Abstract: A hanging or suspended receptacle for an automobile interior, the receptacle being in the form of a bag or pouch joined to an elongated hanging strap member, with the receptacle being retained in a suspended position by a weighted anchor member that rests on the upper surface of the automobile dashboard or other substantially horizontal surface. A high-friction, non-slip layer or backing member is provided on the rear of the weighted anchor, and also preferably on at least a portion of the rear of the strap member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a baby carrier having a seat disposed at an upper portion of a walking assistance robot such that the weight of a baby is supported by the floor while being distributed through the walking assistance robot, thereby significantly reducing a fatigue of a user generated when a baby is held in arms or carried on a back of the user.

Abstract: A cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures primarily includes a front cover sheet, a rear cover sheet and a flexible enclosure. The front cover sheet includes a first joining edge and a cover piece, whereas the rear cover sheet includes a cover assembly corresponding to the cover piece. The flexible enclosure includes a second joining edge and by engaging the first joining edge with the second joining edge, the front cover sheet and the flexible enclosure are fixed. Besides, the containing structure further includes a holding portion. Under a contained state, the holding portion is used to contain smaller objectives; whereas, in an unfolded state, in addition to using the flexible enclosure to contain larger objectives, the holding portion can be also used to contain smaller objectives. The present invention can be also applied to a piece of clothing combined with a bag unit or other flexible enclosure.

Abstract: In a driving tool, a push lever plunger is moved upward by a push lever unit when the push lever unit is disposed at an uppermost position. The push lever unit includes a first protruding part and a second protruding part. The first protruding part is configured to contact a first contact part of a housing when the push lever unit is disposed at the uppermost position. The second protruding part is configured to contact a second contact part of the housing when the push lever unit is disposed at the uppermost position. A compressed air control unit, the second protruding part, and an ejection channel are disposed within an imaginary plane extending in an approximate vertical direction. The compressed air control unit is disposed on a side opposite to the second protruding part with respect to the ejection channel in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A surgical staple including at least two deformable members which can be bent upon contacting an anvil of a surgical stapler. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the deformable members can include a non-circular cross-section which can dictate the direction and manner in which the deformable members are bent. In at least one embodiment, the non-circular cross-section can include a flat portion which can cause the deformable members to bend in the direction of the flat portion. In various embodiments, the at least two deformable members can be connected by a dissolvable or bioabsorbable crown. In at least one various embodiment, the crown can dissolve and can, depending on the cross-sectional geometry of the deformable members, reduce the force or pressure applied to soft tissue captured within the staple by the bent deformable member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly defines staple forming depressions. One or both of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are pivotable relative to the other between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a first plurality of staples and a second plurality of staples. The first plurality of staples is initially positioned in alignment with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly for ejection from the cartridge assembly. The second plurality of staples is movably supported in the cartridge assembly from a first position misaligned with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly to a second position aligned with the staple forming depressions for subsequent ejection from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An excellent soldering apparatus and manufacturing method of soldered product are provided where a workpiece can be efficiently soldered in a short cycle time. The soldering apparatus includes a thermal radiation heater and two coolers for cooling the workpiece which sandwich the heater therebetween. The coolers are movable between a standby position and a cooling position and form a recessed portion in which the heater is placed. The coolers move to the standby position where the coolers are separated from the workpiece and stand by such that the heater is in a state of protruding from the recessed portion while the heater heats the workpiece. The coolers can move from the standby position to the cooling position to cool the workpiece.

Abstract: Provided is a welding apparatus by which a worker can work in a comfortable posture, with which a space can be effectively utilized at a low cost, and which can reliably weld workpieces. Specifically, a pair of jigs are circumferentially provided on the upper surface of a circular rotating table around its outer circumference at intervals, and positions workpieces such that orientations of the workpieces are changeable. A welding robot is provided in a workpiece welded region. A control board outputs an operation signal to the rotating table such that the jigs respectively move into a workpiece set region and the workpiece welded region, and outputs an operation signal to the respective jigs such that the jig in the workpiece set region is inclined toward a side closer to the worker and the jig in the workpiece welded region is inclined according to welded parts of the workpieces.

Abstract: A screen printer includes: a substrate holder that holds a substrate; a mask to be contacted with the substrate; an imaging device that images the substrate; an elevation mechanism that moves up the substrate holder at a below-mask-position below the mask based on a result of the imaging to contact the substrate with the mask; a horizontal moving mechanism that moves the substrate holder between the below-mask-position and a retreat position retreated in a horizontal direction from the below-mask-position; a printing head that moves on the mask contacted with the substrate and prints a paste on the substrate via the mask; and a mask cleaner that cleans a lower surface of the mask with the substrate separated from the mask by the elevation mechanism. The imaging of the substrate and the cleaning of the mask are performed with the substrate holder positioned at the retreat position.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a module for an airframe or fuselage structure of an aircraft or spacecraft includes positioning a first member adjacent to a second member at an assembly station; welding the first member to the second member at the assembly station to produce a module having a welded joint between the first and second members; and peening at least one of the first member, the second member, and the welded joint at the assembly station to compensate for or to correct distortion caused by the welding.

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

Abstract: A brazing method is disclosed. The brazing method includes providing a substrate, providing at least one groove in the substrate, providing a support member, positioning the support member over the at least one groove in the substrate, providing a braze material, applying the braze material over the support member to form an assembly, and heating the assembly to braze the braze material to the substrate. Another brazing method includes providing a preform, providing a wire mesh, pressing the wire mesh into the preform, heating the preform to form a braze material including the wire mesh, providing a substrate, providing at least one groove in the substrate, applying the braze material over the at least one groove in the substrate, then brazing the braze material to the substrate.

Abstract: According to this brazing method, a first base member having a non-plated surface, a metal layer for functioning as a diffusion barrier layer, a brazing foil, and a second base member having a surface are arranged in this order so that the non-plated surface of the first base member and the surface of the second base member are faced with each other. The first base member and the second base member are brazed by using the brazing foil. The cost of providing a diffusion barrier layer between the first base member and the brazing foil is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A solder joint may be used to attach components of an organic vapor jet printing device together with a fluid-tight seal that is capable of performance at high temperatures. The solder joint includes one or more metals that are deposited over opposing component surfaces, such as an inlet side of a nozzle plate and/or an outlet side of a mounting plate. The components are pressed together to form the solder joint. Two or more of the deposited metals may be capable of together forming a eutectic alloy, and the solder joint may be formed by heating the deposited metals to a temperature above the melting point of the eutectic alloy. A diffusion barrier layer and an adhesion layer may be included between the solder joint and each of the components.

Abstract: A substantially crimpless and monolithic paperboard container lid and method of making same is provided. The lid comprises a single contiguous molded paperboard body configured to conformingly couple to a top periphery of a container for covering the container's opening. The body includes a sealing ring located adjacent the body's periphery. The sealing ring includes a sealing channel composed of a radiused cross-section that extends to a tangent ring terminating with a tab ring. The radiused cross-section and tangent ring assist providing a snug fit between the lid and the container. Despite being made from paperboard, the lid does not include one or more substantial crimps in the sealing ring. Having no substantial crimps, the lid fits onto the container and prevents fluid from leaking between the container's periphery and the lid.

Abstract: A product authentication label includes a carrier layer made of a transparent or translucent material, a plurality of first reflection pattern forming bodies disposed in the carrier layer and configured to reflect a substantially identical reflection pattern regardless of the direction of irradiated light, and a plurality of second reflection pattern forming bodies randomly disposed in the carrier layer and configured to reflect a reflection pattern which varies depending on the direction of irradiated light.

Abstract: A removable personalized seat marker assembly that is temporarily installed on the user's seat at an event to personalize the user's seat. The user may easily remove the seat marker assembly and keep it as memorabilia of the event. The removable seat marker assembly comprises a personalized marker that enhances the experience of attending an event by allowing the user to customize their seat at the event by choosing from a variety of templates, personal user information, or event information, such as user's name, and/or the event name, date, and/or place. The seat marker assembly comprises a body having a front panel and a rear panel forming at least one enclosed compartment therein. The body comprises one or more attachment portions for installing the seat marker assembly to a seat. The front panel of the body comprises a clear window for displaying a personalized marker printed with information about the user and the event.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying information on mobile computing devices based on links encoded and printed on examination room table paper is presented. A mobile computing device can be configured to scan quick response codes and other codes on the paper and access servers across a network based on the decoded links. The links can be uniform resource locators or shortened uniform resource locators for retrieving data from the servers, such as video, audio, augmented reality layers, and web pages that the mobile computing device can display or otherwise present in a suitable format. The examination room table paper can be configured in a roll for use with exam benches typically present in an examination room, and can include activities for engaging children as well as advertisements for promoting sponsors, products and services.

Abstract: Methods and tangible computer-readable media for synchronizing a mobile device to a display via a communication network are disclosed. For example, a method receives an identification code from a display and sends a request to the communication network to establish a communication session between a mobile device and the display. The request comprises the identification code. Thereafter, the communication session is established via the communication network. Another method receives a request to establish a communication session between the mobile device and the display. The request comprises an identification code of the display that was received by the mobile device from the display. The method then establishes the communication session.

Abstract: An electronic device for processing barcode information is described. The device includes one or more processors; and memory storing one or more programs. The device receives barcode information. The barcode information includes (1) information identifying an action instruction and (2) information identifying a first location of a corresponding barcode. The device performs an action in accordance with the action instruction and the first location of the corresponding barcode. A corresponding method and a computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs for execution by the electronic device are also described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media and apparatuses pre-processing a negotiable instrument, such as a check, are presented. An image of a portion of the check may be received, such as from a mobile device of a user. The portion provided in the image may include a convenience area of the check identifying an amount of the check as a numerical value and a quick response (QR) code. The QR code may contain data such as that contained in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line of the check. The image may be processed to identify one or more options available for continued processing of the check or for cancelling the transaction. The options may be provided to the user, such as via a user interface. In some examples, the user interface may be provided on the mobile device used to capture the image of the portion of the check.

Abstract: An automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. A host banking system authorizes operation of an automated banking machine responsive to computer verification of the identifying data. The automated banking machine can dispense cash to an authorized machine user in a cash dispensing transaction, and have the user's bank account charged for the cash amount dispensed. The automated banking machine can acquire image and magnetic data read from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for the checks. Cash can be dispensed from the machine to a user in exchange for a deposited check.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for accessing personal information including the personal and/or medical record of one or more individuals in the event of an emergency. An identification (ID) device of the individual and a code wherein the code is a Quick Response code specific to each individual to enable the retrieval of information. The code may either be applied to the device or embedded in the device. Alternatively, the code may be applied to a label which may be affixed to one or more devices.

Abstract: A portable card including a resonance circuit of that portable card that wirelessly receives power from an external source, a processor of the portable card that wirelessly transmits a predetermined data sequence in response to the resonance circuit receiving power from the external source and a set of at least three contacts on an exterior of the portable card, wherein a user bridges the contacts with the user's fingers in a predetermined combination to create a circuit and activate the processor for transmission of the predetermined data sequence.

Abstract: A method for continuous determination of a person's presence in a public transport conveyance is proposed, where a customer medium comprising an RF transceiver is assigned to the person, where at least one reading device per passenger compartment or car is provided for data communication with the customer media in the conveyance, which is connected to a computer serving as an on-board unit for the purpose of data communications, where these are also connected to each other in the case that several reading devices are provided, where an on-board unit serving as the main on-board unit is assigned to a passenger compartment or car if several passenger compartments or cars are present, and the other passenger compartments or cars are assigned to on-board units serving as secondary on-board units, which are connected to the main on-board unit for the purpose of data communication, where the customer medium is in a “sleep” mode upon entering the transport in order to keep energy consumption as low as possible.

Abstract: A system for detecting customer media comprising an RF transceiver in a public transport conveyance is proposed, where the system for each passenger compartment or car includes a number of reading devices, which are interconnected and connected to an on-board unit for the purpose of data communication, where the entire interior of passenger compartment or car is covered by a number of reading devices, where the reading devices are arranged in such a manner that any two reading devices are provided on opposite lateral walls of the passenger compartment or car, which cover the room up to the opposite wall, where each two reading units are arranged in the roof area or floor area symmetrically around the central longitudinal axis of the passenger compartment or vehicle, where the detection range of the respective two reading devices is substantially identical and substantially covers the entire width of the passenger compartment or car in the floor area or roof area, where the floor area or the roof area is cover

Abstract: A method and system for filtering detection patterns in a QR code is provided in this invention. When multiple detection patterns get into a QR code image due to interference or other reasons, first of all, an side length is determined for each pattern to be detected, and then an average value of the side lengths of multiple patterns to be detected is determined, after which through comparing with a predetermined reference value, patterns to be detected meeting a predetermined condition are determined as detection patterns. An effective solution is provided to fill the gap in the prior art of unable to remove detection patterns caused by interference appropriately when more than three detection patterns are found.

Abstract: A compensated antenna array (108) and an RFID system including the compensated antenna array are disclosed. The antenna array includes a first antenna (208) and a second antenna (204) where the first antenna is positioned within the second antenna and overlaps itself at least one point (216) such that at least some induced current in the first antenna is offset by at least some induced current in the second antenna and such that at least some induced current in the second antenna is enhanced at the at least one point of overlap.

Abstract: The invention uses three-dimensional printing techniques to lay down a three-dimensional black and white grid (or “4-dimensional” grid, if color is used). To read and decode a three-dimensional bar-code, a light-field camera is used to capture the whole three-dimensional structure and the focus levels are then determined for a predetermined number of vertical levels. Adding color adds another degree of freedom (dimension) in the number and difficulty of encoding and decoding the three-dimensional bar-codes. These bar-codes cannot be simply made or copied, providing a level of security thereby.

Abstract: Binarization method and system for two dimensional code images is provided. Each block region has a different grayscale threshold. Thus, for each block region, whether a pixel in the block region is determined as black or white restoring process is not solely based on the grayscale value of the pixel itself, but also an average grayscale value of a predetermined area specified for a block region where the pixel locates. That is to say, when the predetermined area in which the block region locates has generally a larger grayscale value, the grayscale threshold corresponding to the block region may become larger, and vice versa. Because the grayscale threshold of a block region is closely related to grayscale values in a background of this block region, external circumstance interference may be prevented from an obtained binary result, producing a clear binary image accordingly.

Abstract: Method and system for decoding a two dimensional code is disclosed. In the binarization process of a two dimensional code image, through performing a dividing operation on the two dimensional code image, each block region has a different grayscale threshold. For each block region, whether a pixel in the block region is determined as black or white is not solely based on the grayscale value of the pixel itself, but also an average grayscale value of a predetermined area set for the block region where the pixel locates. When the predetermined area in which the block region locates has a larger grayscale value as a whole, the grayscale threshold corresponding to the block region may become larger, and vice versa.

Abstract: Method and system for determining QR code binary image is provided. Locating lines on which edges of the QR code locate are determined according to location information of locating points within the QR code image and distances between the locating points to edges of the QR code. Distances may be used to obtain locating lines on which edges of the QR code locate, with relatively smaller errors. When a QR code image is distorted, it generally bulges outward. The position of a determined locating line is within the interior of the QR code image, and an actual edge of the QR code partly overlaps with the locating line and partly locate on external side of locating line. Edge points on external side of a locating line are detected along the direction of the locating line and then are connected to form an edge line of QR code.

Abstract: Method and system for correcting a QR code image is provided. An initial coordination system and a correction coordination system are determined at first. Conversion coefficients are obtained according to the coordinates of the central point of each detection pattern, the coordinates of the locating point in the initial coordinate system, the correction coordinate system. For each point in the correction coordinate system, its corresponding module in the initial coordinate system is found out, and the grayscale value of that module is assigned to the point to realize the correction of the QR code image. Coordinates of the three detection patterns, the locating point in the initial coordination system, and the correction coordinate system may be readily obtained according to different version numbers. At the same time, shortcomings caused by edge detection may be avoided, and a favorable correction effect may be obtained.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting detection patterns of a QR code is disclosed, detection is performed in a first direction and then in a second direction based on the first direction detection to detect a line segment having a length ratio of black:white:black:white:black meeting a predetermined ratio to determine the central points of the detection patterns, and thereby find out all detection patterns. Line-by-line traversal detection in a first direction is used to detect the detection patterns. Detection is performed based on the detected central point of the first line segment. Thus, detection steps may be greatly saved to simplify the detection procedure and improve computing speed. Fast detection of detection patterns may be realized for a QR code image.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting a correction pattern in a QR code are disclosed. In the detection of a correction pattern, coordinates of the correction pattern is at first roughly estimated according to the detected coordinates of the detection patterns and different QR code versions, then a square region is specified around the coordinates of the correction pattern, in which a search is performed repeatedly. Finally, in conjunction with the characteristic of the correction pattern itself, i.e., having a line segment meeting a predetermined ratio, the correction pattern may be accurately located in the predetermined area, without the need of searching patterns meeting a 1:1:1 ratio line by line in the entire QR code image.

Abstract: A barcode decoding system and method are disclosed that use a data-driven classifier for transforming a potentially degraded barcode signal into a digit sequence. The disclosed implementations are robust to signal degradation through incorporation of a noise model into the classifier construction phase. The run-time computational cost is low, allowing for efficient implementations on portable devices. Implementations are disclosed for intelligent preview scaling, barcode-aware autofocus augmentation and multi-scale signal feature extraction.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a circuit arrangement is provided, including a first antenna tuned to a first frequency range, a second antenna tuned to a second frequency range being different from the first frequency range, a controller coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna, wherein the controller is configured to receive its operational power via at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna, and a deactivating structure configured to deactivate the communication of the controller via the second antenna upon reception of electromagnetic waves with the first frequency range via the first antenna.

Abstract: A smart card with two read-write modes includes antenna layer, and an antenna and a chip module circuits on the antenna layer, wherein the antenna and the chip module circuit are electrically connected via an elastic conductive device. The invention also provides a manufacturing method of the aforesaid smart card with two read-write modes, which includes steps of: embedding an antenna on a back side or a front side of an antenna layer; after completing embedding on the antenna layer, add bedding sheets, printed sheets and protection films respectively above and underneath the antenna layer, then laminating to obtain a card base carrier; cutting card from the treated whole-sheet card base carrier to obtain a card base, and milling slots on the obtained card base, then finally encapsulating.

Abstract: A customer medium (1) for detecting the utilization of services is proposed, comprising a first and a second antenna (2, 3) for long-range data communication, a third antenna (4), an integrated circuit (6) comprising at least one crypto-engine, one microprocessor (5) connected with the integrated circuit (6) or integrated into the integrated circuit (6), an operational amplifier (8) and an RF transceiver (7) connected to the second antenna (3), where the third antenna (4) is connected to an NFC-module in the integrated circuit (6) and is used for the short-range data communication in an active mode of the customer medium (1), where the first antenna (2) is used as a wake-up antenna for receiving an amplitude-modulated wake-up signal if the customer medium is in a “sleep” mode, where the signal received by the wake-up antenna (2) is demodulated and amplified by the operational amplifier (8) serving as the wake-up detection module and is evaluated by the microprocessor (5) partially activated in the “sleep” mod

Abstract: A non-contact IC label includes a magnetic sheet, a gap retention member including a dielectric material, and a communication section provided between the magnetic sheet and the gap retention member. The communication section includes an IC chip and a first antenna section and a second antenna section which are connected to the IC chip. The magnetic sheet has a first magnetic face facing the gap retention member, and the IC chip, the first antenna section and the second antenna section are provided on the first magnetic face of the magnetic sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device (10) for a vehicle, comprising:—a flow path (14, 16, 20, 22, 24) for a fluid heat transport means and—an electrical heating arrangement (25) for heating the heat transport means on a heating section of the flow path. According to the invention, the heating section has at least two channels (20) running in a serpentine pattern, through which the heat transport means can flow in parallel. The invention further relates to a method for operating a heating device (10).

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a heat pump having a refrigerant radiator, a gas furnace unit having a heating section to heat passing air, a blower generating air flow through the radiator and the heating section, and a controller controlling operation of the heat pump unit, the gas furnace unit, and the blower. The controller has a first operating mode in which the gas furnace unit operates alone as a heat source unit, a second operating mode in which the heat pump unit operates alone as a heat source unit, and a third operating mode in which the gas furnace unit and the heat pump unit operate at the same time as a heat source unit. The controller is configured to select the operating modes based on a parameter relating to outside air temperature that is the temperature of outside air.

Abstract: A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cutoff measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cutoff and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.