Abstract: A host device is configured to (i) establish a point-to-point connection with a barcode reader via a point-to-point communication interface, (ii) determine that the barcode reader is in a state wherein executable instructions necessary for providing decoded data to the host device are not present within memory of the barcode reader, (iii) use the network interface to connect to a configuration server and to receive, from the configuration server, executable instructions required for the barcode reader to be capable of providing the decoded data to the host device, (iv) provide the executable instructions to the barcode reader via the point-to-point connection, and (v) receive from the barcode reader, via the point-to-point communication interface, the decoded data only after the executable instructions have been loaded to volatile memory of the barcode reader.

Abstract: A barcode reader for decoding and manipulating data from a barcode and providing the decoded and manipulated data to a remote computing system includes barcode reading hardware, including an image sensor which captures an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reader also includes a processor executing executable code which generates decoded data representative of data encoded in the barcode, formats the decoded data, and sends the formatted decoded data to the remote computing system only when the processor executes formatting and routing instructions which the barcode reader obtains from a remote configuration server upon power up of the barcode reader.

Abstract: A barcode reader may include one or more advancements in the manner in which its software and/or firmware are updated and/or installed. The barcode reader may have an image sensor that captures an image of a barcode, a communication interface, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and a processor. The barcode reader may receive executable code, selected from multiple versions, from a configuration server remote from the barcode reader. The executable code may be loaded directly into the volatile memory, without first being loaded into the non-volatile memory. The executable code may be loaded at a location in the volatile memory that begins at a start address stored in the non-volatile memory or in a header of the executable code. The barcode reader may execute the executable code to commence operation of the barcode reader directly after the executable code has been loaded into the volatile memory.

Abstract: A barcode reader for providing decoded data to a remote computing system includes a communication interface, non-volatile memory comprising first executable code, volatile memory, and a processor. The processor executes the first executable code to utilize the communication interface to obtain second executable code from a remote configuration server. The processor also loads the second executable code directly to the volatile memory and executes the second executable code to commence operation of the barcode reader.

Abstract: A barcode reader for decoding data from a barcode includes barcode reading hardware, including an image sensor which captures an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reader also includes a processor. The processor executes embedded firmware to operate the barcode reading hardware. The processor also generates decoded data representative of data encoded in the barcode by executing supplemental operating instructions which the barcode reader obtains from a remote configuration server upon power up of the barcode reader. The supplemental operating instructions are distinct from the embedded firmware and include instructions which, when executed by the processor, enable the barcode reader to output the decoded data from the barcode within the field of view.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for delinting cotton seed by mixing and propelling both the cotton seed and abrasive particles in high-speed contact with each other in a contained space or vessel. The abrasive particles may be calcium carbonate, glass, diatomaceous earth, sugar or sand. The abrasive particles and cotton seed may be propelled by mechanical means in the form a mixer, or through the use of high-speed air in a vessel (10).

Abstract: This invention relates to a cellulase treatment of cellulosic fabric to achieve biopolishing effects, reducing dust or lint and reducing pilling during at least one laundry cycle in said fabric comprising treating said fabric with cellulase after the scouring step and before the bleaching step.

Abstract: A process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed is provided. In general, the process comprises the steps of: (a) adjusting the pH to equal or greater than eight of an aqueous composition having a sugar concentration of at least 5 percent by weight; and (b) applying the aqueous composition to whole cottonseed. According to another aspect of the invention, the process further comprises the step of drying the whole cottonseed after applying the aqueous composition. According to a modified process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed, the process comprises the steps of: (a) applying an aqueous sugar composition having a sugar concentration of at least 5 percent by weight to the whole cottonseed; and (b) applying a basic aqueous solution having a pH equal to or greater than eight to the whole cottonseed.

Abstract: A process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed is provided. In general, the process comprises the steps of: (a) adjusting the pH to equal or less than three of an aqueous composition having a sugar concentration of at least 5 percent by weight; and (b) applying the aqueous composition to whole cottonseed. According to another aspect of the invention, the process further comprises the step of drying the whole cottonseed after applying the aqueous composition. According to a modified process of treating whole cottonseed to improve the handleability and digestibility of the cottonseed, the process comprises the steps of: (a) applying an aqueous sugar composition having a sugar concentration to of at least 5 percent by weight to the whole cottonseed; and (b) applying an acidic aqueous solution having a pH equal to or less than three to the whole cottonseed.

Abstract: A high slippage feeder for conveying seed cotton from a rotary vacuum of a cotton gin includes a cylinder rotating about an axis with a plurality of pins radially extending from the cylinder and a casing enclosing the cylinder and the pins. The casing has a first inlet for receiving the seed cotton from the rotary vacuum, a second inlet for receiving an air stream, and an outlet for providing an exit for the air stream and the seed cotton. A portion of the casing is curved to conform to an outer circumference defined by the rotation of the pins, and a portion of the second inlet is inwardly deflected to focus the direction of the air stream. The casing, as shaped, maximizes the operational efficiency of the high slippage feeder and not only improves the conveyance of cotton but also ensures that a majority of the cotton conveyed through the high slippage feeder will be partially dried.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cotton having a frame which rotatably supports a cylinder member having a cylindrical surface supporting a fiber-engaging structure for seizing contaminated cotton. The frame supports a grid assembly which assists in the removal of undesirable particulates from contaminated cotton engaged to the fiber-engaging structure of the cylinder member. The grid assembly includes a plurality of grid bars connected to the frame in a spatial relationship such that any two contiguous grid bars are separated by a grid space. A shroud member is supported by the frame for controlling the loss of cotton fiber through the grid space between two contiguous grid bars. A method of controlling and/or reducing the loss of cotton during lint cleaning of contaminated cotton. A method for retrofitting a lint cleaner to modify the lint-cleaning ability of the lint cleaner.

Abstract: A storage hopper is placed upstream of an inclined cleaner to prevent a surge of cotton from choking down the inclined cleaner. The output of the storage hopper is limited by feed rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering cottonseed from the lint in batch quantities for planting purposes. The system utilizes a dilute acid approach and provides for gradual mixing of the fuzzy seed and a dilute acid solution followed by batch drying and hydrolysis in a rotating drum reaction chamber in which heated air at a controlled temperature is circulated. The process conditions and the flight pattern of the fuzzy seed within the rotating drum are controlled to avoid trauma to the seed and thereby assure suitability of the recovered seed for planting purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering cottonseed from the lint in batch quantities for planting purposes. The system utilizes a dilute acid approach and provides for gradual mixing of the fuzzy seed and a dilute acid solution followed by batch drying and hydrolysis in a rotating drum reaction chamber in which heated air at a controlled temperature is circulated. The process conditions and the flight pattern of the fuzzy seed within the rotating drum are controlled to avoid trauma to the seed and thereby assure suitability of the recovered seed for planting purposes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a three step process that selectively removes embedded cellulose lint precursors from a cotton fabric with a cellulase solution during a continuous fabric manufacturing process. The cellulase solution, applied continually, travels in a finite, limited path and digests fibrils, forming embedded lint precursors, from the fabric. Undigestable fibrils, located outside the path travelled by the cellulase, remain undamaged by the cellulase. After the fabric's first wash, no appreciable linting is observed on the surface thereof and the fabric retains at least about 90% of its strength. Further, the process produces fabrics which do not exhibit commercially unacceptable yellowing from the action of the cellulase upon the cellulose.

Abstract: Cotton seed are mechanically delinted by a process such as abrasion. To prevent the heat produced by the mechanical delinting from damaging the germination of the seed, the seed are mechanically cooled, or chilled, or refrigerated, to prevent the interior of the seed from being heated above 140.degree.. One method of chilling the seed is by spraying the seed with liquid nitrogen immediately before delinting.

Abstract: A sawless lint cleaner receives the cotton as doffed from the gin stand in an airstream. The lint is deflected toward spiked cylindrical rollers of a cleaner and wiped across a grating at a speed about equal to the airspeed. The grating is in cylindrical segments as close to the spikes as tolerance will permit. The grating is composed of parallel bars approximately 5 mm thick spaced 13 mm apart and angled about 15.degree. from the radial line of the shaft of the spiked cylinder. Trash passes through the grating. The lint is reunited with the air at the end of the cleaner and conveyed to a condenser. The condenser separates the air and forms the lint into a batt for further cleaning by a typical saw lint cleaner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert fluffy cotton seed to an animal feedstuff, comprises delinting the fluffy cotton seed to remove lint and tails therefrom, coating the delinted cotton seed with a binder, adding a filler to the cotton seed coated with the binder, and drying the coated cotton seed to produce a flowable product. The method and apparatus converts a hitherto waste product to a valuable commercial product.

Abstract: A method of delinting cotton seed comprises the steps of passing the cotton seed through a saw delinter to remove a substantial portion of the lint, preferably at least 40%, therefrom, and thereafter passing the partially delinted seed through a brush delinter to remove substantially all of the remaining lint therefrom.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seed is passed through two saw delinting stages to remove more than about 40% in the first stage and up to about 20% or more in the second stage, whereby more than about 60% of the lint is removed in the two saw delinting stages. Subsequent passage of the seed through a brush delinter removes additional lint so that up to 97% of the lint is removed in the combination of the saw delinting and brush delinting steps. An optional further step of passing the seed through a flamer can be used to remove the remaining approximately 3% of the lint.

Abstract: The lint from the roller gin stand is divided into two streams and a small portion is recirculated through the feeding equipment so that the lint to seed ratio is increased at the roller gin. The pre-gin equipment acts to distribute and break up not only wads of cotton but also individual locks of cotton into smaller components called individual seed locks. Some seed will be completely separated from lint in this process. This process of preparation of the seed cotton for the ginning will actually partially pre-gin the cotton. It is accomplished by wiping the cotton by spiked rollers over concave segments some of which have projecting bars from them. The cotton is pulled or diverted over separation ridges which project between the rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing foreign matter from cotton comprising a plurality of extractor cylinders in series, and a plurality of reclaimer cylinders in parallel, one for each of the extractor cylinders, wherein the first reclaimer cylinder directs reclaimed cotton to the second extractor cylinder in the series.

Abstract: An improved cottonseed delinter includes a magnetic tramp metal separating system in conjunction with a roll feeder. Cylinder saw lifting arms are integrally mounted for pivotal co-movement with a gratefall cover, and a gratefall cover is mounted for outward pivoting movements about a horizontal axis located in a lower portion of the gratefall cover. Makeup air for a pneumatic moting and lint conveying system is routed through delinted seeds in order to remove fly lint.

Abstract: A linter gin having improved moting system for achieving higher rates of delinting. The improvement comprising a mote deflector obstacle member spaced slightly from the doffer brush, said member defecting the air current to effect more efficient removal of motes and trash from the lint in the mote chamber.

Abstract: Sulfuric acid is admixed with a foaming agent to produce a lather which is then mixed with cottonseed to delint the same. The lint is removed in a dry or semi dry condition.

Abstract: The removal of lint fibers from the cottonseed is facilitated by aqueous pretreatments of the cotton boll with dilute chemical substances. The wet processing of the boll renders the lint amenable to easy removal from the seedcoat in the wet or dry states.

Abstract: Cotton seed is delinted in a continuous system wherein dilute acid is sprayed onto a moving agitated horizontal column of seed while controlling the weight ratio of dilute acid to seed and then the wet seed is partially dried by being conveyed by a hot air stream to a cyclone as a flash drying operation and then formed into a horizontal moving column which is agitated by the combined action of (a) a combination conveyor-agitator and (b) the transverse passage of hot drying air to complete drying and then subjected to a scrubbing operation wherein the degraded fibers are removed and the fibers, other very light particles and odors are removed from the seed mass by an exhaust system.