Abstract: An automatic digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic illumination control, multi-tier modular software architecture and digital video-imaging based code symbol reading techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing the versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an optical reader having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include a first subset of pixels and a second subset of pixels. The first subset of pixels can be devoid of light polarizing filter elements, and the second subset of pixels can be light polarizing pixels including light polarizing filter elements. An optical reader can be configured to selectively read out image data from an image sensor array's light polarizing pixels. In one embodiment there is provided a portable apparatus having a first image sensor array and a second image sensor array.

Abstract: A device includes a carrier having a form factor of a smart card and a mechanism for reversibly retaining a card within an aperture of the carrier. The card is configured according to a standard, such as an ID-000 format, with an electronic circuitry. The mechanism can be by means of cuts, adhesive label, breakable extensions, solidifying adhesive material, connectors, etc.

Abstract: A reward or retailer's card and a method of making a card having an overall recycle code of no greater than about 5. The card includes a core card stock made of a material having a recycle code of less than about 5. Variable indicia is printed on the card stock. A hot stamped substantially transparent foil layer is applied to at least the variable printed indicia on the card stock to protect the printed indicia.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing, an auxiliary member and an account identifier. The housing includes a base and a cover coupled to the base. The cover and the base each include a primary panel and a side wall extending therefrom. An edge is defined by the side wall of the cover and is positioned to abut an edge defined by the side wall of the base to define a chamber between the base and the cover. The auxiliary member is formed separately from the housing, is at least partially positioned within the chamber, is accessible from a position external to the housing, and is configured to move relative to the housing upon user interaction with the stored-value card. The account identifier is coupled to the housing and signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A code pattern image generation apparatus for generating a code pattern image, which includes position-dependent information differing at every position and position-independent information in common at various positions, the code pattern image generation apparatus includes; an image generator that generates a code pattern image by disposing a plurality of position-dependent code images, which include position-dependent information, at a mutually predetermined spacing along at least one side and repeatedly disposing a position-independent code image, which includes position-independent information, in the spacing between the disposed position-dependent code images.

Abstract: Provided is a method for encoding an orientation-independent dot based data package template for printing on a carrier. The method includes the step of allocating a number of background entries for printing as background dots on the carrier to define a constant background pattern detectable by a reader. The background pattern has an orientation component to indicate an orientation of the carrier to said reader. The method also includes the step of allocating a number of data entries for printing as data dots in a data area on the carrier for detection by the reader. The pattern and data area defines an arbitrary shaped data package indicating how the data itself is stored as dots within the data package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coding a two dimensional (2D) optical identification (OID) with the same gray level and a printing product thereof. The printing product includes a 2D-OID, which includes a positioning block and a plurality of data coding blocks. The positioning block has a plurality of specific patterns arranged as an N×M matrix, wherein the specific patterns along a first edge thereof and the specific patterns along a second edge thereof are filled. The data coding blocks are disposed around the positioning block and include the specific patterns arranged as the N×M matrix, wherein the specific pattern in a center of the data coding blocks is filled. A specific number of the remaining specific patterns in each data coding block are filled to serve as a code for representation of data.

Abstract: Relatively constant temperatures are maintained in a space by varying the capacity of heating or cooling equipment. A proportional band is used to adjust capacity to compensate for changes in heating or cooling load, and the proportional band is adjusted to bring the actual temperature within the space closer to the set point temperature. Such an adjustment may be made by determining the difference between the present temperature and the set point temperature, and adjusting a floating temperature set point by a percentage (e.g., ten percent) of the difference. Such a process may be repeated, for example, at regular intervals, such as once per minute. As a result, the temperature within the space approaches (e.g., asymptotically) the set point temperature whether the heating or cooling load is high or low. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are contemplated, including HVAC units and controls, including for residential applications, including using variable-speed drives.

Abstract: A water valve assembly including a housing, an inlet chamber defining a water inlet for receiving a flow of water into the inlet chamber and a valve for controlling the flow of water through the inlet into the inlet chamber. A mixing chamber is connected to the inlet chamber so as to receive water from the inlet chamber, the mixing chamber defining a supplementary water inlet for receiving a supplementary flow of water and defining a mixed water outlet from which a mixture of water from the inlet chamber and the supplementary water inlet may be provided. The inlet chamber and the mixing chamber are both provided within the first housing and are arranged one within the other. A second housing may be provided with an inlet chamber, a valve for controlling flow of water into the inlet chamber and a supplementary water outlet for connection to the supplementary water inlet of the first housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic mixing valve in which the access path of the hot water to the mixing chamber is completely formed within a bottom base (2) and the ceramic disks (4, 5) of the valve group, the slider (8) of the thermostatic member sealingly sliding in a central seat of the upper disk (5). By having the hot water not pass through the metallic members of the valve it is possible to eliminate the problems of asymmetric thermal expansion of said metallic members when only hot water is delivered, and also to greatly reduce the problems of calcareous encrustations since the latter build up with difficulty on the ceramic material. Furthermore, the valve is manufactured with a compact and simplified structure, including a small number of pieces, with totally independent temperature and flow rate controls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices comprising at least one flexible seal, at least one flexible complex seal having at least one closed cavity containing a fluid, or a combination thereof. The devices may comprise at least one immobile and inflexible substrate and at least one mobile and inflexible substrate capable of movement due to the flexible seal, the flexible complex seal, or both. The flexible complex seals comprise at least one closed cavity comprising a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. As disclosed, the presence or absence of heat will cause the mobile and inflexible substrate to move. The movement will increase or decrease the fluid amount or fluid flow rate in the primary fluid layer. Also disclosed are methods for enhancing the insulating properties of insulating assemblies.

Abstract: The track system of the present invention provides dolly track whose joints are substantially seamless, providing a substantially smooth riding surface over the entire length of joined sections of track. The ferrule design of the invention provides ridged piece to piece joining, eliminating pinching and hinging points. This allows multiple assembled track pieces to be moved without damage. The system uses self locking track buckles. A folding cross member system may be folded for ease of movement and placement. In one embodiment, the track is comprised of a carbon fiber hybrid composite with lighter weight and greater strength than prior art steel or aluminum tracks. In addition the track of the present invention does not bend, eliminating the need to reshape or repair the track each time before use.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided which allows the track to be bent without creasing. The track is provided with a plurality of rails and side ribs which strengthen the track against deformation even when the track is provided with loops for play or coiled for transport. Stiffener bars are releasably secured to the track to form and support loops. A connector pad and suction cup are provided to allow releasable securement of the track or window or similar flat surface.

Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines includes a solenoid coil, a tubular support acting as inner pole of the solenoid coil, and a filter element, the filter element being press-fitted with an outer contour of the tubular support of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A spray penetration control method that controls penetration of fluid injected as a spray from an injector. The control method uses multiple successive injection events instead of single injection events to reduce overall spray penetration. Dwell times may be fixed or varied between successive injection events to reduce overall spray penetration. Also, the mass of fluid spray injected by the injector may be fixed or varied during each multiple successive injection event to reduce overall spray penetration and the number of successive injection events may be adjusted so that a desired total amount of mass is delivered in accordance with a desired penetration.

Abstract: An irrigation system for supplying aerated water to plants includes a diffuser. Oxygen is diffused into water by the diffuser to generate aerated water. The aerated water is supplied to an irrigation device which supplies the aerated water to the plants.

Abstract: Adjustable nozzles are disclosed. Nozzles of the present invention include an adjustable component for controlling the water flow through the nozzle. Instead of disassembling the nozzle, a tool may be used to adjust the adjustable component. For example, the adjustable component may be adjusted longitudinally with respect to the axis of the nozzle or rotationally using the tool, thereby increasing or decreasing the volume, velocity and distance of the water stream exiting the nozzle.

Abstract: In a snow lance head for use with a snow lance with a housing having nozzles for the outlet of water and/or air and with at least one first chamber formed in the interior of the housing, through which water emerging from at least some of the nozzles flows, the surface area of the inner surface of the chamber is at least equal to, but preferably greater than the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a portable air scenting device which comprises at least one material used in the manufacture of an interior part of a new transportation vehicle such as an automobile. The material has at least one scent, and the material is prepared and formed to have an enhanced surface exposure to enhance the at least one scent of the material.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a housing having a wall surface on an opposite side of the nozzle hole. A fuel passage opens in the wall surface, and communicates with a nozzle hole through a nozzle cavity. The nozzle cavity accommodates a valve element. A cylinder is substantially in contact with the wall surface at one end, and slidably accommodating one end of the valve element. The cylinder partitions the nozzle cavity substantially into a fuel accumulator chamber and a pressure control chamber. The fuel accumulator chamber accumulates fuel supplied from the fuel passage. The pressure control chamber accumulates fuel for manipulating the valve element. The cylinder has an outer wall defining a deflecting surface for radially outwardly deflecting fuel flowing from the fuel passage.

Abstract: A line marker includes a main body and a rod. The main body has a wheel axle set at a bottom of its front side and rear side respectively and the wheel axle has two wheels fitted at its two ends. The main body also includes a paint-spraying base having a positioning hole and a pressing block located below and paralleled the positioning hole with a proper distance for pressing a spraying head to start spraying. The rod is connected with the main body by its lower portion, having a lever fixed at its upper end, connected with a pulling line by its one end. The pulling line has its other end connected with the pressing block to activate it to move. So, controlling the lever to pull the pulling line, the pressing block can be moved to activate the paint spray can to carry out spraying.

Abstract: A spray apparatus comprises a housing having a fluid inlet, a plurality of tubes for dispensing fluid from the housing, and an integrating member operatively coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of tubes for effecting coordinated movement of the coupled tubes in response to movement of the integrating member. An actuator, such as a turbine or an adjustable control ring, is employed for inducing movement of the integrating member. The dispensing tubes may be flexible so as to allow for easy adjustment of the fluid-dispensing direction or shape by the application of a lateral force at one or more locations along the length of the tubes. The flexibility also facilitates amplified direction/shape changes (compared to rigid dispensing tubes) in the dispensed fluid streams, e.g., when the tubes are subjected to a lateral force on one side and an opposing pivoting force (axially offset from the lateral force) on the other side.

Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler provides a more even distribution pattern of water over a given area being irrigated by providing a controlled rotation in a wobbling water deflector. A sprinkler base has a nozzle attached thereto and a water deflector rotatably attached to the base. The water deflector and the nozzle each have a plurality of gear teeth thereon which gear teeth are different in number between the water deflector and the nozzle so that they only partially mesh when the water deflector is rotated on the base. The gear teeth also assure that the deflector cannot spin freely causing high rpm.

Abstract: A handheld shower assembly is provided. The handheld shower assembly includes a water conduit, a handle, and a showerhead. The water conduit is adapted to attach to the showerhead at one end and to a water source extending from a wall of a shower stall at another end to receive water flow. The handle includes a first portion and a second portion adapted to accept the water conduit within an interior portion of the handle. The first portion is adjustably coupled to the second portion. This allows the first portion to telescope with respect to the second portion, thereby the first portion extends from a first retracted position to a second extended position. The showerhead is coupled to the water conduit and the handle. The showerhead may receive the water flow from the water conduit as well as expelling the water flow.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a movable element, a seat contact surface formed at one end of the movable element, a nozzle member having a valve seat. The seat contact surface of the movable element is in contact with and seated on at the time of valve closing. A nozzle holder portion holds a periphery of the nozzle member. A plastic deformation portion is formed by engaging one of a part of the nozzle member and a part of the nozzle holder portion in the other one of the part of the nozzle member. The nozzle member and the nozzle holder portion are joined by welding.

Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed in which at least one electrically-controlled valve is arranged within an injector body and is connected to an injector body contact which is accessible from outside the injector body by at least one solid conductor having an essentially stable form under the influence of its intrinsic weight. The at least one solid conductor is run through at least one conductor channel and at least one alignment sleeve which may be completely or partly inserted in the at least one conductor channel and forces the at least one solid conductor completely or partly to adopt a given inclination to the injector axis and hence aligns the same.

Abstract: A bodyspray assembly is provided that includes a coupling assembly connected to a spray face. The spray face is operable to emit a directed spray having an omni-directionally adjustable angular orientation. Hence, a spray face in the form of a tile having an array of outlets can direct spray in a variety of directions, or be parallel to a mounting wall for decorative purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary nozzle combination (P) for coating product comprising an atomizing bowl (3) and a rotor (11) adapted to rotate the bowl about a geometrical axis (X-X?), and means (4, 5, 6, 7) for controlling the presence and/or proper mounting of the bowl (3) on the rotor (11). The rotor (11) is spaced apart from a non-rotating part (P1) and the control means comprise first means (4, 5) enabling a force (F3) to be applied on the bowl (3) tending to vary the thickness of an air-film of the pneumatic thrust bearing (P1), as well as second means (7, 8) for determining the air pressure in the bearing (P1). The pressure of air in the thrust bearing (P1) can be determined when the latter is normally supplied and compared with at least one reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dry treatment of grain comprises a grain peeler for mechanically treating pre-cleaned grain to remove flour bran and coarse bran to a peeling depth of about 4% to 9% with simultaneous separating of the flour bran; an aspiration separator separating coarse bran based on particle velocity and size; a grain mill; and sieve separator separating the husk bran of between 2%-3% of the grain kernel mass from endosperm flour by differences in particle size. An apparatus and method for mash preparation from the endosperm flour comprises mixing tank for mixing endosperm flour with water, enzymes, etc; a colloid mill for processing the batch using mechano-activation with oscillation frequencies between 1 and 200 kHz and with impulse duration of between 0.05 and 1.0 seconds and for 2 to 20 processing cycles, coarse particle sifter for separation of the coarse batch particles form the mash.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing resin particles capable of manufacturing resin particles of controlled particle size stably and efficiently by removing bubbles from the surface of a molten kneaded product as the raw material for resin particles thereby sufficiently ensuring action sites for a surfactant on the surface of the molten kneaded product, is provided. The method includes a coarsely-pulverizing step of pressurizing a mixture of a molten kneaded product containing a synthetic resin and an aqueous medium containing a surfactant to 15 MPa to 120 MPa thereby removing bubbles attached to the molten kneaded product containing the synthetic resin, and a finely-granulating step of finely granulating, by a high pressure homogenizer method, an aqueous slurry containing coarse particles of a molten kneaded product passing through a pressure proof nozzle in the coarsely-pulverizing step and in a state where bubbles attached to the surface are removed.

Abstract: A method of protecting coal mill journals from abrasive wear due to impingement of coal fines includes the steps of fabricating and attaching a mild steel liner form to the journal and welding wear plates to the liner form. Welding the plates to the form can occur before and/or after the form is attached to the journal. The liner form is made up of plates providing only flat exterior surfaces.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the modification of seawater, brine, or alike, to render it suitable for irrigation, industrial use, or for further treatment in a drinking water purification plant, as well as to extract desired substances from brines, such as boron, and to clear waste from mining processes, by reducing environment endangering contaminants, like petroleum hydro-carbons, or radioactive substances, as well as inactivating microorganisms and virus in biosolids, by means of exposing the substances to high-intensity macrosound, i.e., alternating mechanical energy radiation at (ultra-) sonic frequencies. The treatment enhances the separation of salt, or/and other desired materials, from the water, and activates in situ the adsorption of the materials on sorbefacient substances supplied to the desalination process in form of dust of pulverized, liquefied, or vaporized substances, or by elements (of walls) of treatment chambers, or filters.

Abstract: A combination shredder head and shredder basket with improved tactile property.

Abstract: A chipper device for chipping one or more metal ingots. The chipper device includes a cutter head and a guide mechanism associated with the cutter head. The guide mechanism includes a chute having a passageway. A feed mechanism is adapted to move one or more ingots sequentially through the passageway of the chute into engagement with the cutter head, whereby the cutter head chips the ingots into a plurality of particles.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake device capable of preventing backlash of a bait cast reel by using the centrifugal force generated from a spool is disclosed.

Abstract: Outer diameters of upper and lower flanges of a reel are formed equal to each other irrespective of a diameter of a hub, and a cylindrical wall having the same inner diameter as the hub of the reel having the small diameter hub is provided in the reel having the large diameter hub. Thereby, there is provided a low-capacity type recording tape cartridge, in which other parts can be used both as the reel having the small diameter hub and the reel having the large diameter hub only by changing the reels and a displaced angle of a recording tape does not vary with respect to a case sidewall of a leader member.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge comprises: a case that comprises an upper case and a lower case and houses a reel around which recording tape is wound; a regulating wall that is formed at least on the lower case and defines an area in which the reel is housed; a holding wall that is formed a predetermined space away from an outer peripheral surface of the regulating wall; and an RFID that is housed in the space between the regulating wall and the holding wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locking unit for a seat belt retractor which is provided on one end of a spool, around which a seat belt is wound. The locking unit of the present invention locks the seat belt when the seat belt is rapidly unwound and prevents the seat belt from being locked when it is retracted. The locking unit includes a locking arm, a central gear, which is unrotatably provided on the center of the spool, an actuating gear, and a locking pin, which stops a locking protrusion of the locking arm when the belt is retracted.

Abstract: By the present invention method and apparatus is disclosed whereby a triaxial braided composite reinforcing fabric having axial yarns of varying length may be wrapped about a cylindrical shipping spool without deformation of the braided fabric. A tensioning device is interposed between the braiding tool and shipping or storage spool whereby the individual variable length axial yarns are subjected to constant tensioning. As the braided fabric is wound upon a cylindrical shipping spool, a conformable foam layer is interposed between each layer of braided fabric thereby permitting each axial yarn to seek out its own diameter by compressing the layer of conformable foam upon which it is wrapped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of releasing a reel awe, which is hydraulically restrained by a self-locking effect by means of inwardly located wedge surfaces of expansion elements. Removal of a coil from a reel awe is achieved, without problems, by lifting off the self-locking effect of the expansion elements at least partially or completely by applying longitudinal vibrations acting in an axial direction. The invention also relates to a correspondingly formed device.

Abstract: The flight machinery includes a structure in which a main body and a lightweight wing having an unvalued weight compared with the main body are connected by use of a power joint on a line joining the center of a lift force and the center of gravity of the wing in the manner that the main body is positioned under the wing. Accordingly, it is possible to exhibit a function of the flight machinery by adjusting the power joint connecting the upper part and the lower part or the wing to the main body even if the wing and the main body have different characteristics. Additionally, it is possible to stabilize a posture by positioning the total center of gravity at the main body at the lower part. At the same time, it is possible to stabilize the posture just by controlling the position of the servomotor of the power joint.

Abstract: An engine assembly for aircraft including a turboshaft engine, an attachment strut, and a plurality of engine mounts interposed between the attachment strut and the turboshaft engine. The plurality of engine mounts include two forward mounts arranged in a staggered manner in relation to each other in a vertical direction of the turboshaft engine, the first forward mount configured to assure uniquely taking up of stresses brought to bear along the transversal direction of the turboshaft engine, and the second forward mount configured to assure uniquely taking up of stresses brought to bear along the transversal and vertical directions.

Abstract: An aircraft including a wing and a pylon, wherein the pylon provides an airfoil inverted for an airfoil of the wing, and an improvement and method for improved flight dynamics for 20 and 30 Series LEARJET® is provided. The improvement includes an increased distance between a leading edge of a wing and an intake of an engine of the aircraft, which reduces drag and increases lift for improved flight dynamics of the aircraft. The inverted airfoil of the pylon negates an influence of the pylon on flight dynamics for improved overall flight dynamics of the aircraft. The method includes steps of removing an original engine from an original pylon, removing the original pylon from the fuselage of the aircraft, and mounting a new pylon in a new location adjacent to the fuselage, wherein the new location is aft of the original location.

Abstract: A flight control surface actuation system includes a plurality of smart actuators to move aircraft flight control surfaces between extended and retracted positions. The system includes a high availability network between the flight control avionics and the smart actuators, and between each of the smart actuators. The system configuration allows network nodes associated with each smart actuator to monitor and control one another, under higher level control of the aircraft flight control avionics, to provide multiple levels of health monitoring, control, and shutdown capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotorcraft (21) comprising a fuselage (22) and an undercarriage (20) having skids (24, 25) interconnected by at least one cross-member (26, 27), together with connection means for connecting the cross-member to the fuselage and presenting angular stiffness that varies with varying sinking (E) of the undercarriage as a result of contact with the ground (23).

Abstract: A cargo roller tray shear fitting that may be used to fasten a cargo roller tray to a floor beam. The shear fitting may include a back plate having at least one slot. A lug extends from the back plate and has a lug opening.

Abstract: A module for aircraft passenger(s) is provided with two seats disposed beside one another and oriented in the same direction, each of these seats being a seat that can be converted to a berth. The module also includes a side wall surrounding the two seats, at least partly, an opening provided in the side wall to permit access to the module, and a partition intended to achieve separation between the two seats. The partition is displaceable from a first position, in which it achieves separation of the two seats, to a second stored position, in which it does not form a barrier between the two seats.

Abstract: Fixing system for a modular leading edge (2) to the structure of an aircraft lift plane (1), in which the leading edge (2) has a covering (4) formed from a first lamina (5) and a second lamina (6) between which there is an interior airtight chamber, and the fixing system comprises a main attachment element (3) whose cross-section has a central element (13), a first arm (14) which is fixed to the first lamina (5) of the covering (4) of the leading edge (2), and a second arm (15) which is fixed to the second lamina (6) of the covering (4), and the central element (13) is in turn fixed to a covering (10) of the torsion box (8) of the structure of the lift plane (1).

Abstract: A model train and layout control system based on on-board sound and locomotive modules, new signaling methods, bi-directional communication, environmental sound, turnout control, train location methods, computer interaction and accessory control, by adding components to existing technology. AC power signal waveforms are variously altered to convey digital command words.