Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of unique markers in the identification and tracking of objects. The present invention provides large numbers of unique markings for application to items as part of a marking system. The present invention provides a new approach to laboratory analysis and a means of rapid in-field identification of goods using a hand-held scanner. It provides data that can be used as a means of product tracking, identification of counterfeit product and to prove ownership of stolen goods.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus and associated methods useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range passive radio frequency transceiver that when interrogated by a reader at the point-of-sale, issues a reply including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the information stored on the mobile device is further configured to receive transaction data wirelessly in return.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for reading magnetic stripe and/or chip cards, in particular bank cards, EC cards and/or credit cards. The device (10) comprises a display unit (14) and a touch module (16) arranged in front of this display unit for determining a position of a touch of a display area. Further, the device (10) has a security module (18) for controlling the display unit (14) and the touch module (16). The security module (18) transmits first data for displaying a keypad for entry of a PIN to the display unit (14). In response to a touch of the display area, the touch module (16) generates second data with information about the position of the touch, encrypts these data and transmits the encrypted data to the security module (18).

Abstract: An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records corresponding to authorized user or financial account data. The machine includes a card reader for reading data from user cards. The automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to included devices to avoid exceeding power supply capacity.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is part of a banking system that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. A card account's status is listed in a data store as either blocked or unblocked for use in approving transactions on the account. A requested transaction on an account cannot be carried out by the machine unless the account has an unblocked status. Read card data is sent from the machine to a remote card security computer which can determine the card account status from the data store. If the account is unblocked, then the machine can continue with the requested transaction and seek transaction approval from a transaction host computer associated with the machine.

Abstract: A barcoded indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded indicator including a first barcode including a first plurality of barcode bars and at least a first colorable area, at least a second barcode including a second plurality of barcode bars and at least a second colorable area, and at least one interposed line extending between the first barcode and the second barcode, the interposed line being capable of preventing a barcode reader from reading parts of the first barcode and of the second barcode as part of a single barcode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a favourable moment for triggering the firing of a weapon on a moving target. According to said method, firing commands and expected impact points (P1-P3) of a projectile and the target (2) are calculated with the aid of an algorithm, without actually triggering a firing burst. The target (2) is selected, the algorithm is activated and hypothetical data is determined. The process is aided by a graphical display (4) of the data. In the preferred embodiments, additional information is taken into account and/or is visualised for a user (5).

Abstract: A reconfigurable radio-frequency front-end 20 with an antenna 24 and a resonant circuit within a matching network 22. In order to provide for high tuning range with low cost and low size, a matching network 22 may comprise at least one electrically tunable passive solid-state dielectrical component 6 on a carrier substrate 2.

Abstract: This application relates to a method for increasing the utility and usage efficiency of locally scanned tags including of one or multi-dimensional bar codes, Near Field Communication (NFC) tags, and tags employing other sensory means. My method uses scanner sensed information about at least one of relative orientation, relative position or relative motion, between scanner and local tag when scanning it, to provide a means for directly selecting one of a plurality of predefined scanner activity requests. Prior to this method a single tag scan action always directly resulted in the same scanner activity request. This method can be embodied as the subsystem out of which an efficient single or multiple level scanner activity request selection interface can be advantageously implemented for a wide range of scanner based applications. Typical mobile smart phones and warehouse and retail scanners are examples of scanner device categories that may employ this method.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.

Abstract: A laser scanning device is described. The device includes a laser for projecting a light beam. A mirror is optically coupled to the laser. The mirror reflects the light beam onto a target. A detector generates an analog signal in response to detecting a reflection of the light beam from the target. A processor is capable of modifying a scanning parameter of the laser scanning device. The processor processes the analog signal to generate a digital bar pattern and can embed the scanning parameter in the digital bar pattern.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code symbol reading apparatus includes a decoder, a candidate area detection unit, a direction determination unit, and a direction notification unit. The decoder decodes a code symbol attached to an article, based on an image picked up by a camera. The candidate area detection unit detects an image area to be a candidate of the code symbol from the image of the article picked up by the camera. The direction determination unit determines such a direction that a decoding rate of the code symbol becomes higher based on the image area detected by the candidate area detection unit when the decoder cannot decode the code symbol. The direction notification unit notifies of the direction determined by the direction determination unit.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing information bearing indicia (IBI) comprising the steps of: converting light reflected off an IBI into IBI signals representative of the IBI; running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a first processor if the IBI is of a first type; and running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a second processor if the IBI is of a second type, wherein the first processor and second processor are configured to run in parallel.

Abstract: A hybrid card is described. The hybrid card includes an organic substrate, a first layer of a substantially organic backer that is securely affixed to a first side of the substrate, a second layer of a substantially organic backer that is securely affixed to an opposite side of the substrate, a first layer of thin-film overlay that is attached to the first layer of backer, a second layer of thin-film overlay that is attached to the second layer of backer. Manufacturing methods for the various embodiments of the hybrid card are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are a smart card-based browsing system, a smart card-based browsing method, and smart card for the same. A browser is installed in the smart card to form a direct connection path with an SCWS installed in the smart card. The number of sockets for HTTP request/response required to be as many as the number of contents for services between the smart card and the user terminal is reduced, so that the services can be smoothly provided through a rapid and effective interface. A web service can be provided to various multimedia appliances compatible with the smart card regardless of the existence of the browser on the user terminal and the type and version of the browser.

Abstract: A card (e.g., a payment card) or device (e.g., a token or phone) is provided with a magnetic emulator having a soft magnetic material whose reluctance is controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for visualization of non-visible information on a packaging material to provide traceability. The method comprises the steps of: reading the non-visible information from the packaging material by means of a magnetic head reader, processing the non-visible information in a central processing unit together with additional new non-visible information, and printing an optional portion of the amount of combined non-visible information onto the packaging material as a traceability marking. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method and a packaging line with a filling machine making use of the device.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a grid of intersecting ducts having one or more inlets, outlets, and intersections. Air may be received into the inlets and directed through the outlets into one or more zones of a building. One or more HVAC units may be connected to the inlets and mechanical valves may be located at the intersections to control the air flow through the grid. A control system may be provided to control the temperature of each zone by adjusting the mechanical valves (and/or turning selected HVAC units “on” or “off”). In certain embodiments, the HVAC system includes at least one reading device to read temperature preference information associated with an occupant of a zone. The control system may then align the temperature of the zone with the temperature preference information when the occupant is inside the zone. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A thermostatic mixing valve for the mixing of a first and second fluids is disclosed. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve body having first and second inlets, and a mixed fluid outlet. The thermostatic mixing valve includes a valve member configured to control the rate of flow of at least the first fluid. The member includes a thermostat in communication with the mixed fluid and a shuttle coupled to the thermostat, configured for movement within a liner, and oriented to adjustably engage the flow of the first fluid through an opening within a wall of the liner, the direction of flow of the first fluid being at least partially transverse with respect to the shuttle. A fluid inlet may include a check valve configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of the valve through the inlet.

Abstract: Multiple intensifier injectors with positive needle control and methods of injection that reduce injector energy consumption. The intensifiers are disposed about the axis of the injectors, leaving the center free for direct needle control down the center of the injector. Also disclosed is a boost system, increasing the needle closing velocity but without adding mass to the needle when finally closing. Direct needle control allows maintaining injection pressure on the fuel between injection events if the control system determines that enough fuel has been pressurized for the next injection, thus saving substantial energy when operating an engine at less than maximum power, by not venting and re-pressurizing on every injection event.

Abstract: An adjustable height water drinking fountain includes a generally horizontal water drinking fountain body having front and rear ends, and an upper surface containing a water collecting basin. The fountain body is pivotally connected at its rear end with a vertical support for pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis. A normally closed water supply valve is operable to supply water to a faucet adjacent the basin via a supply conduit, and a drain pipe serves to remove water from the basin. Each of the water supply and drain conduits includes at least one flexible portion to permit the pivotal movement of the fountain body, whereby the fountain body can be pivoted upwardly of downwardly from a normal horizontal position for use by a standing person or by a person seated in a wheel chair.

Abstract: A gas powered fluid gun for propelling a stream or slug of a fluid at high velocity toward a target. Recoil mitigation is provided that reduces or eliminates the associated recoil forces, with minimal or no backwash. By launching a quantity of water in the opposite direction, net momentum forces are reduced or eliminated. Examples of recoil mitigation devices include a cone for making a conical fluid sheet, a device forming multiple impinging streams of fluid, a cavitating venturi, one or more spinning vanes, or an annular tangential entry/exit.

Abstract: A ramming water sprinkler with changeable water outflow has a main body and a turning assembly configured on the top frame of the main body. The external circumference of the main body is covered by a water outlet adjustment revolving seat in a rotary state. Moreover, the revolving seat has a supporting end and a surrounding wall. The supporting end is seated on a preset position of the main body. A plurality of water outlet conduits with various calibers are configured and evenly distributed on the surrounding wall of the water outlet adjustment revolving seat. Each water outlet conduit defines a water inlet end and a water outlet end. The water inlet end of each can be rotated along with the turning of the water outlet adjustment revolving seat to be aligned with the water outlet of the main body for the purpose of adjusting the water outflow.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a center body that defines an axial centerline and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. A plurality of vanes between the center body and the shroud comprise a radially outward portion separated from the shroud. A method for enhancing flow through a nozzle includes flowing a fuel through a center body and flowing a fluid stream across a vane located between the center body and a shroud surrounding at least a portion of the center body. The method further includes flowing the fluid stream between a radially outward portion of the vane and the shroud, wherein the radially outward portion of the vane is separated from the shroud.

Abstract: A spray ring, for wetting char and/or slag in a water bath with a wetting fluid. The spray ring comprises a loop conduit arranged in a loop-line. The loop conduit is at an inlet point provided with an inlet for feeding the wetting fluid into the loop conduit in an inlet flow direction. The loop-line has a plurality of outlet openings for spraying the wetting fluid out of the loop conduit. The inlet flow direction has a component that is tangential to a loop-line flow direction of the wetting fluid through the loop conduit at the inlet point.

Abstract: An atomizer includes an atomizer body having a liquid inlet and a spray outlet with a liquid flow circuit defined through the inner atomizer body for fluid communication of liquid from the inlet to the spray outlet. The liquid flow circuit branches into a plurality of sub-circuits. Each sub-circuit is configured to produce a spray cone of atomized liquid issuing from the spray outlet such that the spray cone of each sub-circuit has a different cone angle. The sub-circuits are mechanically separated from one another to limit interaction of liquid in the sub-circuits and thereby produce a distinct and stable spray cone from each sub-circuit over a range of liquid flow rates.

Abstract: A vane used on a swirler is provided. The vane includes a thin end and a broad end, the broad end has sharp edges and is arranged on the outside of the swirler, the thin end is arranged on the inside of the swirler. The vane also includes at least one swirl slot side profile, the at least one swirl slot side profile includes a unit providing turbulence to an air flow.

Abstract: An emitter to be used for drip irrigation is described. It includes a base equipped with a plunger that can be inserted into a drip irrigation pipe. The base is shaped to hold a spherical rotating member. This rotating member is traversed by a conduit that direct the water flow from the plunger to a spout located on top of the rotating member. An annular cap screwed or snapped on top of the base holds the rotating member in place. The emitter can be mounted on an irrigation pipe by punching a hole in the pipe and inserting the plunger. The rotating member can be directed to the desired direction by slightly unscrewing the cap, adjusting the position of the rotating member and retightening the cap.

Abstract: A connection arm (31) of an injection nozzle (22) has an adhesive passage (36). A nozzle outer cylinder (32) is supported by the connection arm (31) and has an intermediate passage (48) in communication with the adhesive passage (36) and a sealing member (44). A nozzle inner cylinder (33) is elongated through the sealing member (44), is slidably supported inside the nozzle outer cylinder (32), and has a communication opening (64) communicating with the intermediate passage (48) as well as an adhesive discharge port (63). An operation member (34) moves the nozzle inner cylinder (33) between an advanced position where the adhesive discharge port (63) lies deep inside a charging hole (8) and a receded position where the adhesive discharge port (63) lies shallow inside the charging hole (8) bored into a framework (2) to a predetermined depth through a finishing material (3).

Abstract: Visual detection of food waste is used to control flow of flushing water to a food waste disposer. When the disposer is turned on, flushing water is also turned on at a low flow rate. The flushing water is directed into the food waste disposer. A visual detection sensor, which is coupled to a controller, is oriented to detect food waste entering the food waste disposer. Upon detection of the presence of food waste, the controller changes the rate of flow of the flushing water from the low flow rate to a high flow rate. The controller maintains the flow rate of the flushing water at the high flow rate for as long as food waste is detected as entering the food waste disposer and for a period after food waste is no longer detected to allow the food waste to be comminuted and flushed from the food waste disposer.

Abstract: A food waste disposer system, including a food conveying section and a motor section. A grinding section is coupled between the food conveying section and the motor section. The motor section includes an electric motor having a rotor. The rotor has a rotor shaft entrained in at least one self-compensating bearing assembly. In an aspect, the self-compensating bearing assembly has a split spherical bearing and a compressive bearing pocket.

Abstract: A combination cheese-grater/music-maker device is provided such that grated cheese and musical notes are produced simultaneously and synchronously. The device uses of one or more cylinders rotatably attached to said device wherein all of the cylinders can be rotated simultaneously and synchronously. The device features with a handle to allow a person's hand to impart simultaneous and synchronous rotation to all said cylinders. Musical note producing elements are attached to the device such that a note is produced when a protrusion on a cylinder contacts one such element. The device also features cheese-grating sections on one or more cylinders and with a surface to impart downward pressure on the cheese to facilitate contact of the cheese with the sections.

Abstract: Blender whose operation presents a sound level lower than that of other equipment available in the market. This effect is obtained by the combination of construction details that when associated, result in a differential operation volume. The first construction detail is the design of the blender jar that facilitates the motion of the contents when the equipment is working. The second is presented in a system to absorb shocks during the transmission of the motor motion to the crushing blades, minimizing the vibration of the assembly. The third construction detail is the connection system of the motor with the transmission axle of the crushing blades that also helps the decrease of vibration of the equipment.

Abstract: A cover device for a shredding plant, able to cover at least a shredder unit which includes a rotary drum rotatable around its own axis of rotation within a shredding chamber. The cover device includes a plurality of separation means to separate and discharge the materials arriving from shredding. The cover device includes a first element which is pivotable to the frame of the shredding plant, a second element which is pivotable to the first element, and a third element which is pivotable to the first element.

Abstract: A motorized fishing reel device with a selectively actuated rotably mounted and motorized spool with a fishing line wound thereon. A mechanism for guiding the winding and unwinding of the line wound in a spool. The mechanism ensures that the line is properly wound when the spool is substantially coaxially aligned with the line in order to provide an ergonomically compatible handling of the device. A motor assembly with step-down and step-up gear assemblies that provide the rotational energy to the spool assembly and the reciprocating movement to a traveling pin with a line guiding roller at its distal end. A leg assembly that doubles as a storage compartment for back-up batteries is rotably mounted at one end to the housing assembly.

Abstract: A self-locking belt retractor for motor vehicles with a vehicle-sensitive and a belt-webbing-sensitive control system for the blocking arrangement of the belt retractor, is characterized in that for the formation of its inertia, an inertial mass is swivellably mounted on a control disk, wherein the inertial mass can be deflected into a blocking position for the control disc. Additionally, a locking lever mounted on the control disc is provided for the cutoff of a vehicle sensor, and by way of a switching process in its cutoff position, the locking lever cuts off the vehicle sensor and secures the inertial mass in a disabling position, the disabling position being different than the blocking position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing a telecommunication cable (12) from a reel (14), wherein the device (10) comprises the following: a first and a second end element that are separated by one or more transverse elements (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d); and an axis (22) that extends at least partially between the end elements (16, 18) so as to rotatably connect the reel (14) to the device, wherein the cable can be pulled from the reel over one of the one or more transverse elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for acoustical treatment of the noise emitted by a bypass turbojet comprising a primary cowl having in an outer surface an inner annular acoustic treatment panel and a secondary cowl including in an inner surface an outer annular acoustic treatment panel arranged facing the inner panel. The inner and outer panels include respective central panel portions facing each other and extending axially over a common predetermined length, the length of the central panel portions lying in the range one-fifth to four-fifths of the total length of the panels, and the ratio between the acoustic resistances of the central panel portions being not less than 2.

Abstract: A power assisted flying device is powered via a vector thrust control apparatus supporting the motor where the vector thrust control apparatus includes a gyratory group that allows the motor to pivot up and down and from side to side. At least two servo motors are attached to the vector thrust control apparatus to move said motor up and down and from side to side. Alternatively, the flying device may incorporate a non-rotating outer ring and a rotating inner ring disposed around a shaft. At least two servo motors are connected to the non-rotating outer ring and the rotating inner ring in relation to the rotational axis. At least two linkage rods connect between the rotating inner ring and the propeller. Tilting of the non-rotating outer ring is transmitted to the propeller to effectuate at least one of cyclic pitch modulation or teetering hub modulation of the propeller.

Abstract: Novel aircraft for vertical and horizontal flight having powered air acceleration means installed within its structure drawing air thereinto and delivering the resulting airflow upon airfoils installed in opposed pairs on opposite sides of its exterior structure thereby producing lift without forward travel of the aircraft.

Abstract: A flying vehicle is provided that comprises first and second rotors respectively mounted in rotation about first and second rotation axes, the first rotor including a first group of blades extending in a first blade plane and the second rotor including a second group of blades extending in a second blade plane, each of the first and second rotors being rotated by a driving means of the machine. The driving means includes at least one engine arranged between said rotors and between said first and second blade planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for braking/driving an aircraft wheel mounted to rotate on an undercarriage axle, the device comprising: a stack of disks comprising disks that are constrained in rotation with the wheel and that alternate with disks that are constrained in rotation with a torsion tube; a support member mounted to rotate on the axle and constrained in rotation with the torsion tube; braking actuators carried by the support member for selectively pressing the disks together; and a drive member for selectively driving the support member in rotation; the support member carrying a secondary of a transformer having a primary arranged facing the support member while being stationary in rotation, the secondary being electrically connected to the actuators and the primary being adapted to being connected to a non-DC voltage source.

Abstract: An aircraft engine assembly including a turboshaft engine with a propeller and an attachment pylon intended to be laterally attached on a rear portion of the structure of the aircraft is disclosed. The pylon has an outer surface forming an aerodynamic profile incorporating a trailing edge which is arranged upstream of the propeller of the turboshaft engine. The pylon includes a mobile rear flap at least partially defining the trailing edge and a controller which steers the incidence of the flap according to a law depending on the incidence of the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a stiffening transverse internal rib (46) for an aerodynamic fairing of an engine mounting device, including: the production of a rib preform by superplastic forming having an outline of a broadly quadrilateral shape, and a central opening (52) traversing this preform; the division of the preform into two parallel straight-line segments (56, 60), which are diagonally opposed, causing the separation into two half-parts (46a?, 46a?) of the rib preform; and fishplating of the two rib preform half-parts (46a?, 46a?) by bolting.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a part defining an aerodynamic surface against which flows an air stream, with at least one hood able to block an opening made at the aerodynamic surface, kept in the closed position by at least one locking mechanism, and an access flap for the locking mechanism, pivoting relative to the hood around an axis substantially parallel to the flow direction of the air stream and including elements for keeping it flattened against the hood, characterized in that it includes a device for protection of the access flap that includes a coverage plate that pivots around an axis of rotation, and which is able to occupy a first position in which it projects relative to the aerodynamic surface and another position in which after pivoting around the axis of rotation, it is flattened against the outside surface of the access flap such that the protective device limits the appearance of a scoop phenomenon.

Abstract: An aerial refueling system has a fluid conduit. A plurality of actuators is coupled to the fluid conduit and a refueling aircraft housing the aerial refueling system to move the fluid conduit in a three perpendicular axes system.

Abstract: A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.

Abstract: System and method for inducing rapid reentry of orbital debris including determining a spatial extent of the orbital debris, and deploying dust to the orbital debris to enhance the drag on the orbital debris. Small objects with perigee above about 900 km where the debris lifetime can be centuries can be targeted for de-orbiting.

Abstract: An aircraft slat assembly comprising a pair of slats separated by a gap. A weather seal seals the gap between the slats and forms part of an outer aerodynamic surface of the slat assembly. An anti-icing system is provided with a pair of piccolo tubes, each tube being housed within a respective one of the slats and having spray holes for delivering hot gas to a leading edge of the slat in which it is housed. A flexible duct delivers hot gas between the piccolo tubes, the flexible duct passing across the gap between the slats. A vent in the weather seal can open to permit hot gas from the anti-icing system to exit the gap between the slats.

Abstract: A system for setting a span load distribution of a wing of an aircraft with a base flap system comprises at least one inboard flap element and one outboard flap element, which elements in the direction of the span are arranged on the trailing edge of the wing, and can be positioned relative to the span direction of the wing. The flap elements are not mechanically coupled with each other and are controlled independently of each other for the purpose of setting the span load distribution.