Patents Assigned to Asterisk, Inc
  • Patent number: 11449695
    Abstract: A reading system includes a portable information terminal configured to recognize information in a symbol on the basis of an acquired image, and a wearable camera that functions as a peripheral device for the portable information terminal. The camera has an image sensor configured to generate the image, and is configured to transmit the generated image to the portable information terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: ASTERISK, INC.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10157299
    Abstract: A mobile connection unit, configured to connect a mobile terminal having a first terminal with a mobile reading unit having a second terminal and configured to read data from an information medium, includes a main body, a first terminal portion, a second terminal portion, and an electrical pathway. The main body is attached to the mobile terminal, and the reading unit is attached to and detached from the main body. The first terminal portion is disposed at the main body, and contacts the first terminal of the mobile terminal for electrical connection with the mobile terminal. The second terminal portion is disposed at the main body, and contacts the second terminal of the reading unit for electrical connection with the reading unit. The electrical pathway is disposed between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion to connect the mobile terminal and the reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: ASTERISK, INC.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9991926
    Abstract: A cover set includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover and the second cover have device fitting parts that have the same shape and size. A peripheral device is fitted in the device fitting parts. The first cover and the second cover have terminal fitting parts that have different shapes and sizes. A first mobile information terminal having a large size is fitted in the terminal fitting part of the first cover. Another mobile information terminal having a small size is fitted in the terminal fitting part of the second cover. This allows a user to select a mobile information terminal that is used together with the peripheral device as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ASTERISK, INC.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6893531
    Abstract: A splicer quickly and accurately joins together with tape the ends of plain sheets or perforated sheets, such as the ends of fanfold sheet commonly used for printing. The sheets are clamped between mating pairs of resilient strips by a top which hinges down onto a base. The base has a combination of frictional clamps and retractable pins, for aligning the ends of sheet before they are clamped in place by the top, according to whether the sheets are perforated or not. A head is then moved rearwardly along the top, to first slit overlapping sheets and create a precise butt line, when that is required. An anti-friction surface on one of the resilient clamping strips attached to the top enables selective removal a one trim piece, to expose the butt line for taping, without release of the clamping action on the sheets. The head is then moved forward to precisely apply tape from a dispenser, and to automatically cut the tape and the end of the run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Asterisk, Inc
    Inventors: Frank A Todaro, David J. Clark, Brian C. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6352257
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing peak tensions and tearing in perforated sheet (40) being drawn along a flow path from a stack (S) into a finishing machine (F) is comprised of a drag unit (22), for retarding motion of the sheet; an assist unit (20) for urging the sheet along the flow path; and, a dancer unit (24) for changing the length of the flow path. The assist unit comprises a pair of constant speed rollers (42, 44) supported by mounting blocks (40). The orientation of the assist unit is changed by rotating the mounting blocks. The roller (30) of the dancer unit is spring biased against the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Asterisk, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Todaro, Daniel J. Williams, Brian C. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6331222
    Abstract: A splicer for joining with tape the abutted ends of two sheets, such as the headers and footers of stacks of fanfold paper to be printed upon, is comprised of a clamp assembly and a tape dispenser. The clamp assembly captures the ends of the sheets between the resilient surfaces of a base and a movable top comprised of two spaced apart bars. Pins in the base help align perforated paper for joining. The dispenser runs along the slot between the two bars. It dispenses, presses down, and cuts the tape as it is laid along the butt-line between the ends of the sheets. An optional reversing bar causes the two sheets to travel along different shape paths to the splicer, thus enabling application of tape to the opposing sides of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Asterisk, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Hotkowski, Frank A. Todaro, Daniel J. Williams, Peter C. Burton, Brian C. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6142288
    Abstract: Apparatus for feeding stacks of fanfold sheets is comprised of a belt conveyor, a positioner, and a splicer. The conveyor feeds stacks deposited thereon by the positioner toward the discharge end. The postioner is comprised of a U-shape bin which receives fanfold stacks and then turns them over and deposits them at a desired position along the length of the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the stacks are lifted from the floor level. In another, the positioner translates along the base of the conveyor and includes a mechanism which automatically locks the positioner in place during loading. A splicer is positioned over the belt. Header and footer ends of adjacent stacks are run to the splicer where they are precisely clamped and then adhesively joined together, on the top side or underside, as desired. The conveyor has a sensor and drive system which automatically advances stacks toward the discharge end and signals the operator when there is a need to reload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Asterisk, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Hotkowski, Frank A. Todaro, Daniel J. Williams, Brian C. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5441249
    Abstract: Lifts or sets of precise count are withdrawn from a stack of sheets. A reciprocating vacuum head serially pulls away sheet corners from the stack. Each sheet is stripped from the head and held by the backside of the head at a holding zone axially spaced apart from the stack until the desired quantity in the set is accumulated. A wedge then interposes in the space between the set of restrained corners and the rest of the stack, to bend the upper half of the sheet set away from the stack while the rest of the set remains in contact with the stack. Then nip rollers engage the bent away parts as a set and draw away the whole of the set transversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Asterisk, Inc
    Inventors: Frank A. Todaro, Peter D. Hotkowski, Charles M. Chadwick