Abstract: A surface mountable multiformat card reader for vending equipment is disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a surface mountable card reader that comprises a mounting bracket for attaching to a vending machine. The surface mountable card reader also includes a card reader housing that extends outward from the mounting bracket. The housing, which includes a channel spaced outwardly from the mounting bracket for receiving a magnetic stripe card, comprises a radio frequency (RF) proximity reader that is adapted for receiving data via an RF signal from a contactless card. The housing also comprises a magnetic stripe reader that is adapted for receiving data from magnetic stripe cards that pass through the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an escalator with steps or a moving walk with pallets that has a step comb or pallet comb respectively with comb teeth, wherein comb brushes on the step comb or pallet comb are arranged in approximately parallel direction to the comb teeth.

Abstract: A belt loader assembly includes a belt loader and an extension assembly. The belt loader includes a conveyor belt and a frame. The extension assembly includes an extension portion, a connection portion, and a bumper portion. The extension portion includes a plate having a first end portion and a second end portion. The connection portion is engaged with the first end portion of the plate and with the frame of the belt loader. The bumper portion is engaged with the second end portion of the plate. An extension assembly includes a plate having a first end portion and an oppositely disposed second end portion. The extension assembly further includes a bumper portion engaged to the plate at the second portion. The bumper portion includes a bumper. A connection portion is engaged with the first end portion and adapted for engagement with a belt loader.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a turnaround device (18) for a transfer line of products P, in particular pharmaceutical products, comprising at least one turnaround wheel (20) that uses a guide surface Sint, whereby said wheel (20) is mounted so as to rotate around a so-called turnaround axis (30) and at least two belts clamp the products P that are to be turned around, at least one input belt (22) guided by the surface Sint and moving at a speed Vint and at least one output belt (24) moving at a speed Vext, whereby Vint is different from Vext, characterized in that said turnaround device uses guide means (38) that comprise at least one guide surface Sext at the speed Vext of the output belt (24).

Abstract: A method of operating an inserter with infeed and outfeed each driven by a separate servo motor. A controller independently energizes the servo motors to drive the infeed and outfeed to position a continuous feed of objects with a first object in the outfeed and a web between the first and second objects within a bursting space. The outfeed exerts tension on the continuous feed when the web is within the bursting gap. The web is burst and the first object is ejected from the outfeed into an item on a production line. An inserter with separate servo motors driving the infeed and the outfeed to position objects of a continuous feed, to burst webs between the objects by generating tension in the webs and to eject the burst objects from the inserter.

Abstract: A conveyor system has an elongated guide defining a closed transport path extending through a plurality of treatment stations and a plurality of carriers movable on the guide along the path and each capable of holding a respective workpiece. At least one magnet is provided on each carrier, and an annular row of individually energizeable electromagnets extends along the path and is capable of exerting force on the magnets of the carriers so as to displace the respective carriers along the path. A plurality of sensors spaced along the path detect the carriers and generate outputs indicating positions and movement of the carriers along the path. At least some of the electromagnets at least intermittently form some of the sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stage apparatus which drives an object, comprising a base member, a first guide member disposed along a guide face of the base member, a second guide member disposed along the guide face so as to intersect with the first guide member, first and second sliders disposed such that the first and second sliders can move along the first and the second guide members, respectively, a connecting member having a flexible structure to connect the first and the second sliders to each other, and a movable stage which is to hold the object and is movably disposed on the guide face, and which is connected to the first and the second sliders.

Abstract: A magnetic accumulating slip roller assembly of a conveyor including a drive axle rotatably driven by a motor, spaced rollers for receiving a skid or other element to be conveyed by the conveyor system supported on the drive axle including a drive roller and an idler roller and a magnetic clutch between the drive roller and the drive axle allowing the drive roller to rotatably slip as the drive axle is rotated by the motor. In the disclosed embodiment, the drive axle is tubular and rotatably supported on a fixed inner axle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling reverse mow condition in a tractor comprises a switch assembly having an ignition switch that is rotatable through a plurality of positions, a housing for supporting the ignition switch, and an actuator movably located in the housing. The enabling of a reverse mow condition is achieved by displacing the actuator from a rest position to two separate and distinct positions.

Abstract: A micro switch is mounted onto a mounting base attached to a controller of an automatic icemaker. The micro switch generates a signal for controlling the amount of water to be filled in an ice tray. The micro switch is fixed to the mounting base by the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The first fixing member is inserted through a mounting hole formed in a case of the micro switch. The second fixing member is arranged on a surface of the mounting base on an opposite side of a surface mounted with the micro switch, and is fixed to the first fixing member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an enclosure with a first side and a second side opposite and distal from the first side. A number of separable contacts are enclosed by the enclosure. An operating mechanism is structured to open and close the separable contacts. A plurality of terminals are electrically interconnected with the number of separable contacts. The terminals protrude through the second side of the enclosure. A number of phase barrier apparatus is disposed on the second side of the enclosure. Each of the number of phase barrier apparatus includes a plurality of separate phase barrier members, each of which is disposed about a corresponding one of the terminals, and a number of interlocking members. Each of the number of interlocking members interlocks with an adjacent pair of the separate phase barrier members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact-type sensor of an object, which is constructed by placing an elastic light material such as a sponge with certain thickness on the surface of the object and plastic membrane switches which are just like the keyboard of a computer are arranged below the sponge. When a robot equipped with the sensors meets a barrier, the sponge on the surface is pressed and the force can be absorbed by the sponge and transferred to the plastic membrane switches, just as the switches are pressed directly, therefore, the robot can perceive the barrier in one direction.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch comprises a trench formed in a substrate. A free moving conductive mass may be formed within the cavity. When the switch is moved or otherwise acted upon my an inertial force to conductive mass makes contact with a pair of electrodes partially covering the trench thus turning the switch on.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch includes an insulative casing part having first and second connecting faces and an intermediate through hole, insulative first and second covering parts each having a recessed inner side that covers the respective connecting face, and two metal plates respectively disposed between the first covering part and the first connecting face and between the second covering part and the second connecting face. The first and second recessed inner sides and the intermediate through hole cooperatively define a chamber. Each metal plate includes an inner peripheral edge having an edge portion projecting into the chamber. A conductive ball is disposed movably in the chamber, and has a diameter larger than a distance between the edge portions of the metal plates so that the conductive ball can bridge the edge portions of the metal plates to place the rolling-ball switch in an ON state.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a switching element which has enough resistance to repeat switching operations and which can be miniaturized and have low power consumption, and a display device including the switching element are provided. The switching element includes a first electrode to which a constant potential is applied, a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode, and a third electrode over the first electrode with a spacer layer formed of a piezoelectric material interposed therebetween and provided across the second electrode such that there is a gap between the second electrode and the third electrode. A potential which is different from or approximately the same as a potential of the first electrode is applied to the third electrode to expand and contract the spacer layer, so that a contact state or a noncontact state between the second electrode and the third electrode can be selected.

Abstract: An accessory assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing. The accessory assembly includes at least one accessory and a mounting member structured to mount such accessory within the housing of the circuit breaker. The mounting member includes at least one mounting portion. Such mounting portion receives and secures a corresponding one of the at least one accessory, without a number of separate fasteners. The corresponding accessory is removable from such mounting portion, without a number of separate tools. The at least one mounting portion may be a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, and the at least one accessory may be a plurality of primary accessories coupled to the first mounting portion, and a number of secondary accessories coupled to the second mounting portion.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch tray is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of auxiliary switches. The housing has a mounting mechanism. The auxiliary switch tray includes a module having first and second sides, and a plurality of mounts disposed on the first side. At least a plurality of the mounts is structured to receive a corresponding one of the auxiliary switches. A base is disposed on the second side of the module and is coupled to the mounting mechanism in order to install the auxiliary switches in a predetermined position with respect to the actuating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The module, the mounts, and the base comprise one single-piece molded member. At least a plurality of the mounts are molded compartments of the single-piece molded member.

Abstract: A dust-proof switch includes a housing inlayed with a plurality of terminals, an inner lid, an outer lid, a dust-proof cover and a shielding. The housing has a body; an accommodating recess is defined in the body. The accommodating recess includes a first cavity and a second cavity. The inner lid and the outer lid are respectively disposed in the first cavity and the second cavity. The inner lid has a dome and two U shaped ears defined at two symmetrical ends of the dome. The dust-proof cover is disposed on the housing and wedged in the U shaped ears of the inner lid to fix the domes.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a circuit board having at least one circuit and a switch mechanism supported by the circuit board. The switch mechanism is operated to close the circuit. A housing sealingly surrounds the circuit board and the switch mechanism. Optionally, the housing may be overmolded around the circuit board and the switch mechanism. The housing may be configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of a vehicle such that the switch mechanism may be operated by an operated from the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed for use in a wall box having a series of buttons that can either be rocker buttons or push buttons. These buttons can be supported by springboards formed integral with a support board. The springboards are for biasing the series of buttons. Much of the device is housed within a housing formed at a first end by a body and a second end by a strap coupled to the housing. The strap extends beyond the body, wherein this strap can be used to dissipate heat from the device. Inside of the housing can be at least one circuit board which has switches, which can be used to receive instructions from a plurality of buttons. In one embodiment, a plurality of light pipes are adapted so that they are housed at least partially inside of these buttons. At least one portion of the light pipe can be formed as a shaft and adapted to extend out from this housing and down to a light emitter disposed on the circuit board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keypad assembly including a light guide panel, light, at least one light extracting pattern provided on the light guide panel so that light propagating inside the light guide panel is directed out of the light guide panel, a switch board having at least one switch; and at least one light source for coupling light to the inside of the light guide panel, wherein the light guide panel has a thickness of 0.03-0.6 mm.

Abstract: The keyboard includes a rubber sheet fixed on key tops of a set of key-switch devices. The rubber sheet elastically urges the key tops upward so that they are borne away from the base of the key-switch devices. The rubber sheet is arranged so as to cover the key-switch devices from outside. According to the invention, the cost of a keyboard covered with a dustproof and watertight rubber sheet can be reduced.

Abstract: Electronic equipment of the present invention includes a first housing 2 with an elastically deformable thin-wall portion 25 formed as a part of the front wall, an elastically deformable spacer member 4, and a sub board 5 on which switches 51 are mounted. The spacer member 4 includes a plurality of elastic members 41 and a second supporting member 46. Each of the elastic members 41 includes an operating strip 41a that is formed so that when the thin-wall portion 25 is deformed elastically, one surface of the operating strip 41a can be brought into contact with a back surface of the thin-wall portion 25 and the other surface can be pressed against the switch 51. The second supporting member 46 is formed so as to protrude between each of the elastic members 41, and can be brought into contact with the back surface of the thin-wall portion 25 at least when the thin-wall portion 25 is deformed elastically. The elastic members 41 and the second supporting member 46 are formed integrally.

Abstract: An operating mechanism closing assembly for an electrical switching apparatus having a ram assembly structured to engage and move a toggle assembly is provided. The ram assembly includes a ram body that travels over a, preferably, straight path and engages the toggle assembly. The path may be defined by one or more pins extending through the ram body. One or more springs are coupled to the ram body and bias the ram body toward the toggle assembly. The springs may be conveniently disposed about the pins. In this configuration, the force created by the springs is, essentially, applied directly to the toggle assembly. The toggle assembly is coupled to, and structured to rotate, a pole shaft that is further coupled to, and structured to actuate, the electrical switching apparatus contacts. Accordingly, because the force created by the springs is not transferred via one or more cams, the required force, and therefore the size of the springs, is reduced compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A catchment mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism is provided. The catchment mechanism includes a catchment wheel with a radially extending surface, a catchment prop, and a catchment prop reset pin. The catchment wheel rotates with the cam in the closing assembly as the closing springs are being charged. During the charging of the springs, the catchment prop stop edge travels over, but preferably does not engage, the wheel outer surface. When the closing springs are released, the catchment prop stop edge engages the catchment wheel radially extending surface thus causing the catchment wheel to stop rotating. As the catchment wheel is fixed to the cam shaft, the rotation of the cam shaft, and therefore the cam, is also stopped. The catchment wheel radially extending surface is positioned so that the cam is stopped in an appropriate position to begin recharging the closing spring.

Abstract: A latch assembly for an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism is provided. The latch assembly is structured so that force from the closing spring is directed along a line extending through the pivot point of a latch prop. A reset assembly for the latch prop is also provided.

Abstract: Keypad devices have become commonplace in everyday life. They are part of our everyday life, in the form of pocket calculators, telephones, remote control devices, and cellular phones. Cleaning these keypad devices is problematic, since they have a large number of actuatable keys, due to the functions to be performed. As a mechanical interface in the keypad device, each key is a critical weak point in terms of maintaining a tight seal. An easy-to-clean keypad device, in particular an emergency call device, has a main body, an electronic assembly—which includes circuit elements and is installed in main body—a closing shell and keys, which are installed in closing shell and are designed to mechanically actuate the circuit elements. Closing shell with installed keys is a first preinstalled assembly, and main body with installed electronic assembly is a second preinstalled assembly. The first and second preinstalled assemblies are interconnected such that they may be separated.

Abstract: An input device for constructing an inputting operation unit for various electronic apparatus and a method of manufacturing the input device are provided. The input device allows push-down inputting operation and position inputting operation using the same operating unit. The input device has a position input sensor provided under a key, and a base sheet having a movable contact joined to its bottom face depending on the location where the key is disposed, and a columnar section is disposed in a manner sandwiched between the position input sensor and the base sheet at the center of the movable contact.

Abstract: A first separate area insulated from a top conductive layer and extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of top electrodes is provided near an inner periphery of a spacer on a surface of the top substrate where the top conductive layer is provided. And/or a second separate area insulated from a bottom conductive layer and extending in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of bottom electrodes is provided near an inner periphery of the spacer on a surface of the bottom substrate where the bottom conductive layer is provided.

Abstract: A casing, in which a plurality of contacts are fixed, an operation element which is arranged so as to be able to move in translation in the casing, a conductive dome-like member which is arranged in the casing and which is resiliently deformable under the action of the displacement of the operation element between a first state and a second state of commutation, the light source is fixedly joined to the casing, the switch device further defines a spacer which connected the casing for fixing the tail of the contacts so as to prevent the contacts from distorting.

Abstract: A keypad overlay membrane provides guidance to a user in selecting an intended key to strike and avoiding striking unintended keys. In one arrangement the overlay membrane is formed by a continuous thin-walled sheet having an outwardly-facing surface and an opposed inwardly-facing surface. Formed into the thin-walled sheet are a first array of raised members and a second array of channels. The raised member array is laid out in a configuration for positioning atop individual keys of the electronic device keypad, with the channel array located between the raised member array. Upon placing the overlay membrane onto keypad, the user can apply a sufficient inwardly directed force to one of the raised members to induce movement of the respective key underlying and aligned with the particular raised member. In another arrangement, an array of concave depressions substitutes for the raised member array and channel array.

Abstract: A slide switch 100 according to the present invention includes a slider 20, a case 10 into which the slider 20 is inserted, performing switching by a sliding operation of the slider 20, cushioning means (an upper part, a left part, and a right part) 21a, 21b, and 21c, provided at contacting places in the side of the slider where the slider 20 and the case 10 come into contact by the sliding operation of the slider 20 for relieving the contact, and a cushioning means holding member 21 for integrally supporting the cushioning means, wherein the case 10 has case inner faces on which the slider 20 slides, and which face each other along a horizontal direction, one of the inner faces of the case 10 has a positioning part 11a for positioning the slider 20 at three positions, and the other of the inner faces of the case 10 has a positioning part 11d for positioning the slider 20 at two positions.

Abstract: Provided is a multidirectional input apparatus.

Abstract: The RF MEMS switch comprising micromechanical switching means that are carried by a substrate (1) and that can be actuated between two positions: a first position (off-state/FIG. 1) and a second position (on-state), and actuation means for actuating the position of the switching means. The micromechanical switching means comprise a flexible membrane (6) which is freely supported by support means (3), which is bendable under the action of the actuation means (7), and which can freely slide relatively to the support means (3) during its bending movement.

Abstract: A distiller that employs a rotary heat exchanger uses a centrifugal compressor to impose a pressure difference between the distiller's evaporation and condensation chambers. The compressor's diffuser is provided on the rotary heat exchanger to rotate with it, and the force applied to the diffuser by the vapor that the diffuser slows helps drive the rotary heat exchanger's rotation. Additionally, the compressor is so closely coupled to the heat exchanger that the vapor speed at the condensation chamber's entrance is at least an eighth of the peak vapor speed in the compressor, and the entrance area can therefore be small enough to simplify the task of sealing it.

Abstract: The heat transfer surfaces of a vapor-compression-type distiller's rotary heat exchanger are provided by a plurality of “blades” that extend radially outward from the rotary heat exchanger's axis of rotation and have interior surfaces that define respective narrow constituent condensation chambers. The blades' outer surfaces transfer heat of vaporization to a liquid to be purified, and the distiller's compressor draws the resultant vapor in, compresses it, and feeds the resultant pressurized vapor at one axial end into the blades' interior condensation chambers, where it surrenders the heat of vaporization to the interior blade surfaces and condenses. Passages formed in adjacent blades' elongated walls provide fluid communication between the constituent condensation chambers in such a manner that together they form a manifold from which condensate from all the blades can be withdrawn from any of them.

Abstract: Acetals are formed from a mixture comprising alcohols and aldehydes and the product is distilled to yield purified alcohols and/or acetals and/or unsaturated ethers.

Abstract: A method and composition for generation of a microbubble from a nanoparticle through a non-thermal method, preferably featuring nucleation.

Abstract: A method and resultant produce of forming barrier layer based on ruthenium tantalum in a via or other vertical interconnect structure through a dielectric layer in a multi-level metallization. The RuTa layer in a RuTa/RuTaN bilayer, which may form discontinuous islands, is actively oxidized, preferably in an oxygen plasma, to thereby bridge the gaps between the islands. Alternatively, ruthenium tantalum oxide is reactive sputtered onto the RuTaN or directly onto the underlying dielectric by plasma sputtering a RuTa target in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: A surface processing method for a mounting stage, which enables a mounting surface conforming to a substrate to be formed while saving time and effort. The substrate is mounted on a mounting surface of the mounting stage disposed in a housing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus that carries out plasma processing on the substrate. The mounted substrate is thermally expanded.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a radio frequency generator capable of adjusting a target output power level based on the set power level and the offset level to output radio frequency power; a chamber in which a plasma process is performed; and a power detection unit for measuring radio frequency power level fed to the matching unit. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a generator control unit for controlling the radio frequency power such that the radio frequency power level fed to the matching unit reaches the set power level by calculating the offset level based on the difference between the set power level and the power level measured by the power detection unit and transmitting the set power level and the offset level in digital form to the data input terminal of the radio frequency generator.

Abstract: A method for applying a burnable poison onto the cladding of a nuclear fuel rod (2) which comprises, providing a nuclear fuel rod (2) and at least one application device (8), rotating the nuclear fuel rod, optionally removing one or more oxides and/or surface deposits on the outer surface of the nuclear fuel rod (2) by spraying an abrasive material onto the nuclear fuel rod via the application device (8) while adjusting the position of the application device in relation to the nuclear fuel rod (2), and applying burnable poison particles (33) onto the outer surface (6) of the nuclear fuel rod (2) by spraying the burnable poison onto the nuclear fuel rod via the application device while adjusting the position of the application device (8) in relation to the nuclear fuel rod, where the burnable poison particles are applied at a velocity sufficient to cause adhesion to the outer surface (6) of the cladding.

Abstract: Coatings for osteointegration of surgical prosthesis are made in an Ion Plating Plasma Assisted plant, with a “reactive Magnetron sputtering” source, having a vacuum chamber, sputtering source, for instance a Magnetron, a vacuum connection to the pumping group, plasma, for instance DC, process gases input, a substrate holder biased, bias generator, for instance DC, RF generator, a matching network, and a RF plasma.

Abstract: A target containing an indium oxide and a tin oxide is used and sputtered particles from the target are transported by a forced gas flow of a sputter gas onto an organic substrate and deposited on the organic substrate while applying a DC bias voltage or an RF bias voltage to the organic substrate. The organic substrate is close to the target so that it is positively acted on by plasma. Thus, an ITO transparent conductive film having a resistivity of 10?3 ohm.cm or less is formed on the organic substrate. The formed ITO transparent conductive film has a ratio of 1:1 or more and 4:1 or less between the peak intensity of the plane and the peak intensity of the plane of the indium tin oxide in X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: There is disclosed an air cleaning apparatus usable regardless of seasons, weather, environmental conditions and the like. The air cleaning apparatus brings air to be treated into contact with a cleaning solution including active oxygen species to purify the air to be treated includes a water tank which stores the cleaning solution, and a temperature controller which controls a temperature of the cleaning solution stored in the water tank. The temperature controller includes a heat exchanger as a cooling/heating unit which cools or heats the cleaning solution stored in the water tank, and controls the temperature of the cleaning solution into 0° C. or more to 40° C. or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming an electrocatalytic surface on an electrode in a simple way, in particular on a lead anode used in the electrolytic recovery of metals. The catalytic coating is formed by a spraying method which does not essentially alter the characteristics of the coating powder during spraying. Transition metal oxides are used as the coating material. After the spray coating the electrode is ready for use without further treatment. The invention also relates to an electrode onto which an electrocatalytic surface is formed.

Abstract: A mask includes a transparent substrate, a light-blocking layer and a halftone layer. The light-blocking layer includes a source electrode pattern portion including a first electrode portion, a second electrode portion and a third electrode portion, and a drain electrode pattern portion disposed between the second electrode portion and the third electrode portion. The halftone layer includes a halftone portion corresponding to a spaced-apart portion between the source electrode pattern portion and the drain electrode pattern portion, and a dummy halftone portion more protrusive than ends of the second electrode portion and the third electrode portion. Thus, a photoresist pattern corresponding to a channel portion of a thin film transistor (TFT) may be formed with a uniform thickness, to thereby prevent an excessive etching of the channel portion.

Abstract: The invention discloses a biostrip for the determination of the health condition or disease infection of an organism. The biostrip of the invention comprises at least an insulating baseboard and a capillary channel. Said insulating baseboard has at least one surface and a printed electrode is disposed on the surface. Moreover, said capillary channel is disposed above the insulating baseboard and has at least two ends on which at least one fixation reaction area and an exhaust channel of at least one direction are disposed respectively. The exhaust channel is formed by making use of the thickness and the shape of the back gum. Therefore, the biostrip of the invention can retain the advantage of the siphon type test strip of requiring a micro-amount of sample and also avoid the complicated production process thereof.

Abstract: A sensing element for measuring extracellular potential including a substrate, a well provided in a substrate, a guide section provided on the wall of the well, and a detective electrode formed at a lower surface of the substrate. The guide section is for guiding drug. The well is provided at the bottom with a depression, and a first throughhole penetrating through the depression and the lower surface of the substrate. The well is for mixing a subject cell, a culture solution and the drug together. The above-configured sensing element accurately measures a change generated by a subject cell.

Abstract: Test strips and monitoring devices for the electrochemical analysis of analytes are disclosed. An illustrative test strip may include first and second electrodes, offset relative to one another with respect to an insertion end of the test strip. The monitoring device may have a stop and electrical contacts configured to position the test strip such that the offset electrodes are in contact with the electrical contacts of the monitor. In some cases, the insertion end of the test strip and the stop of the monitoring device include one or more features to key the insertion end of the test strip with the stop. Also, one or more programmable devices may be provided on or in the test strip for providing information and/or calibration data to the monitoring device when inserted into the monitoring device. In some embodiments, a monitoring device may be provided that includes a removable Sharps container for storing used test strips.