Abstract: A portable rack is provided to store one or more fishing rods. A group of elongated modular elements are strung end-to-end to form two associated, vertical, horizontally spaced columns. Each modular element is an integrally molded plastic bar having at its top an integrally molded member and at its bottom an integrally molded construction that includes a hook opening upwardly. The integrally molded construction at the bottom of each modular element forms a quickly attachable and detachable coupling with the integrally molded member at the top of the next succeeding lower modular element. Horizontally aligned hooks support fishing rods. An attachment on each column mounts the vertical column on a mounting structure.

Abstract: A test tube rack a top tray bridging and jointing a bottom tray set, having several rows of inserting holes for and receiving cups for test tubes. Through holes are disposed on a flexible sandwich plate on the upper portion of the bottom tray set. When inserted, the test tubes may be depressed or placed gently with various heights for convenient selecting, temporary storing or further conducting the screening and distinguishing tests.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying an advertising card including an elongated member having a generally planar portion. The generally planar portion has a front side and a rear side. The elongated member further includes a pair of longitudinally extending flanges defining a first pair of longitudinally extending tracks. The first pair of longitudinally extending tracks is disposed adjacent the front side of the generally planar portion and is adapted to cooperatively receive the advertising card.

Abstract: A portable lifting frame comprises an elongate track provided with a bogie movable there along. The bogie is adapted to accept a lifting device. An elongate support is provided for the track wherein the track and support are made up of two or more cojoining portions 2a and 2b. The co-joining portions 2a and 2b are hinged together end to end at pivotal hinges 3. The co-joining portions 2a and 2b have an open position where they lie in the same place and a closed position where they lie parallel to each other. The support is provided with two or more legs 4, 5, 6, 7 pivotally attached to one end of the support where only each leg is extendable. The other end of the support is provided with a support element.

Abstract: A method of making a package that includes the steps of blow molding a hollow plastic container, including blow molding a finish and a moil or dome that extends from the finish, and trimming the moil from the container finish so as to leave a conical flange extending inwardly and upwardly from the finish terminating in a smooth trimmed surface. A closure is provided having a base wall and a peripheral skirt. A liner is secured to the base wall within the skirt, and has a sealing surface spaced from the skirt. The closure is secured to the container finish in such a way that the container flange extending from the finish is deformed radially inwardly and axially downwardly by a peripheral portion of the liner so as to bring the trimmed surface of the container flange into abutment sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the liner.

Abstract: A container for storing, handling and transporting bulk material is disclosed. The container comprises a flexible bag which has a top portion provided with a filling inlet for filling the bag, and a bottom portion provided with a discharging outlet for discharging the bag. The container also comprises a frame for supporting and containing the bag and several stretchable bands connected to the frame for upwardly and resiliently biasing side walls of the bag. The biasing mechanism is automatically engaged during the unloading process of the bag, thus eliminating practically any human intervention.

Abstract: A foldable tool kit comprises two abutted elongate first compartments, two abutted second compartments on either side of the first compartment, each second compartment being smaller than the first compartment, and a plurality of hinges each for coupling each of the second compartments to the first compartment or two of the second compartments on the same side. The stored tools are protected from being lost due to the provisions of engaged positioning pegs and holes on the second compartments as well as prevented from mixing due to the provision of covers on the second compartments while carrying.

Abstract: A splash-proof lid assembly is a substantially planar unit which is made up of a disc and a bottom section that is rotatably connected to the disc. By rotating the bottom section to the underside of the disc, a tube is formed which allows for drinking from a cup once the lid is placed on the cup.

Abstract: A beverage container holder includes a first portion for securing the holder to the ground and a second portion defining an area for placement of a beverage container such as a can or bottle. The first portion is configured for insertion into the ground and may be spiked, pronged, or otherwise characterized for piercing the earth. The second portion is connected to the first portion and includes a surface upon which the container may be placed. The second portion also includes structure for preventing the container from falling or tipping off of the surface.

Abstract: An valve assembly is provided that automatically dispenses aerosol content from a can at predetermined intervals. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm flexes to initiate a spray phase, during which the aerosol content is delivered from the accumulation chamber to the ambient environment. A rotatable pawl provides resistive pressure and control of diaphragm movement.

Abstract: An automated tanker unloading system has a plurality of electronically controlled valves to control gas pressure within a tanker trailer and to control the delivery of product. A plurality of electronic gas pressure transducers sense internal gas pressure within individual hoppers of the trailer and sense internal gas pressures within a hot hose and a product hose and convert the sensed gas pressure into an electronic signal. A plurality of pressure carrying pipes transmit positive and negative pressures between the valves and the hoppers and the product hoses and the hot hose. A processor is programmed to analyze electronically inputted data from the transducers and to then send signals to control the valve functions.

Abstract: A multiple filling device having a hopper, multiple supply nozzles each having a rotating sleeve for transferring rotational movement to a feeding screw to distribute content material stored in a divided portion of the hopper. The rotating sleeve is motivated by a driving motor. A main driving motor is also rotatably connected to multiple agitating blades each residing inside the divided portion.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser 1 according to the invention comprises a container bottle 2 having a neck portion 3 and a body portion 4. A product 5 such as liquid soap is contained within the container body 4. A pump 6, extending into the body 4, is operated by the depression of a pump actuator head 7 mounted on the neck portion 3. A support plate 8 comprising a collar portion 9 and a projecting plate portion 10 is mounted on the neck portion 3 of the container 2, below the head 7.

Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing that defines an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is disposed in communication with the reservoir and has a delivery end extending from the housing for manual operation by a user. A mounting mechanism is configured as an integral component of the housing and provides the dispenser with the ability to be detachably connected to complimentary mounting structure on a wall surface. A unique vent is disposed in the top wall of the housing to vent the reservoir upon actuation of the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A continuous casting nozzle for casting molten steel, wherein at least a surface layer of an inner bore of the continuous casting nozzle contacting with a molten steel is formed of a refractory comprising: an aggregate consisting essentially of alumina (Al2O3) or an aggregate comprising alumina (A12O3) as its main ingredient and melting point thereof being at least 1800 degree centigrade: from 15 to 60 wt. % and roseki as a balance. The refractory is added thermosetting resin as binder, kneaded, formed, and sintered in an anti-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pouring tube of refractory material comprised of a tubular element and equipped at its upper end with a plane plate, the side faces and lower face of the said plate and the upper end of the tubular part being protected by a metallic case, said plate being reinforced in its lower face by mechanical means that increase its stiffness that is characterized in that these stiffening means are comprised of a plurality of U-shaped metallic pieces located on either side of the tube and attached fixedly to the part of the metal case protecting the lower face of the plate. These tubes present a greater resistance to the formation of cracks than conventional tubes.

Abstract: A beverage bottle carrier apparatus for enabling an individual to carry one or more beverage bottles. The beverage bottle carrier of the invention includes an elongated generally rectangular flexible strap having a handle portion in the approximate middle thereof for easy grasping by a hand of a person carrying one or more beverage bottles, the flexible strap having two ends and a buckle assembly for connecting the two ends together, one end of the strap having a male portion of the buckle assembly connected thereto and the other end of the strap having a female portion of the buckle assembly connected thereto, and a hooking mechanism connected to said male portion and said female portion, the hooking mechanism being adapted to be force-fitted around the neck of a beverage bottle to grasp and hold a beverage bottle therein.

Abstract: A safety holster for a firearm, including two pivotally mounted retaining members that cooperate to engage the trigger guard of the firearm and prevent withdrawal of the firearm from the holster by anyone other than an authorized user of the firearm. The holster includes a fingerprint sensor for scanning fingerprint information of a perspective user of the firearm, and a processor for comparing the scanned fingerprint information with stored fingerprint information of an authorized user and releasing the retaining member only if the scanned fingerprint information matches that of the authorized user.

Abstract: An adjustable carrying pouch adapted to carry devices of varying sizes. A substantially rectangular pliable horizontal segment is integral with a vertical pliable segment. The horizontal segment includes a pair of retention flaps having a central segment disposed therebetween. The vertical segment depends from the central segment. Hook fastening members are secured to the inside surface of the horizontal segment at each retention flap. The hook fastening members are secured to the inside surface of the vertical segment in opposition to the central segment. Loop fastening members are secured to the outside surface of the horizontal segment at each retention flap in opposition to the hook fastening members. A belt loop or clip is mounted along the central segment on the outside surface of the horizontal segment. The hook and loop fastening members may be adjustably coupled to adapt to the size of the device to be carried.

Abstract: A storage container system adapted to support a number of open-ended storage tubes. A lanyard, retainer clips and/or tethered paraphernalia (e.g. forceps, fingernail clippers, scissors, magnifying glass etc.) are supported to appending arms. Loops and/or sleeves at the carrier compressively contain bobbers, forceps, scissors and other relatively long stemmed items. Relatively large loops can project from the carrier to contain other detachable film canisters. Internal vent channels and ports at the carrier or the tubes can communicate with the atmosphere to vent moisture from the tubes. In lieu of fitting each tube to a bore, projecting cap pieces can contain the tubes to the carrier.

Abstract: A motorcycle travel bag comprising a shell and a shelving insert, wherein the shelving insert provides a convenient and secure apparatus for organizing, storing and transporting various items on a motorcycle. Items may be stored on the shelves of the shelving insert or in various pockets which may be attached to the exterior of the shell.

Abstract: A tape dispenser comprises a seat body and a tape reel seat. The seat body is provided at the front end with a tape cutter, in the top with a long groove and a joining hole neighbored at one side of the groove. The seat body is further provided at the bottom with a bottom seat having a greater weight to stabilize the bottom seat on a surface. The tape reel seat is provided at one end with an insertion portion, and at other end with a mounting portion for mounting a tape roll. The insertion portion is inserted into the joining hole of the seat body such that the tape reel seat is removably confined on the seat body.

Abstract: The gap adjusting device for nipping rollers is provided with one roller rotatably provided at a prescribed position and the other movable roller. The nipping rollers are adapted so that the other roller is capable of forcing a paper web passing between the two rollers onto the one roller. A nipping-roller gap adjusting device includes a pair of supporting arms, one end of each of the supporting arms being swingably supported and the other end thereof rotatably supporting the other roller. A pressing force imparting device gives to the support arms a force working in such a direction that causes the other roller to approach the one roller and which, at the same time, can adjust the magnitude of the force. A minimum gap setting device can set a minimum gap between the one roller and the other roller. A gap adjusting device adjusts the size of a gap between the one roller and the other roller. A fixed frame member rotatably supports the one roller. The gap adjusting device is mounted on the fixed frame.

Abstract: A method and device for simple and sure connection of a filament-shaped connecting body, comprising forwardly feeding a collecting body of a multiplicity of filament-shaped connecting bodies L comprising a filament part f, a head h and a joining part k into a join groove 6b and a head groove 6a, which are provided on a side of a body 2, from rearwardly of the body 2, receiving the head h into a head support part 4d of a head conveying arm 4, causing the head h to approach a tip end of a hollow needle 5 along a predetermined path from a position spaced from the hollow needle 5, simultaneously causing a rod 10 of a piston 9 to force the joining part k into the hollow needle 5 to fit the same into a latch hole b of the head h to connect the filament part f in a ring-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A pneumatic nail gun includes a passage defined through the end cap and the passage communicates with a space between the cylinder in the body of the gun and an inside of the body. The cylinder has an opening which communicates with the space so that when pulling the trigger to eject a nail and then releasing the trigger, the pressurized air is supplied via the passage in the end cap and pushes the piston back to its ready-to-fire position more quickly than the conventional nail gun. The space may also be made in a form of an interior pipe so that the area of the piston can be as big as the inner diameter of the hollow body of the nail gun.

Abstract: A stapler attachment for use with an electromechanical device driver comprises a staple holding member which is spring mounted to a staple closing member, which is, in turn, mounted to a threaded driver element concentrically mounted about a threaded shaft such that staple closing member and the staple holding member can be advanced and retracted along a track within a housing. A staple is advanced by the rotation of the threaded shaft until the staple holding member is stopped against an opening lip formed in an opening at the distal staple discharging end of the housing. At this position, the prongs of the staple have been advanced out of the distal staple discharging end and into the tissue to be joined. The staple closing member continues to advance as the spring between the staple holding member and the staple closing member compresses. This advancement permits the staple closing member to deform the staple into a closed D-shape conformation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wire bonding apparatus which has a structure as simple and as light as possible, which substantially reduces the inertia in a Z-direction rotating portion swinging at a high speed in the Z-direction, and which can realize a stable high-speed swinging of the Z-direction rotating portion while restraining vibration. A wire bonding apparatus (21) is arranged on a base capable of moving in X- and Y-directions by an XY stage, and is equipped with a wire clamp (22) rotatable in the Z-direction perpendicular to the X- and Y-directions. A driving portion (15) imparts a wire gripping force to the wire clamp. An elastic sack-like member (14) is arranged on the wire clamp and adapted to change its shape by a fluid introduced by the driving portion (15) through a tube (23), to thereby generate a wire gripping force.

Abstract: An array of solder balls is formed on a first substrate for interconnecting with conductive sites on another substrate. A ball pickup tool picks up balls with a vacuum suction from a fluidized ball reservoir and utilizes a puff of gas to release the solder ball(s) carried thereon to conductive sites of a substrate for bonding thereto. In another embodiment, the bond pads of a substrate are coated with a flux or adhesive and lowered into a fluidized ball reservoir for direct attachment of solder balls.

Abstract: A device (14) for implementing a method for setting on a substrate (2) interconnecting balls or preforms (1) comprising the following phases: storing in bulk the preforms (1); seizing in ordered position the preforms (1) with an adapted gripping device (9); setting the preforms (1) on the substrate (2) with the gripping device (9). Said device (14) is charaterized in that it consists of at least a matrix for storing the preforms, said matrix comprising a floor capable of acting as stop for the preforms when the matrix is being filled thereby enabling the implementation of a method whereby the passage from bulk storage to ordered storage is performed in masked time. The device is useful for incorporating or replacing balls in substrates of electronic components.

Abstract: In order to simplify the soldering process in the production of a vacuum-tight soldered joint between a ceramic component and a copper component, a layer of silver is first applied galvanically to the copper component to form the soldering material together with the underlying surface layer of the copper component. During the heat treatment required for soldering metal components can also be soldered in the same manner to the copper component, e.g. the bellows or the screen of a vacuum switching tube.

Abstract: An improved soldering system which reduces the numbers of steps for paste supply and soldering in soldering lead provided parts and surface mounting parts onto a printed circuit board. A printed circuit board has through holes through which a lead of each lead provided part is to be inserted and lands for surface mounting parts. A printing mask is matched with the through holes and lands and a paste receiving plate having holes to which solder paste is to be supplied corresponding to each of the through holes is disposed. A printing roller is swept by forcibly rotating it so as to fill with solder paste, then a printing squeegee is swept following that printing roller so as to further fill with solder paste.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solder ball pitcher supplying a large number of solder balls stored in a solder ball housing chamber in a row into a solder ball supply passage unit through a taper portion, and then delivers the solder balls in sequence through a solder ball supply opening at the tip end of the solder ball supply passage unit by a swing motion of the release link in case of allowing a release lever reciprocated by a pusher and a compressive coil spring to translate by a parallel link composed of the release link and a follower link.

Abstract: A box blank for a pizza carton or other food carton that comprises one or more of the following features: (1) a structure that enables multiple blanks to be mated end-to-end for a material savings, (2) a rigidizing fold line structure for connecting a flap to a wall panel in a way that minimizes flap movement during box blank manuf acture, and (3) a frictionizing slot-forming slit that creates a tight-gripping cover flap receiving slot in the erected carton.

Abstract: Tablets and other relatively fragile consumer products can be transported in a carton with little or no compromise to their integrity by providing bottom flaps of the carton with slits for cushioning the carton. Preferably, at least two adjacent flaps include the slits. Instead of slits, perforated lines or non-linear lines can be used. However, in a preferred embodiment, the carton is a corrugated carton and the slits run parallel to the lines of corrugation. More preferably, the corrugation includes troughs and the slits are imposed in the fiberboard parallel to and opposite the troughs of the corrugations.

Abstract: A transaction slip organizer system comprises a rectilinear box with an open top. A plurality of plates is located in the box. A pair of end plates comprises a rear plate having a rear face secured to the forward face of the rear wall and a front plate having a front face secured to the rearward face of the front wall. A plurality of intermediate plates is provided. The intermediate plates are located parallel with and spaced from the front and rear plates. Also provided is a plurality of dividers. Each divider has a lower edge positionable on the bottom wall of the box and an upper edge adjacent to the top of the box. Each divider has at least one lateral edge. One of the end plates defines a plurality of small chambers between adjacent dividers.

Abstract: A theft-preventative mailbox for holding various sizes of mail correspondence and mail parcels. The mailbox includes an elongate and internally hollowed body and an upwardly and forwardly angled mail inserting end including; a mail correspondence insertion slot at a generally upper end location of the elongated body. The body further includes a mail storage compartment, and the body is further fixedly anchored at a ground location so that at least a portion of the mail storage compartment extends below a surface of the ground location. An access door is defined within the mail box and permits the depositing of mail parcels into the storage compartment. A mail retrieval mechanisms permits retrieval of the mail correspondence and mail parcels deposited within the storage compartment. The mail retrieval mechanism includes the upwardly and forwardly angled mail inserting end being hingedly secured to the generally upper end location of the elongated body.

Abstract: An information entry and reporting system and method for tracking data associated with retail transactions at the point of sale. Transaction data is converted into a machine readable dataform pattern and printed onto a sales receipt provided to the purchaser. Subsequently, the purchaser uses a suitably configured scanning device to read the dataform pattern into his or her computer. Software algorithms decode the scanned dataform pattern, extract the transaction data and store it for subsequent analysis and reporting. The system includes a computer, software adapted to retrieve selected data, assemble the retrieved data in a format suitable for encoding and encode the data in a dataform pattern, a printer to print the encoded transaction data, a scanning device to capture the encoded data, software to decode the transaction data and software to display the data in human readable form.

Abstract: A photographic image printer, method of printing, and a software program for printing digital images which analyzes pending orders, determines the image printing sequence, and allocates print media intelligently to enable high printing productivity and low media waste. An apparatus made in accordance with the present invention permits can also provide In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided non-chemistry printing device which requires little floor space.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine (ATM) (10) has a media entry slot (14a or 18a or 22a or 24a) through which media, such as a customer identifying card (28), currency, a receipt, or an envelope can be either received from an ATM customer or dispensed to the ATM customer. A light panel (56) is adjacent the media entry slot and carries a decal (56) overriding an energizeable electroluminescent light panel (62). The decal includes (i) a semi-translucent background portion (57) which is illuminated when the light panel is illuminated, and (ii) a clear textual and/or graphical information portion (58, 59) which is illuminated with greater brightness than the background portion when the light panel is illuminated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the electronic distribution of business card information. There is provided a method and apparatus for distributing smart card information comprising the steps of: acquiring electronic information from a first smart card; acquiring an electronic address from a second smart card; and sending the information from the first smart card to the electronic address of the second card. This allows electronic information from one smart card to be sent to an e-mail location contained on another smart card without the e-mail location of the second smart card being manually entered by the card carrier.

Abstract: A property security system and method therefor assigns a property code uniquely associated with each property owning member. The property marker code includes a two letter abbreviation for the state of residence of the property owner and a numerical code identifying the county in a given state in which the member, or property owner, resides or is located. This aspect of the invention is based on the numerical ordering of all counties in each of the fifty states. The last portion of the alphanumeric property marker code is a number representing the order of membership in the property security system of the property owner registering his or her personal property. The property marking code may also include a number or letter code representing the client's country of residence or location.

Abstract: A product locator system to permit a user of a first computer to received data stored in a second computer. The data stored in the second computer relates to the location of products and in addition may provide information such as pricing, coupons, special offers and other information the consumer utilizing the first computer. The data transmitted from second computer to first computer is obtainable by the consumer for use in locating various products and product pricing.

Abstract: A system for reading and writing indicia on a medium including a light source for producing a light beam; a reading element for directing the light beam at the medium so as to scan indicia disposed on a first portion of said medium, detecting at least a portion of the light of variable intensity reflected off the indicia, and generating an electrical signal indicative of the detected light intensity; and a writing element for directing the light beam at the medium in a pattern on a second portion of the medium so as record information on the medium. The light beam is preferably a laser beam generated by a semiconductor laser, and a mirror is used to scan the beam both for reading and writing.

Abstract: An automatic compliance testing system for desktop designed consumer packaging. The automatic compliance testing system comprises an Encapsulated PostScript™ barcode file which includes an executable self-checking module which tests the barcode file for specification violations to the UPC barcode definition. The results of the self-checking operation are communicated to a checklist module. The checklist module is an executable module which generates a checklist that displays the test results. The checklist may be placed at any location, scaled, mirrored or rotated within the design document but in most cases adjacent to or outside the boundaries of the consumer packaging being designed.

Abstract: An electronic card and the shell for the electronic card. The shell includes a pair of mateable, hermaphroditic shield assemblies, include having a shield with latch structure to engage corresponding latch structure on the other shield; and a bar extending along an edge of the shield. The shell could also include a pair of mateable, conductive shield assemblies arranged so that the shell essentially encloses the printed circuit board for shielding. The electronic card assembly rotates to an angle of less than approximately 12° during a torque test applying a torque of greater than approximately 1.2 N-m; deflects less than approximately 3.5 mm during a PCMCIA bend test applying a force of approximately 20N; and displaces less than approximately 1.5 mm during a fingernail test applying a force of more than approximately 100N. Such test performance is achieved even without a printed circuit board in the electronic card assembly.

Abstract: A device for a contactless transmission of data includes a data transceiver with an antenna. The impedance of the antenna of the data transceiver is purposely mismatched. A reactance is introduced into the antenna in order to tune the antenna to a frequency different from its resonant frequency. In the event that the antenna impedance has to be adapted to the characteristic impedance of a line of unknown length, the loss resistance of the antenna is deliberately increased. The power required to produce a magnetic alternating field with the data transceiver for operating at least one portable data carrier is reduced.

Abstract: A guarding system of a credit card against unauthorized use includes one or more sets of letter-and-number series composed of letters and numbers stored in a credit card, and the same letter-and-number series as those of the credit card are set up in the data archives of the computer of a credit card issuing bank. The computer of the credit card issuing bank checks whether or not the letter-and-number series of the credit card coincide with those in its archives and deciding whether to allow the trading finished or not. Besides, the computer of the credit card issuing bank can automatically renew the letter-and-number series of the credit card every time after it is finished in trading. Then, these renewed data are checked and stored in the credit card and in the archives of the computer, surely preventing the credit card from copied and used by illegally and fraudulently.

Abstract: A security label including a label liner having a first adhesive layer and a piggy-back label removably secured to the liner by a second adhesive layer. An associated package having the security label placed thereon, as well as associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes an automated method for creating impressions of machine-readable encoded symbology using thermojet type solid object printing technology. This is accomplished by electronically transmitting a software file containing a part identification symbol representation in Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD) software format to a ThermoJet™ type solid object printer where tiny droplets of a wax like material are deposited in successive layers to form a three-dimensional pattern insert containing representations of the encoded symbology for combination with a pattern replica of a part to be encoded by said symbology. A casting mold is thereafter formed from the combined pattern and a casting is made from the mold to result in a machine readable 2D Data Matrix type encoded, directly marked, part.

Abstract: Timing marks are printed at the left and right of a data mark of a two-dimensional dot code. Whether or not the data mark exists is determined based on the position on the line connecting the centers of the timing marks at both ends at the left and right of the data mark.