Abstract: A mounting arrangement and a method for preventing a migration of soldering materials from an electric terminal into the body of an electric device via electric contacts that project from the body of the electric device. The mount comprises a platform that is adapted for spacing a base of the electric device from the electric terminal. The method comprises providing a surface of the electrical terminal with a depressed surface portion. The platform at least partially overlays the depressed surface portion and supports the body of the electric device such that the electric contacts project toward the depressed surface portion. Soldering materials are used to electrically connect the electric contact to the depressed surface portion.

Abstract: A liquid container of plastic coated boxboard, laminated cardboard or the like having a straw therein is disclosed. The container includes a container body, a holder, a straw and a seal. The container has an interior volume and a plurality of exterior walls. The holder is mounted with a liquid and gas tight seal in an exterior wall. The holder has an aperture formed therein. The holder is constructed such that liquid that enters the holder drains into the interior volume. A straw extends through the aperture in the holder with a snug fit. The straw has a stowed position and an in use position. The seal is for sealing the straw in the stowed position with a liquid and gas tight seal thereby sealing the liquid inside the container.

Abstract: A modular container for the storage or display of articles, formed from a foldable unitary blank of sheet material. The container has a base panel, opposed first and second side panels and an end panel. A container-locating aperture is located adjacent the second side panel and is formed on the end panel, together with a tab-locating aperture that is located adjacent the first side panel. A container connecting tab projects from the first side panel, and may selectively be folded to locate in the tab-locating aperture, or to locate in the container-locating aperture of another container and thereby connecting the containers together in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: A closing flap or clip is adapted to cap the edge of a carton in a first position and to free the access to a part of the edge in a second position. The flap passes from the first position to the second position by pivoting around a geometric axis that is perpendicular to the carton edge. The flap is formed from two panels or webs that are configured to fit on each of both sides of the edge when in the first position. First ends of the panels are crossed by the geometric axis. The flap has a hinge linking the two webs and includes means for connecting second ends of the opposing webs to their respective first ends.

Abstract: A system for using a prepaid card permits a card user to purchase a card, issued by an issuer such as a bank, through an agent at a retail establishment via a terminal, select a PIN, have the card activated at the point of purchase, use the card to purchase goods and services, and reload the card for future use. The system uses a communications network for issuance, activation, and accounting, and activation is accomplished on a real-time basis, either one account at a time or in a batch mode. The card can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services including telephone services. The card can also be used to make cash withdrawals at an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for electronic payment with strengthened authentication capability that is even capable of selectively selling restricted sales commodities. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for electronic payment that is capable of a high speed processing of personal authentication and transaction information.

Abstract: A self-checkout system includes a first conveyor having a security tunnel which measures a characteristic of a product placed on the conveyor. A code identifying the product is first input into the system through UPC scanning or other input means, and then placed on the conveyor. When the characteristic of the product is measured (e.g., weight, height, width, length), it is compared to corresponding information within the system. If the data matches or is within a predetermined tolerance, the product is transported down the conveyor to a second conveyor, which further transports the product to a bagging area. When the customer is finished scanning products, an input device allows the customer to select self-payment through either cash, credit, debit, or other means (e.g., ebt, store credit and the like). Other features include automatic security tag deactivation and coupon redemption.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic label system comprising a central station and a plurality of distributed electronic labels, and communication means in particular wireless communication means for transmitting data particularly price data from the central station labels. This invention is characterized in that each label comprises a set of price registers and a set of coefficient registers and including a display unit comprising at least tow price displaying zones, and the data transmitted from the central station to a label comprise instructions fro assignment between a computed price equal to the price contained in the price register multiplied by a given coefficient, and a zone displaying a given price. Time-out instructions are also provided. The invention is useful in particular for displaying prices in shops.

Abstract: A collision mitigation method used in a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system is disclosed. A set of information classes (100) is assigned. A communication channel is assigned to each information class. Information is received on at least a first communication channel.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: Performing check processing operations from MICR processing to scanning the printed check as a continuous sequence of operations lightens the burden on the operator and shortens the required processing time. The compound processing system 10 has a transportation path 15 for conveying a check P, an MICR head 17 positioned along the transportation path 15 for reading MICR text prerecorded on the check P, front print head 23 positioned along the transportation path 15 for printing on the front of check P, back print head 21 positioned along the transportation path 15 for printing on the back of check P, and a scanner head 25 positioned along the transportation path 15 for scanning the printed side (either back or front) of the check P.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed which comprises a component container and a plurality of labels removably affixed to the component container and having printed thereon an identifier, wherein the identifier is electronically encoded in a component inside the component container and uniquely identifies the component. A method is also disclose which comprises determining a unique identifier electronically encoded on a component, printing the unique identifier on a plurality of labels, and affixing the plurality of labels to a component container into which the component is inserted.

Abstract: A script file containing contents for controlling files, folders, applications, devices, and other objects is recorded as an optically readable coded image on an information recording medium together with the heading of each genre, a symbolic illustration representing each control content, and an accurate explanation of the control content by texts. When the operator reads a desired coded image by an information processing apparatus, a decoder decodes the script file of the coded image. A scripting host application loads and executes the script file. The script file controls various application programs such as a Web browser and mailer, files, folders, devices, and other objects.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

Abstract: All data registering devices, including voting machines, are subject to error, either from human lapses or mechanical malfunction. The object of the present invention is to disclose a device that incorporates features that immediately alert the user to the fact that an error has occurred, before it is too late or too inconvenient for the user to correct it. In voting devices that produce a machine-processable record card, such as the Votomatic and the Poll Star, votes are counted photo-electrically by shining a light through holes punched in the ballot card. According to the present invention, the greatest certainty regarding what punch-outs represent a valid vote can be obtained only if the same principle is employed to inform the voter as to whether his punch-out is or is not in the intended position and is a complete punch-out. To provide the voter with this verification, backlighting is introduced that directs a beam of light upward through each punch-out toward the voter's eye.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accessing multimedia content using physical bookmarks are provided. The apparatus for accessing multimedia content using physical bookmarks includes one or more tokens. Each of the tokens associated with an identification code, wherein the identification code is associated with a multimedia content. The apparatus also includes an input device having a receptacle. The input device is operable to receive a first identification code from a first token placed on the receptacle in an arbitrary angular orientation. A processing component is coupled to the input device and operable to receive the first identification code, and operable to deliver a first multimedia content associated with the first identification code. The method includes detecting a token that is placed on a receptacle of an input device by a user, wherein the token has an identification code.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to use a bar code-URL converting service with a simple operation on a cellular telephone. The bar code reader relating to the present invention comprises: a URL memory portion for storing server URLs in advance; a device type information memory portion for storing device type information relating to the connected cellular telephone; an operation command memory portion for storing operation commands for each type; a command generating portion for generating operation commands corresponding to the device type information on the basis of the contents stored in the operation command memory portion; and a combining portion for combining the output of the URL memory portion and the output of the command generating portion with the output of the bar code reading portion. The cellular telephone receives data comprising the bar code, URL, and command, and automatically shifts to Internet mode.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader which in one embodiment includes reader head having both a top status condition indicator and a rear status condition indicator. A control circuit is adapted to control both of the top and read status condition indicators simultaneously so that an operator is provided with an easily viewed status indicator at the extremes of normal reader viewing angles expected during reader operation. The top status condition indicator may be a keyboard integrated indicator comprising a translucent key and a light source bank disposed to emit light through the translucent key under the control of the control circuit. The rear status condition indicator may be provided by a bank of LEDs operating in combination with a light pipe disposed in the reader to conduct light from the LED bank to the rear of the reader head.

Abstract: A part marking technique based on a string of alphanumeric human-readable characters which are “printed” using a “texture” which is “cut-out” from a two-dimensional redundant bit pattern, e.g., a two-dimensional matrix of data cells selectively occupied or not occupied by dots or other suitable geometric shapes. The bit pattern is readable by a system comprising an imager and a computer for processing the data contained in the acquired image. In the case of a bit pattern formed by visible dots, the system comprises an optical detector, e.g., a television camera or other imager. The part marking is simultaneously readable by a human and a computer system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for taking an electronic application programs such as, for example, PowerPoint, Outlook, Windows, and Word of Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., and printing them on a piece of paper having a preprinted pattern thereon, thereby creating a hardcopy representation. The hardcopy representation of the application includes identification information (e.g., a unique ID). The identification information associates the application printed on the page with the preprinted pattern on the paper. Using a special pen, edits may be made to the hardcopy representation. The pen records these edits and sends the updates to a computer system automatically. In response to the receiving the edits, the computer system updates the electronic application automatically.

Abstract: A method for operating a temperature controlled device includes detecting a human presence status and controlling a temperature of the temperature controlled device based upon the detected status.

Abstract: This device allows a specific amount of fluid to be delivered independently to a person who must be limited on the amount of fluid they can drink at one time. Without outside help or without making any adjustments to the cup.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for providing a renewable source of cedar aroma in a storage area. The apparatus consists of a plurality of thin cedar curls having a predetermined shape and having a predetermined surface area. The apparatus further includes a perforated bag for containing such plurality of thin cedar curls.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device is particularly suited for dosing a toilet bowl with cleaning agents. Liquid from a reservoir flows through an inner sleeve of a connector into a cup until the liquid level reaches the mouth of the inner sleeve. Web is perforated so that the space in cup is open to atmosphere. Liquid is drawn from the cup by a capillary formed between the wall of cup and the connector and delivered to a porous pad. Flushwater runs over pad and supporting plate to disperse the liquid into a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A microprocessor-operated valve is held in a showerhead to shut off flow of water if a leak detector measures any water leakage. The valve is mounted in a conduit in the showerhead and operated to shut off water flow if the water leak detector senses leakage from the showerhead. An electric motor is held in the showerhead and actuated to drive a gear train to close the normally-open valve and shut off water flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A device for generating a pressurized stream of treating media including a vessel (4) containing the treating media (6), a pressurized fluid delivery assembly (16) for delivering a pressurized fluid to the vessel (4) and a conduit (14) for transporting the treating media (6) out of the vessel (4) which has been pressurized through the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates an air brush with an adjusting function, in which without bringing about an increase in manufacturing cost, the adjusting function for arbitrarily adjusting a retreating position of a needle is provided and blowing-off of a certain amount of coating material can be easily performed. In an air brush which is constructed by detachably and threadedly connecting a cap member to a rear section of an air brush body in such a manner that the cap member covers an adjusting screw and a rear portion of the needle, an abutting portion is provided in an interior of the cap member, the chuck adjusting screw is adapted to be abutted against the abutting portion upon retreating of the chuck adjusting screw retreated by the operation of an operating lever and, according to operative rotation of the cap member, the position of the abutting portion can be adjusted in an axial direction and the ultimate retreating positions of the adjusting screw and the needle can be adjusted.

Abstract: A kitchen deck side spray assembly for attachment to a water hose includes a spray body having spray openings. There is a water path in the spray body connecting the spray openings with the hose. A valve member is located in the water path and there is a spring biasing the valve member to a normally closed position. A trigger on the spray body is in operative relationship with the valve member for causing movement thereof to operate the spray. A tube is connected to the water hose and there is a quick connect adapter positioned within the spray body. There are cooperating elements on the tube and the quick connect adapter for locking the tube to the adapter to thereby attach the side spray assembly to the hose. The side spray may be disassembled from the hose, completely from above the sink deck, permitting the exterior of the side spray to be replaced without the necessity of work being done underneath the sink deck.

Abstract: A self-discharging drip irrigation system includes at least an elongated drip irrigation hose for operatively extending from a water supply, an emitter for directing water from the drip irrigation hose to a cultivating area, wherein the emitter comprises a flow regulating passage, wherein the flow regulating passage has at least an inlet section operatively connected to the irrigation hose, at least an outlet section for dripping the water to the cultivating area and a laminar flow region between the inlet section and the outlet section. The emitter further may comprises at least a venturi accelerator mounted on the inlet section. Whereby according to the “Bernoulli's Theorem” due to the land slop between the water supply and the cultivating area, which creates a gravity potential water is flowed from the water supply through the drip irrigation hose through the emitter and dripping to the cultivating area.

Abstract: A flexible charged powder particle application device consisting of a resistor unit in contact with a power source on one side thereof and with wiring on a second side thereof, the resistor being found within an electrode block unit with a centerhole and connected to an electrode block extension unit with a centerhole all within housing and with the wiring being insulated within flexible tubing material being attached at one end to splines on an end of the extension unit such that the tubing is amenable to carriage within it of the wiring as well as accommodating within it, a flow of powder particles introduced under pressure into the centerholes such that charge from the power source via the wiring and the powder particles under pressure are amenable to concomitant expulsion from the tubing held at a second end by splines on an electrode hub holding an electrode base and electrode and adapter nozzle via a held base bushing and adapter screw lock into and about the housed electrode out through the hub for ult

Abstract: An ionizing device generates ionizing lines to shape solvent borne coating material being dispersed from an electrostatic rotary atomizer. A band having a clamping element affixes the device to the electrostatic rotary atomizer. A halo is affixed to the band by at least one support arm. The halo includes a plurality of generally conical members spaced therearound, each generating ionic lines to shape the atomized coating material being dispersed from the rotary atomizer. A shroud is positioned around each of the generally conical members to shape the ionizing lines being generated to form an ionic field to improve the transfer efficiency of the electrostatic rotary atomizer.

Abstract: A high-speed rotary atomizer for applying powder coating comprises in a known manner a housing (1), in which a motor (13) is accommodated. The motor (13) rotates a bell-shaped plate (16) which is disposed at the front of the housing (1). At least one powder supply duct (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) leads through the housing and opens at the front of the housing (1). Its cross section can therefore be kept very large, thereby increasing the powder output of the high-speed rotary atomizer. This also enables a plurality of powder supply ducts (28, 29, 22, 23, 24, 25, 11, 12, 9, 10) to be laid, which in turn results in a higher powder throughput and improved homogeneity of the powder cloud which is produced.

Abstract: A device for comminuting material comprising first and second mating sections. The mating sections when mated form an enclosed interior chamber with the first and second sections capable of movement relative to each other. The first mating section has a first set of a plurality of pins, which extend from a base of the first mating section and into the interior of the chamber. Similarly, the second mating section has a second set of a plurality of pins extending from a base of the second mating section and into the interior of the chamber. The pins from the first mating section interdigitate with the second set of a plurality of pins when the first and second mating sections are mated, wherein movement of the first and second mating sections relative to one another causes comminution of the material when placed in the chamber. The pins have varying cross-sectional shapes including circular, triangular, and hexagonal.

Abstract: A film of a ribbon-shaped synthetic material is wound as a roll on a supporting core. At least one of the side edges of the film ribbon is incised with small cuts at right angles to said side edges, at spaced intervals along it.

Abstract: Spool is mounted rotatably via bearings on spool shaft of a spinning-reel, and is furnished with first and second bearing housings, bobbin trunk, and front and rear flanges. At least a part of second bearing housing is made of metal. The bobbin trunk, which is furnished with the first and second bearing housings, is a synthetic-resin manufacture outer circumferentially onto which fishing line is wrapped. The front and rear flanges are arranged on the front and rear of the bobbin trunk, and are larger in diameter than the bobbin trunk. With the present invention, it is easier to take out and replace the spool bearing although the bobbin trunk is subjected to compressive force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for varying track recording speed to maximize host-to-tape data transfer rates is presented. Variable data transfer rates of host systems and networks are accommodated by continually adjusting the tape speed to match the tape drive to the host's actual transfer rate. jThe speed of the tape is adjusted according to both the level of data present in the tape drive data buffer and whether the current mode of the drive is write mode or read mode. In the preferred embodiment, when the tape speed is accelerated or decelerated while writing a number of data track pairs to tape, a predetermined number of dummy track pairs are first written to tape at the current speed. On the next write head phase after the speed is increased or decreased as appropriate while the read heads are over the track, a predetermined number of dummy track pairs followed by more data track pairs are written to the tape at the new speed.

Abstract: A winding flange guide (10) is utilized to provide a better quality wind of a strand media. The guide (10) has a first flange (12) and a second flange (13) which constrain the movement of the outer wraps of the tape pancake formed by the tape media. The winding flange guide (10) is utilized in a servo writer (20), tape cartridge (40, 60) and tape drive (80).

Abstract: A metal plate of a recording tape cartridge is provided with a tapered portion at an outer circumference thereof. In a state in which the metal plate is attached at a fixed-side mold plate of a metal mold for molding a reel hub and a lower flange, a gap is formed between the tapered portion and the fixed-side mold plate. During molding, molding material flows into the gap. Because of this gap, an annular pawl portion is formed at the reel hub, which annular pawl portion integrally joins the metal plate with the reel hub by sandwiching the metal plate via the tapered portion.

Abstract: A cartridge gear (1a) which is formed in an annular shape around the rotational center (CL1) and secured to a reel of a tape cartridge (1) loaded in a drive device (30) has a tapered shape having a first inclination angle which is lower in height as the tooth tops thereof approach to the innermost peripheral edge. A drive gear (22) which is formed in an annular shape around the rotational center (CL2) and connected to a reel motor (24) of the drive device (30) has a tapered shape having a second inclination angle which is lower in height as the tooth tops thereof approach to the outermost peripheral edge, the second inclination angle being smaller than the first inclination angle. The tapered shape of the drive gear (22) is formed in an area which extends outwardly from the radially-innermost position of the drive gear (22) at which lock pads (1b) abut against the drive gear (22) under the state that the drive gear (22) and the cartridge gear (1a) are in proper engagement with each other.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a cartridge case, which is formed by fastening upper and lower cases integrally and has a tape leader opening in side walls of the upper and lower cases. Within the cartridge case, a single reel with magnetic tape wound thereon is rotatably housed. A slender leader pin firmly attached to the leading end of the magnetic tape is detachably held near the tape leader opening and between the upper and lower cases. In the magnetic tape cartridge, a small-diameter pin for fastening the upper and lower cases is press-fitted near a holding portion of the cartridge case which holds the leader pin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat belt pretensioner for a vehicle wherein a spool is mounted in such a way that it cannot be further released at the onset of a car accident but can push itself downwardly in a fixed state along the length-wise direction of a retractor and thus can effectively rewind a seat belt with ease. To serve this purpose the seat belt pretensioner of the present invention comprises a retractor cover wherein sliding guides are mounted both on right and left sides, a spool mounted in such a manner that a seat belt is wound up with an elastic support and is able to slide along the sliding guide, and a piston structure, being mounted on the upper part of said cover, pushes said spool downwardly by the explosion force of explosives.

Abstract: A rewinding machine for the production of rolls of wound-up weblike material is described, comprising; a winding-up system (7, 9, 11); a system (27) for severing the weblike material (N) which, on completion of the winding-up of each roll (R), severs the weblike material, forming a free final edge and a free initial edge; an adhesive applicator (121) for applying the adhesive intended to seal the free final edge of the weblike material of each roll before the roll is unloaded from the winding-up system.

Abstract: A contact roller system of a winding machine for thin strip material has a shaft and pivot levers arranged in a row adjacent to one another on the shaft. The pivot levers have two contact roller segments moveable against slit rolls during a winding process by an actuating drive of the pivot levers. The two contact rollers are arranged on opposite sides of the pivot levers, respectively, and form a contact roller segment pair positioned adjacent to one another such that between neighboring end faces a gap required for rotational movement of the contact roller segment pairs is formed. The contact roller segment pairs are freely rotatably supported and rotate about an axis of rotation extending parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot levers. The axes of rotation of the contact roller segment pairs have a common pivot radius.

Abstract: A hybrid air vehicle having a gas-filled contoured flattened hull including a pair of longitudinally extending side lobes defining, on the underside of the hull, a longitudinally extending central recess, a payload module received in the central recess and air cushion landing gear units on the underside of said side lobes of the hull. The landing gear units are spaced apart on either side of the payload module. The hybrid air vehicle has characteristics of an airplane, a lighter-than-air airship and a hovercraft.

Abstract: An unmanned flying vehicle comprises an autonomous flying wing having at least two wing portions arranged substantially symmetrically about a center portion. Each wing portion is pivotally attached to each adjoining portion such that the wing portions are foldable for storage and openable for deployment. A preferred form is the so-called seagull wing having four wing portions. The vehicles may be programmable from a mother aircraft whilst being borne to a deployment zone using a data link which may be wireless.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flight control of an aircraft provides a body with adjustable intake ports ducting air into an internal intake manifold. Adjusting the openings of the intake ports changes the amount of air flowing over the surfaces surrounding the intakes, changing the amount of lift created by those surfaces. The intake manifold feeds air to at least one engine, and an exhaust manifold communicates the exhaust of the engine to exhaust exit ports. The exhaust manifold contains a plurality of moveable components that direct exhaust within the exhaust manifold and to particular exhaust exit ports for producing various levels of force imbalance among the exit ports. A compressor powered by the engine provides air to bleed-air ports on the wings.

Abstract: A self-closing access door for use with external umbilicals in aerospace launch vehicles is provided. The self-closing access door comprises two door panels joined by a spring-loaded hinge, the latter of which is attached to surrounding structure of the vehicle. When an external source is applied to the door panels, the panels are opened such that fluid flow, i.e. air conditioning, may enter the vehicle from the external umbilical. When the external source is removed, the spring-loaded hinge forces the door panels closed. The self-closing access door further comprises latches on each door panel that firmly secure the door panels to the surrounding structure. A cover plate is also provided that includes an outer lip for attachment to the surrounding structure and an inner lip, which is engaged by the latches. The spring-loaded hinge also comprises a door stop that limits the distance that the door panels may be opened.

Abstract: A satellite communication system has a first deployment of a plurality of satellites deployed in a medium earth orbit and two later deployments of a plurality of satellites deployed in the medium earth orbit. The first deployment is spaced so that the second deployment may be easily deployed and interleaved into the first deployment. A ground terminal is used for communicating with the satellites in the first and second deployments.

Abstract: The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet required mass fractions. The high strength and low weight of a composite tank allows for a lighter weight craft and/or higher payload capacity which results in lower costs per pound to place an object in orbit.

Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.