Abstract: An election ballot printing system includes a printer and electronic imaging device operatively coupled to a computer. The electronic imaging device images a ballot outputted by the printer in response to an indication provided by the computer. The electronic imaging device flows information corresponding to the ballot to the computer.

Abstract: A product identification system includes a product system having a component, identifying a characteristic of the component, and forming an identifier including the characteristic of the component.

Abstract: In this RFID card issuing system, manual operations are required only in two steps of: inputting personal information of an RFID card holder to register it in database; and pushing a shutter button of a camera when a photograph is being taken. Also, software controls are employed for the steps of: copying an image file of a computer COM4 from the camera CAM, changing the file name to a suitable name, and registering the name in the database to associate it with the personal information; printing the image file and personal information on a new card NC; and reading an ID number from an inlet stuck to a rear surface of the new card NC during the printing and registering the ID number in the database to associate it with the personal information and image file. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the issuing time and simplify the issuing process of the RFID card.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for automatically adjusting the modulation index of a wireless smart device reader are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method (performed at a wireless smart device reader) that includes receiving a signal from a wireless smart device. A parameter of the signal is determined. The method also includes determining at least one transmission parameter using the parameter of the signal. The transmission parameter(s) is applied to a transmitter of the wireless smart device reader in order to adjust the modulation index of the transmitter.

Abstract: The invention relates to contactless communication systems between a moving object and a reader, in particular systems in which the moving object is a chip card or an identification tag. To enhance communication security, the card reader transmits, from a radiofrequency transmission antenna separate from the main communication antenna, a disturbance signal having the same frequency and modulation type characteristics as the response signal expected from the card to the reader; the electromagnetic coupling between this separate antenna and the antenna of the reader is, however, such that the latter does not “see” the transmitted disturbance but detects only the response from the card; on the other hand, the environment between the card and the reader sees the response from the card only mixed with the disturbance signal.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.

Abstract: A viewing device is used with coded data on a surface. The device includes a sensor arrangement for sensing the coded data when the device is placed on the surface, and a processor in signal communication with the sensor arrangement. The processor is configured to decode the coded data. Also included is a transceiver for transmitting the decoded data to a computer system, and to subsequently receive a file pre-associated with the decoded data from the computer system. The device also includes a display configured to display the received file to a user.

Abstract: A barcode scanner includes a scanning platform coupled to a fixed platform by flexible members. The scanning platform, fixed platform, and flexible members are made of a polymer such as is commonly used for printed circuit boards. The scanning platform has a laser light source, focusing lens, photodetector, and light collection optic mounted thereto. The polymer qualities and the moment of inertia of the scanning platform can be controlled to achieve a desired mechanical resonance.

Abstract: Provided is a portable security printed matter authentication device for authenticating security codes printed on security printed matter such as currency, vouchers, passports, and identification cards. The portable security printed matter authentication device includes: a housing including an observation hole at a top portion of the housing; a magnifying lens disposed to be close to the observation hole inside the housing; an optical filter disposed below the magnifying lens; and a plurality of LED (light-emitting diode) lamps which are disposed below the optical filter and illuminate light toward the security printed matter, wherein the LED lamps are a combination of two or more types of ultraviolet (UV) LED lamps, color LED lamps, and infrared (IR) lamps.

Abstract: Image enhancement of symbol targets and non-symbol targets is performed based on the distance to the target, and optionally on the type of target being imaged, by an imaging system to improve reader performance. An axicon and other lenses are preferred to capture light from the target.

Abstract: In an imaging device having a wireless module, an increase in undesired power consumption is inhibited, and a time required before establishment of a communications channel with a wireless terminal is shortened. In response to depression of a playback button performed by user by way of an operation section, a control section performs a pre-scan by way of a wireless module before a main scan responding to a request for wireless connection. When having received a request for wireless connection, the control section accepts designation of a wireless terminal serving as a destination of transmission from the user by utilization of a result of the pre-scan prior to a result of the main scan responding to the request for wireless connection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to use and/or provision of a unique identifier on an integrated circuit (IC) device are described. In one embodiment, an indicia may be provided on a substrate to uniquely identify the substrate. In an embodiment, the indicia may be used to track the substrate. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: There are provided an operational amplifier (A1), a capacitor (C1) capable of transmitting an input signal to an inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier, and a feedback path (B11) disposed between an output terminal and the inverting input terminal in the operational amplifier, and a reference voltage is supplied to a non-inverting input terminal. There is provided an input/output stabilizing circuit (B13) for changing a threshold voltage of the operational amplifier, and adding a micro signal input to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier, thereby carrying out an input/output stabilizing control in response to a signal output from the operational amplifier. In response to the signal output from the operational amplifier, the threshold voltage of the operational amplifier is changed and the micro signal is added to the signal input to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifiers so that the input/output stabilizing control is carried out.

Abstract: A mobile device and related power management method are disclosed. The power management method includes detecting a level of residual battery power, and selectively enabling the provision of power to the smart card and the RF chip in accordance with the detected level of residual battery power.

Abstract: An electronic card and a method for manufacturing the same wherein the electronic card is composed of a printed circuit board, having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of circuit components attached to the top surface of the printed circuit board, wherein the circuit components positioned in a first portion of the electronic card are greater in height than the circuit components positioned in a second portion of the electronic card, a bottom overlay attached to the bottom surface of the printed circuit board, a top overlay positioned above the top surface of the printed circuit board and a core layer positioned between the top surface of the printed circuit board and the top overlay, wherein the first portion of the electronic card has a greater thickness than the second portion of the electronic card.

Abstract: The microprocessor card includes a first microprocessor and a second microprocessor, the first microprocessor including elements for commanding the second microprocessor. In embodiments, the card includes electrical contacts adapted to carry command signals, these electrical contacts being connected exclusively to the first microprocessor. In embodiments, the first microprocessor includes elements for commanding the second microprocessor via commands conforming to the ISO 7816 standard. The first microprocessor uses a lower level of security than the second microprocessor.

Abstract: An antenna module in which an antenna coil formed of a metal foil and a condenser are formed on an insulating substrate, the antenna module includes: a control circuit configured to control communications done by the antenna coil, the control circuit disposed on the insulating substrate; and a pattern formed of a metal foil, wherein the pattern is formed on the insulating substrate on the opposite side of the control circuit through the insulating substrate, and the control circuit has: a detecting means for detecting a temperature of the control circuit, and a control means for terminating the communications when a temperature of the control circuit is equal to or above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a security document having coded data thereon. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion, which is then used to generate indicating data. The indicating data is transferred to a computer system, which is responsive to determine, a received identity and a received signature part, from the indicating data. These are then used to authenticate the security document.

Abstract: A receipt-and-payment-information transmitting unit of a change dispenser transmits receipt and payment information of receipt and payment processing, which is started according to reception of a start instruction for independent operation, to a POS terminal. An icon display/deleting unit of the POS terminal causes a display device to display an icon indicating that receipt and payment information is received on a display screen. An alternation-processing prohibiting/releasing unit prohibits execution of operator alternation processing. A receipt-and-payment-information registering unit registers, in a storing unit, receipt and payment information including a receipt and payment type input from a receipt-and-payment-type input screen displayed according to an execution instruction for the icon. When receipt and payment types corresponding to all pieces of receipt and payment information are registered, the icon display/deleting unit deletes the icon from the display screen.

Abstract: A heat dissipation method is described. A fan module is provided to circulate airflows towards a heat-generating source within a fan speed range. A current temperature of the heat-generating source is measured, wherein the current temperature varies within a temperature range including a lowest critical temperature. The temperature range is divided into a plurality of unique temperatures. The fan speed range is divided into a plurality of unique fan speeds. Each unique fan speed is initially assigned, from low to high, to each unique temperature, from low to high. When the current temperature is lower than the lowest critical temperature, the fan module is driven to rotate at the unique fan speed initially assigned to the current temperature. When the current temperature is higher than the lowest critical temperature, a desired fan speed is dynamically assigned to the current temperature based on a specific mechanism.

Abstract: A hot water supply system is provided for saving of water and energy. The disclosed subject matter implements a circle piping whereby the water flow in the circle piping can be promptly heated to the preset water temperature for use, so that the user does not need to wait for water to be heated and the objective of convenient use can be achieved. Similarly, the disadvantage of draining a great quantity of cold water before the desired hot water is produced in a conventional hot water system can also be solved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fastening a rail (S), comprising a sleeper (1) which has a supporting face (3) intended to support the flange (Sf) of the rail (S), the supporting face (3) merging, at its sides which extend parallel to the longitudinal extent (L) of the rail (S) to be fastened thereto, into respective levelling faces (7, 8) which are situated at a higher level than the supporting face (3), an angled mounting plate (20, 21) which has, in each case, a central portion (22), on the underside (23) of which is formed a support surface (24) by which the angled mounting plate (20, 21) can be placed down on the respective levelling face (7, 8) assigned to it of the sleeper (1), and a supporting portion (25) which is formed onto the central portion (22) and points downwards from the underside (23) of the latter and which, when the system is fully fitted, bridges the clear space between the flange (Sf) of the rail (S) and the levelling face (7, 8), a resilient member (100, 101) which can be placed

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve flux air cap and/or spray nozzle designs are described. In one embodiment, a flux nozzle may include a cylindrical portion and a conical portion. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a container 1 for liquid to be dispensed. A strip of sheet material 6 is secured to the container 1. The container 1 is shaped so that the strip of material 6 and container 1 together define an enclosed region in which an air freshening product 5 may be disposed. The dispenser provides for a combined liquid soap dispenser and air freshener which is less costly to manufacture than known arrangements.

Abstract: In a control system and method for operating an ultrasonic liquid delivery device, an ultrasonic waveguide, separate from the housing, is disposed at least in part within an internal chamber of the housing to ultrasonically energize liquid prior to the liquid being exhausted from the housing through an exhaust port. An excitation device is operable to ultrasonically excite the waveguide and a control system controls operation of the liquid delivery device between an excitation mode in which the excitation device is operated at an excitation frequency to excite the ultrasonic waveguide and a ring down mode in which the excitation device is inoperable to excite the waveguide such that the waveguide rings down. The control system monitors the ring down and is responsive to the ring down to adjust the excitation frequency of the excitation device in the excitation mode thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid delivery device including a housing having an internal chamber and at least one exhaust port communicating with the internal chamber. An ultrasonic waveguide in the internal chamber ultrasonically energizes liquid within the chamber prior to the liquid being exhausted through the exhaust port. The waveguide includes a valve member movable relative to the housing between a closed position closing the exhaust port, and an open position. An excitation device is operable in the open position of the valve member to ultrasonically excite the ultrasonic waveguide to atomize liquid exiting the exhaust port.

Abstract: An ozonated water dispenser allows a user to kill bacteria and microbiological organisms on their hands or other objects. The dispenser includes a reservoir, a pump, and an ozonated water delivery means downstream from the pump to dispense pressurized ozonated water in a fine mist. The delivery means includes a mister and a control valve, such as a solenoid, to restrict water flow in a water line to build up water pressure between the pump and the control valve to overcome the mister's cracking pressure. A water ozonation means is provided downstream from the ozonated water delivery means, and in communication with an inlet of the reservoir to recirculate water. This dispenser uses regular tap water and can be employed as an alternative to a sanitizing gel, or when use of a gel is not practical or desirable, such as for sanitizing fresh produce after its purchase.

Abstract: A dispenser for mixing and dispensing a liquid chemical concentrate from a container with a dilutent. The dispenser includes a rotatable and slideable eductor assembly. Both a high and low flow rate can be obtained with simultaneous adjustment of concentration of the chemical concentrate. The dispenser has a high degree of accuracy of the amount of dilution of the chemical concentrate as well as positive positioning of the high and low flow rate. The dispenser also provides for proper selection of concentrate during operation and has a lock-in feature during operation.

Abstract: Disposable reservoirs for use with spray apparatuses, reservoir-adapter kits, spray assemblies employing such reservoirs, and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a dispenser adapted to be coupled to a fluid container. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, an energy source, and a fluid pathway. The dispensing head includes a fluid pump, a motor adapted to power the pump, a trigger adapted to control the motor, and a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a discharge end of the pump. The fluid pathway has one portion in fluid communication with an intake end of the pump and another portion inside the container.

Abstract: An atomizing device, comprising a fine liquid tube, a holder to permanently fix the tube proximate to its exit end and an optional cap to homogeneously and repeatably disintegrate small liquid amounts is disclosed. A manufacturing method for reproducibly machining the atomizer assembly of the present invention is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate plate for a fuel injector, comprising a high-pressure through-hole which connects a high-pressure passage in a valve body and is connected to a high-pressure fuel reservoir, to a high-pressure space in a nozzle body, wherein the intermediate plate is arranged between the valve body and the nozzle body. In order to improve the injection behaviour of a fuel injector provided with the intermediate plate, in particular during multiple injection of small injection quantities, the high-pressure through-hole has a cross-sectional profile which improves the flow through the high-pressure through-hole from the valve body towards the nozzle body and impairs the flow in the opposite direction from the nozzle body towards the valve body.

Abstract: A dripper adapted to be bonded to interior of an irrigation pipe during manufacture and to be associated with an outlet opening in said pipe. The dripper comprises an outwardly facing surface adapted for the bonding, an outlet area associated with the surface, and at least one bulge near the outlet area. The bulge defines an outermost portion of the surface at least during manufacture of the pipe, and is adapted to form, when the dripper is bonded to the pipe, a raised outlet region in the pipe associated with the bulge. The bulge and outlet area are designed so as to form the raised outlet region suitable for at least a part of the outlet opening to be formed therein and be defined by the material of the pipe.

Abstract: A connecting tube structure comprises a connecting tube, screw nuts, check valves, and a rotary water-sealing device wherein the connecting tube has a stop plate at one end to mount to a grooved seat of the rotary-sealing device and a cavity at the other end for the accommodation of one check valve with a movable plug supported by a spring to shut off water discharge from the faucet and prevent the return of dirty water. The rotary water-sealing device, having watertight O-rings adapted to the upper section and a V-shaped expanding side wall extending at the lower section, is sealed to the bottom and internal surface of the shower head and enclosed by the screw nut secured to the shower head, providing high-and-lower pressure water-sealing benefit as well as rotation in 360 degrees to prevent the connecting tube from getting twisted up and hindering the smooth transport of water supply.

Abstract: A method of producing a medicinal nanoparticle suspension is provided, wherein a medicinal ingredient added in a suspending solution is ground to form nanoparticles of the medicinal ingredient by irradiating the suspending solution with a laser. The process is implemented after adding a poorly water-soluble or water-insoluble medicinal ingredient of a drug in a poor solvent to form the suspending solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wood chipper that has a feed roller driven by a hydraulic motor. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is provided to the motor through a two-stage pump, providing separate flows of fluid under pressure. The flows of the pump stages are combined for normal operation of the chipper. A bypass that will bypass the flow from one pump stage when the pressure of the fluid under pressure driving the motor exceeds a pre-selected level from increased load on the feed roller is provided. When the bypass is open the feed roller is slowed to reduce the feed rate of material into the chipper, and when the feed roller loads reduce, the flows will again be combined to speed up the feed roller.

Abstract: A system for removing zest from a rind includes a mobile member for receiving the rind thereon. The mobile member is movable in a lateral direction between a start position and an end position. At least one grater is positioned along the path of the mobile member. The grater removes the zest from the rind as the mobile member moves between the start and the end positions. A first receptacle receives the zest removed by the grater and a stop member is positioned at the end position for removing the zested rind from the mobile member.

Abstract: A coil spring assembly for connection with a separator body to apply a spring force to a grinding roll of a journal assembly to pulverize solid fuel. The coil spring assembly includes: a preload stud having a first end in communication with the journal assembly and an exposed opposite second end extending from the coil spring assembly; a spring adjustment bolt and bearing assembly being fixed relative to the preload stud extending therethrough; and a seal being substantially cylindrical shaped and flexible at least along a central axis thereof.

Abstract: A spice mill uses one touch button control and a common driven shaft to operate a pair of oppositely disposed grinding mills simultaneously. In environments which are more sophisticated and formal, the users will know which spice will be dispensed through the slightly smaller end and which spice will be dispensed through the slightly larger end, and without having to label the dispenser. In addition, the one touch button is large and easily accessible by almost any finger of the hand used to hold the center section.

Abstract: A pill crusher has a ram and an anvil member having opposed pill crushing faces, and an electric ram drive operable to displace the ram towards the anvil member. The anvil member is rotatable and displaceable in response to pressure from the ram, to ensure the crushing of a pill located between the crushing faces of the ram and the anvil member. The anvil member, the ram and the ram drive are provided in a housing having a pill pouch reception opening which is upwardly open and extends above the crushing face of the anvil member.

Abstract: There are provided a tape reel, a recording tape cartridge, a take-up reel, and a drive device at which, when a recording tape is wound on a hub, fluctuations in an axial direction of the hub can be suppressed and occurrence of tape edge damage can be prevented. At a tape reel having a hub on which a recording tape T is wound and flanges which are provided at both end portions of the hub, a large diameter portion, whose diameter is larger than diameters of both end portion sides of the hub, is formed at the hub. The large diameter portion is offset, from a widthwise direction central portion of the hub, toward the one flange side or the other flange side.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the speed of a curved rotatably driven laying pipe through which a longitudinally moving product is directed to exit from the delivery end of the pipe as a helical formation of rings. The method comprises determining the maximum and minimum internal radii Rmax, Rmin of the pipe at the location of the maximum radius R of the pipe as measured from its rotational axis; continuously measuring the velocity Vp of the product entering the laying pipe; and, controlling the rotational speed of the laying pipe such that the rotational velocities Vmax, Vmin of the pipe at said maximum and minimum internal radii bracket a range containing the velocity Vp of the product.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor providing adaptive load-limiting characteristics. The retractor incorporates a torsional load-limiting element in the retractor for providing torsional deflection of the webbing spool in response to restraint loads exerted by seat belt webbing. The seat belt webbing is chosen to have an enhanced thickness to provide a significant difference in torsion drive radius between conditions in which a small occupant uses the belt where a large number of wraps of webbing is stored on the spool as compared with a larger occupant using the belt in which a smaller number wraps of webbing are present on the spool. These differing conditions produce differences in spool drive radius and consequently greater torque is applied by the small occupant for given belt forces compare with the larger occupant. In this manner, the retractor provides belt webbing load-limiting which is self-adaptive between sizes of occupants without the requirement of retractor switching mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for operating a spinning machine with plural spinning stations (1), each case having a take-off roller device (6, 10, 14) for drawing a yarn (9) from a spinning device (2) and a sensor mechanism (26) for checking piecings. When starting a piecing, the theoretical conveying length of the yarn is determined based on the surface speed of the rollers (10, 14), until the piecing reaches the sensor mechanism (26). The deviation of the theoretical conveying length from a desired yarn length, corresponding to the spacing between the spinning device (2) and the sensor mechanism (26), is detected. The deviation is compared with a preadjustable limit value of the permissible deviation. If the limit value is passed, this indicates intolerable wear of the pressure roller (14) and produces a signal.

Abstract: A rotary cutting device is provided, comprising a machine frame, a cutting roll rotatably mounted on the machine frame, and a counter roll mounted on the machine frame, wherein the cutting roll and/or the counter roll comprise an inner core and an outer sleeve disposed around the inner core, the outer sleeve is spaced apart from the inner core, and on the inner core at least one counter bearing is disposed, on which the outer sleeve is supported.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for dispensing adhesive elements, provided at spaced apart locations along a tape, to a target location on a surface. The apparatus comprises means for accommodating said tape in coiled configuration, a rotatably mounted tape dispensing head for dispensing adhesive elements from the tape to said surface; and actuating means. The actuating means includes a handle rotatably mounted on said tape accommodating means and is operably associated with said dispensing head to rotate the dispensing head to present an adhesive element to said target location. The present invention also provides is a method of dispensing adhesive elements from a tape to a target location on a surface.

Abstract: A pressurize air differential core winding apparatus comprises core mounting outer rings rotationally slidably mounted on a corresponding inner camming ring having outer camming surfaces. A rotating drive shaft has radial displaceable buttons which are displaced radially outwardly by an inner inflatable bladder to selectively rotate the inner ring forming a clutch mechanism. Each outer ring has an annular array of slots in which are elongated rotatable gripping cylindrical rollers having arcuate edges. Each roller is resiliently urged radially inwardly by an O-ring against the camming surfaces. The camming surfaces selectively urge the rollers outwardly to grip a core about which filaments are to be wound. An array of recesses in the outer ring receive a corresponding pad of fibrous members such as the hook type fasteners available as Velcro and Velcoin brands for initially frictionally engaging and gripping a received core.

Abstract: A linear unit having a main module unit and a drive unit in which the main module unit has a housing with a table part that a drive belt is able to move in the longitudinal direction; the drive belt is wound around a drive roller, which is connected to a drive unit, and around a freewheeling roller; and the drive belt is connected to the table part and is divided into an upper span and a lower span, and a guide element is situated on the base leg of the housing and is able to separate the upper span from the lower span.

Abstract: A web guide roller for guiding a web includes a cylindrical crude tube, a nickel plating layer and a chrome plating layer on an outer periphery of the crude tube. Downward depressions and peripheral grooves are formed on the web guide roller. The peripheral grooves are formed along the peripheral direction of the web guide roller. The downward depressions are formed by blast processing onto the nickel plating layer with use of glass beads of an average particle diameter of at least 0.2 mm and at most 1 mm. The average depth D1 of the downward depressions is between 0.005 mm and 0.05 mm. The depth D2 of the peripheral grooves is between 0.005 mm and 1 mm. The pitch P between the peripheral grooves is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

Abstract: A projectile has the ability to generate and provide power to components located in two sections of the projectile which have relative rotation to each other. The projectile has a pair of generators allowing the powering of components in two sections. The projectile has a force-producing device for altering the direction of the projectile as the projectile moves along the longitudinal axis of the projectile and the relative rotational position of the force-producing device on the projectile is controlled by a generator.