Patents Issued in March 20, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030052135
    Abstract: The oral medication delivery device provides patient access to medications prescribed to be available on an as-needed basis, but with a minimum time intervals between doses. The required time interval between drug accessibility is programmed into the device when the medication tray carrying the multiple doses is loaded into the device. The device allows access to a single dose of the medication after each minimum time interval has elapsed. When the drug dose is removed from the device, the medication tray locks until the next minimum time interval has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: N. Sharon Conley
  • Publication number: 20030052136
    Abstract: A hygiene device includes two cleansing arrangements for carrying two different kinds of cleansing solutions. Each of the cleansing arrangements includes a container body having a liquid reservoir for receiving the corresponding cleansing solution therein and an opening for communicating the liquid reservoir with outside, a pumping unit, having a dispensing nozzle, detachably attached to the container body to sealedly cover the opening and arranged to pump the cleansing solution from the liquid reservoir towards the dispensing nozzle, and a first hands-free actuating unit arranged to actuate the pumping unit for dispensing a predetermined amount of the corresponding cleansing solution on a wiping medium via the dispensing nozzle. Therefore, the user is able to dispense the cleansing solution from the cleansing arrangement to moisture the wiping medium without hand contacting operation, so as to prevent the cleansing solution from being polluted by the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: August M. H. Weng
  • Publication number: 20030052137
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing a product from a container (12) includes: a product chamber within the container (12); a valve (14) adjacent to the product chamber; a hinge assembly secured to the opening of the container and to which is connected a nozzle assembly (20); and a lever (18) attached by means of the hinge assembly. The nozzle assembly (20) is rotatable between open and closed positions and includes an actuator portion provided with a cam surface (96, 98) which co-operates with a bearing portion (100) on the lever (18) such that, when the nozzle assembly (20) is in the open position, operation of the lever (18) causes movement of the actuator portion to open the valve (14) and permit flow of the product out of the container (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Rocep Lusol Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Bernard Derek Frutin
  • Publication number: 20030052138
    Abstract: A rinse water additive dispenser having an upper housing having a opening and a lower housing releasably connected to the upper housing, the lower housing walls defining an internal chamber for containing a rinse water laundry additive. The dispenser further comprises a valve assembly having a valve for sealing the opening in the upper housing, the valve movable between closed and open positions and being biased towards an open position. In addition, the dispenser includes a weight assembly having a counterweight that is actuated by centrifugal force, and which prior to actuation, prevents the valve from biasing to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Christopher Lawrence Smith
  • Publication number: 20030052139
    Abstract: A coffee carafe with a hidden handle support. The handle support is an annular band that extends around a rim of a glass jar for the coffee carafe. An annular collar fits over the annular band, hiding the handle support from view. The annular collar includes a pour spout and an annular flange that extends against an inside surface of the rim of the glass jar. A silicon adhesive or other suitable bonding agent is used to hold the annular collar in place. The use of the annular collar provides strong support for the handle. In addition, because the bonding agent that holds the annular flange in position against the glass jar does not have to support the handle, materials other than acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic may be used for the annular collar and the handle. For example, polypropylene may be used as the material for these two components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Laron Boyte, Donald R. Ivy, Mahmoud F. Ismail
  • Publication number: 20030052140
    Abstract: In the dispensing of a directional spray tube, a plastic holder is necessary to prevent loss of the spray tube. This invention is designed to attach the spray tube used with a typical aerosol can to a convenient easy-to-use holder directly affixed to the can. This device easily attaches to the can surface using the provided double sided tape, once there, it firmly holds the directional spray tube until required for use. When the spray tube is needed it is easily removed from spray tube holder by grasping the spray tube and snapping it out of the tube holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: John P. Mouyos
  • Publication number: 20030052141
    Abstract: A first belt conveyor (5) and a second belt conveyor (8) form a first transverse folding station (4) having a folding channel (16) formed between folding sides (14; 15) of the belt conveyors (5; 8). If a fault occurs in said folding channel by virtue of the fact that a piece of linen (39) bunches together into a coil and cannot be transported further, this is detected by means of a delivery sensor (38), the belt conveyors (5, 8) are stopped and the second belt conveyor (8) is pivoted outwards about a pivot axle (12) so that the width of the folding channel (16) at its upper end can be increased to at least 80 mm and the piece of linen can be readily removed. Arranged below the folding channel (16) is a third belt conveyor (23) having a folding section (29) which slopes sharply downwards for receiving a piece of linen and belongs to an upper support side (28) which can be pivoted upwards before a second fold carried out with reversal of the direction of movement of the third belt conveyor (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: JENSEN AG BURGDORF
    Inventors: Martin Rauch, Jorn Munch Jensen
  • Publication number: 20030052142
    Abstract: A coordinate loop garment hanger comprising a molded plastic hanger body having a hook receiving loop element depending from and molded integrally with the molded plastic body at a lower portion thereof. The hook receiving loop element includes a passageway for selectively receiving and suspending therefrom a hook of a second ganged garment hanger which is at least partially enclosed along its length by left, right, top and bottom surfaces. In one embodiment, the left, right, top and bottom surfaces define substantially parallel left and right sides and rounded and curved top and bottom surfaces. The passageway is also curved along its length, with the open ends thereof being slightly lower than the center thereof. Several different embodiments of the loop element are disclosed with different length and shape sides, bottoms and ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Olaf F. Olk, Stanley F. Gouldson
  • Publication number: 20030052143
    Abstract: A magnetic utility wristband for holding magnetically attractable metallic work items thereagainst for convenient access. The wristband includes an elongated flexible band sized in length to wrap around the wrist of a worker. End portions of the wristband include two-part releasably attachable hook and loop surfaces on corresponding overlapping inner and outer end portion surfaces whereby the band is releasably adjustably connectable only around the worker's wrist. A plurality of elongated magnetic bars are held along a central portion of the wristband in spaced substantially parallel relation one to another transversely to the length of the wristband and between the outer and inner flexible panels by a plurality of transverse spaced stitch lines connecting said outer and inner panels to form individual elongated pockets each of which hold and position one magnetic bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Rita M. Devine
  • Publication number: 20030052144
    Abstract: A body-worn harness for lifting and carrying cumbersome objects, wherein the lifting, carrying and movement of large and cumbersome objects is conducted with relative ease and efficiency. Said body-worn harness generally comprises shoulder straps, a waist strap and a harness in which the object to be carried is placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Vardi
  • Publication number: 20030052145
    Abstract: An article carrier adapted to hold cargo and other articles adjacent a liftgate of a vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle, a station wagon, or minivan. The vehicle article carrier includes a liftgate striker connectable to the liftgate of the vehicle and a bumper striker connectable to the bumper of the vehicle. A first link is pivotally connected to the roof support structure of the motor vehicle and a second link is pivotally coupled to the first link. A locking assembly is coupled to the second link and is operable in a closed position to couple the second link to the bumper striker. In an opened position, the locking assembly releases the bumper striker in response to contact from the liftgate striker to enable the quick and convenient raising of the liftgate without the need to first unlatch the article carrier from the bumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Aftanas, Gerard J. Kmita, Milton J. Antonick
  • Publication number: 20030052146
    Abstract: A container for holding hot french fries. The container is provided with support structure to securely support the container from an interior surface of an automobile at a location in easy reach for the driver. As contemplated, the container will be supported from the lowest louvre of the automobile air vent. An elongate strip is adhesively fastened to the rear surface of and extends above the container. The strip is provided with a top portion which can be moved or opened to form a hook for securing the strip (and container) to the louvre. The strip is sized so that the container will be suspended below the air vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Magnuson, Jerome Lueneburg
  • Publication number: 20030052147
    Abstract: Police officers have had many improvements in their equipment in recent years, except in one constant area. They often struggle with the removal of equipment from their utility belts and are unable to put the items into action quickly and easily. This invention relates generally to easy, quick access to the items held on a police officer's belt. This is especially common to non-lethal weapons and ammo clips, but not limited to these in any way. From this point on the term “officer” will refer to a police officer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jerry Hughes, George Davis
  • Publication number: 20030052148
    Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to accumulating limited lengths of such continuous webs and to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Both tension control and limited accumulations are achieved in festoon systems by connecting corresponding movably mounted festoon rolls to an actuator, sensing parameters such as position, tension, velocity, and acceleration related to the web and the festoon, and providing active force commands, in response to the sensed variables, to cause translational movement, generally including a target acceleration, in the movably mounted festoon rolls to control tension in the web while providing limited accumulation of a length of the web. The festoon control system can be used to attenuate tension disturbances, in the alternative to create controlled tension disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Robert Donald Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20030052149
    Abstract: A suitable tension is applied to a film-like printing body to be processed in a printing step or a parts mounting step. Further, the processed film-like printing body is automatically fed out by a predetermined stroke. In a state of a film-like printing body (9) being clamped by all the fixing clamps (19, 19, 29, 29), a tension clamp (12) in a rear side of a parts mounting apparatus (33) in a moving direction of the film-like printing body (9) is moved forward by a cylinder (17) while being kept open. Then, tension clamp (12) is pulled back by an operation of a tension coil spring (18) while the film-like printing body (9) being kept clamped. After mounting of the parts, the tension clamp (12) is opened. Next, the film-like printing body (9) is clamped by feeding clamps (20, 20), and at the same time, all of the fixing clamps (19, 19, 29, 29) are opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Takehiko Murakami
  • Publication number: 20030052150
    Abstract: A pinch roller apparatus which can stably move a tape in accordance with a sufficient self-aligning function is provided. A circular sliding plate brought into contact with both of an upper end surface and a lower end surface of a plain bearing is mounted to a pinch roller shaft so as to restrict an incline of the plain bearing. When setting a length of an axial gap between the circular sliding plate brought into contact with the upper end surface of the plain bearing and the plain bearing to A and a length of an outer diameter of the circular sliding plate to B, the structure is made such as to satisfy a relation 0.007≦A/B≦0.06. Further, when setting a clearance in a diametrical direction between the pinch roller shaft and the sliding surface of the plain bearing to X and an effective length of the sliding surface of the plain bearing to Y, it is preferable to structure so as to satisfy the relation X/Y≧0.052.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Toshihiro Okada
  • Publication number: 20030052151
    Abstract: A staple-former (11) in a stapler (1) in which staples (17) are driven by a driver blade (10) into a workpiece (16), preferably a sheaf of paper, wherein the stapler contains a staple magazine (7) in which are stored longitudinally extended filiform staple blanks (8). The staple blanks are advanced by a feed device (6) contained in the stapler onto an integral bending die (15), which bending die has an upper support surface (21) over which the staple blanks are bent by the staple-former into staple shape; a shape that exhibits a first and a second leg (18, 19) with an intermediate crown portion (20). The staple-former includes a first leg-bending part (24) and a second leg-bending part (26) with an intermediate crown-forming part (28) that exhibits a stamping surface (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Isaberg Rapid AB
    Inventors: Olle Straat, Marcus Borjesson
  • Publication number: 20030052152
    Abstract: A nailing machine comprises a machine body including a driving unit for driving a nail, a handle having an inner hollow portion formed as an accumulation chamber, the handle having one end mounted to the driving unit and another end to which a compressed air inlet port is formed, a filter disposed inside the accumulation chamber of the handle, and a nose portion mounted to the driving unit through which the nail is driven. The compressed air inlet port has an opening area smaller than a cross sectional area of an inner periphery of the handle, and the filter element is disposed in close contact to the compressed air inlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Hamada
  • Publication number: 20030052153
    Abstract: An arrangement for feeding soldering material into a space between a bolt and rock includes a sleeve-like nozzle which can be pushed tightly against a feed chamber on the rock bolt so that a feed hole in the feed chamber is connected to the inner space of the nozzle. The arrangement further includes a device for placing the nozzle around the feed chamber so that soldering material can be fed from the inner space of the nozzle into the drill hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Vesa Peltonen, Aulis Kataja, Kimmo Ulvelin
  • Publication number: 20030052154
    Abstract: A method of joining a ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle to a metal manifold is provided, wherein a silicon nitride insert is disposed inside the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle and the metal manifold to provide a joint therebetween. The silicon nitride insert is preferably co-processed with the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle such that the ceramic matrix provides a bond between the rocket nozzle and the insert. The metal manifold is then secured to the silicon nitride insert, preferably using brazing, to form a joint assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: David B. Marshall, Min Z. Berbon, John R. Porter
  • Publication number: 20030052155
    Abstract: A universal attach manufacturing process employs a boat onto which solder balls or columns are loaded. A universal attach line has a number of attach station to accommodate different types of attach processes. Depending on the process and the desired configuration and form factor of the array of solder balls or columns, a template is selected that covers some of the holes in the universal boat, and exposes other holes. The solder balls or columns are held securely in the exposed holes, and a substrate is placed onto the solder balls. Once loaded with balls or columns, the universal boat is transported to only the appropriate attach stations in the universal attach line, where the different attach operations for a given attach process, such as high temperature ball attach, eutectic ball attach, or column attach, are performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Raj N. Master, Cheon-Seng Chan, Ooi-Tong Ong
  • Publication number: 20030052156
    Abstract: A solder structure comprising a radially-curved exterior surface enclosing a predetermined-sized cavity used for flexibly joining together at predetermined conductive contact points two planar elements having dissimilar properties. By assembling the two planar elements in a tiered arrangement, one planar element having an annular conductive pad and the other planar element having either a corresponding annular or circular conductive pad, separated by a spherical solder compound comprised of solder and a fluxing agent, a hollow solder structure can be created during a melting and subsequent cooling of the solder compound. The plasticity/resiliency characteristics of the resulting hollow solder structure absorbs lateral movement of the two planar elements relative to each other without degradation of the solder joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Sang-Young Kim, Ho-Jeong Moon, Dong-Kil Shin, Seung-Kon Mok
  • Publication number: 20030052157
    Abstract: The inventive method provides solderable areas in addition to bondable areas on circuit carriers, wherein solderability is not impaired by exposing the circuit carriers to the effects of temperature. The inventive method comprises the following steps: solderable surfaces are produced by deposition of a solderable metal layer (5), the solder areas are covered by a mask (6), functional surfaces (7, 8) are created in the functional areas and the covering mask (6) is finally removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Christian Wunderlich, Petra Backus, Hartmut Mahlkow
  • Publication number: 20030052158
    Abstract: A collapsible box that provides access through both its top and front side. When set up, said box comprises a (i) horizontal upper section and (ii) horizontal lower section, said sections attached to each other via a pair of opposed vertical sidewalls. When said upper section is gripped by hand and lifted upwardly, said upper section will separate from said lower section and the box will open. Each of said sidewalls comprises a set of upper and lower panels, said panels attached to each other via a hinge that extends horizontally across the approximate center of said sidewall. The top of each sidewall is attached to one end of said upper section via a horizontal hinge; the bottom of each sidewall is attached to one end of said lower section via a horizontal hinge. Said lower section comprises the floor of said box. Said upper section comprises the top lid and two panels that rest horizontally underneath said top lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Spindel, Nadine Cino
  • Publication number: 20030052159
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for reading from and writing to a multi-memory card, such as a bankcard, credit card, or smart card. The apparatus of the system includes reading devices, writing devices, and controllers for reading from and writing to the magnetic, optical, and electronic memory portions of a multi-memory card. The method of the present invention includes a method for controlling the reading from and writing to such cards via software applications that integrate control of a magnetic read/write component, an optical read/write component, an electronic read/write component and their respective transport mechanisms. The software applications integrate the multiple read/write components to allow such functions as for example bank and medical transactions to be performed utilizing a single multi-memory card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: JOSEPH C. KAWAN
  • Publication number: 20030052160
    Abstract: Automated Teller Machines are ideal electronic voting machines. They are secure, easy to operate, accessible, well maintained, and inexpensive to use. During elections, a pre-certified voter's identification card would activate the ATM in the same way as a bank or credit card, calling up an electronic ballot, on the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Marvin Joseph Glover
  • Publication number: 20030052161
    Abstract: A first request is transmitted to activate a set of tags in a first state. A first set of data symbols is received. In response to receiving the first set of data symbols, a first acknowledgement symbol transmitted. An acknowledgement symbol is transmitted in response to each subsequent set of data symbols received. A second request is transmitted to activate a second set of tags in a second state when a set of data symbols is not received within a predetermined time, wherein the first state is different from the second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick L. Rakers, Timothy James Collins, Richard Stanley Rachwalski, Michael L. Bushman
  • Publication number: 20030052162
    Abstract: To resolve a problem of the cost of use of mobile payment terminals, it is planned that these payment terminals will be combined, that is, capable of getting connected both to a base station of a mobile telephony network and with a base station of a private telephony network. The transmission mode selection means provide for preference being given to transmission with the private telephony network because the price scale of these communications is lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Sarradin
  • Publication number: 20030052163
    Abstract: A credit card double authentication system 1 comprises an item checkout gate 2, an ID authentication check/item checkout unit 3, a personal computer 20 of an in-store card management section 4, an item ID assignment unit 5, a card management center 6 and a credit card company 7 which are connected via a communication line 8 so as to send and receive item information. An individual authenticating unit 11 having an identity authenticating function performs identity authentication based on a card ID 9 of a credit card CC being used by a user P when purchasing an item and based on a personal ID 10 of the user P, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the credit card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi Electronic Service Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Habara, Norikazu Yamagishi, Toshihito Ochi, Mutsuharu Takesada, Noriaki Shiomi, Hikaru Numoto, Yoshitaka Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20030052164
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional input device. The input device includes a functional mode which defines the mode of operation of the input device. Each functional mode includes one or more domain levels with each domain level containing one or more domain-level values. Each domain level-value within each functional mode is assigned to one of a plurality of programmable input keys. The domain-level value assigned to each programmable input key controls the function of that programmable input key within a given functionality and domain level. The present invention also includes a display to indicate the domain-level value associated with each of the programmable input keys within a given functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy B. Higginson
  • Publication number: 20030052165
    Abstract: A communications protocol is provided for use in a refueling environment connected to a remote facility. The remote facility is disposed apart from the fuel dispenser locations and is connected to a network such as the World Wide Web of the Internet. Regarding a customer at one of the fuel dispenser locations, a user identification such as credit card account information is sent to the remote facility. The remote facility then establishes an access connection with a network node such as a server, on behalf of the customer. The network communications follow a client-server session format and are correlated to the user ID. The remote facility sends a cookie element to the server that was previously set by the server during an initial Web site visit. The cookie contains state information such as a unique identification number generated by the server. The remote facility associates the unique identification number with the relevant user ID.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Dave Dodson
  • Publication number: 20030052166
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for more efficient checkout are described. A triangular carousel having a relatively small footprint is employed proximate a bar code scanner and point of sale (POS) terminal so that a checker can efficiently load scanned items into bags, and a customer on the other side of the checkout counter and proximate the bar code scanner can also efficiently load filled bags into his or her shopping cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Dung Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20030052167
    Abstract: A Universal Ticket Transport (UTT) 10, 150 may be configured to read from and write to many types of magnetically encoded tickets 20 currently used in fare collection systems. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical insertion interface and automated movement along a transport path 18 for tickets 20 of varying thicknesses that are presented at a range of different angles 40, 42 into and exiting from the UTT 10, 150. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical assembly 156, 158 which may be rotated, and the belts 22, 24, 152, 154 and rollers 30, 32, 34, 36 reconfigured, to accommodate tickets 20 having top-face or bottom face magnetic stripes. The belt subassemblies A, C and the magnetic head subassembly B are configurable across a width W of the UTT 10, 150 to process tickets 20 having magnetic stripes which are offset from a center line 86.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Graham H. Hilton, Paula Miller, Thomas Busch-Sorensen, Richard A. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20030052168
    Abstract: A novel “bridge” device and accompanying methodology which link the world of the smart cards to that of the magnetic finance cards is described. This “bridge” device is called the “Magnetic Stripe Bridge” or MSB. The main function of the MSB is to interface an ordinary or “naked” smart card with just the smart chip embedded in it to a magnetic card reader for credit transaction without altering the existing card processing infrastructure. As such any smart card is effectively transformed via the use of the MSB into an ordinary magnetic finance card and admissible for use by any conventional magnetic card reader. Through the MSB and the accompanying methodology, the secure smart cards can now be deployed everywhere, both on and off the Internet, thus significantly reducing the current rampant magnetic finance card frauds and identity thefts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Publication number: 20030052169
    Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based camera system for producing high-resolution 3-D images of moving 3-D objects having arbitrary surface geometry. The PLIIM-based camera system comprises a system housing of unitary construction, a LADAR-based object profiling subsystem, a PLIIM-based linear imaging subsystem, and an image processing subsystem disposed therein. The system housing has first, second, third and fourth light transmission apertures linearly aligned with and optically isolated from each other, and the third light transmission aperture is disposed between the first and second light transmission aperture. The LADAR-based object profiling subsystem projects an amplitude modulated (AM) laser beam through the fourth light transmission aperture, and scans the laser beam across an 3-D object surface of arbitrary surface geometry moving past the fourth light transmission aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Pirooz Vatan
  • Publication number: 20030052170
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus, such as a bar code scanner, for reading 360 degrees of, e.g., tray commodities. A first scanning pattern is emitted almost in the horizontal direction to an installation surface of the apparatus, and a second scanning pattern is emitted from an upper portion to a lower portion of the apparatus, toward the installation surface, via a window provided vertical to the installation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Masanori Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20030052171
    Abstract: This invention teaches a system and method for printing bar codes where the bar code logic is encapsulated in a modularized barcode encoder in a host computer, independent from either an associated printer or an associated application program. This novel modularization allows sophisticated and flexible barcode printing from a wide range of applications programs and a wide range of printers where neither the printer nor the application program necessarily has barcode logic. Barcode logic can thus be produced, packaged, and maintained by barcode specialists without requiring changes to either the associated printers or application programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Joel Gyllenskog
  • Publication number: 20030052172
    Abstract: A laser scanning system including a multi-path scan data signal processor having multiple signal processing paths. Each signal processing path processes the same data signal (which is derived from the output of a photodetector) to detect bar code symbols therein and generate data representing the bar code symbols. And each signal processing path has different operational characteristics (such as low-pass filter cutoff frequencies, amplifier gain characteristics, and/or positive and negative signal thresholds). The varying operational characteristics of the signal processing paths are optimized to provide different signal processing functions (e.g., minimize paper noise, or maximize the scan resolution of the system). The data signal derived from laser scanning is supplied to each path of the multi-path scan data processor, where it is processed (preferably in parallel) to identify signal level transitions therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucera, Joseph Ralph
  • Publication number: 20030052173
    Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to the bottom-scanning window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Good
  • Publication number: 20030052174
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laser module that can maintain weldability of a lens holder and improve machinability, and it protects a burr from being induced, and thereby improves optical accuracy, improves a reading accuracy of a bar code, improves mass productivity and reduces a manufacturing cost. In a laser module for a bar code reader, which has a packaged structure including a light emitting element and a light projection lens, for collecting a beam emitted from the light emitting element through the light projection lens and irradiating to an irradiation target, it includes: a cylindrical housing, in which the light emitting element is engaged with one end side; and a cylindrical lens holder, which is engaged with the other end side of the housing, for holding therein the light projection lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuo Shibuya, Kenji Takase, Tsuguaki Shibata, Shigeru Shinzawa, Tamiaki Matsuura, Hidekuni Aizawa, Keigo Suzuki, Hideo Ohata
  • Publication number: 20030052175
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael D. Schnee, Ka Man Au, Allan Wirth, Timothy A. Good, Andrew Jankevics, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, William Svedas, Shawn Defoney, Edward Skypala, Pirooz Vatan, Russell Joseph Dobbs, George Kolis, Mark C. Schmidt, Jeffery Yorsz, Patrick A. Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, David W. Wilz, Barry E. Schwartz, Steven Y. Kim, Dale Fisher, Jon Van Tassell
  • Publication number: 20030052176
    Abstract: An IC chip is provided with a wireless unit for inputting and outputting data by wireless communication, in addition to a logic section, so that the IC chip no longer needs I/O pads, leaving only power supply and ground pads. IC chips can input and output data with one another by wireless communications, which makes it possible to significantly improve the spacing relationships of various chips on a singular or even plurality of substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Tohru Nozawa, Yoshiharu Kato
  • Publication number: 20030052177
    Abstract: A smart card including an antenna (18) on a support made of paper type fibrous material (12), two card bodies on each side of the support each consisting of at least one layer of plastic material having a low flow temperature, and an electronic module (26) featuring a chip connected to the antenna, the assembly made up of the antenna support and the two card bodies being welded together by hot-lamination under pressure. The support made of fibrous material includes at least one opening (14, 16) such that the plastic layers (23, 25) of the card body come into near perfect contact during the lamination operation, the opening forming a weld between the card bodies thus reinforcing the connection of the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Christophe Halope
  • Publication number: 20030052178
    Abstract: A method for producing a composite image that includes a first and second image. The second image embeds information in the first image in a manner that the second image will change in appearance when the first and second images are scanned or photocopied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Incorporated
    Inventors: Claude Zeller, Robert A. Cordery, Donald G. Mackay, William A. Brosseau
  • Publication number: 20030052179
    Abstract: A machine readable symbol includes a rectilinear data field having a plurality of data cells arranged into a matrix. Each data cell is assigned a data pattern value or a finder pattern value. Preferably, at least some of the data cells, or even all of the data cells, include at least one data pattern value and a finder pattern value which are overlapping. A color corresponding to the data pattern value, finder pattern value, or overlapping data pattern value and finder pattern value is assigned to each data cell. A finder pattern is discernable when the symbol is placed under a first color filter or exposed to a first color. A data pattern is discernable when the symbol is placed under a second color filter, or exposed to a second color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Pinson
  • Publication number: 20030052180
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for establishing an actuator address in a system (20) having plural actuators (50-54). A look-up table (122) stores all desired addresses corresponding to the plural actuators. An actuator of the plural actuators is actuated (310, 318) and at least one operating parameter (316, 324, 326) is determined. An address from the stored desired addresses is selected (328) from the look-up table of all addresses of the mounted actuator in response to the at least one operating parameter (316, 324, 326).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Scott G. Huhn, Keith C. Holmquist
  • Publication number: 20030052181
    Abstract: A hot water heat exchanger system for a forced air furnace includes a radiator having a water inlet and a water outlet. A first water conduit is mounted in fluid communication between the water inlet and a hot water outfeed line of a hot water tank. A water pump is mounted on the first water conduit for urging hot water from the tank into the radiator. A second water conduit is mounted in fluid communication between the water outlet and a cold water infeed line into the tank. The radiator is mounted into a plenum of the furnace so that air forced from the furnace into outflow ducting of the furnace by operation of a furnace fan in the furnace flows through the radiator, wherein the fan is actuated by a temperature sensor in the furnace. The pump is thermostatically controlled by a first thermostatic sensor. A furnace heater of the furnace is thermostatically controlled by a second thermostatic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred Neil Bolster
  • Publication number: 20030052182
    Abstract: A rail track structure for securing railway rails on a ballast track or a solid track includes a standard sleeper used on the ballast track; consisting of a plurality of gabions holding ballast and a resiliently compressible pad placed below the sleeper typically below the rail seat between the sleeper and the gabions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Bojji Rajaram
  • Publication number: 20030052183
    Abstract: An underground watering system including a reservoir having a water inlet and a water outlet, a float control connected to the water inlet for maintaining a water level in the reservoir, a fertilizer container supported on the reservoir having an opening therein communicating with reservoir by which fertilizer may be added to water within the reservoir, and at least one water soaking hose connected to the reservoir water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Lloyd O. Capps
  • Publication number: 20030052184
    Abstract: A valve for regulating fluids includes a piezo actor (2), a converter (3) for converter the stroke of the piezo actor, an inwardly opening control valve (11), which is disposed in a valve chamber (12) and on a first valve seat (14), closes a connection to a low-pressure line (18). A nozzle needle (20) is disposed in the control chamber (21). The control chamber (21) is connected with a high-pressure line (19) via a first supply throttle (22) and with the valve chamber (12) by means of a throttle (23), whereby the valve chamber (12) is connected with the high-pressure line via a second supply throttle (24), in order to make possible a fast closing of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Friedrich Boecking