Abstract: A negotiable instrument payee authentication and identification method in which payee identification information is printed onto the negotiable instrument and maintained in a computerized database. When the payee presents the negotiable instrument for cashing, the identification information contained within the database is recalled and compared to the identification information contained on the printed negotiable instrument to ensure conformity.

Abstract: A method of processing an airline passenger through a terminal comprising the steps of verifying the identity of the passenger by checking a physical characteristic unique to the passenger and taking a picture of the identified passenger. A wristband-ticket (10) is issued having first (12) and second (14) ends and including an attachment (16, 20, 22) associated with the ends for securely attaching the ends together and rendering the ends non-retachable in response to being detached. The ticket is issued with a picture (28) of the identified passenger thereon as well as the terminal gate and the flight number and seat assignment thereon. In addition, the ticket is issued with a bar code (24) thereon identifying the passenger and flight information. The wristband-ticket (10) is placed around the wrist of the identified passenger and the passenger passes through checkpoints by reading the bar code and/or viewing the photograph.

Abstract: A method of issuing a ticket 32 to an event comprising the steps of displaying on a screen 14 the event information for various different venues on a plurality of machines 10 located at various different locations that are geographically separated. The purchaser proceeds by selecting a ticket from the types of tickets displayed on a screen 14 and entering ticket purchasing information for the selected ticket. The machine 10 takes a picture 38 of the ticket purchaser using the machine 10 and a wristband-ticket 32 having first 34 and second 36 ends with the picture 38 of the ticket purchaser and a code 48 thereon and including an attachment 40, 44, 46 associated with the ends 34, 36 and under the code 48 for securely attaching the ends 34, 36 together and rendering the ends 34, 36 non-retachable and the code 48 non-readable in response to the ends 34, 36 being detached.

Abstract: A product code includes an item code 30a, an individual article code 30b and a detail code 30c. The item code 30a is a code specifying an item to which the product belongs, such as a JAN code. The individual article code 30b is a code identifying the product uniquely, such as a bar code indicating a lot number or a serial number marked on the product at the time of manufacturing. The detail code 30c is a code indicating detail information of the product including information about the sources of the product, and component parts, raw materials or ingredients of the product. The detail code 30c is, for example, a two-dimensional code describing parts and raw materials, a production place and feed and chemicals used in the raising process if the product is livestock meat or cultivated fish, etc., and chemical fertilizers and pesticides used for the ingredients if the product is food, as the detail information of the product according to MRP.

Abstract: A device for identifying and storing at least one object equipped with a transponder has a receiving shaft combined with an antenna of a reader and a locking device for the object. The antenna of the reader and an electromagnetic actuator of the locking device have a common coil, which is coupled both to a sender and receiver of the reader and to a regulatable energy source of the electromagnetic actuator.

Abstract: An Internet enabled method and system (1) for designing, and manufacturing laser scanners of modular design and construction (231) using globally based information networks (3), such as the Internet, supporting the World Wide Web (WWW).

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging module including various optical components and a circuit board, which, in one embodiment, carries essentially an entirety of illumination and aiming LEDs of the module. The module includes a combination of features which result in the size of the module being reduced. The module may comprise a refractive optic diffuser plate manufactured using a textured surface mold.

Abstract: A print medium is encoded with information bearing indicia. A transparent layer or substrate which receives the printed information during printing has a first surface, a second surface and a leading edge. A strip of tape is applied to the first surface. A machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to at least one surface of the tape strip. The indicia is formed by a pattern of fluorescent material which upon excitation by radiation of a given spectral excitation range emits radiation in a fluorescent spectral range. The tape reflects radiation in the given excitation spectral range and in the fluorescent spectral range. In another embodiment, the strip of tape is applied to the first surface of the layer of the print medium, and has a top surface which is exposed when the tape strip is applied to the print medium and a bottom surface adjacent the first surface of the print medium. A first machine readable information bearing indicia is applied to the top surface of the tape strip.

Abstract: A contactless transaction card includes first and second contactless integrated circuit (IC) chips and an antenna connected to both ICs for enabling contactless operation of the functions provided by each IC. The contactless transaction card is preferably fabricated by laminating together a plurality of layers to form a carrier substrate. The antenna and one of the IC chips is embedded within the layers of the carrier substrate so as to be permanently formed in the card, while the second IC chip is provided in the card in a region formed as a micro-sized card which is removable from the main portion of the carrier substrate. Additionally, an adapter card includes a holder for retaining a micro-sized contactless transaction card and contains an antenna arranged to connect with the micro-sized card. The adapter may be used to convert the micro-sized transaction card into a full-sized card and to enable access to the information associated with the IC chip contained in the card.

Abstract: Water faucets that allow the user to manually mix hot and cold water until the desired temperature is felt have existed for a very long time. However, it typically can take up to a few minutes of various manual adjustments to get the desired temperature. Since the early 80's there existed also the possibility of doing the mixing automatically until a certain preselected temperature is reached, for example by an electric faucet with a temperature sensor. However, these patents did not solve the problem of the waiting time until the cold water in the hot water pipe gets out, and they did not solve the problem of reaching the desired heat if the hot water source is not hot enough and/or reaching the desired coldness of the cold water source is not cold enough. Clearly a more sophisticated system is needed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a wide variety of thermostats and thermostats/humidistats for air temperature and relative humidity control in buildings having heating, cooling and humidification systems. We suggest using a forced air device to take a representative air sample near the building occupant's location in order to enhance indoor climate control and improve its accuracy. When this forced air device is used, the existing standard thermostat or standard thermostat/humidistat becomes a non-inertial thermostat or thermostat/humidistat. We also suggest to equip non-inertial programmable thermostat or thermostat/humidistat as well as standard programmable thermostat or thermostat/humidistat with an advisory computing system. This system will provide the occupant with a guiding tool and enable him to make an informative decision about set points selection in relation to the projected energy savings or energy over-consumption at particular mode of operation, as compared to the base set points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering conditioned air using short duty cycles during which a damper is fully open for a time and fully closed for the remaining time. Conditioned air is continuously supplied to a plenum at low pressure and is applied to the space when the damper is open and blocked when the damper is closed. The proportion of on to off time during each duty cycle is adjusted to meet the load. When several supply terminals serve a space, their duty cycles are staggered to avoid fan instability. A special motor is coupled directly to the damper shaft for fast opening and closing of the damper. A magnetic latch holds the damper open or closed until the motor moves it again.

Abstract: Multiple methods of supplying conditioned air to a room and components therefor are provided. A dual plenum system has a supply plenum for delivering supply air to the room and a return plenum for returning room air to an air handling unit. Conduits are provided to permit passage of the return air through the supply plenum without breaching the integrity of the supply plenum. Modular units permit a user to customize the supply and return apparatuses. A terminal unit having a controllable damper blade can be applied to a diffuser to permit the unit to be convertible between a constant volume unit and a variable volume unit. A thermostat generates signals that open and close the damper blade at determined intervals.

Abstract: An evaporator for a micro combined heat and power system. The evaporator includes a heat source, an enclosure with a heating chamber and a primary fluid flowpath, and tubing that can carry a working fluid through a secondary fluid flowpath that intersects the primary fluid flowpath. The tubing is grouped into stages, including a first, or proximal, stage situated closest to the heat source, a second, or intermediate, stage downstream of the heat source relative to the proximal stage, and a third, or distal, stage downstream of the heat source relative to the proximal and intermediate stages. The stages of the evaporator tubing, while preferably circuited in a hybrid co-flow and counterflow arrangement, can also be used with purely co-flow or purely counterflow configuration. The proximal stage can be made from a first, relatively robust material, while the distal stage can be made from a second, relatively high thermal conductivity material.

Abstract: A liquid spraying system having a spray head and a recirculating liquid supply system for directing pressurized supply liquid to the spray head with a portion of the liquid being directed from the spray head as a discharging spray and a portion of the supply liquid exiting the spray head as a return liquid. The liquid supply system includes two separate selectively pressurizable liquid containable tanks each having a respective fluid conduit coupled to the spray head. The liquid supply system has (1) a first cycle of operation in which the first tank is pressurized and the second tank is depressurized so that pressurized liquid is supplied from the first tank to the spray head and return liquid is directed to the second tank, and (2) a second cycle of operation in which the second tank is pressurized and the first tank depressurized so that liquid is supplied to the spray head from the second tank and return liquid is directed to the first tank.

Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly comprised of a base located at the upper end of a riser tube and which base carries a screen allowing for distribution of water. In accordance with the present invention, a control valve is located directly at the sprinkler head assembly. In one embodiment, the sprinkler head assembly may constitute a shrub or stationary head connected to the upper end of the riser tube. In this embodiment, the control valve would be preferably located in the body of the base of the stationary sprinkler head. In another embodiment, the sprinkler head assembly constitutes a pop-up sprinkler head and the control valve would be located in the pop-up shaft forming part of that sprinkler head. In still another embodiment of the invention, a retrofit coupling or adapter may be provided and which would be located between a riser tube and a sprinkler head forming part of that assembly. In this case, the adaptive coupling would include the control valve.

Abstract: A paint spraying gun with a gun body and a material supply device that can be connected to one another by means of a screw-wedge connection, wherein the screw-wedge connection includes a screw-wedge element that is arranged on the circumference of an essentially hollow-cylindrical connecting part of the material supply device, and a corresponding counter element on the gun body. A new method for connecting the material supply device, which can be inexpensively manufactured and easily handled, and which is characterized by the fact that the screw-wedge element contains a gap and extends over more than half of the circumference of the connecting part, and by the fact that the counter element is arranged on a one-sided projection situated above a receiving bore of the gun body.

Abstract: A dual component injector, especially for internal combustion engines, has a nozzle body, which has a nozzle outlet, and a valve needle for opening and closing the nozzle outlet. A first feed channel is used for supplying a first fluid to the nozzle outlet, and a second feed channel is used for supplying a second fluid to the nozzle outlet. Optionally, a fluid chamber, which is located in the nozzle body, is connected to the nozzle outlet. The second feed channel is connected to the fluid chamber or to the first feed channel via at least two bored holes. The bored holes open out in the fluid chamber or in the first feed channel in such a way that the second fluid produces a swirling flow pattern in the fluid chamber or in the first feed channel.

Abstract: A method for recovering fuel substance and providing an alternative periodic cover material for landfills by separating materials in a salvage operation. A non-sorted material stream including metallic and non-metallic components, which preferably includes automobile scrap, is fed to a shredder. After shredding, the non-sorted material stream is separated. The non-sorted material stream is first separated into two streams, namely, a heavy material stream and a light material stream. The heavy material stream is conveyed to a magnetic separator where ferrous metals are separated from non-ferrous materials. The light material stream is passed under a cross belt magnetic separator where the light ferrous metals are separated. The remaining light material stream is further separated to remove non-ferrous metal material. The remaining non-metallic material can be used as a fuel substance or as a cover material for landfills.

Abstract: “IMPROVEMENTS IN TAPER REFINER FOR THE DEFIBERING OF WOOD CHIPS AND SIMILAR MATERIALS”, comprising the superposition of a taper rotor (18) and an equally tapered stator (19), with refining faces directly facing each other, thereby, defining a refining zone which receives the material to be defibered, properly impregnated with vapor, from where this material leaves defibered and free of both vapors, that is, the vapor first introduced with the wood chips and the vapor generated during the defibering operation, with said rotor (18) consisting of a hub (20) as the means for attaching it to the motor drive shaft (16), interconnected by radial fins (21) to a hollow frustum housing (22-23), and also provided, at the smaller diameter end, with a front cover (24) featuring vapor passage holes (25) positioned between chip breaking blades (26), additionally, said rotor delimitates an internal sub-chamber (14) that accommodates a turbine formed by suction blades (15) rotating together with the rotor (18), fo

Abstract: The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for reducing wear of component parts of impact crushers caused by earth aggregate flows during operation of impact crushers. The present invention includes a central feed body that has hard material rods fixed therein to reduce wear. The hard material rods extend above a top surface of the central feed body. The exposed top surface of the central feed body is impregnated with a plurality of cemented carbide particles. The cemented carbide particles form an upper composite matrix that helps to reduce wear and the premature wash out of the hard material rods integrally cast within the central feed body.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fixed spool fishing reel having a spool holder and a winding mechanism including a rotary bail arm, and a spool having a spool portion on which the line is wound with a skirt portion of larger diameter than the spool portion, the spool portion having, or the skirt portion having on its rim adjacent the spool portion, a pommel over which a loop of line from the spool can be trained to be retained thereon, when it is pulled axially at the end of a case, to check the cast but to be automatically released therefrom as a result of a pull on the line rotating the spool and/or the bail arm to alter the angular deviation of the line around the pommel.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for accurately applying a cord to a rotatable mandrel while manufacturing cord reinforced articles. The apparatus includes a rotating build mandrel, a cord supply, and a feed capstan for assisting in feeding cord from the cord supply to the mandrel along a defined cord path. At least two drums of differing diameters are located in the cord path. Encoders are connected to each drum for measuring at least the angular movement of the drum. Using the angular movement of the drums, the effective pitch line differential of the cord is determined.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor with a ball type pretensioner including a pipe in which the balls are retained. A front end portion of the pipe is securely retained so that reliable operation of the pretensioner is provided. The pipe does includes a cut-out that does not extend to the front-most end of a pipe. A guide block is fitted in the front-most end of the pipe. The pipe and the guide block are fixed to the plate together by a fastener. The portion where the guide block is fitted to the pipe can provide high rigidity and is thus hardly deformed in every directions. The fastener may be hardened or the material for the fastener may be selected to obtain sufficient strength.

Abstract: A direct current powered hose rewinding apparatus for use with an associated flexible hose includes a removable, replaceable, and rechargeable battery assembly for motorized rewinding of the hose. The reel is carried by and enclosed within an enclosure and is rotatable by either a direct current powered motor or a folding manual crank. Power from the electrical motor is transferred to the reel via an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly. The enclosure has left and right wall panels, front and rear wall panels extending between the left and right wall panels, and a cover. When the cover is in the open position, the direct current motor is operationally locked out, and when the cover is rotated into the closed position, the direct current motor is operable.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixturing a spool on a wire winding machine. The invention provides a winding fixture rotatably driven about a rotational axis and fixture and cooperatively engageable with the spool. The jaw member is movable between a first clamped position, wherein the jaw member is adjacent the spool, and a second clamped position, wherein the jaw member engages the spool and maintains the position of the spool relative to the winding fixture in response to a centrifugal force created by the rotation of said winding fixture. The jaw member provides a slotted aperture therein for cooperatively receiving a pivot pin that is connected to the winding fixture. The jaw member has an engaging end adjacent the spool and a weighted end opposite the engaging end.

Abstract: A web guider comprising a movable section that has an inlet roller for picking up a web, an outlet roller for releasing the web, and a curved rail; and a fixed section that has a guider for guiding the curved rail and a motor for providing a driving force for swinging the movable section; wherein the motor transmits the driving force through a driver of the motor to a follower of the curved rail, an orientation of the movable section is changed by changing a position at which the driver contacts the follower.

Abstract: A camera system for tracking a target from an aircraft includes a camera with a moveable head, a user interface, and a control circuit. The target has target data indicative of a position of the target, and the aircraft includes a navigation system for generating aircraft data indicative of a current position of the aircraft. The user interface generates the target data, and the control circuit generates pointing data based on the aircraft data and the target data. The pointing data is provided to the camera to cause the camera to direct the camera head at the target. A video display within the aircraft may then display the images from the camera.

Abstract: A translational propulsion system for a hybrid UAV includes a pusher prop mounted to the rear of the aircraft with its rotational axis oriented substantially horizontal. The pusher prop is mounted to a driveshaft assembly which transmits power from a coaxial transmission to drive the pusher prop. The driveshaft assembly includes a shaft which defines an axis of rotation. The shaft is mounted to the transmission through a crown spline assembly and is supported by a single bearing. The crown spline and the inherent slop in the bearing accommodates angular deflection and misalignment. The length of the shaft is selected such that the force on the crown spline is less than an allowable level.

Abstract: A high-speed transport aircraft. In one embodiment, the aircraft includes a fuselage, delta wings, and integrated engine nacelles. The fuselage is configured to carry a payload and has a forward portion and an aft portion. The aft portion defines a generally constant-width planform and includes first, second, third, and fourth passenger seat sections, with each of the seat sections having at least two passenger seats positioned abreast at least generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the fuselage. In one aspect of this embodiment, the wings extend from the fuselage adjacent to the aft portion, and the fuselage further includes first and second rows of windows above the wings. The first row of windows are positioned in the fuselage directly adjacent the first seat section and the second row of windows are positioned in the fuselage directly adjacent the fourth seat section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus contains and drains leakage from fluid system piping on a mobile platform such as an aircraft. A generally U-shaped channel is formed having outwardly oriented edge flanges and either integral or attached end plates. A pair of drain connections is disposed adjacent to each end plate. A group of fluid lines including at least one flammable fluid line is loaded within the U-shaped channel. A cover plate having outwardly oriented edge flanges aligning with the U-shaped channel edge flanges is positioned over the U-shaped channel. The edge flanges of both the cover plate and the U-shaped channel are joined with a seal such that a fluid-tight assembly results. Fluid leakage from any of the group of enclosed fluid lines discharges through the pair of drain connections. One of the end plates forms a firewall connectable to an engine firewall boundary.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a movable appendage on an aerospace vehicle independent from the position of the aerospace vehicle. First and second beacons containing actual position information for the movable appendage are tracked and acquired by first and second beacon tracking sites. The beacon tracking sites report the azimuth and elevation data relating to the position of the movable appendage to a processor where a correction command is determined based on an error calculated from the position data and a desired position. The correction command is communicated to the movable appendage so that appropriate correction to the desired position can be made.

Abstract: An impact resistant insulation tile is provided that is capable of withstanding the impact of Micrometeriods and Other Debris (MMOD). The tiles are secured to an exterior surface of a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). A durable coating is applied to the exterior surface of a thermally insulative layer to fragment and slow down MMOD that collide with the tile. In addition, a shock layer may be embedded within the thermal insulator to further reduce the size and speed of MMOD particles. A ballistic strain isolator pad may also be located between the thermal insulator and the RLV structure to capture fragmented particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined propulsion system for a spacecraft, combining an electric propulsion system and a tether propulsion system, characterized in that the electric propulsion system is an electrostatic system (EP) which has, on the one hand, a generator (G) for ejecting an ionized plasma, comprising at least one grid for electrostatically accelerating the ions in the plasma and, on the other hand, an electron generator (NM) generating electrons to maintain the electrical neutrality of the system, and in that the electron generator (NM) is coupled to a first end of the tether which is the opposite end to the end at which the plasma-ejection generator (G) is arranged, generating a compensating current (Ic) flowing along said tether.

Abstract: The system and method for controlling a consist of at least first and second locomotives having discrete operating modes. The method comprises receiving a control command and determining a power operating mode of the first locomotive and a power operating mode of the second locomotive as a function of the control command and an optimization parameter. The power operating mode of the second locomotive is different as compared to the power operating mode of the first locomotive in at least one mode of operation of the method. The method further comprises controlling the first locomotive responsive to the power operating mode of the first locomotive and controlling the second locomotive responsive to the power operating mode of second locomotive.

Abstract: A fixing tool fixes and supports an electronic component on a board, and includes a fixing portion to be mounted on the board. The fixing portion has a post, an engaging piece formed at a distal end of the post and extending in a direction perpendicular to a projecting direction of the post, a wing piece extending from a proximal end of the post in two outward directions perpendicular to the projecting direction of the post, and an engaging projecting portion formed to project at a distal end portion of the wing piece. The engaging piece is inserted in a mounting hole formed in the board and abuts against a lower surface of the board when being rotated along an upper surface of the board. The wing piece abuts against the upper surface of the board to clamp the board together with the engaging piece. The engaging projecting portion is fitted in the mounting hole, when being located at a rotational position, to lock rotation of the fixing portion.

Abstract: A portable toothbrush holding device for sanitarily holding a toothbrush having a generally planar shape manufactured from a rigid polymer, such as acrylic resin, embodying a predefined shape with at least one linear edge for resting on a planar surface such as a counter or lavatory basin. The toothbrush holder comprises one or more holes there through for the passage of a toothbrush handle. The distal end of the toothbrush handle rests upon the surface such as a counter or lavatory basin, while the bristle end of the toothbrush is elevated off the counter surface due to the propping action of the toothbrush holder, positioned proximate to the bristle end of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A load carrying device configured to support and transport a tray comprising a platform configured to support the tray, rolling means depending from the platform, and a retainer disposed on the platform and configured to loosely abut the tray to limit movement of the tray across the platform when the tray is supported on the platform. The retainer limits movement of the tray in all directions across the platform when the tray is supported on the platform. The retainer projects upwardly from the platform and presents a surface opposing horizontal movement of the tray when the tray is supported on the platform.

Abstract: The spinning multiple container containment rack is a rack designed to support and contain up to four waste containers off the ground in an organized manner, comprising a stationary, or a free spinning rack body which rides on an element for rotation, placed on top a vertically anchored support post. The rack body comprises a central hub to which an assembly for supporting and containing different diameter waste containers connects to outside perimeter, comprising a bracket and containment ring, radiating out in four equal places. An adjustable hanging element connects in four equal places to bottom circumference of containment ring, creating a net like basket that molds to shape of container placed into it, for complete support of bottom and sides of waste containers, leaving only the top handles of waste containers exposed above containment ring, while still allowing for free movement of containers, for easy loading and unloading of rack.

Abstract: A durable, adjustable, and collapsible target holder comprised generally of a pair of vertical poles removably secured end to end, a pair of horizontal poles removable secured at adjustable heights to the vertical poles, and target restraint means secured to the ends of, and running the length of, the said horizontal poles. The target restraint means of the present invention comprise a flexible material capable of withstanding the direct hit of ammunition. Preferably, the target restraint means are a rubber strap with nubbings on the interior thereof to hold the target in place.

Abstract: An accessory support assembly for securing an accessory to an accessory receiver assembly carried on a motor vehicle includes a mounting post and an accessory mounting bracket pivotally secured to the mounting post. The bracket is displaceable between two different positions. The mounting post is equipped with a spring loaded latch and a snugger screw.

Abstract: A positioning device for a microphone includes a mounting plate having a connecting plate section mounted detachably and securely on a horizontal mounting portion of a clamp unit, and a holding plate section that extends outwardly from the connecting plate section, that is formed with an elongated slot extending along the length of the holding plate section, and that is connected to the microphone at one side of the elongated slot. An adjuster bolt is disposed at the other side of the elongated slot, extends through the elongated slot, and threadedly engages a base of the microphone so as to permit adjustment of the position of the microphone relative to the clamp unit along the elongated slot.

Abstract: A fan ball for mounting a ceiling fan is described, wherein the fan ball has damping means for preventing the fan ball from mechanically transferring any appreciable degree of vibration to the fan, thereby preventing undesirable noise.

Abstract: A temporary clamping structure for electronics includes a bracket fastened to a ceiling surface of the interior of a room, an electronic device body connected to the ceiling surface by screwing down to the bracket, fitting holes formed on the bracket side, and a fitting pawl provided on the electronic device body and fittable into the fitting holes. The temporary clamping structure for electronics is arranged such that the fitting pawl is unfixed from the fitting hole by bending the tip end of second protrusion of the electronic device body in the direction in which the second protrusion goes away from the first protrusion.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, particularly a motor vehicle seat, having a height adjuster (25) for setting the height of a seat frame (10) of the vehicle seat (1) relative to an understructure (3) connected with the vehicle structure, a substantially irreversible change in the geometry of the height adjuster (25) in the event of a crash activates at least one crash locking device (27, 30), allowing an alternative force transfer between the seat frame (10) and the understructure (3).

Abstract: A collapsible support allowing tilting or elevating an object and embedded into the object surface thus becoming an integral and complementary part of it. The support which is characterized by its thinness makes it appropriate for integration into small portable objects such as calculators and personal digital assistant and to objects having an articulated cover such as a ring binder or an agenda, without affecting significantly the physical properties of the objects such as its shape and its robustness nor its simplicity or manufacturing cost. It is made up of a rigid mobile part, that alternatively combines the roles of support and that of peripheral structure, and of a flexible band that are attached together and to the remainder of the peripheral structure of the object by three articulations. The support may be formed as an integral one-piece, one shot, injection molding of a plastics material.

Abstract: A card holder for supporting or retaining a card such as a greeting card is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the card holder has two holding portions each for accommodating a portion of a card. In another exemplary embodiment, the card holder has a first leg extending from a second leg. The card holder is mounted over a card having two legs such that the card first leg is adjacent to the card holder first leg and the card second leg is adjacent to the card holder second leg. The card holders of the present invention may also accommodate signs or ornaments.

Abstract: The sign stand assembly includes a sign panel, support base and an upright mast between the two. The support base defines a locking recess and a hollow leg is pivotally connected to a plate portion and extending from the support base. The locking pin and actuator are carried within the hollow leg with the actuator carrying an outward protruding button. The actuator includes a medial portion defining an opening to receive the locking pin in interlocking engagement therewith.

Abstract: Holding devices are disclosed that are configured to hold an optical component of an optical system without actually contacting the optical component. An embodiment of such a holding device is operable in a vacuum environment, such as used in an Extreme UV (EUV) optical system, and effectively holds the optical component without imposing stress on the optical component. The embodiment includes a receptacle configured to receive a mounting portion of the optical component. The receptacle includes at least one gas bearing. At least one exhaust groove (or analogous feature) is situated and configured to scavenge gas discharged by the gas bearing and to exhaust the scavenged gas so as to avoid burdening the vacuum chamber with the discharged gas. Desirably, the receptacle defines multiple gas bearings each including a respective air pad, each desirably including at least one respective exhaust groove.

Abstract: There is provided an emission control apparatus with which it is capable of variably controlling the intensity of a light beam to be set, in a stable manner and at a low cost without increasing the circuit size. A semiconductor laser diode LD emits a light beam. A photo diode PD detects the intensity of the light beam emitted from the semiconductor laser diode LD. A driving circuit supplies driving current to the semiconductor laser diode LD. A switching section switches the driving current according to a video signal. An input terminal receives a pulse width modulation signal. A smoothing. circuit smoothes the received pulse width modulation signal. A laser driver controls a value of the driving current according to smoothed voltage obtained by the smoothing circuit such that the detected intensity of the light beam is equal to a target intensity.