Abstract: A magnetic card reader module includes a magnetic sensor and an adjacent groove, a microcontroller and an application. The magnetic sensor is configured to pick-up an analog magnetic signal generated by swiping a magnetic stripe through the groove. The magnetic stripe is attached to a card and comprises tracks with magnetically encoded data. The microcontroller is configured to convert the analog magnetic signal into a digital signal. The application is configured to analyze the digital signal, and to perform soft-decision decode of the digital signal and to generate an output comprising the magnetically encoded data and side information providing card swipe information feedback.

Abstract: A RFID tag or label comprises a RFID tag module (comprising an electronic identification circuit and a coupling means) and an antenna structure coupled to the coupling means. The RFID tag module is separate from, separable or arranged to be severable from, the antenna structure. The tag module can be placed in or on an object and the antenna structure in or on packaging material for use with the object. A patch antenna type RFID tag antenna structure has a ground plane spaced from the patch antenna so as to increase the range of the tag. The ground plane is not substantially larger than, and electrically insulated from, the patch antenna. The ground plane is flexible, so the RFID tag structure can be worn by a human, and can be incorporated into a piece of clothing. A RFID antenna structure for use with a tag reader is made flat and robust so that it can be mounted on the ground to be walked upon or driven over.

Abstract: A method is provided for interaction of a portable data carrier with an end device. The data carrier comprises a transducer arrangement having at least one or a set of capacitive transducer elements which are arranged on or in the data carrier at defined positions in relation to the geometry of the data carrier, at least one contactless interface, and a dedicated energy supply. The end device comprises a capacitive display screen having a touch-sensitive display, wherein the data carrier generates via the capacitive transducer elements signals which, when the data carrier is placed onto the display screen, are picked up by the display screen of the end device and evaluated as input signals through the end device.

Abstract: A system of monitoring movable articles, e.g. for detecting counterfeits, is described. It comprises applying to the article (30) a label thereon, coded data in the form of a visually perceptible marking (34) conveniently at the time and place of manufacture and using a digitally controlled printer. Details of the marking are stored in a high capacity memory store. When it is desired to monitor the article, a pictorial image of the marking is sent from the location of the article to a remote computer (37) via a wide area communications network, such as a mobile telephone network (50). Details concerning the location of the article are also transmitted to the remote computer, which is programmed, to extract the coded data from the transmitted image file, and evaluate whether the coded data matches coded data stored in the high capacity memory store. If there is a match, the item is genuine and the remote computer can return a message to that effect.

Abstract: An identification code-based three-dimensional interactive technique includes acquiring an image including an identification-coded real object, the image being taken by video-capable equipment, identifying an identification code from the identification-coded real object, obtaining object information corresponding to the identification code, acquiring a reference image associated with the identification code and feature points of the reference image, obtaining a position, an orientation, or a combination thereof on the video-capable equipment relative to the identification-coded real object based on the reference image and the feature points of the reference image, and conducting a three-dimensional interaction based on the position, the orientation, or a combination thereof of the video-capable equipment relative to the identification-coded real object and the object information corresponding to the identification code.

Abstract: A portable hand held optical reader having a specially constructed two-dimensional image sensor array is operational in a bar code decoding mode and in a picture taking mode. The specially constructed image sensor array, in one embodiment, is a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array, wherein a first subset of the pixels are monochrome pixels devoid of wavelength selective color filter elements and a second subset of the pixels are color sensitive pixels including wavelength selective color filter elements.

Abstract: A securable indicia encoding system with a lock receiving portion is disclosed herein. In one illustrative embodiment, a securable indicia decoding device may include an imaging subsystem, a memory, a processor, and a housing. The imaging subsystem may include an image sensor array and an imaging optics assembly operative for focusing an image onto the image sensor array. The memory may be capable of storing frames of image data comprising data communicated through the read-out portion of at least some of the pixels during the imaging operation. The processor may be operative for receiving one or more of the frames of image data from the data storage element and performing a decode operation for attempting to decode a decodable feature represented in at least one of the frames of image data. The housing may encapsulate the illumination subsystem and the imaging subsystem. The housing may include a lock receiving portion for receiving a security lock.

Abstract: Labels that are conducive to the detection of bar-codes and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The labels include a substrate, a background layer, a thermally conductive layer and an adhesive layer. The background layer is preferably similar in visual appearance to the indicium that the label is to receive. Meanwhile, the thermally conductive layer is made from a material with high thermal conductivity that is used to substantially equalize the temperature across the label surface, thereby enabling a faster and cheaper detection of transitions of differential emissivity on the indicium surface. The adhesive layer is used for attaching the label to a document or other product.

Abstract: In identification devices having a contactlessly readable data carrier (20) equipped with an antenna (17), the antenna (17) assigned to the data carrier (20) is formed by an electrically conductive part of the identification device (10) with a slit (18) provided therein, making the antenna (17) an integral component of the identification device (10), and making a separate antenna (17) redundant.

Abstract: An antenna device is configured as a jacket of a communication terminal, such as a mobile terminal, and a communication apparatus includes the antenna device attached to the communication terminal. The antenna device uses an HF-band high frequency signal as a carrier frequency, and is configured as a reader/writer antenna device for a near field communication system. The base body of the antenna device is a plate-shaped base member made of a resin. An antenna coil and a feeding coil are provided integrally with the plate-shaped base member. High-frequency signals are transmitted between the feeding coil and the antenna coil through magnetic coupling in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: The Erasable Barcode prevents the sale of products by invalidating the barcode. The invalidation can be based on shelf life, or improper temperature maintenance. The invalidation is also visible to humans so that the consumer knows if the exposure occurs after purchase. Activation brings liquid from the first reservoir in contact with the migration medium. The liquid progressively produces a change in color over time in the migration medium. When the liquid has crossed the migration medium, it will come in contact with the absorptive medium. The absorptive medium will then rapidly change color.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has an input configured to receive at least one of a first heating setting, a first ventilation setting, a first cooling setting, a first humidity setting, and a first air quality setting, at least one of an image sensor and a microphone connected to at least one component in the HVAC system, the image sensor and/or microphone being configured to capture an data from a first zone, and a controller connected to the input and at least one of the image sensor and microphone, the controller configured to control at least one of the first heating setting, the first ventilation setting, the first cooling setting, the first humidity setting, and the first air quality setting in response to receiving the data from at least one of the image sensor and the microphone.

Abstract: A secure wireless thermostat and system comprising the thermostat are described and taught. The temperature control unit replaces the traditional thermostat by attaching to the wall and using the existing wiring from the traditional thermostat. This temperature control unit has no display or programming buttons, rather a user interacts with the temperature control unit via electronic devices such as smart phones, laptop computers, and desktop computers. The settings of the system can be modified by the user from these access ports. If the user opts to interact with the system via a third party IP server, a local DHCP web server can be employed to store data safely and securely.

Abstract: A method for operating a water heater appliance is provided. The method includes obtaining a plurality of water temperature measurements over a period of time, determining at least one heated water draw event for the water heater appliance, and establishing a future operating schedule for the water heater appliance. The method can assist with improving energy efficiency of the water heater appliance by reducing a set temperature of the water heater appliance during time periods of limited heated water demand.

Abstract: A method for operating a water heater appliance is provided. The method includes establishing a plurality of operating schedules for the water heater appliance, selecting a future operating schedule for the water heater appliance from the plurality of operating schedules, and operating the water heater appliance according to the future operating schedule.

Abstract: A vehicle heater includes a first housing arrangement (12), a second housing arrangement (14) connected with the first housing arrangement (12) in an adjoining area (32), and at least one sensor (54) with a holding area (62). The holding area (62) is held in the adjoining area (32) in a support path between the first housing arrangement (12) and the second housing arrangement (14).

Abstract: A tubular section bar (100) for a biphasic?radiator comprising a tubular body (10) having a perimeter surface, a surface lug (11-21) protruding from at least one portion of said perimeter surface; each lug is perpendicular to the perimeter surface and has a height (H); two consecutive lugs are arranged at a reciprocal distance (D) and so that the relation between the reciprocal distance (D) and height (H) is greater or equal to 1.4 (D:H?1,4).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a boiler for boiling water to produce steam, having (1) an evaporating section comprising (a) a combustion chamber for burning fuel with air and generating hot flue gas, (b) an evaporating heat exchanger around the combustion chamber for exchanging heat between the flue gas and water to produce the steam which exits the boiler; and (2) a condensing section comprising (c) a condensing heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the hot flue gas from the combustion chamber and a low-temperature water return having a temperature below approximately 100° F., generating flue gas condensate, which leaves the boiler, wherein the low-temperature water return is heated by the hot flue gas in the condensing heat exchanger before entering the evaporating heat exchanger for additional heating. The disclosed vacuum condensing boilers make vapor vacuum steam more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications.

Abstract: A mounting plate fixed to a longitudinally extending rail is secured by a plurality of bolts in a substrate. The mounting plate is formed at each bolt with an array of ridges. An adjuster plate formed with a vertically throughgoing transversely elongated slot through which the respective bolt extends has a lower face formed with an array of downwardly projecting generally complementary to the ridges of the mounting plate and an upper face formed with a central recessed seat defined between two longitudinally extending and parallel edges at a predetermined transverse spacing. A gauge plate formed with two parallel outer edges spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the transverse spacing of the seat edges and with an eccentric circular hole of a diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the shank of the respective bolt that extends vertically through the circular hole fits in the seat.

Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a showerhead that comprises a head portion and a stem portion and that delivers precursor gas to a processing chamber. A baffle includes a base portion having an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the head portion of the showerhead, that comprises a dielectric material and that is arranged between the head portion of the showerhead and an upper surface of the processing chamber.

Abstract: A system, for inhibiting ice formation on a vehicle surface, and de-icing if determined needed to remove any frozen matter formed on the surface, including an anti-icing reservoir, a fluid-selecting control valve, and code that causes a processor to perform operations including determining whether the vehicle is parked, initiating, if parked, activation of, or obtaining of readouts from, any local sensors or routines to be used to determine whether a condition triggering initiation of an anti-freezing cycle is present. The operations include commencing, if triggered, an anti-icing cycle, including initiating changing of the fluid-selection valve to select the anti-freezing reservoir, and initiating pumping of the anti-icing fluid from the anti-icing reservoir to and through a fluid-dispensing nozzle, and onto the surface for inhibiting bonding of frozen material on the surface and/or remove any already formed frozen material on the surface.

Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing and forms a clearance space between the nacelle and a leading edge slat of the wing. A portion of an outlet cowling moves longitudinally aft when a reverse thrust configuration is activated and the leading edge slat is deployed toward the nacelle. The outlet cowling also includes another portion located adjacent to the leading edge slat that does not move when the reverse thrust configuration is activated and thus maintains its clearance space from the leading edge slat.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a microfluidic substrate having an outlet aperture for outputting an eluent of a sample. An emitter assembly includes having a deformable end portion, an inlet near the deformable end portion to receive the sample eluent from the microfluidic substrate, and an electrically conductive outlet portion to emit a spray of the sample eluent. A force-applying unit applies a force to the emitter assembly that urges the deformable end portion into contact with the microfluidic substrate. The deformable end portion is more elastic than the microfluidic substrate so that the contact between the microfluidic substrate and the deformable end portion produces a substantially fluid-tight seal between the outlet aperture of the microfluidic substrate and the inlet of the emitter assembly.

Abstract: A unit dose container for holding a single dose of a given liquid, the container comprising: a chamber (8) in which, in use, the given liquid is stored, the chamber having a wall through which, in use, the liquid is to be supplied; a release mechanism (7), at least part of which is internal to, or forms part of the wall of the chamber, the release mechanism being movable relative to the chamber between first and second positions; and means for allowing the release mechanism (7) to move from the first to the second positions, thereby opening a passage through the wall so that the liquid can exit the chamber (8), the means including at least one flexible wall portion.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus in which controllability of liquid discharge speed is improved is provided. A pair of electrodes is arranged so as to divide a partition into a movable region to which an electric field for shear-deforming the partition at a portion on a nozzle side is applied and an immovable region to which the electric field is not applied at a portion on a common liquid chamber side. It is assumed that a cross-section area of a cross section along a face perpendicular to a longitudinal direction at a second end of an individual liquid chamber is S2, and a cross-section area along a face perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at a first boundary point closest to a first end on a boundary between the movable region and the immovable region is S1. The cross-section area S2 is made wider than the cross-section area S1.

Abstract: A synthetic jet includes a first backer structure, one and only one actuator, a wall member coupled to and positioned between the first backer structure and the one and only one actuator to form a cavity, and wherein the wall member has an orifice formed therethrough, and wherein the orifice fluidically couples the cavity to an environment external to the cavity.

Abstract: A sprayer has a tank for holding a spray solution that is applied to a ground or turf surface. The sprayer includes an agitation system having a plurality of agitation nozzles that extend into the tank that are accessible from outside the tank and can be removed and replaced without using tools. The sprayer may include a rinse system carried onboard the sprayer which is segregated from the spray and agitation systems to avoid contaminating the rinse liquid prior to the time the rinse liquid is sprayed into the tank through rinse nozzles. The rinse nozzles include upwardly and downwardly directed nozzle ports and a bottom spinner for thoroughly cleaning all interior surfaces of the tank. The sprayer may also include a chemical eductor mounted on the side of the tank, whose weight is counterbalanced by springs, and which easily pivots between lower and upper positions on the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to fluid dispensing heads. A dispense head is formed to define a plurality of fluid jetting nozzles and a surface pattern. The surface pattern is characterized by one or more voids extending inward from an outer surface of the dispense head. Fluid puddle formation during operation of the dispense head is limited in volume by way of the surface pattern. Fluid puddle limiting reduces or eliminates dispensing errors to an entity, undesirable artifacts from resulting on a printed media, or similar problems.

Abstract: A sanitary insert unit (1) having an elastically deformable valve body (8) which can be switched between a first switching state and a second switching state and having a first flow path (3) and a second flow path (4). The second flow path (4) is blocked in the first switching state and open in the second switching state, and the first flow path (3) is open in the first switching state and in the second switching state.

Abstract: A sanitary insert, which is arranged in a water line, is provided. The sanitary insert includes a mixing device with at least one throttling or closing element, which can be moved under the pressure of the inflowing water from a mixing or open position into a throttling or closed position against a restoring force. The mixing device offers a relatively large clear flow cross section when the at least one throttling or closing element in the mixing or open position, and, by contrast thereto, a reduced clear flow cross section when the at least one throttling or closing element is in the throttling or closed position. The installation element always offers an optimum flow cross section both in low and high pressure ranges.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuel injector assembly is described. The fuel injector assembly includes a terminal assembly that electrically connects a plurality of wire cables to a plurality of control valve solenoids. The control valve solenoids can include, for example, a needle control valve solenoid and/or an intensifier control valve solenoid. The terminal assembly can be physically configured with a radius profile that prevents excessive bending of the wire cables. A connector bridge may allow for the offsetting of a first pair and a second pair of electrical rods that are used to provide electrical current from the terminal assembly to the needle control valve solenoid. Alternatively, the intensifier control valve solenoid may have an aperture, and an armature of an associated poppet valve may have a slot, that are configured to receive the placement of at least a portion of the pair of electrical rods.

Abstract: An air motor and an electric painting device improves driving efficiency, and includes a housing, a main shaft inserted inside of the housing, an impeller fixed concentrically with the main shaft to an inserted portion of the main shaft and having a plurality of turbine blades formed on the outer periphery, bearings for rotatably supporting the main shaft and the impeller, and a nozzle having a tubular or hole-shaped channel for ejecting compressed air to the respective turbine blades for rotating the impeller along the circumference. When M1=ve/a0 where ve denotes flow velocity of the compressed air in an entrance of the channel of the nozzle, and a0 denotes acoustic velocity, the length of the channel of the nozzle is set to a dimension of a calculated value or greater using a predetermined expression.

Abstract: A modular system and method for producing urea from bio-mass includes means and steps for “homogenizing” a biomass feedstock stream having components with different bulk density BTU content into a stream having a consistent bulk density BTU content. The steps include cleaning the incoming bio-mass feedstock stream to remove non-organic matter, blending the cleaned bio-mass feedstock stream to obtain a homogeneous blend having a consistent bulk density BTU content, and milling the homogeneous blend bio-mass feedstock stream to a predetermined size no greater than 12 mm.

Abstract: A wear tip holder for holding a wear tip adjacent to an outflow opening of a vertical rotor wall of a rotor of a VSI crusher includes a mounting plate for mounting the wear tip holder to the rotor wall. The mounting plate has a mounting face for facing the rotor wall to which it is to be mounted, and opposite the mounting face, a wear face for facing the interior of the rotor. A wear body is connected to the mounting plate and is provided with an elongate wear tip recess for holding the wear tip. At least one material retention groove extends along the wear tip recess at a position upstream, as seen in a direction of an intended flow of material to be crushed, of the wear tip recess. The material retention groove has an upstream groove wall and a downstream groove wall, the downstream groove wall forming an acute angle with the wear face for retaining material to be crushed.

Abstract: Paper products having identity theft information such as personal/ confidential information thereon should be periodically destroyed. These sheets of paper are loaded into a mashing container being a flexible container that allows water to enter and exit but not the mashed paper. A sealable top should prevent the container from opening when it is being processed. The loaded mashing container is then placed into a conventional washing machine, one embodiment, and by means of the vanes of the agitator, the paper is mashed during a washing cycle. After this cycle, the washer is placed in the spin mode to remove as much water from the pulp as possible. The processed mashing container is removed and the top opened so that the pulp can be removed and placed in the garbage. Alternatively, the processed mashing container may itself be placed in the garbage.

Abstract: A pill crusher includes a base and a handle. The base has a bottom resting surface that includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. The handle includes an upper region, a gripping region, and a column. The gripping region includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. A method of crushing a pill includes placing a pill within a pill chamber, inserting a column into the pill chamber, and then crushing the pill by exerting force on the pill by the column. The handle and the base include at least partially molded friction-enhancing portions.

Abstract: A wear tip holder for holding a wear tip adjacent to an outflow opening of a vertical rotor wall of a rotor of a VSI crusher includes a mounting plate for mounting the wear tip holder to the rotor wall. The mounting plate has a mounting face for facing a segment of the rotor wall to which it is to be mounted and a wear face, opposite the mounting face, for facing the interior of the rotor. A side wall extends between the mounting face and the wear face. The side wall includes a material retention surface facing, when in use, the rotor wall segment, thereby allowing material to be trapped under the material retention face.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a base having a top wall and a motor. A container is removably mountable to the base. At least a portion of the container is operatively engaged with the motor to prepare foodstuff therein. A shield is removably mountable onto the base to enclose the container. At least one locking mechanism secures at least a portion of the shield to the base. The locking mechanism includes a projection formed on or in one of the base and the shield and a locking tab attached to the other of the shield and the base. The locking tab is slidable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking tab is spaced-apart from the projection. In the second position, at least a portion of the locking tab engages at least a portion of the projection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll (1), more particularly a rotatable roll for a five-roll structure for making chocolate, having a device for controlling the temperature of the roll body by means of a temperature control medium (4). The temperature control medium (4) is sprayed against the inner wall (8) of the roll body (2) through nozzles (7) in at least one spray lance (6). The at least one temperature control medium drain is connected to a spout (9) which protrudes into the cylindrical roll body (2).

Abstract: A shredder or grinder for dried material such as herbs of dried leaves comprises a cylindrical container formed of a top element and a base element forming a chamber, the top element and the base element each having a series of concentrically arranged teeth on a base plate, wherein the teeth that slidably engage one another in a slicing motion to form grinding surfaces against one another, wherein the teeth are serrated to efficiently grind the dried materials in the chamber when the teeth engage one another and are counter rotated relative to one another. In one embodiment the chamber discharges the ground contents through orifices in the base element, where the size is regulated by a screen, and in another embodiment, the ground contents remain in the chamber until the grinding head is removed.

Abstract: A material reducing machine includes a rotor assembly having a plurality of short cutting tools and a plurality of long cutting tools. The short cutting tools are arranged in rows which extend across the length of the rotor assembly, which rows are spaced around the periphery of the rotor assembly. Each of the short cutting tools has a cutting bit with a leading edge that is spaced outwardly from the periphery of the rotor assembly by a short cutter distance. The long cutting tools are also arranged in rows which extend across the length of the rotor assembly, which rows are spaced around the periphery of the rotor assembly. Each of the long cutting tools has a cutting bit with a leading edge that is spaced outwardly from the periphery of the rotor assembly by a long cutter distance that is greater than the short cutter distance of each of the short cutting tools. A breaker assembly includes a plurality of shear blocks, each of which is spaced so as to be aligned with a short cutting tool.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacture thereof having a one or more cantilevered cutting teeth integrally formed in raised configuration on a flat base fro cutting food items moved along said base. The free end portion is formed by upper and lower etched out portions of the upper end of said cutting teeth to form a cutting edge. The upper surface of the upper cut-out portion of the teeth is situation at a position out contact with food items being cut. A substantially portion of the teeth is coated with a low friction material, except for the cutting edge In a second embodiment one or more domed cutting elements are cut out of base sheet and may include a leading V-shaped cutting edge.

Abstract: A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container defining a cavity having a center axis and a substantially rectangular cross section through the center axis. The blending apparatus further includes a lid to cover the cavity defined by the container, and an attachment to fit within the cavity and rotate about the center axis of the cavity. In some arrangements, a set of sides of the container defines (i) a substantially octagonal interior cross section through the center axis at a location adjacent a bottom of the container to prevent lodging of food products at the bottom of the container when the attachment rotates within the cavity; and (ii) a substantially square interior cross section through the center axis at a location further from the bottom of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller crusher having two generally parallel rollers arranged to rotate in opposite directions, towards each other, and separated by a gap, each roller having a first end and a second end. The roller crusher comprises a flange attached to at least one of said ends of one of said rollers. The flange extending in a radial direction of said roller, and has a height above an outer surface of said roller which is sufficient to extend across said gap substantially along a nip angle of said roller crusher.

Abstract: A refiner (1, 2, 3) for refining fibrous material. And a blade element (18) for a refiner (1, 2, 3) intended for refining fibrous material. The blade element (18) comprises a refining surface (18?), which comprises blade bars (21, 23) and blade grooves (22, 24) between them. The top surface of at least one blade bar (21, 23) is provided with refining grits (25). The blade element (18) has portions (29, 30) forming a protruding part extending away above the refining surface (26a, 26b) and above the blade bars (21, 23) or the refining grits (25) on the refining surface.

Abstract: A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools is independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. A slide member is received within the guide slot, with each linkage attached to the slide member, and a piston cylinder arrangement is attached to the universal body and coupled to the slide member for moving the slide member and the jaws. The multiple tool attachment system is provided with quick change features and is designed to optimize the cutting characteristics throughout the movement cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing for a balanced rotor having cutting teeth attached thereto. The longitudinal length of the rotor is conceptually divided in half by a plane disposed perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The cutting teeth are arranged in a plurality of helices about the rotor so each half of the rotor is statically balanced. The cutting teeth are further arranged so the centers of mass of the two halves are equidistant from the dividing plane. A gap may exist between the ends of the rotor and the nearest tooth encountered in each helix. The gaps for different helices may be different, however, the gaps at each end of each helix are the same length. The above result in a rigidly balanced rotor.

Abstract: A pill crushing apparatus for use with first and second nestable cups comprising a first cup holder which is moved linearly toward a second cup mounting surface holding a second cup. The first cup holder rotates relative to the rotationally fixed second cup. During the crushing process, the pills first may begin to crush against the linear load being applied thereto, and thereafter grind into a fine powder due to the rotational force of the first cup against the second cup. The first cup and second cup have different sidewall angles to promote pill crushing while inhibiting migration of the crush material to prevent the crushed material from reaching the open gap between the top perimeters of the nesting cups. Each cup includes a plurality of lugs having a curved profile configured to engage respective recesses on the cup holders. Each cup is fabricated through thermoforming or vacuum forming techniques.

Abstract: A knife assembly for a shredder includes a base and a knife cap coupled to the base. The knife cap is configured to cut a material passed through the shredder. In addition, a brazing material is positioned between the base and the knife cap to secure the base and the knife cap together. The base and the knife cap have generally the same outer footprint.

Abstract: A cast metal plate segment for a refiner of lignocellulosic material or a disperser of comminuted paper or packaging products, the plate segment including a front side with a front surface configured to refine the lignocellulosic material or disperge the comminuted paper or packaging products, and a back side, opposite to the front side, including a corner or edge, wherein the corner or edge comprises a casted surface between machined planar surfaces adjacent the corner or edge.