Abstract:
An RFID bridge antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The bridge includes at least two RF antenna elements spaced apart from one another and coupled together by an electrical conductor. The first RF antenna element is located proximate to the tag antenna and the second RF antenna element is located proximate to the reader antenna. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package. For example, one of the RF antenna elements may be attached to a label on the package, allowing data stored in the tag to be extracted by the external reader. 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 data retrieval method and system are provided that include providing, in a device, a replaceable unit, storing usage data of the device in a database based on information stored in a CRUM used in the replaceable unit, providing access to the database to a user, and providing the usage data to the user. The user data is based on the device performing an operation and the information stored in the CRUM reflecting at least one data point reflecting the performed operation.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that includes panel (100) of material that helps define an inflatable volume (54) of the protection device. A vent opening (104) vents inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (54). A pleat (120) is folded in the panel (100). The pleat (120) is positioned against a vehicle surface (62) while the protection device (14) is in a normally deployed condition to help block inflation fluid from venting through the vent opening (104).
Abstract:
A module installable in a machine includes a memory device attached thereto for storing electronic data associated with the module. The memory device allows an individual to verify the authenticity or inauthenticity of the module without having to install the module into the machine. The memory device includes a sensory signal output device (e.g., a visual, audible, or tactile output device) that provides a sensory signal indicating authenticity or inauthenticity of the module. To verify authenticity or inauthenticity of the module, the individual initiates a query signal, for example by activating a switch on the module or by using a handheld antenna to impart an electromagnetic field onto the CRUM, and checks for the sensory signal output by the CRUM. The sensory signal may be capable of communicating a visual or audible trademark associated with the module. Data stored in the CRUM may include anti-arbitrage variables associated with the module.
Abstract:
An authentication apparatus includes a reading or recording medium equipped with an authentication tag, and a reading and recording drive that includes a transmitter and a coupler chip, wherein the authentication tag and the transmitter are capable of communicating with each other when the reading medium or the recording medium is coupled to the reading and recording drive. An authentication method includes providing a reading medium or a recording medium with an authentication tag, providing a reading and/or recording drive with a transmitter and a communication interface wherein the authentication tag and the transmitter are capable of communicating with each other when the reading medium or recording medium is coupled to the reading and/or recording drive, and authenticating the reading medium or recording medium via a communication between the authentication tag and the transmitter.
Abstract:
Security for a system and process for programming electronic devices, such as electronic monitors for replaceable modules for a printing apparatus is provided by combinations of the elements controlling the installation of device programming software onto the programming system by verifying installation permissions and installing the programming software only if the installation permissions are verified. In addition, refilling the programming system with new or additional programming permissions is controlled by verifying refill permissions by reading installation card information from an installation security card and electronically verifying that the installation card information contains a predetermined installation security code. Programming electronic devices is controlled by determining if programming an electronic device is within a programming permissions of the programming system, detecting the presence of an electronic device to be programmed, and programming the electronic device only if programming an electronic device is within the programming permissions of the programming system.
Abstract:
A fitting apparatus for fluidly coupling a plurality of pipes together includes a flexible bladder which fluidly couples a plurality of pipes together. A rigid shell is positionable around the bladder in an attachment position. The rigid shell comprises two portions which are couplable to each other to position the shell in the attachment position. Collars are provided which threadably attach to the rigid shell.
Abstract:
The disclosure concerns to rooms or buildings constructed by raising walls using prefabricated blocks made of Portland cement mortar reinforced with steel fibers. The prefabricated blocks are stable without requiring a mortar mixture, or any additional internal or external structural support for the construction of the walls.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. Tear stitching (200a) interconnects portions (220a, 230a) of the protection device (14). The tear stitching (200a) includes first and second stitch lines (300, 320) positioned next to each other. The first stitch line (300) is adapted to rupture in response to tension of a first magnitude exerted on the interconnected portions (220a, 230a) while inflating to an initially deployed condition. The second stitch line (320) is adapted to remain intact and being capable itself of maintaining the protection device in the initially deployed condition subsequent to rupture of the first stitch line (300) and throughout inflation and deployment of the protection device (14).
Abstract:
An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator.