Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, 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. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: A cover for a surgical stapler includes a cover body shaped and dimensioned for fitting about a shaft of a surgical stapler, the cover body having a substantially smooth outer surface and a recessed section shaped and dimensioned for positioning about a surgical stapler.

Abstract: In performing an SPS overlay to reinforce an existing metal structure, restraint beams are held down by magnetic clamps.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit device of the present invention comprises the steps of: forming a conductive pattern including a first pad and a second pad on the surface of a substrate; applying a solder paste to the surface of the first pad and then thermally melting the solder paste, thus forming solder; fixing a circuit element to the second pad; and fixing a circuit element to the first pad with the solder therebetween. Furthermore, a flux constituting the solder paste contains sulfur. Since the sulfur is mixed into the solder paste, surface tension of the solder paste is lowered; accordingly occurrence of sink is suppressed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of welding superalloy articles. A buttered layer is attached to a first article formed from a superalloy. A buttered layer is attached to a second article formed from a superalloy. Residual stresses are relieved between the buttered layer and the superalloy. Matching faying surfaces are established at the buttered layers of the articles. And, the faying surfaces of the articles are welded together to form a welded assembly, wherein after welding, a heat affected zone is within the buttered layers.

Abstract: A method for making an aluminum clad copper wire from a copper wire and at least one aluminum strip solid phase bonded together may include treating a surface of the copper wire by heating the copper wire during exposure to an oxidizing ambient followed by a reducing ambient as the copper wire is advanced along a first input path. Similarly, the method may include treating a surface of the at least one aluminum strip by heating during exposure to an oxidizing ambient followed by a reducing ambient as the at least one second aluminum strip is advanced along at least one second input path.

Abstract: An example method of manufacturing a solid brazed laminate structure includes stacking a first lamina on a second lamina with an interfacial spacing between them, aligning mating portions of the first lamina and the second lamina, and introducing a braze material at least partially into the interfacial spacing to join the first lamina and the second lamina together. One example solid brazed laminate structure includes a lock assembly. Another example solid brazed structure includes a gear assembly.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a method of brazing the pipe member to the counterpart member, in which the pipe end portion of the pipe member and the counterpart member can be certainly secured by brazing at the desired position while this brazing operation is performed at a low cost without time and troubles.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding method and an ultrasonic welding device are provided to join a first member having a substantial pipe shape and a second member at a joining surface by pressure-applying and vibration-exciting. In an arranging process, each of a first horn member and a second horn member is slantways arranged in such a manner that a part of a pressure-applying surface thereof which is nearer to a division surface thereof becomes nearer to the joining surface, according to deformation in a joining process. Thus, in the joining process, the pressure-applying surfaces are disposed substantially parallel to the joining surface due to a pressure-applying reaction force, so that the first horn member and the second horn member can be pressed against each other at the division surfaces thereof.

Abstract: The method for bonding a semiconductor element comprises the step of applying to solder bumps 10 of a semiconductor chip 12 a soldering flux 16 which contains a thermosetting resin, a polyhydric alcohol and an organic acid and in which the thermosetting resin remains uncured after reflow-bonding, the step of reflow-bonding the solder bumps 10 to the electrodes 18 of the circuit board 20 with the soldering flux 16 while melting the solder bumps 10, and the step of filling an underfill material 22 between the semiconductor chip 12 and the circuit board 20 with the soldering flux 16 being left, the underfill material 22 containing a thermosetting resin of the same group as the thermosetting resin contained in the soldering flux 16 and at least one of a curing agent and a cure catalyst for curing the thermosetting resins.

Abstract: A method of packaging an electronic component, which is capable of enhancing electrical and mechanical bonding reliability of the electronic component. Terminal (4) is provided on the side face of electronic component (1). Electrode (6) is formed on one or the other major surface of substrate (5) and terminal (4) provided in electronic component (1) is located on electrode (6). Solder paste produced by mixing solder particles with thermosetting flux is applied to electrode (6), terminal (4) of electronic component (1) is mounted on and brought into contact with the applied solder paste, and electronic component (1) is mounted on substrate (5) with clearance (S) provided between a part of electronic component (1) and opposing substrate (5). Solder bonding structure (8) for coupling terminal (4) and electrode (6) is formed by reflow. Solder bonding structure (8) includes solder bonding portion (8a), resin reinforcing portion (8b) and resin adhering portion (8c).

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a thermosetting flux suitable for solder bonding of a semiconductor element and an electronic part and making solder bonding with a high bonding strength and a high heat resistant strength at a high temperature possible and a paste containing the flux and a non-lead type solder paste and with respect to the thermosetting flux, an epoxy resin, a hardening agent, and at least one of rosin derivatives having functional groups reactive on the epoxy resin and selected from maleic acid-modified rosin, a fumaric acid-modified rosin, and acrylic acid-modified rosin are used. The flux can be used in form of a solder paste while being mixed and kneaded with the non-lead type solder alloy powder.

Abstract: A carton is formed from an inner blank and an outer blank. The outer blank ply of the carton includes a pivoting, reclosable lid that allows a top end of the carton to be accessed and subsequently closed. A latch feature is included in the carton to allow the lid to be securely closed over the open top of the carton. The inner blank may form a closed and/or sealed liner vessel within the outer blank ply of the carton.

Abstract: An article of commerce comprising a bag containing a quantity of particulates. The bag includes a sidewall encircling a longitudinal axis and extending along the axis between a bottom closed end and a top closed end. The opposite sides of the sidewall are brought together to form the bottom closed and the top closed end. Both of the bottom and top closed ends extend acutely with respect to the axis such that the bag is parallelogram-shaped in a plane containing the axis and the bottom closed end and the top closed end.

Abstract: A container assembly having an inner container and an outer cover that fits over the inner container. The inner container is positioned within the outer cover. The outer cover includes an overlay formed in the outer cover sidewalls by a tear line allowing the overlay to be detached from the outer cover. An adhesive secures the inner container and the outer cover together with the adhesive being provided between the inner container and the overlay so that the overlay can detach from the outer cover and remain attached to the inner container over the adhesive when the outer cover is removed from the inner container. A knockdown assembly that can be erected into a container assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A simple folding box, comprising a soleplate, two first side plates which can be connected to a pair of opposite lateral margins of said soleplate foldedly, two U-shaped parts; said soleplate is a rectangular plate, the hemlines of said two first side plates are connected to said soleplate perpendicularly; each said U-shaped part comprises a second side plate which can be connected to said soleplate foldedly and two connecting plates which can be connected to two opposite lateral margins of said second side plate foldedly; the hemline of said second side plate is connected to the other pair of opposite lateral margins perpendicularly; each said connecting plate is perpendicular to its corresponding second side plate, and there's gap between each said connecting plate and said soleplate; said two first side plates are connected to four connecting plates firmly; said soleplate, two first side plates, and two second side plates enclose a cuboid box.

Abstract: A food holder for retaining a food product is provided. The food holder is formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The food holder includes a top tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The food holder further includes a bottom tray including a center panel, a side panel, and an end panel coupled together along a plurality of fold lines. The bottom tray is rotatably coupled to the top tray along a hinge line. The top tray is rotatable relative to the bottom tray from an open position to a closed position. The food holder further includes a moveable section including a portion of at least one of the top tray side panel and the bottom tray side panel. The moveable section facilitates movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray for retaining the food product.

Abstract: A stackable tote may be stacked with other identical or similar totes and/or existing, prior tote designs. The tote is assembled from multiple spacers, a base and a top rail. When folded into the appropriate shape, blanks become the spacers of the tote. To reinforce the top and bottom edges of the tote, a channel shaped top rail extends around the top edge of the tote and the bottom edge of the spacers is seated within a channel in the base. The top rail and base are secured to the spacers as the result of an inwardly extending hook in the associated channels which engages the folded tabs of the spacers. One advantage of this invention is that a lightweight, stackable tote or container may be quickly and easily manufactured in a designed size or height. The tote of this invention may be stacked above or below the same or similar types of totes as well as existing tote designs.

Abstract: A stackable tote may be stacked with other identical or similar totes and/or existing, prior tote designs. The tote is assembled from at least one box blank, a base and a top rail. When folded into the appropriate shape, the box blank results in the sidewalls of the tote. To hold the erected box blank in an assembled relationship and to reinforce the top and bottom edges of the tote, a channel shaped top rail extends around the top edge of the tote and the bottom edge of the sidewalls is seated within a channel in the base. The top rail and base are secured to the sidewalls as the result of an inwardly extending hook in the associated channels which engages the folded tabs of the sidewalls. One advantage of this invention is that a lightweight, stackable tote or container may be quickly and easily manufactured in a designed size or height. The tote of this invention may be stacked above or below the same or similar types of totes as well as existing tote designs.

Abstract: A stackable tote may be stacked with other identical or similar totes and/or existing, prior tote designs. The tote is assembled from at least one box blank and a base. When folded into the appropriate shape, the box blank results in the sidewalls of the tote. To hold the erected box blank in an assembled relationship and to reinforce the top and bottom edges of the tote, an upper lip extends around the top edge of the tote and the bottom edge of the sidewalls is seated within a channel in the base. The base is secured to the sidewalls as the result of an inwardly extending hook in the associated channels which engages folded tabs of the sidewalls. One advantage of this invention is that a lightweight, stackable tote or container may be quickly and easily manufactured in a designed size or height. The tote may be stacked above or below the same or similar types of totes as well as existing tote designs.

Abstract: A stackable tote may be stacked with other identical or similar totes and/or existing, prior tote designs. The tote is assembled from multiple sidewalls, locking members, a base and a top rail. When folded into the appropriate shape, a blank or blanks become the sidewalls of the tote. To reinforce the top and bottom edges of the tote, a channel shaped top rail extends around the top edge of the tote sidewalls and the bottom edge of the sidewalls is seated within a channel in the base. The top rail and base are secured to the sidewalls as the result of an inwardly extending hook in the associated channels which engages the locking members. One advantage of this invention is that a lightweight, stackable tote or container may be quickly and easily manufactured in a designed size or height. The tote of this invention may be stacked above or below the same or similar types of totes as well as existing tote designs.

Abstract: A method and device for providing information for use in medical procedures such as rapid sequence intubation. The device may include a cover and a slide. The cover may include a listing of types of equipment and medications, whereas the slide may include equipment specifications and dosage information corresponding to a particular weight of a patient. The slide may be moved with respect to the cover to display the weight of a patient through a first window. The proper equipment specifications and dosages listed on the slide may then be displayed through the cover. Accordingly, proper equipment sizes and dosages may be easily determined. One side of the device may include information pertaining to adult populations, whereas the opposite side of the cover may include information pertaining to pediatric populations.

Abstract: The invention is a system component which may be installed in systems used to, in an automated fashion, acquire and process identification data from sources such as drivers licenses. The novel component is typically installed between the reader and the processing unit of such systems. Preferably the novel component replaces the cabling between the reader and processing unit. In this configuration, the component adds an electronic module placed serially in the cable. The electronics module accepts raw data from the reader in a variety of formats, and decodes and re-formats the data in a pre-determined format understood by the processing unit. Thus the novel component allows the system to accept multiple data formats without extensive re-programming of the processing unit.

Abstract: An access control apparatus includes a writer syndrome generator that generates a writer syndrome of writer mask data to mask the parity-added data, the writer syndrome being associated with a writer access ID used when a writer that requests writing of the write data in the memory accesses the memory; a write mask generator that generates the writer mask data based on the writer syndrome, the writer access ID, and a write address in the memory at which the writer writes the write data; a first XOR calculator that obtains first post-operation data by calculating an XOR between the parity-added data and the writer mask data; and a write address converter that converts the write address into another address determined by the writer access ID.

Abstract: A secure module holder is (SH) capable of preventing an unauthorized reading of information on a secure module (SM). The SH holds one or more SM. The SH controls non-contact communication with a reader/writer RW of the SM and includes non-contact communication section, contact communication section with the SM, access controller performing authentication processing with the RW, and a control unit. The control unit performs a process for invalidating the non-contact communication means section of the SM inserted, a process for causing the access controller to perform an authentication process with the RW according to a card application selection request of the RW, and a process of permitting the RW to access the card application of the SM if the authentication is successful. The number of SM held by the SH and the card application stored in them cannot be known by the RW which has not completed the authentication process.

Abstract: A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving from a point-of-sale interface a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The purchaser information and the device identifier are associated via the transaction code for registering the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a product is within a useable shelf life includes obtaining a first set of data associated with the product, wherein the first set of data includes a first timestamp and a first assessed quality, obtaining a second set of data associated with the product, wherein the second set of data includes a second timestamp and environmental history data, computing a second assessed quality using the first and second timestamps and the environmental history data, and determining whether the product is within the useable shelf life using the second assessed quality.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and computer-program product for producing valuable POS indicia that provides value to both the customer and to the establishment. The apparatus includes a point-of-sale (POS) receipt including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a transaction memorialization information and the second portion including a localization token that has been generated, for example, by a process where the time, location and nature of transaction are the parameters used to select the specific contents of the token. The method includes processes for the manufacture, assembly and use of the disclosed system, with the computer program product including machine-executable instructions for carrying out the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Presented is a system and method for reading a microwave readable barcode formed from a pattern of dielectric material. The dielectric pattern creates a strong microwave contrast with the surrounding media selectively resonating with or scattering an interrogating microwave signal. Dielectric bars can be fabricated by inkjet printing, injection, spraying, drawing or any other technique. Barcode information is encoded using different lengths, angles, or positions of dielectric bars. A microwave readable dielectric barcode system includes a barcode fabricated from a dielectric material, a transmitter with an antenna, and a sensor that senses the effect produced by the dielectric barcode on the microwave signal. The dielectric barcode system can use multiple microwave signals that differ in one or more respects, such as polarization or frequency.

Abstract: A system for tracking cables is disclosed includes a cable socket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag placed near an end of at least one of the cables, where the end of the at least one cable is configured to be inserted into the cable socket. The system also includes a reader device having at least one antenna positioned near the cable socket and being configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal to interrogate the RFID tag and thereby track the cables.

Abstract: According to various illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a reader capable of identifying at least one product by providing non-visual sensory information to a user, the reader comprising: a source which stimulates a response from a marker carried by the at least one product; a detector which detects the response from the marker; a decoder which decodes the detected response to ascertain product identification information therefrom; and a transducer which provides the product identification information in non-visual form. The information may be provided in audible form, such as a tone or as speech.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for a scanner having a top plate with an integrated scale. A scanner base mates with a scanner top plate assembly, with the top plate assembly including an integrated scale. The top plate assembly includes a scan window and a scale mechanism. The top plate rests on or is secured to suitable resting points in the scanner base. The top plate suitably receives power, and communicates measurement data to the scanner base, without the use of cables or other connectors whose weight may interfere with accurate reading of weight. A scanner base may be designed so as to accommodate any of a variety of alternative scanner top plate types without reconfiguration, or with a relatively simple reconfiguration of the scanner base.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for bar code detection. The method comprises generating a digitized bar pattern (DBP) including a series of elements corresponding to elements of a scanned bar code, and identifying a first set of margins around a first portion of the series of elements. When an attempt to decode the first portion is unsuccessful, the first portion is analyzed to determine a second set of margins around a second portion of the series of elements, the second set of margins being within the first set of margins, and the second portion is input to a decoding algorithm.

Abstract: An optical reading device is disclosed, in which the size and weight thereof are reduced, and the shock resistibility of the spindle motor thereof is improved. The optical reading device comprises a casing and an optical reader, wherein the optical reader thereof is received inside the casing. The optical reader includes a first portion, a second portion, and an optical fiber. The first portion is mounted inside the casing, while the second portion is mobile inside the casing. The optical fiber connects with the first portion and the second portion respectively, which enables the light to be emitted from the light source of the first portion and to be transmitted to the second portion and the data storage medium thereof. Hence, by the arrangement of the units illustrated, the weight of the optical reader device is reduced, and the shock resistibility of the optical reader thereof is improved as well.

Abstract: A tamper-evident label includes a label body having a bar code area, and having tamper indicating means located in at least a portion of the bar code area. The tamper indicating means preferably includes a part of the label body with weakening formed therein, and at least one substantially diamond-shaped area is defined by the weakening. A method of generating a temper evident label includes identifying an area of a label body as a bar code area, and forming tamper indicating means on the label body such that at least a portion of the tamper indicating means is located within the bar code area. A label assembly includes a label body having a bar code area and tamper indicating means located in at least a portion of the bar code area, and a backing having a coating of release material, the label body being releasably attached to the backing.

Abstract: RFID system components, such as readers and tags, communicate by a reader transmitting waveforms that encode a calibration symbol and a divide ratio. Tags include a processor to determine a backscatter link period result by dividing a count value representing the calibration symbol by the divide ratio and adding an adjustment. Tags modulate a backscatter waveform that includes symbols using a link period determined from the result.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for production of RFID smart labels or smart label inlays, in which a multiplicity or RFID straps (11) are connected in succession with a multiplicity of antennae (20), where in a first step the RFID straps (11) to be arranged on a strap substrate band (5a) are separated (8, 9) and mounted on a substrate band (1, 1a, 1b, 1c; 10, 10a-c) for the smart labels or smart label inlays to be produced, and in a subsequent second step the antennae (20) are mounted on the substrate band (1, 1a, 1b, 1c; 10, 10a-c) and on first connection surfaces (26) of the RFID straps (11) such that the connection surfaces (26) of each RFID strap (11) electrically contact second connection surfaces of the antennae (20) allocated to the RFID strap (11) or the first connection surfaces (26) are positioned for electrical contact and fixed on the second connection surfaces.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for adjusting a temperature of a human body is shown. A user selects a selected temperature that the user would like the user's body to be. When the temperature is beyond the selected temperature range, a vent heat is applied. A determination whether the temperature has reached the selected temperature is made. If so, the vent heat is stopped or reduced.

Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve for hot and cold water has two-stage inlet chambers for the hot and cold water flows respectively. The inlet chambers distribute the flows uniformly with respect to porting for admitting the flows to the mixing chamber to reduce asymmetric flow patterns and promote thorough mixing of the flows within the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A thermostat having a terminal connection mechanism and method that provides ease of installation of the thermostat and the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) wiring is provided. One embodiment allows any wire to be attached to any terminal. This thermostat includes logic for determining an identity of the wire connected to an HVAC system component. The control logic determines a characteristic of the HVAC system component and compares the characteristic to a known characteristic of the HVAC system component. Environmental responses may also be monitored to identify the HVAC component. The terminal of the thermostat may be color coded to further ease installation. Tool-less terminal connectors may also be used to still further ease installation.

Abstract: A device for the impregnation of a porous bone replacement material with an impregnation agent includes a container with a central axis and a cavity with a lid. The container has two sealable openings and elastic means. The elastic means are arranged in the cavity allowing a clamping force to be exerted on a bone replacement material inserted in the cavity. A single size container is sufficient for housing variously sized implants, where the implant placed in the cavity of the container is held, centered and protected against damage or breakage, for example, by shaking back and forth or during transportation of the container.

Abstract: At least one method for indicating a weather condition includes indexing a storm based on two or more parameters. One of the parameters is a travel speed of the storm and a second parameter is a location of the storm. The method further includes providing a time before the storm impacts a recipient based on the travel speed of the storm and a track distance to the recipient location. The method further includes delivering the time before the storm impacts the location to the recipient.

Abstract: A water timer user interface has display areas for display of water timer status information, including watering zone and watering duration indicators, user input areas, and a touch-sensitive screen. At least one of the display areas may display a graphical representation of the watering duration indicators for the watering zone identifiers. All of the display and input areas may be single-function areas and may be simultaneously visible to and accessible by a user. The display areas may simultaneously display both graphical and numeric representations of the watering duration indicators. An ambient temperature sensor may be used to sense the ambient temperature and humidity and provide corresponding signals to the controller to permit the controller to modify the amount of water supplied.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine having a nozzle needle or needle unit for controlling an injection of fuel through at least one injection orifice and an actuator for driving a coupling piston. The nozzle needle or needle unit has a control surface that at least partially delimits a control chamber which communicates with a coupling chamber that is at least partially delimited by the coupling piston. The control surface is situated at the end of the nozzle needle or nozzle unit oriented away from the at least one injection orifice and the actuator drives the coupling piston to open the nozzle needle in such a way that a volume of the coupling chamber increases.

Abstract: A cold gas spray gun is disclosed. The spray gun includes a high-pressure gas heater which has a pressure vessel through which gas flows and a heating element situated in the pressure vessel, as well as a mixing chamber in which particles can be admixed with the gas through a particle feed. A Laval nozzle is arranged downstream in the direction of flow of the gas and consists of a convergent section, a nozzle throat and a divergent section. The high-pressure gas heater and/or the mixing chamber is/are at least partially insulated on the inside in the areas of contact with the gas.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an actuator and a heater. A common driver provides a first signal superimposed, for example, over a second signal to power both the actuator and the heater.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The second coil also is electrically connected to pass current induced from the first coil into a component in thermal contact with the flowing fuel. The current from the secondary coil resistibly heats the component to provide an alternate mode of heating fuel flow.

Abstract: My invention is different in that it uses high temperature water to dissolve pure evaporated salt blocks to create a highly saturated salt brine to provide highway deicing and snow control. with less salt used for deicing and snow removal using ordinary plain molasses may also be added to the salt brine to enhance its ability to stick on the road. Rock salt is not pure salt as it contains impurities that are inherent in its composition which give it its grey color and has pieces of rock in it from the mining process. Rock salt is also temperature dependent as it does not work very well below freezing temperatures with out calcium chloride or magnesium chloride additives. The heated salt brine will be able to melt ice and snow quickly and stay in place to continue its deicing with the molasses and will not drift away due to the use of the spray curtain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatuses, programs, methods, devices, and/or systems for administering water to an area in need of irrigation. For example, an irrigation unit uses a microprocessor to control its fluid dynamics to affectivity save water and enhance uniform water distribution to and area of grass. The microprocessor controls a pivot motor or solenoid, and an electronic throttle that waters lawns in any configuration or pattern; the sprinkler still retains the ability to pop out of the ground and rotate N×360 degrees.