Abstract: A system including modular components by which the system may be configured and reconfigured easily and quickly for the shelving or the storage of merchandise for the retail industry and other applications as needed and without the need for tools and conventional removable fastening means. The modular system includes a generally horizontal base and at least one vertical panel that can be easily and quickly releasably secured in one or other positions relative to the base. Preferred embodiments of the system include those having a base having securement apertures structured such that the vertical panel or panels may be releasably secured to the base without the need for conventional removable mechanical fasteners and tools and so that even an unskilled individual can quickly and easily arrange and rearrange the vertical panels relative to the base in a wide variety of possible useful configurations.

Abstract: An ergodynamic bottle top (10) has a push button bottle top post (14A) having a push button bottle top doughnut (14B). The push button bottle top doughnut (14B) is slidably positioned therearound. The ergodynamic bottle top (10) further has a handle (12) having a left handle (12L) which is securely attached to a right handle (12R) by a center handle (12C). The center handle (12C) has a center handle opening (12CA) therethrough. The center handle (12C) is securely attached to the push button bottle top doughnut (14B). The center handle opening (12CA) comprises a similar or greater diameter than a diameter of the push button bottle top post (14A). The center handle opening (12CA) could comprise a smaller diameter than a diameter of the push button bottle top post (14A) functioning to increase pressure to an eminating stream.

Abstract: A combination of beverage can cap and straw, including a beverage can cap including a top plate portion and a peripheral rim portion which is to be fitted into a can edge of a beverage can. The beverage can cap being formed with a straw-inserting aperture at a position corresponding to a drinking aperture which is to be opened in a top cover of the beverage can. The beverage can cap being formed with a straw retaining portion on the outer surface of the peripheral rim portion as rising outward in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the top plate portion. The straw retaining portion having a fitting slot capable of retaining a straw fitted thereinto. A straw having a diameter capable of being fitted into the fitting slot formed in the straw-retaining portion. The straw being formed with a bendable accordion-like portion.

Abstract: A module cover is equipped with at least one door latch transmission mechanism for closing the entrance of a wafer transport module, each door latch transmission mechanism includes a door latch supported on a roller at the module cover, a latch bolt pivotally coupled between one end of the door latch and a part of the module cover, and a driving wheel coupled to the module cover and rotated to move the door latch forwards and backwards and to further turn the latch bolt in and out of a through hole on the module cover and a respective latch hole on the wafer transport module to lock/unlock the module cover.

Abstract: A stackable case for retaining and transporting bottles includes outer side walls forming an outer shell, a case bottom disposed substantially within the outer shell, and a plurality of supports for supporting the outer surfaces of the bottles. The side walls include a lower wall portion and a plurality of spaced upwardly projecting pylons, where four corner pylons define the four corners of the case. At least one upwardly projecting column is generally disposed within the outer shell, and defines, in combination with the case bottom, the side walls and the end walls, a plurality of bottle retaining pockets. The columns and the pylons extend above the lower wall portions and below a top surface of the retained bottles. The end walls each include an integrally molded handle structure suspended between an upper portion of adjacent corner pylons to thereby define a generally open end wall area below the handle structure.

Abstract: A web-shaped retainer for a vehicle interior has its holding bars foldable at tube segments connected by a hinge joint over which a sleeve is slidable to lock the segments in alignment against the force of a tension spring in one of the segments.

Abstract: The present invention features a disposable, recyclable Dutch oven liner designed to simplify cooking with and cleaning a Dutch oven. Specifically, the Dutch oven liner of the present invention advantageously provides for a desirable cooking environment, allows easy removal of food, and provides simplified clean-up. The Dutch oven liner virtually eliminates the undesirable problems traditionally associated with cooking with and cleaning a Dutch oven. The liner is sized and dimensioned to fit various Dutch ovens and is placed within the Dutch oven prior to the addition of food. The liner is preferably comprised of a leak proof aluminum material possessing sufficient strength factors that enable it to be durable enough to withstand rigorous food preparation, handling, and cooking conditions. Once the food item is done cooking the liner can be pulled from the oven and thrown away or recycled.

Abstract: A plastic container comprising a bottom portion which has a substantially rectangular bottom surface, a trunk portion which is formed by four planes which rise up vertically from respective sides of the bottom surface and which is substantially rectangular pipe-shaped, a mouth portion whose surface area of a portion surrounded by a horizontal cross section is smaller than the surface area of the trunk portion, and a shoulder portion which is narrowed down from the trunk portion to the mouth portion, characterized in that: the amount of the contents of the plastic container is 800 to 3000 ml; the average thickness of the trunk portion is 0.2 to 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to the connection of tubular sections (1, 2) of combustible propellant charge cases consisting of one or several windings of textile threads which are connected to propellants by binding means. Said charge cases are dimensionally stable and have a high level of mechanical resistance. The aim of the invention is to create a safe, resistant, tight connection and to ensure that cracks do not form unchecked during the connection process. To this end, the tubular sections (1, 2) to be connected are inserted into each other, said inserted tubular sections (1, 2) are connected by means of a non-releasable snap connection, and at least one longitudinal cut (3) is made in an axial direction, extending in the area of the connection.

Abstract: A bottle holder for holding a bottle in an upright position. Regardless of the position in which the holder is placed, it will roll itself into an upright position. The upper portion of the holder has a bottle keeper for snugly holding a bottle, allowing one to use the bottle without removing it from the holder. The bottom portion of the holder is weighted and is much heavier than the top portion. Because the bottom portion is weighted, it will remain on the bottom and a bottle in the holder will remain upright. A flat portion on the bottom portion provides a place for the holder to rest. Because of the weight differential between the bottom and top portions, no matter how the bottle holder is set down, it will rock back to an upright position such that it will rest on the flat portion of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser is provided which dispenses napkins, one at a time. The casing or housing of the napkin dispenser sits on a rotatable support platform. The dispenser assembly principally includes a roller and a follower. The roller engages and respectively ejects a napkin from a weighted napkin stack via the follower which urges napkins into engagement with the roller. The roller has a plurality of metal protrusions peripherally attached on its exterior surface for penetrably engaging with the material substrate of each respective napkin which enables reliable and efficient delivery of individual napkins for dispensing.

Abstract: The invention features a method and device for introducing fluid material into a climate control system. The fluid material can include a lubricant or a leak detection additive. The device includes a housing having an exit orifice and a housing holder having a trigger. Multiple doses of fluid material can be delivered to systems using the same housing. The method and device can allow a user to provide more economical, faster and cleaner service than with smaller volume systems, because, for example, less time is used to change the housing, eliminating or reducing contact with the fluid material and contamination of the work environment with the fluid material. The housing holder is compact and lightweight due to the absence of an external support structure holding the housing.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for a fluid dispensing machine comprises at least an inlet duct and an outlet duct for fluid products, connected to a variable-volume pumping chamber comprising at least one flexible wall. Two non return valves mounted in counter-phase are located in the inlet and outlet ducts, respectively. The pumping chamber is coupled to actuator means comprising a stepper motor, a screw-nut screw unit and a carriage. The carriage moves the pumping chamber from a zero position in which the chamber has a maximum volume to an upper limit in which the chamber has a minimum volume. An optic sensor defines the zero point of the pumping chamber so as to guarantee precision and repeatability of the dispensing operations.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus that provides for positional adjustment of multiple liquid dispensing modules. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a flow metering device which provides a flow of a liquid to a plurality of discharge orifices and a spray head attachment comprising a stationary plate, at least one movable plate, and multiple liquid dispensing modules. Flexible liquid supply lines route the liquid from the discharge orifices to the liquid dispensing modules. Each movable plate carries at least one liquid dispensing module and is movable relative to the stationary plate for varying the relative positions of adjacent ones of the liquid dispensing modules. The flexible liquid supply lines conform to the positional adjustment of the movable plates. For dispensing heated liquids, the apparatus may further include a heated enclosure through which the liquid supply lines are routed in the fluid path between the discharge orifices and the liquid dispensing modules.

Abstract: The cartridge dispenser comprises a double cartridge having two cylindrical containers of different cross-sections, a drive for a dynamic mixer, and a housing base in which the drive shaft of the dynamic mixer is arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The mixer drive shaft is guided in a laterally displaceable manner such that the driver of the mixer drive shaft is situated on the center axis of the mixer rotor independently of the cross-sectional ratio of the containers of the double cartridge. The mixer is located on the center axis which extends between the outlets of the containers. The mixer drive shaft is automatically forced to the correct position when a double cartridge is inserted. Consequently, the driver is always correctly aligned to the mixer rotor. Suitable means in the housing base always provide a correct location of the cartridges, and in a preferred embodiment, the mixer can be attached to the cartridge without the need of being previously oriented.

Abstract: A silo bin is adapted for receiving lightweight articles such as empty bottles. The floor of each chamber has a selectively operable shutter or aperture allowing the lightweight articles to be released into the next lowest bin such that the articles are not crushed by their own weight. The height of each chamber is predetermined so that the lightweight articles will not be damaged when piled in a heap in each chamber. A conveyor may be provided beneath the silo bin for carrying away discharged containers.

Abstract: A loader for an automated pill dispenser has a plastic body with two rows of pill cavities which are positioned to overlie pill compartment blocks in the speciality pill dispensing carousel of a conventional automated pill dispenser. Two guides affixed beneath the loader body restrain a flat floor member, which has a handle to permit it to be moved between a retracted loading positioned and an extended dispensing position. The floor member has a single slot running its width through which front row pill cavities empty when the floor member is extracted. The guides define positioning holes which allow the loader to be rapidly brought into position with respect to the automated pill dispenser drawer. The loader may be filled with pills at a location remote from the automated dispenser, and rapidly engaged with and removed from the dispenser to most effectively make use of the dispenser's processing time.

Abstract: An improved pre-filled disposable pipette (10) consisting of a hollow tube (12) dimensioned to enclose a medicinal product and having attached a medication transfer tube (22) from where the pipette is filled and the medicinal product released. The improvement consists in having a primary grasping tab (32) attached to an upper end (14) of the bulb (12); a secondary grasping tab (38) attached to each side of the tube (22); and a support tab (52) also attached to each side of the tube (22) near the lower end (26) of the tube (22). The primary and secondary grasping tabs (32, 38) allow the pipette (10) to be conveniently and easily handled without having to grasp the sensitive bulb (12) or to directly grasp the tube (22). The support tab (52) functions to allow the pipette (10) to be placed on a conveyor rack apparatus (88) from where the pipette (10) can be automatically filled and sealed by a cap (72) or heat applied foil (82).

Abstract: A container equipped with a rupturable retaining seal which, when broken, forms a spout from which the contents of the container may be poured. The rupturable seal is secured along its peripheral edge to the top opening of the container and contains a pinpoint hole at its epicenter. Arranged serially about the pinpoint hole in spoke-like fashion, are an impressed pattern of separable incisions which, when pressure is applied, separate and form an opening from which the contents of the container can be poured.

Abstract: A faucet comprises a valve body having a bore, an inlet port and an outlet port. A plunger is disposed in the valve body and is reciprocated in the bore. The inlet port opens into a fluid passage adapted for connection to a pressurized source, and the outlet port opens into a dispensing spigot adapted to discharge materials from the faucet. A handle having a pivotal lever is disposed in the valve body and engages the plunger to reciprocate longitudinally through the bore. A plug is mounted on the plunger and has axial and radial sealing surfaces. The plug is forced against the axial valve seat when the valve is closed to deform in both axial and radial directions. The plunger is alternatively designed with channels on its exterior and passages through its interior for use with low-viscosity fluids and with a sealing arrangement for use with high-viscosity fluids. The dispensing spigot can be removed to ease access to the plug for cleaning.

Abstract: Embodiments of garment hangers are disclosed to have a configurable secondary attachment hooks (320) and an adjustment knob (311). The secondary attachment hook stays within the thickness region of the garment hanger in a storage mode and protruded to receive the suspension member of another hanger in a second functional mode.

Abstract: A beltclip-mounted holder assembly allows for the hands-free carrying of a beverage container. The body portion of the holder assembly comprises a plate having a spring-loaded clip used to attach the holder assembly to a person's belt or waistband. A pivotally mounted bracket located near the base of the plate allows a receptacle to move in a pendular manner. The receptacle is insulated and is designed to support a beverage container therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a load carrier bar which extends over the exterior of a vehicle, and support members which extend between the load carrier bay and the vehicle and which are releasably mountable on the vehicle and the load carrier bar with the aid of clamping devices which extend from each support member for engagement with the load carrier bar.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (ATV) mounting bracket assembly that is adapted to mount to the rear deck of an ATV and to hold a scabbard or gun case outwardly of either side or the rear of the vehicle and in position to allow a tong gun to be easily inserted into or withdrawn from such scabbard or gun case includes a universal mounting plate to be secured to an ATV deck, a support plate extending upwardly from the universal mounting plate and outwardly from the vehicle and a holding plate carried by the support plate and capable of being tipped to insure proper angular mounting of a scabbard or gun case fixed to the holding plate.

Abstract: A truck bed mounted surfboard storage rack is provided which aids in the storage and transportation of surfboards via pickup trucks and vans. Two fold up arms have three slots in each one, with each slot being padded with a weatherproof foam material. When extended in the up position, the slots allow up to three surfboards to be stored in a horizontal position on their long edge. When in the lowered position, the invention folds flat against the floor of the truck or van, to provide the maximum storage space for other items. When secured to the frame of the pickup truck or van with mechanical hardware such as stainless steel nuts and bolts, the carrier can also be used for snow boards or other similarly shaped objects.

Abstract: A strap connector for connecting the shoulder straps of a dual-strap carrying system which is particularly useful for carrying golf bags or other elongate bags including pivotally connected lateral members each of which is connected as an intermediate member of a shoulder strap. The pivotal connection between the lateral members adjusts the weight distribution on the shoulders of a person carrying the bag and provides improved comfortability. Also disclosed are a strap carrying system and a golf bag including the strap connector.

Abstract: A device for separating the rod and cap of a connecting rod by breaking includes a fixed expansion mandrel half on a fixed device part a mobile expansion mandrel half on a device part which moves in the direction of expansion, and support elements for the rod and the cap. The device has a long service life without operational problems and can separate the rod and cap of a connecting rod from each other with a high degree of precision. To this end, the adjustable support elements are arranged on the fixed device part and the fixed support elements are arranged on the mobile device part.

Abstract: An open-topped vehicle body, such as a dump body, includes a tarping system that is deployed over the body by a pivoting bail member. An actuation mechanism applies a torque to the bail member to automatically pivot the member and deploy the tarp. The actuation mechanism includes a number of double coil spiral torsion springs anchored on a shaft attached to the dump body. The springs each includes a right hand and a left hand coil portion concentrically wound about an integral center anchor portion. The shaft includes an elongated slot to receive and support the center anchor portion of each spring within the mechanism. The coil portions of each spring include a left and right reaction end configured to contact and provide a torsional force against a corresponding reaction post within the housing. In one embodiment the housing is made in two connectable halves with one half of each reaction post integrally formed into each housing half.

Abstract: A roll quadrant conveyor for conveying strip material generally includes a plurality of support members for supporting a plurality of rolls around a quadrant roll of any desired wrapping angle and, further, a plurality of rolls journaled for rotation in the support members. The rolls are positioned on opposed sides of a conveyor centerline, with each roll positioned at an angle of less than 90° with the conveyor centerline. The rolls define a chevron pattern around the wrapping angle. The strip material, in motion, is centered on the conveyor by the rolls arranged in the chevron pattern. The rolls are profiled rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for emplacing fastening elements into a placement base, for the purpose of fastening components. The apparatus includes a working piston, the acceleration and braking range of which, with optimal emplacement depth (31) and minimal piston length can be adapted to different conditions, and for use with mechanical, pyrotechnical, pneumatic, electromagnetic and electrothermal working piston drives.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is designed for repairing a tear in soft and/or tough tissue of a patient, such as a tear in the meniscus of the knee. The device has a conduit, such as a cannula, that may be easily inserted into the patient and through which the fastener is delivered to the patient. This conduit is aligned with a seat for holding a fastener and the fastener is pushed, e.g., by a piston, from its seat and through the conduit and into the patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shape of the conduit exactly matches the shape of the cross-section of the fastener so that the surgeon may more accurately direct the angle and location at which the fastener enters the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic rotary horn has tapered input sections for the conversion of axial acoustic energy into radial acoustic energy. The preferred rotary horn includes a first half having a first radial weld section and a first axial input section for receiving a first axial acoustic energy. The rotary horn further includes a second half coupled to the first half. The second half has a second radial weld section and a second axial input section for receiving a second axial acoustic energy. Each half has a coned section defined by an inner tapered surface and an outer tapered surface such that the halves convert a portion of the first and second axial acoustic energy into radial acoustic energy. Each inner tapered surface forms an inner angle with respect to an axis of the horn and each outer tapered surface forms an outer angle with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A capillary is prevented from contacting an adjacent wire when bonding a given wire to an electrode pad on a semiconductor element, and can increase a compression bonding area when bonding the given wire to a post portion. The capillary has a set load for wire bonding greater than an urging force of a spring. A small-diameter portion is accommodated in an accommodating portion of the capillary main body, and an end face of the end of the capillary main body and an end surface of the small-diameter portion substantially align when the given wire is bonded to the post portion. The compression bonding portion therefore has substantially the same area as that formed by bonding using a normal capillary. Accordingly, the bonding strength of the post portion increases. Even if a semiconductor device has a multi-pin structure and is formed as a large-sized package, the post portion can withstand stress acting thereon at the time of resin-sealing for the semiconductor element.

Abstract: A safety switch device for a gas jet soldering gun includes a ignition push button having an outer periphery provided with a locking drive block, a housing having an inner wall defining an L-shaped drive slot mating with the locking drive block, and a spring mounted in the ignition push button for providing an axial thrust and a rotational torque. In such a manner, the user has to rotate the ignition push button to a proper position so that the ignition push button can be pressed to drive the igniter to ignite the fire, thereby preventing a child from freely opening the gas jet soldering gun.

Abstract: Friction heating and bonding are used to consolidate sequentially applied metals, plastics or composites to previously deposited material so as to form a bulk deposit in a desired shape. Monolithic or composite sheets, tapes and filaments can be consolidated using the approach. A system according to the invention includes a source of friction; a mechanism for applying a forging load between a feedstock power supply and a work surface; a work-head, which may have various configurations depending on the geometry of the feedstock to be used; a material feeding system; and a computer-controlled actuation system which controls the placement of material increments added to an object being built. A computer model of the object to be built is used to generate commands to produce the object additively and automatically. The approach provides a solid, freeform fabrication technique that requires no tooling, operates in the solid state, and creates a bond directly at the faying surfaces (i.e.

Abstract: An improved method for constructing a container having at least three panels, all of which intersect at a common point and each adjacent pair of which intersect along a line, includes welding each adjacent pair of panels to join them together by placing a weld along the intersecting line between such panels to a weld-terminating point spaced from the common intersecting point of the panels. A patch component its provided to cover the common intersecting point and each weld-terminating point, and to intersect with each panel along a line. The patch component is then welded to each of the panels by placing a weld along the line of intersection with each panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desoldering electronic components from a substrate. A vacuum is used, to enhance the flow of a hot gas under an electronic component to reflow the solder connections attaching the electronic component to a substrate. Water vapor is added to the hot gas to increase the heat capacity of the hot gas. A system for periodically changing the direction of flow of the hot gas and vacuum under the electronic component is used to uniformly heat the solder connections. A method and apparatus for depositing underfill material between an electronic component and the substrate on which the electronic component is mounted. A vacuum is applied to enhance the flow of underfill material into the space between the electronic component and the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solder alloy in use for bonding electric or electronic parts, containing: 3 to 12% by weight of a zin component; and a tin component. The oxygen content of the solder alloy is reduced to 100 ppm or less. Using the solder alloy, a bonding portion is formed on the substrate and the electronic part is mounted thereon to obtain a substrate for mounting the electronic part and a substrate on which the electronic part is mounted. The bonding portion made of the above solder alloy can prevent migration.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device mounts solder balls on a resin board which has holes formed therethrough and conductive sheets formed therebeneath to cover bottom ends of the holes. The method includes the steps of applying solder paste on the holes, melting the solder paste by heat to make solder of the solder paste flow into the holes and establish contact with the conductive sheets, and connecting the solder balls to the solder filled in the holes.

Abstract: A soldering device and method includes the steps of forming a solder melting pot by assembling plural trowel members, supplying a solder tip to the solder melting pot, and sequentially repeating the operation for supplying the molten solder to the respective soldering point. In the improvement, an additional heating portion which comes close to the solder melting pot is formed near or with the trowel members, and the soldering point to which molten solder has already been supplied by the prior molten solder supplying operation is additionally heated during the supplying operation of the next soldering point. The trowel members are used to simultaneously perform the operation for supplying the molten solder and another operation for additionally heating the soldering point to which the molten solder has been supplied. A plurality of points to be soldered aligned at predetermined intervals are efficiently soldered.

Abstract: A shirt wrapper includes a body of a flexible material having a rectangular base and a pair of end flaps that fold up from the base part way over the top of a stack of shirts. A first rectangular side flap folds up along one side and entirely over the top of the stack of shirts. A second side flap folds up along the other side and at least partway over the top of the stack of shirts. A bottom pocket in the base receives a bottom stiffener sheet. A top stiffener sheet of substantially the same size as the bottom stiffener sheet is received in a pocket in the first side flap. A fastener joins the side flaps in folded condition over the stack of shirts.

Abstract: A packing member formed as a U-shaped channel comprises a base (1a) and two side legs (1b, 1c). The base is provided with a longitudinal folding line (2′) near its median line. The folding line divides the bases into two parts which are pivotable about the folding line. When the two parts are pivoted away from each other with the legs flared outward, the U-channel structure will be transformed into a substantially W-shaped structure to facilitate stacking for storage and/or shipping of the packing member.

Abstract: A production blank 10 for forming a parallelepipedonal shipping and display carton has a plurality of spaced apart tear lines and fold lines. A first flap 12 joins to a cover 14 by a tear line 16 on a first edge of the cover. A front side 18 joins the cover 14 on a second edge of the cover 14 by a fold line 19. A bottom 20 joins the first side on a second edge of the side 16 by a tear line 22. A back side 24 is joined to the bottom on a second edge of the bottom by a fold line 26; and a plurality of lateral flaps 28, 28′attached to the top, and 30, 30′ attached to the bottom and 32, 32′ and 34, 34′ attached, respectively, to the front and back sides. The lateral flaps form opposite sides of the parallelepipedon. All of the lateral flaps are attached by fold lines and at least some of the lateral flaps have glue thereon.

Abstract: An envelope pull opener includes a pair of pull tabs and a tearing filament. A single pull tab is attached to each end of the tearing filament. A peel-off adhesive surface is applied to one side of the pull tab. Preferably, the other side of the pull tab is structured to have a logo, picture, or other graphical representation applied thereto. The pull tab is preferably round, but could be any other shape such as square or triangular. In a second embodiment, the pull tab opener has a single pull tab on each end and an anchor tab attached in substantially the middle of the tearing filament. A third embodiment includes, a rigid envelope pull opener includes a first arm, a second arm, a pivotal connector, and a pair of pull tabs. A single pull tab is attached to an end of each arm. The other end of each arm is pivotal constrained by the pivotal connector.

Abstract: A method of processing media such as banknotes deposited in a SST in which a malfunction has occurred during the deposit operation is described. If a malfunction (12) occurs, the SST requests the user to enter the amount deposited (16), which amount is logged (20) by the SST. A receipt is provided with this information as well as contact details and details of the reconciliation process. The SST then deactivates (22). The SST operator may then clear the malfunction (24), reconcile the final transaction in order to ratify the deposit, and reactivate the SST (32).

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) (10) includes an input device (16) a card reader (20), a cash dispenser (24), and an output device (18). The ATM is operative to read account information from a card with the card reader and validate a user PIN input through the input device. The ATM may also be operative to dispense cash with the cash dispenser and dispense digital content with the output device responsive to user input selections. The ATM may be further operative to charge a user fee to an account associated with the card for the dispense of cash and digital content. Digital content dispensed by the ATM may include sound recordings such as MP3 files, video files, books, graphics, photographs, and other digital data. In cases where the ATM dispenses visual content the output device may include a printer that is operative to output printed photographs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Smart Card reader. The inventive reader has a universal switch contained in a contact support. The universal switch contains two identical passive contact elements as well as an active contact element. By having two identical passive contact elements, an operator can choose between a close and an open final position without having to change to a completely different reader.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a voting system. In particular, this invention relates to a ballot paper which includes an option section and response section, whereby the response section is adapted to be separable from the option section. The option section preferably contains at least two options, the options being generated and/or presented in random order, and the response section preferably includes at least one selection portion for each option presented on the option section. The response section preferably includes a unique identifier which may be utilized to identify each voter, and the response section may preferably include reading means adjacent each selection portion. Preferably a key such as a dongle may be required to produce the ballot paper and be required to count the votes and/or collate the results. A method of conduct a ballot utilizing such a ballot paper is also described.

Abstract: An item checkout device which combines a produce data collector with an optical bar code data collector. The item checkout device includes a housing, a bar code data collector within the housing, and a produce data collector within the housing.