Abstract: A package has a sleeve and an insert that lock together. The insert has a longitudinal flange on one side that fits into a corresponding longitudinal channel in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a locking tab in line with the longitudinal channel that is foldable into the sleeve to present a deflectable contact edge across the longitudinal channel. Engagement of the locking tab contact edge with a shoulder on the longitudinal flange prevents movement of the insert in the direction of the locking tab. The insert can be locked in both a forward and a backward direction within the sleeve by providing respective locking tabs and shoulders at both ends of the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching holes is provided. The apparatus may include a base movable from a first position to a second position and first and second punch assemblies attached to and movable with the base. The punch assemblies may each include parallel punches movable relative to the base and having an end. The apparatus may include first and second cams fixed to a rotatable shaft and having an engagement portion for engagement with the ends of the respective punches at a predetermined rotation position of the shaft. When the base is in the first position, rotation of the shaft to the predetermined rotation position may cause movement of only one of the punches relative to the base. When the base is in the second position, rotation of the shaft to the predetermined rotation position may cause movement of only the other punch of the punch assemblies.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling a portable electronic device to retrieve information about an object when the object's symbology, e.g., a barcode, is detected. According to one embodiment a method is providing in which symbology associated with an object is detected and decoded to obtain a decode string. The decode string is sent to one or more visual detection applications for processing, wherein the one or more visual detection applications reside on the portable electronic device, and receiving a first amount of information about the object from the one or more visual detection applications. The method also includes sending the decode string to a remote server for processing and receiving a second amount of information about the object from the remote server. The first amount of information is combined with the second amount of information to obtain cumulative information which is displayed on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A field-portable impedance reader is provided. The impedance reader comprises a reader antenna, an impedance compensator, a calibrator, and a synchronous sampler. The impedance reader further comprises a digital processor that receives and processes signals from the synchronous sampler. Further, a wireless system comprising the impedance reader of the invention is provided.

Abstract: An interrogating and processing system and method is described. In one embodiment, a wireless communication device interrogates an information source, having a barcode or tag, and wirelessly transmits data indicative of the information source. The interrogator can be built into or adjunct to the wireless communication device. An automated processing subsystem receives the transmitted data and identifies an item corresponding to the data. A fulfillment subsystem effects delivery of the item to a destination. In another embodiment, there is a coupon code scanning and processing system and method. A wireless computing device having an interrogator reads a coupon code. An automated processing subsystem receives the corresponding data and provides a benefit associated with the coupon. The benefit can be a discount on a product or service. Alternatively, at least a portion of the coupon including a code is displayed on a screen of the computing device for processing at a point of sale terminal.

Abstract: A method includes determining a shot count within an optical device coupled to a firearm. The shot count corresponds to a number of shots taken using the firearm. The method further includes determining a muzzle velocity parameter from a life-cycle profile of the firearm based on the shot count as an input into a ballistics solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and using 2-dimensional matrix code on tags or labels to identify panel components and associated information stored in and accessible from a data storage device or server or computer with a document management system (DMS). Related information can be encoded into an identifier using a URL with hyperlink onto a 2D matrix tag or label attached to specific panel component or wire. The information encoded in the 2D matrix code can be decoded using an interactive reader and data capture device such as a smart-phone or tablet computing device. Use the capture device's decoded information to provide interactive access and visual display to the interactive URL and hyperlink related information in the DMS. The capture device can be configured to provide immediate intelligence and functions with comparison and confirmation of quality, functionality, maintenance, status, and conformity with respect to panel components.

Abstract: A barcode reading apparatus includes a substrate, an image sensing module, an optical lens module, and a plurality of light sources. The image sensing module is disposed on the substrate; the optical lens module includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, where the second end is connected to the image sensing module; and the plurality of light sources is disposed around the optical lens module, where a connection line of disposition positions of the light sources is axially or radially symmetric.

Abstract: A camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script. The card reader comprises a moulding housing therewithin a plurality of light sources, the moulding being transparent to light from the light sources and shaped to focus the light on the removable card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integral garment tag used for tracking and inventory control purposes. The tag includes a flexible fabric substrate which is wrapped around an RFID inlay to conceal the RFID inlay within the tag. The tag may then be attached to a garment or other consumer good along a single edge with instructions on the care and removal of the tag to satisfy privacy concerns. Removal of the tag will not interfere with the wearing of the garment.

Abstract: In a data center containing numerous computer resources, a technician may use mobile device to scan an identification tag associated with a particular resource. In response, the operational status of the resource is determined and reported to the technician. Status information from different resources may be normalized for viewing by different types of support personnel in a common format.

Abstract: UICC apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example UICC apparatus disclosed herein includes a contact pad having a plurality of electrical contacts positioned or oriented to define a plurality of electrical contact patterns. The plurality of electrical contact patterns defining at least a first electrical contact pattern to communicate with a first input device and a second electrical contact pattern to communicate with a second input device, where the first input device has a dimensional profile that is different than a dimensional profile of the second input device.

Abstract: A method for injection molding an external housing of an object including an electronic assembly includes interposing the assembly between a first half-mold and a second half-mold of an open injection mold and closing the first half-mold and the second half-mold to define an injection cavity containing the assembly. Plastic is injected in the cavity to mold said external housing. The step of interposing includes positioning, before the injection of plastics, the assembly on movable support means associated with the mold, the support means being arranged on an extended position, and disengaging the support means from the assembly before the plastic is cured such as to manufacture the external housing in an only one shot manufacturing process. This way, plastic of the external housing is integrally molded and devoid of discontinuity points.

Abstract: The circuitry introduced in this invention selectively slows down the functioning of an electronic circuit maintaining a particular state for a prolonged period of time. This circuitry is used not only to achieve the desired effect in maintaining security from electronic thieves trying to circumvent codes but also in other applications such as enabling a circuit to continue to function in the event of a brief loss of power. For example, in an RFID system, if a reader is frequency hopping, a tag loses power for as long as about 400 milliseconds when the reader changes to other frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed circuitry is used in conjunction with a destruct sequence.

Abstract: A system for heating a facility is provided. The system includes a first inlet from a district heating system. A heating system is arranged having a condensate outlet. A hyper-condensate recycler is provided having a second inlet coupled to the condensate outlet and a third inlet coupled to the first inlet. The hyper-condensate recycler includes a first outlet. A separator having a fourth inlet is coupled to the first outlet, the separator further having a second outlet fluidly coupled to the first inlet.

Abstract: A control system for an HVAC system serving at least two zones, each zone receiving conditioned air by way of a zone duct, each zone duct including a zone damper having a first portion and second portion controlled by a actuator to move between an open and a closed position in response to a zone thermostat, a second portion responsive to the static pressure in a HVAC system to open and bleed an amount of conditioned air past the damper when the static pressure of the system increases above a selected level, and a weight adjustment for modifying the torque exerted by the second portion against the system static pressure to adjust the selected level.

Abstract: A spray paint system for spraying a horizontal surface having a frame supporting an inverted elongated rigid container configured to hold a paint formulation that is pressurized with a pumping device partially located within the container where the frame has at least one wheel to allow a user to roll the system along a horizontal surface while spraying paint through a removable spray tip. This system can be used to mark a horizontal surface with precise and clear writing of lines, letters or symbols.

Abstract: A sprinkler includes a turbine, a gear drive, a nozzle turret, and a nozzle that is installed in the turret. The gear drive rotatably couples the turbine and the nozzle. The nozzle has an exit angle which is different from its entry angle to change the trajectory of the water as it passes through the nozzle. The nozzle can be installed in an orientation to increase the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler, or installed in an orientation to decrease the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler.

Abstract: In order to protect the operation of and insure the life of a sprinkler system, this device will be placed in the ground and will provide a protective cover for an individual sprinkler mechanism. The device will prevent the entry of debris into the sprinkler mechanism but also not interfere with the normal operation of the sprinkler. Additionally this will also allow the performance of routine maintenance on the sprinkler heads without the necessity of removing the entire sprinkler assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a bayonet system for attaching a nozzle body to a nozzle turret. The bayonet system can be rotated with respect to a spray nozzle. A seal can be positioned between the spray nozzle and the nozzle turret. The seal can be compressed by moving the bayonet system without exerting any substantial torsion force on the seal. The bayonet system can help prevent unintentional disengagement of the spray nozzle.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a central pivot and a series of mobile towers connected to the central pivot and to one another by support structure. Each mobile tower has wheels and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels. A control system operates the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers and the central pivot while preventing power usage of the system from exceeding a maximum power threshold. The control system determines in which sequence to operate the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers while operating no more than a selected number of the motors simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved system for handling delicate linear media and in particular to a method and apparatus for winding delicate linear media such as superconducting wire or optical fibers onto a spool. A combination of direct closed loop control and media routing design facilitates the handling of the delicate media without causing damage. The axial tension in the linear media may be closely controlled during winding by means of feedback control loop using tension measurements to control the rotation speeds of the wind-from and wind-to spools. Further, during winding, the delicate linear media is only exposed to large radius bends with no reverse bending.

Abstract: A dispenser for drum packed welding wire comprised of numerous coils includes a circular lid having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is floatingly positionable on top of the packed welding wire. A frame extends from the upper surface. The frame includes a hub and a radially extending support extending from the hub to the upper surface. The hub includes an aperture. The dispenser also includes a de-coil conduit having inlet and outlet ends for guiding welding wire therethrough. The inlet end and outlet end are generally at 90° to one another. The inlet end is disposed to receive welding wire in the drum parallel to the coils, and the inlet end is moveable relative to the circular lid as the wire is fed into the de-coil conduit. The outlet end directs the fed welding wire to the aperture in the hub.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator includes a first winding step of, with annular conductors of a first coil portion being placed in a coil holding unit, inserting the annular conductors into the respective slots by a coil pushing-out unit; and a second winding step of, after the first coil winding step, with annular conductors of a second coil portion placed in the coil holding unit, moving a positioning unit in an axial direction at least from one end of the stator core to the other end of the stator core in the axial direction, and inserting the annular conductors into the respective slots by the coil pushing-out unit while a part of the first coil portion, which is located in the slots, is pressed in a direction from the opening of the slot toward an inside of the slot by the radial end faces of the projecting teeth.

Abstract: System and method to construct vertical and/or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aerial vehicles capable of being folded into compact size, and capable of be combined with one or more such vehicles to form bigger composite aerial vehicles. Airframe of the vehicle comprises a plurality of wings on lateral or periphery of thrust generators, wherein arrangements of wings make it possible to optionally fold wings without moving thrust generators. Folding transforms such vehicles into ground vehicles which can share roads and house parking lots with conventional ground vehicles. Therefore such vehicles can be used as V/STOL flying cars. Means are provided for attaching to and detaching from one or more similarly equipped vehicles in flight or before takeoff, so that multiple vehicles can form a large composite vehicle. Compactness, combinability and V/STOL capability enable versatile applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an engine pylon (7) to be mounted between an engine (1) and an aircraft wing (6), said method comprising: mounting a pylon box (8) around a main structure (9), the box having a substantially oblong shape along which an air boundary layer (C) is formed while in flight; mounting at least one vortex generator (2) onto the pylon box such that a thickness (e) of the boundary layer is changed; and previously determining the shape of the pylon on the basis of the changed thickness of the boundary layer and the position of the vortex generators.

Abstract: Passenger seating arrangements are detailed. At least some arrangements permit each passenger to access an aisle of a vessel without contacting an adjacent passenger. Movable footwells may be utilized to floor-level access when retracted and function as steps when extended as a seat is converted to a bed. This structure authorizes decrease in seat pitch without decrease of bed length, permitting additional seating to be included in a cabin of a vessel without diminishment of passenger comfort.

Abstract: An aircraft including: at least one floor cross-member; at least one support carrying the cross-member; and at least one bearing including at least one flexible material and connecting the cross-member to the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite structuring panel (1) for the trailing edge of an aircraft element, having: an upper surface (3); a lower surface (5); an edge (7) connecting said upper (3) and lower (5) surfaces; the upper surface (3) and the lower surface (5) being connected by transverse stiffeners (9) and the structuring panel being made of a unitary part forming the upper surface (3), the lower surface (5), the edge (7), and the transverse stiffeners (9). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a panel (1), and to an aircraft element comprising such a panel (1).

Abstract: A method for interconnecting electronic equipment within an aircraft includes installing a multi-dimensional backplane within the aircraft across a plurality of frame bays associated with the aircraft, the backplane including a plurality of connectors mounted thereon, contacts associated with the connectors interconnected by electrical conductors formed within the backplane, attaching shipside wiring to a first portion of the connectors on the backplane, and attaching electrical connectors of the electronic equipment to corresponding connectors on the backplane.

Abstract: An aircraft having a dihedral wing configuration with a wing fuel tank and a vent system for ventilating the fuel tank, the vent system including a combined vent-surge tank disposed inboard of at least part of the wing fuel tank, a vent fluidically connecting the vent-surge tank to ambient, and a vent line fluidically connecting the upper part of the fuel tank to the combined vent-surge tank, wherein the vent line has its lowest point at the combined vent-surge tank.

Abstract: A winglet system for an aircraft wing may include an upper winglet and a lower winglet mounted to a wing tip. The lower winglet may have a static position when the wing is subject to a ground static loading. The lower winglet may be configured such that upward deflection of the wing under an approximate 1-g flight loading causes the lower winglet to move from the static position to an in-flight position and resulting in a relative span increase of the wing.

Abstract: A shaped plastic exhaust system for a fuel cell vehicle. In one embodiment, the exhaust system employs integrally molded bundle clips that support vehicle brake lines and/or a fuel supply line. An exhaust flow section can be formed into any suitable shape for a particular vehicle design, including a flat rectangular shape giving the exhaust system a low profile. The integral bundle clips can be provided every so often along the exhaust flow section, or can extend the complete length of the exhaust flow section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wall bracket that mounts bundles to a wall. The wall bracket includes a bundle side member and a wall side member that engages the bundle side member. The bundle side member has a plurality of slots for receiving a locking tie. The wall side member having a plurality of pockets aligned with the plurality of slots. The plurality of pockets guide the locking tie when installed in the slots to secure the bundle on the wall bracket.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetically supporting a device upon a structure for safeguarding the phone and providing immediate and convenient functional access to the phone. The apparatus and method for magnetically supporting an electronic device upon a user's arm including a connector assembly including a first magnet having a geometric shape and adapted to be securely attached to a device and also including a second magnet having a geometric shape and adapted to be securely attached to a support member and magnetically attachable to the first magnet to support the device to the support member.

Abstract: Adjustable bracket apparatus includes connector apparatus for mounting and securing external assemblies on at least one elongated support member, and allows positional adjustment of the secured external assembly along the elongated support member with up to 360 degree rotational positioning of the bracketing assembly about the elongated support member. An adjustable connector and locking assembly is disposed at the end of an arm element embodiment of the adjustable bracketing assembly providing 360 degree rotational positioning of the external assembly about the arm element and translation transverse to the axis of rotation relative to the arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system, in particular for solar modules (1), consisting of supports (2) with a closed hollow box profile (3), with connectors (4) for solar module fastening means, and connectors (5) for roof fastening means. At least the connectors (4) for the solar module fastening means are formed from longitudinal groove pairs—or longitudinal flange pairs in or on the hollow box profile (3) that are arranged at a distance from each other. The fastening means for the solar module (1) or solar modules (1) in the area of the support consist of a clamping piece with a shaped part (8), with each shaped part (8) having at least two webs (9.1, 9.2), arranged opposite each other on the shaped part (8) whereby at least one positive click connection with one of the groove pair—or flange pairs can be made by means of the ends remote from the shaped part (8), and the shaped part (8) has at least one bore hole (11) for the insertion of a fastening bolt (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and retrieving cookware and utensils utilizing an assembly attached to the interior of a kitchen cabinet. The assembly is accessible by slides attached to the cabinet and incorporates hanger assembling and hanging guard assemblies whose positions are adjustable along the length of the assembly. The hanger assemblies utilize hooks that hang in a downward vertical position and are capable of rotating and pivoting around their vertical axes. The hanging guards are constructed of material that protects and separates the cookware hanging from the hanging assemblies.

Abstract: A support frame for a modular lectern is assembled together with a top board, a bottom board and a divider board to form the modular lectern and is provided with a main board, a first connecting member and a second connecting member, wherein the parts of the support frame of are locked together in a tongue and groove manner, and can be disassembled into the three main parts: the main board, the first connecting member and the second connecting member, which can be stacked one upon another together with the top, bottom and divider boards for easy transportation. Furthermore, the top and bottom boards are pivoted to the main board via the first and second connecting portions, so that the top and bottom boards can be folded to further save transportation space.

Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail including a locked portion, a second rail movably connected relative to the first rail and including bearing holes, a lock member including a lock portion and rotating around the bearing holes to engage the lock portion with the locked portion and disengage the lock portion from the locked portion to selectively bring a relative movement between the first and second rail into a locked state, and wherein the second rail includes a fracture opening allowing the shaft portion to shift from the bearing hole in a case where a load is inputted in the direction of the relative movement, and a restriction portion configured to restrict the lock member from rotating in a direction in which the locked state is released in a case where the shaft portion shifts from the bearing hole.

Abstract: A load isolating device may be defined by a plate-style bracket having a planar body and a plurality of tabs arranged about the body. Each tab may define a peripheral extremity of the body, extending outwardly thereof and situated substantially within the same plane as the body. Each tab may have a particular width, and may include a neck defined by a fillet having a predetermined radius, both tab width and fillet radius being sized and configured to absorb load forces through elastic deformation. As such, the tabs may elastically deform under load to minimize any deformation of the planar body of the device, which in the disclosed embodiment may be formed of an elastic metal plate. Each tab may have the same thickness as the planar body, and both the tabs and the planar body of the device may comprise the same material.

Abstract: A housing assembly for an electronic device is provided. The housing assembly includes a protective shell and a support leg. The protective shell defines an opening, a flat panel, a baffle, and a protrusion formed on the baffle and opposing the protective shell. Both the baffle and the flat panel are deformable. The support leg is rotatable relative to the protective shell in an opening between a folded position where the support leg is parallel with and attached to the protective shell, the slanted lower surface is attached to the protrusion; and a deployed position where the support leg is inclined relative to the protective shell, and the slanted lower surface is attached to the protective shell and the flat upper surface is opposite to the protrusion.

Abstract: A normally open electromagnetic valve includes: a fixed core; a movable core which is driven when excited; a valve seat member in the fixed core and having a funnel-shaped valve seat surface; a valve member disposed so that the valve member advances or retreats together with the movable core with one end of the valve member kept in contact with the movable core, and that the other end of the valve member closes or opens a flow passage by coming into contact with or separates from the valve seat surface; and a return spring. The fixed core has a cylindrical holding hole. The valve member advances or retreats being guided by the holding hole in sliding contact with the holding hole. The movable core has a projection which projects toward the fixed core and which is directly inserted into the holding hole.

Abstract: A ball valve having a valve stem assembly disposed within a valve body through-hole. The valve body through-hole is encircled with secondary bores to accommodate components of the valve stem assembly. The valve stem assembly includes an upper bearing and lower bearing, which are seated into corresponding secondary bores and a stem seal that seats within a stem seal gland. The upper bearing further includes a step that interdigitates with the stem seal gland to form a stem seal groove when the valve stem assembly is disposed within the through-hole.

Abstract: A hoist includes a platform, a drum, and a motor. The drum is supported by and configured to rotate with respect to the platform, and the motor is coupled to the drum and configured to rotate the drum. The hoist further includes a shaft having a splined section and an interlock system configured to constrain rotation of the shaft. The shaft is coupled to at least one of the drum and the motor, and communicates torque between the drum and the motor. The interlock system includes a keyed ring and an arm. The keyed ring is configured to slide onto and engage the splined section of the shaft. The arm extends from the keyed ring and is configured to provide leverage to limit rotation of the keyed ring, thereby interlocking rotation of the shaft when the keyed ring is engaged with the splined section of the shaft.

Abstract: A baluster bracket assembly including a pair of mounting brackets attached to facing surfaces of a handrail and a baserail for retaining a baluster in railing construction. Each mounting bracket includes a mounting plate fastened to the railing surface and a collar for receiving an end of the baluster. A shoe is provided with each mounting bracket for attachment to the end of the baluster and for covering the mounting bracket after installation.

Abstract: A method of mass transfer includes the steps of: supplying a first fluid and a second fluid into a mass transfer apparatus, wherein the mass transfer apparatus includes a vessel which has a head region, a base region and a mass transfer region, wherein the first fluid is brought into contact with the second fluid at least in the mass transfer region, wherein the mass transfer region is arranged between the head region and the base region and the mass transfer region includes a structured packing which includes a plurality of neighboring layers of fabric which includes fiber strands of a non-metallic material. The mass transfer apparatus is operated at a fluid load of at most 3 m3/m2/h. The fabric of the structured packing includes fiber strands of a non-metallic material which are formed as weft threads, wherein the weft threads have a yarn count of at least 100 g/1000 m and the weft threads include at least 20 yarns/25.4 mm.

Abstract: A fluid-filled type vibration damping device including a base component and a tubular mating component. The tubular mating component is externally fitted onto the base component by means of a diameter-constricting caulking with a sealing rubber clasped therebetween so as to constitute a mate-fastened portion. The tubular mating component extends axially outward beyond a sealed section of the mate-fastened portion so as to provide a caulking tube portion. A diametrical position of the tubular mating component at the sealed section is determined by contact of the caulking tube portion against an outside peripheral face of a positioning projection provided on the base component so as to define a diametrical positioning portion. The caulking tube portion is constricted in diameter and held in engagement with an axial edge portion of the positioning projection so as to form an axial positioning portion.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a coil spring for an automobile suspension includes forming a material into a coil shape; performing a heat treatment step on the material; performing a warm shot peening step on the material, and performing a hot setting step on the material. By performing the warm shot peening step prior to the hot setting step, a stronger compressive residual stress is imparted in a direction along which a large tensile stress acts during actual use of the coil spring, thereby improving sag resistance and durability of the coil spring. A coil spring is also manufactured according to this method.

Abstract: The post-processing device includes: a binding unit that forms a cut in a sheet stack and cuts a part of the sheet stack into a predetermined shape to form a tongue portion in the sheet stack, the tongue portion having a part where one end part of the tongue portion is not separated from the sheet stack, and binds the sheet stack by bending the tongue portion and inserting the other end part of the tongue portion into the cut; and a sheet stack transport unit that transports the sheet stack in an orientation such that the one end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack bound by the binding unit is on a downstream side of the other end part of the tongue portion in the sheet stack transport direction.