Abstract: Multilayer structures including a porous layer and a non-porous layer are useful as buttresses when associated with a surgical stapling apparatus.

Abstract: A circular stapler for performing hemorrhoidal operations is disclosed. The circular stapler includes an anvil, a stapler head and a shaft which movably supports the anvil in relation to the stapler head between open and closed positions. The stapler includes at least one displacing member, each of which is arbitrarily and/or independently displaceable along the shaft. Each of the at least one displacing members has a first end configured to engage a pursestring suture and a second end which extends through the body, e.g., the neck of the stapler. The displacing member is arbitrarily displaceable along the shaft. In one embodiment, two independently displaceable displacing members are provided. In another embodiment, the at least one displacing member is at least partially embedded in the shaft.

Abstract: A board printing system is provided with a printing apparatus for printing solder paste on each board, a printing inspection apparatus for inspecting a printed state of solder paste on each board, a transfer device for transferring each board in a forward direction from an unloading portion of the printing apparatus to a loading portion of the printing inspection apparatus, a reversible feed holding device configured to be able to hold a failure board which was taken out from the loading portion of the printing inspection apparatus as a result of being judged by the printing inspection apparatus to be rejected, after feeding the failure board in a reverse direction and then, to load the failure board to the loading portion of the printing inspection apparatus by feeding the failure board in the forward direction, and a selection device for enabling the transfer device and the reversible feed holding device to be used selectively.

Abstract: A method of forming wafer level bump includes forming at least one pre-bump on a first surface of a wafer, and performing a bump reflow process to the pre-bump while the first surface faces downward, such that a bump is formed.

Abstract: A device for mounting an array of solder balls to a plurality of substrates of integrated circuits, comprising: a first plate for receiving a first substrate in a loading position; said first plate adapted to translate laterally from a substrate loading position to a flux receiving position; said first plate further adapted to rotate 180° from the substrate loading position to a such that the first plate is in a solder ball receiving position, and; mounting solder halls to the first plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for enabling the efficient fabrication of wedge-bonding of integrated circuit systems and electronic systems.

Abstract: A combination of food stuff and a removable wrapper provides a containment system for the confectionary item. The confectionary item is disposed on a holder formed partially into said confectionary item to permit the user to hold the confectionary item during consumption. A resealable wrapper encapsulates the confectionary item. A resealing member is removably adhered to the resealable wrapper; the resealing member having adhesive on a first side facing the resealable wrapper to define an overlapping area permitting the resealing member to be selectively removed from the resealable wrapper and replaced onto the resealable wrapper to retain the wrapper around the confectionary item or to provide a collectible item that may be removed and restuck onto another surface. A flag member is interposed between the resealing member and the resealable wrapper. The flag member projects away from the overlapping area.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel that includes a paper core made of at least one panel consisting of first and second facing sheets, made of paper, that sandwich a paper honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure preferably includes a plurality of cells that extend from the first facing sheet to the second facing sheet. The panel also includes an outer shell that surrounds the core, wherein the outer shell is made of a material of low gas permeability and is sealed to form a substantially airtight container around the core. In preferred embodiments, an interior of said outer shell has been evacuated to a pressure of between approximately 1-10 Torr, resulting in an insulating panel that has an R-value of approximately 3.

Abstract: Box constructions suitable for packaging, storing and transporting small objects including flat rectangular objects of any size such as books, CD's, DVD's, and the like. The box construction has an outer member which surrounds an inner member. An object is packaged by attaching an object onto a surface of the inner member; positioning the inner member on the outer member; folding panel of the outer member around the object on the inner member; and attaching the panels of the outer member thus enclosing the object within the box construction.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least partially separating at least two container portions includes first and second container portions. At least one tear line extends at least partially between the first and second portions and at least partially defines the first portion. The first portion is at least partially separable from the second portion along the tear line(s). At least one releasable adhesive spot at least partially holds the first portion down prior to the at least partial separation of the first portion from the second portion.

Abstract: A parcel box for receiving and keeping parcels in a theftproof manner has a box having a drawer which can be pulled out and pushed in, and a prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of parcel. The prevention mechanism has a placing portion on which the parcel is placed, a blocking mechanism that blocks pulling out of the drawer from the box when parcel is placed on the placing portion, and an unblocking mechanism that unblocks the parcel box drawer. The placing portion has two platforms, each having a first end and a second end situated opposite each other. The two platforms are facing each other or are placed in adjacent relation to each other, with the ends of the platforms directed to opposite sides. Each platform is pivotable about a pivot axle fixed in the drawer.

Abstract: A ballot box assembly includes a secure location for storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal. The assembly includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removeably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber. An input device is provided for authenticating a voting session.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to document processing, and more particularly to systems and methods that can utilize relative positions between the content of the document and a decodable indicia affixed to the document. In one embodiment, indicia reading terminals are provided that include an imaging module for capturing a frame of image data of a document. The document can include one or more decodable indicia such as a form barcode and various content fields, which delineate particular content of the document. The form barcode can include information respecting the form design and form design data. This information can be used to process the content of the document such as by providing coordinates or similar location and positioning metrics for use in processing the content of the document.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a vehicle cover having a plurality of photovoltaic cells, an inverter, a vehicle battery connector, a plug, and a switch assembly configured to operatively couple the inverter selectively to one of the vehicle battery connector and the plug based, at least in part, on a charge level of the battery. Another apparatus may include a receptacle configured to receive a plug having an identification tag; an identification tag reader to obtain, from the identification tag, identification data associated with a customer of a power company providing a power distribution system; and a controller to receive the identification data and provide the identification data to an account server associated with the power company. A method may include receiving a plug including an identification tag, reading identification data, contacting an account server, and providing the identification data to the account server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switchgear cabinet or rack comprising a mounting unit, the front of which has vertical mounting profiles that laterally delimit an installation space for installed user-side units, said profiles having fixing sections for attaching mounting sections of the installed units, and comprising components of a detection device for determining the presence of an installed unit in an installation position of the installation space. he components of the detection device have a vertical detector strip that is attached to a mounting profile and contains detector elements associated with the installed positions and arranged on or in said strip and code carriers that are provided on the installed units, the information from said carriers being transmitted for evaluation via the detector elements to a monitoring and control unit, either wirelessly or by wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switchgear cabinet or rack comprising a mounting unit, the front of which has vertical mounting profiles that laterally delimit an installation frame for installed user-side units, the front of said profiles being provided with flat fixing sections for attaching laterally projecting mounting sections of the installed units, and comprising components of a detection device for determining the presence of an installed unit in an installation position of the installation frame. The components of the detection device have a vertical detector strip that is attached to a mounting section and contains detector elements and code carriers that are provided on the installed units.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is operative to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader. A user is enabled to perform at least one banking operation responsive to account indicia read from the card. Such banking operations may include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. While a user operates the system to dispense cash or perform other banking operations, the system may further permit at least one portable wireless device to wirelessly access the system to conduct transactions.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks.

Abstract: A charging processing unit calculates a pre-charged amount of money based on print conditions and charges the calculated pre-charged amount of money to a card through a card reader. A job control unit starts a print job to print until a penultimate page, when pre-charging is finished. Further, when an accumulated amount of money is specified by generating image data of the final page and the accumulated amount of money is smaller than the pre-charged amount of money, the printing is stopped before the final page is printed. The charging processing unit causes an UI control unit to display a message requesting to place the card again. When the card is placed in response to the message and pieces of the card information matches each other, a refunding process is carried out. The job control unit restarts printing the final page after a refunding process.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is communicatively coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computer's networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a user's portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computer's networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network. The verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computer's display, or may display the value to the user using the computer's display.

Abstract: Systems and methods of distributing, dispensing and validating game tickets provide for the use of radio frequency identifiers (RFIDS). Game ticket consumables may also be tracked with RFIDS. Ticket data such as game numbers, void if removed numbers, theme descriptions, place styles, price points and player account information can be stored to a memory of a game ticket, where the ticket is capable of transmitting the ticket data as an RF signal. Approaches also provide for the use of RFIDS in game sponsor/ticket printer facilities, ticket warehouse facilities and ticket destruction facilities.

Abstract: A product that has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped comprises at least one metallic part with at least one narrow edge. The product further comprises an electronic tag having an antenna positioned substantially perpendicular to a narrow edge of said at least one metallic part. A paper label is positioned on at least one of the following sides of the product: (i) a side opposite to a side of the product bearing said electronic tag, and (ii) a side of the product adjacent to a side of the product bearing said electronic tag on one of its small sides.

Abstract: A ballistic nomograph for determining a firing solution for small arms fire includes a first member and a second member. Alignment of first indicia on the first member with the first indicia on the second member aligns the value of a range to a target with a first environmental condition to align a first adjustment value with an indicator positioned on the first member to provide a firing solution adjustment to a user. A method of determining a firing solution for a small arm by manually manipulating a ballistic nomograph includes determining environmental conditions and aligning the value of a range to a target with a value of environmental condition. The method also includes visually identifying a firing solution adjustment value that corresponds to the particular combination of the range to the target and environmental condition, and making a firing solution adjustment based on the firing solution adjustment value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-dimensional array code. The two-dimensional array code comprises a plurality of code characters arranged into a two-dimensional array, wherein each of the code characters corresponds to a bit group representing information; and a locating mechanism, for defining size and/or direction of the two-dimensional array arranged by the code characters, wherein each of the code characters belongs to one of a plurality of character groups, characters in each of the character groups have at least a identical or similar feature, and characters belong to a same character group are mapped to a same bit group. According to the present invention, at least one of the plurality of character groups comprises two or more code characters. The present invention greatly reduces the cost for issuing a two-dimensional code, and significantly increases the user convenience. This two-dimensional array code has high compatibility for user mobile terminals.

Abstract: A housing is mounted on a counter on which a basket for containing a commodity to be purchased is placed and is disposed at a position where it confronts an operator. A read window confronting a read area of a code symbol attached to a commodity is disposed on the front of the housing, and an image pickup section including a CCD area sensor having, as an image pickup area, a read area of the code symbol is incorporated at the back of the read window. An LED light source irradiates illuminating light for illuminating the code symbol, which is necessary for the area CCD sensor to take an image of the code symbol. The LED light source has an optical axis nonparallel to a read optical axis of the area image pickup device and guides the illuminating light to the read area from a position above the area image pickup device.

Abstract: A system for reading graphical codes includes a graphical code reader. The graphical code reader includes an imaging engine and illumination control circuitry. The imaging engine includes a light source. The system also includes an illumination block that is removably connected to the graphical code reader. The illumination block includes a supplemental light source. The illumination control circuitry is configured to activate the light source of the imaging engine and the supplemental light source.

Abstract: This invention provides an approach of disposing waste for marking different products of waste sources with different color classification iconic codes at the time of production. The color classification iconic code contains at least one specific color used to indicate the category of the product, and this specific color has the maximum distribution area in the color classification iconic code or occupies the entire color classification iconic code. Various containers used to contain different wastes are marked with the corresponding colors that indicate product categories in the color classification iconic codes. With the approach of disposing waste in this invention, even the children at 3-5 years old and illiterates can classify the waste and discard it into the matched trash can according to the color classification iconic code. In this way, the same type of waste can be collected together conveniently for recycling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an image engine constructed as an IC structure that has one or more active regions for illuminating, imaging, and decoding a decodable indicia. In one embodiment of the image engine, the IC structure can comprise an imaging region, an aiming region, and an illumination region, all disposed on a single, contiguous substrate. The resultant constructed embodiment can fit within a form factor, wherein the form factor is less than about 500 mm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security document (10) having a carrier substrate (1) and at least one first film element (2) which is fixed to the carrier substrate (1) and shows a first optically variable effect generated by a diffractive first relief structure, wherein the security document (10) furthermore has at least one first printing ink layer (5) which is applied in a region-wise fashion onto the at least one first film element, and at least one second film element (3), and to a method for the production, of the security document (10).

Abstract: An RFID tag includes an RFID chip, at least one sensor chip stacked on the RFID chip and interfaced with the RFID chip through a bump interface, and a filter layer stacked on the sensor chip to filter a sensing source introduced into the sensor chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible packaging arrangement for use with security devices. The flexible packaging may include an packet or sleeve in which a plurality of overlapping perforations or cuts may be used to break or render the security device inoperable after repeated bends or application of force to the flexible package to thereby protect the privacy of the consumer and to prevent inadvertent triggering of an alarm system after a legitimate purchase of the device.

Abstract: A device for deactivating an RFID portion on an identification tag and indicating that the RFID portion is deactivated. The present invention addresses current privacy concerns regarding potential use of RFID technology after the point of sale. The device for deactivating the RFID portion of an identification tag provides visual indication that the RFID portion is deactivated. The visual indication occurs without the use of additional equipment or electronics. The visual indication component of the present invention is easy to interpret, so that a viewer will be able to quickly determine whether the RFID portion of the identification tag has been deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for tempering the temperature of a liquid in a fluid conducting system. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention relates to tempering the temperature of water supplied to a fixture from a water heater in a fluid conducting system. The system can include a heater for heating the fluid and a diffuser for slowing the rate at which water provided to a decontamination fixture is heated.

Abstract: An indoor unit includes: a casing formed with a suction port and a blow-out port; a plurality of fans provided in parallel in the casing; a heat exchanger provided on the downstream side of the fans and on the upstream side of the blow-out port; a horizontal wind direction control vane provided at the blow-out port to control the horizontal direction of an airflow blown out from the blow-out port; a vertical wind direction control vane provided at the blow-out port to control the vertical direction of the airflow blown out from the blow-out port; and an infrared ray human detection sensor configured to detect the position of a person present in a room, and air volumes, the orientation of the horizontal wind direction control vane, and the orientation of the vertical wind direction control vane of the fans are each controlled according to results of detection by the infrared ray sensor.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, control apparatus for a HVAC system provides personalized comfort control. It can adjust local conditions in different rooms within a building in order to maximize the perceived comfort of individual occupants. The control apparatus locates individuals within a building. For each individual, it senses temperature, humidity and other parameters at the individual's location, calculates a comfort metric indicative of the user's comfort, and can control the flow of chilled or heated air to the individual's location in order to adjust local conditions to maximize the individual's comfort.

Abstract: A method for controlling an appliance includes detecting a fault state of the appliance, determining that the fault state is associated with a monitoring sensor of the appliance, and changing an operational mode of a system of the appliance associated with the monitoring sensor to a time-based operational mode.

Abstract: A secondary heating-system-controller (10) for use in conjunction with a primary heating-system-controller (26) of a heating system, comprises interruption means (18, 20) for periodically temperature-independently deactivating and reactivating the heating system during an activation period of the heating system determined by the primary heating-system-controller (26). A method is also provided having the step of temperature-independently deactivating and reactivating the heating system a plurality of times using the interruption means (18, 20) during a standard activation period of the heating system.

Abstract: A process heater system (10) for an industrial envelope (11) comprises a main combustion chamber (20), an afterburner (30), and an exhaust stack (40). Retrofitted heat-recovery piping (50) receives combustion gas downstream of the afterburner (30) and uses it as a heat source for the industrial envelope. When the industrial load in the main combustion chamber (20) is paint, powder coating, varnish, epoxy, grease and/or oil, the secondary materials burned in the afterburner 30 can be considered alternative fuel, not solid wastes.

Abstract: A leveling joint between connected ends of two rails of different profiles is provided with a connector/juncture bar members which is configured to fit with and engage corresponding surfaces formed on the rails when the rails are connected together. The leveling joint so formed is one with increased strength, with ease and accuracy of alignment during assembly. The leveling joint is formed of several structural members, yet functions as and affords the strength and stability of a solid, unitary assembly.

Abstract: A joint between connected ends of two rails of different height is provided with a connector/juncture bar member which is configured to fit with and engage corresponding surfaces formed on the rails when the rails are connected together. The joint so formed is one with increased strength, with ease and accuracy of alignment during assembly.

Abstract: A leveling joint between connected ends of two rails of different height is provided with a connector/juncture bar member which is configured to fit with and engage corresponding surfaces formed on the rails when the rails are connected together. The leveling joint so formed is one with increased strength, with ease and accuracy of alignment during assembly. The leveling joint is formed of several structural members, yet functions as and affords the strength and stability of a solid, unitary assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for fastening a rail in place and a rail fastener which, while being simple to install, allow a large measure of freedom in the production of the components required and at the same time have great practical utility. To this end a system according to the invention for fastening a rail to a fixed bottom support comprises: a base plate produced from a plastics material, an intermediate layer which is arranged between the base plate and the fixed bottom support, a carrier plate which is arranged between the intermediate layer and the bottom support, a resilient member to hold down the rail which is to be fastened in place, a clamping bolt to brace the resilient member against the base plate, and a fastening member for fastening the base plate to the fixed bottom support.

Abstract: A rail seat includes a concrete rail tie; a pair of rail clip support shoulders cast in place in said rail tie each said shoulder having a rail face between its external sides; a pair of shoulder insulators each shaped to lie against the rail face of the rail shoulder; a pair of rail clips each having a base section adapted to seat within the rail clip support shoulder and a toe section adapted to seat on the rail base.

Abstract: A spray nozzle includes a nozzle body, the body having an inner wall and an outer wall, a first opening, a second opening, wherein the diameter of the second opening is less than the diameter of the first opening, wherein the first and second openings have threaded portions, a spray opening, the spray opening at an end of the second opening, and an inner vane, wherein the inner vane comprises threads corresponding to the threads of the second opening, a vane face, a vane protrusion, the protrusion being perpendicular to the face, wherein the face and the protrusion are on opposite sides of the vane, vane grooves emanating outwardly from the center of the vane face, wherein the vane grooves extend down a side of the vane at substantially a 45 degree angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to working equipment, particularly for heat treatment, pickling, or the like, implementing high pressure liquid jets at cryogenic temperatures including a rotary or swinging tool (4) comprising one or more nozzles (11) for dispensing high pressure liquid jets at cryogenic temperatures, and a motor (21) for rotating or swinging the tool (4). The motor (21) is connected to the tool (4) via a rotary transmission shaft (22) and a transmission gearbox (23) containing an internal transmission mechanism, typically with sprockets (24) or belts. The equipment further comprises means (28) for feeding dry gas, such as nitrogen or dry air, in communication with the inside of the transmission gearbox (23) designed for and capable of feeding the inside or said transmission gearbox (23) with dry gas. Said injection of gas into the transmission gearbox (23) prevents the contamination of the inside of the transmission gearbox with atmospheric impurities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for actuating a plurality of actuators (15) that can move a mobile panel of an aircraft nacelle. Said system comprises at least two motors (16) that can drive the actuators (15), the two motors (16) being controlled and supplied by at least two separate control units (33, 35), and the actuators (15) being mechanically interconnected by a mechanical transmission (37). The invention also relates to a nacelle comprising such an actuating system.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine having an elongated body with a fuel inlet end and a fuel discharge end. The injector body includes an outwardly extending plate attached at a position between its ends and this plate includes at least one radially outwardly extending tab so that the cross-sectional shape of the plate is noncircular. A fuel cup receives the fuel inlet end of the fuel injector and includes a radially inwardly extending ledge at a mid position of the cavity. This ledge includes a through bore complementary in shape to the shape of the plate so that, with the fuel injector and plate aligned at a predetermined angular assembly position, the plate passes through the ledge upon insertion of the fuel injector into the cavity. Thereafter, rotation of the fuel injector and attached plate to a locking position positions the tabs above the ledge thus locking the fuel injector to the fuel cup.

Abstract: A fuel injector with an anti-rotation clip for use in conjunction with a twist lock fuel injector inserted into a receiving fuel cup. The clip includes at least one connector leg which extends at least partially over the electrical connector for the fuel injector and locks the clip against rotation relative to the fuel injector electrical connector. A protrusion on a fuel cup arm engages a notch formed in the fuel cup to lock the arm against rotation relative to the fuel cup.

Abstract: An anti-pirate system to prevent boarding of a vessel includes a number of spray devices (2) each with at least one nozzle (3) configured, upon activation, to spray out a liquid (4) which is supplied to the respective spray device (2) via a liquid-bearing arrangement. The spray devices (2) are configured to be disposed along at least one side (5) of the vessel and to be so disposed on the vessel that the respective nozzles of the spray device (2) are disposed in a position situated outside the vessel's side (5) or rail (6), so that spraying of liquid (4) out from each nozzle (3) results in the liquid (4) being sprayed from it in a direction which substantially follows the vessel's side (5).

Abstract: A dispenser for mixing and dispensing a liquid chemical concentrate with a dilutent from a container. The dispenser includes two slideable eductors one of which is also rotatable. Both a high and low flow rate can be obtained with simultaneous adjustment of concentration of the chemical concentrate. The dispenser has a high degree of accuracy of the amount of dilution of the chemical concentrate as well as positive positioning of the high and low flow rate.