Abstract: A composite substrate manufacturing method including the steps of grinding a sapphire substrate to uniform the thickness of the sapphire substrate, next forming an optical device layer on the front side of the sapphire substrate, next bonding the front side of a heat sink substrate through a bonding metal layer to the front side of the optical device layer formed on the front side of the sapphire substrate to thereby form a composite substrate, next grinding the back side of the heat sink substrate of the composite substrate to uniform the thickness of the composite substrate, and finally grinding the back side of the sapphire substrate of the composite substrate to reduce the thickness of the sapphire substrate to a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A method of bonding includes providing a first work piece, and attaching a second work piece on the first work piece, with a solder bump disposed between the first and the second work pieces. The second work piece is heated using a heating head of a heating tool to melt the solder bump. After the step of heating the second work piece, one of the first and the second work pieces is allowed to move freely in a horizontal direction to self-align the first and the second work pieces. After the step of allowing one of the first and the second work pieces to move, a temperature of the heating head is lowed until the first solder bump solidifies to form a second solder bump.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a component with a substrate by means of diffusion soldering in a closed evacuated chamber, wherein the component and the substrate to be connected are displaceable separate from one another in the chamber, and the chamber comprises a combined transfer and pressing unit being displaceable between a current position of the component and a current position of the substrate, for placing and pressing the component on the substrate, and the combined transfer and pressing unit comprises a rotatable element, which, in response to the placing and pressing of the component on the substrate, assumes an angle between the normal of a lower side of the component to be connected and a pressing direction of the component, the angle corresponding to an angle between the normal of a surface area of the substrate to be connected and the pressing direction of the component.

Abstract: A method for fine positioning a component through the use of fusible elements having two or more melting points so as to establish intermediate displacements between totally melted fusible elements and unmelted fusible elements. Because of the use of non-eutectic fusible materials, fine adjustments in the displacement may be achieved.

Abstract: A folder system with an accordion spine 16, and a method of making same is disclosed. The folder may have a plurality of insert elements 52, 60 either at manufacture or by a stub system which are bound into the spine at the valleys 32 of the web which forms the spine. The web is made of outer zig-zag web 40, with the inner web 42, 44, 46 joining adjacent insert elements and the outer web, to create a strong spine of web and inserts.

Abstract: A combination greeting card and gift container includes a gift container portion having a plurality of panels, in which at least one panel forms an oblique surface with respect to the remainder of the panels. The gift container preferably includes an integral device for securing a greeting card positioned on a first panel of the gift container. There may also be included an integral greeting card cover formed from a second panel of the gift container.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that time correlate input at a point of entry of consumer data of least two identifications for products, prescriptions, vouchers, or codes, uses positive correlation determinations for triggering output of predetermined information. The time correlation of identifications may be used to build a time correlation database, and thereafter use that database for targeted communications. Related inventions include an intelligent Y cable or the like to filter data transmitted from a scanner at a point of entry of consumer data, and a novel POS CS configured to receive bar codes that would otherwise cause the POS CS to enter an error condition.

Abstract: System, device and methods that provide proximate environmental and security intelligence to a guard making a security tour or round in an installation, as well as that provide for certifying that the guard has visited designated and known checkpoints on or about the times at which the guard is expected at those checkpoints.

Abstract: Method and system for processing image returns. Embodiments of the invention provide for automating data flow and reporting processes connected with administrate image returns to a financial institution with multiple image processing sites. A computer-implemented method of processing a cash letter file identifying returned items includes obtaining an identifier for a processing site for each item identified in the cash letter file. A separate report corresponding to each processing site as indicated by the identifier is assembled. The report lists each returned item for the processing site. Each separate report is forwarded to each processing site to enable the processing site to re-process just the returned items specific to the processing site. Provision is also made for automatically updated stored ledger information based on a cash letter settlement table.

Abstract: A system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read card data from user cards including identifying data, and authorizes operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. The automated banking machine is operative to generate a check in response to inputs from a user of the banking machine. The banking machine is operative to present the check to a user of the automated banking machine. The banking machine may be operative to present an interface or other method for a user to sign the check. The banking account corresponding to the user of the banking machine is charged an amount corresponding to the value of the check. In exchange for the check being presented at the same banking machine that generated the check, the banking machine is operative to provide the user with cash dispensed from the automated banking machine.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for facilitating risk assessment for point of sale transactions utilizing at least one risk triggering value (RTV) stored within a distributed (e.g., local and/or regional) processing site. An RTV is a condensed version of a set of complex risk data and strategies usually found in central processing sites. The distributed site, after receiving a request for payment authorization, a risk value is calculated for the request. The distributed processing site compares the risk value to the RTV to determine whether to authorize payment. If the risk value is less than or equal to the RTV, the payment is authorized while a risk value greater than the RTV will not be authorized. After one or more authorizations, the distributed processing site forwards the information from the transaction(s) to the central site, wherein the central site calculates a new RTV for the account and distributes the new RTV to the distributed processing site.

Abstract: A banking system operates to allocate funds in accounts in response to data bearing records in the form of paper financial checks. A mobile phone has a camera and a programmable memory. The memory stores phone user data, including a bank account number and an electronic signature. The camera can be used to capture an image of a paper check which has the phone user as the payee. The phone can wirelessly transmit the account number, the electronic signature, and the check image to a bank deposit system. The system can store the check image and the electronic signature in correlated relation in a deposit transaction record. The system can cause the phone user's bank account to be credited a cash value corresponding to the check value. Confirmation of the check deposit can be transmitted to the user's phone.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for efficiently authenticating a document (e.g. a credit card) having a magnetic stripe are provided. The magnetic field at different points of the magnetic stripe are measured, e.g., by a checkout scanner to create a magnetic signature. Digital samples of the measurements may be transformed into coefficients of continuous basis functions, e.g., a Fourier transform. These coefficients are then compared to reference values (e.g. corresponding coefficients) to produce a measure of the authenticity of the document. The number of coefficients used can advantageously be smaller than the number of digital samples without compromising accuracy, thus using less bandwidth between a scanner and an authentication entity.

Abstract: A payment approval system and a method for approving a payment for credit cards are provided for providing efficient processing while maintaining accuracy in detection of fraud usage of credit cards with an IC chip. Fraud parameters obtained by modeling a pattern of fraud usage is stored in the IC chip equipped in the IC credit card to use for payment approval to achieve improved reliability of offline approval. When offline approval process finds a possibility of fraud usage, online approval for more detailed statistical analysis processing is requested to a host computer. When update information of the fraud parameter used for the judgment is transmitted together with the request for approval and the newest fraud parameter created by analyzing the newest transaction trend etc.

Abstract: A payment card comprises a display to support card-not-present transactions where no card reader is available to automate the transaction, and an account number retrieval method for dynamic, one-time use virtual account numbers whose use can assist authorities in rapid fraud and location detection. The account number generator is able to produce a sequence of virtual account numbers over its life that are predictable by the issuing bank and useful in authenticating transactions. A server for the issuing bank logs the merchant locations associated with each use or attempted use, and provides real-time detection of fraudulent attempts to use a virtual account number outside the predicted set. Fraud identification efforts can then be directed in a timely and useful way.

Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and by obtaining transaction data concerning at least one transaction that occurs at the transaction area. The system correlates the video data associated with the transaction area to the transaction data to identify specific video data captured during occurrence of that at least one transaction at the transaction area. Based a transaction classification indicated by the transaction data, the system processes the video data to identify appropriate visual indicators within the video data that correspond to the transaction classification.

Abstract: A system by which a central hub and transport means, listing means, matching engine, and operating method will capture overstock and understock information from participating retailer or distributor nodes and create congruent matches, with subsequent shipments of one to the other to improve the inventory of both nodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns.

Abstract: A hand-operated document processor includes a base including a perforated bed for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. The base defines a chamber under the perforated bed. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A document positioning and retentioning device connected to the base includes a manually-powered anti-skew device for creating a vacuum. The created vacuum is provided to the chamber under the perforated bed such that the vacuum, acting through the perforations, securely holds the document during the scanning operation.

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

Abstract: A document including a two-dimensional barcode recorded therein is scanned, the two-dimensional barcode of the scan image is decoded, a text recorded in the document is extracted, the extracted text or a document produced by a document editing unit is attached to an e-mail, and the e-mail is transmitted. The text attached to the e-mail can be viewed at the side of a receiver. Since the document can be edited using at least one of the position, the size, the color and the arrangement of the text, readability of the text can be improved. Accordingly, it is possible to search the received text to easily find a desired document at the side of the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data.

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 method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: A smart card includes a first integrated circuit (IC) chip and a second IC chip. The first IC chip receives a read signal from an external read device, and is responsive to the read signal to output a data signal to the external read device based on information data stored in a memory. The second IC chip receives the read signal from the external read device, and is responsive to the read signal to output an anti-skimming signal. The anti-skimming signal interferes with the data signal when both the first and second IC chips are in a read zone of the read device.

Abstract: A smart card system having: a smart card including a security logic circuit to detect an external attack; and a reader communicating with the smart card. The security logic circuit detects the external attack by measuring the external input capacitance through an input/output pad of the smart card and comparing the external input capacitance to the input capacitance of the reader. This improves the security of the smart card system.

Abstract: Provided are a tag antenna for wireless identification and a wireless identification system including the tag antenna. The tag antenna includes: a substrate formed of a first dielectric; a conductive ground layer formed underneath the substrate; an AMC layer formed on the substrate; and a wireless identification chip adhered onto the AMC layer.

Abstract: A method generates and evaluates a fiducial pattern for an imaging system. The method includes generating a fiducial pattern for an image substrate, and measuring a difference between a structure of the fiducial pattern and at least one of a structure of a printing system and a structure of a measurement pattern to determine whether the structure of the fiducial pattern is distinguishable from at least one of the structure of the printing system and the structure of the measurement pattern.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric element is provided which has excellent durability even if it is continuously driven for a long period of time under high temperature and high humidity. The multilayer piezoelectric element has a laminated body that a plurality of piezoelectric layers are laminated through an internal electrode interposed therebetween, in which the internal electrode, a dummy electrode spaced apart and electrically insulated from the internal electrode, and an insulating part between the dummy electrode and the internal electrode are arranged between two adjacent piezoelectric layers. A porous part having a larger number of voids than the internal electrode is formed at positions opposed in the laminating direction to the internal electrode, the dummy electrode and the insulating part through the piezoelectric layer interposed therebetween, respectively.

Abstract: An air spray gun is used to blow dry a painted surface of cold baked coating, wherein an air-taking ring in a shape of an annular air chamber is formed after screwing a front tube with a rear tube in the air spray gun, and a gap size of the air-taking ring can be changed by rotating the front tube, to control air blow rate as required. Through a position-limiting slot formed at the front tube, and a position-limiting element assembled at the rear tube, when the gap size of the air-taking ring is adjusted, the rotation of the front tube is properly restricted. In addition, by screwing the front tube with the rear tube, functions of disassembling and cleaning can be achieved.

Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting fuel into a gasifier includes a mating end including a nozzle portion and a first flange fixedly coupled to the mating end and having a first receiving hole there through and including a first diaphragm disposed therein. The injector also includes a fuel transmission nozzle displaced at least partially within the mating end and passing through the first receiving hole arranged and configured such that a secondary oxygen channel exists between the fuel transmission nozzle and the mating end, the fuel transmission nozzle being fixedly coupled to the first diaphragm and further including a fuel inlet for receiving fuel for introduction into the gasifier.

Abstract: A rotary spray nozzle for spray guns comprises a metallic outer housing and a plastic assembling element wherein the metallic outer housing has a hollow chamber disposed at one side to accommodate the plastic assembling element therein, a water-emitting port disposed at the other side to fluidly connect to the hollow chamber, and a ringed water-blocking seat protruding between the hollow chamber and the water-emitting port. The plastic assembling element, formed a hollow extending there-through, is molded similarly to the hollow chamber and equipped with an internal-threaded portion therein to secure to an external-threaded section defining a water-outlet cylinder of a gun body. The plastic assembling element also has a reverse-stop ring extending at the middle section to restrict the position of a sealing ring mounted to the water-outlet cylinder thereof, achieving anti-leaking and anti-loosing benefits as well as simplifying the structure and manufacturing process of the present invention thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for fluid handling relating to controlling and directing the water streams from spray devices utilizing multiple liquid streams to produce an effluent that enhances a user's perception of spray performance. In the disclosed embodiments, a cavity acts as a mixing chamber for multiple fluid jets that enter the cavity at various locations, angles and flow rates. By positioning these inlet ports in the upper portion of the cavity, and with the ability to precisely direct and meter the fluid flow, the spray device may achieve a multitude of flow patterns from an outlet.

Abstract: In relation to injectors used for internal-combustion engines, it is important to decrease valve closing delay time and also the minimum injection quantity, while these are affected by remanent magnetism in the fixed core, surface tension of the fuel, etc. With reference to a fuel injection valve with a pipe-shaped member to enclose a fixed core and a movable part and further with coils and yokes to cover up the above pipe-shaped member, the anchor to drive the movable member has a plurality of through holes for fuel passage extending in the axial direction, while these through holes are arranged at a certain intervals in the circumferential direction, and projections formed to constitute a contacting surface to touch the fixed core arranged randomly in between the through holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for dehusking grains, in particular for removing the spelts and/or the seed coat and the germ bud of grains and/or of malted grains and its processing in the brewing industry. The outer layers/shells are removed from cleaned and malted distiller's grains in a husking machine.

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

Abstract: A grinding machine having a mounting arrangement and an anvil. The grinding machine generally including a feed table and a grinding drum positioned within a mill box. The mounting arrangement being configured to support an end of the feed table and the anvil. The anvil including a wedge-shaped portion and having a length. The length of the anvil being configured to extend beyond sides of the mill box.

Abstract: Blending methods for adding and uniformly mixing a small fraction of relatively small particles (additives) to a bulk particulate powder of larger size than the additives. In particular, the present invention provides blending methods for adding and uniformly mixing a small percentage of flow/fluidization additives into fine powders, especially fine paint powders. The fine powder and additives are first pre-mixed for macro-scale homogeneity and then further mixed at a micro-scale (such as with a screen mixing process) for micro-scale homogeneity. With these methods, optimum dispersions and maximum functionalities of additives can be obtained and the disadvantages caused by severe agglomerates of additives can be avoided.

Abstract: A meat mincing and mixing machine with a dual mode operation has a tilting mixing vat with inner rotating mixing blade fixed to a longitudinal horizontal axis, a unit for actuating the tilting mixing vat, a support and fixation device for supporting the axle detachably together with the mixing blades for cleaning and maintenance, a mincing body supporting the vat, separated by a sliding track door, and provided with a mincing spindle located inside the mincing body with a horizontal axis and a longitudinal direction, parallel to the longitudinal horizontal axle of the mixing blades and aligned against a front exit mouth, a protective casing covering the front exit mouth and rotating about a lower axle, a unit for actuating the mincing spindle, a folding screen provided at the rear of the vat and protecting against splattering, and actuation controls.

Abstract: A distributor plate (10) is shown for use in an impelling rotor of a vertical shaft impactor (14). Typically the impelling rotor is a chamber (12) arranged to rotate about a vertical axis A-A. Feed materials for breakage are gravity-fed into the rotating chamber (12). These materials strike the rotating distributor plate (10) which is located at the base of the rotor chamber (12). The plate has a substantially planar single-piece upper surface (24) onto which the feed materials are received. This substantially flat surface (24) facilitates rapid and easy expulsion of feed materials there across and out of the rotor chamber (12). The plate shown is a circular disc made of metal carbide. Use of a single-piece upper surface of the distributor plate (10) also will not result in the development of preferential wear sites at corners, edges, join lines etc, as can happen with the known distributor plates.

Abstract: A film packing device includes an axle tube having two opposing ends connected with a first handle and a second handle respectively. The axle tube is composed of a plurality of sleeves which are connected in series. Each sleeve has one end formed with a connecting block and an opposing end formed with a connecting trough for insertion of the connecting block of an adjacent one of the sleeves. The length of the axle tube of the film packing device is adjustable by adjusting the number of the sleeves to correspond to the width of a roll of film which doesn't have a reel therein for packing with ease.

Abstract: It is presented a note transport unit for feeding notes one after the other to and from a note handling unit. The note transport unit comprises at least one note storage drum to and from which input notes and output notes, respectively, are transported. A bidirectional roller is arranged to transport notes along a first guide surface towards and from the at least one note storage drum. Moreover, first and second films are provided, between which films notes are stored on the at least one note storage drum. Several converging areas are used for the capturing of both input notes and output notes when notes are transferred between the note handling unit and the at least one note storage drum. It is also presented a method for bidirectional transfer of notes to and from the note transport unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a propulsion system, which may be implemented in an air-vehicle, such as a ducted-fan organic air-vehicle. The propulsion system comprises (a) a power source, (b) a fan located within a duct and powered by the power source, (c) a plurality of vanes arranged in an x-clocked configuration and configured to produce control moments from the flow generated by the fan. The maximum control moments, which can be created by the vanes in the x-clocked configuration, are substantially oriented along the flight axes of the air-vehicle or the principle axis of the maximum moment of inertia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isostatic suspension for mounting a turbojet engine on a pylon of an aircraft, the turbojet engine comprising a front fan, an intermediate casing downstream of the fan with an outer shell and a hub interconnected by radial arms, and an exhaust casing with an outer shell on the same axis XX, the suspension comprising a front attachment on the intermediate casing, a rear attachment with at least two rear attachment links connected to the outer shell of the exhaust casing, a pair of thrust bars being fixed at their upstream ends to the hub of the intermediate casing. It is characterized in that the plane formed by the two links of the rear attachment is inclined with respect to the plane of the exhaust casing.

Abstract: A lateral force joint, with which a plate-like spar can be fastened to a fuselage strap mounted on an airplane fuselage. The plate-like spar has a through bore, into which a fastening cylinder mounted on the flange can be inserted for connecting both components. In order to allow for the location of the spar to be adjusted with respect to the fuselage strap, a bearing bush of the spar is eccentrically fitted into the through bore. Correspondingly, the fastening cylinder of the fuselage strap is mounted eccentrically on a bearing bush so that a rotation of the bearing bushes allows the lateral force joint to be adjusted.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises a first screw shaft, a first nut cooperating with the first screw shaft such that rotation of the first screw shaft causes the first nut to translate thereon, a second screw shaft, a second nut cooperating with the second screw shaft such that rotation of the second screw shaft causes the second nut to translate thereon, and first and second linkages connecting the first and second nuts, respectively, to an output member, rotation of the first and second screw shafts to cause translation of the first and second nuts towards one another causing extending movement of the output member and rotation of the first and second screw shafts to cause translation of the first and second nuts away from one another causing retracting movement of the output member.

Abstract: An auxiliary actuator (49) comprises a two stage telescopic hydraulic unit comprising first (59, 63) and second (56, 50) stage piston and cylinder actuators operating coaxially within an outer casing (50). A respective actuator is connected to a respective one of the strut (1) and bogie beam (4). The second stage actuator (56, 60) serves to control the tilt position of the bogie beam (4) relative to the strut (1). The second stage actuator (56. 60), when in the retracted position with the first stage actuator (59, 63) in the extended position, limits the length ol the auxiliary actuator (9) between its connections (62,67) to the strut (1) and bogie beam (4), so as to assume a predetermined intermediate length in which the bogie beam (4) is restrained to tilt about the auxiliary pivot (14) and thereby lengthens the landing gear during take-off.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage element includes an outer shell and an inner shell that is disposed with clearance relative to the outer shell. An intermediate space between the outer shell and the inner shell is connectable to an air source. A ventilation aperture that is formed in the aircraft fuselage element and connectable to the air source is provided with a semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane is permeable to air flow in both directions and permeable to water in a flow direction into the intermediate space from outside the outer shell or the inner shell.

Abstract: A reinforced inflatable wing improves the tolerance of the OML and reinforces the wing in at least the high load areas. This approach provides fitment constrained air vehicles with wings having increased surface area to improve flight endurance or aerodynamic control. A wing box forms a first portion of the wing. A skin having a plurality of rigid plates affixed thereto is inflated to form a second portion of the wing to either increase the chord length or lengthen the wing span. The skin is suitably inflated with foam to form a solid wing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for joining composite members and other structural members in aircraft wings and other structures. An aircraft wing box structure configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first composite member having a first surface portion positioned at an angle relative to a second surface portion of a second composite member. The wing box structure of this embodiment further includes at least one metallic joining member having an upstanding leg portion extending from a base portion. The base portion of the joining member is bonded to the first surface portion of the first composite member with a first portion of adhesive, and the upstanding leg portion of the metallic joining member is bonded to the second surface portion of the second composite member with a second portion of adhesive.