Abstract: A surgical buttress for use in a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes an elongate rectangular body portion defining a width; a neck portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the body portion, the neck portion defining a width; a head portion integrally formed with and connected to a distal end of the neck portion, the head portion defining a width; and a tail portion integrally formed with and extending from a proximal end of the body portion, the tail portion defining a width. The width of the tail portion is less than the width of the body portion.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body, a plurality of staples disposed within the cartridge body, a tissue contacting surface on the cartridge body defining staple retaining slots dimensioned to releasably retain a staple, and a buttress material including at least one weld joining the buttress material to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The at least one weld is positioned to at least partially overlie a staple retaining slot.

Abstract: A system for joining materials such as metal alloys that includes a first component, wherein the first component includes a first alloy having a known austenization temperature below which martensite forms when the component is heated and then cooled at a predetermined rate of cooling; a second component, wherein the second component includes a second alloy; and a welding apparatus operative to create a weld between the first and second components without crossing the austenization temperature of the first alloy.

Abstract: A friction stir welding apparatus includes a displacement detecting device that detects displacement of a welding tool caused by deformation of a fitting jig, at the time of performing friction stir welding in which an arm to which the fitting jig fitted with the welding tool is fixed is moved to move the welding tool with respect to the processing target member. The fitting jig can be deformed more than the arm at the time of performing friction stir welding. The displacement detecting device has a displacement sensor fixed to the welding tool, and a reference member fixed to a fixing portion between the fitting jig and the arm to provide a reference position for detecting the displacement to the displacement sensor.

Abstract: A process for providing an improved hermetically sealed capacitor which includes the steps of applying a solder and a flux to an interior surface of a case; flowing the solder onto the interior surface; remove flux thereby forming a flux depleted solder; inserting the capacitive element into the casing; reflowing the flux depleted solder thereby forming a solder joint between the case and the solderable layer; and sealing the case.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to testing connections of a memory device to a circuit board or other device. In one embodiment, a memory device that is configured to facilitate continuity testing between the device and a printed circuit board or other device is disclosed. The memory device includes a substrate and two connection pads that are electrically coupled to one another via a test path. A system and method for testing the connections between a memory device and a circuit board or other device are also disclosed, as are additional techniques for detecting excess temperature and enabling special functionalities using multi-stage connection pads.

Abstract: An aluminium alloy extruded tube product for a heat exchanger assembly and made from a 3xxx-series aluminium alloys and including furthermore a purposive addition of one or more wetting elements selected from the group of: Bi 0.03% to 0.5%, Pb 0.03% to 0.5%, Sb 0.03% to 0.5%, Li 0.03% to 0.5%, Se 0.03% to 0.5%, Y 0.03% to 0.05%, Th 0.03% to 0.05%, and the sum of these elements being 0.5% or less.

Abstract: A lead-free solder ball for electrodes of a BGA or CSP comprising 0.5-1.1 mass % of Ag, 0.7-0.8 mass % of Cu, 0.05-0.08 mass % of Ni, and a remainder of Sn. Even when a printed circuit board to which the solder ball is bonded has Cu electrodes or Au-plated or Au/Pd-plated Ni electrodes, the solder ball has good resistance to drop impacts. The composition may further contain at least one element selected from Fe, Co, and Pt in a total amount of 0.003-0.1 mass % or at least one element selected from Bi, In, Sb, P, and Ge in a total amount of 0.003-0.1 mass %.

Abstract: A multi-panel display device having a center panel positioned between a first side panel and a second side panel and a third panel comprising a header panel and an adhesive panel. In one aspect, the invention can be a blank for a multi-panel display device comprising: a center panel; a first side panel attached to the center panel along a first pre-weakened line; a second side panel attached to the center panel along a second pre-weakened line; and a third panel comprising a header panel and an adhesive panel, the third panel detachably coupled to the second side panel along a third pre-weakened line.

Abstract: A one-piece container formed from a single unitary blank of corrugated paperboard has a bottom wall, opposed side walls and inwardly inclined opposed end walls. Stacking tabs project upwardly from the end walls and tab locks in the bottom wall receive the stacking tabs of a subjacent container when the containers are stacked on top of one another. A reinforcing corner post extends the full height of the container in each corner. The corner posts are formed by panels extending from opposite ends of the end walls, wherein the panels include a first panel foldably joined to an end of an associated end wall and adhered to an adjacent side wall, a second panel foldably joined to the first panel and extending diagonally across the corner, and a third panel foldably joined to the second panel and adhered to an adjacent side wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a customer identifying information in a consumable used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving an order from a customer for one or more consumables, each of the one or more consumables having a tag memory, retrieving customer identifying information relating to the customer, storing the retrieved customer identifying information in the tag memory of each of the ordered one or more consumables, and sending the ordered one or more consumables to the customer corresponding to the customer identifying information stored in the tag memory of each of the ordered one or more consumables.

Abstract: A checkout system for, and a method of, processing target data electro-optically readable by a clerk-operated workstation and a customer-operated accessory reader, include a data capture arrangement at the workstation for capturing target data associated with products to be checked out by the clerk in a transaction, and a data capture assembly at the accessory reader for capturing additional target data related to the transaction. A workstation microprocessor processes the target data during an active mode, and stands by during a standby mode. An accessory microprocessor acquires the additional target data, and sends the acquired additional target data to the workstation microprocessor for processing during the standby mode.

Abstract: Contemplated systems comprise: a) an information repository that comprises a display device, a unique code generator, a portable device communication system, an information transfer system and an information storage system; b) a handheld device, portable device or combination thereof, and c) at least one piece of information.

Abstract: A system and approach for conveying engineering and license data with a handheld or mobile device via a multi-dimensional code. Engineering data from a page such as a schematic may be generated, formatted, and encoded with a multi-dimensional code. The code in a visual presentation may be embedded in the schematic. A mobile device may scan the code. The device with an appropriate application may decode and un-format the engineering data from the code for a consumer or user. License data may be generated, encrypted, and encoded in a multi-dimensional code. The code in a visual presentation may be scanned and decrypted by the mobile device with an appropriate application, for a consumer or user.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of mobile access to information for items or objects, such as, for example, product and inventory items found in a warehouse or on a shop floor, are presented. In one example, an identifier is received at a mobile communication device. A search request including the identifier is transmitted from the mobile communication device to an enterprise resource planning system. Information descriptive of at least one item is received at the mobile communication device from the enterprise resource planning system in response to the search request. The information is presented to a user of the mobile communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an interactive toy dressing system. The system is designed to provide not only coordinating toy outfit purchasing advice, but can provide a play environment which assists users in determining coordinating clothing options that are available, and locating them for purchase.

Abstract: Nutritional substance systems and methods are disclosed enabling the tracking and communication of changes in nutritional, organoleptic, and aesthetic values of nutritional substances, and further enabling the adaptive storage and adaptive conditioning of nutritional substances.

Abstract: Identification elements (e.g., tracking elements, tracing elements, locating elements, etc.) (22A, 100) are provided on various communication components (20, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 40, 42, 48, 49, 60, 62, 64, 120) provided within a communication network such as a fiber optic network or a copper network. Fiber optic hubs 20 can be identified and/or managed. Data centers (110) with patch panels (120) can also be identified and/or managed. Example passive identification elements include bar codes (e.g., 2d barcodes) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In certain embodiments, RFID tags and the bar codes can include network information included therein. In certain embodiments, bar codes can be used to direct technicians to network links at which additional information stored elsewhere is provided. In certain embodiments, identification elements can be provided on communication components through an application downloaded to a mobile device by scanning the bar code.

Abstract: A method for personal identification number (PIN) fraud prevention, comprising: receiving, a request for a card-based financial transaction; prompting a customer for a PIN; receiving, from a scroll wheel corresponding to a plurality of digits, a first digit of the PIN, wherein the customer selects the first digit of the PIN by touching a touch sensitive region associated with the scroll wheel; receiving from the scroll wheel, a second digit of the PIN, wherein the customer selects the second digit of the PIN by touching the touch sensitive region, wherein the second digit is different than the first digit, and wherein touching the touch sensitive region to select the first digit and the second digit prevents fraud based on tracking PIN entry; and completing the card-based financial transaction.

Abstract: A user having an account with a payment provider is able to go to a store or merchant location and pick an unregistered payment card associated with the payment provider. The card may have a magnetic strip encoded with a number unique to the card and a machine readable code, such as a QR/barcode, embossed thereon. The card may or may not have a corresponding number embossed or printed on the card. Once a card is selected, the user may open an application on the user's mobile smart phone or other device to scan or otherwise capture the number associated with the card. The user may scan the QR/barcode, take a picture of the number, speak the number into the device, or even manually enter the number into the user's device. The user, either before or after the number capture, also authenticates with the payment provider, such as by entering login credentials, which may include a password/PIN and a user identifier if needed.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a card payment system includes a card payment apparatus, having an audio jack, configured to: read account information stored on a payment card, transmit the account information via a microphone contact of an audio jack, and receive an acoustic signal via at least one earphone contact of the audio jack; and a client device, having an audio jack socket to receive the audio jack, configured to: receive, from the card payment apparatus, the account information via a receptor for the microphone contact of the audio jack, and transmit, to the card payment apparatus, the acoustic signal via the at least one earphone contact.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a card payment system includes a card payment apparatus, having an audio jack, configured to: read account information stored on a payment card, encode a counter value of the card payment apparatus into a onetime password, transmit the account information and onetime password via a microphone contact of the audio jack, and receive an acoustic signal via at least one earphone contact of the audio jack; and a client device, having an audio jack socket to receive the audio jack, configured to: receive the account information and onetime password via the microphone contact, transmit, to the card payment apparatus, the acoustic signal via the at least one earphone contact, decode the onetime password into the counter value, and authenticate the card payment apparatus based on the counter value of the card payment apparatus and a counter value of the client device.

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

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to an integrated circuit (IC) including: an inventoried flag configured to indicate whether the integrated circuit has been inventoried in a current inventory round; and an event detector configured to detect a tag event at the integrated circuit and reset the inventoried flag based on the tag event. In various embodiments, the IC further includes a timer circuit configured to measure a predetermined time since the inventoried flag was set and to prevent the reset of the inventoried flag until the predetermined time has expired.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system. The medical system includes a medical device configured to deliver a medical therapy to a patient, a clinician programmer configured to program the medical device, and a manufacturing database configured to store and maintain an electronic inventory of a plurality of types of medical devices. The clinician programmer is configured to acquire a visual representation of the medical device, generate an electronic ticket identifying the medical device based on the visual representation, and send the electronic ticket to the manufacturing database. The manufacturing database is configured to receive the electronic ticket from the clinician programmer and perform at least one of the following tasks in response to the received electronic ticket: updating the electronic inventory, analyzing a usage trend of the medical device, predicting a potential shortage of the medical device, and suggesting a production schedule for the medical device.

Abstract: A retail information network includes one or more POS scanning and checkout systems, each including (i) a bar code symbol reading subsystem, and (ii) a cash register computer subsystem interfaced with the bar code symbol reading subsystem and a network infrastructure, and each having access to product and price data maintained in a product/price database. The bar code symbol reading subsystem includes a local predictive error event (PEE) data store for logging and storing predictive error events (PEEs) detected within the bar code symbol reading system, wherein said PEEs are subsequently sent to POS information servers used to create predictive error alerts (PEAs) and corresponding instructions to maintain and/or repair certain aspects of the bar code symbol reading system.

Abstract: A wireless scanner is described that performs a pairing operation with a wireless scanner base before commencing scanning operations in a wireless scanner network. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is used to achieve the pairing operation of the wireless scanner with the wireless scanner base by using an RFID tag associated with the wireless scanner base. The RFID tag in the wireless scanner base may contain pairing information such as a network address of the wireless scanner base for use in automatically establishing a wireless communication session with the wireless scanner base in accordance with another wireless protocol.

Abstract: A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system can comprise a terminal module communicatively coupled to a wireless interface module via a wired interface. The terminal module can include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and an encoded information reading (EIR) device. The wireless interface module can include a microcontroller, a memory, and at least one wireless communication interface. The wireless interface module can establish one or more wireless links with one or more peer EIR terminals, to join a wireless network which is collectively formed by the peer EIR terminals. The wireless interface module can receive or transmit beacons containing at least an identifier of a path selection protocol which is used for unicast, multicast and broadcast frame transmission within the wireless network.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated bi-optical workstation through which products having target data are passed to a bagging area, and a customer-operated accessory reader having an accessory window facing the bagging area and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items, particularly over a restricted range of working distances that terminates short of the bagging area, and for preventing the accessory reader from capturing the target data of the products in the bagging area.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a card payment apparatus includes a member having a magnetic strip reader configured to read account information from a magnetic strip of a first payment card and an integrated chip (IC) reader configured to read account information from an IC chip of a second payment card; a sliding face configured to allow the first payment card to slide thereon, when the magnetic strip reader reads the account information from the magnetic strip; and a card receptacle configured to receive the second payment card, when the IC reader reads the account information from the IC chip.

Abstract: A method of disseminating a message is disclosed. The message is encoding in a barcode. A selected region of the barcode is damaged so as to hinder decoding of the message at a scanning device. The damaged region of the barcode may be occluded from the scanning device in order to enable the scanning device to read the barcode and the message therein.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, after a rasterizer checks resolution of raster data, if the resolution of the raster data is lower than a predefined resolution, a barcode detector analyzes the raster data and detects a barcode area. If there is a barcode area, a barcode direction determining unit determines barcode direction, and a resolution convertor enhances resolution of the barcode on black planes in a direction perpendicular to the bar direction of the barcode.

Abstract: A touch control barcode scanner, used for being externally connected to an electric connector of a mobile electronic device thereby enabling the mobile electronic device to provide with barcode scanning function, includes: a main body and a scan module and a touch control module electrically connected with each other. The scan module is disposed in the main body and electrically connected to an external connector inserted in the electric connector; the touch control module is disposed in the main body and installed with a touch control panel corresponding to one side board of the main body; the scan module can be actuated for processing scanning merely through gently touching the touch control panel and the touch control module.

Abstract: A change part, which is used for a machine employed in the filling or bottle manufacturing industry and which includes an identification element, where the identification element comprises a piezoelectric transmitter, which, when the change part is mounted and/or demounted, is able to be activated by the forces acting thereon and to transmit an identification signal, and to a suitable method for identifying a change part mounted in a machine.

Abstract: This instant disclosure illustrates a RFID device for near-field communication, comprising a substrate, a winding and a RFID circuit. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface. The windings are spirally reeled and mounted on the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of winding distances are between the windings, and the winding distances are not larger than the first winding distance. The RFID circuit is mounted on the first surface or the second surface of the substrate, and electrically connected to both of winding ends.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, the RFID tag having a housing; an interface configured for detachable coupling to a connector that is coupleable or coupled to an external module having at least one of a battery and a remote sensor; a controller for processing data derived from an output of the remote sensor; a memory for storing the data derived from an output of the remote sensor and/or the processed data; and an antenna coupled to the controller for enabling backscatter communication.

Abstract: A method of disseminating a message is disclosed. The message is encoding in a barcode. A selected region of the barcode is damaged so as to hinder decoding of the message at a scanning device. The damaged region of the barcode may be occluded from the scanning device in order to enable the scanning device to read the barcode and the message therein.

Abstract: An active card, such as a smart credit or debit card, includes a substrate, a piezoelectric film sensor embedded in the substrate, and an active card module embedded in the substrate and coupled to the piezoelectric film sensor. The piezoelectric film sensor receives an input stimulation and outputs a voltage in response to the input stimulation. The active card module receives the voltage generated by the piezoelectric film sensor and executes a function.

Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. Alternatively, the system includes a SAX processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, a ZPL processor configured to receive and process a format template, a variable data integrator configured to develop an association between the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and a barcode rendering engine configured to receive the associated and formatted XML data and generate a bit map representative of the bar code label.

Abstract: A radio IC device includes a flexible dielectric base, a radiation element that is a metal film or a metal foil wrapped around the dielectric base, and a radio IC element mounted on the radiation element. The radiation element includes, in a portion other than a portion where the radio IC element is disposed, a bonded portion that is bonded to the dielectric element and a non-bonded portion that is not bonded to the dielectric element. The radio IC element is arranged to be directly opposed to the dielectric element with the portion of the radiation element where the radio IC element is disposed not bonded to the dielectric base.

Abstract: An additional layer of encoding is provided using conventional one-dimensional (“1-D”) bar code symbology. Dark bars of at least 2 heights are used (where the dark bars may be narrow or wide, and may be separated by a space that is narrow or wide) for 2-dimensional (“2-D”) encoding. Whereas the width of the dark bars is significant in the 1-D encoding, the height of the dark bars is significant for the 2-D encoding. In one approach, dark bars of a shortest height are used for encoding conventional 1-D data, while dark bars of other heights encode additional data in a 2-D portion of a bar code. In another approach, consecutive dark bars are used in combination, according to a mapping which correlates the various combinations of bar heights to respective characters. The 2-D encoding rules may be proprietary, providing a type of data privacy.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A described system includes an implantable media format including a spatial arrangement of at least two regions. Each region is mapped for implantation of at least one micro-object of a set of micro-objects. The system includes a conversion table correlating units of information with machine recognizable features in ultrasound echo responses by implanted micro-objects of the set of micro-objects. The system includes an encoding apparatus configured to encode a data set into machine-recognizable features of at least two micro-objects pursuant to the implantable media format and the conversion table. The system includes a selector apparatus configured to pick at least two micro-objects having the respective machine recognizable features corresponding to the encoded data set.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a multistage gas furnace, a controller therefor and a computer-usable medium having non-transitory computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform a method for operating a gas furnace. In one embodiment, the gas furnace includes: (1) a burner, (2) a circulation fan and (3) a furnace controller. The furnace controller having: (3A) an interface configured to receive heating calls and a blower control signal, the blower control signal corresponding to an operating speed of the circulation fan and (3B) a processor configured to respond to the heating calls and the blower control signal by setting and adjusting a gas input rate for the burner that is based on the blower control signal and that corresponds to a discharge air temperature determined by a dedicated discharge air sensor associated with the furnace.

Abstract: An anchoring device for use in a railway rail fastening assembly which employs a resilient railway rail fastening clip to fasten a railway rail, comprises a body having a front portion, which is configured to provide a first load bearing surface extending alongside the rail foot when the device is in use, and first and second side faces, respectively located on opposite sides of the body and configured to extend transversely away from the first portion. The device comprises first and second projecting portions, the first projecting portion extending outwardly from the first side face of the body and providing a first additional load bearing surface which is set back from the first load bearing surface, and the second projecting portion extending outwardly from the second side face of the body and providing a second additional load bearing surface which is set back from the first load bearing surface.

Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques for providing for variable radial flow conductance within a semiconductor processing showerhead are provided. In some cases, the radial flow conductance may be varied dynamically during use. In some cases, the radial flow conductance may be fixed but may vary as a function of radial distance from the showerhead centerline. Both single plenum and dual plenum showerheads are discussed.

Abstract: A portable hydroseeding system comprising a housing for containing a slurry, a propellant means connected to the housing and an outlet control mechanism for distributing the slurry.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes first and second check valve members that open and close first and second nozzle outlet sets, respectively, to inject two fuels that differ in at least one of chemical identity, pressure and molecular state. The first check valve member defines a through passage, includes a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in the first control chamber, and moves into and out of contact with a first seat on an injector body. The second check valve member includes a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in a second control chamber, and moves into and out of contact with a second seat located on the first check valve member. A control valve member is movable between first and second positions that respectively block and allow fluid communication between the first and second control chambers and a drain outlet.

Abstract: A system for staging fuel to a combustor includes a fuel manifold with a plurality of valves. At least one fuel circuit provides fluid communication between the fuel manifold and a first set of fuel nozzles. A flow distribution valve is fluidly connected to one of the at least one fuel circuits between the fuel manifold and the first set of fuel nozzles. The flow distribution valve includes an inlet and at least two outlets.

Abstract: An air freshener or container has a convertible and interchangeable lid/base that can form both a lid covering a jar and a base supporting a jar. In addition, the container or jar can contain water beads and a scented material.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed having at least one spray head, a fluid pump, and a power converter driving the fluid pump. The control system may also have an interface device to receive at least one parameter associated with a desired fluid delivery event, a pressure sensor configured to generate a first signal, a travel speed sensor configured to generate a second signal, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a desired fluid pressure based on the at least one parameter, and determine a control command for the power converter based on the desired fluid pressure. The controller may be further configured to determine a feedforward gain parameter based on the at least one parameter and the second signal, determine a feedback gain parameter based on a difference between desired and actual fluid pressures, and adjust the control command based on the feedforward and feedback gain parameters.