Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.

Abstract: Friction stir welding tool to facilitate stress reduction within the tool that may include a body, a pin, a tension member, and an end assembly, the tension member and end assembly facilitating axial compression of the pin. The tension member may be decoupled from the pin and/or body of the tool via one or more decoupling members. The end assembly may comprise spring members to provide an axial force to the tension member. The pin may include various features to facilitate stress reduction proximal the pin.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are an apparatus for and a method of automatically welding a flange to a guide thimble tube in a nuclear fuel assembly. The automatic welding apparatus includes: a welding part located on an axially conveying line of a tube for welding a welded surface of the tube inserted thereinto and a welded surface of a flange; a flange supplying part for supplying the flange at a tube inlet of the welding part onto the axially conveying line; and a conveying part mounted on the axially conveying line in such a way as to move the tube and the flange on the axially conveying line, so that they are inserted into and drawn from the welding part.

Abstract: A method of applying bonding energy to form a bond between a portion of a wire and a contact of a bonding location using a wire bonding machine is provided. The method includes: (1) moving a bonding tool towards the contact; (2) detecting when a portion of the contact (100a) is pressed against a device supporting surface (112) of the wire bonding machine; and (3) applying bonding energy to the portion of the contact such that a bond is formed between the contact and the portion of wire.

Abstract: A method for the repair of a component by a solder is disclosed. The method is performed under specifically selected vacuum conditions in order to prevent oxidation and vaporization.

Abstract: Package comprising a substantially cylindrical part (5), which has a bottom (3) at one end and at the other end is formed in one part with an essentially truncated cone-shaped, tapering part (6), which in the narrowest end has a closable spout (4), said cylindrical and tapering part (5,6) are formed by folding a mainly rectangular, sheet-shaped body (7) made of laminate with a plastic coating and welded together by overlapping end parts, whereby the tapering part (6) is achieved by forming and folding a number of overlapping folds, where each fold in circumferential direction has an area expanding in direction of the narrowest end. The rectangular, sheet-shaped body includes inclined cut corners (15, 16) at the end, which forms the narrowest end after folding, said corners being cut so that the tapering part (6) includes three folded layers as a maximum.

Abstract: A carton for holding containers is disclosed. The carton can be converted from a first configuration for storing and shipping containers therein to a second configuration in which the carton forms an open-top cooler for chilling and serving the containers. According to an embodiment, a handle is formed in a top panel and end panels of the carton in the first configuration. Conversion of the carton from the first configuration to the second configuration can be accomplished by detaching the handle from the top panel and folding open portions of the top panel and end panels.

Abstract: A sling-type carrier with a two-layered handle that is connected to the panels that complete the sling in a cantilevered manner that resists tearing or separation of the handle layers.

Abstract: A blank, carton, or package that includes a dispensing flap is described. The dispensing flap is formed in an end flap and covers an opening formed in another end flap when the carton is formed. The dispensing flap is detachable along a pattern of tear lines and the dispensing flap can be hinged to expose the opening and allow contents of the carton to be dispensed from the opening. A tear tab can be included to initiate detachment of the dispensing flap along the tear line pattern. A hanging flap can be provided to hang the carton from a vertical surface. End flaps and tuck-in flaps can be provided at a first end and a second end of the blank to secure the ends of the carton.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention comprise a single blank design for a recyclable food container, which includes a majority recyclable portion and a detachable product support pad portion. Once the blank is erected, the detachable product support pad forms the base of the food container and may bear the weight of food product, such as pizza. After use by a consumer, the soiled detachable product support pad may be detached and discarded, thus allowing the remainder of the food container to be recycled. The detachable product support pad also protects the other parts of the food container from grease or other food by-products, thus encouraging recyclability.

Abstract: A confectionery container (11) is constructed from one or more pieces of foldable material (10, FIG. 1). A first end is closed by a wall (32) incorporating at least part of a dispensing chute (35) movable between an open position for the dispensing of items and a closed position for the containment of items within the container. The first end wall (32) comprises two or more end closure flaps (28, 29) arranged such that they can be assembled into the first end wall after the items have been introduced into a partially formed container through the first end (32). The chute (35) may have a base (36) and a pair of side walls (12a, 14a), at least one of the side walls (12a, 14a) having a leading edge (39) which contacts a side wall (55) of the container to limit opening movement of the chute. The container (11) is preferably formed from a unitary blank (10, FIG. 1) and the container side walls may have inner panels (12, 13, 14, and 15) and outer panels (16, 17, 18, and 19).

Abstract: A quick open envelope comprises one polygonal hollow envelope body and one flap wherein the envelope body has one surface and one opening edge as well as plural seal edges which constitute the surface's one opening edge, and the flap connected to the envelope body is used for closing the opening edge. One tearing line prepared on the surface has both ends connected to one identical seal edge or different seal edges and surrounds an area on the surface being lifted to develop the envelope body's opening from which a letter receiver is able to take articles held inside an envelope with the tearing line torn down.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for identifying a plurality of samples (1), characterized in that it includes: a step of preparing an assembled storage of a plurality of samples (1), in a block (3) comprising a first identification marking M1 and a plurality of detachable supports (2), each containing at least one of said samples; a step of separating one support, consisting in separating the support (2) corresponding to said block, and in irreversibly associating said support with a second identification marking M2. Said method enables samples to be securely identified and to be easily traced.

Abstract: A label having a coded pattern provides information regarding the type of thread on a thread spool loaded on an embroidery machine and feeding one of the needles. A detector positioned at the base of a spindle on the thread tree reads the label. The label is attached to the bottom of a thread spool such that it is substantially flush with the detector. The label has a pattern that is readable by the detector regardless of its rotational orientation and provides information about the type of thread on the spool. This pattern corresponds to thread type information stored in data base.

Abstract: A beverage holder apparatus includes a chip unit attached to a beverage holder and adapted to communicate with a chip unit reader to perform a payment transaction to purchase the beverage. The chip unit stores an account identifier associated with a financial account, and transmits the stored account identifier to the chip unit reader to perform the payment transaction.

Abstract: A microcircuit card includes elements for interacting with an electronic device, a movement or orientation sensor generating signals representing movements or an orientation of the card, elements for identifying at least one type of movement or position on the basis of the signals, and elements for sending a command executable by the electronic device and associated with the identified type.

Abstract: A transaction product has an account identifier and includes a series of interconnected, hinged puzzle segments. The various hinged segments may be collectively manipulated to reveal a variety of surfaces, graphics, and indicia. The transaction card may include a number of three-dimensional segments (e.g., eight polyhedral segments) interconnected such that each segment is hingedly connected to two other segments via a hinge structure, wherein the hinge structures on any given cube are orthogonal to each other, resulting in a closed chain of transformations. The hinge structures may be formed via skin components (e.g., plastic, paper, or other laminate media) bonded directly to respective pairs of the three-dimensional segments. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services.

Abstract: An electronic payment system is configured to process both proximity payment card type and magnetic stripe card type transactions. The magnetic stripe card transaction data is communicated between cards, readers, and transactions authorizing or approving parties in common industry ISO 7811 standard data structures or tracks. The proximity payment card transaction data such a dynamic authentication codes are placed in unused space in the same standard formatted data structures. The availability of unused space varies with card issuer or vendor. An issuer-specific bitmap provides an index to the available space in discretionary data fields in magnetic stripe tracks. The bitmap also is stored in the card's discretionary data field.

Abstract: A voice device for use in an automatic vending machine is disclosed to include a card reader for reading a voice file from an inserted electronic card, an input/output module for receiving a control signal from the automatic vending machine, a voice module, and a microprocessor for converting the voice file into a voice signal for output through a voice output device of the voice module subject to the control signal from the automatic vending machine.

Abstract: A method of tracking distribution of items, each item including an identification tag including electronically stored identification information, includes: scanning the items upon arrival of the items to a scanning location, the scanning location identifiable by scanning location information, by electronically reading the identification information stored on identification tag; sending the scanned information to a database to identify the item, the database having an index of all items to be tracked; storing the scanning location information in the database in relation to the identified item; displaying stored information in an electronic user interface; and selecting, without rescanning the identification tag, the item for distribution to another location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interrogating and automatically identifying a radio-frequency tagged surgical instrument tray and its contents of RFID-tagged surgical instruments are disclosed. The surgical instrument tray and its contents come into contact with an RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader, and as a result, the RFID tags affixed on the instrument tray and the surgical instruments respond by transmitting back to the RFID reader data pertaining to the history of the surgical instruments. A data terminal, which is connected to the RFID reader, may contain data pertaining to the radio frequency tagged surgical instruments during packaging, and during the return of the surgical instrument trays to the packager, identifies the surgical instruments.

Abstract: A card reader device for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated into the card is disclosed in which the card reader device comprises a read head for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, a signal setting device for setting an amplitude of the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, and an output jack adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a cell phone for providing the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a cell phone. Data stored on the card and sensed by the card reader device is decoded by components such as a microphone amplifier, an analog to digital converter, and a microprocessor already resident in a cell phone.

Abstract: A device for optically scanning three-dimensional objects provided with at least one optically readable code, using at least one optical reader. The device comprises a rotatably disposed container arranged for receiving an object to be scanned therein. The container is provided with at least one optically transparent window in a wall thereof. The optical reader is spaced from the container by some distance, such that the optically readable code of an object present in the container is positioned in front of the at least one window and the at least one window is positioned in front of the reader by rotating the container so as to enable scanning of the optically readable code.

Abstract: There is provided a bar code made of electronic paper. A bar code made of electronic paper according to an aspect of the invention may include: one or more e-paper stacks having a plurality of pieces of e-paper each having an entire surface displaying black, white or being transparent, wherein an upper level of e-paper of the e-paper stack is narrower than a lower level of e-paper thereof, the outermost layer of e-paper of the e-paper stack has the same width as the narrowest constituting a bar code, and part of the lower level of e-paper exposed by the upper level of e-paper adjacent to the lower level of e-paper has the same width as the narrowest constituent bar of the bar code.

Abstract: An electro-optical reader for, and method of, reading a symbol, utilize a light source for emitting a light beam along a path, an optical assembly including a variable focusing element for focusing a major light fraction of the light beam between a range of working distances in which the symbol to be read is located along the path, and a controller for controlling the variable focusing element to have different focusing states. One of the focusing states is a reference focusing state in which the variable focusing element is operative for focusing the major light fraction at a reference focal plane. A detector assembly, including a detector aperture located at the reference focal plane, is operative for detecting an amount of a minor light fraction of the light beam, and for generating a self-calibration signal indicative of the reference focusing state when a predetermined amount of the minor light fraction has been detected.

Abstract: An imaging system for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a symbol located within a range of working distances from the system, utilize a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured return light, and a controller operative for decoding the electrical signal into data indicative of the symbol, and for determining that the symbol has been successfully decoded. The symbol has a plurality of optical characteristics, such as symbol element size and contrast, which vary with working distance. A memory stores a known set of values of the size and contrast characteristics of the symbol when the symbol lies in a restricted zone within the range of working distances.

Abstract: Detection systems that detect and decode machine-readable information and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The detection systems include a sensor, circuitry, and temperature influencing mechanism. The system may be connected to other hardware, such as a computer display screen, or audio emitting device. Meanwhile, the sensor detects differential emissivity values by measuring energy emitted from the targets of interest.

Abstract: A processing device for a card-like recording medium may include a path for transferring the recording medium, a frame including a first frame and a second frame, a detector structured to detect presence of the recording medium, an imager structured to capture an image record on the recording medium. The detector may be placed in the frame before the imager in a transfer direction of the recording medium. The information processing device may further include a neutralizing member structure to remove static electricity charged in the recording medium, the neutralizing member being placed between the imager and the detector.

Abstract: There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to capture a succession of frames of image data and that can be operative so that a certain frame of the succession of frames is subject to quality evaluation processing where a result of the quality evaluation processing is responsive to one or more of an incidence and sharpness of edge representations of the frame of image data.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag includes: a resilient base sheet; an electronic component; a reinforcing member having at least one concave portion at a periphery of the reinforcing member; and an antenna including a dipole portion and an inductance portion, the inductance portion having an impedance matching with that of the electronic component and being formed in a loop shape; the inductance portion being partly covered by the reinforcing member, the loop shape of the inductance portion being narrowed where the loop shape runs under the concave portion of the periphery of the reinforcing member and being widened outside of the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a housing, a flexible printed circuit board, an integrated circuit and an interface module. The housing includes a substrate and a cover. The flexible printed circuit board is disposed between the cover and the substrate. The integrated circuit is configured for driving the flexible printed circuit board to operate as a sensing device. The sensing device includes a fingerprint scanning module and a keyboard module. The interface module is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board and configured for electrically connecting the financial transaction card to an external device.

Abstract: A portable data carrier (1) comprising a contact pad (2) according to ISO 7816-2 as a physical interface for communication has a contactless interface device (7) for communication with an end device according to a contactless communication protocol via a preset activated contact assignment of the contact pad (2), and at least one contact interface device (4, 5, 6) for communication according to a contact-type communication protocol via a further activated contact assignment of the contact pad (2). In an initialization phase of the data carrier (1) a control device (3) activates a second contact interface device (4, 5, 6), besides an already activated contact interface device (4, 5, 6), only when the former does not use a contact assignment of the contact pad (2) that collides with the contact assignment of the contactless interface device (7).

Abstract: A rail brace assembly is adapted to buttress the head of a stock rail selected from one of two different stock rail groups mounted on the top surface of a brace plate. The assembly includes a stop block assembly also is affixed to the brace plate top surface. A rail brace moveable between a first brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a first stock rail group and a second brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a second stock rail group, has a pair of spaced side walls, a upwardly facing top surface, first rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, second rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, a first rail group brace plate contact surface and a second rail group brace plate contact surface. An elastic fastener cooperates with a clip housing to clamp the rail brace against the stock rail.

Abstract: Methods for applying a treatment, such as colorant, to an installed landscaping material (such as wood chips or mulch), reducing the need to replace worn or weathered material. The methods include applying a pre-treatment to protect elements proximate the landscape material that are not to be treated, applying a treatment liquid to the landscaping material by spraying, and then rinsing any elements proximate the landscape material that may have be inadvertently and undesirably treated. Also described is a sprayer apparatus for applying treatment liquid to a landscaping material. The sprayer apparatus includes first and second spray outlets and an agitator therebetween. In use, the landscape material to be treated is first sprayed, the material is agitated (e.g., turned), and a second spray of treatment liquid is applied to the landscape material.

Abstract: A multi-element ultrasonic atomizer and method for atomizing liquids is described, having a power generator, a converter, an ultrasonic horn coupled to the converter, and at least two atomizing probes coupled to the ultrasound horn, each atomizing probe including at least one liquid passage extending longitudinally along the atomizing probe and terminating at an atomizing tip at a distal end of the atomizing probe. The atomizing probes are made to vibrate at same frequency. A liquid is delivered to an atomizing surface through the liquid passage and through an opening at the atomizing tip.

Abstract: A cold spray nozzle assembly includes a venturi having converging and diverging portions interconnected at a throat. An air supply conduit is in communication with the venturi for supplying a carrier gas to the converging portion. A powder feed tube is in communication with the venturi for supplying a powder material. An adjustment member is arranged within the venturi and is axially moveable relative thereto between multiple positions. The multiple positions respectively provide multiple different areas or throat clearances including a desired area between the adjustment member and the venturi or throat clearance. As a result, the adjustment member can be axially positioned to achieve desired gas pressures, deposition rates, and accommodate machining tolerances and component wear based upon the selected area. A retention member maintains the adjustment member in the desired position during operation of the cold spray nozzle assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hazer system that includes a base unit, an air capture unit and an air return line. The base unit is configured to hold a haze fluid and produce a haze, and has one or more outlets from which the haze is emitted. The air capture unit has one or more openings through which a negative pressure exists to capture at least a portion of the haze produced by the base unit. The air return line is configured to return at least a portion of the captured haze to the base unit and/or exhaust at least a portion of the capture haze.

Abstract: A device for containing and releasing a volatile substance having a lower vapor barrier layer; a fluid reservoir melt bonded to the lower vapor barrier layer and a volatile substance absorbed in the fluid reservoir; and an upper vapor barrier layer peelably sealed to the lower vapor barrier layer to form a fluid tight cavity containing the fluid reservoir. The volatile substance can be a fragrance. The fluid reservoir includes a composite material formed from a fibrous component and a heat sealable thermoplastic component. Methods of making the device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fragrance or paint sprayer.

Abstract: A device and method for atomizing a liquid for delivery to a target zone are presented. The liquid atomization device may include a liquid reservoir to contain a liquid, and a liquid pathway to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir. The liquid pathway may include one end communicating with the liquid reservoir, and another end communicating with a target zone. Two electrodes may be placed in the liquid pathway to accommodate the liquid therebetween. An AC power source may be connected to each of the electrodes to generate an alternating current through the liquid, thereby atomizing at least a portion of the liquid for delivery to the target zone.

Abstract: An engine and high pressure pump for a power washer mounted on a platform, the platform being mounted on a wheeled chassis having a plurality of axles, at least one of the axles being steerable by a manual handle member for maneuvering and transport of the high pressure washing assembly to a source of low pressure water, the high pressure water platform also having a plurality of frame members for storage and support of the power washer accessories, including but not limited to high pressure hose and trigger wands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foam nozzle for assembly onto a trigger-type sprayer. The foam nozzle includes a base plate, containing front and rear faces, a plurality of pins, arranged at intervals, a straight tube, protruding vertically from the front face of the base plate, an orifice defined within the straight tube, and a mesh body, arranged on the nozzle orifice of the straight tube. The mesh body includes a circular rib and a plurality of radial ribs. A convex rib protruding from the interior of the circular rib is contained within the radial ribs. A central orifice is formed between the convex ribs, while a plurality of annular orifices is formed between the circular rib and the radial ribs. The foam nozzle can be assembled into a plurality of grooves for the nozzle of existing trigger-type sprayer to generate foaming spray.

Abstract: A spray gun and a detachable liquid reservoir releasably attached to the spray gun by engagement of mateable, non-threaded formations provided on the spray gun and the reservoir. The spray gun has an integral connector boss with a socket for reception of a connector tube of the reservoir. The boss has an external flange at the distal end and the reservoir has hook members separate from the connector tube. The hook members are co-operable with the flange when the connector tube is received in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun. In another arrangement, the connector tube is an interference friction-fit in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun. In yet another arrangement, the connector tube has bayonet lugs co-operable with bayonet grooves in the wall of the socket when the connector tube is received in the socket to secure releasably the reservoir to the spray gun.

Abstract: A spray coating system is provided with features to improve resistance to wear and corrosion, while also improving ergonomics. The spray coating system may include a spray coating device having a body with a liquid inlet coupled to a liquid chamber, and a protective liner extending inside the liquid chamber, wherein the protective liner is fixedly coupled to the body without threads. The spray coating device also may include a liquid nozzle extending inside the protective liner, and a cap extending over the liquid nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure-compensation drip tape, which is used in drip irrigation to continuously and evenly supply a small amount of water to plants. The drip tape of the present invention includes an outer shell 10, and overlapping sheets 21, 23 and 25, which are expandable depending on an increase of water pressure. Furthermore, the drip tape has a main passage 11, which is defined by the outer shell and the innermost overlapping sheet, such that most water supplied from a water source flows through the main passage, pressure-reducing passages 31 and 33, which are defined between the overlapping sheets, and discharge holes 21H, 23H and 25H, which are formed in the border between the main passage and one of the pressure-reducing passages and the border between the pressure-reducing passages, such that the water sequentially flows via the main passage and the pressure-reducing passages and drips outside the drip tape.

Abstract: An oil activated fuel injector includes a clevis having an optimized geometry. The optimized geometry substantially eliminates side loading effects of a plunger during operation, thereby maintaining performance integrity of the fuel injector. The optimized geometry includes a profile larger than a head portion of a plunger in order to allow the plunger to free float.

Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler nozzle is provided for distribution of water through nearly any adjustable arcuate span. The nozzle includes one or more arcuate slots formed by the helical engagement of spiral surfaces of a deflector and a nozzle body. A user may rotate a portion of the nozzle body to select the arcuate span of the one or more slots. A matched precipitation rate feature is adjustable to proportion the amount of water directed to the deflector depending on the extent of the arcuate span. Further, edge fins on the deflector and nozzle body channel water flow at the two edges of the distribution arc to increase the throw radius and to provide fairly uniform water distribution at the edges of the arc.

Abstract: A method of estimating the hydration reactivity of coal ash with high precision and determining the amount of milling water for obtaining a milling product in funicular form at the stage of milling; and a molding method being free from the problem of adhesion to a pressurization board at the stage of molding after the milling. When any collected coal ash exhibits a corrected basicity ((CaO+Fe2O3+MgO)/SiO2 (weight ratio)) of 0.1 or higher and a reactivity index (corrected basicity/(R2O/Al2O3) (weight ratio)) of 10 or higher, the coal ash as a raw ash is transferred to raw ash silo (2). Otherwise, the coal ash is transferred to waste ash silo (3). The raw ash within the raw ash silo (2) is poured in mill (8), and lime and gypsum are added and further milling water is charged thereto and milled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, which can be used to detect the wear of prebeater heads of a prebeater (1) of a beater wheel mill in a simple manner.

Abstract: A vertical shaft impact crusher for crushing material including a rotor for accelerating a first flow of material to be crushed, a first feed device for feeding the first flow of material to the rotor, a housing that includes a circumferential impact wall section against which the accelerated first flow of material may be crushed, and a second feed device for feeding a second flow of material to be crushed into the path of the accelerated first flow of material. The second feed device includes an inner hopper and an outer hopper. The inner hopper includes at least one outlet for allowing the second flow of material to enter a space formed between the inner and outer hoppers. A slide plate inclined substantially tangential in relation to the rotor is located adjacent the at least one outlet in the space between the inner and outer hoppers.