Abstract: An improvement in a stapling device and method designed to capture a tissue fold between first and second members in the device to staple and cut the fold to form a stapled tissue plication with a hole therein. The improvement includes an engagement assembly in the first member movable from a retracted position in the first member to an extended position in the second member, and releasably attached to second member, an anchor assembly that includes the anchor, wherein (i) movement of the engagement assembly from the retracted to extended position, through a tissue fold captured in the device, is operable to engage the anchor assembly, and (ii) movement of the engagement assembly, with the anchor assembly engaged therewith, to its retracted position, is effective to pull at least a portion of the assembly through the hole in the stapled tissue plication.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate portion, a pair of opposed jaw members and a tissue stop is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the handle assembly, and the pair of opposed jaw members extend distally from the elongate portion. The pair of opposed jaw members include first and second jaw members. The tissue stop cammingly engaged with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where at least a portion of a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member and a second position where the portion of the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical instrument including a handle having an elongated tubular member extending distally from the handle and one or more end effectors mounted on the distal end of the elongate tubular member. A driver is movably mounted within the handle and elongate tubular member in order to operate the end effectors. The surgical instrument includes an energy storage mechanism for storing and providing energy to move the driver and thereby actuate the surgical instrument. Various actuation mechanisms are disclosed which are operable on the energy storage mechanism to control the rate of release of the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: There are provided torque limiting mechanisms for use in tissue clamping surgical instruments. The torque limiting mechanisms generally include a driven member, engageable with an approximating mechanism of the surgical instruments, and having a driven surface and a driving member having a driving surface engageable with the driven surface of the driven member. The driving member is rotatable relative to the driven member such that the driving surface of the driving member slips relative to or dissengages from the driven surface of the driven member at a predetermined engagement pressure.

Abstract: There are provided torque limiting mechanisms for use in tissue clamping surgical instruments. The torque limiting mechanisms generally include a driven member, engageable with an approximating mechanism of the surgical instruments, and having a driven surface and a driving member having a driving surface engageable with the driven surface of the driven member. The driving member is rotatable relative to the driven member such that the driving surface of the driving member slips relative to or dissengages from the driven surface of the driven member at a predetermined engagement pressure.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A staple cartridge includes outer and inner rows of retention slots that are adapted and configured to retain staples. The staple cartridge further includes a staple pusher including a plurality of pusher plates. A staple pusher includes pusher plates that are laterally spaced apart to engage staples within the outer rows of at least three rows of retention slots.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an endoscopic portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a first longitudinal axis. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is supported adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and includes a dissecting tip extending therefrom. The cartridge assembly is pivotably mounted adjacent the distal end of the endoscopic portion. The cartridge assembly is mounted for pivotal movement in relation to the anvil assembly between open and approximated positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for welding metal parts by means of ultrasound, in particular for welding strands, comprising a sonotrode (3) having a sonotrode head (3.1), which can be excited by an oscillation generator (9) to perform torsional oscillations with respect to a torsion axis (B). The sonotrode head (3.1) comprises at least one welding surface (3.4) relative to the torsion axis (B) on the circumference side. Furthermore, an anvil (18) having a counter/compacting surface (18.1) is provided, which can be arranged opposite the welding surface (3.4) of the sonotrode (3) in a stationary position relative thereto. In the case of an opposite arrangement, the welding surface (3.4) and the compacting surface (18.1) delimit a compaction space (8) in a direction perpendicular to the torsion axis (B), said space being provided to receive the parts to be welded.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding machine is provided. The ultrasonic bonding machine includes a support structure configured to support a workpiece during a bonding operation. The ultrasonic bonding machine further includes an upper bonding tool positioned above the support structure and configured for bonding an upper bonding material to an upper side of the workpiece, and a lower bonding tool positioned below the support structure and configured for bonding a lower bonding material to a lower side of the workpiece. The ultrasonic bonding machine may also be an ultrasonic ribbon bonding machine configured to bond an upper and lower conductive ribbon to a solar substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a mandrel that can be used to react the loads that are created by a friction stir joining tool as it performs friction stir joining of tubulars, the mandrel selected from a disposable mandrel, a partially disposable mandrel, a reusable mandrel, and a mandrel that is partially disposable and partially reusable.

Abstract: A system and method for joining curved surfaces such as pipes by obtaining pipes having additional rough stock material on the pipe ends, the rough stock material being precision machine processed to prepare complementary face profiles on each of the curved surfaces and then performing friction stir joining of the pipes to obtain a joint that has fewer defects than joints created from conventional welding.

Abstract: Cobalt-based solder alloys are proposed. The cobalt-based solder alloys have germanium. The germanium has a higher melting point than nickel-based alloys such that the germanium is used advantageously for repairing or treating components having the nickel-based alloys used at high temperatures. The components are repaired or treated by soldering using the cobalt-based solder alloys.

Abstract: Weld stress compensation system and method comprising: 1) a primary tube/rod clamp; 2) a secondary tube/rod clamp for selectively and accurately, angularly positioning the secondary tube relative to the primary tube. The secondary clamp is transferable while a secondary tube/rod is clamped therein to: 3) a saddle cutting fixture to produce a concave, relieved portion in the end of the secondary tube/rod with flanking flanges that fit precisely over the primary tube at the join intersection; 4) a miter-cut fixture for miter cutting of tube/rod ends to fit flat surfaces or conversely-cut tubes/rods for angular joins; and 5) a welding fixture for precise angular positioning of a miter cut tube/rod to a deck, wall, or stair plate. The primary clamp includes an adjustable pressure pad that applies pressure to the side of the primary tube opposite the secondary tube weld join line thereby preventing warping due to weld stresses.

Abstract: Pre-flux coating for the manufacturing of components by brazing, in particular manufacturing of heat exchangers of aluminium components including one or more fluxes and filler materials. The coating is composed of fluxes in the form of potassium aluminum fluoride K1-3AIF4-6, potassium trifluoro zincate, KZnF3, lithium aluminum fluoride Li3AIF6, filler material in the form of metallic Si particles, Al—Si particles and/or potassium fluoro silicate K2SiF6, and solvent and binder containing at least 10% by weight of a synthetic resin which is based, as its main constituent, on methacrylate homopolymer or methacrylate copolymer. The potassium aluminium fluoride, K1-3AIF4-6 is a flux including KAIF4, K2AIF5, K3AIF6 or a combination of these fluxes.

Abstract: A packaging container including a top wall and a bottom wall that are substantially horizontal when the packaging container is straight, and side walls. The top wall and the bottom wall have a triangular shape and a rectangular shape, respectively, a section of a transverse direction of a main body of the packaging container formed in four ridgelines which connect three corner points of the top wall and four corner points of the bottom wall has a trapezoidal shape, and the horizontal top wall overhangs a front side wall.

Abstract: A continuous sheet for forming a blank, the blank adapted for assembly as a container including a base portion and side walls formed from a single continuous sheet. The container includes sufficient support features, such as side wall connection features so that one or more of the side walls are maintained in a generally orthogonal orientation relative to the base portion and so that adjacent side walls are maintained in generally orthogonal orientation relative to each other.

Abstract: A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps.

Abstract: Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.

Abstract: A system associates different data types with a specific product using a unique identification tag that can be used in a product identification process. The system associates a unique identifier with a unique record related to an individual product, generates a unique identifier associated with an individual product, attaches a machine readable unique identification tag to the individual product, the unique identification tag being associated with the unique identifier and containing information associated with the individual product, associates the unique identifier with a unique record, stores the association and the unique record, receives a signal comprising the unique identifier and having been generated remotely by a device reading the unique identification tag, and generates, responsive to the signal, a user interface.

Abstract: A connection setting method using a barcode pattern, a connection setting system and user equipment (UE) thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps. A connection application is installed in each of at least two pieces of UE respectively. First UE performs setting for connecting to an electronic device by a default mode and generates the barcode pattern accordingly. Then, an image capture unit of second UE is activated to capture the barcode pattern. The barcode pattern is analyzed by the connection application of the second UE, so as to obtain a plurality of parameters of connection setting in regard to the electronic device. Connection setting is performed automatically according to the parameters, such that the second UE connects to the electronic device and performs data transmission.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus and method are provided in which the apparatus is provided with encoding configuration information as an optical code. The optical code is displayed on a display of the apparatus. The optical code can be read from the display and configuration information derived from the optical code is sent to a database of configured apparatuses.

Abstract: A method for data interchange includes summing up data associated with an electronic document to provide summed up data, representing the summed up data as one or more bar codes, and returning the one or more bar codes for display and data capture via a bar code scan from either a video display or a printed version of the one or more bar codes. The electronic document may be of any number of formats. The summing up may include taking data from multiple information fields to create the summed up data. The data may include data tags or a step of adding data tags to the data to assist in data interchange may be performed.

Abstract: A planar sheet comprising, on a first surface of the sheet, at least one printed mark, and on a second surface of the sheet, opposite the first surface, at least one invisible printed mark vertically adjacent to the mark printed on the first surface. In at least one pair of vertically adjacent marks formed on the opposite surfaces, at least one of the marks of the pair has unique content. At least one invisible mark can be a two-dimensional barcode and/or at least one invisible mark can be a copy-protection mark. The content of at least one mark can be representative of the position of an invisible mark on the sheet.

Abstract: A payment interface apparatus, system and method is disclosed. In particular, a payment interface apparatus for use in vending machines, gaming machines, or other, typically unattended machines that accept payments via a variety of payment methods is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system and method for determining and processing a transaction as a particular transaction type based upon the type of media used on a standardized financial transaction card. The interface apparatus includes a plurality of sensors to read one or a plurality of media on a single standardized financial transaction card in a single presentation of the card.

Abstract: A financial transaction card reader device includes a housing having a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. A read head is in the housing, reads data stored on the magnetic stripe and for produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a seller's mobile device for providing the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device. The signal is decoded in the mobile device.

Abstract: An information exchanging method using a two-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code reader. An original sheet is prepared by writing a first two-dimensional code and a second two-dimensional code. The first two-dimensional code is readable by the code reader, whereas the second two-dimensional code is unreadable by the code reader. A monochrome copy sheet is prepared by monochromatically copying the original sheet, so that the monochrome copy sheet includes a third two-dimensional code as a monochrome copy of the first two-dimensional code and a fourth two-dimensional code as a monochrome copy of the second two-dimensional code. Accordingly, the third two-dimensional code is unreadable by the code reader, whereas the fourth two-dimensional code is readable by the code reader. Information exchange is performed by using the original sheet and the monochrome copy sheet.

Abstract: A system comprising a storage medium associated with a device for treating a tissue region, the device including a handle, a catheter tube extending from the handle, a temperature sensor and a basket including a plurality of spines, the spines carrying an electrode for delivering treatment energy to a tissue site. The temperature sensor senses temperature near a distal end of the electrode. The basket is movable between a non-expanded low profile condition and an expanded condition and the electrode is movable from a first position to an extended position. The storage medium is formatted to contain an identification code uniquely assigned to the device for registration of the device if absence of prior use is determined.

Abstract: A method for automatically sorting undeliverable as addressed (UAA) mail includes capturing an image of a first UAA mail piece with a camera connected to an automated mail sorter to create first image data, printing an id-tag on the mail piece, and classifying the first UAA mail piece as one of finalized or non-finalized. The method includes outputting a first label result to a label printer and printing a new label on the first UAA mail piece if the first UAA mail piece is classified as finalized.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus for backscattering an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal includes an antenna for backscattering the incoming RF signal in accordance with a reflection coefficient characteristic of the antenna. A variable impedance circuit includes an output electrically connected to the antenna. A low pass delta sigma modulator is coupled to the variable impedance circuit and digitally controls the output of the variable impedance circuit, such that the reflection coefficient of the antenna is adjusted based on the output of the variable impedance circuit.

Abstract: A fixed reader in communication with a portable reader includes an induction circuit and a microcontroller. The induction circuit receives wireless signals sent by the portable reader, and outputs control signals according to the received wireless signals. The microcontroller is electronically connected to the induction circuit, and activates the fixed reader according to the control signals, to allow the fixed reader to enter into a working state or an idle state.

Abstract: Infrared light, which is non-readily visible, illuminates at least part of a field of view containing indicia to be electro-optically read. Visible light illuminates another field of view containing the same indicia. The indicia is read by image capture by the illumination light from one of the illuminated fields of view. The use of IR light minimizes an adverse reaction due to only using bright visible light. The use of visible light enables thermally printed indicia, which is not readily readable by IR light, to be read.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card reader which has a comparatively simple construction and is capable of appropriately detecting whether or not a magnetic head for skimming has been attached thereto. A card reader is provided with: a magnetic head which reads magnetic data recorded on a card and/or records magnetic data onto a card; a card insertion unit which has an insertion opening into which a card is inserted formed therein; and a metal sensor (which detects that a foreign body containing metal material has been attached to the front surface side of the card insertion unit. The metal sensor is arranged in substantially the same position as the arrangement position of the magnetic head, in the width direction of the card.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for use in RFID-based sensors and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an RFID sensor system includes an RFID device having a near field only RFID tag and a conductive element which functions as a far field antenna. The near field only RFID tag and the conductive element are located in at least a first position and a second position relative to each other; wherein in the first position, the RFID device only operates in a near field, and in the second position, the RFID device operates in both the near field and a far field. The system may also include an RFID reader and controller located within the far field to read the RFID device only when the components are located in the second position.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a decoder, a coupling card reader and an application system. The decoder includes a card base which is produced from at least one type of materials selected from paper card, plastic card, metal thin card or organic glass thin card. The surface of the card base is applied with conducting coating. The conducting coating is provided with a plurality of conducting logic expression regions. Different conducting logic expression regions possess individual and independent conductive nature. The conductive nature of each conductive logic expression region on the conductive coating together form a sole conductive logic data coding for differentiating a specific decoder so that the decoder can be distinguished from other decoders. The present application is also directed to a card reader to be used with the decoder. The present application enhances the security level of data.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe card reader assembly and method includes a panel having portions defining a card entry opening of a card entry path provided for receiving a magnetic stripe card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card entry path. A card swipe path in communication with the card entry path is provided for swiping the card with the magnetic stripe disposed parallel to the card swipe path, and a magnetic stripe read head is disposed proximate the card swipe path for reading only a pre-determined segment of the magnetic stripe. The panel is also provided with portions defining a card withdrawal opening of a card withdrawal path in communication with the card swipe path and partly overlapping the card entry opening for withdrawal of the card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card withdrawal path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self service terminal, such as an Automated Teller Machine, comprising a front panel provided with a card insertion slot for inserting a magnetic card therethrough, wherein, during insertion through the insertion slot, a magnetic stripe on the card induces a card data flux into a stripe data reading zone. The terminal also comprises an anti-skimming unit for generating a jamming field so as to jam a magnetic recording unit of an illegal card reader installed near or in the card insertion slot of the front panel. The anti-skimming unit includes a first magnetic field source and at least one further magnetic field source, each source inducing a electro-magnetic field in a slot region including the card insertion slot, such that the jamming field in the stripe date reading zone deviates from the jamming field outside the stripe data reading zone.

Abstract: A carrier with the optical registration function is disclosed. The carrier allows the registration of inspected results of the sampling images of the sample to the corresponding address codes of the address coding site of the carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a RFID label, comprising a plane material, a separation layer, an antenna, a chip, adhesive and a cover paper. The separation layer is formed on a first surface of the plane material. The antenna is printed with conductive ink on the separation layer, which is formed on the first surface. The chip is connected to the antenna. The adhesive and the cover paper cover the antenna and the chip. With the adhesive, the RFID label can be sticked to an object. The separation layer can be fully or partially formed on the first surface of the plane material. The separation layer can be formed in reticulate patterns, regular intermittent patterns or patterns of overlapping and crossing over the antenna. When the RFID label is separated from the object, the antenna will be separated from the first surface of the plane material where the separation layer is formed.

Abstract: Channels may be formed in the inlay substrate of a transponder, such as by laser ablation, and the antenna wire may subsequently be laid in the channels. Laying the wire in a channel ensures that it substantially fully embedded in the substrate, thereby eliminating a need for pressing the wire into the substrate. The channels may be tapered, or profiled, to enhance adhesion of a self-bonding wire. A recess for the chip module can also be formed using laser ablation, and insulation may be removed from end portions of the antenna wire using laser ablation. Laser ablation may also be used to create various mechanical and security features.

Abstract: An RFID tag assembly and method of use with a helmet wherein the RFID tag assembly the RFTD tag assembly includes an RFID tag having a mounting substrate with an exposed first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface, the RFID tag having an RFID semiconductor chip has a predetermined operating frequency with an antenna interface mounted on the second planar surface, a conductor electrically coupled to the antenna interface of the RFID semiconductor chip, and an antenna electrically coupled to the conductor. A spacer has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface of the spacer is attached to the second planar surface of the RFID tag. The spacer has a predetermined thickness between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: Encoding information in a material using a material tracing system includes storing information to be encoded in the material, generating a number based on the information, determining an amount of at least one tracer to be incorporated into the material corresponding to the number, and incorporating the determined amount of the at least one tracer into the material. Decoding information encoded in the material includes measuring an amount of the at least one tracer, in some embodiments after tracer activation, determining a number corresponding to the measured at least one tracer, and decoding the number to obtain information associated with the material. A material tracing system is also provided.

Abstract: A transaction card comprises a substrate having an IC. An interface is coupled to the IC for signal transmission; a security code generator is coupled with the IC to generate a security code for banking transaction; an electricity generating button is coupled to the security code generator to generate the security code, a display is on the substrate and is coupled to the IC for displaying the security code. The electricity generating button includes piezoelectric material to generate electricity by piezoelectricity. The interface is contactless or contact type. The display is electronic paper, OLED, FED.

Abstract: Parallel stage power output rectifiers for radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices and related components and methods are disclosed. An RFID tag receives a radio-frequency (RF) signal comprising RF input energy through an input such as an antenna. The RF input energy provided to a rectifier splits the RF input energy into two or more stages having parallel electrical outputs. The parallel electrical outputs allow for a more efficient use of the input energy in terms of current draw and improves voltage droop, thus improving the range and operation of the RFID tag.

Abstract: A card is provided having structure, such as a teeth-like pattern, tongue and groove, etc., along at least one edge thereof. The structure is configured for matching or mating with a corresponding similar pattern along at least one edge of another card for selectively attaching and detaching the two cards. The card can be a credit card or other type of card having at least one magnetic stripe for effecting payment for purchases. The card can also be other types of cards, such as gift cards, library cards, identification cards, etc.

Abstract: A device having an integrated-circuit chip includes an insulating body containing at least one conductive pad, at least one electrical contact opposite the electrically conductive pad, and at least one recess in the body, including a bottom and one aperture. The recess is connected, at the bottom thereof, to the conductive pad and, at the aperture thereof, to the electrical contact. At least one coil spring is arranged in the recess and connecting the conductive pad to the electrical contact. The installation of the spring in the recess is facilitated by means of the friction of the central portion of the spring relative to the walls of the recess. The invention also relates to a method for producing an electrical connection between at least one conductive pad arranged in an insulating body and at least one electrical contact arranged opposite the electrically conductive pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting a Secure Element (SE) in a Near Field Communication (NFC) device are provided. Identifiers (IDs) are displayed to indicate which application programs correspond to a plurality of SEs. Upon selection of one of the IDs, an SE corresponding to the selected application-program ID from among the plurality of SEs is activated. An NFC controller is configured to select an SE from one of at least three schemes including a User Selection Scheme, Automatic Selection Scheme, and a Hybrid Scheme.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for providing an RFID device for integration into a tire. A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided with notches in opposed ends of the PCB that are provided with guide portions as a part of the notches that function as threads to guide an end portion of a matching single pitch helical antenna into appropriately placed vias on the PCB. Threading of the helical antenna is assisted by use of an assembly jig having antenna guiding channels and PCB retaining positioning elements.

Abstract: A transponder with an antenna module having a chip module and an antenna; a booster antenna having a first antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end, and a second antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end; the inner end of the second antenna structure connected with the outer end of the first antenna structure. The antenna module may be positioned so that its antenna overlaps one of the first antenna structure or the second antenna structure. An antenna module having two additional antenna structures is disclosed. Methods of enhancing coupling are disclosed.