Abstract: A method and system for controlling access to an enclosed area is described. One illustrative embodiment is an access card reader and controller that is powered via a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) interface. The access card reader and controller may include a plurality of operating modes, including a network mode in which the access card reader and controller relies on an external access control server to authenticate received card identifiers and a standalone mode in which the access card reader and controller authenticates card identifiers independently of the access control server based on information stored locally in the access card reader and controller. In this illustrative embodiment, the access card reader and controller may also include a local tamper detector configured to detect when the access card reader and controller is being tampered with.

Abstract: A security structure including: a first region that is at least partially reflective and of low opacity; a second region that is at least partially reflective and of higher opacity than the first region; and a layer of a coating presenting birefringence properties, covering the first and second regions, at least in part.

Abstract: Visually encoded data is captured along with one or more visual elements, the encoded data is decoded and one composite view is displayed that incorporates information related to the decoding data, such as a decode confirmation or decoded data, and the visual elements. The recognition and decoding process may additionally provide for transforming the captured visual elements to accommodate the allocated display area of small sized display, such as the display associated with a handheld image capturing device. The invention is thus suited for capturing encoded data and branding elements, such as company or product logos, and displaying the branding elements in unison with data related to the decoded information.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.

Abstract: There is provided a lens element configured so that optical characteristics thereof remain substantially stable over a range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: There is described a focusing apparatus having a deformable membrane that at least partially defines a cavity and an optical fluid disposed in the cavity. An actuator assembly can be provided for imparting a force to the deformable membrane. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly can include a piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprises a laser source adapted to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target, a detector adapted to receive light of varying intensities scattered from the target and convert the light into a signal, and a controller operatively associated with the detector for receiving the signal from the detector and decoding the signal. A focusing apparatus comprising a deformable lens element in optical communication with the laser source has a deformable surface, at least part of which transmits the beam. The deformable lens element defines an index of refraction difference with an index of refraction of an adjacently disposed substance. In one embodiment the index of refraction difference is greater than 0.30.

Abstract: A card reading device for vehicles having a base plate, a sliding plate part, and a spring part. The base plate has a vaulted groove, an opening surface located at one end, and an annular groove provided on the base surface of said vaulted groove, The sliding plate part is provided above the vaulted groove of the base plate, A bulging structure, contacts an inserted card and drives the sliding plate part in a direction vertical to the opening phase and facing away from the opening surface. A sliding part is provided on the side of the sliding plate part pointing toward the vaulted roof of the base plate. The sliding part slides in the direction parallel to the opening surface and is guided by the annular groove and restricted in the positioning thereof. The spring element and the base plate and the sliding plate part have contact with one another, and force is applied to the directed vertically to the opening surface. Fixing of the card and also easy removal are made possible.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly may be constructed and arranged for use in a transaction by an issuee of the transaction card assembly. The transaction card assembly may include a first layer including a sheet of material, a second layer including a sheet of material, and an adhesive foam material between the first and second layers that expands to fill a space between the first and second layers and to define, at least in part, a finished thickness for the transaction card assembly and bonds the first and second layers together. Indicia, such as information representing an account number, biometric data representing a feature of the issuee, etc., may be included with the assembly for use in a transaction.

Abstract: A chip card (1) comprises a chip card controller (3), a display (6), a timing device (12), and a display driver (5) operatively coupled to the chip card controller (3) and to the display (6). The display driver (5) is configured to drive the display (6). The chip card (1) comprises a timing device (12) that is configured to wake up at least parts of the chip card (1).

Abstract: Method of producing a device comprising at least two distinct components that are interconnected by interconnecting wires, and device thereby obtained. The invention relates to a method of producing a device having at least two distinct components which are interconnected on a substrate by at least one interconnecting wire. The method includes the following steps: creating the interconnecting wire by depositing individual wires on the substrate in a predefined interconnecting pattern, the wire comprising at least one terminal connection portion which is exposed on the substrate, bringing at least one contact of a component to face the terminal portion and connecting the contact to this terminal portion. The invention also relates to the device thereby obtained and to a multi-component product comprising same.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an RFID reader, an RFID tag, and a network connection module. The RFID reader includes a reader radio frequency (RF) bus transceiver. The network connection module includes a network connection RF bus transceiver, wherein the reader RF bus transceiver exchanges at least one of inbound RFID data and outbound RFID data with the network RF bus transceiver via an RF bus.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a housing, a tray, one or more articles and an account identifier. The tray is selectively maintained within and readily removable from the housing. The one or more articles are selectively maintained by the tray, and each of the one more articles are readily removable from the tray. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services. Other products, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frictionless, pressure balanced proportioning valve assembly, for low power electric operated thermostatic cartridge, composed of a housing with spaced apart hot and cold water inlets and intermediate mixed water outlet, flow communicated to a spool bore with a central widened portion; a spool, guided in the spool bore, by widened end portions, is carrying a central widened disk portion, separating the spool bore into two tubular inlet chambers; two diaphragm seals disposed at both ends of the spool and housing, pressure balancing the inlet chambers; a temperature sensor, exposed to the mixed water outlet pathway, generates a signal, readable by a control circuit; a drive unit energized by a low power electric motor, driving past gear train and eccentric shaft, a bendable connecting rod, axially displacing the spool. Axial displacement of the balanced friction-free spool, proportions flow from the hot and cold water inlets to the mixed water outlet.

Abstract: A temperature measuring method using a temperature probe in which a temperature-sensitive magnetic substance having an arbitrary Curie point is arranged in a portion to be measured. A magnetic field is generated from a magnetic field generation source disposed at a position away from the portion to be measured. A change of the magnetic flux vector of the magnetic field depending on the temperature of the temperature-sensitive magnetic substance is detected by a magnetic sensor to measure the temperature of the portion to be measured, thereby the temperature of the portion to be measured can be wirelessly measured from the position away from the portion to be measured and the reduction in size can be easy.

Abstract: An apparatus for commissioning and balancing a central heating system of the type having a boiler (7) for heating water and a pump (1) for pumping the water through a plurality of radiators (21) interconnected by pipes (22). The apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs of temperature probes (9, 10) with a first probe (19) of each pair mountable on a flow pipe (24) and a second probe (10) of each pair mountable on the return pipe (25) of a plurality of radiators (21). A control unit is provided for receiving and outputting temperature information from the temperature probes (9, 10). Means (31) is provided for transmitting the temperature information recorded by each probe (9, 10) to the control unit to allow an operator to monitor the temperature drop across each pair of temperature probes (9, 10).

Abstract: Fixed carriageway for rail vehicles, which is mounted on resilient elements, the concrete support panel including prefabricated panels and a layer of in-situ concrete applied thereon, wherein the prefabricated panels rest on the resilient elements and form a monolithic bond with the in-situ concrete.

Abstract: A mode shifting apparatus for a decoking tool, a decoking tool and method of operating same. The apparatus includes features to make it rotatably and translationally responsive to changes in pressure of a decoking fluid such that the apparatus is cooperative with the tool and the decoking fluid in a first operating condition to establish a drilling mode with one or more of the tool's drilling nozzles, and in a second operating condition to establish a cutting mode with one or more of the tool's cutting nozzles. In one form, the apparatus includes one or more sets of tandem seals disposed along a component interface within the apparatus or between the apparatus and the tool to help redundantly isolate seizure-sensitive components within the apparatus from the pressurized decoking fluid. In another form, the apparatus includes a gas spring to counteract the forces imposed by the pressurized decoking fluid. In another form, the apparatus includes a manual override connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for drilling a plurality of holes in a stretched substrate in at least two directions not in the same plane, including providing a substrate in a substrate holder, stretching the substrate in at least one direction to a stretched configuration, and drilling at least one hole in the substrate while in a stretched configuration. The present invention further provides methods and apparatus for drilling impinging jet nozzles in stretched or pre-stretched substrates.

Abstract: A fluid jet nozzle for a decoking tool, a decoking tool and method of operating same. The nozzle includes a nozzle assembly for use in a fluid jet decoking tool. The assembly includes a housing to hold one or more nozzles that are used to spray or otherwise distribute decoking fluid. An internal flowpath that extends from an inlet of the nozzle to an outlet of the nozzle defines a tapered shape such that when the decoking fluid passes through the nozzle, the flowpath produces a predominantly coherent flow pattern in the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for injecting a multiple-phase jet with a variable direction and/or opening, by the fluidic interaction between the multiple-phase jet and one or more actuation jets.

Abstract: The present invention details an LED water fountain comprising a globe coupled between a shaft and a nozzle. The bottom of the globe couples to the top of the shaft while the top of the globe couples to the bottom of the nozzle. An LED ring resides towards the bottom of the globe producing a beautiful color display. Preferably, the globe is translucent or has varying degrees of transparency so the LED ring creates a beautiful lighting effect utilizing multiple colors. The fountain further comprises a stand having a pump therein coupled to the bottom of the shaft. The pump propels water through the shaft, the globe, and out the nozzle to create a beautiful water display. The LED ring is remotely controlled to adjust brightness, select a specific color(s), and change transitions between colors.

Abstract: A drinking straw that has a filter member is provided. In one embodiment, an outer wall extends in a longitudinal direction and has an outer surface that is curved. A central axis is located at the radial center of the outer wall and extends in the longitudinal direction. The outer wall has a first end and an oppositely disposed second end in the longitudinal direction. The first and second ends are open to allow the flow of fluid longitudinally through the outer wall. A filter member is present and at least partially defines a channel. The central axis may extend through the channel.

Abstract: To provide a multi-layer piezoelectric element which is easy to be fabricated and which exhibits excellent durability, even when it is driven continuously for a long time under high electric field and high pressure. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprising a stacked body wherein a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of metal layers are stacked alternately one on another and it is driven by applying a voltage to adjacent and opposing metal layers, wherein an average grain size of the piezoelectric crystal grains in a region of the piezoelectric layer, in which region the piezoelectric layer is sandwiched between the adjacent and opposing internal electrode in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element having high durability of which amount of displacement is suppressed from varying even when operated continuously over a long period of time with a higher electric field under a high pressure is provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprising a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of piezoelectric material layers and a plurality of metal layers are stacked alternately one on another, wherein the plurality of metal layers comprises internal electrodes and low-rigidity metal layer that has rigidity lower than those of the piezoelectric material layer and the internal electrode, wherein the low-rigidity metal layer comprises a plurality of metal parts that are separated from each other, and wherein at least one of the metal parts is bonded with only one piezoelectric material layer among the two piezoelectric material layers that adjoin in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A variable range sprinkler apparatus includes a sprinkler portion, a bypass unit housing a plurality of valves, and a water inlet portion. The sprinkler portion of the apparatus, which may be a rotary sprinkler unit, is attached to the bypass unit, and the bypass unit is coupled to the water inlet portion. Inside the bypass unit is a plurality of valves, at least one of which is adjustable, that are designed to open a water passage in the bypass unit.

Abstract: A portable liquid-dispensing station includes a portable stand and a portable tank, each of which is capable of being carried by a single laborer. When assembled, the tank can sit on top of, and be supported by, the stand. A first opening formed at an upper portion of the tank can receive a liquid to be dispensed, and one or more openings formed in a lower portion of the tank allow the liquid in the tank to be dispensed through multiple dispensing valves. The dispensing valves are spaced around the outside of the tank, and operate independently to permit multiple users to draw liquid from the tank at the same time. A misting system can use a battery operated pump to draw liquid from the tank and pump the liquid to misters. A canopy can also be included to shade the tank, and the people using the portable station.

Abstract: A baton includes an elongate housing with a first compartment and a second compartment. A power source is located in the first compartment. An interchangeable operative component is located in the second compartment and may be removable/replaceable. The interchangeable operative component may be a training module, a light source, a laser generator, a sound generator, an incapacitation waveform generator, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A new spray gun comprising a body section equipped with a detachable container and hand pump for liquids. The device can be coupled with a detachable nozzle tip spray and/or an extension shaft equipped with a nozzle tip. The body section houses an additional socket for the nozzle or tip when not in use. The end part of the extension shaft, at the opposite end to the body section sealed inlet, is designed to house a coupling and locking device or attachment for a cleaning appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery device and a system for introducing the catalyst into the atomized coating composition. This invention is also directed to a system for producing a mixed composition comprising two or more components.

Abstract: A vortex-generating nozzle-end ring includes a body having an outer periphery and an aperture disposed through the body, the aperture defining an inner periphery of the body, the body being adaptable to the end of a nozzle, and at least one tab extending from the inner periphery radially inwardly toward the center of the aperture. In another embodiment, a nozzle includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis having an inlet and an outlet; a vortex-generating nozzle-end ring disposed on the outlet, including a body having an outer periphery and an aperture disposed through the body, the aperture defining an inner periphery of the body, the body being adaptable to the end of nozzle; and at least one tab extending from the inner periphery radially inwardly toward the center of the aperture.

Abstract: A compact body spray nozzle is disclosed that includes a spray face that can be tilted to suit the requirements of the bather. The spray face is coupled to a spray body housing that is tiltable about the exterior surface of an internal stem driver ball. The stem driver ball is also coupled to a ceramic disk valve, and flow to the spray face through the ceramic disk valve is controlled by rotating the stem driver ball. An internal key index can be used to select a range of flow from the ceramic disk valve.

Abstract: A shower plate and a water-saving shower using the same are disclosed. The shower plate provided in a head body of shower used to supply fluid along an inner path thereof, the shower plate includes a plurality of spray holes configured to spray the supplying fluid out, wherein a predetermined amount of the spray hole are direction changing spray holes comprising a direction changing parts projected inwardly there from. The water-saving shower includes a shower plate provided in a head body of a shower used to supply fluid along an inner path thereof, the shower plate comprising a plurality of spray holes configured to spray the supplying fluid out, wherein a predetermined amount of the spray hole are direction changing spray holes comprising a direction changing parts projected inwardly there from, and a filter provided in the head body to filter foreign substances contained in the supplying fluid before the supplying fluid reaches the shower plate.

Abstract: A metallic fuel system component includes an internal surface and an external surface. The metallic fuel system component is made by inducing compressive residual stress in only a portion of the internal surface of the metallic fuel system component by transmitting a laser shock wave through the metallic fuel system component from the external surface to the internal surface.

Abstract: A fluid spraying or nozzle system adapted for use with cold fluids, viscous fluids or fluids under light pressure includes a fluidic oscillator having a power nozzle and an oscillation chamber coupled to the power nozzle for issuing a jet of fluid into the oscillation chamber and an outlet aperture spraying a jet of fluid into ambient space. The oscillator's walls define an oscillation inducing interaction region causing the jet of fluid to rhythmically sweep back and forth between the sidewalls in the oscillation chamber. The oscillation inducing interaction region defines an outlet throat width which is adapted to work with the power nozzle's width and an a bell-shaped feed that spreads the fluid jet as it leaves the power nozzle, so that the interaction region and feedback channels are quickly filled with fluid at a low pressure and the fluidic oscillator is activated to generate a desired fan pattern of fluid spray.

Abstract: A dispense tip constructed and arranged to communicate with a material dispensing pump comprises an elongated neck and a molded base having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The neck extends from the first portion of the base. The second portion is constructed and arranged to abut an outlet surface of the pump. An outermost region of the second portion of the base includes a compressible fluid-tight surface that compliantly conforms to the outlet surface when the dispense tip is mounted to the pump.

Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for destroying memory devices like hard drives by compression and positive predetermined bending of the memory media inside the memory device. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed compression plates with one being movable toward the other by a linear motion force applying drive. An automatic stripper is provided to strip any memory device retained on one of the compression plates.

Abstract: A roller mill structure which achieves uniform distribution of fine particles passed through a rotary classifier to fine particle exits disposed at four points when conveying as pulverized coal milled in the roller mill on the air current is provided. A roller mill structure is configured to discharge pulverized coal obtained by milling a raw coal, which is loaded in a mill body (11), from fine particle exits (14) formed on the top of the mill body so as to be quartered in the circumferential direction to the outside by air current conveyance.

Abstract: A garbage disposal apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a shredding means 4 for shredding garbage put in through a drain opening Sa of a sink S and a connecting member 3, a transverse conveying means 5 for conveying the garbage shredded by the shredding means 4 in a transverse direction, a dehydrating means 6 into which the shredded garbage conveyed through the transverse conveying means 5 is introduced and that is for dehydrating the shredded garbage while conveying the shredded garbage upward, a drying means 7 into which the shredded garbage discharged through the dehydrating means 6 is supplied via a chute 9 and that is for drying the shredded garbage while rotating, and a garbage receptacle B disposed under the drying means 7 so as to be able to be pulled out, and the shredded garbage dried and reduced in volume by the drying means 7 drops from the rotating drying means 7 and is collected in the garbage receptacle.

Abstract: A grinder includes an improved mechanism for adjusting the coarseness of the grind by providing a grind selector knob centrally located at the top of a cap. In some versions of the invention, the mill includes a base with a cavity for collecting the salt, spice, or pepper that is ground so that it can be measured within the base before dispensing. Ideally, the collector base includes an inclined floor and measurement indicators to enable the grinding and measuring of a desired volume of spice.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for reclamation of molding sand by which the quality of the reclaimed molding sand is enhanced. The apparatus for reclamation of molding sand comprises a part for feeding the molding sand 1, which part has a sand falling port at its bottom, a rotary drum 2 disposed below the part for feeding the molding sand 1 and being rotatable horizontally, a motor driving means 4 for rotating the rotary drum 2 by an electric motor 3, a roller 5 disposed in the rotary drum 2 and spaced apart therefrom, and a cylinder 6 connected to the roller 5 that presses the roller 5 toward the rotary drum 2.

Abstract: A novel tissue package and tissue dispenser is disclosed, where the tissue package is a tissue roll of height and width, where the tissue roll is taller than it is wide, and a tissue dispenser comprised of a dispenser housing with a central core and an exterior, where the central core is compatibly sized to receive the tissue roll and where the exterior is comprised of a decorative format. The tissue roll and the tissue dispenser of the present invention allow for variations in the distance between a first tissue and the top of the tissue roll while maintaining an integral connection between the first tissue and the tissue roll for providing the sequential propagation of successive tissues from the dispenser housing.

Abstract: A winder, including a support member having a wall portion and a spindle; and a housing rotatably mounted onto said spindle, said housing having a drive portion for receiving a cord that controls the rotation of said housing for extending and retracting a blind; wherein said housing is selectively moveable along the spindle between an open position and a closed position, such that when the housing is placed in the open position, the drive portion is exposed for receiving said cord, and when the housing is placed in the closed position, the wall portion covers at least a part of the drive portion to resist disengagement of the entire cord from the drive portion.

Abstract: A seat belt pretension with improved piston sealing performance. A piston has an expanding section formed at one end thereof contacting a force transmission component. When gas pressure resulting from reactive gas generated by a gas generator causes the piston to exert a pressing force on the force transmission component in the event of an emergency, the expanding section expands toward the inner circumferential surface of a pipe due to the gas pressure. As a result, the outer circumferential surface of the expanding section in the piston comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the pipe in a more efficient manner, resulting in enhanced sealing between the piston and the inner circumferential surface of the pipe. This prevents reactive gas from losing gas pressure, thereby allowing the gas pressure to more efficiently act on the piston.

Abstract: A seatbelt apparatus is provided which can constrain a passenger by ensuring removal of a slack of a lap belt when two pretensioners are activated under two different time frames. A pretensioner of a seatbelt retractor is activated first, and a shoulder belt and a lap belt are pulled in a direction toward the seatbelt retractor. Subsequently, a pretensioner of a belt anchor portion is activated and pulls a seatbelt toward the belt anchor portion, and hence a one-way tongue catches and locks the seatbelt. Accordingly, the shoulder belt is prevented from moving toward the lap belt through the tongue. Therefore, removal of the slack of the lap belt is ensured, and hence a lumber of the passenger is firmly fixed.

Abstract: A specially design missile system use for hindering the centrifugal forces inside vortexes commonly known as tornados. The missile system composed of a typical modified vehicle with a design platform. The platform is design of the insides of a platform that contains liquid and compressed gas. A command and control module and a projectile missile system complement above the platform. When a super cell appears and probable starting of tornado activity commences the Thermal Energy Radiance Expander system is send over to the targeted area. As the initial start of the tornado commences the vehicle and whole system is sent to the target area. The missile is then loaded with the gaseous element turn live and launch on to the target. The missile control through the command module explodes intentionally at the side of the vortex. The aim of the system is to break and hinder further activity of the vortex hence terminating tornado.

Abstract: A canard includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured for the coupling of radial forces to a fuselage of an air vehicle, and the first section is coupled to the second section via a hinge somewhere along the radial extent of the canard. An edge of the first section near the hinge provides a load support for the air vehicle within a launch canister.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of taxiing an aircraft having at least one nose undercarriage at the front of the aircraft and main undercarriages, each undercarriage having wheels, the method comprising the steps of: fitting at least one of the wheels carried by the nose undercarriage with a main taxiing motor member, and fitting at least one of the wheels carried by the main undercarriages with an auxiliary taxiing motor member; and in response to a taxiing order, powering the main taxiing motor member to cause the aircraft to taxi, and in particular if the driving force developed by the main taxiing motor member on the aircraft is insufficient, powering the auxiliary taxiing motor member, as required.

Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface configured to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners attaching this strip to the aforementioned structure. According to the disclosed embodiments, with this structure including holes configured to accept the fastenings for the strip, at least some these fastenings comprise an attachment element that attaches the lightning to this structure. This attachment element is configured to be inserted in the hole with its upper part substantially flush with the external surface of the structure, this attachment element being in electrical contact with the electrically conducting strip. The electrically conducting strip is configured to be positioned on the opposite side of the structure to the external surface and electrically earthed.