Abstract: A welding assembly is provided for welding a fastener to an object such as a vehicle body panel. The assembly includes a weld gun having first and second electrodes movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The first electrode includes a housing assembly. A pin is received in the housing assembly and is movable when in said closed position between a desired nut position, and upside down nut position, and a no nut position. An optical sensor has a terminal end space from the pin for direction light thereon. The terminal end of the sensor received reflected light from the pin. A sensor control system processes the reflected light into a signal corresponding to one of the desired nut, upside down nut, and no nut positions.

Abstract: Minute copper balls having a high sphericity which are suitable for use as the cores of copper core solder balls are manufactured by heating small pieces comprising an alloy of 0.5-40 wt % of Zn and a remainder of Cu to at least the melting point of Cu without the pieces contacting each other to give them a spherical shape and cooling the resulting spheres to form solid balls. The minute copper balls which are obtained comprises 0.01-0.5 wt % of Zn and a remainder of Cu and have a spherical shape with a diameter in the range of 50-1000 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A projection 3 is pressed into first and second members W1 and W2 with a predetermined pressure, while rotating a rotary tool 1 at a preset rotational speed, such that the first and second members W1 and W2 are sandwiched by the rotary tool 1 and stationary tool 10. The projection 3 rotates in these members to cut member textures around it, thereby generating heat. Furthermore, the cuttings formed by cutting with the projection 3 are accumulated in the members and agitated by the two tools 1 and 10, to collide against the surrounding member textures and the projection 3, thereby generating heat. Also, a first shoulder 2 is pressed in with a predetermined pressure and rotated to generate heat, thereby fusing the cuttings. While the plastic flow of the surrounding member textures is promoted, the first shoulder 2 is held at the predetermined pressure and rotational speed. The pressure per unit area is thus increased to increase the volume of plastic flow.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a friction welded component and a method of manufacture for such a component, comprising friction welding a reinforcement element (10) at an end cross-section thereof to a surface of a thin walled member (12) with an interlayer member (14) interposed between the reinforcement element and the surface of the thin walled member. The thin walled member and/or the interlayer are preferably of the same or similar material and the thickness of the thin walled member is preferably less than or equal to 6 mm and more preferably in the range 0.5 to 2 mm with the diameter of the reinforcement element being greater than 10 times the thickness of the thin walled member. The invention finds particular application in the fabrication of bosses to gas turbine aero-engine casings and fabricated nozzle components, for example.

Abstract: There are provided a bonded member comprising different materials which are bonded together, the bonded member having air tightness at the interface between the bonded materials and also having thermal cycle properties and thermal shock properties and being able to be produced by a simple operation, and an easy-to-practice production method of the bonded member comprising different materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding a bolt (19) onto a workpiece, using a bolt-welding device and to a bolt-welding device. A force is applied to the drive shaft (11) using a switchable unit (29), said force exerting a resistance against a displacement of the drive shaft (11). The drive shaft (11) is moved by an electromagnetic linear drive (5) acting in an axial direction. The unit (29) can prevent the movement of the drive shaft (11) and can fix the latter in position, in such a way that the linear drive (5) can be switched to a currentless state. In addition, the unit can dampen the movement of the drive shaft (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning a welding bolt (15), held in a bolt welding head (3), whereby the robot (5), to which the bolt welding head (3) is fixed, moves the bolt welding head sideways until a touch sensor (21) contacts a side wall (25) of a workpiece. The position of the side wall (25) is thus detected and the bolt welding head (3) can be moved through a set amount (Y) into a welding start position, from whence the welding bolt (15) can be welded to the workpiece (9) by the displacement in the direction of travel (V). The welding bolt (15), thus, always has the required separation (Z) from the side wall (25), independent of tolerances in the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a joint between metal and a ceramic substrate for a high temperature sensor. First, a predetermined hole is formed in the ceramic substrate to serve as a joint portion. A bonding layer is preferably disposed on the ceramic substrate to form on the inner surface and the surrounding portion of the hole. Next, the hole is filled with a supporting metal. Then, a conductive layer is formed on the supporting metal and the bonding layer. A metal signal conductive frame is then formed on the conductive layer. Next, a welding spot is formed through the metal signal conductive frame, the conductive layer and the supporting metal at the joint portion by a welding process.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for debounding a magnetic head transducer from a head gimbal assembly, said magnetic head transducer being bounded to said head gimbal assembly by a solder ball, which is formed by solder ball bounding process, said method comprising: loading the head gimbal assembly on a fixture; directing a hot air gun to the solder ball of the head gimbal assembly and turning on the hot air gun; and taking away the magnetic head when the solder ball melts.

Abstract: In a method of applying a brazing material to braze a joining portion between a first member and a second member, a relationship between an amount of the brazing material and an expanding dimension of the brazing material is determined. Then, a position to apply the brazing material or a necessary amount of the brazing material is decided based on the relationship. After the first member and the second member are joined, the brazing material is applied. The position is defined by a distance from the joining portion. The distance is set smaller than one-half the expanding dimension of the brazing material on an applying surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-soluble prefluxe that can solve problems with a soldering land array having a narrow spacing in that fused solder is likely to cause soldering bridges with defective soldering, a printed circuit board with its film formed thereon, and a surface treatment process for a metal in that circuit. The water-soluble preflus comprises given two different benzimidazoles compound and an iodine-based compound optionally with an amino acid, etc. The invention provides a printed circuit board with a film of that preflux formed thereon, and a surface treatment process for the metal in that circuit.

Abstract: An envelope allows limited, yet sufficient, inspection of its contents for various types of contraband material, while simultaneously maintaining the privacy of a substantial portion of its contents. The envelope's front panel, back panel, and closure flap are each substantially opaque, and at least a portion of at least two of its edge portions on at least one of the front and back panels, are substantially transparent.

Abstract: An improved sleeve style beverage carton can be processed at or near peak production rates for carton blanks and without the need for manual removal of scrap from apertures in the carton blank. The increase in production rates and efficiency is principally obtained because the stripper pins on the stripper drum used in producing the carton blank consistently and reliably puncture and remove the scrap from apertures in the die cut carton blank thereby alleviating the need to slow or stop the machine for manual removal of the scrap. Advantageously, gusset holes which are die cut in the carton blank are preferably generally trapezoidal-shaped to provide for increased surface area of the gusset hole relative to prior art configurations. The trapezoidal-shaped larger gusset holes provide for a more consistent and reliable removal of the carton material scrap from the gusset hole during production of the blank.

Abstract: A container made from corrugated paperboard has more than four sides and is constructed to resist distortion when force is applied to the ends or sides of the container, and also to resist crushing when containers are stacked on top of one another. In one embodiment, the container has six sides, with two side walls, two end walls, and two diagonally opposed diagonal corner panels and two diagonally opposed square corners. In another embodiment, the container has seven sides, with two side walls, two end walls, and three diagonal corner panels and one square corner. In a further embodiment, the container has eight sides, with two side walls, two end walls, and four diagonally opposed diagonal corner panels. In this embodiment, the diagonal corner panels are oriented so that they subtend an angle of from about 35° to about 40°, and preferably 38°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: A french fry and condiment holder having a wall with a pair of parallel slits. A condiment sleeve containing ketchup or another condiment may be inserted into a loop formed in the wall by deforming the wall at the slits. The condiment sleeve has a flat bottom and can stand upright.

Abstract: A container of paperboard, corrugated craft paper or the like is provided with one or more walls that moves inwardly with erection of the container and bears against an in-fold flap of an adjacent wall, to square up and reinforce the container. In one arrangement, two opposite hollow walls of a rectilinear container expand inwardly against two inner in-fold flaps, during folding of outer in-fold flaps associated with the two hollow walls, into a position in the plane of the container bottom. Embodiments are disclosed with variations including multiple plies, center dividers, integral lid panels and tear-outs. The container preferably is produced in a knocked down flat shape with four sidewalls folded flat on one another. The container is erected into a rectangular shape by pressing its diagonally opposite corners toward one another.

Abstract: An easy-open folding carton having a manufacturer's joint in which two panels are joined by an adhesive. One of the two panels includes a plurality of punch scores. The other panel is coated with a coating and includes a plurality of uncoated “knock-outs” that are aligned with the punch scores. The adhesive is disposed between the two panels in alignment with the knock-outs and punch scores. The panel that includes the punch scores is preferably coated, except for an uncoated stripe that extends through the approximate center of the punch scores.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for product verification for use with products intended to be introduced into circulation and including machine readable product data, and comprising a product data storage means, at least one portable reading device for said machine readable product data, wherein the machine readable product data is applied to products and is arranged for inspection by the at least one portable reading device remotely from the product data storage means and at at least one point in the product circulation route, and wherein the at least one portable reading device is arranged to verify the authenticity of the machine readable product data and thereby verify the authenticity of the product itself.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a voucher security system utilized in gaming which employs cashless enabled gaming systems, voucher printers with special reading and imaging capabilities, uniquely manufactured voucher media utilizing special inks and thermally sensitive coatings, and bill acceptors/voucher validators with special reading capabilities. The voucher security system ameliorates counterfeiting of vouchers by being able to detect invalid or counterfeit vouchers presented during redemption.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) system includes a central office, an ATM coupled to the central office, and a remote data provider coupled to the central office. The ATM performs bank transactions in response to user interaction. The remote data provider is operable to provide enhanced non-bank transaction content to the ATM through the central office.

Abstract: A system and method to deliver detailed transaction information to financial account owner's mobile device per registered monetary transaction being imposed on their account so that the account owner is aware of the transaction activities associated with the financial account. Upon receipt of a monetary transaction being made on the account from the financial institution processing the transaction, the system obtains the address of a pre-collected mobile device from database, and communicates with a wireless network element, which in turn instructs the corresponding wireless network to send a message containing the transaction information to the mobile device associated with the financial account.

Abstract: A method, computer program and system for alerting authorities during a transaction card authorization process, that a crime is in progress without alerting the perpetrator that an alert has been given. During a transaction card authorization process, the vendor attaches a code to the vendor identification sent to the authorization center. The code may be a normal code or a duress code. In either situation, the entered code is compared to the stored duress code. If a duress code has been entered, then the authorities are notified and the account transaction is approved, although at a slower rate than normal to provide authorities time to respond. Any attempt to contact the person under duress is delayed to avoid tipping off the perpetrator that an alarm has been sent.

Abstract: A method of making cash payments in a vehicle parking system in which a mobile telephone (1) is used to commence and terminate parking of a vehicle, and where a telephone user sends at least one code to receiving computer (2) belonging to the parking system via said mobile telephone upon commencement and termination of a parking period.

Abstract: A ballistics fire control system for a spin or fin stabilised projectile is provided with means which are operated such that the closest point of approach between a fired projectile and a target is taken to be at the instant the projectile velocity vector (6) is orthogonal to the position error vector (13) between the projectile and target in accordance with the relationship: Vp·(PP−PF)=0 where Vp is the projectile velocity vector, PP is the projectile trajectory or position vector, PF is the target future position vector, · is the vector dot product and (PP−PF) is the position error vector.

Abstract: A chip card reader comprises a housing according to a PCMCIA format. The housing includes a base plate (12) and a cover plate (14) extending between a plug-in socket (32) and an insertion slot for a chip card (38). The base plate (12) and the cover plate (14) are each made of a plastic part (20) and a metallic part and are assembled by interconnecting the metallic parts of both plates (12, 14).

Abstract: The present invention provides for a surface acoustic wave (SAW) identification tag reader and for methods of operating and manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the SAW identification tag reader includes: (1) a transmitter capable of sending an interrogation signal that excites a SAW transducer located on a piezoelectric substrate, the piezoelectric substrate having a group of slots arranged by both pulse position and phase position, and a number of reflectors distributed among the slots such that the reflectors return to the transducer a return signal containing a number encoded by both pulse position and phase position; and (2) a receiver for detecting the return signal and decoding the number.

Abstract: A modular omnidirectional laser-based bar code symbol scanning system having at least one scan module insert that is removably disposed (e.g., removably installed) within a system housing (or portion thereof) through a service port (e.g., opening) in the system housing (or portion thereof). The scan module insert is a self-contained unit including at least the following components (in addition to mechanical support structures for such components): at least one laser diode, a rotating scanning element, an electric motor that rotates the rotating scanning element, one or more photodetectors, and analog signal processing circuitry that conditions (e.g., amplifies and/or filters out unwanted noise in) the electrical signal produced by the one or more photodetectors. The scan module insert can optionally include additional components including one or more light collecting optical elements, one or more beam folding mirrors, circuitry for detecting and decoding bar code symbols scanned by the system, etc.

Abstract: A method or system for obtaining information from a bar code comprising the steps of maintaining a database of a plurality of algorithms for decoding a bar code, scanning a bar code associated with a particular item, determining the length of the bar code, identifying algorithms from said database for decoding a bar code of the determined length, applying the identified algorithms to the scanned bar code, and verifying one of the identified algorithms as a correct algorithm for obtaining and utilizing information or data from the scanned bar code. The verifying step can be determining if a segment of the scanned bar code contains a portion of the information of the scanned bar code within an expected range for the chosen segment.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus utilizing gravity acceleration for scanning is provided. The scanning apparatus comprises a U-shaped housing, a shaft bearing, a housing and a scanning head. The shaft bearing passes through the housing with two ends thereof respectively and rotationally fastened on two sidewalls of the U-shaped housing, thereby the housing is vertically and rotationally fastened in the U-shaped housing. The scanning head is disposed in the housing with an engageable piece engaged with a hook-type element of the housing so as to fasten the scanning head at a predetermined position close to the top end of the housing. When the scanning head is going to scan, the engagement between the engageable piece and the hook-type element is released and a starting power is applied to the scanning head by gravity acceleration. Thereby the scanning head is guided to move downward to scan via cooperation between a guiding piece and a guiding rail.

Abstract: A housing for a hand-held scanner has an upper surface having a front portion and a rear portion, a lower surface having a front portion and a rear portion, side surfaces between the upper and lower surfaces and a first groove in the lower surface between the front portion and rear portion for receiving a finger of a hand holding the housing during use. The side surfaces have second grooves therein extending from the first groove towards the rear portion of the upper and lower surfaces a sufficient distance to receive the tips of at least two fingers of a hand holding the housing during use.

Abstract: A promotional tool and a vehicle used to distribute products, information, gift certificates, prepaid phone cards, and coupons for businesses, corporations, retail establishments, universities, and sales personnel. A customized gift card displays professionally created artwork, logos and graphics that best portray the provider's intent for the overall design. The card is folded, die-cut and glued to receive a multimedia disc, gift certificate, coupon or phone card. A Multimedia Disc is included as a gift with each card. It is a digital medium that contains professionally recorded digital music and a variety of audio, video, and graphic information regarding the provider. It is placed in the card so the label which supports the card's overall design, is in view. A gift certificate, coupon, or a prepaid phone card can be placed in the card for easy accessibility and scanning by a retailer.

Abstract: An automatic teller system and a method of operating the system wherein the system can receive a personalized normal PIN or duress PIN from a user. If the user enters the duress PIN, the system determines that it is a duress PIN and actuates a silent alarm to notify authorities of the possible crime. The system will then simulate a normal transaction, perhaps with a reduced maximum withdrawal amount, so as to not alert a thief or potential thief that the alarm has been actuated, while dispensing bills marked with special ink that is visible only when viewed under special light. Also, the serial numbers of the bills dispensed under duress are recorded by the automatic teller system and automatically communicated to authorities. Under duress conditions, it is preferable that the monitoring of the ATM be enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and/or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Abstract: An article which includes identifying means which incorporates information wherein said identifying means and the information incorporated therein is capable of being detected and recorded by a recognition unit in order that one or more characteristics of the article can be determined by correlating the information obtained from the identifying means with pre-recorded information concerning one or more characteristics of the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing encoded information through the addition of a digitally watermarked background is disclosed. The digitally watermarked background may incorporate semantic information derived from an object or further supplemental information to produce a digitally watermarked background for the encoded information. The digitally watermarked background may modify, replace, or be used in conjunction with the content of the encoded information. The digitally watermarked background may be used as a key to limit access to the information in the encoded information.

Abstract: A spray container positioning device for use in positioning a spray container relative to a surface, for optimizing application of liquid contained within the spray container to a surface upon discharge of the liquid through a nozzle member associated with the spray container. The positioning device further includes a light beam positioning arrangement which projects at least one light beam toward the surface, for use in positioning the spray container and the nozzle member relative to the surface. The light beam positioning arrangement includes a light beam generator, such as a laser generator, which directs at least one light beam toward the surface to form a point of light on the surface which provides a visual indication to the user as to the position of the spray container and nozzle relative to the surface.

Abstract: A tower hydrant station for a snow making apparatus is illustrated wherein underground air and water pipes are respectively connected to remote sources of air and water under pressure and air and water hydrant pipes are respectively connected to these underground air and water pipes for supplying air and water under pressure above ground. Valves are respectively connected to these hydrant pipes for valving air and water therefrom. A substantially vertical closed metal snow tower mounting pipe is provided and has a hollow interior and is embedded in ground and exposed above ground for supporting a snow making tower thereon. The air hydrant pipe is connected to the interior of this tower mounting pipe whereby the interior portions of the mounting pipe constitute a portion or segment of the air hydrant pipe system and air under pressure supplied to the air hydrant coupling is circulated through above ground portions of the mounting pipe for cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spray-drying solvent-containing compositions, to a method for spray-drying solvent-containing compositions, and to the uses of the inventive device and of the inventive method, especially for producing powder washing and cleaning agents.

Abstract: This invention discloses an ornamental fountain wherein a fountain nozzle is made to discharge a pressurized stream of liquid, and a shutter prevents or allows the stream to exit.

Abstract: A flow controller assembly for use with a hydraulically-actuated, electrically-controlled fuel injector, includes a flow controller fluidly disposable intermediate an injector control valve assembly and an injector intensifier assembly for controlling flow of actuating fluid to and from the intensifier assembly to effect rate shaping of an injectable quantity of fuel and to effect a reduction of noise generated by the stopping of return motion of an intensifier piston. A fuel injector and a method of controlling an intensifier piston are also included.

Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus supplies heat to wash fluid via a continuous, labyrinthian flow path in a thermally conductive body. A heat source is disposed in the thermally conductive body for imparting heat to the body. Fluid flowing through the thermally conductive body substantially envelopes the heat source to absorb heat from the body.

Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus includes a thermally conductive mass formed of a stack of a plurality of lamina, each having apertures for receiving heater element(s) therethrough and apertures which are alignable between opposed ends of the stack to form fluid flow paths. The lamina are rotatably offset from adjacent lamina in one step or groups of two or more lamina each to create helical flow paths in the throughbores.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid atomizing nozzle which utilizes a swirling flow of gas to form a liquid film in as uniform thickness as possible in a circumferential direction, and in which blockages are difficult to develop, and which can facilitate atomization by further reducing the size of the droplets which disperse from the front end. A liquid injected into an annular space 7 through liquid passages 14 formed in an outer cylinder 2 in an incline to the radial direction, flows within the annular space 7 having a component swirling in the circumferential direction. Air which flows into the annular space 7 through air passages 10 formed inclined in the same direction as the liquid passages in the outer cylinder 2, develops a swirling flow Ac within the annular space 7, acts upon the injected liquid to spread it onto an inner wall 5 of the outer cylinder 2, and further improving the uniformity of the thickness of the liquid film in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary fitting (5) including an external housing (2) that has at least one housing section (6, 7, 30), the housing section (6, 7, 30) having an insertion opening (10) on an inlet side. At least one functional unit can be inserted through said opening into the interior of the housing until it abuts an insertion stop (18, 19, 29). A housing clearance (20, 21, 22) for receiving the protruding part of the functional unit(s) that projects beyond the insertion stop is located upstream and/or downstream of the insertion stop (18, 19, 29) in the direction of insertion.

Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle assembly includes an injector body including a valve seat with a supply passage through which fuel flows generally along a supply axis. A nozzle plate having a top surface and a bottom surface is mounted onto the valve seat. The top surface includes a recess formed therein whereby fuel flows into the recess from the supply passage. A plurality of swirl chambers are formed within the top surface, each having a conical orifice extending from the swirl chamber to the bottom surface of the nozzle plate. A plurality of channels interconnect each of the swirl chambers to the recess, wherein the channels meet the swirl chambers offset from a center of the swirl chambers.

Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes an injector body in which an annular chamber into which an inlet bore discharges at an orifice point is embodied. A pressure tube neck with a sealing face is embodied on the injector body. The pressure tube neck is offset from the line of symmetry of the annular chamber; the inlet bore, embodied in the pressure tube neck, ends at a tangent, at an obtuse entrance angle, in the annular chamber at the orifice point.

Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle assembly includes an injector body including a valve seat with a supply passage through which fuel flows generally along a supply axis. A nozzle plate is mounted onto the valve seat and includes a plurality of orifice holes therein through which fuel flows. A turbulence cavity is defined by the nozzle plate and the valve seat wherein fuel flows into the turbulence cavity through the supply passage and out from the turbulence cavity through the plurality of orifice holes. A plurality of obstructions are located within the turbulence cavity directly in front of the orifice holes and are adapted to create turbulence eddies within the flow entering the orifice holes.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine operates with high combustion efficiency, and low nitrous oxide emissions during engine operations. The combustor includes at least one trapped vortex cavity, a fuel delivery system including two fuel circuits, and a fuel spray bar assembly. A pilot fuel circuit supplies fuel to the trapped vortex cavity and a main fuel circuit supplies fuel to the combustor. The fuel spray bar assembly includes a spray bar and a heat shield. The spray bar is sized to fit within the heat shield. The heat shield includes aerodynamically-shaped upstream and downstream sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection system, having a control valve (2), an actuating element for actuating the control valve (2), an injection nozzle which is controllable by the control valve (2) via a pressure buildup or pressure reduction in a control chamber (8), wherein the control valve (2) has at least two switching states, and in a first switching state of the control valve (2), a first pressure is established in the control chamber (8), at which pressure the injection nozzle is closed, and in a second switching state of the control valve (2), a second pressure is established in the control chamber (8), at which the injection nozzle is opened, wherein the control valve (2) has at least one third switching state, in which a third pressure is established in the control chamber (8), which pressure is between the first pressure and the second pressure and at which the injection nozzle is opened.

Abstract: A stationary core has a press fitting portion and is secured to an inner peripheral wall of a tubular member by press fitting, so that an outer peripheral wall of the press fitting portion of the stationary core is engaged with the inner peripheral wall of the tubular member, and a radial space is formed upstream of the press fitting portion of the stationary core between the stationary core and the tubular member. The stationary core can have a tapered annular outer surface section, which is arranged in an outer peripheral wall of a downstream end portion of the stationary core and is tapered toward a downstream end of the stationary core at a taper angle of 2 to 60 degrees to have a reduced outer diameter.