Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for enabling charitable donation giving through the donation of a gift card or gift certificate issued by any number of businesses and donated through a donor of the gift card/certificate. The system collects the gift card, converts the gift card into funds and then distributes at least part of the funds thus generated to at least one charity. The system also issues a receipt to the donor indicating how much was obtained for the donated card, and, optionally, how much of the collected funds were given directly to a designated charity. The funds are obtained by selling the donated gift cards.

Abstract: A computer readable universal authorization card system including a card having a computer readable portion for conducting communications over a global network and a magnetic stripe for interfacing with card readers is disclosed. Here, the magnetic stripe has a stripe length and a stripe width, the card has a card length and a card width, and the stripe length is shorter than the card length.

Abstract: A transaction processing system and method provide a product designated transaction processing facility enable for processing purchase transaction associated with at least one designated product. The product designated facility may be a product dedicated checkout lane. The product designated facility may be a point-of-display transaction processing facility.

Abstract: A point of sale system is provided that can selectively control operation of one or more peripherals. The system includes a payment terminal with a reader for an electronic payment card and a port for communication with the peripheral. The system further includes a peripheral with a reader for the electronic payment card, and a monitor with a first port for coupling to the payment terminal and a second port for coupling to the payment device. The monitor includes a microcontroller providing for communication between the payment terminal and the peripheral, and the monitor determines an operational status of the peripheral. The monitor causes a redirection of communication as necessary based on the operational status of the peripheral.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-based bar code reading cash register Systems having integrated Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.

Abstract: A radio data communication apparatus includes first antennas, modulation circuits, an oscillating circuit, a switch circuit, a memory, and a control circuit. The first antennas perform a one-to-one radio communication with second antennas of IC tags having different communication frequencies. The one-to-one radio communication is carried out based on a resonance frequency uniquely assigned to each one of combinations between the first antennas and the second antennas. The memory stores communication information of each IC tag, including an assigned resonance frequency. The control circuit reads a resonance frequency assigned to a second antenna belonging to a target IC tag, generates the control signal such that the switch circuit selects a specific carrier wave having a frequency substantially equal to the resonance frequency read from the memory, and transmits the specific carrier wave and data to be transmitted in synchronism with each other to a corresponding modulating circuit.

Abstract: A blood recipient verification device includes a patient ID label region including a top ID label layer on which information can be imprinted, a bottom layer comprising an image material in underlining registry with the top layer, an elongate strap adjacent the patient ID label region, and an identification label region that is removably attached to either an end of the patient ID label region or an end of the elongate strap. At least a portion of the elongate strap may be transparent so as to provide a window through which information on the bottom layer can be read while protecting such information from being damaged. An adhesive coating may be applied to the same surface as the removable identification labels of the identification label region so that when the labels are affixed to a blood sample collection tube, the labels will not be exposed but be protected.

Abstract: An automatic omni-directional bar code symbol reading system for use in a POS environment. The system comprises a system housing having an light transmission window. A plurality of linear-type bar code symbol reading stations are disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting a complex of linear illumination planes through the light transmission window and into a 3D volume definable relative to the system housing. At least one area-type bar code reading station is disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting an area illumination beam through the light transmission window and into the 3D volume. The complex of linear illumination planes and the area illumination beam enable omni-directional reading of bar code symbols on an object passing through the 3D volume, and the generation symbol character data representative of the read bar code symbol.

Abstract: A method for intelligently controlling the illumination and imaging of objects while being moved through a 3D imaging volume of a digital image capturing and processing system projecting a plurality of field of views (FOVs) through said 3D imaging volume during system operation. As an object is being moved within the 3D imaging volume, and prior to illumination and imaging, an initial position is determined for the object specifying the beginning of a projected trajectory which the object is likely to follow as the object is moved through the 3D imaging volume. The initial position is used to determine a projected trajectory of the object through the 3D imaging volume. The FOVs which intersect with the projected trajectory of the object, passing through said 3D imaging volume, are determined.

Abstract: A multiple mode micro memory card includes a housing having a first end and a second end; a memory for storing data; first and second sets of contact pads formed on the first end for sending and receiving data and control signals; and a controller electrically connected to the first and second sets of contact pads for receiving external signals through the first and second sets of contact pads, wherein the controller controls the multiple mode micro memory card to operate in a first mode when receiving external signals through only the first set of contact pads, controls the multiple mode micro memory card to operate in a second mode when receiving external signals through only the second set of contact pads, and controls the multiple mode micro memory card to operate in a third mode when receiving external signals through both the first and second sets of contact pads.

Abstract: A non-contact IC apparatus is provided in a simple configuration with a plurality of IC chips, while enabling reliable communication. A non-contact IC apparatus 1 has a plurality of IC chips 30, 50, an antenna 11 for receiving a radio wave for non-contact IC apparatus, a modem part 12 for acquiring a signal from the radio wave received by the antenna 11, and a distribution control part 13 for selecting an IC chip to receive the signal, out of the plurality of IC chips 30, 50, based on the signal acquired by the modem part 12, and for transmitting the signal to the selected IC chip.

Abstract: A business form such as a wristband or label includes an imaging area of face stock overprinted with a fluorescent ink for receiving a printed bar code to enhance the scannability of the bar code. The ink may be applied by overprinting to a thickness of between about 0.2 to about 0.5 mils, and even more preferably to a thickness of about 0.2 mils. The overprint ink is also print receptive allowing a bar code to be printed onto it with no deleterious effects. The imaging area of the wristband form may be overlaminated and the bar code scannability will still be enhanced. An alternative embodiment comprises a face stock manufactured to have a finished surface exhibiting a fluorescent effect similar to that achieved by overprinting through mixing in appropriate components as the face stock is made.

Abstract: A thermal valve assembly for a transmission is provided. The thermal valve assembly includes a body having a base portion having a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom. A cover is mounted with respect to the body and operates to at least partially close the body to form a volume. The base portion defines an inlet orifice, while at least one of the plurality of opposing sidewalls at least partially defines an outlet orifice. A plate is operable to selectively close the inlet orifice. A bi-metallic spring member is disposed at least partially within the volume. The bi-metallic spring member is operable to bias the plate against the base portion. Additionally, the bi-metallic spring member has a variable stiffness characteristic responsive to temperature.

Abstract: A digital thermostat having an improved user display interface is provided. The digital thermostat includes a user display screen for displaying information and user input devices for allowing the user to input information into the thermostat. The thermostat includes a user display interface that displays some information or groupings of information on the user display screen of the digital thermostat in a tabbed configuration. An individual grouping of information that is displayed on the user display screen in the tabbed configuration has an individual tab for identifying that specific grouping of information. Preferably, the user display screen is a touch screen and the individual tabs act as buttons and allow the user to interact with the thermostat.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to control the operation of an HVAC system to remove humidity from an indoor air environment without cooling the indoor air environment. The system includes a thermostat that operates the HVAC system to remove humidity when the sensed humidity falls below a humidity set point. After operation of the HVAC system, the thermostat monitors whether the temperature within the indoor air environment falls due to the operation of the HVAC system. If the temperature within the indoor air environment falls consistently, the humidity control algorithm determines that the HVAC system cannot operate without cooling and prevents future operation of the HVAC system to provide only dehumidification. If, however, the humidity control algorithm determines that the HVAC system can operate to dehumidify without cooling, the humidity control algorithm operates the HVAC system accordingly.

Abstract: There is provided a circulation type hot water supply device in which a downstream end of a hot water delivering channel 6 connected to a heat exchanger 4 of a water heater 1 is connected to a water supply channel 5 upstream of the heat exchanger, and a circulating pump 25 that returns hot water fed from the heat exchanger to the hot water delivering channel to the heat exchanger through the water supply channel is provided in the hot water delivering channel. The device can reliably identify an abnormality when it occurs, such as adhesion of a deposit to an inner surface of a heat absorbing pipe 4b to reduce heat exchange efficiency. A diagnosis is started when a hot water delivering tap 7 is closed and a burner 3 is subjected to combustion. In the diagnosis, supply of water to the heat exchanger 4 is first stopped to shut down the burner 3.

Abstract: To provide a storage water heater capable of increasing thermal efficiency and quickly boiling when tap water is supplied into a hot-water tank. A storage water heater 1 can heat low-temperature water having a high density because hot water in a hot-water tank 10 is led from a lead-in pipe 18 positioned at the bottom of the hot-water tank 10 to a gas heater 51. Also, a water supply pipe outlet 15 and a lead-in pipe inlet 19 are provided so as to be opposed to each other on the same axis. Therefore, when tap water is supplied from a water supply pipe 14, the tap water lower in temperature than the hot water in the hot-water tank 10 is preferentially led to the gas heater 51. With this, hot water at the lowest temperature in the hot-water tank 10 can be selectively heated, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A hydronic radiant flooring heating system includes a pipe having pipe sections, and a grid of a thermally conductive material. The pipe sections are arranged substantially parallel to one another along a first axis, where there is a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The pipe is to carry a heated liquid to radiantly heat a flooring under which the pipe is situated. The grid is situated relative to the sections. A portion of the grid is positioned substantially parallel to the second axis, and has an increased gauge to provide for lateral heat flow from the sections along the second axis. Heating of the flooring under which the pipe and the grid are situated is substantially uniform at least partially due to the increased gauge of the portion of the grid positioned substantially parallel to the second axis, while permitting wider spacing between adjacent of the pipe sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering liquid utilizing a wand with a nozzle, a toggle switch, and a supply canister for delivering self-tanning and sun-tanning solutions to a human body is disclosed. Projections on the wand facilitate a direct connection to a supply canister containing the chosen liquid to be delivered without the necessity of an exposed external tube suspended between the wand and the supply canister. The wand may be detached and reattached to the supply canister for storage or use.

Abstract: High sea surface temperatures (SST) are a major factor in the formation and maintenance of tropical cyclones. Global warming has contributed to a rise in SSTs causing an increase in tropical cyclone formation. This increase in SSTs in the Atlantic basin is attributed to failing of the ThemoHaline Currents (THC) that provides warm ocean waters to Europe. Should the THC fail, it is estimated that Europe would be plunged into a 200-400 year ice age. The invention described herein uses OTEC or similar technology to pump cold ocean water to the surface, reducing SSTs limiting the formation and growth of tropical cyclones. Additional benefits would include strengthening of the THC as well as providing a stop-gap solution for global warming while more responsible manufacturing and industrial methods are designed and implemented. With limited additions to the OTEC platform other benefits can be derived including but not limited to mariculture, algaeculture, biodiesel and ethanol production, and carbon sequestration.

Abstract: A biofilm reducing agent (BRA) and a mineral deposit distorting agent (MDDA) are admixed to irrigation water in amounts sufficient to substantially eliminate biofilm formation in the emitters (14) of an irrigation system (10) and produce amorphous mineral deposits in the emitters that are easily washed away by the irrigation water as it flows through the emitters (14). The BRA may be an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy peracitic acid, iodine, bromine, hydrogen dioxide, chlorate salts, chlorite salts and hypochlorite compounds and mixtures thereof. The MDDA is a phosphonate selected from the group comprising AMP, ATMP, HEDP, EDTMPA, HMDTMPA, DETPMPA, BHMPTMPA, PBTC, HPA, PCA, NTMP, and DTPMP.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to disseminate volatile liquid into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising at least one evaporation element having at least one evaporation surface bearing at least one capillary channel and at least one wick, the wick making contact with the evaporation element at a surface other than the one bearing the capillary channel. Liquid transfer contact between wick and capillary channel is provided by means of at least one capillary passage passing from that part of the evaporation element contacting the wick to the capillary channel. The evaporation element is preferably a capillary sheet. The apparatus allows the use of wicks that are smaller than usual, with no loss in efficiency of dissemination. It is also cheaper and more convenient to manufacture.

Abstract: A dispenser that delivers a small but consistent and sustained amount of liquid over an extended period of time, particularly useful but not limited to dispensing pesticides when worn by cattle. The dispenser has a shell having an opening. A reservoir is disposed in the shell and holds a pesticide or other liquid. A wick is in fluid communication with the reservoir. An end of the wick is positioned adjacent the opening and has a greater capillary attraction or wicking ability than the reservoir, whereby during use of the dispenser the wick draws fluid from the reservoir and deposits it on the animal upon contact.

Abstract: Apparatus for emitting a chemical agent as a vapour comprises operative parts (2) and a decorative cover (4), the latter being shown in FIG. 2 removed for clarity and placed behind the operative parts. The decorative cover has curved air inlet channels 6. The operative parts comprise a reservoir (24) containing the chemical agent in liquid form; a wick (26) in communication with the chemical agent; an emanator (28) carried by the wick and located outside the reservoir and a fan (20), preferably battery-powered, to impel air over the emanator.

Abstract: A rotary atomiser drive spindle for use as part of a rotary atomiser, the drive spindle comprising a shaft which carries a turbine and a body which comprises at least one supply channel for supplying gas to the turbine for rotatingly driving the shaft relative to the body. The turbine comprises a rotor body portion, which is ring shaped, and a plurality of blades projecting from one of the generally flat surfaces of the rotor body portion. Generally radial gas paths through the turbine are defined by adjacent pairs of blades. The at least one supply channel comprises a nozzle portion from which, in use, gas leaves the body of the spindle towards the turbine. Each nozzle comprises an outlet and the cross sectional area of the gas passage through the nozzle portion decreases monotonically from the inlet of the nozzle to the outlet. Two turbines may be provided and exhaust air may be used for cooling.

Abstract: A high pressure rotary nozzle having a rotating shaft operating within a fixed housing wherein the of axial force which acts upon the shaft due to the liquid pressure at the shaft inlet is balanced by allowing passage of a small amount of the pressurized liquid to be bled to an area or chamber between the outside of the opposite end of the shaft and the inside of the housing where the liquid pressure can act axially in an opposing direction upon the shaft to balance the axial inlet force. The balance of axial forces is self-regulating by controlling escape of the liquid through a tapered or frusto-conical region between the shaft and housing. This further provides a liquid bearing between the two surfaces and allows use of interchangeable rotating jet heads having jet orifices which can be oriented in virtually any desirable configuration including axially forward of the nozzle.

Abstract: A nozzle device (3) for cleaning a window (2) has a plurality of nozzle openings (15, 16). One nozzle opening (15) which is embodied as a localised jet nozzle is arranged on the end of a groove-type recess (18) of the nozzle body (6). The nozzle body (6) is pressed into a nozzle housing (4) guiding a washing liquid. In this way, the nozzle opening (15) is formed partially by the nozzle body (6) and partially by the nozzle housing (4). The nozzle device (3) is thus especially cost-effective.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle system for a delivery device for liquids, wherein the nozzle system comprises a nozzle and a device which fixes the nozzle in the delivery device. The delivery device, an atomizer, has a liquid reservoir from which a liquid is forced through the nozzle under pressure. The nozzle fixing means may itself be secured by a second fixing, e.g., in the form of a check nut, or the fixing may itself be a check nut. According to the invention the fixing means on the nozzle outlet side has a specific geometry which minimizes the proportion of dispensed liquid deposited on the fixing means. Preferably, the present invention is part of a propellant-free device for nebulizing pharmaceutical liquids.

Abstract: A spray nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a gas inlet connected to a gas supply line and a liquid inlet connected to a liquid supply line, and an orifice body controlling the rate at which liquid can flow, in use, from the liquid inlet to a mixing zone, wherein the orifice body is removable from the nozzle body without requiring disconnection of the nozzle body from the liquid supply line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a through-flow volume limiter comprising a through-flow body. The through-flow body is penetrated by at least one channel, which can be cross-flown by a fluid, said channel being provided with an inlet and an outlet and at least one gas channel comprising a gas suction channel which is provided with a gas suction opening and a gas outlet opening for a gas which is to be mixed with the fluid exiting from the channel. An inlet funnel is connected to the inlet.

Abstract: A personal decontamination apparatus includes an adapter valve attachable to a water source for mixing water with a concentrated decontamination fluid for rapid detoxifying washing of the skin of a user exposed to toxic chemical, biological or nuclear radioactive substances.

Abstract: A spray nozzle kit including a nozzle and a wrench. The nozzle includes a tubular body having an inlet for attachment to one end of a pipe and an outlet positioned opposite the inlet. A ball is provided for positioning within the tubular body. The ball has a passageway therein for the movement of a pressurized fluid ejected from the pipe into the inlet. A cover plate is provided for threadable fastening to the outlet to retain the ball within the tubular body. The cover plate has an opening for the passage of pressurized fluid from the passageway in the ball. The cover plate also has a pair of recesses located on opposite sides of the opening. A cap is removably positioned within the outlet for preventing dirt from entering the tubular body prior to the positioning of the ball within the tubular body and prior to the threadable fastening of the cover plate to the outlet. A wrench is used for rotating the cover plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for comminution of material in a grinding mill, in which method the ground material from the mill is classified by means of particle sizes. After the classification of the ground material at least the part of the material having a particle size greater than the desired predetermined particle size is targeted to an electromagnetic energy treatment in at least one stage.

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.

Abstract: A process for grinding coffee beans to insure that only the amount of coffee beans necessary to brew a desired amount of coffee are ground, and that the remaining beans are not ground, but rather saved for future use.

Abstract: A food mill including a container having a first flange and an opposing second flange, and a blade assembly removably connected to the container. The blade assembly includes a support arm having a first end defining a slot engageable with the first flange, and a second end including a latch. The latch is movable between a first condition, where the latch is disengaged from the second flange, and a second condition, where the latch is engaged with the second flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller mill safety system. In order to minimize the loss of production of a crushing plant, particularly a cement crushing plant and optimize on the gear side the availability of the roller mill, according to the invention a replacement gear is provided alongside the operating mill gear. The mill gear and replacement gear are located on at least one base plate and preferably together with a drive motor for the mill gear and a second motor for the replacement gear, as well as with a lubricating system located between the mill gear and the replacement gear, are preassembled on the base plate. The base plate is horizontally adjustably guided on the mill foundation. If the mill gear fails the base plate with the units mounted thereon can be adjusted in such a way that the replacement gear is positioned below the crushing pan in the place of the mill gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crushing device, which includes a frame structure and a rotor mounted rotatably by bearings at its ends to the frame structure. Shredder elements are arranged in connection with both the frame structure and the rotor. At at least one end, a hub motor is connected to the rotor through a planet gearbox. As a continuation of the rotor at the hub-motor end, there is an extension piece, inside which the hub motor is arranged to fit in terms of its length too. The rotor is arranged to be detachable/attachable at its ends over the length of the above or below trough and can be changed through this trough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held cable reel (1) comprising a central cable receiving core (3) mounted between a pair of disc like end flanges (5, 7), each disc like end flange (5, 7) having a handle (9, 11) mounted on the outermost surface of the flange, the handles being radially offset from the central axis of the cable receiving core (3) and circumferentially offset relative to each other. The handles (9, 11) are substantially c-shaped having a body portion (13) and a pair of inwardly depending arms (15, 17), the free end of each of the arms facing inwardly towards the flange (5, 7) upon which it is mounted. A pair of operating flanges (161, 163) freely rotatable with respect to the end flanges may also be provided.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a repositionable adhesive note paper from a roll includes a housing defining an interior and a discharge opening. A drive system of the dispenser includes a roller rotatably mounted within the housing interior and a motor engaging the roller to rotate the roller with respect to the housing about a central axis of the roller. A pressure member is located within the housing and is preferably movable with between an engaged position where it urges the paper into contact with the roller and a disengaged position where it is separated from the roller to permit loading of paper.

Abstract: There is a central shaft. The central shaft is attached to a hole in the center of a round plate. Attached to the round plate is a multitude of arms that are able to pivot toward and away from the central shaft. There is a cone with a hole through it that fits onto the central shaft. The cone interfaces with the pivoting arms at the end away from the pivoting action.

Abstract: A reel is provided including a cylindrical hub onto which a recording tape is wound; an upper flange that is integrally provided at the hub, and that extends from one end portion of the hub; and a lower flange that includes a bottom wall to which a reel plate is fixed, and that is welded to the other end portion of the hub, in order that deformations and surface runout of the flanges can be suppressed without increasing number of process and/or manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A method of applying a test load to a landing gear mounted on an aircraft, the method comprising parking the aircraft with at least one tire of the landing gear on a platform; and moving the platform so as to apply the test load to the landing gear via the tire. An array of six platforms is mounted on a sliding chassis in a recessed oil bath. The platforms can be independently rotated to apply torque. The spacing between the platforms can be adjusted to adapt for different landing gear configurations.

Abstract: Hinges, in particular in doors of aircraft, have poor aerodynamics. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a covering device for a hinge of an aircraft is provided with a flexible covering, which for example is stretched, with a closed hinge, over the outer contour of the hinge. Advantageously, this makes possibly the covering of openings between first and second hinge parts, whereby an improved aerodynamic can be achieved.

Abstract: A compression-molded part has a conductive layer embedded in the part during molding of the part. The conductive layer is generally adjacent an outer surface of the part and is preferably formed from a mesh, a foil, a pulled screen, or multiple layers of conductive elements. The part is preferably optimized for use on the exterior of an aircraft for lightning-strike or EMI protection or for use as an antenna. Methods for forming the panels of the invention include placing the conductive layer against a mold surface of a compression mold, then forming the compression-molded part with the conductive layer embedded in the part.

Abstract: An ice management system is configured for an aircraft having at least one rotor, each rotor having a plurality of blades. The system has an electrical power supply adapted to be carried by the aircraft remote from the rotor, and at least one heater is carried by the rotor for heating at least a portion of the rotor. A solid-state control relay is carried by the rotor and conductively coupled between the power supply and each heater for selectively controlling the flow of electrical power from the power supply to each heater. In addition, the system may incorporate a solid-state feed relay carried by the aircraft remote from the rotor and conductively coupled between the power supply and the control relay for selectively controlling the flow of electrical power to the control relay.

Abstract: A lightning protection system, method and aircraft are provided for reducing the flammability of jet fuel spilled during an in-flight refueling operation between a supplying aircraft and a receiving aircraft. An inert gas is injected adjacent to a refueling interface in order to displace oxygen in the fuel-air mixture and thereby reduce the ability of the fuel vapor to ignite upon occurrence of an ignition source such as lightning. The refueling system may comprise a boom or a hose and drogue type device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating shock load in a parachute delivery system has at least one strip of material having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a predetermined length. The apparatus also has a piercing member having a first portion for piercing through the strip of material and a second portion that defines an opening. The strip of material passes through the opening in the piercing member. The first end of the strip of material is configured to be attached to parachute suspension lines. In a preferred embodiment, the strip of material is a strip of woven webbing. When a predetermined tensile force acts upon the strip of material and the piercing member such that the first end of the strip of woven webbing is pulled in one direction and the piercing member is pulled in an opposite direction, tension is produced which causes the piercing member to stretch and break the lateral fibers of the strip of woven webbing.