Abstract: A system includes a fingerprint sensor, an application processor, and an auxiliary processor. The application processor is operable to arm the fingerprint sensor prior to the application processor entering a low power or sleep mode. The auxiliary processor is to receive a state output from the fingerprint sensor. The state output is to cause activation of one or more functions of the auxiliary processor upon fingerprint authentication while leaving the application processor in the low power or sleep mode.

Abstract: Protocols, systems, and methods are disclosed for at least one RFID tag and a device, to communicate with each other using direct connections, wherein the at least one RFID tag and the device are configured to mate and directly exchange identification information. A message comprising a tag identification may be sent directly from the RFID tag to the device, and the RFID tag may receive a first acknowledgement from the device if the first tag identification was correctly received. A connection may be detected between the RFID tag and the device prior to directly exchanging information. The exchange of information may include sending data from the device to the RFID tag.

Abstract: A vehicle control and gateway module comprising an electronic control module controlling one or more vehicle systems, a vehicle communications bus, a wireless communications module, an electronic gateway module acting as a translator of information between the vehicle communications bus and the wireless communications module, and a software program, whereby an operator using a remote mobile device can send and receive wireless commands to and from the vehicle with the electronic gateway module translating messages from one data protocol to the other as required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a banknote deposit and withdrawal device including: a verification section that verifies banknotes inserted through a service aperture for performing a transaction of banknotes; a serial number acquisition section that acquires serial numbers of the banknotes; a control section that controls conveyance of the banknotes in the device; and a memory section that, for each of one or plural storage cassettes in which the banknotes are stored in the device, memorizes the serial numbers of banknotes stored in the storage cassette and memorizes a storage sequence of the banknotes as administration information, wherein the control section conveys a banknote to a corresponding storage cassette, on the basis of a result of verification, and records the serial number of the banknote and the storage sequence of the banknote in the storage cassette in the memory section as administration information.

Abstract: The seed distribution tower of an air seeder has a distribution head that splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. The outlets through which the secondary streams exit the head are constructed as modules that can be individually installed and replaced without disassembling the entire head. Shut-off valves and/or flow sensors may or may not be incorporated into certain or all of the modules to provide optimum user flexibility.

Abstract: A function control method using boundary definition of present invention includes the steps of, setting a boundary line to virtually partition a given physical space, and controlling a predetermined function of an electronic appliance based on at least one or all of a position of the boundary line, and a shape and a size of a closed loop formed by the boundary line.

Abstract: A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions. In some embodiments, the dead reckoning method determines a change in position from the object's heading and speed during an elapsed time interval. In embodiments suitable for use with wheeled objects, the dead reckoning method determines the change in position by measuring the heading and the amount of wheel rotation. Some or all of the components of the navigation system may be disposed within a wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample processing apparatus including: a sample processing unit configured to process a sample contained in a sample container; one or more detectors located to detect the sample container both before and after the sample contained therein is processed by the sample processing unit; and a controller configured to perform an operation to alert a user if the one or more detectors fail to detect the sample container after the sample processing unit processed the sample in the sample container.

Abstract: The seed distribution tower of an air seeder splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. As seeds enter the head of the tower in an upward vertical direction through an inlet at the bottom of the head, they are scattered 360° in a horizontal direction by an inverted, overhead distribution cone. The inlet through which the seeds enter the distribution head has an eased configuration to reduce turbulence and promote laminar flow within the head during the dramatic transition from vertical to horizontal movement. Sensitive components such as tram line valves, solenoid actuators, and blockage sensors are protectively housed within the interior of the distribution head to avoid exposure to hostile environmental elements.

Abstract: Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.

Abstract: The banknote processing device 100 includes a first upper stacking unit 102a that is provided at an upper position of the banknote processing device and stacks rejected notes; a second upper stacking unit 102b that is provided adjacent to the first upper stacking unit and stacks banknotes other than the rejected notes; first to fourth lower stacking units 106a-106d that are arranged in parallel at lower positions of the banknote processing device and stack banknotes of at least one specific denomination; and a controller 111 that controls the transport unit to transport the banknote to the first upper stacking unit when a recognition result is a rejected note, and to transport the banknote to one of the second upper stacking unit and the first to fourth lower stacking units when the recognition result is not a rejected note.

Abstract: Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine-readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.

Abstract: A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions. In some embodiments, the dead reckoning method determines a change in position from the object's heading and speed during an elapsed time interval. In embodiments suitable for use with wheeled objects, the dead reckoning method determines the change in position by measuring the heading and the amount of wheel rotation. Some or all of the components of the navigation system may be disposed within a wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.

Abstract: A paper thickness detecting apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor in which the electrostatic capacitance changes when a piece of paper such as a bank note or a piece of copying paper is inserted, and a thickness detecting unit for detecting the thickness of the piece of paper from the signals obtained from the respective first sensor and the second sensor, in order to provide a paper thickness detecting apparatus that can reliably detect a foreign object adhered to the paper.

Abstract: A pick and place machine for placing components upon a workpiece includes a placement head, a robotic system and at least one detachable nozzle. The robotic system is configured to generate relative movement between the placement head and the workpiece. The detachable nozzle is coupled to the placement head and includes wireless communication circuitry. A detachable nozzle having wireless is communication abilities is also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine-readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.

Abstract: An output monitoring system and method for an air transport material delivery system that directs dry material entrained in pressurized air out of delivery tubes and against an inner surface of deflectors for even distribution. The output monitoring system has a plurality of sensors respectively affixed to the deflectors on the outer side thereof so as not to be directly contacted by the stream of air and dry material impacting the inner side. Each sensor generates a voltage which is indicative of the flowing or clogged condition of its corresponding delivery tube. This status information is dynamically provided to a display unit where it can be readily monitored by the operator of the air transport material delivery system during operation thereof to ensure that the delivery tubes are not blocked or, if a blockage occurs, that operation of the air transport material delivery system is suspended until the blockage is removed.

Abstract: A penetration screen is disclosed which comprises a substantially planar substrate with, at least, one electrical circuit disposed thereon. The electrical circuit is configured such that, at least, one section of the circuit is electrically isolatable from the remainder of the circuit without causing a fault condition in said remainder of the circuit.

Abstract: A hand-operated cart constructed for carrying luggage or packages includes a frame including a cargo area, and cart wheels connected to the frame and connected to a handrail arranged for manually displacing the cart. The cart also includes a distance sensor constructed and arranged to measure a travel distance of the cart, an interface unit and a processor constructed to receive travel distance data from the distance sensor.

Abstract: A gyroscope (10) for determining rate of rotation includes a giant magnetoresistor (GMR) (14) attached to a mass (12) oscillating along a first axis. When the gyroscope (10) is rotated, the mass (12) also oscillates along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A magnetic element (16), which includes of a strip of magnetic bits (18), is disposed along the first axis, the second axis, or both. The magnetic bits (18) supply discrete magnetic fields. The GMR (14) changes in electrical resistance when exposed to these magnetic fields. A voltage sensor (20) and processor (34) are then utilized to calculate the rate of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet conveyance apparatus comprising a rotary member for conveying a sheet; a controller for detecting lowered conveyance performance due to wear of the rotary member, for measuring operation time of the rotary member, for memorizing in advance a limit wearing degree immediately before the rotary member becomes unable to make conveyance due to wear, and for estimating a time at which the rotary member becomes unable to make conveyance due to wear. The duration estimating means uses the wearing degree of the rotary member, the operation time of the rotary member, and the limit wearing degree, to calculate according to an estimation function the time ending the duration at which the rotary member becomes unable to make conveyance due to wear.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring the presence of an analyte in a closed vial wherein a sample contained within the closed vial is conveyed to an analyzer. The analyzer determines a value of a spectral property dependent on analyte concentration at a position within a headspace formed above the sample within the vial. An indicator is used to compare the measured value of the spectral property with a predetermined limit criteria to determine the presence or absence of the analyte. Vials wherein the presence of the analyte is detected are indicated as product vials whereas vials wherein the absence of the analyte is detected are indicated as rejected vials. The rejected vials are conveyed by a transferrer to a rejected vial station. A first portion of the product vials are conveyed by a sampler to a sample collection station. A second portion of the product vials are conveyed to a labeler.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of multiple documents (10) in a document transport system comprises a transmitter (15), located on a first side of a document feed path (40), and emits a signal through the document feed path. A reflector (52), located on a second side of said document feed path, reflects the signal through the document feed path. A first sensor detects the signal from the transmitter. A second sensor detects the signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bill receiving/processing machine, which has a simple configuration having no temporary reserving section, and has no need of manually sorting the approved bills even in the case where a fault is generated, and can rationally carry out cancel processing with respect to a transaction such that a bill has been already sent to a stacker after money denomination discriminating/counting handling is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus that automatically monitors speed and operating time of a semiconductor fabricating equipment lift that lifts a wafer cassette up/down. The apparatus automatically indicates operational state of the lift including lift speed time, use time after motor replacement and overhaul, and number of wafers processed, for confirmation by a worker.

Abstract: A device that easily fits on a refuse container and will sound an audible alarm when silverware that has been magnetized and likely hidden within other refuse falls through a sensing cavity on its way to the refuse container. This device will not trigger on any other metallic or non-metallic material due to its sensing of only passing magnetic fields. Silverware material conducive to magnetization can be easily magnetized and will retain such characteristics for a long period of time making it a practical way to differentiate silverware from other metallic refuse. The device also uses a sensing switch that activates the same audible alarm when an attempt is made to bypass the unit by removing it from the refuse container. A key switch provides security that enables alarm reset only by authorized personnel. A low battery indicator is provided by the pulsing of the audible alarm. The unit is portable, low maintenance, and requires no adjustments.

Abstract: A system for maintaining an appropriate air flow in an air stream in an air seeder. A fan provides an air stream to carry agricultural materials for distribution across a width of a seeding implement. A tank contains a granular agricultural material and a metering device dispenses the material into the air stream. The system is calibrated such that a known weight of material is dispensed for each revolution of the metering device whereby the rotational speed of the metering device multiplied by the known weight per revolution results in a known per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed into the air stream. A microprocessor is programmed to derive an appropriate fan speed for the per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed and send a signal to a fan control to adjust the speed of the fan to correspond to the appropriate fan speed.

Abstract: A system for identification and tracking of tags distributed in a room, wherein the system includes an electromagnetic pulse generator to produce a local electromagnetic spike, a tag reactive to the local electromagnetic spike to provide a data signal, a data receiver for receiving the data signal, and a tag tracking system receiving input from the electromagnetic pulse generator and the data receiver, the tag tracking system storing state records of position and informational content of the tag.

Abstract: Transport system for the long-term transport of preferably biological material and transport container, preferably for this transport system, containing at least: a measuring device (2), one or more energy stores (3) and an insulating vessel (6), comprising a top (7), a container wall (8) and a base (9). The handling of the transport containers (1) is improved in practice by the top (7) and the base (9) each having at least one thermally insulating component (10) and by the container wall (8) being designed as a high-vacuum superinsulator (13).

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a tape automated bonding process, which is used to attach a plurality of flexible substrates constructed in the form of a tape to an edge of a rigid substrate, the monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing the variation of an optical signal and being moved along the edge of the rigid substrate so as to monitor the quantity of the flexible substrates according to the number of the variation of the optical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting labels on a carrier material has a transmitter that emits ultrasonic waves and a receiver that receives ultrasonic waves. The carrier material is located, with the labels, between the transmitter and the receiver. For detecting the labels, the received signal is compared to a threshold value at the output of the receiver. The threshold value is determined automatically, as a function of the received signal registered during a balancing procedure when the carrier material and/or labels are located between the transmitter and the receiver. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is used to distinguish between single and multiple sheets.

Abstract: The presence of overlapped sheets on a paper transport is detected by employing such sheets as an acoustic interference filter. A beam of ultrasonic energy of appropriate frequency, angularly oriented to the planar transport path, will be attenuated to a much greater extent than the attenuation calculated based on the attenuation of a single sheet, as a result of destructive combining of wavefronts reflected from the facing surfaces of the overlapped sheets.

Abstract: A detection control apparatus for the assembly of building components such as rafters, trusses, and the like. A pair of sensors located at the output side of a press for assembling the building components detects metal connecting plates that are intended to be positioned on opposite sides of the building component being assembled. If one of the plates is detected while the other is missing or out of position, the apparatus generates an alarm to signal an operator or automatically shuts down the press so that the missing or out-of-position connecting plate can be corrected.

Abstract: A detection switch for enabling the setup sensitivity of the switch to be checked without lowering the movement speed of an object to be detected. A light reception section outputs a light reception signal RS corresponding to a light reception amount. A detection section amplifies the light reception signal RS and converts the amplified light reception signal RS from analog to digital form, then outputs the digital signal as light reception data RD indicating the light reception amount. A hold time control section 5 gives a hold timing signal HT defining a hold period to a hold circuit. The hold circuit holds the peak value or bottom value of the light reception data RD every hold period and outputs the hold value to a control section each time the end of the hold period is reached. The control section causes a display section to display the hold value.

Abstract: A control system for agricultural implements such as planters, conventional or air drills is disclosed herein. The implement includes a frame with one or more sections. Each section supports a plurality of row units configured to apply a product at variable rates to rows in a field. The products can include seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. In one configuration, the control system monitors the rates at which the product is applied to the rows. This configuration of the control system includes sensors configured to sense the rates at which product is applied, and a control module configured to monitor the sensed rates and generate a multiplexed output signal representative thereof. The output signal is used, for example, by a cab-mounted display or recording device. The control system, however, can be reconfigured to both monitor and control the application rates by installing a second control module on the frame.

Abstract: A mobile WIP parts tracking system useful in semi-conductor fabrication operations, includes an identifying tag fixed to each of a plurality of parts containers, and a tag reader mounted on the head of a robotic carrier which delivers the containers to and removes the containers from any or a plurality of storage bin containers within a storage facility. A control system coordinates the movements of the robotic carrier and received information from the tag reader in order to provide positive, continuous tracking of the storage bin location of each of the containers within the facility. In addition to generating continuous tracking information, the robotic carrier may be used to scan each of the storage bin locations in order to search for a desired container.

Abstract: The present invention warns an operator of failure to properly use an indication device within an assembly line for producing articles of manufacture. The present invention includes a detector, coupled to the indication device, for detecting application of the indication device to a work piece within the assembly line. In addition, the present invention includes a timer, coupled to the detector, for timing a measured time period from a first time point when a prior application of the indication device to a first work piece is detected within the assembly line. The present invention further includes a warning unit, coupled to the timer, for generating an alarm signal if the measured time period is greater than a predetermined time period and if a subsequent application of the indication device to a second work piece has not been detected within the measured time period.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer testing apparatus has a work table on which a carrier containing semiconductor wafers to be checked is placed. The work table is equipped for combined wafer alignment and wafer code recognition while the wafers remain in their carrier in one position on the work table. The alignment is accomplished with a wafer flat zone aligner which has a pair of roller pins each coming in contact with circumferences of the wafers being stacked in the carrier through an open lower part of the carrier and an opening in the table. The wafer code recognition is accomplished with an optical character recognizer that moves up and down and forward and backward with respect to the carrier, and interposes between the wafers in the carrier so as to read out codes which are on each wafer. This combined automated work station helps prevent contamination of the wafers by an operator or by unnecessary handling of the wafers, and also reduces cycle time for the entire inspection process.

Abstract: A method for positioning and aligning workpieces, in particular one or more metal plates that are to be joined, against at least one stop, involves transmitting a position signal, preferably an electrical signal, between the workpiece and the stop, and using the workpiece and the stop as signal transmitters.

Abstract: A drug storage/discharge apparatus having a cleaning time determining device which can detect dirt in drug discharge paths and determine when it is necessary to clean the discharge paths. A motor control circuit controls each feeder to discharge drugs from the feeder through its discharge opening. A light-emitting diode and a phototransistor are provided opposite to each other at the discharge opening. A drug discharged from the feeder intercepts the light from the light-emitting diode, thus fluctuating the output of the phototransistor. Based on the output fluctuation, the motor control circuit can confirm that a drug has been discharged. A low-pass filter is provided to apply only a low-frequency component of the output of the phototransistor to a comparator. Such low-frequency components represent to what degree the light-emitting diode and phototransitor are soiled.

Abstract: A seed blockage monitoring system employs a flexible, generally flat piezoelectric seed sensor element inserted at an acute angle of about 13 degrees into a seed flow path so that a portion of seeds traveling in the seed flow path strike the seed sensor element, preventing damage to the seeds and maintaining forward momentum of all seeds in the seed flow path. In order to provide flexibility in monitoring seeds of different types and to increase the data rate that information can be obtained from numerous multiple seed sensor elements, the use of a one-shot to temporarily store a seed detection signal and serial sampling of the temporarily stored signals from the sensors as in the prior art is avoided. Instead, a comparator that includes a diode in a feedback loop so as to function as a latch is used in conjunction with a serial shift register that has parallel data input lines.

Abstract: A particle blockage monitoring system employs a flexible piezoelectric particle sensor element in a portion of a particle flow path so that a number of particles traveling in the particle flow path strike the flexible particle sensor element while preventing damage to the particles and maintaining the forward momentum of all the particles in the particle flow path. In order to provide flexibility in monitoring particles of different types and to increase the information rate, the use of a one-shot multivibrator to temporarily store a particle detection signal as in the prior art is avoided. Also, serial sampling of the particle sensor data is avoided to increase the information rate. Instead, a comparator that includes a diode in a feedback loop so as to function as a latch is used in conjunction with a serial shift register that has parallel data input lines.

Abstract: An indicator system (1) having a plurality of hoppers (2) for supplying electrical components (20) to respective dispensing locations. There are actuators (9) associated with the hoppers (2), the actuators (9) being movable during the dispensing. There is a sensor (13) selectively actuatable by some of the actuators (9) when the components (20) in one of the hoppers (2) are below a desired number or threshold level. The system (1) also has a visual indicator (14) coupled to the sensor (13) to provide a warning signal indicative of when the components (20) in one of the hoppers (2) are below the desired number.

Abstract: An autohandler for supplying a lot of feed trays carrying samples and for removing a lot of return trays loaded with tested samples. A loading mechanism has a feed tray elevator containing samples to be tested. An unloading mechanism has a return tray elevator for receiving return trays containing tested samples. An empty tray storage unit stores empty trays. A tray transfer hand transfers the trays. A sensor detects the feed tray elevator position. The sensor actuates an alarm when the feed tray elevator is almost empty.

Abstract: In a lead frame detection device used between a bonding machine and a lead frame storage magazine, a lead frame contacting probe is provided on a pivotal contact assembly so that the pivotal movement of the contact assembly that is caused, via the contacting probe, by the thickness of the lead frame(s) is detected by sensors, thus determining the existence or absence of the lead frame(s) on the lead frame guide rails, and, in the case of existence, the number of lead frames on the guide rails.

Abstract: To display picking information on a liquid crystal display unit, ID tags are disposed at the entrance and the exits of paths between racks, and the current position of a picking cart is recognized by way of communication with an antenna. Between an entrance and an exit, the distance over which the picking cart has traveled from the communication position with an ID tag is detected by way of an encoder which detects rotation of a wheel of the picking cart to recognize the current position.

Abstract: A global positioning planter system for planting of seeds by a seed planter. A population control controls the seed planter. A global positioning system computer with digitized maps connects to the population control. The population control connects to the seeder for planting of seeds such as corn or beans or to seed drills for controlling the seed drill, and plants the seeds according to the population control which receives and transmits data with the global positioning system computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately counting the number of articles passing along an article path. A light beam is transmitted across an article path to a sensor, which light beam is interfered with by the passage of articles along the article path and the received light beam is converted to electrical signals that are conditioned, amplified and input to a logic unit which, based on derived amplitude, duration and area of the input signals, determines the number of articles that passed along the article path. A system is also described which accurately counts the number of articles passing along a plurality of article paths by employing a plurality of such devices each of which accurately counts the articles passing along each article path and, upon instructions from a master console, sends its counts to the master console for summation. The system further includes a network architecture with simplified wire harnessing and enhanced operation.

Abstract: A device is provided at a check stand for detecting the presence of goods on a shopping cart of the type including two bottom rails, a plurality of wheels beneath the bottom rails and a rack mounted on the bottom rails for supporting goods thereon. The device comprises an alarm for indicating to a person at the check stand, optical transmitters for transmitting a plurality of beams of light across an alleyway to optical receivers, the transmitters and receivers being positioned in a pattern to be responsive to the shape of the cart having goods on the rack while being not responsive to the shape of a cart having an empty rack and being not responsive to persons. The pattern defines a first row of three optical transmitter elements which are horizontally spaced longitudinally of the alleyway and a second row of two optical transmitter elements arranged at a height relative to the floor below the rail.

Abstract: An improved substrate processing system. The system may be used for double sided scrubbing of a semiconductor substrate. The wet stations of the system has covers which prevent accumulated liquid from dripping outside of the station and which minimize dripping on the substrates. Transport tunnels are provided between modules to prevent leakage between the modules. A substrate transport mechanism which is moveable along a rail is provided with the stabilizer to provide for stable substrate transfer. The processing system has two brush stations which are placed within a single enclosure. The sensors located throughout the system, which sense the presence of a wafer, are fixedly mounted in a frame so that they are self-aligned to one another. In the sender station, two sensors are used, with the system requiring both sensors to sense the presence of a wafer to increase the reliability. In the dry station, the heating lamp is shielded from the substrate to reduce particulate contamination.