Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system incorporating a pair of stamped support rails that are adapted to be fixedly secured within respective roof ditches of a roof of a vehicle. At least one cross bar may be secured to portions of the support rails. Bottom wall and side wall portions of the support rails are shaped to rest nestably within their respective roof ditches. The support rails add significant structural strength and rigidity to the roof structure of a vehicle once fixedly secured within the roof ditches.

Abstract: An intelligent terminal equipment supporting device and a supermarket shopping cart provided with the supporting device are disclosed. The intelligent terminal equipment supporting device includes a mounting member, a first supporting member and a second supporting member. A rear end of the first supporting member is fixedly connected with a front side of the mounting member, a rear end of the second supporting member is fixedly connected with the front side of the mounting member, a first supporting joint member is connected between the front end of the first supporting member and the front end of the second supporting member, and the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the first supporting joint member form a frame structure to support the intelligent terminal equipment.

Abstract: A carry bag may include a container portion and a strap portion. The container portion defines an interior compartment for containing objects, and the strap portion extends from the container portion. At least one of the container portion and the strap portion include (a) a base element formed from a two-dimensional material and (b) a strand formed from a one-dimensional material. The strand lies adjacent to and substantially parallel to a surface of the base element for a distance of at least five centimeters.

Abstract: A floor stapler shoe used in the installation of hardwood floors includes a shoe body and a pair or more antifriction components. The shoe body is designed to receive and connect with a floor stapler. One of the pair of antifriction components contacts a tongue of a floor board when in use, and the other of the pair of antifriction components contacts an upper surface of the floor board when in use. The antifriction components can be a bearing, a pad composed of antifriction material, or both.

Abstract: A stapling element is provided, operative to pierce and penetrate a tissue by a first end, and close around the tissue. Three factors help prevent local necrosis: 1. The self-closing feature of the staple does not lead to tissue crushing. 2. Edge seams are applied generally perpendicular to the tissue edge, allowing for blood supply to the tissue edge. 3. Excess tissue is cut off at the seam, minimizing the amount of tissue that may undergo local necrosis. A physical feature prevents the staple from rotating, when in an application shaft, to maintain a predetermined closing direction. The stapling element may be formed of an alloy, a pure metal, a polymer, or a composite of at least two materials. Additionally, staplers, anastomosis devices, and methods for their applications are described.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprises a staple cartridge assembly having a plurality of rows of staple receiving slots, an anvil assembly having an anvil member defining a plurality of rows of staple forming recesses, the staple cartridge assembly, the anvil assembly, or both, having one or more attachment members; and a staple line reinforcement material attached to the attachment members by ultrasonic welding. The staple line reinforcement material can be attached to an anvil assembly utilizing a retainer.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical method of treating tissue may include possessing a surgical tool that has at least one movable feeder belt that includes staples frangibly connected thereto, where at least one staple is oriented relative to the feeder belt in a direction angled relative to the transverse direction; placing the surgical tool adjacent to tissue; deforming at least one staple into tissue; frangibly separating at least one deformed staple from the feeder belt; advancing the feeder belt; and repeating the placing, deploying and separating. Another exemplary surgical method of treating tissue of a patient may include holding a cartridgeless surgical tool that includes staples; stapling tissue with staples in response to a single actuation of the surgical tool; and repeating the stapling at least once.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument can comprise a jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge, a firing member configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge, and a system for supplying a continuous number of staple cartridges to the jaw.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a selectively actuatable cutting member. The stapling instrument may be used as a surgical stapler without cutting tissue or, if desired, the surgeon may selectively actuate the cutting member to cut tissue as the staples are being deployed and formed. A stapling instrument can include an actuator knob that has at least one pusher bar attached thereto. Advancement of the actuator knob in a distal direction causes the pusher bars to apply a firing motion to the staples contained within a staple cartridge supported within the stapling instrument. A knife bar may be selectively coupleable to the actuator knob by a selector switch that is movable from an actuated position wherein movement of the actuator knob in the distal direction advances the knife bar which has a cutting blade portion to advance between rows of staples in the staple cartridge to an unactuated position wherein movement of the actuator knob advances the pusher bars without advancing the knife bar.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that has an actuation system that is configured to generate at least two separate actuation motions. A clutch assembly is movable between an engaged position wherein the clutch assembly is in operable engagement with the actuation system and an unengaged position. In various forms, the surgical instrument includes a manually actuatable trigger assembly that interfaces with the clutch assembly and the actuation system such that a first stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate a first one of the actuation motions and moves the clutch assembly from the unengaged position to the engaged position whereupon a second stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate another one of the actuation motions.

Abstract: A method for the joining of ceramic pieces with a hermetically sealed joint comprising brazing a continuous layer of joining material between the two pieces. The wetting and flow of the joining material is controlled by the selection of the joining material, the joining temperature, the time at temperature, the joining atmosphere, and other factors. The ceramic pieces may be aluminum nitride and the pieces may be brazed with an aluminum alloy under controlled atmosphere. The joint material is adapted to later withstand both the environments within a process chamber during substrate processing, and the oxygenated atmosphere which may be seen within the shaft of a heater or electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: Reflow solderable, surface mount LED optic mounting devices are provided. Embodiments that include turnings (e.g., made on a swiss turning machine) and stampings (e.g., made with a progressive die) are provided. The LED optic mounting devices are suitably positioned by the same pick-and-place machine that is used to mount LED on planar surface with circuitry and solder pads and are attached to the solder pads by soldering.

Abstract: A personal saving system for accumulating saved funds and allowing access to the saved funds after an elapsed timeframe features a sturdy hollow container having an open top and vertical dividers inside that create a plurality of chambers. The system features a plurality of lids pivotally located on the container, one above each chamber. The system features an elapsed time latch release system having a battery power supply and a microprocessor. The release system features a display, a money slot, one or more user interface components, and a demo button all located on a lid top surface. The release system features a latch first component located on a lid front and a latch second component located on a container front surface next to the latch first component when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: Authentication of a product could be accomplished by utilizing encryption and decryption engines onboard two integrated circuits namely a DECENC chip and a READER chip. A unique serial number in either an encrypted or un-encrypted format is programmed into eFuses, or OTP devices on board the DECENC chip where this chip is then attached to the product. During the authentication procedure, the encrypted and decrypted serial number on board the DECENC chip is transferred to the READER chip. The READER chip subsequently performs a decryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in encrypted form or performs an encryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in un-encrypted form. The READER chip then compares its result of decryption or encryption against the corresponding decrypted or encrypted versions of the serial number received from the DECENC chip.

Abstract: The invention relates to communication technology. Use of the invention for identifying the patch panel port, employed for connecting a network device, allows to identify a port or a cable attached to that port, there through the data communication being carried out. This technical result is achieved by steps of: configuring each of connection sensors, allotted to patch panel ports, with an inductance coil for perceiving magnetic part of stray electromagnetic radiation at the location of appearance of non-uniformity in a cable channel; disposing each of connection sensors nearby a separated wire of the cable connected to the respective patch panel port, identifying a specific patch panel port by a data processing unit, to which all connection sensors being connected, according to a signal from the connection sensor corresponding to this port on perceiving the stray electromagnetic radiation by this connection sensor.

Abstract: A vending machine. In a method and apparatus for handling a package in an automated dispensary, a package is positioned in an inspection station of the dispensary. Images are captured of the package and are read to identify data on labels or on the package itself. The data is encoded as source data in an identifying label which is applied to the package and is used subsequently in handling the package for dispensing and other inventory management procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that time correlate input at a point of entry of consumer data of least two identifications for products, prescriptions, vouchers, or codes, uses positive correlation determinations for triggering output of predetermined information. The time correlation of identifications may be used to build a time correlation database, and thereafter use that database for targeted communications. Related inventions include an intelligent Y cable or the like to filter data transmitted from a scanner at a point of entry of consumer data, and a novel POS CS configured to receive bar codes that would otherwise cause the POS CS to enter an error condition.

Abstract: A mobile device, such as a cellular telephone, is used to obtain information that is indicative of an item, such as a photograph of the item or a scan of an information carrying indicia associated with the item. The information obtained is then used to present on the mobile device a page by which a user can establish parameters for following the price of the item.

Abstract: A medium process apparatus is provided. The medium process apparatus comprises a state detection unit configured to detect a state of a transferring medium and a support unit configured to support the transferring medium. The support unit comprises a plurality of support parts successively disposed in a transfer direction of the medium. The plurality of support parts comprise a second support part facing the state detection unit and a first support part disposed at a front or rear side of the second support part in the transfer direction of the medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an account is established for in-game credits provided by an entity to one or more users. The entity owns or controls a computer game. One or more users play the computer game to earn at least a portion of the in-game credits. Game play occurrences are detected that earn a quantity of in-game credits, which are added to an account maintained by the entity. A quantity of the in-game credits are subtracted from the account, as a result of a conversion operation. The conversion operation converts the in-game credits to a quantity of negotiable or entity independent funds in accordance with agreement terms established between a commerce partner and the entity. The commerce partner is compensated for granting the negotiable or entity independent funds for the in-game credits.

Abstract: In a method for using and maintaining user data stored on a smart card, a smart card receives a user data request for the user data stored on the smart card. The smart card determines whether the user data request is a data maintenance request or a data use request. A data maintenance request is for modifying user data stored on the smart card. A data use request is for read only access to user data stored on the smart card. The smart card uses a first process to determine whether to allow the user data request when the user data request is determined to be a data maintenance request. The smart card uses a second process, different from the first method, to determine whether to allow the user data request when the user data request is determined to be a data use request.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a protection mechanism, a first circuit board having a first electronic loop, and a second circuit board having a second electronic loop. The protection mechanism is disposed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board, and includes a frame and a first flexible board. The first flexible board includes a first connector, and a first wire mesh used for forming a third electronic loop. When trace breaking occurs to any one, any two, or all of the electronic loops, the first, the second, and the third electronic loops are forced to break, thereby protecting data saved in the electronic device from being read inappropriately, so as to avoid data to be stolen.

Abstract: A bar code scanner is configured for placement in a retail checkout counter. The barcode scanner includes a box-shaped scanner housing to be received by the checkout counter. The box-shaped scanner housing includes a front portion and a rear portion with a recess formed in the rear portion. The recess includes two opposing walls oriented substantially perpendicular to the scanner window plane. A first socket is positioned in a first of the two opposing walls of the recess. A second socket is positioned in a second of the two opposing walls of the recess. The first socket is oriented to receive a first connector in a direction that is different from a direction perpendicular to the window plane. The second socket is oriented to receive a second connector in a direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments include a test element operable to receive a sample and to provide an indication of an analyte of the sample to a meter. In one form test element comprises a substrate and an optically readable pattern provided on the substrate which encodes information relating to the test element.

Abstract: A POS-based system including (i) a system housing having a horizontal housing portion and a vertical housing portion. The vertical housing portion is configured substantially orthogonal with respect to the horizontal housing portion. At least one reading window is formed in the system housing. A support frame having a plurality of spaced apart support surfaces, supports the system housing when the system housing is position over the support surfaces. A convex weigh surface is integrated with the vertical housing portion, for supporting the weight of produce items supported thereon during weighing operations. A code symbol reading subsystem is disposed in the system housing, for optically reading code symbols on objects being transported through a 3D reading volume definable relative to at least one code symbol reading window, and producing symbol character data representative of the read code symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data.

Abstract: A laser scanning code symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned code symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: An apparatus includes (1) a first housing for housing therein a barcode reading arrangement and (2) an enclosed space for housing therein a battery configured to power the barcode reading arrangement located outside the enclosed space. The first housing includes a window made from one or more materials that has a lower flaming critical temperature than that of any material for making the enclosed space for housing the battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transparent or translucent transaction card having a base comprising a core of substantially transparent or translucent material with a plurality of coats, including optically recognizable ink comprising one or more infrared blocking dyes and other nanoparticles, such as rare earth nanophosphors and other metal nanoparticles, and/or optically recognizable film comprising nanoparticles, such as rare earth nanophosphors, and other metal oxide and/or non-oxide complexes, and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: A winding core (WC) having a tubular body portion (B) and two ends is mounted by one of its ends to a module tape (MT), a module antenna (MA) is wound around the winding core (WC), a chip (CM) is disposed on the module tape (MT) within the winding core (WC). Connections (wb) are made, and glob-top (GT) is applied over the chip (CM), substantially filling the interior area of the winding core (WC). The module antenna (MA), winding core (WC) and chip (CM) may subsequently be overmolded with a mold mass (MM). The winding core (WC) may have a flange (F) at one end. Using the module antenna (MA) itself as a dam for the glob-top is disclosed. Double-sided and single-sided module tapes (MT) having vias, openings, or vias and openings are disclosed.

Abstract: The housing of an RFID transponder, which is attached to a slot antenna, is protected against mechanical stresses and/or reduced mechanical stresses that act on the housing at least to such an extent that damage to the housing and the components arranged therein is prevented. To this end the antenna includes a first antenna part and a second antenna part, which are separated from each other by a slot, at least in one region of the antenna. The housing is composed of a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the second housing part is arranged over the second antenna part, at least in some regions. The housing is fixed to the first antenna part solely by the first housing part. The housing has at least one step on the outer side directed toward the antenna, such that the height of the second housing part is at least 0.5 mm less than the height of the first housing part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dial type temperature controller easily changing a temperature range that is provided with a selector for changing temperature ranges and indication panels for selected corresponding ranges and allows a user to easily change the temperature range without an error, when changing the temperature range and the indication panel, and also stops control output with a dial of the temperature.

Abstract: A position control device 1 and a position control method of the present invention are a technology used in a shape memory alloy actuator for moving a movable member using a shape memory alloy member. In controlling the position of the movable member, an instruction value indicating a position of the movable member as a control target is changed to reduce the temperature of a shape memory alloy member when an amount of power supplied to the shape memory alloy member is in excess of a predetermined first threshold value. A drive device and an imaging device C of the present invention include a shape memory alloy actuator and the position control device 1.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing device for an aircraft air conditioning system with a supply conduit for fresh air from the air conditioning system, with a second supply conduit for recirculated air from a pressurized region of the aircraft, and with a discharge conduit for supplying mixed air into the pressurized region of the aircraft, wherein a non-return valve is integrated in the mixer.

Abstract: An indoor water fixture comprising a basin to hold a pool of water, a pair of back walls rising vertically from a back portion of the basin, where the pair of back walls fit against a corner of a room, a plurality of falls arranged against the pair of back walls to release water, a plurality of reservoirs positioned beneath the plurality of falls, where the plurality of reservoirs catch the water, a plurality of shelves positioned beneath the plurality of reservoirs to enable the water to fall into the pool, and a water pump built within the basin wherein the water pump circulates the water from the basin, behind the pair of back walls and into the falls.

Abstract: A variable arc sprinkler may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body and a valve sleeve that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler may include a flow rate adjustment device that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion may cause a throttle control member to move axially to or away from an inlet, or may cause one or more restrictor elements to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler.

Abstract: Apparati for generating a mist are disclosed. One apparatus is disclosed, which has an elongate hollow body (12) and an elongate member (14) located within the body (12). A transport fluid passage (16) and a nozzle (32) are defined between the body (12) and the elongate member (14). The transport fluid passage (16) has a throat portion of reduced cross-sectional area and is in fluid communication with the nozzle (32). The elongate member (14) includes a working fluid passage (26) and one or more communicating openings, such as for example, bores, annuli, and combinations thereof, (30) extending radially outward from the working fluid passage (26). The openings (30) permit a working fluid (e.g. water) to be passed into the transport fluid passage (16), whereupon the working fluid is subjected to shear forces by a high velocity transport fluid (e.g. steam). The shearing of the working fluid results in the generation of a mist formed from droplets of substantially uniform size.

Abstract: A slide pin assembly is introduced in HVLP and other spray guns allowing the needle/trigger actuation to be engaged and disengaged. Furthermore, the fluid nozzle is knurled to provide for effortless removal. The construction of this gun consists of a slide pin, trigger, needle and fluid nozzle. The trigger has keyhole apertures that interact with the diameter of the cross-action slide-pin.

Abstract: A faucet is disclosed having a faucet base, a faucet spout mounted on the base and configured to swivel relative thereto, a female connector sleeve having an axial through channel, and a male connector sleeve having an axial through channel that is in fluid communication with the axial through channel of the female connector sleeve, the male connector sleeve being telescopically received within the female connector sleeve. The faucet further includes a first tube connected between one of the male and female connector sleeves and a fluid control valve, and a second tube separately formed from the spout, the female connector, and the male connector and connected between the other of the male and female connector sleeves and an outlet of the spout by internally extending within the spout. The male connector sleeve rotates within and relative to the female connector sleeve when the spout and second tube swivel relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for breaking mineral particles comprising suspending the particles in a liquid flowing in a conduction path, the liquid comprising a dielectric constant higher than the particles and wherein an electric voltage pulse is sent to electrodes to pass an electric field in the mineral particles with sufficient stress to fracture the mineral particles.

Abstract: A process extracts and reclaims the components of an asphalt-based material having as constituents at least asphalt and one or more solid materials. A solvent for asphalt dissolves the asphalt constituent to form a slurry of asphalt-solvent liquid and the solid materials. The liquid and the solids in the slurry are then separated. The liquid is separated into solvent and asphalt. The solids, when of more than one type, are separated into at least one pure constituent solid. In a preferred embodiment, the process runs in a continuous mode with the various materials flowing as streams into spaces where steps of the process operate. The process can be used for both worn roofing shingles and for asphalt paving.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein an aqueous polymer gel is applied by means of a swivel belt to the conveyor belt of a forced-air belt drier, and the swivel belt, proceeding from one end position, is accelerated through a first pivot angle to an angular speed v1, decelerated through a second pivot angle to an angular speed v2 and decelerated through a third pivot angle to the other end position.

Abstract: A method for refining aqueous suspended cellulose fibers including the step of guiding the fibers in an aqueous suspension between refiner fillings. The refiner fillings are provided with refining strips and interposed grooves and are located either on a rotor or a stator. The refiner fillings are caused to be rotatably moved relative to each other and pressed against each other, thereby transmitting mechanical a refining action to the cellulose fibers. The refiner fillings include barriers in at least part of the grooves, the barriers closing the grooves at least partially.

Abstract: A magnetic strap for preventing the undesired passage of articles through a sink drain hole and into a garbage disposal includes a strap member having a first end and a second end, with mating fastening members provided at the first end and the second end for selectively securing the first end to the second end so as to form a loop. A plurality of magnets are secured to the strap member, the magnets exhibiting sufficient strength to attract and trap ferrous objects by drawing the ferrous objects toward a sink flange where the ferrous objects are frictionally held to thereby prevent the ferrous objects from inadvertently slipping through the sink drain hole and into the garbage disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating device for crushing concrete. The separating device comprises at least two crusher members which, optionally in co-action with bounding elements situated adjacently of the at least two crusher members, define at their upper outer ends an inlet opening for concrete to be crushed and at their lower outer ends an outlet opening for crushed concrete or at least concrete fractions. The separating device further comprises a drive device adapted to move repetitively at least a part of one of the two crusher members in the direction away from and toward the other crusher member. Outlet restriction means are provided under the outlet opening to limit an outflow of crushed concrete and/or concrete fractions. The invention further relates to a method for crushing and separating a composite material, in particular concrete, into original components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting device for macerating a free-flowing fluid-solid mixture, having a knife rotor which is mounted in such a manner as to be able to rotate relative to a cutting sieve. Said knife rotor abuts the cutting sieve axially with respect to the direction of its axis of rotation, and is pretensioned against the cutting sieve in the axial dimension. According to the invention, at least one clearance space is included, wherein the same is bounded by at least one first and one second surface, and the first surface is arranged in a manner such that it cannot be displaced in the axial dimension toward the knife rotor, the second surface is arranged in a manner such that it cannot be displaced in the axial dimension toward the cutting sieve, and the first and the second surfaces are arranged such that they cannot rotate about the axis of rotation of the knife rotor with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposal system comprising a load cell located between the housing fixture and the support frame so that the load cell measures the weight of the food waste disposal system and sends the warning message to a control touch panel installed on the front upper plate of the food waste disposal system in case the user inserts more food waste than maximum allowable weight limit of the food waste disposal system. Two rotational shafts are aligned in parallel along the horizontal direction of the food waste disposal system with a screw-shaped ribbon connected to the rotational shaft by a ribbon supporter and a mixing blade is installed on at the one end of the rotational shaft, so that food waste inserted in the mixing basin is effectively mixed, crushed, decomposed and drained out through a washing chamber.

Abstract: A machine is employed for recovering heavy metals and precious or semi precious minerals, such as gold, copper, lead, diamonds, and garnets from placer, or hard rock ore. The machine employs a cylindrical, annular outer drum mounted for rotation at an inclination to the horizontal and including at least one spiral vane extending the length of its inner surface. A cylindrical, annular inner barrel is mounted within the drum and has an upper fragmentation section, an intermediate screened section, and a lower discharge section. A spray of water is directed into the inner barrel and a water spray bar is located in the annulus between the inner barrel and the outer drum. A fine sluice box is located to receive under one-quarter material input from a side trommel and a coarse sluice box located to receive discharge from the side trommel and discharge from the fine sluice box. The sluice box includes a plurality of landings, matting and screens upon which heavy materials, such as gold or precious stones, collect.

Abstract: A rotary grater having a removable storage device is disclosed. The rotary grater has interchangeable cylindrical blades for various grating purposes. A removable handle provides for rotational motion for the cylindrical blade to operate. The housing of the rotary grater has a movable press with a lever for applying the material to be grated to the cylindrical blade. The grated material is then dispensed from an exit opening in the housing and retained by a removable storage device.

Abstract: A caked grain breaking device is provided for facilitating free flow of grain from a bin by utilizing gravity to break up caked grain prior to flowing through a bottom outlet in the bin. The device includes an elongated support and a plurality of struts. Each strut has an upper end coupled to the support. Each strut further extends downwardly and outwardly from the support. The struts are arranged to form a pair of coplanar arrays of spaced the struts extending from the support. Each of a plurality of braces is coupled to and extends across an associated one of the arrays whereby the support, the struts, and the braces form a frame. A plurality of blades is coupled to the frame.