Abstract:
A electro-optical memory includes a substrate on which is printed (or otherwise inscribed) a complex symbol or "label" or "bar code" of a high density two-dimensional symbology. The bar code contains component symbols or "codewords" which are placed in row and column formation, with a variable number of codewords per row, and a variable number of rows. The symbology utilizes implicit bar code encoding scheme for implicit encoding the number of rows and the number of columns of codewords, as well as a predetermined amount of error correction. The symbology is capable of supporting a fixed number of bar code variants, with each variant having a predetermined number of rows and columns of codewords, and a predetermined error correction capability. For some codewords the implicit encoding scheme is combined with a gray coding scheme to reduce the inter-row codeword crosstalk. Systems are used for printing and decoding the bar codes of the invented symbology in applications where improved storage density and tight real estate requirements are of utmost importance. A memory may be used in conjunction with a scanner and a suitable control system in a number of applications, e.g., robotics operations or automated object searching.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for increasing the information density of a bar code symbol by generating multiple constituent bar code symbols, wherein each one is formed in a different color selected from a group of various primary colors, and overlaying each differently colored symbol on top of each other, thus forming an aggregate bar code symbol of various colors. In areas where the differently colored bars overlap each other, colors distinct from those in the original group of colors are formed. The aggregate bar code symbol is scanned by a solid state imaging device, and the scanned image is resolved by image processing techniques into the three constituent bar code symbols of the various colors. Each bar code symbol is then individually processed and decoded in accordance with the particular symbology used to encode the constituent bar code symbols. As a result of the present invention, multiple bar code symbols are printed in the space normally required by one bar code symbol, and each constituent symbol is separated by color resolution and decoded to form the original data. Thus, the information density of the bar code system is increased without the need for a new symbology. In addition, a single bar code symbol may be divided into multiple portions of substantially the same size and printed substantially over each other in different colors, thus producing a single compacted bar code symbol with increased information density. The compacted bar code symbol may be recovered by scanning and resolving the symbol back into its constituent portions, concatenating the portions together, and decoding the resulting bar code symbol in accordance with standard techniques.
Abstract:
A braze alloy composition for sealing a ceramic component to a metal component in an electrochemical cell is presented. The braze alloy composition includes nickel, germanium, and an active metal element. The braze alloy includes germanium in an amount greater than about 5 weight percent, and the active metal element in an amount less than about 10 weight percent. A method for sealing a ceramic component to a metal component in an electrochemical cell and, an electrochemical cell sealed thereby, are also provided.
Abstract:
In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for providing expert quality control on a consultation system is provided. Feedback is received for an expert. The feedback may be from users of the consultation system, other experts on the consultation system, or third-parties with relevant expertise and may comprise direct and indirect feedback. Adjustment factors are recorded for the expert. The adjustment factors comprise public and non-public actions associated with the expert. The expert is then evaluated using the feedback and the adjustment factors.
Abstract:
A bar code scanning system and method for reading and processing bar code symbology uses a scanning station installed above the check-out stand and a receiving station at some distance away from the scanning station. The scanning station projects light onto a surface of the check-out stand. The projected light can have a well defined border indicating where a user should place items to be scanned. Alternatively, a pattern coincident with the projected light can be projected onto the surface and which includes a target indicating where items should be placed for scanning. Light reflected by items in the target region is processed to decode optical symbology on the item and produce a signal that is representative of said sensed symbology. Information about the scanned item can be processed and displayed by the receiving station for use in, e.g., a point-of-sale transaction. The system can also be configured to capture images of a user's payment card for use in payment processing and to store images of at least selected scanned items for use in subsequent processes.
Abstract:
A scanner determines whether a target is a bar code symbol and, if so, whether that symbol is one-dimensional or two-dimensional. For two-dimensional symbols, the scanner aligns a scanning pattern with the symbol and expands the scanning pattern to reach only to the top and bottom edges of the symbol, not beyond. The scanner also has a microprocessor-control scanning engine that uses a coil to drive a scanning element and pick up feed back signals from the scanning element. A pulse-width-modulated regulator also provides fast and efficient operation for driving the coil. The scanning engine can also be designed to generate a pattern that precesses across the target, and a powerful interface to the scanning engine allows decoding and control logic to work efficiently with and independently of the scan engine.
Abstract:
A scanner determines whether a target is a bar code symbol and, if so, whether that symbol is one-dimensional or two-dimensional. For two-dimensional symbols, the scanner aligns a scanning pattern with the symbol and expands the scanning pattern to reach only to the top and bottom edges of the symbol, not beyond. The scanner also has a microprocessor-control scanning engine that uses a coil to drive a scanning element and pick up feed back signals from the scanning element. A pulse-width-modulated regulator also provides fast and efficient operation for driving the coil. The scanning engine can also be designed to generate a pattern that precesses across the target, and a powerful interface to the scanning engine allows decoding and control logic to work efficiently with and independently of the scan engine.
Abstract:
A braze alloy composition for sealing a ceramic component to a metal component in an electrochemical cell is presented. The braze alloy composition includes copper, nickel, and an active metal element. The braze alloy includes nickel in an amount less than about 30 weight percent, and the active metal element in an amount less than about 10 weight percent. An electrochemical cell using the braze alloy for sealing a ceramic component to a metal component in the cell is also provided.
Abstract:
A method, in certain embodiments, includes providing a metal alloy, annealing the metal alloy, and contacting the metal alloy with vapors of selenium, or sulfur, or a combination thereof. The metal alloy having a uniform first bulk composition and a first surface composition on annealing provides an annealed metal alloy having a non uniform second bulk composition and a second surface composition which on being contacted vapors of selenium, or sulfur, or a combination thereof, produces a selenized or a sulfurized metal alloy. Further the metal alloy may have a layer formed in situ from a low melting point metal within the alloy via diffusion rather than sequential deposition and co-evaporation.
Abstract:
A braze alloy composition for sealing a ceramic component to a metal component in an electrochemical cell is presented. The braze alloy composition includes nickel, silicon, boron, and an active metal element. The braze alloy includes nickel in an amount greater than about 50 weight percent, and the active metal element in an amount less than about 10 weight percent. An electrochemical cell using the braze alloy for sealing a ceramic component to a metal component in the cell is also provided.