Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system for producing metal stents with a fine precision structure cut from a small diameter, thin-walled, cylindrical tube. The tubes are fixtured under a laser and positioned utilizing a computer generated signal to move the tube in a very intricate and precise pattern around a linear and rotary axis. The stent is cut from small diameter tubing held between a collet and clamp, one of which is periodically opened and the other reciprocably moved to position a small length of tubing, sequentially beneath the cutting head. A water system is incorporated in the apparatus to remove debris falling into the interior of the cut tube and to push discrete portions of the cut tube (or stents) into a parts catcher to separate the stent from the uncut portion of the tube.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a package having an array of connections, a thermally conductive, electrically insulative substrate in the package, a plurality of polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) resistors in the package in thermal contact with the substrate, and, at least one heating element such as a power field effect transistor in thermal contact with the substrate, for indirectly heating the PPTC resistors in response to a control current, thereby to trip the PPTC resistors from a low resistance state to a very high resistance state. A method for controlling a plurality of electrical loads is also disclosed.

Abstract: An operating device for an electrical and/or electronic apparatus is adapted to the operating behavior of a user. The apparatus has a plurality of operating states which can be chosen or set by way of the operating device. The selection and/or setting, by the user, of the operating states is stored in a memory. A number of how often a given user input is implemented is ascertained and, for the next selection and/or setting of an operating state, that one which is implemented most frequently is suggested. An operating device for carrying out the method has a memory for storage of the implemented selections and/or settings of operating states, a counter for ascertaining the number of how often a selection and/or a setting is implemented, a calculator for ascertaining the frequency of a selection and/or setting and a comparator for ascertaining the most frequently implemented selection and/or settings.

Abstract: A multi-zone bedding system includes a blanket (or sleeping bag, pad, medical heating enclosure, or the like) defined by two or more zones having independent insulation values. In one embodiment, the bedding system includes a controller configured to independently modify or regulate the insulation value of one or more of those zones to suit the personal preferences of the individual or individuals using the system. The insulation value of the zones may be altered by modifying, for example, the density, material type, air content, internal chemical reaction, electrical current, and/or the thickness of the blanket.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heating apparatus with electrostatic attraction function 1, comprising at least a supporting base 2, an electrode for electrostatic attraction 4 and a heating layer 5 that are formed on the supporting base, and an insulating layer 6 that is formed on the electrode for electrostatic attraction and the heating layer, wherein the electrode for electrostatic attraction and/or the heating layer are/is composed of pyrolytic graphite containing boron and/or boron carbide of 0.001-30% by weight in terms of boron concentration, and the insulating layer has an electric resistivity of 106-1015 &OHgr;cm. There is provided a heating apparatus with electrostatic attraction function, which has a high thermal shock resistance, no problem of delamination, a proper resistance value, and a sufficient electrostatic attraction force even in a medium and high temperature range of 500-800° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of destroying data on CD media, particularly apply to destroy a metal reflective layer of a CD, so that data cannot be accessed out of the CD. The data destruction by the method of destroying the metal reflective layer of CD media employs microwave action on the CD media. Therefore, the present invention can completely and rapidly destroy data recorded on any CD media, in addition, is simple and convenient equipment for easy operation.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a control panel having a separate upper and lower panel parts. The control panel comprises the upper panel part and the lower panel part which are separate from each other. A display unit is arranged on, for example, the upper panel part, and a manipulation unit is arranged on, for example, the lower panel part, thus establishing the control panel. During a production of the microwave oven, one of variously designed upper panel parts and one of variously designed lower panel parts can be selected and combined to form the control panel. Accordingly, the microwave oven can have a customizable control panel with customizable features.

Abstract: A container includes a substantially planar cover having a top surface, a lower portion and an upper portion. The container further includes a substantially planar base having a bottom surface, a lower portion, an upper portion, and a bottom wall. In addition, the container includes a flexible member joining the base and the cover for permitting the cover and the base to move relative to each between a joined position, defining a line of closure, and an opened position. The line of closure lies in a plane forming an angle with the bottom wall of between about 35° and about 60°.

Abstract: A mailing or shipping container, made of corrugated cardboard, is formed from a single scored piece of corrugated cardboard that when folded provides multiple layers of support at the corners of the box providing extra strength for protection against crushing. The container is constructed so as to permit folding in such a way as to be self locking and has pressure sensitive adhesive means applied to interior surfaces for sealing the container when folded. The mailing or shipping container has added layers of cardboard at the rear corners and added layers of cardboard at the front corners to provided increased protection from crushing, depending on the aspect ratio of the final assembled container. All layers are foldably deployed and implemented from a single sheet blank of substantially rectangular corrugated cardboard, by defining suitable scores and cuts in the blank material.

Abstract: The expandable seal assembly can be used to seal the contents of a container. When air pressure is applied to a chamber, rods with leaf springs on a distal end extend outward mating an expandable elastic to the inside edge of the container to be sealed. A spring-mounted ball valve maintains the pressure in the chamber when the source of the air pressure applied to the chamber is removed.

Abstract: A vented fuel tank cap for closing the filler neck portion of a fuel tank for a small gasoline powered implement. The fuel tank cap assembly includes a cap member having threads for removably attaching the cap assembly to the fuel tank filler neck. The cap member also includes a post depending from an interior of the cap member. The cap assembly further including a gasket having an annular rim surrounding a dome portion and an opening. The opening of the gasket is disposed on the post and retained by a rib protruding externally from the post. The gasket dome portion is deformed by the rib so that the annular rim is held in contact with the interior surface of the cap member.

Abstract: An insulated shipping container includes an exterior housing; an interior sleeve; and an intermediate insulating portion, wherein the intermediate insulating portion includes an open cell core material having at least about 95% open cell and a metalized barrier material sealed about the core material in an airtight manner, with a reduced pressure atmosphere in the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A floor for a storage bin comprising a circular metal sheet defined by sheet pieces arranged for connection together with overlapping edges. The sheet pieces include a central circular piece. The sheet pieces include a plurality of generally pie-shaped pieces arranged for side by side connection along radial edges thereof so as to define a ring surrounding the central piece having a circular outer edge and with an inner circular edge defined by the pie-shaped pieces being connected to an outer edge of the central circular piece.

Abstract: This invention is a facial tissue dispensing and disposing system which includes an expanding container having a dispensing opening on the top and a disposing opening on the bottom. A tissue clip is enclosed in flaccid plastic with a cardboard floor and adhered to the underside of the dispensing opening. The clip is elevated and the side walls are expanded by inserting used tissues in disposal openings in the bottom.

Abstract: A medicine compliance system is used for validating compliance with an entire drug regimen of dosages of different medicines in which the dosages are packaged in a dispensing container and identified in both a per medicine format and a dosage format.

Abstract: A frozen product, upright-style vending machine having a pick and place mechanism moveable in three dimensions (X, Y, Z) with a fourth, rotational, degree of freedom (W) effected using the Z axis drive. The mechanism moves along tracks in the X-Y directions and is permitted full range of motion by an extension hose. Frozen products are arranged in a container within the vending machine freezer, the container acting as a virtual cold-wall freezer trapping cold air. The pick and place mechanism positions a vacuum pick-up head over the appropriate product along the X-Y tracks in response to a customer selection. The vacuum pick-up head is attached to a vacuum hose which is wound on a hose reel. The vacuum hose is unwound to lower the vacuum pick-up head along the Z axis to the selected product and, when suction has been established against a selected product in the virtual cold-wall freezer, the vacuum hose is rewound.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing solid objects comprising a reservoir for retaining solid objects that is in communication with dispensing zone having a reusable opening and an ejector positioned opposite a space for retaining a solid object, wherein the dispensing zone is positioned under the reservoir, the dispensing zone is defined on an upper side by a first wall of positive slope and a second wall of negative slope, and the reusable opening is on a first side of the dispensing zone and the ejector is on a second side of the dispensing zone that is opposite the first side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing canister that improves dosing consistency and powder evacuation, particularly when dry powdered beverage-forming or food-forming material having poor intrinsic flowing properties are to be dispensed. The canister includes a reservoir having two terminal walls and two side walls, a rotatable volumetric dosing device longitudinally extending in the reservoir, and a main agitating wheel arranged to gear on the rotatable volumetric dosing device to rotate in the reservoir upon actuation of the rotatable dosing device. The secondary agitating wheel is arranged to gear on the main agitating wheel and the two wheels are vertically offset so that the main wheel is arranged to act in a downward rotation closer to a first terminal wall whereas the secondary wheel is arranged to act in a downward rotation closer to the second terminal wall.

Abstract: In a cleaning station for removing residual toner from a photoreceptor in a xerographic printing apparatus, the residual toner accumulates in a hopper, and an auger at the bottom of the hopper removes the accumulated toner. A thin, flexible member forming an agitator extends nearly vertically from the top of the hopper to the auger. Fingers at the end of the agitator contact the flights of the auger. There are between one and three more fingers than there are flights of the auger: the discrepancy causes an undulation of the agitator when the auger rotates.

Abstract: A refillable spray container comprising a container main body 1 and a cap 2 with a nozzle 2a, wherein a tubular mouth piece 6 provided with engaging projections 6a is mounted to a mouth portion of the container main body 1, and wherein a cap 2 provided with a guide groove that engages with the engaging projections 6a in a bayonet style is attached to the mouth piece 6 in a freely attachable/detachable manner. The cap 2 comprises a brim portion 21 for sealing a top surface portion of the mouth piece 6 and a cylindrical portion 22 that is inserted into the interior of the mouth piece 6, wherein a guide groove 23 is formed on an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 22. The spray container of the present invention is superior in economical efficiency since the cap 2 may be rotated to easily detach the same from the container main body 1 so that spraying liquid and pressurized gas may be refilled in a safe and simple manner.

Abstract: A hermetically sealable dispenser for measuring and dispensing predetermined amounts of a granular product without breakage of the product. The dispenser comprises a container which can be filled with the product, and a flexible, rotatable, paddle wheel fixed within the container. The spacing between paddles of the paddle wheel form measuring compartments. The dimensions of the paddle wheel are such that the wheel forms a hermetic seal near one end of the container. A lid is provided to seal the upper end of the container such that the product is stored in an air-tight compartment prior to dispensing.

Abstract: A portable fluid dispensing device suitable for convenient delivery of potable water. The portable fluid dispensing device includes a faucet and sink that can be conveniently located in close proximity to an individual located in a bed or chair. The sink is rotatable within a plane, and can be adjusted to a selected vertical height.

Abstract: A rifle sling for transporting a rifle and steadying the rifle during firing is herein disclosed. The sling comprises a strap that is attached at one end near the muzzle of the rifle and at a second end near the butt of the rifle. An intermediate portion of the strap passes freely through a sling clip that is coupled to the truncal region of the bearer of the rifle. When the rifle is placed in its firing position, muzzle flip caused by recoil in the rifle will be resisted by the strap of the sling. The sling clip may clamp the strap of the sling to more securely couple the muzzle end of the rifle to the truncal region of the bearer. In addition, the sling is constructed and arranged to permit the movement of the rifle between its slung and firing positions without uncoupling the strap of the sling from the sling clip.

Abstract: An adjustable, lightweight, saddle-like apparatus for carrying, or riding, a small child on the back of an adult person while the adult person is positioned on his or her hands and knees is disclosed. The device incorporates features which allow the device to be easily secured to the torso of an adult person and which provides a means of stability, support and balance for the child during rides on the adult's back.

Abstract: A removable noise-reducing cover for a luggage rack bar, where the cover has an elongated main body portion having a lower surface and an upper surface with at least one integral noise reducer. The main body portion is arranged to be removable and reattachable to the luggage rack bar.

Abstract: A knapsack includes footwear securing arrangements to either side thereof. The footwear securing arrangements preferably have a releasable strap arrangement for placement about the footwear and drawing it into engagement with the knapsack. The preferred arrangement includes a base strap for engaging and supporting the sole of the footwear and a releasable side strap for engaging an upper portion of the footwear and draw it into engagement with the knapsack.

Abstract: A setting tool for driving in fastening element includes a bolt guide (12) axially displaceably arranged in the tool housing (11), a magazine (15) projecting sidewise from the bolt guide (12) and displaceable in a direction opposite the setting direction (40) against a biasing force of a first spring (22) relative to the bolt guide (12), a second spring located between the housing (11) and the magazine (15) and having a maximal biasing force acting in the setting direction (40) and an excursion greater than a maximal biasing force and an excursion of the first spring (22); and an annular element (23) which surrounds the piston guide (13) of the tool and is located in a receiving space (20) formed in the housing (11) for transmitting a biasing force of the second spring (21) to at least one engagement surface (19) provided on the magazine (15).

Abstract: A device with electrodes for the formation of a ball at the end of a wire protruding out of a capillary comprises a first electrode which has a tip and at least one further electrode. The first electrode and the at least one further electrode are electrically connected. The distance between the tip of the first electrode and the end of the wire is smaller than the distance between any point on the at least one further electrode and the end of the wire.

Abstract: A fluxer applies powdered flux to an object. The fluxer includes an enclosure that defines a chamber where the object is fluxed. The enclosure includes an inlet for receiving the object into the chamber prior to application of the flux and an outlet for discharging the object from the chamber after the flux has been applied. A conveyor extends through the enclosure for traversing the object into and out of the chamber. The fluxer also includes a hopper for storing the flux and an applicator in fluid communication with the hopper for applying the flux to the object. A flux recovery system is in fluid communication with the chamber to introduce and maintain a negative pressure within the chamber. As a result, excess flux is retained within the enclosure. This excess flux can then be recovered and recycled to the hopper.

Abstract: A ribbon of colour A metal is combined with a thin layer of soldering alloy, bent and soldered to form a tube, it is then filled with a core of colour B metal. The compound is then drawn and/or laminated until it is transformed into a long ribbon or into a wire, externally of colour A and internally of colour B. The filled ribbon or wire is wrapped like a solenoid around a deformable support, like a metal mesh and stamped into the desired shape. The resulting two faced element is then ground in order to remove, all along a strip and following a line or in dots, the superficial part of colour A until the core of colour B is revealed. The bi-coloured long element is then treated like a single body and allows the realisation of precious bi-coloured ornamental items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting ultrasonic energy. The apparatus may include a vessel, such as a conduit, having a first end, a second end, and a vessel axis between the first and second ends. An ultrasonic energy emitter is positioned toward the first end of the vessel to direct ultrasonic energy into a fluid mixture contained within the vessel. An ultrasonic energy focuser is positioned toward the first end of the vessel proximate to the ultrasonic energy emitter to focus the ultrasonic energy toward the vessel axis as the ultrasonic energy approaches the second end of the vessel. A reflector is positioned toward the second end of the vessel and reflects the ultrasonic energy back toward the ultrasonic energy emitter. A signal reverser redirects at least part of the ultrasonic energy propagating away from the ultrasonic energy emitter.

Abstract: A wire bonder for bonding an insulated wire to a surface is disclosed. The bonder includes a bond head, having a bonding position adjacent to said surface and a wire preparation position spaced apart from the surface. There is a wire holder on the bond head, the wire holder being sized and shaped to permit a free end of the insulated wire to extend from the wire holder when the bond head is in the spaced apart position. A source of insulated wire for said bond head is provided as well as an electrical discharge wand positioned adjacent to said bond head when the bond head is in the spaced apart position. The wand directs sufficient electricity at the extending free end of the insulated wire to form a bond ball on the free end. A ground associated with the insulated wire, is provided the ground being sized and positioned to conduct electrical energy away from the insulated bond wire to prevent the insulation on the bond wire remote from the free end from being damaged.

Abstract: A strengthened bonding mechanism for a semiconductor package is proposed. An aluminum pad formed on a chip is formed with a UBM (under bump metallurgy) structure, on which a tin layer is applied. Moreover, a copper pad formed on a substrate or printed circuit board is formed with a tin layer thereon. Thereby, a solder ball or bump is adapted to be bonded to the tin layer for electrical connection purpose. With provision of the tin layer, the solder ball or bump would be strongly bonded to the bonding mechanism without being easily subject to breaking or cracking, thereby making reliability of fabricated products firmly assured. As such, bonding mechanisms can be densely arrangement so as to reduce pitch spacing between adjacent solder balls or bumps bonded to the bonding mechanisms, in favor of fine-pitch structural arrangement for facilitating electrical connection efficiency.

Abstract: A microelectronic assembly including a plurality of conductive columns extending from a bond pad of a microelectronic device and a conductive adhesive on a land pad of a carrier substrate electrically attached to the conductive columns.

Abstract: A method is provided for diffusion bonding a first member (20) and a second member (3) to each other. According to this method, a first joint portion (24) of the first member and a second joint portion (34) of the second member are fitted to each other with a predetermined interference. Thereafter, the first and second members are heated under a condition substantially without oxygen, so that the first and second joint portions are diffusion bonded to each other.

Abstract: An exit side pusher mechanism (10) for a flash butt welder (14) applies a pushing force which opposes the tendency of an leading strip (16) of steel to back away from a spacer bar (40) prior to welding. The pusher mechanism includes a rotating drive wheel (82) which frictionally engages the strip. The drive wheel is lowered into an engagement position by a pneumatically driven actuator (100). A pneumatically driven drive motor (84) rotates the drive wheel a preselected distance to advance the strip back towards the spacer bar.

Abstract: A system for joining a pair of structural members having widely differing coefficients of thermal expansion is disclosed. A mechanically “thick” foil is made by dispersing a refractory metal powder, such as molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, or tungsten into a quantity of a liquid, high expansion metal such as copper, silver, or gold, casting an ingot of the mixture, and then cutting sections of the ingot about 1 mm thick to provide the foil member. These foil members are shaped, and assembled between surfaces of structural members for joining, together with a layer of a braze alloy on either side of the foil member capable of wetting both the surfaces of the structural members and the foil. The assembled body is then heated to melt the braze alloy and join the assembled structure. The foil member subsequently absorbs the mechanical strain generated by the differential contraction of the cooling members that results from the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the members.

Abstract: An expandable file folder includes a base wall, two cover walls extending from the base wall, two expandable end walls connected to the cover walls to confine a document holding space, and a plurality of partitions dividing the document holding space into volume variable spaces such that the end walls can expand for stuffing documents into the spaces. A bracing member is secured to lower portions of the cover walls adjacent to the base wall so as to maintain a distance between the lower portions when the stuffed documents cause bulging of the file folder.

Abstract: An envelope is formed from a single sheet of paper, which is of a standard size. The paper is folded along opposing edges and then folded along a mid-section. Content material may be placed in the envelope or printed information can be printed on desired surfaces of the envelope. The paper may also be folded so that a fold-over flap is formed. The edges are attached through a sealing mechanism such as knurling or crimping.

Abstract: A corrugated plastic box is disclosed. The box is provided with an L-shaped or chair-shaped end panel which can be adhesively secured to a box side panel. The end panel has a lower portion which extends over a relatively great number of box side corrugations, and an upper panel portion which extends over fewer box side corrugations, so as to spread interior box loads across a number of corrugations and inhibit box side bowing. The box sides are also strengthened by providing upper panels which are rolled over along the top edges of the box, the panels are then food or otherwise fastened to the side panels. The rolled-over top edges thus formed strengthen the box, and prevent the entry of contaminants into the otherwise-exposed side panel corrugation flutes. The box is provided with a number of specially shaped box bottom panels which enable the box to be quickly and easily erected by even inexperienced personnel.

Abstract: Bliss-type containers fabricated from paper, paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard are provided, having one or more regions of weakness to facilitate manual reduction of the used containers into substantially flattened configurations for facilitated recycling thereof.

Abstract: A frangible line defines a line of severance by extending across a carton wall that has a seam. The frangible line is extensively weakened along a predetermined segment where it traverses the seam. Preferably, the predetermined segment is extensively weakened by substantially disjoining the panel regions on either side of the line. Disjoinder is preferably achieved by making the predetermined segment a cut line.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition having laser engraving properties, comprising a host material and an effective amount of a laser enhancing additive. The laser enhancing additive comprises a first quantity of least one of copper potassium iodide (CuKI3) or Copper Iodide (CuI), and a second quantity at least one substance selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), barium sulfide (BaS), alkyl sulfonate, and thioester. The composition can be engraved with grayscale images by an Nd:Yag laser and can be added to laminates or coatings. The composition can be used during the manufacture of many articles of manufacture, including identification documents.

Abstract: In an access control device (1) having a reader that actuates a person singling device when reading a valid data carrier, a formed body (16) is put over the reader housing (4), said body being provided with a recess (17) for that purpose.

Abstract: A system and method of managing assets using a combined electronic article surveillance (EAS) and barcode scanning device. The combined EAS/Scanner is portable and wirelessly connected to a network for facilitating a number of asset management functions, including personal shopping, pre-checkout, data mining, and inventory tracking.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic code reader and to a method for the reading in of codes, which move relative to the code reader within a reading zone, by scanning the reading zone at least along one scan direction. For the reading of codes which are arranged along the scan direction at different distances to the code reader, at least one first scanning device and one second scanning device are provided which are controlled along the scan direction at different focal positions.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: Described is an improved trigger assembly for use in an electronic device. The trigger assembly includes a pressure sensitive member and a trigger button. The pressure sensitive member includes two or more conductive lines. The pressure sensitive member is secured to a portion of the mobile terminal. The trigger button is secured to the mobile terminal in a manner such that a force applied to the trigger button causes a resultant force to be applied on the pressure sensitive member. The force applied on the pressure sensitive member causes a change in an electrical property between at least two of the conductive lines. A module measures the electrical property between the conductive lines. A function of the device is initiated depending on a comparison of the measured electrical property to a threshold value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for forming a full color laser engraved image on an ID card. As described below, a special image capable layer is prepared that is addressable by one or more near infrared (NIR) lasers. Each type of particle contained within the image capable layer is associated with a particular color (e.g., cyan, magenta, or yellow) and is responsive (i.e., can selectively absorb) a particular wavelength of laser energy to form a laser engraved pixel in that respective color. In one embodiment, the particles are selected such that the wavelengths that they respond to do not overlap significantly. By providing discrete physical particles and preventing a given particle from responding to more than one laser wavelength, it can be possible to minimize so-called “cross talk” between the cyan, magenta, and yellow centers and minimize contamination and/or chemical mixing of image formers. This helps to ensure image accuracy and quality.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification survey monument system that quickly and easily locates a land survey monument and receives important land survey information relating to land where monument is located which was entered by a land surveyor. Information can be transferred to a computer. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is combined with land surveying resulting in a new system for improving current system of locating a monument and retrieving data regarding land survey. This invention improves ability to locate monument with accuracy from current technology which uses a magnetometer to locate monument within three (3) to four (4) feet of magnetometer, to a distance of at least fifteen (15) feet or more with the present invention.