communication between the inlet and the first outlet and a second position wherein the valve runner seats to permit fluid communication between the inlet and the second outlet. The valve runner is moved from the first position to the second position substantially by gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing assembly comprising a removable nozzle with locking surfaces that lock into a base member. The base member which is embodied here as the bubbler head of a drinking fountain having locking surfaces allowing the nozzle to remain locked to the base member. The user of this invention can quickly exchange a contaminated nozzle by accessing a locking mechanism by a specific tamper-proof key which displaces the locking surfaces to allowing the nozzle to be unlocked from the base member.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an engine having at least one combustion chamber is disclosed. The fuel injector has a needle valve element with a base end and a tip end. The tip end of the fuel injector has a valve sealing surface. The fuel injector also has a control chamber located at the base end of the needle valve element, and a nozzle member. The nozzle member has a central bore configured to slidingly receive the needle valve element, and a valve seating surface configured for engagement with the valve sealing surface of the needle valve element. The nozzle member also has at least one radially disposed injection orifice and an annular groove located within the valve seating surface. The injection orifice is configured to communicate the central bore with the at least one combustion chamber.

Abstract: A one-piece combustion chamber having an end wall subdivided into sectors. The combustion chamber comprises a chamber end wall interconnecting the inner and outer walls, and it includes windows closed by removable walls, each carrying a plurality of injector systems.

Abstract: A shower head includes a housing having a first side formed with a plurality of water outlet holes, a plurality of nozzles each detachably mounted in the respective water outlet hole, a top cover detachably mounted on an open second side of the housing, and a water dividing member detachably mounted on the top cover and connected to the inside of the housing. Thus, the top cover can be detached from the housing to facilitate a user washing the inside of the housing. In addition, each of the nozzles is made of a flexible material, so that each of the nozzles can be deformed to detach from the respective water outlet hole easily and quickly, thereby facilitating the user replacing the nozzles.

Abstract: A sink spray head with supply variation and flow rate regulation, comprising a body defining at least two distinct water supply areas in communication with a distribution chamber controlled by a diverting cut-off driven by selection means accessible outside the body, a cut-off being also provided for the regulation of the water flow rate. The selection means comprise an up-and-over button.

Abstract: A process for preparing ground resin particles is provided by modifying a jet mill with opposed fluidized bed. By using a jet mill having a plurality of jet nozzles disposed at predetermined positions in a barrel of a grinding chamber toward the injection point of the grinding chamber and a bottom wall having a flat surface in part or in whole, parallel to the jet nozzles, or having a conical projection immediately below the injection point, resin particles to be ground are jetted with or without water, thereby being ground to obtain ground resin particles of an intended particle size.

Abstract: Conveyors to clamp the upper and lower surface of bulk slabs of cheese allowing precise control of feed rates against a drum shredder to promote uniform shred length without the need for cubing of the cheese prior to the shredding process. An anti-caking material may be placed in the drum to treat cheese shreds prior to their discharge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, among other things, a grinding and impeller clip for attaching to a wheel assembly mounted for rotational motion within a grinding chamber of a coal pulverizer, wherein the clip has an arcuate cross sectional profile and a protective layer on its upper surface.

Abstract: A food mixing apparatus comprising a container defining a cavity and adapted to contain food to be treated, a first blade member rotatable to mix and/or cut food in said container, and a second blade member rotatable to remove food adhered on a sidewall of the container in the cavity in the container.

Abstract: A chucking plate includes a disk-shaped main portion formed of a magnetic material and at least one hook portion erected on the main portion. The chucking plate is capable of being attached to a bottomed cylinder-shaped hub of a tape reel by inserting the at least one hook portion into one of at least one hole and at least one concave part formed in a base plate of the hub.

Abstract: A tape reel includes a bottomed cylinder-shaped hub, on an outer surface of a base plate of which driven teeth capable of meshing with driving teeth are disposed. Contact surfaces capable of being contacted by front end surfaces of the driving teeth in a state where the driving teeth and the driven teeth mesh are formed on the outer surface of the base plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply belt, in particular for the supply of a soil working device. The supply belt has at least one supply line and at least one segmental chain. This segmental chain is formed of a plurality of segments. In addition, holders are fixed to the at least one segmental chain for holding the at least one supply line. Furthermore, a supporting rope is provided, which is guided along the segmental chain in receiving spaces of the segmental chain.

Abstract: A self-locking belt retainer with a vehicle-sensitive and/or seatbelt-sensitive actuatable locking device for the belt spool shaft, with a profile head as carrier of a locking element arranged so as to be movable with the retractor housing for locking of the belt spool shaft. A force limiting device in the form of a torsion bar is connected at its one end with the belt spool shaft and at its other end with the profile head is At least one axially projecting projection (14) is provided on the one of the components which are joined to one another (10,11), which engages in at least one recess formed on the front side of the other component (10,11) and that in the annular space formed between the projection (14) and the inner walls (21) of the recess (20), a clamping ring (16,17,18) is located between projection (14) and inner walls (21) of recess (20).