Abstract: A ring-shaped device is provided for protecting an electrostatic discharge sensitive electronic component. The protective device has a thin film support structure, adhesive material for securing the support structure to the leads of the electronic component, and conductive material for electrically connecting the leads together. The adhesive material may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The conductive material may be an annular layer of metal deposited on the support structure. In addition, a central opening is provided in the support structure to accommodate a top portion of the electronic component. The electronic component may be protected while it is stored, handled and assembled into a larger system or device, such as a circuit board. The protective device may be used with a variety of electronic components, including components with different leads configurations and also taped components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning the filter surface of a filter element, through which the liquid to be filtered flows, during a filtration operation using a pressurised cleaning fluid. According to an improvement of the invention, a distribution device is provided which delivers an essentially even pressure distribution of the cleaning fluid over the entire area of the filter surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.

Abstract: A fluid filter has a filter element for filtering fluid. A nutplate having a threaded mounting portion is adapted to threadedly engage an externally threaded filter head. An inner seal retainer is positioned between the nutplate and the filtering element in order to define a hollow interior. The inner seal retainer has at least one stiff hollow web extending in a radial direction adapted to provide a space for transmitting fluid between the nutplate and the filter element. An inner radial seal is attached to the inner seal retainer for sealing the filter element with the filter head.

Abstract: A device for floccing a mixture produced during oil or gas well drilling has a vertical tank with a vertical peripheral wall having a central axis, and a bottom located in a lower end of the peripheral wall, the tank having a height which is significantly greater than a cross-section of the tank, a line for introducing the mixture through a top end of the tank into an interior of the tank so that a solid fraction of the mixture settles on the bottom, and a line for withdrawing a liquid fraction of the mixture from the interior of the tank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a rack system includes a pair of arm assemblies that include an arm with reversible brackets on either end of each arm. The arm assemblies attach to the rack rails and support a component such as a server. The brackets are formed to selectively rotate with respect to the arm between a first position and a second position. In the first position the brackets are operable to interface a rack system rails that have a first interface type. In the second position the brackets are operable to interface rack system rails that have a second interface type. This allows the arm assembly to be installed in different types of rack systems.

Abstract: An elongate channel displays a row of articles such as cans and bottles having petaloid feet. The channel is designed to receive petaloid feet articles for sliding movement along its length. The channel comprises a base wall and at least one side wall upstanding from one of the opposite side edges of the base wall. The base wall comprises a plurality of upwardly projecting ribs extending along the channel. The tops of the ribs define a plane on which the petaloid feet of articles are to be disposed. The base wall further comprises a pair of railings disposed along the plane and extending along the channel. The railings define therebetween a groove for receiving at least one of the petaloid feet of each article.

Abstract: A boom positioning device for high-position working, capable of ensuring a desired positional accuracy even in positioning a work location at the tip end of a boom from a distant place, the device comprising an imaging means (4) having a multi-axis driving unit and provided with a boom tip-end position computing means (2) for computing the position and attitude of the boom tip-end from positions of respective axes of the boom detected by a boom respective-axis-position detecting means (1) and with a distance measuring means (3) for detecting the distance from the boom tip-end position to a work object, a first boom working amount calculating means (11) for calculating, from an output from the distance measuring means (3) and an output from a measuring error judging means (10), a boom working amount up to an approach enabled area where the measuring accuracy of the distance measuring means (3) is guaranteed, and a second boom working amount calculating means (15) for calculating, from a distance from the boom

Abstract: A universal traversing assembly for legs of cranes or the like comprises: a platform provided with a series of driving wheels and supporting wheels which are aligned and are adapted to roll on a long underlying rail for the traversing motion of the leg; a box-like tunnel which rests on the ground, is open in an upward region, and has a portion of the rail fixed to its base; at least one pair of idler wheels, which are freely mounted on the platform, are mutually coaxial and are arranged below a pair of upper guides which are fixed on the tunnel at the upper opening; a rack which is fixed to the side of the rail portion and is adapted to mesh with pinions which are rigidly coupled and coaxial with respect to the driving wheels; at least one motorization unit which is rigidly coupled to the platform and is coupled to at least one of the driving wheels and pinions; at least one stabilizer which comprises at least one ground resting foot which has an adequate surface, can slide vertically and is adapted to move f

Abstract: A container (10) for packaging a single serve quantity of a hot-fillable beverage, the container being blown from a multi-layer co-extruded thermoplastic parison and having a generally cylindrical central panel (12) with a spaced plurality of vacuum panels (36) therein and a plain unreinforced bottom (30). The container also has bulbous heel and shoulder portions (14, 16) at opposed ends of the central panel and projecting outwardly therefrom to a protect a double-ended or other label applied to the central panel.

Abstract: By providing an elongated, flexible hinge which extends between one edge of the base and an adjacent edge of the lid or cover, with the hinge being constructed for controlling the arcuate pivoting movement of the lid relative to the base, a uniquely constructed, self-sealing, perimeter, clam-shell container is realized. By precisely controlling the arcuate path through which the lid moves relative to the base, as well as maintaining precisely controlled positions and orientations, automatic engagement of the cooperating ridge and groove of each component is realized, and complete engagement of the ridge and groove is attained.

Abstract: A pedestal display and storage system which comprises a plurality of rectangular panels. The panels have an upper horizontal edge, a lower horizontal edge and two vertical side edges there between. Also provided is a plurality of pairs of clamps fabricated of a semi rigid resilient plastic material. The clamps are in a generally U-shaped configuration and are coupled to the panels. Next provided is a plurality of normally planar central pivoting members, one for each pair of clamps. Each pivoting member is formed as a strip of material aligned with and attached to the clamps. The member pivotably couples the clamps and the panels. Lastly there is provided a lid which is positionable on the panels. The lid has a top planar piece and a plurality of perpendicular side pieces. The lid functions as for displaying and storing objects.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a cylindrical sidewall extending between a top and a bottom of the container. The sidewall is formed of a flexible material which enables the container to be opened to an expanded configuration or closed to a collapsed configuration. A coil spring biases the container to the open configuration. The coil spring has a top coil adjacent the top of the container and a bottom coil adjacent the bottom of the container. A durable bottom layer is affixed to the bottom of the container by at least one clamp.

Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly (30) includes a closure apparatus (32) formed to include a pump nozzle-receiving opening (36) and adapted to be mounted on an open mouth of a filler neck 24. A cover 40, pivotally mounted to the closure apparatus (32), is movable between a first position covering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to seal the filler neck (24) and a second position uncovering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to allow access thereto. An overcenter leaf spring (42) normally biases the cover (40) toward its first closed position. A tether (94) coupled to the cover (40) has its other end (96) coupled to a filler neck access door (90) so that as the access door (90) is moved from a closed position blocking access to the filler neck (24) to an open position unblocking access to the filler neck (24), the cover (40) is moved from the first position covering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to the second position uncovering the nozzle-receiving opening (36).

Abstract: A waste receptacle is combined with an air freshener connected to the waste receptacle. Removal of a trash bag from the waste receptacle will cause a flow of air through the opening and air freshener to freshen the interior of the waste receptacle.

Abstract: The cover member is adapted to receive a fuel-containing cell for a vehicle, such as a stock car racing vehicle, and is configured to cover and fit snugly against substantially all of the surfaces of the fuel cell. The cover member comprises a plurality of layers of penetration-resistant, synthetic material, which is lightweight but high strength, flexible and, to an extent, stretchable, so that in the event of a penetration of the fuel cell by a moving object, such as debris caused by a vehicle crash, material in the vicinity of the penetration is drawn through the opening in the fuel cell with the object, preventing contact of the object and the exposed edges of the opening in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A storage pocket for storing flat items in a motor vehicle, has a support for flat items; a pressure element; a guide provided for guiding said pressure element and guiding said pressure element back and forth between a position close to said support or abutting said support and a position spaced from said support; a force-applying spraying element which presses said pressure element toward said support; and a holding device which holds said pressure element against a force of said force-applying spraying element releasably in the position spaced from the support.

Abstract: A container sidewall, such as for a cup or the like, made of a thermoplastic material is disclosed. The container utilizing the present invention is preferably designed having a closed bottom wall at one end, an open top at the opposite end, and the present sidewall extending between the bottom wall and the open top to define a height. The sidewall has a top portion adjacent the open top of the container, a first set of annular ribs disposed adjacent the top portion, a second set of annular ribs, a middle portion disposed between the first set and second set of annular ribs, and a bottom portion disposed adjacent the closed bottom wall of the container. The double band of ribs provide an increase in the strength-to-weight ratio of the container over single band prior art designs.

Abstract: An insulating device for bottles having a lower cylindrical enclosure which telescopically receives an upper enclosure having a dome-shaped upper end, the upper and lower enclosures being provided with mating threads adapted to achieve a quick plunge insertion and sealing feature.

Abstract: A cleaning wipes dispenser that enables consumers to consistently remove individual wipes without having the remaining wipes fall back into the dispenser and with minimum loss of liquid solution is disclosed. The dispenser includes: (i) a container having an interior for storing the cleaning wipes wherein the wipes comprise a web of material; and (ii) a dispensing port having a body that is attached to the container and that has an opening through which the web of material is threaded, wherein the opening defines at least two nodes that are in communication with each other by an open channel, wherein each node has at least two appendages projecting therefrom, wherein the open channel and appendages define a plurality of edges that frictionally engage the web during separation of a sheet of material from a remaining portion of web of material and wherein the opening is dimensioned so that following detachment of the sheet, a remaining fragment of web of material remains threaded through the opening.

Abstract: An object counting and dispensing system includes a vibration system, a mounting assembly for coupling a cassette to the vibration system, a chute configured to receive discrete objects from the cassette, and an object sensing system which senses and counts objects fed from the cassette. Each cassette includes a base and a stepped side wall which together define a central open reservoir portion and a peripheral covered tray portion. Cassettes are mounted to the mounting assembly in manner which permits rapid and secure coupling and decoupling. A preferred coupling and decoupling system includes an electromagnet. Each cassette is able to feed and guide a range of sizes and shapes of tablets toward the exit. Only a few standard sizes of cassettes are needed to accommodate all discrete objects, e.g., tablets and capsules, for which the counter is adapted. A universal hopper can be attached to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet materials from a roll. The apparatus includes a roll of sheet material and a feed mechanism for incrementally feeding lengths of sheet material from the roll to a dispensing position. The feed mechanism includes a user manipulable means for engagement by the user and a drive roller operably connected to the user manipulable means. The drive roller is maintained in continuous contact with the outer circumference of the roll. Upon operation of the user manipulable means by the user, the drive roller frictionally engages and drives the roll rotationally about the axis of the roll. This causes the incremental feeding of the sheet material by unwinding the sheet material from the roll.

Abstract: Dispensing device can include a looped member having a plurality of stiff segments connected by hinges. For instance, the device can have five or six stiff segments connected by living hinges, at least three of which face outward and the other(s) inward in relation to the looped member. The device with six stiff segments can fold up so as to be placed inside a beverage container. As well, a dispensing device can have a member upon which a can or carton can rest and a reversible can-stop connected to it. The can-stop can be formed by a small, reversibly folding loop at one end of the member. In general, cylindrical objects exiting an opened carton can be restrained by providing a dispensing device having a generally flat base member and a can-stop; placing the base member under the objects in the carton with the can-stop outside the carton; and allowing at least one of the objects to roll from inside the carton to outside the carton where it is stopped by the can-stop.

Abstract: A dispenser member such as a pump or a valve, comprising: a body (2) in which a piston (3) is slidably received and in which a ferrule (4) is engaged; and fixing means (5) comprising at least one peripheral projection (53) that projects radially outwards, said projection (53) serving to come into engagement in a notch (82) formed in an inside wall (81) of the neck (80) of a receptacle (8), said projection (53) being elastically displaceable radially inwards so as to come into engagement in the notch (82) in the neck by elastically deforming the body (2) radially inwards in a deformation zone (200); said dispenser member being characterized in that the ferrule (4) is not in contact with the body at the deformation zone (200) of the body (2).

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for a liquid which relies on molded components capable of being interchanged to provide, in addition to incremental adjustment within a range of dosages allowed by stroke limiting rotational adjustment of the relativity of escarpment and abutment members, the change of one or both the spread of the dosage range and at least one limit of the range.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes one or more measure modules for measuring and delivering predetermined volumes of one or more different fluids. Each measure module includes a fluid inlet port, a retention vessel, an overflow aperture to allow fluid in excess of the desired volume to flow out of the vessel, and an outlet port for dispensing the retained fluid. A calibrating rod adjustably occupies a portion of the volume of the vessel to facilitate precise adjustment of the volume of fluid dispensed by the measure module. In one particular embodiment, a blender includes a plurality of measure modules whose outputs are coupled together to produce a mixture having a composition defined by the relative capacities of the vessels of the various measure modules. In another particular embodiment, one blender dilutes a chemical concentrate, and provides the diluted mixture to another blender, which further dilutes the mixture.

Abstract: A decorating and cutting device includes a housing. A cutting blade and decorating material dispenser are disposed within the housing and are operable to simultaneously dispense decorating material and cut a target material.

Abstract: A support unit is provided for a liquid filled flexible packaging bag having a length, width, and thickness, and which enables such a bag to be stored horizontally while enabling liquid contained within the bag to be withdrawn as and when required. The storage unit (1) has a support panel (2, 12, 14, 19, 26, 42) for a liquid filled flexible packaging bag which is adapted to support the packaging bag in an inclined orientation at least after a proportion of the initial content of the bag has been removed. The support panel corresponds generally in plan view to the length and width of the packaging bag and is usually located inside a flat shape of box (6, 46) capable of storage on a shelf of low height. The support panel may be arranged to move from a horizontal position to a progressively more inclined position as liquid is removed from the bag. A liquid supply system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser for delivering water and/or juice has been invented. The dispenser feeds liquids by gravity and provides for a system flush at the end of each use. The dispenser can, if desired, handle more than one type of juice through a common mixing chamber and spout.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing fine metal balls comprising a crucible 3 for holding a metal melt and equipped with orifices 2 for ejecting the metal melt; a vibration rod 6 for giving vibration to the melt 1 held in the crucible 3; a vibrator 4 for giving vibration to the vibration rod 6; a means 5 for transmitting the vibration of the vibrator 4 to the vibration rod 6; and a chamber 7 in which melt droplets 9 ejected through the orifices 2 are solidified while dropping, the vibration-transmitting means 5 having one end in contact with the vibrator 4 and the other end abutting a support member 11 connected to the vibration rod 6; the vibration-transmitting means 5 having a cross section decreasing as it nears the support member 11.

Abstract: An impact pad for receiving a stream of liquid metal having a bottom wall with an upper surface against which said liquid metal is intended to impact, a side wall extending in an upward direction along the periphery of the bottom wall, and an annular wall extending inwardly from the side wall. The annular wall, together with the bottom wall and side wall define a metal receiving chamber having an opening through the annular wall. An upward extending collar wall extends along the periphery of the impact pad above the throat opening. The collar wall has a contoured inner surface merging with an upper surface on the annular wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides glove removal and/or retention apparatus and a method of removing and putting on gloves using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises housing means having a respective opening to receive, in use, a respective left and right gloved hand. The housing means comprises a hollow tube whose interior is contactable with the exterior of each glove in a light gripping or frictional manner which offers a resistance to removal of the glove on withdrawal of a hand from the glove. The housing provides abutment means for limiting the distance that the glove can be inserted into the housing. The abutment means is positioned to contact the gloved hand between the thumb and index finger and in a preferred embodiment consists apertures into which a thumb of each gloved hand is inserted. The apertures are positioned so that the gloved thumb of one hand can be contacted by the gloved thumb of the other hand.

Abstract: A golf bag security locker for use in a pickup truck that allows the golfer to securely control access to golfing equipment and paraphernalia when absent from the vehicle. The security locker includes a box-like structure having a main compartment for holding golf bags, and side pods for holding accessory gear. The locker includes a pivoting cover lid having an accessory pocket on the bottom surface for holding personal effects.

Abstract: A universal boat accessory rack that provides a first support, a second support, a cross-bar connecting the first support to the second support, and a plurality of fasteners, which connect the first support and second support to a boat hull. More specifically, the first support, the second support and the cross-bar are all adjustable in length. Therefore, the boat accessory rack has an adjustable height, width and depth. In addition, the fasteners are capable of being attached in a vertical, horizontal or angular position with respect to the boat hull. In this manner, a boat owner may quickly and easily install the boat accessory rack on boats embodying a number of different sizes and designs.

Abstract: A rack 10 is provided which is removably attachable to a vehicle V through a hitch receiver and can support multiple golf bags G thereon. The rack 10 includes a tongue 30 which can pass directly into a hitch receiver on the vehicle V or through an intervening adapter 20. A mast 40 extends up from the tongue 30. A cross bar 50 extends horizontally from an upper end 42 of the mast 40. The mast 40 and cross bar 50 are configured to support an upper portion of golf bags G which are carried upon the rack 10. The cross bar 50 preferably can be extended or collapsed as necessary to provide support for a varying number of golf bags G upon the rack 10. A beam 70 is pivotably attached to the mast 40 adjacent the tongue 30. The beam 70 pivots between two orientations including a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation. A central platform 90 is supported upon the beam 70. Two side platforms 100 are slidably supported relative to the beam 70.

Abstract: The invention proposes a staple-forming apparatus which is intended for stapling machines for forming staples and may be designed to be smaller than priorart apparatuses. This is achieved according to the invention in that a locking bar (9) for locking a pusher in the forming apparatus during the operation of forming the staple is fitted in a moveable manner in the pusher and a fixed stop (13) for the locking bar (9) is provided on the housing (2) of the staple-forming apparatus.

Abstract: A Robertson driver is disclosed which has a slot (10) in the end of the tip (12) that can fit over a wire, enabling the user to manipulate the wire.

Abstract: An Integrated Electronics Workstation is disclosed. Also disclosed is a workstation that includes a housing with an integrated exhaust fan. The workstation further includes a plurality of other features, including a pair of adjustable arms and board grips mounted thereto for holding boards and/or wire while the board is being worked on. Still further, the workstation includes a soldering tool station, one or more wire spools, a light housing for illuminating the work area, a voltage measuring device, a power supply device, and a microscope and/or loupe.

Abstract: A friction stir welding machine includes a table for supporting parts to be welded and a frame extending over the table. A first drive is supported by a first element of the frame and is operatively connected to a spindle having a tool. The first drive moves the tool in a first direction, and the first drive disengages from the spindle after the tool contacts the material. A second drive is supported by a second element of the frame and is operatively connected to the spindle for moving the tool into the parts at a joint, thereby initiating friction stir welding process. The friction stir welding machine has a pair of rollers mounted in a roller support with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool. The rollers contact a surface of the material in response to the tool penetrating the material to a desired depth.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle frame assembly includes forming a crush box that absorbs energy in a controlled manner during a collision. The crush box is formed by providing first and second members, each including a web portion having first and second flange portions extending therefrom that terminate in respective edges. The first and second members are aligned such that the edges of the flange portions of the first member are aligned with and abut the edges of the flange portions of the second member in a non-overlapping relationship. Then, a butt welding process is performed to secure the flange portions of the first member with the flange portions of the second member. Lastly, the crush box is secured to a portion of the vehicle frame assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provided a friction welded component comprising at least two structural support members spaced apart and connected by a plurality of first and second studs. Each of the first studs are friction welded at one end to a first of the support members and at the opposite end thereof to one end of a respective second stud. Each of the second studs are friction welded to a respective first stud and a second of the support members along a continuous annular friction welded joint having a frusto-conical configuration.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method for making a battery case feedthrough. It utilizes stainless steel or titanium metal clad with aluminum. The use of the clad metal enables the fabrication of the battery case and cover and feedthrough pin assembly where a high temperature ceramic-metal hermetic seal is needed between a stainless steel feedthrough pin and a ceramic insulator; and between a ceramic insulator and a surrounding hollow cylinder. A high temperature hermetic seal is also used to fasten the feedthrough pin assembly to the upper stainless steel part of the stainless steel-aluminum clad cover. Titanium can be substituted for stainless steel. Lower temperature metal-metal hermetic seals are needed between the aluminum-clad part of the cover and the aluminum battery casing.

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

Abstract: A lead-free solder paste suitable for soldering chip parts includes a powder of a twin-peak Sn-based solder alloy containing 0.2-1.0 mass % of Ag and a flux. The solder alloy has a first peak of heat absorption in a differential scanning calorimeter curve at the start of melting and a second peak when the major portion of the alloy subsequently melts.

Abstract: A reclosable pouring element with a base member and a closure lid which serves at the same time as the opening device. A flange surrounding the opening surface of the pouring element is fixedly connected to a flat gable top composite packaging. The closure lid has lateral bearing pins which are supported in corresponding recesses of the base member, in which a safe connection between the base member and the closure lid and a reliable opening/closing function of the flat gable top composite packaging is provided. The recesses in the base member are arranged on the package side so that the closure lid can be clamped from the package side into the recesses for receiving the bearing pins provided in the base member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging container for long-term cold storage of liquid foods for retaining superior flavor and aroma properties in the packed product, and produced from a packaging laminate including a core layer of paper or paper-board, an inside aroma barrier layer of PET and a gas barrier layer, by fold formation and sealing of a planar packaging blank so that all contact surfaces vis-a-vis the packed product consist of the PET layer. The disclosure also relates to a method of fold forming and sealing the packaging laminate into a packaging container according to the invention. Good shelf-life after cold storage for at least six weeks at 8° C., or at least 10 weeks at 4° C. will be attained using the packaging container according to the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the authorization and settlement of fleet maintenance and repairs are described. In one embodiment, the system includes an interactive voice recognition system, an acquiring bank system, an issuing bank pre-authorization system, and a fleet services provider pre-authorization system. The interactive voice recognition (IVR) system generally is utilized for handling authorizations and repair data capture for network providers. The acquiring bank system is coupled to the IVR system and, in general, assigns codes to the various requests that may be generated. The issuing bank pre-authorization system is coupled to the interactive voice recognition system and is a database for storing information relating to pre-authorized repair and maintenance services. The issuing bank pre-authorization system also is coupled to a vendor relations system and a merchant class code system.

Abstract: The Instant Money-Automatic Transfer Machine system (Aunty IM) is a multiplicity of devices on a communications network available 24 hours a day, as sender, receiver and dispenser of funds interchangeably. The Aunty IM accepts standard currancy for deposit amounts or fees charged to transfer to another such reciever/dispenser device. The Sender starts a pending transaction transfer by indicating which device pays for the transfer (Sender, device A, or Dispenser, device B), to whom and where the funds are to be made available to device(s) B1−n. The amount is fed into currency acceptor at device A and a receipt is generated by the Sender, device A. A Receiver becomes a Dispenser only when the Receiver retrieves the pending transaction from device A using a verifiable password or identification. The cash is dispensed. The fee is charged at either end of the transaction.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a deposit accepting apparatus (44) which is capable of accepting and authenticating instruments, as well as accepting envelopes deposited into the machine by a user. A transport section (46) is operative to engage and transport deposited items selectively from an inlet (48) to an outlet (50). A deposit holding module (90) includes compartments (98, 106) which are operative to hold different types of deposits. The machine operates to selectively move a compartment into communication with the outlet based on the particular type of item being deposited. The depository apparatus is further operative to acquire image and magnetic profile data from deposited instruments, to manipulate the image and profile data and to analyze and resolve characters in selected areas thereof. The data from deposited instruments is used for determining if a user is authorized to conduct certain requested transactions at the machine.

Abstract: A product inspection device can confirm the presence of a tag to which a product is not attached or a product to which a tag is not attached when information is to be read from an electronic tag attached to a packaged product and an inspection is to be conducted. The device comprises a scale 2 that determines the weight of a packaged product 14 or the total weight of a plurality of packed products 14 in a state in which one or a plurality of products 11 to which a non-contact, wireless electronic tag 7 is attached are packed; and a read/write device 3 for the electronic tag 7 attached to the plurality of products 14. The packaged product or products are inspected based on the information on the weight of the product or products stored in the electronic tag 7.