Patents Issued in April 1, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040060940
    Abstract: A receptacle for spent smoking materials is provided. The receptacle includes a base portion defining a chamber for containing the smoking materials. The base portion has an open upper end having a rim. The receptacle also includes an upper portion having a neck which extends upward from a dome which engages the rim and encloses an upper end of the base portion. A seal being provided between the rim of the base and the dome. A head is arranged at the upper end of the neck. The head has an orifice therein for receiving spent smoking materials. The orifice being arranged underneath and adjacent a bonnet which protects the orifice from the infiltration of rainwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Justrite Manufacturing Company, LLC
    Inventors: Glen Carter, Frank Flider
  • Publication number: 20040060941
    Abstract: An integrated dispensing and disposal receptacle with a first opening formed in the top wall through which tissues or other products are withdrawn, and a second opening for waste tissue to be reinserted into the container. The second opening includes a self-closing retaining feature such as a folding flap or slotted plastic film through which the waste tissue is inserted. The self-closing feature prevents the waste tissue from falling back out of the container. Inside the container, a moveable barrier is positioned to segregate new product from used product. The barrier moves within the container from one end to the other as the tissues are removed for use and inserted into the disposal receptacle after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Middione, Marco Alberto Middione
  • Publication number: 20040060942
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to containers having a sidewall portion with at least one generally vertical corrugation therein. The containers can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, cross-sections, and materials. The corrugation improves the container sidewall strength and resistance to buckling under compressive loads such as stacking of multiple containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20040060943
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet packing apparatus in which there is no risk that next tablets are mixed into tablets previously discharged. The packing apparatus comprises a plurality of feeder vessels 36 containing the tablets, a plurality of mounting bases 32 on which respective feeder vessels 36 are mounted, and a tablet reserving member 200 disposed below the mounting base 32 and reserving the tablets fed from the feeder vessels 36 and a shutter 203,300 which is movable to open and close the lower opening of the tablet reserving member 200. The apparatus further comprises a LED 201 which is turned on when the tablets are fed to the tablet reserving member 200 and a sensor 206, 301a, 301b for detecting opening or closing operation of the shutter 203, whereby when the sensor 206, 301a, 301b detects the opening operation of the shutter 203,300, the LED 201 is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Hiroyuki Yuyama, Tsuyoshi Kodama, Hidenori Murakami
  • Publication number: 20040060944
    Abstract: A display case having a plurality of compartments with a front covering closing them. A bottom slide dispenses one article at a time, from the bottom of each compartment. As the slide moves, it makes a loud noise to tell the store clerk that someone is dispensing a product. A would-be thief is thus placed on guard that his or her activity is being monitored by the check-out clerk, even if the thief is beyond the line of sight of the clerk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Gervasi
  • Publication number: 20040060945
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a foam dispenser having a reservoir, a housing, and a chamber. The reservoir delivers fluid to the housing and the chamber through a dip-tube. The chamber moves within the housing in response to fluid pressure or air pressure from the reservoir, allowing air and foamable liquid to enter the chamber. Foam-producing packing material inside the chamber causes the air and foamable liquid to mix and produce foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Miro Cater, Fabrizio Camplone
  • Publication number: 20040060946
    Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. In certain embodiments, the apparatus may have one or more selected features. The selected features may include, but not limited to, variable sized orifices in the mixing systems, limited access to a user of the apparatus, expandable dispensing conduits, adjustable fluid applicators, and an overhead coupling system for the dispensing conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy H. Floyd, Paul David Miller
  • Publication number: 20040060947
    Abstract: A metering pump for viscous fluids, such as cosmetics ingredients and paint colorants, is disclosed which includes a self-sealing valve member at the outlet of the pump to prevent undispensed fluid from solidifying or clogging the outlet and further which enhances the accuracy of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Constantijn Thomas Papaikonomou
  • Publication number: 20040060948
    Abstract: A hand-held tool for not only placing granular materials such as grass seed, granular chemicals, or a combination thereof into soil but also aerating it and detecting near surface rocks and the like. The tool includes a hopper, a shaft which terminates in a soil-piercing spike, and a spring-actuated sleeve slideably mounted on the shaft. The shaft defines a partially hollow bore and an orifice, the orifice being disposed on a sidewall of the shaft distal from the hopper and proximate with the juncture between the shaft and the spike. The bore and the orifice fluidly communicate with each other and with the hopper. The spring-actuated sleeve normally blocks the orifice, so that seed and/or chemicals cannot spill out of it. Granular materials are dispensed by dropping them by gravity out of the orifice whenever the spike can be driven into the soil far enough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Les R. Winn
  • Publication number: 20040060949
    Abstract: A photoresist applying device of the present invention is provided with an air-bubble collecting part on a photoresist flow passage at its predetermined part of a nozzle pipe directly connected to a nozzle tip. As a result, there is no possibility of ejection at the nozzle tip onto a substrate simultaneously with ejection of photoresist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Toshikazu Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20040060950
    Abstract: This proposed invention is an assistive device helpful to those persons who suffer difficulties in bending and gripping who also lack flexability in their backs, hips, knees, ankles, and or feet. This simple cross-arm design provides a spreading action as it extends your reach and holds your stocking cuff firmly in the open position aiding in the process of dressing ones feet in stockings and also in the application of undrewear and trousers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Lyle Valentine Goff, Joan Elizabeth Goff-Bolluyt
  • Publication number: 20040060951
    Abstract: A cushioning shoulder strap having at least one bladder located thereon that is inflatable or pre-filled with at least one gas, liquid, or gel and structures for coupling the strap to an item to be supported or carried. Preferably, the bladder and strap of the invention are integrally formed as a single piece of material, such as vinyl or rubber. Optionally, the cushioned shoulder strap of the invention may feature a valve on the bladder or a cover attached to the shoulder strap into which a bladder may be removably placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Kelly
  • Publication number: 20040060952
    Abstract: A marker pen supporting and holding device includes a cavity for capturing a marker pen cap therein consisting of principal and auxiliary cavity portions. The principal cavity portion is provided for receiving a protective cap body and the auxiliary cavity portion is provided for guiding and captivating a marker cap pocket attachment clip. A securing pin extends through aligned device body apertures to traverse a gap between the cap body and the pocket attachment clip, thereby removably securing the cap within the device to enable one-handed marker pen handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Perlman, Francis Gomes
  • Publication number: 20040060953
    Abstract: A stowable automotive coat hanger support for a vehicle roof has a support structure and an outer panel in assembled relationship and a headliner in affixed spaced relationship to the support structure. The coat hanger support is comprised of a fabric webbing loop which is connected to the support structure in the space between the support structure and the headliner. The webbing loop extends from the space to a coat-hanger-receiving position and is foldable to a collapsed stowed position against the headliner. A hook-and-loop fastener is used to retain the collapsed webbing loop against the headliner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Richard Karner
  • Publication number: 20040060954
    Abstract: A pack for carrying school books and other items, with the weight substantially balanced between the front and back of the wearer. A yoke has front and back pouches, and an opening for the wearer's head. The sides of the front and back portions of the yoke are releasably connected by flaps at the sides of the back portion which engage a strip of hook-and-loop material on the front pouch. An auxiliary bag is detachably connected to the back pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick G. Hale, Laura Blume Botta
  • Publication number: 20040060955
    Abstract: A tape-cutting device includes a bladed main body and a holding member. The main body straddles an outer circumferential surface of a ring-shaped tape, and includes a top portion having a blade provided at a front edge thereof and two legs downward extended from two rear lateral sides of the top portion with a plurality of locating slots vertically spaced thereon. The holding member has two insertion slots formed near two lateral ends for engaging with the two legs of the main body so as to extend across an inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped tape. Each insertion slot has a locating block provided at an outer side thereof for selectively engaging with one of the locating slots on the legs of the main body. The tape-cutting device has small volume for mounting on the ring-shaped tape to quickly find a tape beginning and cut the tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Fang-Kun Cheng, Chang-He Jou, Chih-Hung Lo
  • Publication number: 20040060956
    Abstract: A tape dispenser has first and second half-shells, with a dispensing end and a cutter end, and a first cutter member formed in and integral with the first half-shell, and having a plurality of upwardly directed serrations which define serrated cutting teeth at the top ends. First and second cutter retainer walls are provided; and a removable second cutter member is adapted to overlie the serrated cutting teeth of the first cutter member, and having a plurality of serrated cutting teeth of the same size and depth as those of said first cutter member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ashok Chandaria, Kumud Shah
  • Publication number: 20040060957
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading a rivet module (10), which can be vertically displaced between a lower placement position and an upper loading position, with blind rivet nuts (100) using a rivet feed (22). The invention is characterized in that next to the rivet placement head (12), a cup (24) for accommodating blind rivet nuts is laterally arranged such that it can be displaced between a position underneath the rivet feed (22) and a position underneath the rivet module (10) that is located in the loading position, whereby the cup (24) is provided with a clamping cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Uwe Kaddatz
  • Publication number: 20040060958
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a die assembly including a plurality of dies held on a movable table, and a driving device for moving the die assembly. The driving device is operable to move the die assembly in a direction transverse to the axis of a punch for allowing one of the dies to be placed in a position located axially below the punch. The driving device is also operable to move the die assembly in the axial direction of the punch between raised and lowered positions. In the raised position, the die assembly can be moved by the driving device to place a selected die below the punch. In the lowered position, the selected die can be fixed in a die mounting hole located below the punch. In this position, the punch is operable to join workpieces by riveting, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Yoshiteru Kondo
  • Publication number: 20040060959
    Abstract: An electric stapler capable of handling multiple sheets of paper. A motor-driven pair of wheel gears turn a swing arm having a symmetrical structure for driving a staple firing assembly and a clinch mechanism, thereby applying large pressure uniformly on staples. The clinch mechanism bends staple legs in different directions so that they do not overlap each other, preventing the clinched part of paper from increasing in the thickness of the stacked paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Ura
  • Publication number: 20040060960
    Abstract: Selective gas knives for wave soldering provide for targeted gas flow at a particular location on a substrate, such as a printed circuit board. Both the temperature and flow rate of gas through a segment of a gas knife can be independently controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Wayne Becker, Kenneth Kirby
  • Publication number: 20040060961
    Abstract: A solder machine that can automatically solder a fiber optic cable to a package. The solder machine includes a fixture for supporting the cable and the package. The machine has a gas heater that emits a heated inert gas. The gas heats at least a portion of the package to a soldering temperature. The machine also includes a solder dispenser that dispenses solder into the heated package. The solder attaches the fiber optic cable to the package. The inert gas prevents undesirable oxidation at the solder site. The use of an inert gas eliminates the need for solder flux. The heating, gassing and dispensing steps can be controlled by a computer to automate the entire process. The package and fiber optic cable can be supported by a pallet that is loaded and then unloaded from the machine to further improve the ease of operation and decrease the cost associated with the solder process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: R. Scott Enochs, Travis Ernst
  • Publication number: 20040060962
    Abstract: A method of joining surfaces comprising: providing a first surface comprising a layer of silver; interposing between the first surface and a second surface a eutectic composite which melts below 140° C.; raising the temperature of the eutectic composite to a first temperature above the eutectic temperature to at least partially melt the eutectic composite and form molten eutectic alloy; and contacting the molten eutectic alloy with silver layer of the first surface so as to cause inter-diffusion and reaction between the eutectic alloy and the silver, wherein the relative proportions of silver and eutectic composite are selected such that a non-eutectic composition forms between silver and the metals contained in the eutectic composite, the non-eutectic composition having a melting temperature higher than said first temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: David Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040060963
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a selective wave solder machine. In particular, it relates to a system for calibrating and adjusting process points to account for variations in machines and circuit boards. Vision systems are used to locate fiducials on the processing modules and the circuit boards. Differences between stored locations for fiducials relating to the circuit board and the processing modules are used to adjust the positions of stored process points to achieve improved performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Ludwig, Keith Howell, Troy Beard
  • Publication number: 20040060964
    Abstract: A turbine blade closure system composed of a closure member capable of being friction welded in an aperture in a hollow-cast turbine blade to prevent the escape of cooling fluids from an internal cavity in the turbine blade. In one embodiment, the aperture is formed in the turbine blade during the manufacturing process as a result of one or more support projections used to position a core block in a turbine blade mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Srikanth Chandrudu Kottilingam, Peter J. Ditzel
  • Publication number: 20040060965
    Abstract: An internal channel in a metal body for use in applications where internal fluid flow within a metal body is desired, as in a heat exchanger. The internal channel is formed in the metal body by frictionally stirring with a pin plunged into the metal body, and traversing the metal body with the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Rajiv S. Mishra
  • Publication number: 20040060966
    Abstract: A portable inertia welder is mounted in a housing so as to afford both axial and rotational movement of a shaft with flywheel weights. Rotational motion is provided by a motor affixed to the drive shaft while axial motion is provided by means of a hydraulic housing mounted around said shaft. A chuck mounted to the shaft holds a first workpiece for rotational and axial displacement. Holding devices such as vacuum cups secure the welder to a second workpiece. A flash cutting tool and an appurtenance with a flash trap, welding flats, and an internally threaded bore are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: EDISON WELDING INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Timothy Stotler, Timothy J. Trapp
  • Publication number: 20040060967
    Abstract: A method of joining metal and metal, or metal and ceramic parts, wherein a first metal part is selected and then processed to form a bond coat that will effectively bond to a sealing material which in turn bonds to a second metal or ceramic part without degrading under the operating conditions of electrochemical devices. Preferred first metal parts include alumina forming alloys from the group consisting of ferritic stainless steels (such as Fecralloys), austinetic stainless steels, and superalloys, and chromia forming alloys formed of ferritic stainless steels. In the case of chromia forming ferritic stainless steels, this bond coat consists of a thin layer of alumina formed on the surface, with a diffusion layer between the first metal part and this thin layer. The bond coat provides a good bonding surface for a sealing layer of glass, braze or combinations thereof, while at the same time the diffusion layer provides a durable bond between the thin alumina layer and the first metal part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Zhenguo Yang, Christopher Andrew Coyle, Suresh Baskaran, Lawrence Andrew Chick
  • Publication number: 20040060968
    Abstract: After a metal member of an alloy containing copper and nickel is arranged on at least one side of a ceramic substrate, the metal member and the ceramic substrate are heated in an atmosphere of an inert gas or in vacuo at a temperature between solidus and liquidus lines of the alloy to bond the metal member directly to the ceramic substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Takayuki Takahashi, Nobuyoshi Tsukaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040060969
    Abstract: A plurality of lands and a plurality of conducting wires connected independently to each land are formed on one side surface of an insulating substrate of a flexible printed circuit board. Through-holes are formed through the insulating substrate for exposing the lands to the other side surface. Solder is provided in the through-holes. The solder connects the lands to the head terminals on an inkjet head, which is located facing the other side surface of the insulating substrate. The insulating substrate separates the solder from areas between the conducting wires and from areas between the lands, thereby preventing short circuits from occurring when manufacturing the connecting structure with a low tolerance grade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Koji Imai, Shuhei Hiwada
  • Publication number: 20040060970
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method including providing a component, the component having a bond pad; forming a passivation layer over the component; forming a via in the passivation layer to uncover the bond pad; and forming an under bump metallurgy (UBM) over the passivation layer, in the via, and over the bond pad, in which the UBM includes an alloy of Aluminum and Magnesium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Peter K. Moon, Zhiyong Ma, Madhav Datta
  • Publication number: 20040060971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a soldered joint between at least two contact partners (22, 23) of a bonding arrangement (21), with a formed piece of solder material (27) being arranged at a distance to the bonding arrangement, the formed piece of solder material being at least partially melted off, and the at least partially melted off formed piece of solder material being thrust against a bonding arrangement in such a way that both bonding partners are wetted in a bonding area to establish an electrically conductive bonding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Ghassem Azdasht
  • Publication number: 20040060972
    Abstract: A carton with a dispenser at one end of the carton which has a tilt platform that is formed in the bottom panel of the carton at the opposite end of the carton to facilitate the rolling of containers contained in the carton toward the dispenser when the dispenser is opened. The tilt platform is an integral part of the bottom panel of the carton and can be torn partially loose and folded to form a tilt platform with a bottom wall, two side walls, two end walls and a locking flap that is inserted into a locking slot on the end of carton away from the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Glenn Harrelson
  • Publication number: 20040060973
    Abstract: An expandable container generally includes at least two walls pivotably coupled along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position. The container also includes a flap pivotably coupled to at least one of the walls. A pull cord is coupled to the flap such that pulling the cord pivotably moves the flap relative to the walls thereby expanding the walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position. A lid is pivotably coupled to at least one of the walls for pivotable movement between at least an open position in which the lid exposes an opening defined by the expanded container and a closed position in which the lid closes the opening. The cord is adapted to be disposed over the lid and be removably engageable to the container to retain the lid in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Donna J. Duchek
  • Publication number: 20040060974
    Abstract: A container is provided from an integral blank having a body portion, a cover hingedly conncected to the rear wall, and a locking device including a lock flap hingedly connected to the top edge of at least one of the front wall panel or a side wall panel and a lock flap receiving member for receiving the lock flap when the cover is closed, wherein the lock flap receiving member is located on an inner surface of the cover front wall panel or at least one cover side wall panel, wherein the lock flap receiving member and lock flap are formed upon the initial separation of the cover front wall panel and cover side wall panels from the front wall panel and side wall panels about a line of weakness when the cover is first moved from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Denise M. Dacey
  • Publication number: 20040060975
    Abstract: A receiver unit (2) for a radio signal-based mail delivery system comprising a transmitter unit (1) for being mounted on a mailbox or mail slot flap (4) and such receiver unit (2) for being located at a distance from the transmitter unit (1). The reciver unit (2) is provided with a receiver for receiving a radio signal and with means for indicating that such radio signal has been received. Besides, the receiver unit (2) is provided with a clock and is configured for registering the hour when the radio signal was received; and the means for indicating when a radio signal was received comprise a visual and/or audible message about the hour when the radio signal was received also including a mail delivery system comprising such receiver unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Allan Dalgaard, Hans Ostergaard Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040060976
    Abstract: A system is provided for authenticating the identity of a container at an inspection station and for assuring the contents of the container have not been changed during transit, comprising: a copy-protected secure seal tag affixed to the container in such a way that the contents of the container cannot be accessed without altering the seal tag in a detectable way, the seal tag further comprising information hidden information containing a unique code pertaining to the container and a specific shipment of the container; and a device enabled to detect the presence of the hidden information in the seal tag and extract and verify the unique code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard N. Blazey, Jerry Carmen
  • Publication number: 20040060977
    Abstract: The invention aims at ensuring the security of personal data from a remote server to a final user carrying out purchasing operations, for example. This is achieved by a system comprising a remote-control unit and a multimedia unit provided with means to be connected to a telecommunication network, said multimedia unit comprising a central unit, a non-volatile storage and an input for signals from the remote-control unit. The invention is characterised in that the remote-control unit comprises a unique identification code and means for encrypting data to be transmitted to the multimedia based on said unique code, the multimedia unit comprising means for decrypting the received data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Stephan Proennecke
  • Publication number: 20040060978
    Abstract: A method of checking sheets as to forgery thereof, the sheet being provided with an electronic circuit chip from or in which information can be read out or written and having visible information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicants: HITACHI, LTD., HITACHI RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chikashi Okamoto, Kazuo Takaragi, Kazutaka Tsuji, Mitsuo Usami, Chizuko Yasunobu, Asahiko Isobe, Yasuhiro Tsunemi, Hiroyuki Yagi
  • Publication number: 20040060979
    Abstract: A terminal device capable of operating with a smart card which includes a storage device and an input/output interface. The storage device stores an application program having at least one component that can run under an operating system in the smart card and an interpreter for interpreting scripts. The terminal device includes an operating system which executes loading of a command to exchange game scripts and scripts to be exchanged with a script stored in the smart card via the input/output interface. The scripts define a sequence of executing components included in the application program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroko Sukeda, Yusuke Mishina, Masaru Ohki
  • Publication number: 20040060980
    Abstract: A medium handling device that prompts a user to pull out his hand from a media insertion/delivering port without closing a shutter of the port when the hand of the user remains inside the port, even if a predetermined time has elapsed. A timer counts a time during which the shutter is opened. When the count of the timer has reached a predetermined value, it is checked whether the hand remains inside the media insertion/delivering port. When the hand remains, the shutter is slid to and fro over a predetermined distance, thereby making advance notice of closing of the shutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Yasushi Shibata, Yoshio Horiba
  • Publication number: 20040060981
    Abstract: The gate system includes a center to perform the ticket reservation control, an automatic gate apparatus that is connected to the center and examines a magnetic recording medium or a wireless card inserted as a ticket, a ticket vending machine to issue a ticket, and an in-compartment ticket issuing terminal carried by a trainman in a train for performing a fare adjustment for a riding past ticket, etc. through the wireless communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Katsuo Imazuka
  • Publication number: 20040060982
    Abstract: A point of sale terminal including point of sale transaction circuitry, and a socket for selectably receiving and supporting a mobile computing/communicating device and for permitting communication between the mobile computing/communicating device and the point of sale transaction circuitry. The point of sale transaction circuitry is operative both independently of and in cooperation with the mobile computing/communicating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Lipman Electronic Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Shlomo M. Zenou
  • Publication number: 20040060983
    Abstract: A Direct Vote Recording System (DVRS) (10) has three primary components, Personal Computer (PC) (100) which runs an Election Management System (EMS), Direct Vote Recording Machine (DVRM) (300) and a Smart Card Activator Device (SCAD) (500). In addition, the DVRS includes Data Carriers (800), Voter Smart Cards (710) and Polling Office smart cards (720).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Diversified Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Davis, Irving L. Rabinowitz
  • Publication number: 20040060984
    Abstract: A smart card handling system is for handling a plurality of smart cards. It includes an infeed mechanism, a discharge mechanism, a rotary drum, an indexing mechanism, a motor and a control system. The rotary drum has a plurality of evenly spaced smart card read modules. The drum is mechanically connected to the infeed mechanism and the discharge mechanism. Each smart card read module is adapted to receive a smart card from the infeed mechanism and is adapted to read information from the smart card received therein. The discharge mechanism is adapted to receive smart card from the smart card read modules. The indexing mechanism is operably connected to the drum. The motor has a drive shaft mechanically connected to the indexing mechanism. The control system receives information from each of the plurality of read modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Paul J. Connelly, Steve C. Painter, Kevin G. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040060985
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing power consumption in a data collection device. The method includes providing a power detector in an interface component of the data collection device and sensing the power delivered to the scan engine component of the device using the power detector. The power delivered to at least a portion of the interface component is selectively reduced according to the sensed power delivered to the scan engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chen Feng
  • Publication number: 20040060986
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining ingredients based upon scanning a label on a food container. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising scanning a textual ingredients list on a label of the product, converting the scanned textual ingredients list into ingredients data using an optical character resolution program, comparing the ingredients data to preference data, the preference data corresponding to at least one preference for at least one consumer and generating a notification to a user when at least one ingredient in the ingredients data corresponds to at least one preference the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Heather Noel Bean, Mark Nelson Robins
  • Publication number: 20040060987
    Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for detecting and/or identifying analytes, using arrays of binding moieties. In preferred embodiments, the arrays are attached to glass slides. Fluorescent signals obtained from the slides are analyzed by a digital image subtraction method. In preferred embodiments, the glass slides are labeled using a binary code that may be used to identify the lot number and/or date of manufacture of the arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Larry R. Green
  • Publication number: 20040060988
    Abstract: A memory card that makes it possible to select the service provided by changing an adapter instead of having selection switches on the outer appearance of the card. The memory card is capable of executing one of a plurality of applications that correspond to individual services and comprises: an adapter that designates one of the services; a main card body to which the adapter is removably connected; an interface for an external device; a memory unit that stores information of the plurality of applications; a detection unit that detects whether or not an adapter is connected to the main card body; and a CPU or LSI that executes the selected application based on the detection signal to provide the service to the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shizuka Sakamoto, Noriko Sugimoto, Masahiro Kawasaki, Eiji Ueda
  • Publication number: 20040060989
    Abstract: A method for imaging a fingerprint on an optical memory card having an upper transparent cover, a base and optical medium therebetween, wherein a cardholder imprints a fingerprint having a pattern of ridges and valleys on the upper cover of the card and a laser beam is scanned over the fingerprint. The laser beam is selectively transmitted by the fingerprint. The laser beam burns pits into optical medium areas corresponding to valleys of the fingerprint and is prevented from burning pits into optical medium areas corresponding to the ridges, thus producing a fingerprint image comprising light and dark areas in the optical medium corresponding to the pattern of ridges and valleys of the user's fingerprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: John M. Bove