Abstract: A container (11) for a liquid containing bag. The container is capable of adjusting the flow rate of a liquid (41) to be poured out. The container includes a container body (12) having an opening (24), and a cap (13) for selectively closing the opening. The container body is closed by a pair of lids (17). The upper end portion of the bag (42) is supported between mating faces (25) of the lids. The cap has fasteners (37) for clamping the upper end portion of the bag. When the cap is slid along grooves (26) formed in the lids, the fasteners close a pourer (43) of the bag.

Abstract: A container (10) having a plurality of panels (12-18) joined together to form a sleeve (64). The panels (12-18) each have an end edge that cooperate to define an imaginary plane (P) at one end of the sleeve (64). The container (10) further has an end panel (20,22) connected to the panels (12-18) at the one end of the sleeve (64). The end panel (20,22) has at least one portion extending beyond the imaginary plane (P). The supporting box (100) is provided to support the container (10). A hanger system (150) is provided and is attached to the box (100). The hanger system (150) supports an upper portion of the container (10) within the box (100). The container (10) is also provided with a port closure (300) that provides both a sterile and gas permeable barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spout assembly for thin-film containers having an upper side end, a lower side end, a right side end, a left side end and a rounded corner side end comprising a fixing support fixed to the rounded corner side end, a spout portion extended from the fixing support to the outside of the container, a cap coupled with the spout portion, and a fluid guide member extended from the fixing suport to the lower side end of the container.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser capable of dispensing individual quantity controlled amounts of toothpaste in a sanitary manner without the possibility of cross contamination. The dispenser includes an elongated strip having a plurality of one time use sachets formed integrally therewith, each sachet containing a measured quantity of toothpaste therein suitable for a single use. The strip is provided with weakened portions so that individually numbered sachets may detached from the strip. The individual sachets may be opened after they are detached from the strip and the contents may be squeezed out. In addition, the sachets may be color coded which is useful when the usage of more than one child is being monitored. A parent may monitor the usage of the individual sachets by reviewing the number, and if more than one child is in the family, the color of the emptied sachet.

Abstract: A bottle assembly for a battery powered dispenser includes a container for storing a dispensable fluid, a pump fixed to the container for releasing metered amounts of fluid from the container in response to a battery operated actuator disposed in the dispenser. A battery carrier, fixed to the container, provides power to the actuator. A base is provided for supporting the container and the battery carrier and enabling collapse of the container without interference with the battery carrier. A size and number of batteries are calibrated to provide an adequate power supply for the dispenser to dispense all of the fluids stored in the container.

Abstract: Hot runner—injector nozzle assembly (1) for plastic material injection molds, wherein the hot runner body has a supply duct (4) of the plastic material to be injected ending in correspondence of a closure plane against which the tubular body (3) of the injector nozzle is arranged in a sealed contact fashion. The closure plane is defined by the base (10) of a substantially hemispherical annular rotula member (8) through which the hot runner body (2) and the injector nozzle body (3) are mutually coupled in an angularly orientable fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation and application device for materials which are to be prepared as a paste-like, flowable mass from at least one powder or granulate component and one liquid component, especially bone cement, with an elongated mixing cylinder for receiving the components to be mixed, comprising in one end region a sealable through-opening that can optionally be provided with a discharge unit for the paste-like material to be prepared, and a piston which can be inserted into the other, opposite, open end. The piston is displaceable in the cylinder and seals against the inner wall of the cylinder. The piston is penetrated by an elongated mixing shaft sealed against the piston, and a mixing mechanism is disposed at the cylinder inside-end of the mixing shaft and a handle disposed at the cylinder outside-end of the mixing shaft.

Abstract: A touch free dispenser includes a sealed collapsible bottle assembly for containing a dispensable fluid, the assembly including a collapsible container with a depending coupler, a fluid pump disposed within the coupler and a dispensing tip, in fluid communication with the pump and container, for both activating the pump and dispensing the fluid. A support frame is provided for removably receiving the bottle assembly with the container supported on a topside of the frame, the frame having an opening therethrough for enabling the tip to dispense fluid therethrough. A pump actuator, disposed on a bottom side of the frame is provided for engaging the tip in order to actuate the pump. A driver assembly, disposed on the frame bottom side operates the pump actuator in response to the electronic signal, and a controller senses a presence of a user's hand proximate the dispensing tip and provides the electronic signal to the driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for re-circulating high viscosity liquids. The apparatus comprises a recirculating probe coupled to a fluid storage and dispensing vessel by a connector, and the recirculating probe comprises: (a) a dip tube defining an output flow path; (b) an output port; (c) a recirculating port; and (d) a return flow path. The output flow path and the return flow path preferably have substantially equal cross-sectional areas, which reduce or eliminate the unbalance between the discharge pressure in the output line and that in the re-circulation line, and prevent premature wearing-out of the dispensing/recirculating pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid delivery pump (1) connected to the neck of a container comprising: a cylindrical hollow body (2) defining a suction and compression chamber (5) communicating with outside through a liquid distribution channel (7); a manually actuated piston (8) slidingly coupled to said hollow body (2); elastic means (12) cooperating with a push button (83) connected to said piston; first valve means (13) adapted to connect said suction chamber (5) with a liquid suction tube (6); second valve means (14) adapted to connect said suction and compression chamber (5) with said distribution channel (7) during the delivery phase. Said distribution channel (7) has a first stationary part (71) made in the plug (23) and a second swinging part (30) consisting of a tube (13) having at the end facing the first stationary part (71) a substantially spherical body (32) whose outer surface closes the first stationary part when said second part is substantially perpendicular to the first part.

Abstract: A pressure control device for maintaining a constant predetermined pressure in a container which is arranged for dispensing a fluid contained in the container from the container at said pressure, the pressure control device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, as well as at least one closing member movable relative to the second chamber for releasing and closing a fluid connection between the first chamber and the container depending on the position of the closing member relative to the second chamber. The first chamber is filled with a gas which, in use, has a higher pressure than the pressure in the container. The second chamber is located outside the first chamber.

Abstract: The Water Segregation System is a modular unit consisting of an Inlet Chamber, one or more additional Storage Chamber(s) and an Outlet Chamber.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing system includes a metal cylindrical can having a plurality of wide and narrow recesses in an upper undulating portion and a smooth walled lower portion. A plastic spray dome snap-fits over the top of the metal can and includes a trigger actuator movable against a valve assembly for releasing concentrate and propellant maintained under pressure within the can. The annular recesses are ergonomically located to fit the thumb and fingers of the hand when the index finger is located on the actuator. The annular recesses are preferably recessed into the otherwise straight-walled can but can take a variety of other shapes.

Abstract: A hand-held pressurized product dispenser that includes a container with a hand-engageable body portion, a valve mechanism at the top of the container that is movable with respect to the container to cause pressurized discharge of the product, and a valve actuation lever that is connected to the valve mechanism and extends along the container body such that a larger displacement of the end of the lever causes a controlled, relatively smaller displacement of the valve mechanism, permitting adjustable “throttled” delivery of the product.

Abstract: A through-flow closure for a receptacle of flowable material, the closure comprising a body part having a charging aperture and a closure operating member for opening the closure device of a container. There is an annular gap between the edge of the aperture and the closure operating device. A stretchable annular sealing member attached to the body part. The sealing member seals the gap between the body part and the closure operating member when the receptacle and container are separated and forms a seal between the body part and the container when the receptacle and the container are moved together and prior to the closure operating member opening the closure device of the container.

Abstract: An improved sports hydration system uses a plurality of bladders and tube branches communicating through tube branch controlling valve to a single feed tube.

Abstract: An improved holster and mounting bracket assembly made adaptable for use by law enforcement personnel as well as other professionals whom are required to wear for sustained periods of time a handgun, particularly those of the full size service type. The holster generally comprises a handgun pouch having front and back walls substantially symmetrical and parallel to one another, with the walls being held together by a barrel pad and a trigger guard support, a pair of extending straps each being fitted with a snap fastening button to secure the handgun within the handgun pouch, and a push/pull loop integrally made part of the handgun pouch to permit adjustment of the holster without resorting to increased handling of components comprising the handgun.

Abstract: A holster includes a quick release withdrawal restraint and is constructed of an inner and outer sidewall joined together along a front and back to define an inner cavity with an open top shaped to fit a handgun. The quick restraint includes a mechanical blocking element located in the inner cavity to engage a portion of the handgun adjacent the ejection port to inhibit withdrawal upwardly prior to rearward movement of the handgun. A second mechanical blocking element is also provided adjacent the rear of the trigger guard that is biased into a first position to prevent rearward movement of the gun and a second position that allows for rearward movement of a gun when the second blocking element is moved by pressure on a thumb or finger ledge. A third mechanical blocking element is provided to prevent motion of a handgun when holstered in a manner to cause movement of the second blocking element from the first position.

Abstract: A first and second device holder (110,210) having an envelope (12) having a complimentary configuration to a device. A first strap (116) is securely fastened at a bottom distal end to a top end of the envelope (12). A clip securely connected at a bottom end to a top distal end of the first strap (116). A third device holder (310) has a second strap (216). A circumferential expandable upper holder (20U) is securely attached to top end of the second strap (216) and a circumferential expandable lower holder (20L) securely attached to bottom end of the second strap (216). A clip securely connected at a bottom end to a top distal end of the first strap (116).

Abstract: A carrying device comprising a rigid elongate yoke, extending between two distal ends, a clamping member adapted for engagement with the yoke member to clampingly fix the device on a supportive member of a backpack. At least both ends of the yoke member laterally project from the supportive member and each of the ends is formed with at least one strap-engaging element for connecting thereto a strap to support equipment. When the backpack is carried over the shoulders of a wearer, the equipment/gear hangs down in front of the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A tether arrangement for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a person who is using the device, on the lap, while in a seated position. In one embodiment, a flexible cord with two ends connects on one of its ends to the electronic device and on the other of its ends to the belt loop of the user. In another embodiment, a single long tethering cord extends around the back of the user, with both ends being connected to the electronic device. Tethers may connect to the electronic device by permanent attachment, by connection terminals on the device, by elements that encircle a portion of the device, or by other means. Tethers may connect to users by clips or by other means. Tethers may also be rigid or semi-rigid, such as plastic strips or rods. Two or more tethers may be used together. Means for varying the effective length of the tethers may be present. These tether arrangements provide for multiple functions, including helping prevent the electronic device from falling off the lap.

Abstract: This invention is for a novel method of treating fiber batts. Carbon fiber is a very unique material and its processing requires high temperatures which is provided by heating using forced heated air through the carbon fiber batt from and to rotating drum rollers with porous, perforated or slotted exterior surfaces. Such rollers allow controlled gas flow and controlled handling of the carbon fiber batt through the processing stage while reducing crimping, breakage and friction created fiber loss.

Abstract: Two intermittently and oscillating driven feeding rollers (2; 3) are adapted to feed a strip-shaped workpiece (63). The bottom feeding roller (2) is supported in the frame (1) of the feeding device. The upper feeding roller (3) is supported in a rocker (30). The movement of the rocker (30) is controlled by a control disk (64) through a lever and a rod arrangement (40). The rocker (30) rests at one end (33) via a pressure spring (39) against the frame (1). At the opposite end (34) the rocker (30) rest against the frame (1) via a further pressure spring (36). The rocker (30) is supported in an overhung state on a cantilever which consists of a sleeve (70), a arm (71) projecting laterally from the sleeve (70) and a shaft (72) held clamped in the arm (71). The clamping bar (46) is firmly mounted to the shaft (72).

Abstract: An adjustable wrappage film feeding device includes a chassis having end plates rotatably supporting a driving shaft therebetween. The driving shaft is driven by a motor via a worm-worm gear transmission. Two first bevel gears are mounted on the driving shaft to be rotatable in unison with the driving shaft while being allowed to axially move with respect to the driving shaft. A screw rod is rotatably supported by the end plates and threadingly engages two movable carriages that are spaced from each other a distance. By rotating the screw rod, the carriages are driven toward/away from each other and thus changing the distance therebetween. Each carriage rotatably carries a roller adapted to drivingly engage and convey a film in a predetermined direction toward an article to be packaged. Each roller is coupled to a corresponding one of the first bevel gears by a second bevel gear that mates the corresponding first bevel gear.

Abstract: In a recording and/or reproducing device (1) comprising at least one tape guide (10), the guide wall (13) and the guide flanges (14, 15) projecting beyond the guide wall (13) are coated with a coating (21) of zirconium nitride or titanium nitride, as a result of which a high wear resistance and a high resistance to the deposition of material abraded from the tape is achieved.

Abstract: A nailing gun is formed with a cylinder. The cylinder has an inner wall. The inner wall has a plurality of exhausting holes. The cylinder has a piston. The piston is connected to a piston rod. The periphery of the piston has at least one annular groove. The annular groove has an O ring and a C ring therein. The C ring and O ring are arranged radially. The C ring is positioned at the outer side of the O ring and encloses the O ring. When the piston is installed in the cylinder, the C ring is resisted by the elastic force of the O ring. Because of the confinement of the inner wall of the cylinder, the tilt opening will close so that the C ring resists against the inner wall of the piston to be tightly adhered to the inner wall.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for use in friction stir welding including a friction stir tool, having a shoulder, a non-consumable welding pin extending downward centrally from the shoulder, a first workpiece disposed on a backing workpiece, a second workpiece located a predetermined distance from the first workpiece on the backing workpiece, and a transition strip disposed on the backing workpiece between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, wherein the contact area or a space between the transition strip and the first workpiece defines a first interface and the contact area or a space between the transition strip and the second workpiece defines a second interface, wherein the non-consumable welding pin is rotated over the first interface and the second interface to weld the first workpiece to the second workpiece with the transition strip material incorporated as part of the weld, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus applied to the wave former of the wave soldering system to increase the wave height of molten solder. The apparatus comprises a block board and a gland, wherein the block board is mounted on the enclosing walls of the wave former to increase the total height of enclosing walls thereof for increasing the wave height, and the gland is disposed on the partial opening of the wave former to press the molten solder for have higher solder wave on other partial opening of the wave former uncovered by the gland.

Abstract: A ball forming method and device used in a wire bonding apparatus in which a discharge is caused to occur by applying a high voltage between an electric torch and a tip end of a wire that extends out of a lower end of a capillary so as to form a ball at a tip end of the wire, and an insulating member is provided so as to cover the electric torch with a space between the vicinity of a discharge portion of the electric torch and the insulating member, a heater being further provided on the insulating member so as to heat such a space.

Abstract: A directionally solidified nickel-base superalloy article has a defect therein extending parallel to the solidification direction. The article is repaired by removing any foreign matter present in the defect, and then heating the article to a repair temperature of from about 60 to about 98 percent of the solidus temperature of the base material in a chamber containing a protective gas that inhibits oxidation of the base material. The defect is filled with a filler metal while maintaining the article at the repair temperature. The filling is accomplished by providing a source of the filler metal of substantially the same composition as the base material of the directionally solidified article, and melting the filler metal into the defect progressively while moving the source of the filler metal relative to the article in a direction parallel to the solidification direction.

Abstract: In a process for continuous production of longitudinally welded metal tubing, in which a metal strip is withdrawn from a strip supply, gradually shaped into a tubing with an open longitudinal slit, and the longitudinal slit is sealed by soldering or welding, a lubricant is introduced into the open slit tubing before sealing.

Abstract: A method for mounting components on an abutted circuit board. The main abutted circuit board has N first circuit boards and N second circuit boards, where N is a positive integer. Each of the abutted circuit boards has a front side and a rear side. The front sides of the first circuit boards abut on the rear sides of the second circuit boards. The method includes placing the circuit boards in a component mounter for mounting a plurality of components on the front sides of the first circuit boards and mounting a plurality of components on the rear sides of the second circuit boards. The method also includes placing the circuit boards in the component mounter for mounting a plurality of components on rear sides of the first circuit boards and mounting a plurality of components on front sides of the second circuit boards.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal structure in which the metal structure has separate walls forming channels through which a fluid can flow includes at least partially wetting the walls inside the channels with an adhesive, bringing the metal structure into contact with a solder that adheres to the adhesive, and carrying out a heat treatment to form soldered connections between the separate walls. The method is distinguished by the fact that the dosed delivery of the adhesive is performed by at least one dosing element having a honeycomb configuration and having an inlet side (8) and an outlet side, the element being connected to the adhesive. The adhesive enters the dosing element through the inlet side and is uniformly distributed into the channels through the outlet side. The invention also includes a device for wetting the metal structure with the adhesive.

Abstract: A reusable envelope has a front address panel and a rear panel joined along three edges to form a pocket with an open top. A first extended sealing flap joined to the top edge of the address panel is provided with a tear strip formed by a line of perforations extending across the top edge of the envelope and through the flap. A second sealing flap is provided which is foldably connected to the top edge of the rear panel and is initially either folded and retained inside the envelope pocket or against the exterior of the rear panel for the first mailing, and is folded over and onto the first panel for the second use. The second flap has an adhesive area securing means for sealing the envelope when the flap is positioned on the address panel for a further mailing. The address panel is provided with an area for postage indicia and, is optionally provided with a first return address area adjacent the top edge of the address panel.

Abstract: A container for shipping contents through the mail includes side surfaces joined at edges and meeting at comers, wherein the side surfaces and edges contain a plurality of holes that fluidly communicate from an inside of the container to an outside environment and wherein each comer where two or more of the edges meet is replaced by a hole that fluidly communicates from an inside of the container to an outside environment.

Abstract: A mail container with a contaminant indicator mechanism in the form of a perimeter edge viewing window is provided for verifying that a mail item received does not contain a biological hazard in the form of a loose particulate such as powders, granules, and the like. In order to attract the attention of the mail recipient that particulate matter may be contained in a mail container, an area having a quantity of clear, adhesive on only a portion of one or more of the transparent perimeter edge viewing windows so that the mail recipient or delivery person could immediately identify the existence of particulate matter contamination.

Abstract: A biological safety mailbox comprising a housing, a securable lid member, access ports providing access to the interior portion of said housing, and protective gloves that form a seal at the access port while allowing a user to manipulate the contents therein. A mounting bracket is also provided to permit the user to selectively remove the housing member in order to permit a user to use the present invention to open any mail therein while in a different location. A locking means is further included to prevent unauthorized removal of the housing unit by locking the housing unit to the mounting bracket. A biological safety mailbox for commercial applications is also disclosed having a large housing member partitioned into a plurality of hermetically sealed compartments, each compartment having a pair of glove access ports and an individual lid access port.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a cash drawer is provided which can have its drawer latch solenoid actuated by one of a plurality of different voltages. The plurality of different voltages can include at least three different voltages. In another illustrative embodiment, the cash drawer of the present invention provides a multi-voltage cash drawer with fly-back protection.

Abstract: The size of image data for a check or other negotiable instrument used for electronically clearing payments made by such negotiable instruments is reduced. A scanning process setup command received from a host system by a communication unit 11 is interpreted by the command interpreting unit 25 and settings for a specified image reading area 43 and/or cropping areas 51 to 54 are stored in control data storage unit 32. The image reading unit 14 is controlled and driven by the scanning control unit 31, and an image of the negotiable instrument is read by scanning the specified image reading area 43. An image cropping unit 35 extracts only the image data in the specified cropping areas 51 to 54.

Abstract: Digital data storage apparatus (10) comprises attachment means (18) to removably attach the apparatus directly to the human body, storage means (34, 36) for storing data, and communication means (14, 16) for transferring data into and out of the apparatus (10). The apparatus is characterized in that the storage means (34, 36) comprises one or more of ports (34) each for connection to a discrete storage module (36) removably attachable to the apparatus and in that the communication means includes contact means separate from the ports and the storage means, the contact means being adapted to transfer data by physical contact with the apparatus. The user may then customize the apparatus (10) according to need by fitting memory devices (36) whose stored data embodies the functions deemed relevant by the user.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for scientific identification of an individual comprises, in a container (1) in the form of a small suitcase, a computer which is compatible with operating systems intended to use programs for scientific identification. The computer is connected to a monitor (2) and to a keyboard (3); it is able to be connected to a printer which is external to the container, and is predisposed for remote connection to a processing centre responsible for identification. The apparatus further comprises a fingerprint reader (4) connected to the computer, and a digital camera (5) connected to the computer.

Abstract: A personal work environment of a personal computer (PC) can be automatically set based on information stored in an IC card and information stored in a server. Personal authentication information of an individual who performs some work by using the PC is stored in the IC card and sets of the personal authentication information of the user, AP (application) related information, a data file, OS (operating system), and an AP are stored in the server in correspondence to an individual. When the user sets the IC card into the PC, the PC automatically starts up, reads out the personal authentication information in the IC card, downloads information necessary to start the work from the server, and automatically reproduces the work environment at the time when the user interrupted the previous work on the basis of environment information at the end of the previous work included in the above information.

Abstract: Provided is a computer-implemented, interface method by which a customer may execute transactions at a fuel dispenser having a large display and acting as a thin client in communication with at least one server. The interface is guided in that the dispenser display presents to the customer a predetermined sequence of screens, which are predetermined arrangements of objects representative of transaction opportunities. Both the arrangement of objects into screens and the sequence of screen display are reconfigurable by a fuel or retail marketer either locally or remotely from at least one host server. Also provided is a fuel dispenser having a large display and acting as a thin client in communication with at least one host server, which comprises and uses the present interface method to effect customer transactions.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit including a first interface circuit, a second interface circuit, a switching circuit. The first interface circuit output a low-level contact mode signal when no power supply voltage is supplied, and to output a high-level contact mode signal when a power supply voltage is supplied. The second interface circuit to output a low-level wireless mode signal when no power supply voltage is supplied, and to output a high-level wireless mode signal when a power supply voltage is supplied. The switching circuit to switch a communication mode to a contact mode in the case of the high-level contact mode signal and the low-level wireless mode detecting signal, and to switch the communication mode to a wireless mode in the case of the low-level contact mode signal and the high-level wireless mode signal.

Abstract: A self checkout system/terminal includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The EAS system includes an EAS detector and an EAS deactivator. EAS tag detection is associated with a purchase transaction event, such as scanning or bagging of an item. After EAS tag detection, the customer is directed to deactivate the EAS tag. Some of the SCOT operation/functionality may be paused during an EAS tag deactivation period. The subject EAS system and/or process eliminates the need to deactivate every item, thereby streamlining the self checkout process when EAS is used in a store.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling access to an object (16), such as a product for sale. The object (16) or its packaging (110) is secured, for example to a sales console (12,68) by use of connecting means (26). The connecting means (26) are either capable of release by a chosen external or internal signal or capable of release by activating remote activating means (18). An internal signal may be provided after expiration of a predetermined period. An external signal may be provided by proximity. Remote activation means (18) may be provided by a password or energy such as a magnetic force. The invention also provides novel packaging (110) for an object (16). Packaging (110) is adapted to secure the object (16) by connecting means (26) capable of release by remote activation. Also provided is a security vending system having security vending means, such as a sale console (68) or a cable (48) or a sale hanger (108).

Abstract: [Object]

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a scanner portion and a reader portion. The scanner portion is used for converting an image data of a scanned object into a digital data to be processed by a first computer. The reader portion is detachably installed in a receptacle of the scanner portion for receiving a storage medium with stored data therein, wherein the reader portion has a first connector and a second connector thereon. When the reader portion is installed in the receptacle to be electrically connected with the scanner portion, the data are transferred to the first computer via the scanner portion. When the reader portion is detached from the receptacle and has the second connector thereof electrically connected with a second computer, the data are transferred to the second computer.

Abstract: A device (e.g., a bar code scanner) includes a communication arrangement and a housing enclosing the communication arrangement. The housing may be composed of an electrically conductive material and has an opening formed therein. In addition, the device includes a cover mounted over the opening in the housing. The cover includes an electrically conductive contact member mounted thereto. The contact member contacts a portion of the housing adjacent to the opening and is electrically coupled to the communication arrangement so that a perimeter of the opening in the housing acts as a part of an antenna to receive and/or transmit signals for the communication arrangement.

Abstract: In a card reader (40) with at least two transport rollers (23, 24, 25) for the card (3) arranged one after the other in the card infeed direction, the transport rollers (23, 24, 25) are provided on a pivot arm (21, 22), which can be pivoted against the action of a restoring force in a plane at right angles to the card path, at a distance from the pivot axis (26, 27) of the pivot arm (21, 22). When a transport roller on the pivot arm is deflected by the card thickness of a card that has been fed in, all transport rollers lying further from the pivot axis are also deflected, i.e. pivoted out of the card path, by more than the card thickness.