Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

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: An ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The ultrasonic bonding system includes a bond head assembly and a bonding tool for bonding a conductive bonding material to a workpiece. The ultrasonic bonding system also includes a pressing member adapted to press against the workpiece, the pressing member being supported by the bond head assembly and being moveable with respect to the bond head assembly independent of the bonding tool. The pressing member includes a body portion and a plurality of pressing elements extending below the body portion, the pressing elements being configured to contact the workpiece.

Abstract: A joining method that allows joining processing to be carried out simultaneously at a plurality of portions without being influenced by a supply time restriction on a joining material, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method using the joining method are provided. A chip and a lead frame are tentatively assembled having a solid solder block interposed therebetween. The solder block is provided with protruding parts that protrude in one direction. The protruding parts are inserted into solder supply ports of the lead frame, whereby the chip and the lead frame are tentatively assembled. Subsequently, the chip and the lead frame are fed into a reflow oven, and the solder block is melted and thereafter solidified. Thus, the chip and the lead frame are joined to each other.

Abstract: A tab system for a folder (10a), and a method of making same is disclosed. The tab is enlarged to carry more information/indicia. The visual indicia space (16a), i.e. the viewable space on the front (32a, 36a) of the folder which allows viewing of the enlarged tab is achieve without violating the overall size restrictions (40a) of the file folder. Instead, the front of the folder adjacent to the tab on the back panel, is cut away (32a, 34a) to expose a greater portion of the back panel (14a) and allow an increase in visual indicia space. The remaining portion of the front panel, not adjacent to the tab may also be cut away (34a) to allow other enlarged tab files, with offset tabs, (22d, 21a) to be viewable behind the present file.

Abstract: A box enclosing a chamber for carrying at least one object, such as a quantity of objects, is provided. The box comprises at least one wall, wherein said wall comprises a pair of overlapping flaps. The outer flap of said pair is adhesively attached to the inner flap of said pair to prevent access to the object(s) within the box. The outer flap is also arranged to release fragments without providing access to said objects if being tampered with.

Abstract: A package includes a carton having an access opening that is for providing access to the interior of the carton. The package further includes a flexible bag that is positioned in the interior of the carton, and a spigot that is operatively connected to the bag for selectively dispensing flowable material from the bag. A holder is cooperatively associated with the spigot and the carton for holding the spigot so that the spigot is simultaneously proximate the access opening of the carton and disposed at least partially within the interior of the carton, so that access to the spigot is at least temporarily restricted in a manner that at least temporarily restricts any dispensing of flowable material from the bag by way of the spigot.

Abstract: A carton comprising an inner layer (100) and an outer layer (2), the inner layer comprises at least one side wall, which inner side wall comprises at least two layers (116, 118) of carton material in a face to face relationship with one another and the outer layer comprises a base portion (4) and at least one side wall (14, 22) about the inner layer side wall.

Abstract: A container assembly having an inner container and an outer cover fixedly attached to one another. The inner container has multiple sidewalls for forming the inner container sidewalls and has a bottom forming flap attached thereto. The outer cover has multiple cover sidewalls that fit over the inner container sidewalls to enclose the inner container. At least one attachment member attached to and extending from the outer cover is attached to the bottom forming flap, thereby fixedly attaching the inner container to the outer container. The attachment member can be separated from the container outer cover to allow removal of the outer cover from the inner container without marring the finish of the outside face of the sidewalls of the inner container. A knockdown assembly that is erectable to form the container assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible cardboard box and lid. The box sides each comprise an outer face and an inner face flap connected by a fold-over region. Mitered edges of adjacent fold-over regions align to define mitered corners of the box opening periphery. Intermediate side flaps connected to the outer shell bottom are sandwiched between the side outer faces and inner face flaps, and a locking flap connected to one of the sides defines an interior bottom. The lid top face is connected to a first set of outer side faces connected by a fold-over region to inner side faces. One inner side face is connected to a top locking liner flap that extends to an abutment with the inner side face to define the lid interior. A second set of outer side faces connects to intermediate flaps sandwiched between the first set of outer side faces and inner side faces.

Abstract: A water-station drink cup for running races has a square cutout at a front or proximal side, and arcuate upper edges along a radius on each side from the top of the verticals of the cutout to a common point on the opposite side. Radiused perforations create fold lines that extend from the bottom of each side of the vertical to meet at that common point. This creates two flaps of a double-radiused ogive shape. The flaps are pushed down one onto the other to close the top, leaving a drink opening at the distal side, corresponding to the square cutout.

Abstract: A fully erected one-piece, four wall container made of a foldable material having a tray with a bottom wall panel, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. Each of the front wall, the two side walls and the rear wall are configured to be folded to a position that is perpendicular to the bottom wall panel. Locations on the front wall and the rear wall that are mutually adjacent the first and second side walls each have a triangular piece hingedly joined thereto and to a respective one of the first and second side walls. Each triangular piece is configured to be oriented perpendicular to respective first and second side walls and parallel to respective front and rear walls, all in response to each of the front, rear and first and second side walls becoming oriented perpendicular to the bottom wall panel.

Abstract: A medical-technical identification device for identifying a sterile product and a method of identifying such a product are provided. The product may be intended for one-time-use only, when connected to a piece of medical equipment. A fixedly mounted information carrier is adapted to deliver or to offer specific product information in a contactless fashion to a reading element connected to the medical equipment. The function of the identification device is improved so that even specific data can be forwarded to the medical equipment such as an infusion-type fluid pump. Thus operation of the pump may be reprogrammed, for example, to change the calibration factor or the operation mode or to change irrigation depending on the patient group to undergo surgery.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional barcodes at a product include service identifiers for the product so that an end user with a portable information handling system captures an image of the multi-dimensional barcode and extracts the service identifiers to obtain service information from a service network location. For example, a service identifier embeds a URL that links to a video demonstrating how to assemble the product. As another example, a service identifier links to a service network location and includes a unique identifier so that an end user retrieves warranty or purchase information for the product. In one embodiment, a chassis supports plural information handling system modules and present information for the modules with QR codes displayed at a chassis-wide dynamic fault code display.

Abstract: A method for registering an appliance with a service provider, including receiving, by a server computer, a message from a cellular telephone, the message including a unique ID for an appliance, wherein the server computer stores billing information for the cellular telephone, wherein the appliance includes a modem, wherein the cellular telephone is separate from the appliance, and wherein the server computer is separate from the appliance and separate from the cellular telephone, further receiving, by the server computer, registration information from the appliance via the modem of the appliance, and associating, by the server computer, the billing information for the cellular telephone, with the appliance registration information.

Abstract: A system is described for managing administration of medical care. The system can include a patient record system that contains electronic records for patients in a hospital. The electronic records may include scheduling information for medicine administration to the patient. A display terminal can be connected to the patient record system and be configured to read an RFID tag on the patient. The display terminal can then identify the patient and display the patient's medicine schedule.

Abstract: A method for predicting failure in an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is provided. The method may include using a database to store information relating to the performance of a component function by an ATM component. The information may include normal performance information and fault information. The method may further include using a computational module to calculate a fault rate for the ATM component. The method may also include using a processor to compare the calculated fault rate to a threshold value associated with the component function. In the event that the fault rate exceeds the threshold value, the processor may initiate a request for service of the ATM component.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machines for monitoring card reader activity involve, for example, receiving data regarding a level of activity of a card reader of an access door of a self-service financial transaction terminal vestibule and also receiving data regarding a level of activity of a card reader of at least one self-service financial transaction terminal located within the vestibule. Periodically, the level of activity of the card reader of the access door may be compared with the level of activity of the card reader of the at least one self-service financial transaction terminal, and an alert may be generated when a ratio of the level of activity of the card reader of the access door to the level of activity of the card reader of the at least one self-service financial transaction terminal falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A payment device—payment device reader combination obtains issuer token data that was generated by an issuer entity from: input data, and an issuer application cryptogram based on the input data and a session key. The issuer token data is disassembled by the payment device—payment device reader combination to obtain the input data and the issuer application cryptogram, and the payment device—payment device reader combination computes a payment device application cryptogram based on the input data and the session key. This is compared, by the payment device—payment device reader combination, to the issuer application cryptogram. If the payment device application cryptogram matches the issuer application cryptogram, at least one action is allowed to take place on the payment device.

Abstract: A matrix code reader may detect a matrix code (such as a QR code), which may be displayed along with content and include information identifying the content. The matrix code reader may obtain user information associated with a social networking service and, based at least on the content information and the user information, may transmit an instruction to the social networking service to perform a social networking service function. The matrix code reader may obtain the user information and/or the instruction to perform the social networking service function from information included in the matrix code, from a non-transitory storage medium of the matrix code reader, from a user, and so on. In some implementations, the matrix code reader may determine that additional information or a confirmation to transmit the instructions is needed and may prompt a user for the additional information or confirmation.

Abstract: Optical identification and/or authentication of a document or item with the help of a marking comprising a random distribution of circular polarized light reflecting particles, the marking being applied to the document or item through an ink, and the reading device exploiting circular polarization to discriminate the flakes from the background.

Abstract: At each of a plurality of point of sale terminals (POS) of a transit system, for each of a plurality of riders, where each rider seeks access into a facility of the transit facility by using a payment device issued by an issuer in a payment system, data is read from the payment device. The data can include an identifier for an account issued by an issuer. For each such access, a communication including the account is addressed to a network address of a system remote from the payment processing system and remote from each of POS terminals. A response to the communication is received that includes information as to the validation of the access based upon the account being on a list keep by remote system. When the received information contains the validation of the access, the rider is permitted access to the facility of the transit system and the payment device is unchanged for the fare of the access to the facility of the transit system.

Abstract: Under the present invention, item verification is automated and expedited. Specifically, items to be purchased can be scanned by the shopper using a barcode reader (e.g., a scanner) attached to or positioned near the shopping receptacle. As items are scanned, they are identified based on their barcode and added to an item list. Item verification can then performed at checkout using imaging technology. For example, the shopping cart or shopping basket can be brought into the field of view of a computer-connected camera. The camera and computer can, working from the customer's item list developed when the items are scanned, observe each product in the receptacle and “ring it up”. If all products can be accounted for, the customer is free to leave; otherwise the customer is denied egress, informed of the problem, etc. A store employee can also be signaled to investigate.

Abstract: 3D glasses having an RFID tag (embedded in one or more temples) are rented to theater or other venue operators. The glasses are shipped to a venue for distribution to patrons and collected from patrons in the trays. Inventory and other measures are implemented by RFID scanning while the glasses are in the trays (e.g., upon delivery to a theater, on collection from the theater, upon inspection at the 3D rental company, etc). Data gathered from RFID scanning and inspections allows the rental company to properly allocate rental costs to various venues based on shrinkage which includes, for example, extraordinary wear, breakage, or theft which is attributable and traceable to the specific venues. The theater or venue may also independently scan the trays upon delivery and pick-up to maintain their own records. The invention includes 3D glasses with RFID, a washing rack, and rental systems.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for streamlined purchase of consumable chromatographic columns and efficient instrument management. Purchase orders for chromatographic columns are entered into based on estimating usage for a fixed period. An initial partial shipment is made of tagged columns as the columns are used. An RFID transmits trigger signals until an order point is reached at which time a new partial shipment is made. This process is repeated until the end of the fixed period. A general control system is in wireless communication with a plurality of apparatuses to ensure prompt and accurate supply of consumables used by the apparatus. As the apparatus uses the consumables, the instrument management system sends indicia from the apparatus to the general control which controls and monitors the number of specific consumables sent to the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for indicating an existence of a link to information pertaining to an article of commerce. The present disclosure provides for downloading a look-up table from a server database to a mobile device via a communication network. The look-up table is configured to store a plurality of UPC numbers associated with a plurality of articles of commerce and a plurality of information link indicators. Each information link indicator is associated with a respective UPC number and article of commerce and indicates the existence of a link via the communication network to information pertaining to the respective article of commerce. The mobile device allows a consumer to immediately determine if product information is available for a particular article of commerce, via a visual or audible indication on the mobile device, without access to the communication network.

Abstract: A system and method for disrupting at least one component of a suspect object is provided. The system has a source for passing radiation through the suspect object, a grid board positionable adjacent the suspect object (the grid board having a plurality of grid areas, the radiation from the source passing through the grid board), a screen for receiving the radiation passing through the suspect object and generating at least one image, a weapon for deploying a discharge, and a targeting unit for displaying the image of the suspect object and aiming the weapon according to a disruption point on the displayed image and deploying the discharge into the suspect object to disable the suspect object.

Abstract: Embodiments related to methods and systems for determining support for a memory card, where the memory card is accessible to a card reader and the card reader is in communication with an accessing device. One embodiment comprises transmitting a first test command to the memory card, receiving a response to the first test command, and determining that the response to the first test command indicates that a card type is not supported by a plurality of card drivers. In response to said determining, at least one additional test command specific to a card type supported by a selected card driver is automatically transmitted, and if the response is successful, the selected card driver, which was previously determined not to support the card type of the memory card, is indicated to support the card type of the memory card.

Abstract: A laser scanning module employing a laser scanning assembly mounted within a module housing using a mechanism that allows the laser scanning assembly to be rotated to an angular position within the engine housing so that light collection, beam folding and light collection mirrors in the module housing are optically aligned. A PC board is mounted on a side of the housing and has a configuration of elongated apertures of open-ended and/or closed geometry, arranged in a non-parallel manner. An electromagnetic coil structure, associated with the laser scanning assembly, has a linear array of electrically-conductive pins that project through the configuration of elongated holes, at locations along the elongated holes that are determined by the angular rotation of the laser scanning assembly attained during optical alignment conditions during manufacture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top five sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.

Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an identification symbol and system and method for reading in accordance with the present invention is preferably a two-dimensional, rectangular or square bar code symbol having a solid border, a tick-mark region adjacent to the solid border, a omni-directional reading and error detection and correction capability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a barcode reader, comprising: a scanner unit which scans a barcode by emitting laser beam and receiving reflection light thereof to obtain image data; a judgment unit which judges a portion of the image data corresponding to each end portion of a swing width of the laser beam as a data unstable range and judges a portion of the image data other than the data unstable range as a data stable range; and a decoding unit which sets a tolerance of error of the image data low against a threshold in the data unstable range, the threshold being used to judge data width of black bars and white spaces of the barcode, to decode the data unstable range, and sets the tolerance of error of the image data high against the threshold in the data stable range to decode the data stable range.

Abstract: Data transfer using barcodes is described. In one example data can be transferred between a first device and a second device in close proximity to each other using repeating barcode sequences. For example at the first device a data item can be encoded as a sequence of barcodes, each barcode includes an indicator of the number of barcodes in the sequence and the position of the barcode in the sequence. To receive the data at a second device the barcode sequence can be captured and stored, for example using a digital camera associated with the device, and the barcodes subsequently decoded using the captured sequence. The data contained in each of the barcodes in the sequence can be reassembled by the receiving device to obtain the transmitted data.

Abstract: Various improved imager-based optical code readers and associated methods are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an imager-based method reads an optical code (which may be, for example, a linear optical code such as a bar code) on an object in a viewing volume. The method comprises dividing an image plane into a plurality of strip-shaped sections, viewing the object in the viewing volume from a plurality of perspectives, forming a plurality of strip-shaped images corresponding to the plurality of perspectives, respectively, thereby creating a composite image containing data from a plurality of perspectives, and processing at least a portion of the composite image so as to ascertain the information encoded in the optical code on the object in the viewing volume. Certain embodiments can mimic the performance of a laser-based scanner without a laser or moving parts but instead utilizing an electronic imaging device such as an imager.

Abstract: An imaging system which includes a housing for a radiation detector having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector, a variable aperture assembly which includes a base ring having a first opening and mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window, a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window, at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. In addition, the imaging system includes an actuator assembly having an actuator and an actuator arm, the actuator arm disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing in proximity to the actuator coupling member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a battery in the housing, a first light indicator operative to emit light in a first color with the duration of a first time period after a predetermined triggering event, and a second light indicator operative to emit light in a second color with the duration of a second time period after the predetermined triggering event. The ratio between the first time period and the second time period monotonically depends upon a state of charge on the battery.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a candidate point detecting section configured to detect a plurality of candidate points on a boundary of a code region of a two-dimensional code in an image capturing the two-dimensional code, by scanning the image starting from an internal point of the two-dimensional code in the image, the two-dimensional code including a plurality of modules being arranged in two dimensions; a calculating section configured to calculate a first boundary line using the candidate points; a selecting section configured to select the candidate points located within a distance less than a threshold value from the first boundary line; and a boundary line detecting section configured to detect a second boundary line calculated using the selected candidate points selected by the selecting section.

Abstract: A smart card holding member in this exemplary embodiment includes a main member, a connection member, and two resisting members. The connection member is connected to one end of the main member and bends toward the main member. The resisting members bend from opposite sides of the main member and each resisting member includes a locking section for fastening a battery in position. The resisting members are respectively connected to opposite sides of the main member to form an accommodating space for receiving a smart card therein. One part of the smart card is exposed out from the main member to be removed. A portable electronic device employing the smart card holding member is also described.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement comprises an electric antenna (4) configured to receive a reception signal from a sender and at least one conductive loop (3, 25) with two terminals (16, 17) to be connected to a receiver circuit (2, 24) which is configured to process an electric signal generated by the at least one conductive loop (3, 25). The at least one conductive loop (3, 25) is spaced within a distance from and magnetically coupled to the electric antenna (4) such that the at least one conductive loop (4, 25) generates the electric signal in response to the reception signal received by the electric antenna (4). Alternatively, the antenna arrangement may be used as a sending antenna used with a transmitter.

Abstract: The invention comprises an RFID card consisting of at least one upper layer, one lower layer, one functional layer comprising at least one electronic component, an antenna connected to the electronic component, wherein the card also comprises a compensator between the functional layer and the lower layer, the compensator being recessed at the location of the electronic component and of thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the electronic component on the functional layer and in that the layers are assembled together by adhesion. The invention also comprises the continuous manufacturing method of the RFID card and the machine according to the manufacturing method of the RFID card.

Abstract: Systems, devices, admixtures, and methods are described including transponder devices (e.g., a palatable transponder, an edible transponder, a palatable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an edible RFID tag, etc.) for admixing with a food product.

Abstract: An antenna includes a ground plane having a slot. The slot may be miniaturized using a meandered slot structure or other appropriate reactive loading method as an end load to one or both ends of the slot. An edge treatment may be included on one or more edges of the ground plane or a closely spaced reflecting plane. The antenna is structured to transmit or receive a signal independently or in response to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A storage device contains a smart-card device and a memory device, both connected to a controller. The storage device may be used in the same manner as a conventional smart-card device, or it may be used to store a relatively large amount of data in various partitions. One of these partitions may be a read-only partition that is normally accessible only for read accesses. However, it may sometimes be necessary to update or supplement the data stored in the read-only partition. This is accomplished by a host issuing an appropriate command to the storage device, which may be accompanied by an identifier for an appropriate level of authorization. The controller then changes the attribute of the read-only partition from “read-only” to “read/write” to allow data to be written to the partition. Upon completion, the controller changes the attribute of the partition back to read-only.

Abstract: A card exhibiting enhanced detection is provided. A plurality of detector shapes that may be associated with a detection system increases detection effectiveness, while reducing adverse effects of detection systems that may be operating within a electromagnetic field environment.

Abstract: A high coercivity bias piece for making acousto-magnetic labels is made of an alloy strip with 10-14% weight percent Mn, less than 7% weight percent of one or more other transitional metals, with the balance Fe, after cold rolling to final gage, going through a final aging heat treatment at below 590 C, longer than 5 minutes. The strip thickness is 0.065-0.18 mm with coercivity measured by direct current method being 56-90 Oe. The method of making the high coercivity bias piece is to cold roll the strip to 0.07-0.15 mm with aging temperature at 450-570 C, for 0.5-20 hours to form a magnetic strip with coercivity of 60-85 Oe, followed by cutting the strip to required size. This high coercivity bias piece is manufactured without expensive Co and Ni materials, showing that a low cost Fe-(10-14% weight percent Mn) based alloy can be used to make high coercivity bias.

Abstract: Techniques for making electronic cards that can be displayed on a mobile phone. The techniques permit making an electronic card based on an arbitrary SMS message and making an electronic card (eCard) that corresponds to a pre-existing non-electronic privilege card such as a loyalty card. In the latter case, the system on which the card is being made obtains information about the user and the issuer and uses the information to determine whether to issue the eCard and also to make use validity information which is associated with the card and is used to determine the validity of the card as it is used.

Abstract: The hot and cold water mixing valve having a cylindrical casing is provided with a control valve member which adjusts a ratio between hot and cold water inlets by balancing loads applied by a biasing member and an actuator, and cylindrical temperature adjuster which adjusts a position of the control valve member when rotated. In the temperature adjuster, an upper surface is formed at one end, a knob is provided in the center of the upper surface, and a ring-shaped recess is formed around the knob at the upper surface. The temperature adjuster is arranged inside the casing and the knob is inserted, coaxially with the casing, into the hole which opens at one end of the casing. A spacer which covers the recess is interposed and held between the upper surface of the temperature adjuster and one end of the casing.

Abstract: A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus, including an electric motor driven blower for circulating air through a cabinet, also includes one or more electric heating elements and a system controller operable to control energization of the heating elements and the blower motor at predetermined operating conditions by way of suitable relay or control elements. The system includes a heating interlock relay to prevent energization of the one or more heating elements if the blower motor is inoperable, operating at other than a predetermined range of speeds or the system controller detects a malfunctioning heating element control relay or the like.