Abstract: An imaging reader for, and a method of, processing a plurality of data, such as one or more symbols having the same or different symbologies, a receipt acknowledgment, and an alphanumeric address arranged at spaced-apart locations on a target, such as at parcel delivery label, employ a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the data on the target over a field of view, an actuator for actuating the images: to capture the return light from the data on the target in a single actuation, and a controller automatically configured for detecting all the data and the spaced-apart locations at which the data is arranged over the field of view, and for processing the return light captured by the imager from all the data only when all the data is of a predetermined type and is at predetermined locations on the target, in response to the single actuation.

Abstract: An optical sensing device is suitable for detecting information on an information plane. The optical sensing device includes a light source, an optical grating and an optical detector. The light source is suitable for providing a light beam along a first axis. The light beam is illuminated on the information plane and is converted into an optical signal exiting the information plane. The optical grating has at least a split. The optical detector is suitable for receiving the optical signal to generate the information. The optical signal passes through the split of the grating and reaches the optical detector along a second axis that is positioned at an angle with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: A module and an arrangement for, as well as a method of, generating a generally uniform distributed line pattern of light on a symbol to be read by image capture, include a light source for generating light along an optical axis in a distribution having different extents along intersecting directions generally perpendicular to the axis, and an optical component for receiving, and for optically modifying, the light from the light source to generate the gene rally uniform distributed line pattern of light on the symbol. The optical component includes a plurality of compound conic elements spaced apart from one another along one of the directions. Each compound conic element has a pair of conic segments for modifying the light along the one direction. A collimating lens modifies the light along the other of the directions. A solid-state imager has an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view having different extents along the intersecting directions.

Abstract: Systems and methods of optical code reading include production of image data by a color image sensor array and processing of the image data to decode an optical code. In one configuration, the color image sensor array includes first and second sets of sensor pixels sensitive to light having wavelengths within, respectively, first and second wavelength bands, reflected light is focused by an optical system to form an image of an optical code on the color image sensor array, first and second sets of image data representing light intensity levels sensed by, respectively, the first and second sets of sensor pixels are produced, and the first set of image data is processed to determine whether the second set of image data is to be used in combination with the first set of image data to decode the optical code.

Abstract: The ticket processing system utilizes RFID technique to record and access data in the parking tickets. The ticket processing system mainly contains at least a ticket reader positioned at the entry of the parking lot. A first antenna in the ticket reader writes data into a ticket having RFID chip and a second antenna at a ticket retrieval opening of the ticket reader erases data from the ticket. The ticket processing system further contains a number of third antenna at the various parking spots which records a spot number into the ticket to facilitate the later locating the whereabouts of the parked vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reading electronic certificates positioned in a document, each certificate comprising a support bearing an antenna linked to a microcircuit. The document has sheets of a determined format articulated around a hinge. The antennas are dimensioned to a format less than that of a half-sheet. The certificates are arranged at most in pairs on a sheet so that the antennas are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the sheet. The invention also relates to a set of certificates and the document containing the certificates.

Abstract: There is provided a chip card that is configured to be inserted into a host device. An exemplary chip card comprises a microcontroller that includes a processor and a memory unit. The microcontroller is connected to a power terminal of the chip card for receiving power from a first power supply of the host device. The chip card also comprises a second power supply configured to at least temporarily supply power to a first component of the microcontroller.

Abstract: A housing for an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag includes a first portion and a second portion fixable to one another for encasing an EAS tag. The housing includes a stationary tab that projects outward away from the housing and includes an aperture to assist in securing the housing to a shop article.

Abstract: An RFID tag to be attached to an item, and a method. The tag comprises an antenna and an integrated circuit. The RFID tag further comprises a substrate on which the antenna is attached. The substrate is construed to form a stand-off relation between the item and the antenna when buried inside of the material of the item.

Abstract: A contactless device includes a miniaturized antenna. The antenna includes an inductive coupling element that presents a field coupling surface area to couple to a magnetic field. The inductive element may be made of layers where conductive loops are formed parallel to the layers or perpendicular to the layers. When conductive loops are formed perpendicular to the layers, the effective field coupling surface area is increased. The inductive element is positioned on an outside edge of a memory card compatible device with the field coupling surface area perpendicular to the card.

Abstract: A mechanical calculating apparatus for calculating an output based on a plurality of variables is provided. The apparatus includes a base member having a first plurality of indicia relating to potential values of the output and/or the variables, and a plurality of tabs independently movable with respect to the base member. The tabs have a second plurality of indicia relating to the potential values of the output and/or the variables, and the second indicia are alignable with the first indicia to indicate a value of the output based on the selected values of the variables.

Abstract: The rail sleeper (10) is provided with a sleeper body (12) comprising one rail contact area (16) on each of the opposing ends thereof, within which the sleeper body (12) is widened. A rail (24) may be fixed in each rail contact area (16) by means of a hold-down element (28) able to grip a rail foot. Each rail contact area (16) comprises three rail contact surfaces (18) adjacent to one another in the extension of the rail (24). At least one hold-down element (28) is disposed between and above at least one partial region of respective adjacent rail contact surfaces (18) of each rail contact area (16). The sleeper body (12) is free of reinforcement elements within each rail contact area (16) on both sides of the intermediate spaces between adjacent rail contact surfaces (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a support including a rail (10) preferably having an I-shaped section and provided in a channel (2) filled with concrete (4). The rail is partially coated, during the manufacture thereof and essentially along its entire length, with a filler material (8) defining at least one lateral extension (16) resting on the concrete and in which is formed a lateral groove (9) for the passage of the guiding or rolling roller. The rail is directly maintained by the concrete without requiring the use of an intermediate device for an additional fixation. The rail can be curved upon laying in order to conform to the curves of the track without any independent or additional bending step.

Abstract: An end post for a rail joint assembly comprising: a top portion having a profile substantially identical to cross-sectional shapes of rail head sections of first and second rails of the rail joint assembly; a base; and a stem disposed between the top portion and the base; wherein one or more of the top portion, base and stem comprise a plurality of pieces of a first electrically insulating material disposed on or in a second electrically insulating material. The plurality of pieces are preferably spaced apart and may have a substantially disc-shape or a substantially cylindrical-shape, and are preferably made from a ceramic material such as zirconium dioxide, aluminum oxide or silicon nitride, where the second electrically insulating material comprises a polymeric material, such as polyurethane.

Abstract: An injection valve has a valve body and a valve pin. The valve body has a metering orifice. In a closed position of the valve pin, the flow of fluid through the metering orifice is disabled and otherwise released. A control signal (ANS13 SIG) for metering fluid with the injection valve is generated for a first valve pin actuator which is coupled to the valve pin to drive the valve pin. At least one first atomization signal (ZER_SIG—1) for the first and/or the second valve pin actuator is generated at least during a predetermined interval during the control of the first valve pin actuator with the control signal (AN_SIG) in such a manner that the valve pin is oscillatingly displaced relative to a position of the valve pin in response to the first atomization signal (ZER_SIG—1), the valve pin having said position in response to the control signal (ANS_SIG).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a Mechanically Produced Thermocline Based Ocean Temperature Regulatory System and process to sequester anthropogenic carbon dioxide, create a cold water barrier to hurricanes and tropical storms, and insure the function of the thermohaline circulation.

Abstract: A target supply apparatus controls a gas pressure inside a tank storing a liquid target material to be outputted from a nozzle by a pressure of gas supplied from a gas supply having a pressure regulator. The target supply apparatus comprises a gas passage introducing gas supplied from the gas supply into the tank, and a high-precision pressure regulator arranged on the gas passage and regulating a pressure of gas flowing the gas passage. The high-precision pressure regulator is able to regulate pressure with accuracy higher than the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly that utilizes ultrasonic atomization techniques to atomize a liquid into a cloud of small or fine droplets is disclosed. The nozzle assembly also can use various air or gas atomizing technologies to propel the generally directionless droplet cloud toward a surface or substrate to be coated. The propelled droplet cloud may at this state have a conical or cone-shaped spray pattern. Additional air or gas atomizing technologies can be utilized to shape the propelled droplet cloud into a flattened fan-shaped spray pattern that can be usable in various industrial applications. The shape of the spray pattern and the distribution of droplets within the pattern can be adjusted by manipulation of the gas pressure used in gas atomization.

Abstract: A microdroplet generation apparatus comprises an oscillation plate, a connection plate, a nozzle disc and a bonding material, wherein the nozzle disc is interposed between the oscillation plate and connection plate, and wherein the oscillation plate, connection plate and nozzle disc are joined with the bonding material. The oscillation plate and the connection plate respectively have a first through-hole and a second through-hole corresponding to each other. The nozzle disc has injection holes on the area corresponding to the first and second through-holes. The nozzle disc has via-holes on the area not corresponding to the first through-hole and the second through-hole. The bonding material passes through the via-holes of the nozzle disc to join the oscillation plate and the connection plate and fasten the nozzle disc to between the oscillation plate and the connection plate. Thus, vibration energy can be effectively transmitted from the vibration plate to the nozzle disc.

Abstract: A target supply apparatus includes a tank for storing a liquid target material, a nozzle for outputting the liquid target material in the tank, and a gas supply source for supplying gas into the tank, and controls a gas pressure inside the tank with a pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply source which is provided with a pressure regulator. The target supply apparatus also includes a pressure-decrease gas passage of which one end is connected to the tank and the other end forms an exhaust port, a pressure-decrease valve provided on the pressure-decrease gas passage, and a controller for controlling open/close of the pressure-decrease valve. The controller, when the target material is caused not to output from the nozzle, opens the pressure-decrease valve and decreases the pressure inside the tank.

Abstract: The dispensing device provides dispensable material in a closable container in concert with a corresponding accessory so that the container and the accessory can be commonly stored when not in use, and further provides a ventilated storage volume within the device that can facilitate drying and aerating the accessory.

Abstract: A rotating spray nozzle, comprising an elongate stem securable to a liquid-supply pipe, the stem defining a passageway therethrough for communicating a liquid from the supply pipe, the passageway communicating at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening defined in the stem; and a polymer nozzle body freely rotatably mounted on the stem for rotation about a nozzle axis, the nozzle body having an internal cavity in communication with the at least one outlet opening of the stem, and at least one nozzle defined through the nozzle body and communicating with the internal cavity, the at least one nozzle being offset from the nozzle axis to impart a driving couple to the nozzle body to cause rotation thereof when a liquid from the supply pipe is communicated through the at least one nozzle. The stem defines a longitudinal portion bounded at opposite ends thereof by integral annular shoulders having diameters greater than the longitudinal portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam spraying nozzle for spraying fragrant steam which overcomes the problem of uncontrollable fragrance consumption quantity in the conventional technique. The steam spraying nozzle comprises multiple steam outlets disposed on its sealing casing main body. A steam inlet in the main body is connected to a steam generator. A window is set on the main body and equipped with a fragrance box with multiple pores. Steam flows into the inner space of the main body through the steam inlet then flows into the fragrance box by the pores of the fragrance box. Then the steam sprays out of the steam outlets from the pores of the fragrance box. The fragrance box can restrict overflow of the steam to the fragrance, so consumption of the fragrance can be controlled and if necessary, partial pores are closed to further reduce consumption of fragrance.

Abstract: A user programmable dispenser is disclosed for dispensing and mixing soap, shampoo or other liquids from a container to a mixer to be mixed with water flowing to a shower spray nozzle. A touch screen LCD display connected to a programmable controller is used by the user to first program the amount of time that the soap, shampoo or other liquids is to flow through a valve and be mixed with the water flowing from the shower spray nozzle, then is used to temporarily interrupt and recommence the flow of liquid, and is also used to display the amount of time remaining for the flow of the soap, shampoo or other liquids from the container of the time initially programmed by the user for the flow of liquid from the container to the mixer.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser for precisely controlling the flow rate of water therethrough and for precisely injecting a liquid chemical into the water passing through the apparatus. The dispenser is also capable of dispensing a water-only rinse spray.

Abstract: A powder spraycoating equipment's powder feed apparatus containing a dense phase powder pump fitted with at least one, preferably two feed chambers each of which comprises at one chamber end a powder intake valve and at the opposite chamber end a powder outlet valve and further comprises at least one air exchange aperture to alternatingly apply compressed conveying air or a partial vacuum to the feed chamber, characterized by an integral structural block, by the feed chambers being constituted in the structural block, by all those first control valves that are connected in fluid communication to the minimum of one feed chamber for the purpose of applying compressed conveying air and a partial vacuum to it, being configured at the structural block and being directly connected, in fluid communication and by means of ducts constituted in the structural block, to the minimum of one feed chamber.

Abstract: A showerhead (20) has a spray head (32) having a plurality of spray outlets (36, 38,42,44) on different faces is mounted for manual rotation about a single pivot axis both to select a spray outlet and to adjust the direction of the spray for the selected spray outlet. The showerhead can be configured so that flow of water is uninterrupted during changeover between spray modes. Alternative versions of the showerhead are disclosed in which the spray head is mounted for powered rotation, for example by a motor, allowing remote operation of the showerhead.

Abstract: A jet regulator for accommodating a water flow, comprises, a distributor surface having a plurality of through-flow holes for distributing the water flow; a rebounding surface arranged in a central region of a flow cross-section; and a plurality of flow guiding walls connected downstream of the distributor surface, and oriented in a flow direction.

Abstract: A jet regulator is provided with a jet fractioning device designed as perforated plate with a number of flow-through holes that are located at a distance to each other. The perforated plate has at least one reinforcement rib on its flat side on the inflow side and/or outflow side to reinforce the perforated plate. On its side facing the outflow side the jet regulator has an additional perforated plate with a number of flow-through holes defined by flow guide walls. At least one distance piece is provided on at least one of the sides of the perforated plate that are facing each other and/or on an adjacent jet regulator component part. The distance piece deforms the perforated plate and the jet regulator component part as the result of a relative motion during the jet regulator installation from a non-deformed initial position into a round bodied or convexly bent application position.

Abstract: A method of designing a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine to reduce fretting thereof during use, including establishing an initial nozzle design, determining a first natural frequency of that design and a running frequency range of the gas turbine engine, and increasing a first transverse dimension of the stem member of the nozzle across a length of a portion thereof adjacent the inlet end until the first natural frequency of the nozzle is outside the running range, while a second transverse dimension of the portion remains at least substantially unchanged across the length thereof.

Abstract: The injection valve has a housing and a cavity with a fluid inlet portion and a fluid outlet portion, a valve needle axially movable in the cavity, the valve needle preventing a fluid flow in a closing position and releasing the fluid flow in further positions, and a spring element mechanically coupled to the needle and designed to exert an axial force on the needle. The adjusting and filter arrangement is arrangeable in the cavity between the inlet and outlet portion and has a filter element formed as a filtration body block and designed to filter the fluid, an adjusting element rigidly coupled to the housing and to preload the spring element and formed as an outer casing for the filter element, and a spring guiding element extending in axial direction and engaging the spring element, wherein the adjusting element and the spring guiding element form a one-piece element.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a fuel injector (19) comprising a reed valve (35). The reed valve has at least one orifice and at least one reed valve blade, the or each reed valve blade having a valve head attached to at least one resilient spring arm. The or each valve head opens and closes a respective orifice in the valve seat. A support surrounds the reed valve blade(s). Each spring arm extending inwardly from the support. Each spring arm is curved.

Abstract: A Fluid injector has a housing (8) with a cavity and a coil (34) being arranged in the cavity. A valve needle (12) is arranged axially moveable along a predetermined axis (L) of the fluid injector. An armature (14) is arranged axially moveable along the predetermined axis (L) and is mechanically coupled to the valve needle (12). A reluctance element (42) is designed to have a permeability which is much smaller than the permeability of the housing (8) and is arranged such that a magnetic circuit with the housing (8) and the armature (14) also has the reluctance element (42).

Abstract: A rotary shower head for showering includes an outer case to house a universal joint, an inner case assembly, a driving mechanism and a water discharge disc. Water entering the shower head provides a water discharge force to thrust the driving mechanism to generate automatic turning of the water discharge disc to achieve water-saving effect.

Abstract: A method repair for reducing fretting of a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine, including attaching at least one stiffening element to an outer surface of a portion of a stem member of the fuel nozzle, with a size and shape of the at least one stiffening element being selected such that a first natural frequency of the fuel nozzle with the at least one stiffening element attached thereto is outside the engine running frequency range.

Abstract: A tube-end device for fire extinguishment jets and sprays pressurized and fed water, seawater, or aqueous fire-extinguishing agent from a tube end. The tube-end device for fire extinguishment is provided with: an induction electrode unit disposed in an emission space side of a nozzle unit positioned inside the tube end; a water-side electrode unit disposed at a position of the interior of a tube main body in contact with fire-extinguishing water; a voltage applying device which applies an external electric field, which is generated by applying a voltage between the induction electrode unit and the water-side electrode unit, to the water, seawater, or fire-extinguishing agent in the process of jetting from the nozzle unit, electrically charges jetted particles, and emit the particles; and a battery which supplies power to the voltage applying device.

Abstract: A coffin for use in an alkaline hydrolysis processes described. The coffin comprises a dissolvable receptacle for a cadaver, the dissolvable receptacle being dissolvable in the alkaline hydrolysis process. A method of disposing of a cadaver is also described. The method includes the steps of placing the cadaver into a coffin comprising a dissolvable receptacle; placing the coffin in an alkaline hydrolysis unit; and adding water and a chemical into the alkaline hydrolysis unit with the cadaver, to break down the cadaver into a fluid component and a bone residue component and to dissolve the dissolvable receptacle of the coffin by alkaline hydrolysis.

Abstract: An aqueous formulation comprising edible fungal particles especially consisting substantially of fungal mycelia is described. The ingredient may be combined with other ingredients to produce a wide range of foodstuffs or food ingredients including desserts (e.g. yoghurt), reconstitutable drinks or soup and extruded foodstuffs (e.g. savoury snack foods). Foodstuffs prepared may have medical applications (e.g. for treatment of joint mobility disorders, reducing fat uptake, lowering cholesterol, immune function stimulation, use on a pre-biotic and/or for affecting satiety).

Abstract: A rasp (grater) cover releasably covers either side of a rasp to protect a user from the grating elements when the rasp is not in use and to catch grated material when in use. The rasp has a head portion, grating surface portion with grating elements and a handle portion. The cover is sized and shaped to frictionally fit between ends of the head portion and handle portion. The cover is preferably transparent and includes measuring indicia.

Abstract: A hopper for a roof shingle stripper, grinder, and blower includes: a hopper; a catch area on the hopper, adapted to receive the debris; an output opening on the hopper, adapted to output the debris; a plate to urge the debris toward the output opening; and a manipulator connected to the plate having a portion that extends outside of the hopper. The manipulator pushes upon the plate thereby urging debris in the hopper toward the output opening. The grinder machine may include a motor, self-propelled wheels, a lifting blade for roof shingles, a shredder, and a conduit with a wall that channels the debris to one of two outputs.

Abstract: A shredder head adapted to vary the power consumed by the shredder according to the thickness of the material to be shredded.

Abstract: A shredder head adapted to indicate the thickness of the material to be shredded and to possibly deactivate the shredder if the thickness exceeds a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transfer unit having a transfer rotor and a food waste treatment apparatus using the transfer unit. The transfer unit includes the transfer rotor, a housing and a sieve. The transfer rotor includes a rotor body, and at least one blade provided on the circumferential outer surface of the rotor body. The housing has a hollow container shape and contains the transfer rotor therein such that the transfer rotor is rotatable without interference from the housing. The housing is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The sieve is provided in the housing to guide discharge of sewage from food waste. The sieve is disposed in the lower portion of the housing to drain the sewage generated from the food waste to the outside of the housing.

Abstract: A method for recovering and/or recycling starting silicon material by crushing the starting material. The recovered or recycled material is melted, and crystals, e.g. as a silicon block, tube, or strip, are grown from the obtained melt. To use starting materials that have a high aspect ratio to be able to convey the same without any problem, broken polycrystalline needle-shaped Si material (material I) containing particles having an aspect ratio AI, 5<AI?30, is used as a starting material. Material I is crushed so that the crushed particles (material II) have an aspect ratio AII<3. Alternatively, a broken Si wafer is used that is composed of laminar particles which are crushed so that the crushed particles (material III) have an aspect ratio AIII<3.

Abstract: A shredder is disclosed. The shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder mechanism enables the at least one article to be shredded to be fed into the cutter elements. The motor is operable to drive the cutter elements so that the cutter elements shred the articles fed therein. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is operable to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is at least equal to a predetermined maximum thickness.

Abstract: Shredder hammers include a hammer pin opening in which at least some portion of the interior surface is curved in a direction moving from one major surface of the shredder hammer to the other. This interior surface may be smoothly formed as an arc of a circle, as a parabola, as a hyperbola, or as another curved surface, with the local extrema within the interior of the hole (e.g., at or near the center). Providing the curved interior surface helps vary and disperse the locations where force is absorbed due to contact between the hammer pin and the walls defining the hammer pin opening when the shredding hammer blade contacts the material to be shredded. Other structures include engagement between the hammer pin and the hammer as part of a bushing member, a spool or sleeve member, or a ball swivel member.

Abstract: A retractor for a vehicle seat belt includes a spool configured to rotate so that the seat belt may be wound and unwound from around the spool. The retractor also includes a torsion bar located within the spool. The retractor is configured so that the inner or outer members are selectively connected to a lock mechanism and so that during a first loading condition either the first end of the inner member or the first end of the outer member is fixed to the lock mechanism and during a second loading condition both of the first ends of the inner and outer members are connected to the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A device centralizes a roll of toilet tissue onto a rod or spindle. Assuming the roll of tissue has an inner diameter D and a width W, and that the rod or spindle has an outer diameter d1, the invention comprises a pair of disks and a plurality of flexible elements interconnecting the disks and maintaining the disks in spaced-apart relation. The disks are separated by a distance corresponding to W, thereby defining a cylindrical volume having a central longitudinal axis. Each disk has an outer diameter D? slightly less than D, and an inner diameter d1? slightly greater than d1. Each flexible element has a central section extending outwardly beyond the cylindrical volume, such that when a roll of toilet tissue is inserted over the device the elements flex inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and achieve a frictional coupling to the roll.

Abstract: A fishing spool dispenser for the easy manipulation and severance of a fishing line. A first flange contains a radially expanding, angled guide slot to secure the free end of the fishing line. A radially inward extending holding clip is disposed along the outer edge of the first flange opposite the supply of fishing line. A cutting slot is formed on the second flange, generally opposite the guide slot, and contains a cutting surface to sever the line. The invention also includes a method of using the dispensing arrangement, running a portion of fishing line from the supply, through the guide slot, under the holding clip and then back to the cutting slot to be cut against a cutting surface within the cutting slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for causing an air movement in a cross-machine direction and substantially parallel with a stabilizer surface adjacent a moving web, the apparatus positioned adjacent the stabilizer at or outside a sheet edge of the stabilizer, the apparatus directing a fluid movement in a direction moving away from the side edges of the moving web to stabilize the edges of the web.