Abstract: A transaction product includes an enclosure, an account identifier and an electrical circuit. The enclosure defines an aperture. The account identifier is at least one of connected to or enclosed within the enclosure and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. The electrical circuit includes a flexible circuit member, wherein the flexible circuit member extends through the aperture defined by the enclosure such that a first portion of the flexible circuit member is coupled to an outside surface of the enclosure and a second portion of the flexible circuit member is positioned inside the enclosure. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided having a sensing device and a processor for determining a counterfeit security document. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a part of a digital signature of at least a part of the identity which has a plurality of signature parts. The sensing device is configured to sense one of the coded data portions and generate, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the identity, the part of the signature and a signature part identifier. The processor is configured to determine a determined signature using the identity, a determined signature part using the determined signature and the signature part identifier, and whether the security document is counterfeit by comparing the determined signature part and the part of the signature.

Abstract: In a method for controlling access to data stored on a smart card, an external request for communication with the smart card is received via a first communication interface. The external request for communication may be a request for communication over a second communication interface, for example, from a smart card reader. Private data from the smart card is transmitted via the second communication interface responsive to authentication of a user of the smart card. Related devices are also discussed.

Abstract: A system and method for managing one or more applications deployed on a mobile electronic device, such as a cellular phone, are disclosed. The system and method enable the user of a mobile electronic device to select one of a plurality of applications deployed on the mobile electronic device for use in a transaction and to authenticate himself or herself prior to initiating the transaction. The transaction may occur via a wireless interface and/or a contact-based interface. In addition, the system and method allow the user to manage applications deployed on a mobile electronic device, including adding new applications, designating nicknames for the applications and setting security codes for each application.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for securely delivering a parcel when the intended recipient is not present to take physical possession of the parcel. Parcel delivery companies assign a unique tracking number to each parcel. The tracking number is enabled as an access code which, when input by a delivery person, unlocks a secured area such that the parcel can be placed inside.

Abstract: A method of and system for returning a consumer product in a retail environment and preventing or reducing employee theft of returned merchandise in retail store environments and providing greater accountability for returned merchandise in retail store environments. The method comprises providing an image capturing and processing system at the retail environment, including a system housing having an imaging window and generating and projecting a field of view through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window. The digital image capturing and processing system produces one or more digital images of consumer goods (i.e. products) passing within the 3D imaging volume. Identification (ID) data for the consumer returning the purchased goods is entered into a host system connected to the digital image capturing and processing system, as well as identification data for the employee to whom the goods are being returned.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are disclosed for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. A dynamic discount card is disclosed according to an aspect of the present invention. The dynamic discount card comprises an information access component for receiving information and a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.

Abstract: A method of determining a firing guidance solution when relative movement exists between a projectile-firing weapon and a target object that is to be hit, including the steps of adjusting the weapon in azimuth angle and elevation angle, by means of a movement differential equation solution method determining a projectile point of impact and flight times at prescribed azimuth and elevation angle values in view of the ammunition used and external influences, varying the azimuth and elevation angles, as input parameters of the movement differential equation solution method, until a firing guidance solution is found, taking into consideration the weapon and target object speeds, providing a function J (?, ?) that assumes a particular value J* when the azimuth and elevation angles represent a firing guidance solution, and selectively iteratively varying the azimuth and elevation angles using mathematical processes such that the particular value J* is found.

Abstract: An electronic tagging system for tagging a plurality of luggage items transported through a transportation system. The system includes a plurality of electronic-ink display labels coupled to a plurality of luggage items. Each electronic-ink display label displays graphical indicia representative of information relating to the status of the luggage item within the transportation system. One or more activation modules are provided throughout the transportation system for transmitting electromagnetic data signals to electronic-ink display labels and providing instructions to updateable electronic-ink display labels employed in the determination of graphic indicia to be displayed on electronic-ink display labels. Each electronic-ink display label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: A method for improving the depth of field in the detection of a linear optical code includes simultaneously forming two or more overlapped equally focused but differently diaphragmed in phase images of an optical code onto a linear sensor. Diaphragms and optical receiving devices suitable to implement the method are described.

Abstract: Contamination in a feedback signal is eliminated in a laser scanning arrangement having a drive coil driven by a drive signal formed as a periodic train of drive pulses to oscillate a scan mirror and a light beam reflected from the scan mirror. A feedback coil generates a feedback signal during oscillation of the scan mirror, the feedback coil being in proximity with the drive coil and being subject to corruption by cross-coupling between the coils. The drive coil is not driven with at least one drive pulse during a quiet time period. Cross-coupling is eliminated by generating the feedback signal only during the quiet time period, and by monitoring a position of the scan mirror by processing the feedback signal which was generated only during the quiet time period.

Abstract: A method and imaging apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding a target object. The imaging apparatus (10) comprises a scanning arrangement (12) comprising a sensor assembly (22) for capturing an image from a target object. The sensor assembly (22) includes a sensor array (27) located within the sensor assembly. A programmable microprocessor (13) is located within and coupled to the scanning arrangement (12) that operates an electronic shutter (29) for controlling the exposure time of pixels (33) located in the sensor array (27). The electronic shutter (29) includes first and second modes of exposure. An image test control system (31) associated with the scanning arrangement (12) for evaluating lighting conditions surrounding the imaging apparatus (10) and selecting an optimum mode for imaging based on the evaluation between the first mode of exposure and the second mode of exposure.

Abstract: A method of modifying and/or extending the standard features and functions of a digital image capture and processing system. The method involves providing the system with a set of standard features and functions, and a computing platform which includes (i) memory for storing pieces of original product code written by the original designers of the system, and (ii) a microprocessor for running one or more applications by calling and executing pieces of the original product code in a particular sequence, so as support the set of standard features and functions which characterize a standard behavior of the system. The one or more pieces of original product code have a set of place holders into which third-party product code can be inserted or plugged by third parties, including value-added resellers (VARs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and also end-users of the system.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic label including a chip (1) provided with two contact strips (2, 3) onto which a conducting wire (4) is welded in a single operation. The segment of conducting wire (4) forming the antenna is then cut between the two contact strips (2, 3) of chip (1). The group of chip and antenna thus realized may then be encapsulated between two sheets of a fibrous or plastic material.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed towards a method and apparatus provided for improved sterile labeling on medications, solutions and medical supplies. The apparatus includes a sterile label, including associated corresponding medical product information. The sterile label is contained inside a sterile cavity housing which is formed from a first and second sheet of flexible plastic or other material. The flexible plastic material is bound together along its peripheral edges by an adhesive or heat sealing process. In this form, the flexible plastic or other material creates a package which may be peeled apart, enabling the label to be delivered or flipped to a sterile field while maintaining sterility. The label may contain on it many types of information corresponding to a medication. Furthermore, information can be added by a user. The disclosure makes the medication labeling system more accurate, safe and legible.

Abstract: The invention relates to identification documents, and in particular to pre-printing processing covert images, such as UV or IR images, provided on such identification documents. In one implementation, the invention includes a method of processing a digital image that is to be printed on a surface of an identification document as a fluorescing-capable image to improve the quality of the image. Edges or boundaries are detected within the image, the detected edges or boundaries forming an intermediate image. The edges or boundaries within the image are emphasized, and the emphasized image is used for printing the covert image. In some implementations of the invention, a digital watermark is embedded in the covert image.

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

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling contactless communications with a contactless card are disclosed. A contactless card may include a contactless interface activation mechanism that includes one or more sense contacts, a processor, and a processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The processor-readable storage medium may contain programming instructions for performing one or more applications. The processor may be in a protected state in which the processor is prevented from performing the instructions for at least one application in the processor-readable storage medium unless a load is placed on at least one sense contact.

Abstract: A humidity control method and apparatus that can be utilized to provide humidity control within an enclosed assembly such as a disc drive. The apparatus includes a container that is at least partially formed of a material through which water vapor can freely move. The apparatus also includes a humidity-controlling mixture that comprises at least one salt and a superabsorbent polymer. The humidity-controlling mixture is enclosed within the container.

Abstract: A method for injecting a fluid, in particular a fuel, performs the following steps: A nozzle (1) which can be actuated by a piezo element (5) is provided. A current pulse (12a) is supplied to the piezo element (5). The capacity (16) of the piezo element (5) is recorded at the time when the current pulse (12a) is supplied. An actual characteristic curve of the injection is recorded based on the capacity (16). The current pulse (12a) is regulated in order to optimize the injection based on the actual characteristic curve of the injection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuously delivering and non-intermittently introducing a liquid into a main flow. An exemplary apparatus includes a supply line, a delivery line, a delivery device for delivering a mass flow of the liquid from the supply line to the delivery line, and at least one atomizing element communicating with the delivery line. A branch line which branches off from the delivery line can be arranged in the delivery direction downstream of the delivery device and upstream of the atomizing element, at least one changeover and/or regulating member for shutting off and/or throttling the branch line being arranged in combination with the branch line.

Abstract: A paint reservoir has a fluid outlet 115 connectable to a spray gun 101 and a fluid inlet 131 provided with a removable screw cap 132 whereby the fluid inlet 131 is directly accessible for introducing paint to the reservoir while attached to the spray gun 101. The fluid outlet 115 and fluid inlet 131 may both be provided in an end wall of the reservoir with outlet 115 located on the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or offset to allow the size of the fluid inlet 131 to be increased for easier filling of the reservoir. The outlet 115 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or it can be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis to provide greater clearance for access to the fluid inlet 131 when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun 101. In an alternative arrangement, the fluid outlet is provided in an end wall of the reservoir and the fluid inlet is provided in a sidewall of the reservoir.

Abstract: An injector, especially for an accumulator injection device, comprises an inlet connection (8), a leakage connection (3) and an electric connection (7). The leakage connection (3) and the electric connection (7) are embodied as a single-piece injection component (2), wherein the component is directly injection-moulded onto the injector (1).

Abstract: A coating material dispensing device includes an orifice for coupling to a reservoir for the coating material. The orifice is surrounded by a surface including at least one wall defining at least one groove. The reservoir includes a complementary surface including at least one wall defining at least one groove. The at least one groove and at least one wall surrounding the orifice respectively receive and are received in the at least one wall and at least one groove of the complementary surface of the reservoir to provide a labyrinth seal between the orifice and an exterior surface of the coating material dispensing device.

Abstract: A crushing and reducing device, especially cone crushers, used in the building and ore-dressing industries. A method includes providing a crusher with proximity sensors and a disc rigidly secured to the unbalanced-mass vibration generator of the crusher such that the plane thereof is always perpendicular to the rotation axis of the vibration generator. The method includes measuring a distance to the disc, calculating the three-dimensional position of the disc plane, calculating the amplitude of the circular vibrations of the internal cone according to the position, calculating the size of a crushing gap according to the calculated amplitude, comparing the size with the specified parameter of the gap and, if required based on comparison results, outputting a control command to hydraulic cylinders to modify the position of an adjustment ring. The adjustment ring position is controlled by a proximity sensor which is mounted on the flange of a body top part.

Abstract: A control system for minimizing overall water use in a food waste handling system while maximizing flow rate when needed by controlling a flow of water into the handling system based on or in response to a physical presence of an operator. The control system substantially automatically senses, detects, or otherwise determines the presence of the operator, wherein such presence is assumptively associated with use of the waste handling system (i.e., the deposition of waste thereinto), and, in response to said presence, automatically controls the flow of water accordingly and for a pre-established period of time following cessation of said presence in order to facilitate the on-going handling process.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an ice shaving machine that can produce a quantity of shaved ice powder without a fuss and that makes less noise. An ice shaving machine has an ice shaving chamber in which is provided a slit that a shaving blade faces, a rotary vane for rotating ice charged into the ice shaving chamber, a motor mechanism for rotating the rotary vane, a rotating hopper that stores the ice in the ice shaving chamber and coaxially rotates with the rotary vane, and an ice stocker that is provided above the rotating hopper and has openings at the lower and upper ends. The rotating hopper has a diameter that is reduced upwards, and the ice stocker coaxially rotates with the rotary vane and the rotating hopper.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cutting wheel device for grinding materials, the cutting wheel comprising a plurality of discrete plates mounted on an axle and cutting heads positioned between the plates. The cutting heads having a portion extending beyond the periphery of the plate. Secondary cutters are attached to the cutting head to project over an adjacent discrete plate for keeping debris from lodging between adjacent cutting heads.

Abstract: A fishing reel is provided having a pair of opposed sidewalls with a spool holding fishing line rotatably supported between the sidewalls. The spool is freely rotatable in a first direction to release fishing line from the bottom portion of the spool, and is mechanically rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to retrieve the fishing line and to wind the line back onto the spool. A handle crank is provided for imparting rotation to the spool in the second direction by rotation of the crank in the same, second direction.

Abstract: A handle assembly includes a handle shaft portion, a handle arm, a handle grip, and a tubular member. The handle shaft portion is mounted to the inner peripheral portion of a master gear shaft so as not to be allowed to rotate relative to the master gear shaft, and is disposed so that the tip end portion of the master gear shaft protrudes outward in the axial direction compared to the tip end portion of the master gear. The handle arm extends in the radial direction from the tip end portion of the handle shaft portion, and is mounted to the handle shaft portion so as to be capable of pivoting with respect to the handle shaft portion. The handle grip is mounted to the tip of the handle arm. The tubular member is non-rotatably engaged with the tip end portion of the master gear shaft and the base end portion of the handle arm.

Abstract: A fly reel is disclosed, which comprises an improved drag apparatus which includes a drag knob which is rotatably engaged to an outer side of the center shaft; a drag spindle which is spaced apart from the drag knob and is rotatably inserted into an outer side of the center shaft; a braking member which is limits a rotation of the drag spindle on the center shaft depending on a movement that the drag knob moves in an axial direction of the center shaft; an one-way bearing which is inserted into an outer side of the drag spindle and in which one direction rotation of the same is permitted, and the other direction rotation of the same is not permitted; and a drag cover which is rotatably inserted into an outer side of the center shaft and rotates by a rotation operation of the spool and allows the one-way bearing to rotate when the spool rotates, wherein the center shaft includes a flange provided on an outer side of the same for limiting an axial direction movement of the drag spindle.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge containing a tape reel to which a magnetic tape with a leader pin attached to a leading end is wound is equipped with a leader pin retaining structure for safe and secure retention of the leader pin immediately behind a tape egress/ingress opening. The leader pin retaining structure comprises a retainer member having resilient arms and a leader pin support for supporting the retainer member so as to place tail end portions of the resilient arms across end collars of the leader pin received in sockets provided adjacent to the tape egress/ingress opening, wherein the leader pin support resiliently urges and bends the resilient arms so as to retain the end collars of the leader pin by the tail end portions of the resilient arms, respectively.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus that efficiently and orderly winds a fiber bundle with respect to a mandrel in a short period of time. A supporting board supports the mandrel, and a helical winding head supplies and guides the fiber bundle towards the mandrel. The helical winding head includes a group of guide tubes radially arranged on a circumferential surface of a guide ring, and a tube operation mechanism that reciprocates the guide tube along a tube axis center direction. The guide tube is moved closer to a circumferential surface of the dome part when the guide tube is facing a dome part of the mandrel such that the distance between the winding position of the fiber bundle and the guide tube at the dome part can be reduced, and the fiber bundle is orderly wound according to an appropriate winding trajectory.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems provide for the securing of a tape roll on a cable wrapping machine. According to various embodiments, a taping head locking device for securing a tape roll to a taping head of the cable wrapping machine includes a locking device body with at least one aperture. The locking device body includes a surface implement on an inner surface for engaging a surface implement on an outer surface of the taping head. The aperture guides and secures a taping pad penetrating device through the locking device body and into an adjacent tape pad of the tape roll. The locking device body may include two segments pivotally connected at one end of each segment, with a locking mechanism at opposing ends of the segments, allowing for an open configuration to facilitate installation and a closed configuration to secure the taping head locking device on the taping head.

Abstract: Methods of reducing aircraft noise from landing gear during take off and landing maneuvers. An actuated multi-axle landing gear truck is oriented such that a plane through the axles is substantially parallel to the aircraft water line during approach and takeoff. The embodiment retains the capability to re-orient the truck “toes up” or “toes down,” as may be required, just before touchdown to facilitate rapid application of braking and speed brake/spoiler deployment. It also maintains the capability to re-orient the truck during gear retraction after take off to fit into the aircraft wheel wells. The invention may be retrofitted to existing aircraft or deployed on new aircraft.

Abstract: A vehicle that can operate as either a motorcycle or an autogiro, said vehicle having a flight mode and a motorcycle mode, said vehicle comprising: a frame having a front part and a rear part; a center-line that passes from the front of said vehicle to the rear of said vehicle through the center of said vehicle such that said vehicle's weight is distributed nearly equally to either side of said center-line; a propeller mounted to a propeller barrel that is rotatably mounted to said frame such that the junction where said frame's front part meets said frame's rear part is located within said propeller barrel; an engine mounted to the rear part of said frame, wherein said engine powers said propeller in said flight mode; a cockpit fixedly mounted to the front part of said frame, said cockpit comprising means for controlling said vehicle; at least one aircraft lift means comprising: at least one rotor that is rotatably mounted to said frame when said vehicle is in said flight mode; a front wheel steerably and

Abstract: A mounting system for use in mounting a gas turbine engine having an engine core to an aircraft comprises an engine support arrangement and front and rear mounting assemblies to mount the engine support arrangement to a casing surrounding the engine core. Each of the front and rear mounting assemblies comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting members to effect the aforesaid mounting of the engine support arrangement to the casing.

Abstract: A fixed sized bell rocket nozzle is lined with a layer of combustible material that is ignited during launch ignition and burns to outgas into the rocket exhaust for spatially variably confining the exhaust and perfecting an effective variably sized altitude compensating exhaust nozzle that maximizes lift during the launch of a spacecraft into orbit.

Abstract: Reinforced cover for cut-outs in an aerodynamic contour of a vehicle, with a first attachment section 1a attachable to a structural element (2,5) of the vehicle (11); a second elastic section 1c which covers the cut-out (4) which is located between a fixed part 5 and a moving part (6, 12) of the vehicle (11), and provided with a low-friction layer (8) on its inner surface (1e), which comprises a first area (1i) in a rectangular configuration and a second area (1j) with a second cross-section smaller than that of the first area (1i); an outer surface (1k) with a fiberglass layer (7a); a main internal body (9) of a flexible material, a transition section (1g) thickened between the first and the second section, (1a, 1c); flushing the outer surface (1k) of the second section (1c) with the outer surface (5a).

Abstract: A fuel system for an aircraft is disclosed. The fuel system comprises a fuel tank and a fuel reformer for receiving fuel from the fuel tank. The system includes a hydrogen fuel cell array for receiving hydrogen from the fuel reformer. The system further includes mechanism for providing an inerting gas from the fuel system to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A mechanism uses a magnetic field to dock a satellite to a host vehicle. A docking component of the mechanism residing on the host vehicle has a magnet that is used to induce a coupled magnetic field with a docking component of the mechanism residing on the satellite. An alignment guide axially aligns the docking component of the satellite with the docking component of the host device dependent on the coupled magnetic field. Rotational alignment guides are used to rotationally align the docking component of the satellite with the docking component of the host device. A ball-lock mechanism is used to mechanically secure the docking component of the host vehicle and the docking component of the satellite.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling flow disturbances emanating from a protrusion, such as a beam propagating device. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a flow control element at least partially around a base portion of a protrusion, wherein the flow control element includes at least one flow expanding feature. A reduced pressure zone is generated proximate an aft portion of the protrusion by expanding at least a portion of a flowfield. One or more flow disturbances emanating downstream from the protrusion are deflected using the at least one reduced pressure zone.

Abstract: In a railroad track system that provides for communications through a track rail without insulated joints between a specific transmitter and a specific receiver when a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers are communicating using the track rail, a method including emitting a unique signal from the specific transmitter during a specific time. The unique signal is transmitted through a railway rail, which is without an insulated joint between successive rails and is the medium through which the unique signal travels, wherein the unique signal is detectable but not readable by the plurality of receiver. The specific receiver is activated to read the unique signal during the specific time.

Abstract: Elements, couplers, systems, and methods for joining two or more trough members. A locking element for a coupler of a cable trough system includes a frame member including a shaft, a pawl member including first and second ends, and defining an aperture, the shaft of the frame member extending through the aperture so that the pawl member pivots on the shaft, and a member positioned to engage the first end of the pawl member to pivot the pawl member about the shaft into a locked position. When a force is applied to the first end in a direction opposite to that exerted by the member, the pawl member moves about the shaft into an unlocked position.

Abstract: A device for funneling leaves into a bag, preferably used in conjunction with a leaf blower. The device includes a plurality of panels that define a passageway and two forwardly extending arms that define an intake area adjacent an entrance to the passageway. A bag is removably affixed adjacent to the exit of the passageway for receiving leaves and other objects blown therethrough. A ramp in the passageway induces circulating airflow in the bag. Additionally, the arms induce a corkscrew airflow and facilitate improved performance in directing objects through the passageway. The plurality of panels that make up the leaf catcher are preferably collapsible into a substantially flat configuration for ease of transport and storage. Further, the construction of the leaf catcher enables easy set up and take down when manipulating the panels from a folded to a operational configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: A supporting device for a display unit for rotating a display screen to be oriented vertically. The supporting device includes a fixed member mounted on a base, an elevating member secured to the fixed member to be lifted or lowered, a pivot bracket rotatably coupled to an upper end of the elevating member while being secured to a rear surface of the display unit, an operating lever having an upper portion rotatably coupled to the upper end of the elevating member, a holder formed at the fixed member to allow the operating lever to be caught therein when being rotated rearward in a lifted state of the elevating member, a horizontally movable member secured to the upper end of the elevating member, and a cam portion formed at the pivot bracket.

Abstract: A suction device includes a sucking disc disposed under an upright sleeve, a connecting seat disposed in the sleeve and connected to the sucking disc, and an elongate operating block mounted slidably on the sleeve. The operating block is formed with a cam surface biased to contact a follower portion of the connecting seat. When the operating block is moved relative to the sleeve from a non-sucking position, where the follower portion engages a second positioning portion of the operating block, to a sucking position, where the follower portion engages a first positioning portion of the operating block, the cam surface pushes the connecting seat to move away from a supporting surface, thereby forming a vacant space between the sucking disc and the supporting surface.

Abstract: A bicycle accessory assembly is mounted to inner and outer tubes of a bicycle frame. The outer tube is sleeved on the inner tube. The bicycle accessory assembly includes a clamp, an accessory, and a fastening unit. The clamp includes a sleeve portion sleeved on the outer tube, and first and second clamp ears connected respectively to two ends of the sleeve portion. The accessory has a connecting portion and an abutment portion. The fastening unit extends through the connecting portion and the first and second clamp ears along an axis. The fastening unit is operable to move the first clamp ear toward and away from the second clamp ear. The axis is oriented such that rotation of the accessory about the axis is prevented as a result of contact of the abutment portion with the inner tube and a top end of the inner tube.

Abstract: A method for reinstating a pole standing in ground comprising, abutting an inner surface of a sleeve against an outer surface of the pole so as to have a lower portion of the sleeve penetrating the ground and an upper portion of the sleeve projecting above the ground, and sliding a secondary member against an outer surface of the sleeve so that the secondary member locates against the sleeve and projects above the ground and into the ground, wherein the construction is such that the sleeve and secondary member located against the sleeve jointly form a bridging beam incorporating a box section reinforcement of the bridging beam. The formation of this box section substantially improves the strength of the bridging beam above what would be expected from the strength of the individual components.