Abstract: A cottonseed feeder wherein the dispensing means for dispensing the feed from the hopper comprises a feed chamber having an entry-opening and an exit-opening, the entry-opening in communication with the lower opening of a feed hopper, an entry-opening shutter adjacent the entry-opening, said entry-opening shutter moveable between a first position where the entry-opening shutter blocks the entry-opening and a second free position where feed may flow into the feed chamber, an exit-opening shutter adjacent the exit-opening moveable between a first position where the exit-opening shutter blocks the exit-opening and a second free position where feed disposed within the feed chamber may flow out of the feed chamber and a connecting member associated with the entry-opening shutter and the exit-opening shutter wherein the entry-opening shutter and the exit-opening shutter are linked such that movement of the entry-opening shutter from its first position to its second position coincides with the movement of the exit-o

Abstract: Equipment for holding golf outfits which includes a main body board with a connecting member to attach the main body board to a belt of a golf player. Holding members are attached to a front side of the main body board from two ends to form a vertical receiving hole to permit a tee to pass through the hole and be held in position. An elongated hole is formed through the main body with the elongated hole to receive a divot restoring tool with an upper portion of the divot restoring tool being visible.

Abstract: A sheath for carrying a knife or blade is disclosed. The sheath includes a scabbard attached to a carrying strap forming a loop through which a carrying junction such as a belt may be passed. The axis of the loop is generally aligned with a transverse axis perpendicular to an axis of gravity. The length of the scabbard includes a longitudinal axis generally angled with respect to the axis of gravity. The mouth of the scabbard is further angled with regard to the transverse axis. Each of the foregoing alignments allows a user to more easily and efficiently insert and remove a blade into the scabbard while carrying the sheath. The sheath is also provided with an inner shell disposed inside the scabbard, the inner shell having a plurality of lengthwise linear ridges for gripping the blade inside the shell.

Abstract: A backpack attachment system for a hardshell musical instrument carrying case includes rings that are permanently attached to the exterior of the case, thereby allowing quick access for using a backpack type strap or straps for carrying the case. The strap set itself is optionally removable, but the attachment rings are not, being permanently mounted to the case, using, for example, rivets, screws, snaps or equivalent means.

Abstract: A holster for a compound bow comprising a body-fitting curvilinear backing plate with a structure for affixing the plate to the hunter's body and having mounted thereon a diagonally disposed tubular member to receive the stabilizer of the bow, the tubular element having a notch in the upper portion of the tubular element extending from the upper terminus of the tubular element transversely across the tubular element in the direction of the width of the backing plate, the notch receiving the riser portion of the bow to which the bow stabilizer is attached.

Abstract: The invention discloses storage means for an automobile anti-theft device comprising an elongated substantially rectangular receptacle for storing therein a bar-shaped anti-theft device, commonly known as “Club”. Mounting means, such as straps, extending from the receptacle serve to attach the receptacle upon the rear surface of the back of an automobile seat, preferably the back of the front passenger seat.

Abstract: A piece of baggage is provided with a pack portion having a strap with end portions that can be adjusted to extend horizontally from the sides of the pack portion or, alternatively, upwardly from the pack portion. When the strap ends are oriented extending horizontally from the pack portion, the piece of baggage can be worn as a conventional lumbar pack. When the strap ends are oriented to extend upwardly from the pack portion, the piece of baggage can be supported from a person's shoulder in a comfortable manner similar to a conventional shoulder bag.

Abstract: The Cone Shape Brella Bag—a convenient and sleek, chic umbrella carrier—has an inner lining and outer sleeve. The inner lining is made of waterproof fabric to prevent the Cone Shape Brella Bag from water damage to the outside fabric. The outer sleeve is made of a variety of fabric depicting casual, style, and elegance. The Cone Shape Brella Bag is an umbrella-carrying receptacle of fabric designed to provide convenience to consumers for carrying their umbrella when not in use.

Abstract: According to this invention, in a device for supplying wrap film, by drawing out a wrap film from a wrap film container and cutting off, a user makes a sheetlike wrap film guide that has the property of adhering to the wrap film is adhered to the end part of the wrap film, and drawing out them in one body almost over the width. Thus the user can further easily, hygienically and safely cut the wrap film.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a fastener from a reel of fastener stock so as to couple together two or more objects includes a frame, a needle, a feed mechanism for advancing the fastener into the needle, a severing mechanism for severing the fastener from the fastener stock, an ejection mechanism for ejecting the fastener through the needle, and a needle guard assembly mounted onto the frame. The needle guard assembly includes a guide plate having a front surface and a bracket assembly affixed to the guide plate. The bracket assembly is slidably mounted onto the frame to enable the guide plate to be slidably disposed between a protected position in which the tip of the needle is positioned behind the front surface of the guide plate and a fully retracted position in which the tip of the needle is positioned in front of the front surface of the guide plate.

Abstract: The bonding position between a bonding wire and an electrode is maintained accurately, an ultrasonic horn is mounted to a bonding machine by the attachment portions of support portions situated at minimum vibration amplitude points equally distant from a capillary in opposite directions in such a manner that it is supported on both sides, and the ultrasonic horn, capillary and bonding work portion are vibrated by ultrasonic waves to bond the end portion of the bonding wire.

Abstract: A bonding system (1) bonds wires between a first electrical contact surface on a semiconductor chip and a second electrical contact surface on a substrate. The bonding system (1) has a first memory device (3) having a master bond program stored thereon and a second memory device (4) having an operating bond program stored thereon. The operating bond program is generated by transferring a copy of the master bond program from the first memory device (3) to the second memory device (4). The second memory device (4) is adapted to permit a parameter of the operating bond parameters to be modified. A processing device (2) is coupled to the first and second memory devices (3, 4), an input device (5) is coupled to the processing device (2) and an output device (5) is also coupled to the processing device (2).

Abstract: The present invention is a method for bonding gold wire to gold bond pads at temperatures lower than 125 degrees Celsius, and more particularly at room temperature, defined to be 25 degrees Celsius. By applying compressive force and ultrasonic energy, an intermetallic bond can be formed between a gold wire and a gold bond pad without elevating the temperature. Furthermore, the present invention uses ultrasonic energy with frequencies low enough to be in the range of commercially available wire bonders.

Abstract: A device for making metal bumps includes a hard conical tubular member having a vertical passage which is conical in shape and has a larger diameter at a bottom such that a lower portion of the vertical passage is larger than an upper portion of the vertical passage, whereby a metal wire is inserted into the vertical passage of the hard conical tubular member, with a lower end of the metal wire protruded downwardly out of the vertical passage, the lower end of the metal wire is melted to form a ball, the hard conical tubular member is approached to a raised platform formed on a top of a chip, and a load is applied to the metal wire and the metal wire is heated and bonded on the pad of die and ultrasonic energy is applied to deform the melted metal so as to fill up the lower portion of the vertical passage thereby forming a metal bump on the raised platform of the chip, and finally the hard conical tubular member is removed to pull off the necking position between the metal wire and a top of the metal bump the

Abstract: Reaction-brazing of tungsten or molybdenum metal bodies to carbonaceous supports enables an x-ray generating anode to be joined to a preferred lightweight substrate. Complementary surfaces are provided on a dense refractory metal body and a graphite or a carbon-carbon composite support. A particulate braze mixture comprising Hf or Zr carbide, Mo or W boride, Hf or Zr powder and Mo or W powder is coated onto the support surface, and hafnium or zirconium foil may be introduced between the braze mixture and the refractory metal body complementary surface. Reaction-brazing is carried out at or near the eutectic point of the components, which may be influenced to some extent by the presence of carbon and boride. Heating to about 1865° C.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dome (34) consisting of a round-shaped vessel (30) provided with an opening (28) at the top and by a cap (33) welded on said basin to close said opening (28). The basin is obtained by hot forming under pressure of a truncated blank (5) made of non tempered aluminum alloy.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for bonding gold wire to gold bond pads at temperatures lower than 125 degrees Celsius, and more particularly at room temperature, defined to be 25 degrees Celsius. By applying compressive force and ultrasonic energy, an intermetallic bond can be formed between a gold wire and a gold bond pad without elevating the temperature. Furthermore, the present invention uses ultrasonic energy with frequencies low enough to be in the range of commercially available wire bonders.

Abstract: An exothermic welding system uses compressible layers of disposable refractory batting or gaskets to form a weld chamber for parts to be welded. The parts to be welded are layered with the batting between a base and a crucible platen supported by a clamping fixture. The layered batting is provided with the holes intersecting the parts to be welded. The holes form the weld chamber. The crucible platen is provided with a chamber for the exothermic material which when ignited forms molten metal which flows through a tap hole into the weld chamber. When the weld is made, the fixture is opened and the batting is discarded. The invention is also the method of forming the welded connection by compressing the layered batting and the parts to be welded to form the disposable weld chamber enabling a simpler and lower cost welding system to make a wide variety of connections not requiring a large inventory of special and costly refractory mold parts.

Abstract: A food container includes an inner receptacle and an outer sleeve. The inner receptacle and the outer sleeve are slidably engaged to contain a food item within the container. The container has a locking mechanism that engages the inner receptacle with the outer sleeve to prevent the container from accidentally sliding open. The outer sleeve folds into a flat position so that the outer sleeve may be stored in a small space.

Abstract: A food container with an integral loop member for securely holding a condiment container, allowing the two to be transported as one item. The container is formed from a first portion of a blank and has a continuous lip. The loop member is formed from a second portion of the blank and distinct from the first portion of the blank. The loop extends from an exterior surface of the container and no part of the loop member contacts the lip. A method for forming the container from one blank is also disclosed.

Abstract: A secure receptacle allows packages to be delivered to domestic premises when members of the household are absent. The apparatus has a pair of doors, which are normally locked, buy may be accessed in sequence to allow a package to be moved from an outer area to a secure inner area. The sequential opening of the doors ensures the inner area is not directly accessible, even to someone making an authorized delivery. The chamber for receiving the package may be collapsed when not in use to minimize the visual and special impact of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage system and identification device for storing objects associated with the devices in stations. Each identification devices includes an electronic memory device with a unique code. The storage system receives information relating each identification device with both its code and its associated object. A user can enter information as to a particular object and the system identifies the location of the station holding the identification device. Thus, identification devices can be returned randomly. This can be used for many objects as small as keys and very large objects connected to the identification devices.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for authorizing a customer to perform transactions with a self-service device. A first set of biometric data regarding the customer is extracted from a verification instrument. A second set of biometric data is extracted directly from at least one feature of the customer. Textual data regarding the customer is extracted from the verification instrument. The first and second sets of biometric data are compared to determine whether they are derived from a single individual. If so, customer identification information is recorded.

Abstract: A portable calculator for computation and display of transaction values for concessions sales between a vendor and a customer. The portable calculator includes a housing adapted to be hand held by an operator, having a keyboard with a plurality of keys thereon. The plurality of keys includes a first group representing a plurality of unit price values, a second group representing a plurality of tendered values, and a third group representing a plurality of quantity values. A math processor is in communication with the first group, second group, and third group of keys. A display on the housing displays at least one unit price value, a quantity value, a transaction value, a tendered value, and a change due value. The calculator requires a minimum of key strokes for computation and display of the transaction value and is versatile for use at different venues by untrained venders.

Abstract: A communication method of an IC card reader/writer which transmits a telegraphic message from a host device to an IC card or from said IC card to said host device is disclosed. The host device divides the data into blocks, each of which is of a size smaller than the capacity of a memory device equipped in said IC card reader/writer to transmit said data to IC card reader/writer, and attaches a code to each of said data blocks to indicate whether or not the block is the final data block.

Abstract: A password corresponding to an IC card or a service is stored or registered in a terminal apparatus provided with a preferably contactless IC card section having a read/write function. A password is inputted before utilizing the IC card function. The IC card function, which is disabled for utilization under other conditions, is enabled for utilization during a period of time only when the inputted password matches the registered password. According to the terminal apparatus of the present invention, even when the device is lost or stolen, others cannot have access to the services available for the apparatus without authentication.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing machine-readable tags, preferably programmable RFID tags are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a receptacle having at least one wall member that defines an enclosure and a tag associated with the receptacle, which includes machine-readable information regarding a product occupying the enclosure is provided. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the tag includes identification information in electronic form for the product.

Abstract: An electronic voting system has a voting administrative module connected to a plurality of voting modules connected via a network. A voter initiates the voting process by inserting a voting key into a voting key reader of a voting module. The voter then makes voting selections, which include casting votes, on a touch screen display of the voting module. Alternatively, the voting module may verbally guide the voter through the voting process using an audio headphone. The voter may also make voting selections verbally through a microphone using voice recognition technology, or by using a tactile keypad. After the voter is finished casting votes, a voter verifiable paper ballot is printed and an electronic ballot is saved on the electronic voting system. The voter can review the paper ballot.

Abstract: In a small and thin memory module for sharing data among electronic devices such as information processing apparatuses, a write prohibit state can be visually recognized. A conductive seal is attached to a predetermined position on a support member, thereby setting the memory module in the write prohibit state. The conductive seal visually indicates the write prohibit state. When the memory module is mounted in a connector section of a card-shaped holder, connector pins are electrically connected to each other via the conductive seal. Thus, a write prohibit mechanism is realized at low cost.

Abstract: An image reader comprises a light source illuminating an original, an optical guide system configured to guide a light beam reflected from the original and conveying information about an image on the original, a light-receiving unit configured to receive the light beam guided by the optical guide system and to convert the information about the image into electric signals, a stay member holding the light-receiving unit, a balance weight configured to act on the stay member and to reduce oscillation of the light-receiving unit, and a balance-weight holding structure configured to hold the balance weight in an unrestrained state with respect to the stay member.

Abstract: A system for scanning human or machine readable information located on objects moving in a transport direction along a transport path. An imaging device having a first observation path and at least a 1×N sensor array is also provided. A scanning zone is located along the transport path. A rotating sweeping unit is positioned to receive light from the scanning zone and reflect it to the imaging device. The sweeping unit sweeps through the scanning zone along a sweep path. The imaging device captures a plurality of image segments that extend generally across the transport path and are each at least 1×N pixels in size. Movement of the sweeping unit is preferably synchronized to movement of the objects along the transport path.

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: The present invention automates the process of selecting lids to be inserted over produce containers. In one embodiment, labels are affixed to the bottom container when the selected produce products have been loaded into the container. As the containers move along an assembly line, the label is read and the container directed to a specific lidding station where the desired lid is selected and placed over the container. Multiple lidding stations are provided such that the containers are automatically directed to the appropriate lidding station so that the selected lid may be placed on the container. Alternatively, the system may simply track the movement of containers and count quantities of containers rather than rely on labels affixed to the container. In this manner, containers full of produce are directed to the appropriate lidding stations where lids are automatically selected and positioned over the container.

Abstract: A delivered article receiving locker cabinet, which has a plurality of lockers, each of which is capable of housing a delivered article and is locked, and ten keys by which the room number of the delivery end, the box number, etc., are inputted, is provided with a barcode reader that is attached to the front face of the locker cabinet for reading a barcode written on a delivery service attached note attached to the delivered article, and a memory that stores information read by the barcode 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 hereon. The mathematical models area 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, homogenous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention to provide an optical reader with at least two variable definition soft keys positioned adjacent the display and externally labeled with permanent down and up arrow indicia. Variable definition soft keys are highly versatile and allow the user to change or alter the function of the soft keys based on a user program. Soft keys positioned adjacent the display and labeled with down and up arrows graphically reinforce a wide range of text and graphic combinations shown on the display.

Abstract: The invention relates to artificial snowmaking and specifically to the discovery that by introducing an effective amount of organo-modified polysiloxane material to the water being supplied to the snow guns, the quality of the snow thus made is significantly enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating spray equipment hoses used during inclement weather can heat water, or other medium, to a desired temperature, circulate the heated water in thermal contact with, but separated from, the spray equipment hoses to heat the material therein and generally maintain the material at an appropriate temperature to facilitate spraying.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drinking straw with valve function adapted to be mounted to a beverage container, the straw including a straw member having a straw body, a bellows portion formed at a desired portion of the straw body, and a tube arranged in the bellows portion while being integral with the straw body and having a desired elasticity, and a straw mounting member for mounting the straw member to the beverage container. The straw mounting member includes a fixed base attached to a top of the beverage container while being in close contact with the top of the beverage container, a straw fitting section formed at one side portion of the fixed base, and adapted to mount the straw member thereto, and a straw holding section formed at the other side portion of the fixed base, and adapted to hold the straw member in a bent state or to release the straw member from the bent state. A cut-out is selectively formed at an inner tube portion of the tube in a region where the inner tube portion bends.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a high-pressure cleaning system having a high-pressure pump and at least one spraying device, which can be connected to the high-pressure pump by high-pressure hoses, and has the following: at least one spray circuit at the spraying device, at least one analyzing circuit connected with the spray circuit, the spray circuit being connected by a conductive connection at the high-pressure hose with the machine, particularly the high-pressure pump, and at least one on/off switch and at least one oscillator by means of which a signal identifying the switching condition of the switch can be impressed on the current flow to the analyzing circuit, and one single-wire connection respectively being provided between each spray circuit and each analyzing circuit, by means of which a supply voltage can be applied to the spray circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a spaying apparatus (10) which includes a ducting assembly (11) mountable about a fan (24), said ducting assembly (11) includes a plurality of ducts (28) formed by a plurality of vanes (29), each of said vanes (29) has a substantially constant width from a duct inlet (32) to a duct outlet (17, 18); a guide member locatable adjacent the ducting assembly (11) and on which the fan (24) is mountable, said guide member (33a) is shaped to direct fan forced air from the guide member (33a) to the duct inlet (32); and spray supply means (19) for providing ducted air with liquid to form spray.

Abstract: The fuel injection device has a fuel pump for each cylinder of the engine, which fuel pump has a pump piston that is driven into a stroke motion by the engine and delimits a pump working chamber, which is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank and is connected to a fuel injection valve, which has an injection valve member that controls at least one injection opening and can be moved by the pressure generated in the pump working chamber in an opening direction counter to a closing force. A first electrically controlled control valve controls a connection of the pump working chamber to a discharge chamber, and a second electrically controlled control valve controls the pressure prevailing in a control pressure chamber of the fuel injection valve, which pressure acts at least indirectly on the injection valve member in the closing direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine fuel injector has a casing defining a nozzle; and a shutter pin having an axis, and housed in axially sliding manner inside the casing to close the nozzle by virtue of a control rod. The pin and the control rod are connected by a connecting device, which has an axial seat carried by the pin, and a head interposed between the axial seat and the control rod, and which engages the axial seat to transmit to the pin a resultant of forces directed solely along the pin axis.

Abstract: An oil activated fuel injector control valve which reduces bouncing of the spool and an impact of the spool on an open coil. This eliminates shot by shot variations in the fuel injector as well as increasing the efficiency of the fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a valve control body which has a vent holes which prevent air from mixing with the working fluid. In this manner, the working fluid does not have to compress and/or dissolve the air in the working ports prior to acting on the piston and plunger mechanism in an intensifier body of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator, which activates a shutter to move the shutter in a work direction between a closed position and an open position; the piezoelectric actuator is housed inside a casing having an inner chamber insulated from the fuel, and an outer surface wet by the fuel.

Abstract: Fuel injector provided with a piezoelectric actuator, a valve activated by the piezoelectric actuator and regulating a fuel supply that flows in a working direction, and a mechanical transmission placed between the piezoelectric actuator and the valve; an expansion of the piezoelectric actuator displaces the valve in the working direction from a closed position to an open position in an opposite direction to that of the fuel outlet.

Abstract: A double pipe exhaust manifold includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe formed in a cylindrical shape by joining at least one side edge thereof by welding, a space retaining member disposed in an annular space defined between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, a connection pipe connecting to a exhaust gas recirculation valve, and a mesh ring. Opening holes are formed in the inner pipe and the outer pipe so that the opening holes are opposed to each in a radial direction of the pipes. The connection pipe is connected to the opening hole of the outer pipe. The mesh ring is interposed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe in a state that the mesh ring plugs an annular opening part defined between opening edges of the opening holes.

Abstract: A capillary pump for a fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion of the capillary tube and heating element into the reservoir.

Abstract: A home fragrance dispenser has a reservoir for holding fragrance oil. The reservoir is capped with a silicone rubber cap with a vapor port therein for emitting vaporized fragrance oil. A capillary tube has its bottom end extending to the bottom of the reservoir where capillary action draws fragrance oil up into the capillary tube. A heating element inside the capillary tube vaporizes fluid drawn into the tube. Electrical leads for the heating element exit through the silicone rubber cap. The cap, capillary tube and heating element form a unit for insertion into the reservoir, and the combined unit is a capillary pump. A fan in the dispenser cabinet forces fragrant vapor out into the surrounding. A selector dial on the front of the cabinet permits selection of one of several fragrances.

Abstract: A shower head has a housing with a water inlet and a control valve which connects to the housing inlet and has a plurality of water outlets. The control valve regulates the flow of water to a plurality of circumferentially arranged spray openings and to a nozzle which is located within the periphery of the spray openings. The nozzle has the ability to turn or spin, thus providing a soft spray which may be independent of or concurrent with the discharge of water from the spray openings. The nozzle may also wobble, which movement may be described as nutational, or the slow movement of the axis of the nozzle about another axis. Wobbling movement provides a somewhat more concentrated spray than that provided when the nozzle only spins. The shower head further has an auxiliary port which may be utilized with other spray devices such as fixed sprays or hand-held shower heads.