Abstract: The carrier essentially comprises a seat worn about one's waist having an upwardly extending upper section and a downwardly extending lower section which is rotated against the thigh in bearing the weight of an infant or small child placed upon the upper section and held in position only by the arm and hand of the wearer.

Abstract: A carrying device for securing one or more articles to be stowed in a vehicle between the two front seats thereof comprising a support member, 14 means for releaseably connecting the support 14 to each of the front seats.

Abstract: The Tractor Tool Caddy is a device that allows for carrying of small and medium sized tools and equipment on a riding mower or tractor or other similar vehicle while allowing the operator to keep his hands free to safely operate the mower or tractor. The tools and implements are held on the Tractor Tool Caddy by a number of devices, including “D” rings, loops, pockets and stretch straps. The Tractor Tool Caddy is secured to the mower or tractor by stretch straps which connect the Tractor Tool Caddy to parts of the mower or tractor with “S” hooks.

Abstract: A object storing case of a motorcycle includes a connecting part disposed in a recess of a rear side of a holding body thereof, a fixing plate pivoted to the connecting part at the middle, a locking member and an operating member. The locking member is pivoted to the connecting part, and the fixing plate is pivoted to the locking member at a lower end such that the locking member can be turned for moving the fixing plate between an engaging position and a disengaging one in relation to a cover of the case. The locking member is equipped with a combination lock, and has a sloping slot extending from the lower edge, through which a spindle of the operating member is passed. The operating member further has a commoving pole associated with a stopping plate capable of being locked with the combination lock.

Abstract: The present invention is a beach equipment carrying apparatus which is used to carry various items needed and used when visiting a beach or similar location. The apparatus includes a frame member, which can be adjustable in height, on which a plurality of components and compartments can be connected. The present invention further includes a hanger or hangers which are mounted to the frame member and on which beach going materials can be hung, including beach chairs. The present invention can also include a number of straps connected to the frame member to be used as shoulder straps, support straps or straps to hold down items secured to the apparatus.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprises the combination of a bandage case and a roll of bandages, the bandage case including a bottom panel and a side wall peripherally mounted integrally to the bottom panel, and a top panel extending from a tab mounted on the peripheral side wall at a living hinge adapted for folding the top panel into surface contact with a top edge of the peripheral side wall. This structure is a single molded part. The top panel is in airtight contact with the sidewall and is secured by a pin-in-hole engagement. The side wall provides a tape exit comprising a pair of side wall portions in side-by-side positions with a tape exit aperture and a tape dispensing cutoff element. The exit aperture provides flexible closure lips enabled for tape sliding contact to exclude dust from the interior of the case.

Abstract: The retention device for retaining a fastener comprises an outer tubular shaft slidably disposed upon an inner tubular shaft. Extending from the distal end of the inner tubular shaft is a plurality of resilient gripping members, each having an arcuated portion protruding outwardly from the cylindrical axis of the inner tubular shaft. The outer tubular shaft, having a conically tapered inner bore, is longitudinally slid along the inner tubular shaft to press inwardly the arcuated portions so that the gripping members grasp a fastener at the distal ends thereof. The outer tubular shaft can be internally threaded to provide varying strength for retaining or releasing the fastener. A restraining resilient member is provided to prevent the retention device from falling off from the fastening tool by engaging an annular flange disposed upon the shank of the fastening tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power micromagnetic integrated circuit having a ferromagnetic core, a method of manufacture therefor and a power processing circuit employing the same, that-includes: (1) a substrate; (2) an insulator coupled to the substrate and (3) a metallic adhesive that forms a bond between the insulator and the ferromagnetic core to secure the ferromagnetic core to the substrate.

Abstract: A process for reconditioning worn or out-of-spec components, in particular titanium components and components which in partial areas are designed to receive further components in a positively locking and dimensionally accurate manner, e.g., as grooves, for which purpose the relevant partial areas are machined until a predetermined dimension is reached, spare parts which correspond to the machined partial areas and have the same geometry minus a predetermined soldering gap are produced from a material which is of the same type as the material of the component, and a soldering medium is introduced between machined walls of the partial area and spare part, which are fixedly joined to the component by a soldering process, after which, if necessary, the partial area(s) in question is/are dimensionally accurately machined.

Abstract: In a method for welding closed one end of each of a multiplicity of open-ended tubes suitable for use as brachytherapy capsules (100), each tube is loaded into a holder (52), brought to a welding station (80), has one end welded closed and is then released from the holder (52). A number of holders can be arranged on the periphery of a rotatable member (50), each holder being loaded with a tube at a first station, and then carrying the tube to a welding station (80) and an ejection station (90). The tubes can be loaded into the holders individually by means of an escapement mechanism (40).

Abstract: A coated nickel-base superalloy article, which is otherwise susceptible to the formation of a secondary reaction zone, is prepared by furnishing a nickel-base superalloy article substrate having thereon an initial aluminum-containing coating comprising an initial-coating additive zone and an initial-coating diffusion zone. The article is susceptible to the formation of the secondary reaction zone if heated to an elevated SRZ reaction temperature for an SRZ reaction period of time. The formation of the secondary reaction zone is avoided by first removing the initial-coating additive zone and the initial-coating diffusion zone, and thereafter depositing a subsequent aluminum-containing coating onto the article substrate. The subsequent aluminum-containing coating includes a subsequent-coating additive zone and a subsequent-coating diffusion zone.

Abstract: A postcard for carrying a disk medium, such as a compact disk or digital video disk, through the mails. In one embodiment, the postcard includes a card substrate, formed from card stock, which contains, on its front side, an area for an image or message, and a means for attaching a disk medium. The means for attaching a disk medium is preferably a clear plastic pocket. The back side of the card substrate includes an area for information written by the sender, such as a message and postal information of the recipient. In another embodiment, the postcard also includes a filler card, placed next to the back side of card substrate, and a transparent plastic film encloses the card substrate, means for attaching a disk medium, and filler card. In this embodiment, the area for postal information and a message is a label applied adhesively to the back side of the postcard over the plastic film.

Abstract: A food container formed from a foldable blank of corrugated cardboard into a box-like configuration for transport and/or storage of a food product such as pizza or the like. The container incorporates therein tamper-resistant features adjacent the front corners, including a pair of inwardly foldable locking walls provided on the bottom part of the container which cooperate with upright tabs located on the top part which prevent opening of the container. An additional pair of tabs are provided on the top part of the container which block access to the folded locking walls, which tabs are then removed by the consumer to open the container.

Abstract: This invention provides a paperboard with an improved score line, the method for making the improved score line, and the apparatus for imparting the improved score line. The score line makes the process of folding a flat paperboard into a corner an easier and more consistent process. The score is a V-shaped groove fashioned from a bar score line flanked by two parallel slit cut lines. The method for creating the score line includes utilizing different scoring hubs for bar scoring and slit scoring the paperboard. The apparatus for creating the bar score is a four shaft slitter-scorer having multiple shafts in series, wherein each shaft has at least one hub for slit scoring, bar scoring or supporting the paperboard.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mailbox sanitization device employing ultraviolet lamps mounted therein. The lamps are activated after placement of mail, postcards, packages and the like into the mailbox for approximately 60 seconds. The ultraviolet lamp may further produce residual ozone sufficient to destroy most viruses found on the materials placed within the mailbox. The mailbox may be operated in remote areas by use of low voltage or in a commercial setting for protection of postal employees.

Abstract: A multi-compartment mailbox has a master door which a mailman can open, using a first master key, to enable large packages to be delivered, and the master door has a plurality of sub-doors each enabling access to a specific one of the compartments and openable by use of a key different from the master key and different from the keys used to open the other sub-doors. Each sub-door has a mail delivery flap and all the flaps of all the sub-doors can be collectively locked and unlocked to prevent delivery of junk mail. A second master key controls the condition, locked or unlocked, of the flaps and persons, such as building management or town council officials, may also have copies of the second master key, but not the first.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly integrated and flexible system for vending products and services to consumers. The system receives information in advance of the vend by having the consumer insert an identification (ID) card, preferably a driver's license, into a point-of-purchase terminal (referred to as an OSU device). The OSU device preferably contains an Optical Scanning Unit (OSU), capable of scanning the textual information on the ID card. In one embodiment, the scanned information is compared against optical templates present in the system to discern or verify the information on the ID card, and is then used by the system to enable or disable the vending transaction, and/or to allow access to several preregistered system accounts.

Abstract: User interface for reporting event-based production information in product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a system, method, computer-readable medium, and display device for processing data stored in a database. The data include automatically collected event-based production information records in a manufacturing system wherein each record represents an event and includes a timestamp, an event code, and a measure of cost or production loss associated with the event.

Abstract: Providing quality management by validating a bill of materials in event-based product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a system and method for validating materials during manufacture of a product. Also disclosed are a method of validating that acceptable materials are being used on a machine during manufacture of a product, and one or more computer-readable media for storing a data structure representing a product specification in an event-based manufacturing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enabling a first user to record in a computer system, using a business card of a second user, an electronic mail address of the second user, the business card including coded data indicative of the identity of the business card and of at least one reference point of the business card, the method including the steps of: receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device regarding the identity of the business card and a position of the sensing device relative to the business card, the sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the business card, sensing the indicating data using at least some of the coded data; identifying, in the computer system and from the indicating data a request to record the electronic mail address of the second user; and recording, in the computer system at a location accessible to the first user, the electronic mail address of the second user.

Abstract: A wholesale and/or retail check out station system includes a biometric finger print reader and storage for reading and storing biometric data of employees having access to the cash registers of the check out stations in the system. Authorization to use a cash register in the system is programmed into the microprocessor in the system, limiting use of a cash register to authorized employees. Employees are identified by finger print using biometric technology. Limitations of use is extended to access to operate particular cash register(s); handling returned merchandise at a cash register; refunds on returned purchases require authorization of the manager and the cashier; cashing checks at a cash register, where the limitation includes only cashing of employer drawn payroll checks of employees; and, clearing errors made in tabulations at a cash register. Unauthorized persons attempting to gain access to cash registers to which they are not authorized serves to activate an alarm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base of handheld device having Email access function. The base can connect to a computer or an information network to access Email data package of an Email, and display the content of the Email via the handheld device. The base comprises a casing having a receiving groove thereon for exactly receiving the handheld device. A control circuit board is disposed in the casing. The control circuit board comprises a control unit, a memory unit, and a transmission unit. The control unit is used to download the data package of the Email from the computer or the information network or to transfer the content of the Email to the handheld device for display. The memory unit is used to store an Email access program and memorizing the accessed Email data. The transmission unit is used to connect to the computer or the information network.

Abstract: Programs to be executed by the IC card terminal, which correspond to the IC card functions, are provided according to the present invention by a memory device, in particular, an IC card that can be attached to and removed from the IC card terminal.

Abstract: An IC card connector is provided for connecting an IC card having a terminal array and ejecting the card from the connector. A support structure has a receptacle for receiving the IC card for movement to a connecting position. An elongated push rod is linearly movably mounted on the support structure and is effective for ejecting the IC card from its connecting position, the push rod having an outer end. A push button is pivotally mounted to the outer end of the elongated push rod for movement between an inoperative position protruding colinearly from the outer end of the push rod and an inoperative position protruding angularly from one side of the push rod. An elastic member is coupled between the push rod and the push button for biasing the push button toward its operative position. A latch is operatively associated between the push rod and the push button for holding the push button in its inoperative position.

Abstract: A card read/write device comprises means for storing and updating authorization information regarding specific cards and/or card types which are authorized for use with said card read/write device. Even if a certain card is complying with the standards under which the card read/write device operates, and therefore in theory should be allowed to be used with said device, the card read/write device comprises means for denying or accepting the use of the card, each time the card is presented to the device.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus for reading a transparent original, the object of the present invention is to obtain a high-quality read image from which dust or scratch is removed. In order to achieve this object, in the image reading apparatus for reading the transparent original, a transparent original illumination unit has the first and second surfaces on the same side. On the first surface, at least one light source for emitting light in at least a visible range is arranged. On the second surface, at least one light source including a plurality of infrared light sources arrayed in series to emit light in an infrared range is arranged. The first and second surfaces are arranged at positions different from an effective light-emitting region, and includes a light guide plate and reflecting sheet for substantially uniformly emitting incident light from the same side portion to an entire surface.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly may include a transaction card and an auxiliary portion attached to the transaction card. The transaction card and the auxiliary portion may be formed to have a shaped edge that conforms with a trademark, a representation of a product, or other information printed or otherwise formed on the assembly. The auxiliary portion may be a functional item, such as a shoe horn or a luggage tag.

Abstract: An identification device (6) modified to fit into a lug nut hole (20). The device (6) includes a conical body molded of plastic material and has an embedded codded chip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marked paper document and a marked paper document detection device. The device comprises excitation means (A1, A2, A3) for varying the magnetization of glass-covered amorphous ferromagnetic filaments contained in the marked paper document with time, and means for detecting a variation in the magnetization of the ferromagnetic filaments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to linking documents through digital watermarking. In one implementation, an identification document is embedded with a first digital watermark. The first digital watermark includes a first identifier. Before issuing a second document, like a boarding pass or ticket, the first identifier is extracted from the identification document. The first identifier is manipulated or altered to produce a second identifier. The second identifier, however, remains related to the first identifier. The second document is embedded with a second digital watermark including the second identifier. Thus, the identification document and the second document are linked through the first and second watermark identifiers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable electronic thermostat valve comprising an actuating means provided with a rod for stroking a chamber of an expendable thermal element, so that temperature at which the thermostat valve opens can be easily adjustable based on driving condition of an automobile by changing the volume of the chamber of the expendable thermal element, whereby a cooling efficiency of the engine is maintained in optimized range. As a result, emission of exhaust gas and consumption of fuel is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an electronic thermostat valve that is based on the driving conditions. The method includes using controlling parameters memorized in an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). A power source to activate the thermostat valve is originated from an expanding force of a thermal element and a change of stroke of an actuating means. A cooling system of a vehicle can be maintained in an optimized state such that fuel consumption and exhaust pollutants are reduced.

Abstract: A thermostat is operative to note the current temperature at time of entering into a setback of one or more previously established setpoints. The thermostat is also operative to note any newly defined setpoints. The thermostat also notes whether the setback is to occur in a heating or cooling mode of operation. The thermostat maintains a record of the aforementioned entry conditions as well as the amount of time the thermostat participates in a requested setback. The thermostat also preferably notes one or more setpoints and sensed temperature occurring at the end of an implemented setback as well as the ending heating or cooling mode of operation. A record of temperature conditions, mode of operation and elapsed time for each setback is stored for retrieval by a remotely located entity in communication with the thermostat. This entity is usually an energy provider. This record is available for retrieval at any time, including a time when the thermostat is presently implementing a setback.

Abstract: A thermostat system includes a temperature sensor, an LCD for selectively displaying an alphanumeric message and a processor having a memory for storing program and data information. In one embodiment, the data includes a table storing key terms on a predetermined subject. A communications interface connects the processor and a remote correspondent which is a source of current information. Periodically, communications is established with the remote correspondent to read the current information and parse the current information against the stored key terms. If a match is found, the current information is further searched for a value associated with the matched key term in order to display an alphanumeric message which shows a first message component representative of the connotation of the matched key term and a second message component representative of the associated value.

Abstract: A thermostat system includes a temperature sensor, an LCD for selectively displaying an alphanumeric message and a processor having a memory for storing program and data information. In one embodiment, the data includes a table storing key terms on a predetermined subject. A communications interface connects the processor and a remote correspondent which is a source of current information. Periodically, communications is established with the remote correspondent to read the current information and parse the current information against the stored key terms. If a match is found, the current information is further searched for a value associated with the matched key term in order to display an alphanumeric message which shows a first message component representative of the connotation of the matched key term and a second message component representative of the associated value.

Abstract: A quantitative discharge apparatus for powder material, comprising: a tubular body for storing powder material; and an elastic membrane having plural penetrating apertures, the membrane constituting a bottom of the tubular body. The elastic membrane is vibrated by applying a positive pulsating vibration air, and thereby discharging powder material stored in the tubular body from the penetrating apertures of the elastic membrane. The plural penetrating apertures of the elastic membrane are formed on the circumference of a circle, of which center is a specific point of the elastic membrane.

Abstract: A spinning fountain display comprising a rotatable object 10 and means 13 for rotating the object 10 in either direction about an axis of rotation 18. A plurality of nozzles 54, 55 open at the periphery of the object 10 and are provided by a plurality of feeder passages 50 which form single entry nozzles 54 and/or feeder passages 61, 62 which form dual entry nozzles 55 or multi-entry nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injector for fuel injection, with a magnet valve for controlling an injection valve, in which the magnet valve has a movable armature that can be moved onto a valve seat in the lower armature chamber. The lower armature chamber communicates fluidically with the control pressure chamber of the injection valve via bores. Via a return bore, incidental leak fuel quantities can be returned to a tank via the lower armature chamber. To prevent armature recoil upon closure of the valve seat by the armature, it is proposed that means be provided in the injector for reducing pressure fluctuations occurring in the lower armature chamber. Eliminating pressure fluctuations in the lower armature chamber leads to maximal elimination of armature recoil.

Abstract: Droplet deposition apparatus comprises at least one droplet ejection unit (302, 304) comprising a plurality of fluid channels disposed side by side in a row, actuator means, and a plurality of nozzles, said actuator means being actuable to eject a droplet of fluid from a fluid channel through a respective nozzle; a support member (300) for said at least one droplet ejection unit; a first conduit (320) extending along said row and to one side of both said support member and said at least one droplet ejection unit for conveying droplet fluid to each of the fluid channels of said at least one droplet ejection unit; and a second conduit (330) extending along said row and to the other side of both said support member and said at least one droplet ejection unit for receiving droplet fluid from each of the fluid channels of said at least one droplet ejection unit.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle for a burner, especially for a vehicle heater has a flow guide element (16), which provides a flow guide surface (28) and which has an atomizing lip (36) in an end area (34). A fuel feed device (52, 50) is provided for feeding fuel to the flow guide surface (28) at a spaced location from the atomizing lip (36). Provisions are made for the fuel feed device (52, 50) in the flow guide element (16) to comprise a fuel release depression (50), into which opens a fuel feed channel device (52) in a junction area.

Abstract: An ozone system for agricultural applications generally includes a water flow line having an inlet for receiving a flow of clean water from a water source, an ozone injector suitable for producing a high concentration of ozone in oxygen, and a venturi injector for injecting the ozone gas into the water flowing through the flow line to produce an ozonated water stream. In addition, the system includes a degassing assembly for separating and removing undissolved ozone gas from the ozonated water stream and an ozone destruct assembly adapted to destroy the undissolved ozone. The entire system is motorized vehicle mountable to provide ease in applying the ozonated water stream from the system to agricultural crops.

Abstract: In a turbine driven rotary irrigation sprinkler having a fixed stator with means for bypassing a portion of the water entering the sprinkler around the turbine so as to be able to adjust and control the rate of sprinkler rotation, the improvement of a rotatable stator cooperating with the fixed stator to provide infinite adjustability between the no bypass flow and full bypass flow conditions.

Abstract: A rotary sprinkler system for both above-the ground and pop-up rotary sprinkler systems that controls the rate of nozzle rotation is disclosed. To maintain a relatively constant and controlled nozzle rotation, one or more chamfered spokes are included on the turbine of the sprinkler system. This turbine configuration together with a stator assembly that regulates fluid flow to the turbine control nozzle rotation despite variations in fluid flow. In particular, the chamfered spokes counteract the spin of the turbine in direct relation to the amount of water that bypasses the driving blades of the turbine.

Abstract: A spray caddy (10) for storing and transporting chemicals and cleaning accessories and method of dispensing diluted liquid chemicals with improved efficiency. The spray caddy (10) comprises a container (11) and an elongate rigid tubular handle assembly (12) that extends through a first hole (32) and a second hole (34) in container (11). Hot (>180. degree. F.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement which is suitable for use in the generation of a spray or aerosol and which is adapted for connection to a fluid supply, the nozzle arrangement including a fluid inlet through which fluid enters the arrangement from the fluid supply and fluid outlet through which the fluid is ejected from the nozzle arrangement, fluid inlet and fluid outlet being connected to a fluid flow passage through which, in use, fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the nozzle arrangement includes control means provided in the passage which, in use, acts to modify the flow characteristics of the fluid in the fluid flow passage to effectively control fluid droplet size produced in the spray or aerosol by the nozzle arrangement.

Abstract: A children's water toy that has a base unit for directing flow of a fluid in a substantially vertical direction and a spraying unit configured to receive fluid from the base member and rebound the fluid to direct it out of the bottom of the spraying unit so that the spraying unit is maintained aloft by the fluid pressure.

Abstract: At least one method of degasifying, filling fluid and assembling a hydraulic compensator for a solid state actuated fuel injector is disclosed. The method involves partially assembling a compensator assembly and immersing the partial assembly in a hydraulic and under a vacuum for a first predetermined time period. The partially assembled compensator is then assembled while immersed in the fluid and under a vaccum for a second time period.

Abstract: A pressure compensated drip irrigation hose (20) includes a hose having a wall (21) with an inner surface (21a). A continuous elastomeric strip member (30) is connected to the inner surface (21a). The continuous elastomeric strip member (30) and inner surface (21a) form a plurality of emitters. The emitters have an inlet section (40), a pressure reducing section (60) which is downstream from the inlet section (40). A pressure responsive section (70) is downstream from the pressure reducing section (60) and the outlet section (80) is downstream from the pressure responsive section (70). The continuous elastomeric strip member (30) is constructed from a material softer than the wall (21).