Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a device identification detection code output block configured to output a device identification detection code to an outside of the semiconductor device when the semiconductor device enters an identification (ID) read mode, a code comparison block configured to compare a device selection code applied from the outside with the device identification detection code when the semiconductor device enters a device selection mode, and generate a device matching signal based on a comparison result, and an internal circuit block configured to decide whether to perform a predetermined internal operation based on the device matching signal when the semiconductor device enters an operation control mode.

Abstract: A method of providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The substrate chas a graphic image and coded data indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The method includes the steps of: (i) receiving interaction data indicative of the region identity and a position of a sensing device relative to the image; (ii) identifying and retrieving a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the region identity; (iii) generating a query expression including search terms; (iv) forming a request using the query expression; and sending the request to the user. At least one of the search terms is associated, in the page description, with a zone of the graphic image containing the position of the sensing device.

Abstract: A RFID label that has no wrinkle formed therein when the RFID label is unwound and fed from a roll or when printing is executed thereon by a label printer, and a manufacturing method therefor: The RFID label includes an adhesive paper sheet including a label base material and a first adhesive layer, an RFID inlet formed by disposing an IC and an antenna on one or both sides of a base material. The RFID inlet has a smaller area than that of the adhesive paper sheet. A second adhesive layer is disposed on a side of the RFID inlet that is opposite to that of the adhesive paper sheet, and a separator laminated therein. A gap line across the total thickness of the RFID label differs depending on the disposition of constituent members of the inlet. One or a plurality of cuts, each penetrating the separator, are each formed at a position at which the cut extends over the gap line or each cut is in the vicinity of the gap line.

Abstract: A smart-card chip arrangement comprises: a smart-card chip (148); an organic semiconductor layer (166, 168, 170, 172) disposed on a surface of the chip, and at least one transistor (150, 152, 154, 156) formed in the organic semiconductor layer. The at least one transistor is configured so as to enable an invasive attack on the chip to be detected.

Abstract: When a conventional sensor or tag is sandwiched by a plurality of metal planes, the condition is deteriorated and the sensitivity is lowered. Provided is multiplane imaging system using MISEMAS (Multi-Image Effect and Separation Method for Magnetic Sensor and Tag) in which the sensitivity is not lowered, but rather enhanced, and it is possible to separate and select each of the tags without causing interference with adjacent sensor coils SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4 or tags R1, R2, R3, R4, thereby enabling an effective use of a current on the metal surface and a magnetic path.

Abstract: A nonconductive, organic stabilization layer deposited on an RFID IC provides a consistent and predictable mounting distance between the RFID IC and its antenna layer or a strap, thereby ensuring a consistent and predictable mounting capacitance between circuits of the RFID IC and an antenna formed on the inlay or the strap. Openings in the stabilization layer enable electrical connection between the antenna pads of the RFID IC and the terminals of the inlay antenna or strap contacts through bumps formed on the antenna pads, through a conductive redistribution layer formed on the stabilization layer (when the inlay or strap is attached to the RFID IC by means of an anisotropic conductive layer), or through a capacitive connection to the inlay antenna or strap (when the inlay or strap is attached to the RFID IC by means of a nonconductive layer).

Abstract: The invention concerns a transponder (10), kit and method for marking wood material, such as logs. The transponder comprises a rigid casing adapted to be inserted into the wood material by means of impact, the casing comprising a wedge-shaped first edge (12) adapted to penetrate into the wood material due to said impact, and a second edge (16) opposite to the first edge, the first and second edges (12, 16) defining an insertion direction of the transponder, and radio-frequency trans-ponding means (20) covered by the casing. According to the invention, the casing is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The transponder is easily applicable into a log and stays well within the log.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card including a digital display arranged in a core defining the central portion of the card. The card further comprises a plastic layer the major portion of which is opaque, and a transparent display portion. In a preferred variant, the plastic layer is covered with a transparent film attached thereto by a thin glue layer defining an adhesion interface. More particularly, the invention relates to an intermediate product intervening in a batch manufacture of such cards, wherein the intermediate product is formed by an opaque plastic sheet having a plurality of apertures defining windows for a respective plurality of corresponding electronic displays, and wherein a plurality of transparent parts are respectively arranged in the plurality of apertures and assembled to the opaque plastic sheet. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such an intermediate product.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, a communication interface, and an EIR device, all communicatively coupled to a system bus. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to reading an encoded message by the EIR device, to produce a decoded message string by decoding the encoded message. The EIR terminal can be further configured to produce an output string by formatting the decoded message string according to one or more formatting commands. The formatting can comprise excluding from the output string a symbol of a specified encoding type according to a Discard Data formatting command.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to storing a secure application directory within a contactless smart card. The contactless smart card include secure memory area for storing software applications and may include a default application directory for listing the software applications stored within the contactless smart card to an external card reader. A second application directory is stored with an access key and a listing of a second set of software applications within the same contactless smart card. The second application directory includes improved application directory entries, where each application directory entry includes an application identifier, a starting memory block byte value, and a size byte value for each of the second set of software applications.

Abstract: Advanced loyalty applications are provided to improve the functionality of cards and devices. For example, a user interface may be placed on a card (e.g., a physical button) or a telephonic device (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen). Manual input provided to this user interface may, for example, cause a non-merchant product (e.g., insurance) to be purchased with a merchant purchase. The product can be paid for with debit, credit, gift card balance, or points. A code indicative of a user's desire to purchase the product may be communicated to a payment card reader (e.g., to a magnetic stripe reader via a magnetic stripe communications device). A display may be provided next to a button to allow a user to scroll, or toggle by pressing the button repeatedly, through different products (which may be merchant or non-merchant products).

Abstract: A digital image file includes an image portion including a first digital image, an information portion including a second digital image of a digital code encoding information associated with or derived from the first digital image. When rendered visible the second digital image is a machine-readable optical code.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors including a connection to at least one call relay wire. The thermostat may also include a powering circuit, including a rechargeable battery, which is configured to provide electrical power to the thermostat by power stealing from a selected call relay wire. The power stealing may include an active power stealing mode, in which power is taken from the same selected call relay wire that is used to call for an HVAC function, and an inactive power stealing mode in which, in which no active call is being made. The powering circuit may be configured to substantially suspend (or at least reduce the level of) power stealing for at least a first time period following each transition of the thermostat from between operating states.

Abstract: In order to extend the functionalities of a range hood, the range hood is provided with an oxygen sensor measuring the oxygen content in the ambient air. Alternatively or additionally, the range hood can be provided with a climate control device that regulates the air climate and/or room climate around the range hood and by which information about the climate below as well as around the range hood can be obtained and used or supplied for further processing.

Abstract: The invention is an elevated rail system and reaction assembly. Features of the elevated rail system include pivot points between the track and vertical supports elevating the rail system, eccentric bolt and washer assemblies that allow precise vertical and horizontal adjustment of the vertical supports and threaded bolts that allow precise micro-adjustment of height of the track above the concrete foundations.

Abstract: Comprises a vessel (1) that houses the active liquid substance to be diffused, such as a fragrance, insecticide or other, through a breathable membrane (2) that closes the vessel (1) and comprises a porous part (3) placed near and parallel to the breathable membrane (2) in order to prevent the deformation of the membrane (2) when a vacuum is generated as the vessel (1) is emptied. The porous part (3) has a number of openings (4) through which passes the liquid to ensure its contact with the membrane (2) at all times for a homogenous evaporation and it occupies part of the volume of the vessel (1), absorbing the active substances, the non-volatile substances remaining in said porous part (3) after the vessel (1) has no more volatile components.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion device comprises a substrate having an outer section and an inner section, said inner section of the substrate having an aperture, a dispersion element positioned at said aperture of said substrate, and an actuator arranged to coaxially surround said aperture of said substrate, wherein the outer edge of said inner section of said substrate is coupled to said outer section of said substrate by a plurality of resilient members.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle spray head washer fluid delivery system which utilizes both a wide spray pattern nozzle and a narrow spray pattern nozzle to provide selective adjustment of the spray pattern delivered to the surface of the windshield. A control system incorporates either or both of an autonomous selection of spray pattern and driver selection of spray pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for forming a droplet aerosol for vaporization and subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate. The apparatus includes a mechanism to control the rate of liquid flow through the apparatus, the mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator to adjust the rate of liquid flow and an atomizing mechanism drawing gas from a compressed gas source such that when the gas source conjoins with the liquid, the liquid is atomized to form droplets suspended in the gas thereby forming a droplet aerosol suitable for subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate. The method includes drawing a gas from a compressed gas source and drawing a liquid from a liquid source. The liquid and gas are conjoined in either a coaxial flow relationship or a radial flow relationship or an angular relationship between radial and coaxial flow wherein the gas engages the liquid to form droplets suitable for vaporization and subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter has first and second inlets through which liquid enters the emitter from an irrigation pipe, an outlet through which liquid exits the emitter, and a first flexible diaphragm portion seated on the second inlet and serving as a valve. Liquid at a pressure in the pipe that is below a predetermined level enters the emitter via the first inlet and travels along a first flow restricting path before exiting via the outlet and liquid at a pressure in the pipe that is above the predetermined level biases the first flexible diaphragm portion so that liquid can enter the emitter via the second inlet and travels along a second flow restricting path before exiting via the outlet.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter includes a disc shaped body having a pressure reducing labyrinth between a water inlet area and an outlet hole, and a pressure regulating diaphragm changing flow through the outlet hole in response to water pressure fluctuations in the water conduit where the emitter is mounted. The water filtering inlet of the emitter is located entirely at the sides of the disc shaped body.

Abstract: A shower head has a nozzle, a shell, a water inlet, and an assembly for holding the nozzle. The assembly has an upper plate made of a first plastic material and has a first opening having a first diameter through which the nozzle extends, a lower plate made of a second plastic material and has a second opening through which the nozzle extends, and an elastomeric middle plate has a third opening having a third diameter that is smaller than the first or second diameter through which the nozzle extends and is in contact therewith. The first material and the second material are ultrasonically welded together to trap the middle plate therebetween and the first opening, the second opening and the third opening are roughly coaxial with each other.

Abstract: A ground-driven spreader device featuring a frame with two wheels each enaged in a portion of a split axle; a hopper disposed atop the frame; a belt drive disposed on the frame with a cleated belt, the belt drive is operatively connected to the first axle of the first wheel wherein the belt drive causes the cleated belt to rotate causing material having fallen from the hopper to be propelled forwardly; a pair of spinner heads disposed in the frame; and a spinner head drive disposed on the frame, the spinner head drive is operatively connected to the second axle of the second wheel, the spinner head drive functions to cause the pair of spinner heads to propel material from the device.

Abstract: A material spreader is adapted to dispense granular material from a vehicle. The material spreader includes a feed chute having a discharge opening and a discharge disc assembly disposed below the feed chute. The discharge disc assembly includes a spinner disc adapted to receive granular material from the feed chute, a shroud disposed in at least partial covering relation to the spinner disc, and a rotational drive operatively connected to the spinner disc such that the spinner disc is rotatable within the shroud about a rotational axis. The shroud includes a pass-through opening disposed in substantially aligned relation with the discharge opening of the feed chute at a position radially removed from the central rotational axis. The discharge disc assembly is rotatably mounted in pivoting relation about a pivot axis extending through the pass-through opening and the discharge opening of the feed chute.

Abstract: A high voltage is applied between an emitter electrode in an atomizing barrel and an opposed electrode supported to the atomizing barrel to electrostatically atomize a liquid supplied to the emitter electrode into a mist of charged minute particles. A silencer duct is attached to the front end of the atomizing barrel for reducing noises developed when generating the mist of the charged minute particles. Accordingly, the silencer duct can absorb the noises developed around the emitter electrode and the opposed electrode at immediately downstream thereof for effectively reducing the noises.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting an inner layer (e.g., an inner gypsum layer) from a multi-layered construction panel (e.g., gypsum board, plaster board, drywall, etc.) and utilizing the extracted layer to construct a recycled construction panel is presented. In particular, the present invention comprises an extraction assembly structured to cut or otherwise remove the outer, paper layers from the construction panel, leaving the inner, gypsum layer. The inner layer is then fed into a crashing assembly structured to break the layer into a plurality of pieces. The plurality of pieces are transported or fed into a milling assembly where a smaller or powdery substance is obtained. From that substance, a new construction panel (or inner, gypsum layer) can be constructed.

Abstract: Described and claimed is a method, in which the state of a mill, which consists of a stator and a rotor and is driven by an alternating current motor, is derived from the rotational speed of the mill work. The rotational speed is measured with the aid of a rotating component connected to the mill work in a torque-proof way, especially with a Hall sensor, which co-operates with a permanent magnet fastened to said component. The determined speeds—normal for a normal operation of the mill and zero or very low in the event a blockage of the mill work—are put in relation to the idling rotational speed, which is also determined and is put in relation to the mains frequency. The determined rotational speeds are stored, and can be displayed. When there is a blockage, an alarm can be sounded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shredder including a detector having a first contact member on one side of the shredder's throat and a second contact member on the other side. The contact members extend into the throat and are independently moveable relative to one another to enable insertion of an article into the throat. The article can move the contact members relative to one another by a combined amount. The shredder may prevent its motor from driving its cutter elements if it determines that the combined amount of independent relative movement correlates to a thickness that is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum thickness. In an embodiment, the contact members may include binary switches. The contact members aid in controlling and/or reducing flutter and wrinkles when articles are fed into the shredder.

Abstract: Load cells are placed in the pre-compression systems of spring suspended rollers in coal/ore crusher/classifiers to produce electrical signals representing actual forces generated in the suspension system during crusher operation. This permits forces to be closely monitored during operation and/or automatically adjusted. Alternatively or in addition, alarm signals can be generated when pressures go out of tolerance.

Abstract: A refiner (1, 18, 19) for refining fibrous material has at least one first refining surface (11) and at least one second refining surface (4), which are arranged at least partly substantially opposite to one another in such a manner that a refiner chamber (12) is formed between them, to which the material to be defibrated is arranged to be fed. The first refining surface or the second refining surface has openings formed through them and through which fibrous material to be refined can be fed into the refiner chamber or through which refined fibrous material can be removed from the refiner chamber. In addition, a method for refining fibrous material, a refining surface of a refiner and a blade segment for a refiner.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for managing drip tape. A vehicle is configured to move across a field. A drip tape collection system is associated with the vehicle configured to raise a portion of the drip tape from the ground in a field. A chopper is configured to separate the portion of the drip tape received from the drip tape collection system into a plurality of pieces and enable the plurality of pieces to decompose.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing polycrystalline silicon having a pair of rolls which are rotated in a counter direction each other around parallel axes, the rolls is provided with: a plurality of disks layered along the axes of the rolls; and a plurality of fracturing teeth protruding radially-outwardly from the disks with a certain intervals along a peripheral direction of the disks, wherein the disks are rotated at different rotation speed from an adjacent disks, and the apparatus fracturing fragments of polycrystalline silicon between the rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of dispensing a product rolled around an element such as a tube (50), such product defining a structure such as a cylinder, and such system comprising in particular: a frame, a means of support and connection of the roll in the frame. It is claimed for the invention that the tube (50) includes an electrically conductive element (50c) designed to operate in conjunction with an element of the frame so as together to form an electric circuit element.

Abstract: Paper towel dispenser apparatus and method wherein one or more targets are connected to a rotatable toweling support roller. A sensor senses capacitance changes caused by the rotating roller and the one or more targets and sends signals to a controller to control rotation of the roller.

Abstract: A two-roll toilet paper dispenser automatically transfers a new roll into dispensing position once the previous roll is spent or nearly spent. A spring-loaded plate senses the decreasing diameter of the first roll, and once it reaches a predetermined minimum, actuates a linkage that permits a mandrel carrying the two rolls to drop down within the dispenser body and position the second roll for dispensing. The mandrel and track structure permits reloading the dispenser without removing the mandrel. The rolls of toilet paper have adapter plugs in one end only, to ensure that the rolls are placed in the correct orientation within the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attenuating noise and vibration in a propeller aircraft comprises a tuned vibration absorber adapted to be mounted to the skin of a fuselage of a propeller aircraft. The tuned vibration absorber may be tuned to the second harmonic of a blade passage frequency of a propeller of the aircraft. The tuned vibration absorber may be connectable to a separately formed mount, which can be mounted to the fuselage skin independently of the tuned vibration absorber. The apparatus may include a cover to prevent interference between the tuned vibration absorber and other components in the aircraft. The apparatus may be used in combination with other attenuation systems to attenuate noise and vibration over a broad range of frequencies.

Abstract: A ducted fan air-vehicle capable of generating control moments. The ducted fan air-vehicle includes an air duct, a fan, a center body, a plurality of control vanes. The vanes are independently controlled and are deflected in the same direction but at different angles, thereby providing an increased control moments to the vehicle compared to the prior art. The increased pitching moment allows for additional control authority. Additional control authority is useful in forward flight and is especially desirable when the ducted fan air-vehicle is maneuvering in unsteady or turbulent winds or with various types of cargo that may effect the vehicle center of gravity location.

Abstract: A roadable aircraft may be registered and driven as a motorcycle on the roadways, does not require that any parts be “left behind” at the airport when configuring to roadable use and does not require removing portions of the aircraft and towing them behind. A foldable and collapsible wing comprises a number of wing ribs, which are hinged to a main forward spar. To fold for road usage, the wing ribs fold about a hinge fitting to collapse against the wing spar. To maintain tension on the wing skin (to prevent flutter) tensioning bladder(s) may be used to keep the fabric taut. Once retracted and folded, the wings align with tail booms to form a compact and aerodynamic package. The ductless fan may be provided with a center-mounted extraction fan ducted to inlets along the fuselage to draw low energy air in toward the fuselage and thus prevent boundary layer separation.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a spool along an engine centerline axis which drives a gear train.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a spool along an engine centerline axis which drives a gear train, said spool includes a low stage count low pressure turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a platform, a battery system, a power generation system, a number of charging stations, and a controller. The platform is configured to house a number of unmanned aerial vehicles. The power generation system is connected to the battery system. The power generation system is configured to generate electrical energy from an environment in which the platform is located, and store the electrical energy in the battery system. The number of charging stations is connected to the battery system. The controller is connected to the battery system and is configured to receive sensor data from the number of unmanned aerial vehicles, generate information from the sensor data, and send the information to a remote location.

Abstract: A UAV attachment assembly, used with a UAV launch assembly comprising a frame and a launch driver, comprises a base, a UAV support, a biasing element, a coupler, and a retainer. The base is operably coupled to the launch driver. The UAV support is mounted to the base and is placeable in vertically collapsed and vertically extended orientations. The biasing element biases the UAV support towards the collapsed orientation. The coupler releasably couples the UAV support to a UAV when the UAV support is in the extended orientation, the UAV support being free of the UAV when in the collapsed orientation. The retainer maintains the UAV support in the vertically extended orientation prior to launch and releases the UAV support at launch so that the biasing element can cause the UAV support to move towards the collapsed orientation and to disengage from the UAV.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a movement of a control surface comprises a first linkage system, a second linkage system, and an actuator system. The first linkage system is connected to a first location of a control surface. The second linkage system is connected to a second location of the control surface. The first location is closer to a leading edge of the control surface than the second location. The actuator system is configured to move the first linkage system and the second linkage system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the orientation of a fundamental panel vibration mode shape of a structure, such as a skin panel of a fuselage of an aircraft, relative to the direction of a turbulent boundary layer flow over the fuselage, and in a manner to achieve a level of noise reduction within the fuselage. The fuselage is constructed either through orientating stringers and/or frame members, or by using stiffening members placed diagonally between the stringers and frame members, in a manner that produces a fundamental panel vibration mode shape that extends at an angle of between about 30°-45° relative to the direction of the turbulent boundary layer flow over the fuselage. Aligning the fundamental panel vibration mode shape at an angle of between about 30°-45° relative to the direction of the turbulent boundary layer flow results in a reduction of the vibration response of the skin panel, and thus a reduction in the noise level within the fuselage.

Abstract: An aircraft door closing device, and an aircraft incorporating such a device. The door includes a leaf and, connected to the aircraft fuselage, a frame including an opening configured to take the leaf, the leaf adopting a closed position to block the opening and another position to reveal the opening. The device includes a bearing mechanism, some on the leaf and some on the frame, each formed by a crenelated structure, two crenelated structures being arranged such that the teeth of one pass through notches of the other as the leaf moves from one position to the other, and such that the teeth of the leaf structure bear, in the closed position, on the inside face of the corresponding teeth of the frame structure.

Abstract: A panel assembly for an aircraft comprises a panel rotatably connected to a support structure and moveable between a first position and a second position. The panel has an aerodynamic surface with a slot at one edge thereof which receives a portion of the support structure when the panel is in the first position. The assembly further comprises a resilient seal member which occupies the slot when the panel is in the second position. The panel may be an aircraft flight control surface, or an aircraft landing gear bay door.

Abstract: A shock wave in a gas is modified by emitting energy to form an extended path in the gas; heating gas along the path to form a volume of heated gas expanding outwardly from the path; and directing a path. The volume of heated gas passes through the shock wave and modifies the shock wave. This eliminates or reduces a pressure difference between gas on opposite sides of the shock wave. Electromagnetic, microwaves and/or electric discharge can be used to heat the gas along the path. This application has uses in reducing the drag on a body passing through the gas, noise reduction, controlling amount of gas into a propulsion system, and steering a body through the gas. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises an airframe, an electric propulsion system, a number of battery pods, and an engagement system. The number of battery pods has a physical connector system. The engagement system is attached to the airframe and is capable of engaging the physical connector system to connect the number of battery pods to the airframe.

Abstract: A satellite system for observing space objects includes two or more satellites positioned in an Earth orbit and configured to observe objects in various orbits including those viewed (i) against the Earth's background; (ii) against a sunlit Earth background; and (iii) against a space background. An electromagnetic sensor may be provided on at least one of the satellites that is responsive to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that discriminates against substantial reflection of electromagnetic radiation from the Earth's atmosphere to observe the space object. A method of observing a space object using a satellite system is also disclosed.