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 method may include determining an area of a service gap and an area of a candidate site; multiplying the candidate site area by a predetermined percentage to determine a threshold; when the service gap area is greater than or equal to the threshold, dividing the service gap area by the candidate site area to determine a number of recommended sites; determining a centroid and a perimeter of the service gap; determining a perimeter section distance by dividing the perimeter of the service gap by the number of recommended sites; generating a new site shape based on the service gap centroid, a point on the service gap boundary, and the perimeter section distance; and determining a recommended site location based on a centroid of the new site shape.
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:
The present invention provides a conducting copolymer ferromagnetic composite. Particularly, the present invention relates to a conducting copolymer of aniline and ethylene-dioxy thiophene containing ferrite particles. The present invention also provides insitu polymerization of aniline and ethylene-dioxy thiophene in the presence of ferrite particles and suitable surfactant medium. This conducting copolymer ferromagnetic composite can be used for the dissipation of electrostatic charge, for the shielding of electromagnetic interference and as absorbing of electromagnetic waves in the microwave region.
Abstract:
A seal structure is provided for an energy storage device. The seal structure includes a sealing glass joining an ion-conducting first ceramic to an electrically insulating second ceramic, wherein the ion-conducting first ceramic has an anode surface defining an anode compartment and a cathode surface defining a cathode compartment, wherein the sealing glass has an exposed portion, wherein the exposed portion is open to one or more of the anode compartment and the cathode compartment, wherein the exposed portion of the sealing glass is coated with a coating composition comprising one or more of boria, alumina, titania, zirconia, yttria, and ceria. Methods for forming the seal structure and article made therefrom 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:
This invention relates to sulphonated polyaniline as water soluble polymer useful for corrosion inhibition and process for the preparation of said polymer. A preferred sulphonated polyaniline is shown in the formula below
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.