Abstract: Two shoulder harnesses are made from a pair of elongate flexible straps, each of which has a pair of like shoulder-engagable loops formed on opposite ends thereof and connected by a central section of the associated strap. One strap has formed in its central section, which is longer than that of the other strap, a plurality of spaced openings in one of which the other strap is releasably and slidably connected intermediate its ends. In use the interconnected center sections of the straps are positioned beneath a load that can then be lifted by the operators wearing the respective shoulder harnesses. The overall length of the load-bearing sections can be adjusted by inserting the other strap through a different opening in the one strap.

Abstract: A device and method for carrying an object has a cradle that supports the object, one or more carrying straps attached to opposing ends of the cradle and forming a single lifting point, and one or more restraining straps attached to the carrying strap. The carrying strap may be detachably joined to form the single lifting point, and there may be a handle at the lifting point. The carrying straps and restraining straps may be adjustable in length. The device can be folded into a compact configuration for portability.

Abstract: A non-aqueous, reduced toxicity diol based heat transfer fluid is provided comprised of at least one diol that acts as an antidote for ethylene glycol poisoning, such as for example propylene glycol. The heat transfer fluid may also include corrosion inhibitors that are soluble in the diols used for the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid may be used as a coolant in internal combustion engines such as automobile engines.

Abstract: A first metal member is contacted with a second metal member. A metal fastener is provided including a top radially enlarged portion, a bottom radially enlarged portion and a shank portion intermediate the thicker portions for forming a circumferential groove about the axis and fastener. The fastener is driven through the first member and into the second member, inducing friction between the fastener, the first member and the second member for at least locally melting portions of the first member and the second member to form a flowable material that flows into the circumferential groove of the fastener and solidifies.

Abstract: A method for the manufacturing or repair of a superalloy gas turbine component including a liquid phase diffusion bonding process wherein the brazing heat treatment used for the diffusion bonding of a powder material to the component is accomplished by a heat cycle that is performed on the component for another purpose. A manufacturing solution heat treatment, a pre-weld heat treatment, a post-weld heat treatment, or a rejuvenating heat treatment may be used as the brazing heat treatment. The composition of the powder material is selected so that a desired set of material properties is achieved when the powder material is subjected to the dual-purpose heat cycle. In one embodiment, a 50/50 mixture of AM775 and IN939 powder is diffusion brazed to an IN939 superalloy component using a heat treatment which also functions as the post-casting solution heat treatment for the IN939 component.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield is provided and includes a shield body having an upper wall connected to opposing side walls and opposing end walls. At least two opposing walls of the electromagnetic shield each have a plurality of resilient fingers formed at a lower edge thereof. The electromagnetic shield also includes a solder mass securely held by the fingers by being interleaved between the fingers of each of the at least two opposing walls. The interleaving of the solder mass results in the solder mass being securely held by the fingers and ready for mounting to an electronic component for shielding a portion of the electronic component from undesirable and potentially damaging emissions from neighboring components. A method of mounting an electromagnetic shield to an electronic component having a planar surface and a method of interleaving the solder mass are also provided.

Abstract: A system for testing a collection of device chips by temporarily attaching them to a carrier having a plurality of receptacles with microdendritic features; the receptacles matching with and pushed in contact with a matching set of contact pads on the device chips; said carrier additionally having test pads connected to the receptacles through interconnect wiring. The system allows connecting the chips together and testing the collection as a whole by probing the test pads on the carrier. Burn-in of the collection of chips can also be performed on the temporary carrier, which is reusable.

Abstract: A microjoint interconnect structure comprising a dense array of metallic studs of precisely controllable height tipped with a joining metallurgy. The array is produced on a device chip that is to be attached to a carrier, or to a carrier along with other devices, some of which may be selected to have similar interconnect structures so as to form all together an assembled carrier that functions as a complete computing, communications or networking system.

Abstract: A structure (10) in the shape of an aerodynamic panel in which adjacent cells (20a, 20b) are formed by placing a stack of three metal plates in a mould. After diffusion welding of the plates at the required locations, a first variable pressure is applied in a first series of cells (20a) formed between the outer plate and the intermediate plate and a second independent pressure approximately constant and lower than the first is applied in the other cells (20b) and on the inner face of the stack. Thus, this partially forms the cells and shapes the structure in contact with a complementary surface of the mould. The final conformation of the cells and the structure is obtained by applying a second pressure cycle in the cells and on the inner face of the stack.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that separates solder from solder dross, comprising first and second rolls and a fixture. The first roll has a substantially cylindrical surface and is rotatable about a first longitudinal axis. The second roll has a substantially cylindrical surface and is rotatable about a second longitudinal axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The fixture is coupled to the first and second rolls and spaces the second roll apart from the first roll by a first distance, such as 0.001 to 0.015 inches, the first distance sufficient to separate a solder-dross mixture directed between the first roll and the second roll into a liquid solder and a dross powder when the first and second rolls are rotated in opposite directions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying atomized pulsed streams of flux to a surface such as a printed circuit board. The flux is applied discretely in selected locations and at selected thickness based upon pulse rate, fluid pressure, air pressure and traverse speed. The apparatus consists of a precise orifice with a surrounding air passage for atomizing and focusing the flux at a discrete location on the surface. Controls are incorporated for selecting, controlling and monitoring the flux deposition amount and location, for coordinating with the transport motion system, for integrating with the adjacent air flow and for selecting the atomized or non-atomized method of application.

Abstract: A method of retaining a solder mass within a solder-bearing component is provided and includes the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of fingers in the solder-bearing component at one edge thereof, with each finger being defined by a pair of slots formed in the solder-bearing component; and (b) interleaving a solder mass between the fingers such that the solder mass is securely held by the fingers. The solder-bearing component includes any number of different types of components where a solder mass is held thereby, e.g., leads, terminals, connectors, electromagnetic shields, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container defining an interior and an exterior provided with a first access panel and a second access panel for creating an opening for passage between the interior and the exterior, and methods for making and using such a container.

Abstract: Cette invention concerne un emballage en carton formé à partir d'une ébauche (19). L'ebauche comporte un premier et un deuxiéme panneaux supérieurs (15, 16). Le premier panneau supérieur (15) prèsente des rainures en guise de poignée (21) et aussi des panneaux supérieurs secondaires (22) connectés de manière articulée à des bordures extrêmes opposées. Les panneaux supérieurs secondaires (22) sont pliés contre et assujettis par voie d'adhésion à la partie supérieure du premier panneau supérieur (15). Le deuxième panneau supérieur (16), une foie l'emballage en carton plié, est ensuite assujetti par voie d' adhésion à la partie supérieure des panneaux supérieurs secondaires (22) en formant un panneau de dessus renforcé utilisant des surfaces en carton qui seraient gaspillées autrement.

Abstract: The carton has a front panel provided with a dispensing opening. Partitions extend from an inner back panel to organize the contents of the container. A shelf is formed at the bottom edge of the dispensing opening to facilitate the dispensing of the contents. A cover panel extends over the front panel and provides protection for the contents during shipping. For display and dispensing purposes, the cover panel is removed to create a suitable display container.

Abstract: A paper or foam cup having an aperture in the cap positioned to enable a user to drink from the cup through the aperture. Leakage through a gap between cap and cup, normally found in caps of the prior art formed by a step in the rim of the cup at the meeting location of the cup rim and seam of the cup, is prevented by any one of sevearal embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A publicly accessible drop box for isolating items deposited therein, includes a securable enclosure, a depository port, a closeable container having an opening and located within the securable enclosure, and a closure device for closing the opening prior to removal of the container. The depository port may include a housing forming a reception chamber having an entrance, wherein the housing is rotatably mounted within the drop box. The drop box may include a view port to allow viewing of the opening of the closeable container. The drop box may include a manipulation device extending into the securable enclosure to enable manipulation of the closure device or to enable movement of any items in proximity to the opening of the container.

Abstract: A mailbox for residential or business use that sanitizes mail deposited within it. The mailbox is equipped with one or more sanitizing devices such as a UV light, an ultra-sound unit, a heating element, and/or a misting device that dispenses a bactericidal mist.

Abstract: The present invention is a till tray assembly for a cash drawer having a single piece molded bill hold down bar. The seating edges of the bill hold down bar are V-shaped. The separating walls within the till tray have a cutout for receiving the bill hold-down bar which is also V-shaped. The bar is preferably sonic welded, starting from a slightly raised position, and melting or meshing into the separation wall to become fully seated. An embossment is included which extends all the way down to the bottom of the till tray to better support the hardware mounted in back of the tray. Also, an embossment in the rear of the tray aids in supporting the separating walls. The bottom surface of the tray has at least one opening, and preferably a plurality of openings so that a mold can be used to mold a lid hold down bar and tray as a single, integral piece. Extensions from the rear of the tray serve as a lid hold down bar to secure a lid to the drawer.

Abstract: The present invention is to establish capabilities to identify and verify each sender of a mailed item(s) through the use of Encrypted Identity Postage Stamps, labels or preaddressed envelopes. The use of identity stamps will improving the security of the United States Postal System, and it will also provide a greater feeling of calm to individuals receiving mail, and provide the basis to establishing a National Tracking System. Each stamp will be scannable and will contain personal information imbedded in or on each stamp. To purchase stamps, individuals will have to register with the Post Master General and provide their name, current and previous addresses for the last five or ten years. Additional personal information such as photo, finger prints (two or more fingers incase of accidents), DNA (can be optional), iris identification and other sources of identification as technologies become available and perfected may also be imbedded in each.

Abstract: The remote control system utilizes a mobile communication terminals 20, the IC card 201 a the mobile communication network to remotely control home-electronics information terminals 11 to 15, 19, 40. In an automatic control mode, when it is detected that the users mobile communication terminal 20 is moved from the cell area EL where the house is to the neighboring area CR, the mobile communication terminal commands the change of the specific home-electronics information terminal to Going-out status. When it is detected that the user's mobile communication terminal 20 is moved from the neighboring area CR to the cell area EL, the mobile communication terminal commands the change of the specific home-electronics information terminal to Staying status. In such a system, the user can deliberately issue control command in the manual mode,.

Abstract: A passport counterfeit detection system comprises an ID chip reader 5 for reading the personal identification data stored in an ID chip 4 embedded in a passport body 2 of a passport 1, and a display 7 of a personal computer 6 for displaying the personal identification data stored in the ID chip 4. The ID chip reader 5 is used to read out the personal identification data stored in the ID chip 4. The personal identification data read out from the ID chip 4 is displayed on a screen 7a of the display 7.

Abstract: A communication control function for prohibiting communication with card programs due to other terminal applications while a certain terminal application is communicating with its corresponding card program is assigned by the present invention to the IFD driver, which controls communication with an IC card, in an IC card terminal. This enables an IC card terminal to process commands from a plurality of terminal applications without causing an error to occur.

Abstract: A system and method employing portable cards, carried by consumers, to send data between system.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provide a tablet containing a plurality of pages wherein each page has a map of the store presented to the shopper. The map is organized such that a graphical image of the various areas of the store are shown as they relate to a known point in the store, for example, the entrance. Moreover, each graphical image representing a particular area of the store contains a list of products found in that area. Interspersed within each graphical image are guidelines for entering shopper notes on what items to collect when in that particular area of the store. Other main features of the store are also shown, including the check-out area, restrooms, and customer service area, to name only a few.

Abstract: A system for electronically displaying item data information such as item prices and item descriptions that is available in updateable form from a central buffer, processing, multiplexing and serving unit. The system provides a multi-frequency tone signal containing item data applicable to items on a shelf associated with an electronic display strip and containing the address code of that particular strip. The electronic display strip responds to its particular address code and receives, decodes, displays the data relating to the items on the shelf, and ensures that the displayed data is in the proper order on the strip. The strip includes an electronic display for displaying the data, a non-volatile memory for retaining the data in the absence of applied power, and a multi-frequency tone signaling system to retransmit the received data to the server unit as a means of confirming that the proper information had been received and displayed, and a sensor element that receives display command signals.

Abstract: A system and methodology for tracking objects including affixing at least one imagable identifier onto each of a multiplicity of objects to be tracked, imaging at least a portion of at least one of the multiplicity of objects at a known location to provide an at least partial image of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects, containing the at least one imagable identifier and employing the at least partial image of the object containing the at least one imagable identifier to provide an output indication of the location of the at least one of the multiplicity of objects.

Abstract: A veterinary inventory management system is disclosed which includes a computer, a scanning device capable of interfacing to the computer, at least one printer capable of interfacing to the computer, and a computer program loaded and running on the computer. The computer program product enables the computer to identify product shortages and prepare product orders for a veterinary practice.

Abstract: Internet voting or other Internet transaction comprises transmitting three information packets via the Internet. At least one information packet includes an identifier that is authenticated, such as a key, a biometric digitized signature or other biometric identifier. Where an information packet may include transaction information in a predetermined form, information packets including information in another form may be processed separately.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved scannable answer sheet or document suitable for a balloting process and a method for producing such document using a printing process, particularly a document that may be printed in a single color without impacting the ability of the document to be scanned by an automated mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for the local or remote authentication of an item, in particular a security document, with the help of a authenticating device, comprised in, connected to, or linked to mobile communication equipment. Said item carries a marking exhibiting a characteristic physical behavior in response to interrogating energy, such as electromagnetic radiation and/or electric or magnetic fields. Said marking may comprise physical and logical security elements, e.g. a barcode, or a characteristic particle or flake pattern, exhibiting a characteristic physical response.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical security system having a key, an optic lock, and a processing system. The lock generally has a plurality of optic reflective sensors, a plurality of readable discs, and a controller for processing information to and from the plurality of sensors. The optic security lock senses the surface changes of state during the rotation of the plurality of discs caused by the turning of the fully-engaged key. The data from the sensors is communicated to the controller, with the controller having a microprocessor capable of communicating data to and receiving data from the sensors. The processing system analyzes the data from the controller and compares the data to known information in a database for generating a lock command signal. Additionally, an external keypad device can be coupled in data communication with the controller and processing system for additional security verification before generating a corresponding lock command signal.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of providing sample containers with an automatically readable identification for an analysis device, in which the sample container may be heated to an operating temperature. It is the object of the invention to improve the identification of sample containers in a manner that the sample contained in the sample container is not contaminated by the constituents of the identification agent during analysis. The object of the invention is solved in that during the manufacturing process of the sample container, the identification is applied during the final cooling phase of the ready sample container in a temperature interval between a maximum temperature during the sample container manufacture and the operating temperature.

Abstract: A method for managing integrated circuit test programs using bar codes. First, a bar code of an integrated circuit is read for obtaining an ID code of the integrated circuit before the integrated circuit is tested. Next, a correlation between a test program and the integrated circuit that is to be tested is automatically searched according to the ID code, so as to read a test program corresponding to the integrated circuit that is to be tested. Then, the corresponding test program is used for testing the integrated circuit. The invention also discloses an IC test system for implementing this method.

Abstract: An XML processing system for use in a barcode printer apparatus includes a computer system operatively coupled to the barcode printer apparatus. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, and a projector coupled to the base and adapted to project a plurality of beams of light onto a plane positioned at a focus distance from the base, wherein the projections of the beams of light on the plane are geometric shapes, and wherein an intersection of the geometric shapes is at the center of the field of view of the lens when the lens is installed on the base. In addition, an apparatus is disclosed comprising a base capable of receiving a camera including a lens, an image processor capable of being coupled to the camera for processing an image of a target captured by the camera, and a confirmation projector coupled to the image processor, wherein the projector projects a confirmation beam onto the plane of the target when the image processor signals the confirmation projector that it has processed the image.

Abstract: A laser scanning system that employs synchronous time-division-multiplexed laser scanning operations and signal processing operations (for bar code detection). A plurality of successive non-overlapping time slots are defined and logically assigned to a unique laser scanning beam and corresponding photosensor. During a given time slot, the laser scanning beam logically assigned thereto is selectively generated (or selectively projected) into the scanning volume while generation (or projection) of the other laser scanning beam is disabled. Moreover, during the given time slot, the photosensor logically assigned thereto is operably coupled to signal processing circuitry that performs bar code detection operations on the data signals derived therefrom while the other photosensor is operably decoupled from such signal processing circuitry.

Abstract: A bar code reader has an integrated scanning component module which is mountable on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the module may include the digitizer/decoder electronics, enabling the module to be used with a generic PCB. In some embodiments, the module includes a high speed optical scanning arrangement having an optical element which extends longitudinally of a flexible member, secured at one end. In other embodiments, the invention extends to a hand-held optical scanner having a scanning assembly, detector and data transmission coupling all mounted to a common printed circuit board, preferably located within a manually-graspable handle. In yet a further embodiment, an abuse-detector or accelerometer is provided for determining when the device is exposed to deceleration above a predetermined limit, and optionally for automatically shutting down applications programs and for providing a black-box-record of a short time frame before the device was exposed to an unexpected shock.

Abstract: A bank-note processing device (51), which prevents bank-notes received in a stacker from projecting into a bank-note transfer passage interfering with the next processing and which has a bank-note reverse-flowing preventive lever (80) that comprises, at least, a first lever (25) turnably supported through a first shaft (26) and having a length smaller than the outer diameter (21a) of a bank-note guide drum (21), a first urging means (28) for constantly urging the first lever (25) toward a bank-note transfer passage (4), a first stop (32) for preventing the first lever (25) from rotating toward the bank-note transfer passage (4) through more than at a predetermined angel of rotation, a second lever (79) turnably supported on the front end (25c) of the first lever (25) through a second shaft (74), a second stop (76) for preventing the second lever (79) from rotating toward the bank-note transfer passage (4) through more than a predetermined angle of rotation, and a second urging means (77) for constantly urging

Abstract: An optical memory card including a substrate with a data zone covered by an information carrying layer, at least one diffractive optical element (DOE) that is positioned on the substrate, and a metal element coupled to the substrate. The data zone advantageously has a small inner radius, e.g., 12 mm. The DOE may be embossed in the substrate within the data zone formed on the substrate. The metal element may include a hole or protrusion to align the card with a driver. A method for making the card includes embossing a substrate with DOE and grooves, and provides an information carrying layer. A driver for the memory card including a magnetic chuck and a reading laser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a data carrier having a laser-markable layer and a transparent optically variable layer overlapping therewith at least in certain areas, wherein visually visible markings that at least partly overlap with the optically variable layer are produced in the laser-markable layer after the application of the optically variable layer. The invention further includes a data carrier produced by the method and a semifinished product, such as a data carrier blank, that is provided for processing by the method.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is transparent or translucent to human viewing yet detectable by automated card processing equipment. The card includes a substantially planar material sheet having upper and lower surfaces bounded by a continuous peripheral edge. The material sheet has one or more areas that are at least minimally transparent or translucent to human viewing. A filter associated with at least one of the areas provides sufficient opacity to light used by card sensors in the automated card processing equipment to render the card detectable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a storage device. In one arrangement, the storage device comprises a memory module, a controller, and a storage space indicator that conveys an indication of the amount of storage space that is available. In some arrangements, the storage space indicator comprises a nonvolatile display.

Abstract: A passport 1 with an anti-counterfeit ID chip that certifies the identity and the nationality of a passport holder entering and departing a country comprises a passport body 3 having printed thereto a photograph 2 for identifying the passport owner. A particle-like micro ID chip storing at least an identification photograph information of the passport owner comparable with the identification photograph 2 printed on the passport body 3 is embedded in the passport body. Whether a passport is counterfeited or not is judged by comparing the identification photograph 2 printed on the passport body 3 with the photograph information of the passport owner read out from the ID chip 4 and displayed on a screen.

Abstract: An identification photograph with an ID chip 1 used for identification means is composed of a photographic printing paper 3 on which is printed a facial photograph image 2 of the individual to be identified. A particle-like micro ID chip 4 storing various personal identification data for identifying the individual is embedded in the photographic printing paper 3. The personal identification data stored in the ID chip 4 can be read out using a dedicated ID chip reader and displayed on a screen. A security guard and the like can check the ID of an individual using the personal identification data stored in the ID chip 4 and displayed on the screen.

Abstract: The thermostatic gas valve (1) is adapted for delivering gas flows (7′,8′) to a main burner and to a pilot burner of a heater appliance and comprises a valve body (3) with a plurality of internal gas distribution chambers (4,5,5′) interconnected to a manual valve (11), to a main flow (7′) thermostatic modulating device (12), and to an electromagnetic safety valve (9) energised by a thermocouple (10), between a gas inlet duct (6) and outlet ducts (7,8) for said flows (7′,8′). An inlet pressure (Pe) regulator device (2) provided with a diaphragm type stabilising valve (18,19), is inserted in said inlet duct (6) in direct communication with the safety valve (9) via a flat conduit (27) under a valve body cover (14).

Abstract: A thermostat is provided with an image projection capability that allows images concerning the operation of the thermostat to be projected onto a surface in the vicinity of the thermostat. The image projection is preferably accomplished by directing an internally generated image to an image enlargement device which thereafter projects an enlarged image onto the surface in the vicinity of the thermostat. The surface that receives the projected image is preferably defined by a screen affixed to the wall that the thermostat is mounted to.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner controls the air-conditioning automatically based on sensors detecting environmental conditions regarding the air-conditioning of a vehicle and based on an operational portion operable by a passenger. One of the sensors is a sunlight sensor for detecting the amount of sunlight incident into the vehicle. A signal detected by the sunlight sensor is modified to have a time constant by a time constant process. The modification is based on the elevation angle of the sunlight and the inside air temperature of the vehicle. The modified signal is used for automatic control of the air-conditioning.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism for a transmission/engine fluid cooler bypass valve of the type in which a responsive element expands to urge a valve member against a valve seat and thereby causes transmission fluid to flow through an oil fluid cooler. A cast valve housing is utilized which is interposed between the cooler and the oil source. The valve actuating mechanism is designed to allow fluid to pass through the valve once the fluid has reached an elevated temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a housing, preferably but not exclusively for use with a motor vehicle heater of the type employed to heat the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The housing has a unitary housing body formed by blow moulding and a structural frame is formed by injection moulding. The structural frame bears the load of internal components within the housing body, enabling the housing body to be made with very thin walls in order to reduce its weight. The housing body has integrally formed internal walls to guide the flow of air.