Abstract:
Control of a module involves providing the module with an electronic tag comprising a tag memory and a tag communication element. After the tag is associated with the module, a tag reader electronically reads identification information from the tag and verifies that the module identification information matches predetermined identification criteria. If the identification information matches, a tag writer programs the tag with configuration information. The configuration information places the module into a predetermined module configuration.
Abstract:
A blood reservoir is formed with a hard outer shell housing defining at least one blood compartment. A flexible bag is mounted in the outer shell and is connected to the reservoir inlet port to allow blood to directly enter the flexible bag. The bag includes two oppositely positioned ends, one of which includes a mircoporous screen and is situated to lie partially below a minimum level attained by blood in the reservoir. The second bag end is substantially open, and includes a porous element partially coated with an antifoaming agent. The coated portion of the element is positioned above a maximum level attained by the blood in the hard shell. The potential of excessive mixing between the blood and air is reduced by controlling the expansion of the bag during blood flow.
Abstract:
An apparatus for solarization of a volume of soil includes a support structure in the form of a frame having a first opening extending therethrough. The apparatus comprises a lid positionable over the frame, a plurality of walls extending under and away from the frame, and an assembly that redirects solar energy attached over the support structure. The lid and walls form a second opening. During operation the support structure is placed on a section of ground and adjusted for solar energy to be directed toward and through the lid. When placed on the ground, the frame, the lid, the walls and the adjoining ground form an enclosed volume that prevents thermal energy from escaping the enclosed volume while directing the solar energy into the volume via the second opening to heat underlying soil.
Abstract:
A stored liquid dispensing applicator includes a valving arrangement formed of a valve seat and a spring-driven shuttle that is disposed for axial displacement into and out of valve-defining abutment and engagement with the valve seat. The shuttle is displaceable between distal and proximal limits of travel that include a first position defining the distal limit and a second position proximally spaced from the distal limit and distally spaced from the proximal limit. The valve seat is arranged for contact with the shuttle uninterruptedly between the first and second positions to close the valve, and for spaced apart relation with the shuttle between the second position and the proximal limit of travel to open the valve for dispensing of stored liquid.
Abstract:
An interface antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The interface antenna receives an electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna and causes an increase in intensity of the electromagnetic carrier signal at the location of the tag antenna, thereby increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the interface antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader external to the package. For example, the interface antenna may be attached to a label on the package. At least a portion of the interface antenna may be formed from a conductive ink applied to the label and/or the container. The object may be a module, also known as a customer replaceable unit (CRU), and the tag may be configured as a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM).
Abstract:
A method of forming multiple conductive structures in a semiconductor device includes forming spacers adjacent side surfaces of a mask, where the mask and the spacers are formed on a conductive layer. The method also includes etching at least one trench in a portion of the conductive layer not covered by the spacers or the mask. The method may further include depositing a material over the semiconductor device, removing the mask and etching the conductive layer to remove portions of the conductive layer not covered by the spacers or the material, where remaining portions of the conductive layer form the conductive structures.
Abstract:
Systems and methods provide an acknowledgement protocol on completion of data transmission. A coupler board of a wireless identification system interfaces between a host processor of the wireless identification system and a replaceable unit monitor. The coupler board transmits data to the replaceable unit monitor. The replaceable unit monitor transmits an acknowledgement signal to the coupler board to indicate successful completion of the data transmission.
Abstract:
A method of patterning a feature in a substrate to reduce edge roughness comprises forming a resist layer overlying a substrate, exposing the resist layer to create an image of a feature, and developing the exposed resist layer to leave a portion of the resist layer that creates the image of the feature. The method then includes treating the exposed resist layer with a plasma to cure the portion of the resist layer creating the feature image. The plasma treatment has an ion bombardment level insufficient to substantially etch the underlying substrate. The method then includes etching the underlying substrate to create the feature.
Abstract:
An electronic diagnostic device for testing electronic monitoring tags for devices such as replaceable modules for a printing apparatus includes a tag reader with a reader wireless communication element. The tag reader is adapted to read tag diagnostic information from an electronic monitoring tag. The electronic diagnostic device further includes a data processor in communication with the tag reader. The data processor is adapted to determine from the tag diagnostic data whether the electronic monitoring tag is operating within predetermined parameters, to identify one of a predetermined set of error categories if the electronic monitoring tag is operating outside the predetermined parameters, and to generate error category information. The electronic diagnostic device further includes a results communication element adapted to communicate the error category information generated by the data processor. The diagnostic device may also communicate correction information to the electronic monitoring tag.