Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: A method of stir welding T-joints comprises assembling and stir welding first and second members. The first member comprises a sheet portion of material and also comprises restraining surfaces. The second member comprises a rib. The rib is stir welded to the sheet portion with the edge margin of the rib being positioned between the restraining surfaces of the first member. During stir welding, the restraining surfaces of the first member limit movement of the rib relative to the first member. A tooling portion is preferably formed as a contiguous portion of the material of one of the first and second members. The first and second members are secured to a stir welding apparatus via the tooling portion during the stir welding. The method yet further comprises a step of separating the tooling portion from the first and second members after forming the stir welded T-joint.

Abstract: An adhesive-free multilayered metal laminate having a given thickness which is obtained by bonding a metal sheet having a thin metal film on a surface thereof to a metal foil without using an adhesive; and a process for continuously producing the laminate. The process comprises the steps of; setting a metal sheet on a reel for metal sheet unwinding; setting a metal foil on a reel for metal foil unwinding; unwinding the metal sheet from the metal sheet-unwinding reel and activating a surface of the metal sheet to thereby form a first thin metal film on the metal sheet surface; unwinding the metal foil from the metal foil-unwinding reel and activating a surface of the metal foil to thereby form a second thin metal film on the metal foil surface; and press-bonding the activated surface of the first thin metal film to that of the second thin metal film so that the first thin metal film formed on the metal sheet is in contact with the second thin metal film formed on the metal foil.

Abstract: A method for soldering an electronic component is provided. A first solder land containing copper and a second solder land are formed on a surface of a circuit board. A first solder section composed of a Sn—Ag—Cu solder material is formed on each of the first and the second solder lands, and a terminal of an electronic component chip is mounted on the first solder land. The first solder land and the terminal are fusion-bonded. A second solder section composed of a Sn—Zn solder material is formed on the first solder section disposed on the second solder land. A lead terminal of another electronic component is inserted into a terminal hole formed near the second solder land; and the second solder section and the lead terminal are heated at a temperature lower than the temperature in step (d) to connect the lead terminal to the second solder section by fusion bonding.

Abstract: A method of forming improved wire bonds between the contact pads on semiconductor devices and individual lead frame fingers of a lead frame. The method includes the use of an individual independent lead finger clamp during the wire bonding process to provide increased stability of the individual lead finger for improved bonding. If desired, the method also provides for the use of a conventional fixed clamp for the lead fingers during the wire bonding process in addition to the individual independent lead finger clamp during the wire bonding process to provide increased stability of the individual lead finger for improved bonding and also provides for the replacement of the fixed clamp with another, or second, independent clamp.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for preventing oxidation of an electronic device, such as a semiconductor leadframe, when it is heated. The apparatus comprises an area in which said device is to be heated and inlet means adapted to supply a relatively inert gas to the said area. In particular, the apparatus includes a porous distribution element through which the inert gas is passed from the inlet means to said area, whereby to protect the electronic device in the area from oxidation.

Abstract: A method for joining a highly electroconductive core element (2) to a jacket element (1) made of refined steel. In said method, the electroconductive core element (2), such as a copper bar, and the joining agent element (3) are inserted in the jacket element (1), and at least the juncture area of the elements to be joined is thermally treated, so that there is created a metallurgical joint between the electroconductive core element (2) and the refined-steel jacket element (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost effective, tamper-evident container that can be effectively closed and that is easy to use. The closure includes a disc having a aperture and a tab extending across the aperture. The tab is removably coupled to the disc in a tamper-evident method around the periphery of the aperture and permanently coupled to the disc at a connecting portion. The sidewall of the container is bent inward and down to provide a locking mechanism for maintaining the tab in a closed position after it has been opened.

Abstract: A blank for forming a tube type dispensing box having a top and a bottom, has a main box portion having two major sides and a minor side, each having a rectangular configuration. A second minor side is connected to one of the major sides by a fold line, the second minor side having a first opening at the top thereof. A slide retention member is foldably coupled to the second minor side, and has a second opening substantially aligned with the first opening when the slide retention member is folded over the second minor side. The blank further includes a slide opener secured by at least one tie to the slide retention member and by another tie to the second minor side, the slide opener including a third opening comparable in size to the first and second openings, and having an attachment portion for securing to the top of the box along an area spaced back from the second minor side.

Abstract: A packaging container is formed from preformed, rigid base and cover units of U-shaped cross-section having a generally flat bottom wall. The base unit is configured so that its side walls fit within and are embraced by side walls of the cover unit when assembled as a container. The base unit forms an end closure from first and second closure panels extending from an end of the base unit. The closure panels are separated from the base unit and each other by first and second fold lines. The base unit side walls have straight-cut corners at a juncture with the first closure panel, and the first closure panel side walls have straight-cut corners adjacent to the base unit, forming a square corner when folded. The first closure panel side walls also have straight-cut corners adjacent to the second closure panel, and the second closure panel side walls have straight-cut corners adjacent to the first closure panel, forming a square corner when folded to form the end closure.

Abstract: A packaging container is formed from a single preformed, rigid unit of U-shaped cross-section having a generally flat bottom wall. The unit forms two end closures from first and second closure panels extending from both ends of a main body portion. The closure panels are separated from the main body portion and each other by first and second fold lines. The main body side walls have straight-cut comers at junctures with the first closure panels, and the first closure panels side walls have straight-cut comers adjacent to the main body, forming square comers when folded. The first closure panels side walls also have straight-cut comers adjacent to the second closure panels, and the second closure panels side walls have straight-cut comers adjacent to the first closure panels, forming square comers when folded to form the end closures.

Abstract: A method for issuing tickets proceeds by selecting an inactive ticket that includes an identifier. Payment is provided for the ticket, and the identifier and a payment amount is entered into a payment processing device. The identifier is transmitted to a host computer system having a record of the identifier and a status of the ticket. The status of the ticket is then changed to an active status in the host computer system.

Abstract: A prior introduction into the memory of a document in a non-validated state, to be acquired by validation, and a function of acquiring the document, independent of the electronic purse function. When it is wished to acquire such a document, the sales terminal and the independent functions of acquisition and electronic payment means of the card are put in communication. A document acquisition order is placed, transmitted to the acquisition function by means of the terminal. Verification of the presence in the card of the document to be validated and its authenticity and a verification of the presence and authenticity of an amount in the purse for the acquisition of a document are organised. If the two verification steps are positive, a simultaneously sending of a global agreement signal to each of the functions is organised in order simultaneously on the one hand to validate the document as an acquired document and on the other hand to debit the purse by the amount of the acquisition.

Abstract: The invention concerns an integrated circuit card (1) comprising a connection and communication interface (3′) designed to set up a communication with a host unit (2) in the form of a communication device and cryptographic software means (4′) for cryptographic calculations. Said card (1) is characterised in that the integrated circuit(s) (1′) further comprise(s) a security or security-providing software layer (4) designed to co-operate with said cryptographic software means (4′) to produce a set of security operations on the received data and to transmit via the connection and communication interface (3′) of said card (1).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing transaction cards. A reference number is assigned to each of the cards, which are fabricated in accordance with a specification. Usually the specification is provided externally from a card issuer that wishes to have the cards fabricated for distribution. After fabrication, the reference number assigned to each of the cards is compared with a database to identify any duplication. The identity of a responsible operator may be recorded during one or more stages during fabrication and/or as part of the process of comparing with previously assigned numbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of contactless and intelligence-wise code identification chip system. The contactless and intelligence-wise code identification chips have an identification code respectively. The chips can generate a random number to select one of time slots for allocating said identification code. The contactless and intelligence-wise code reader can read the identification code from time slots by the polling method.

Abstract: An automated rental apparatus comprising a smart card control module and a television control module or telephone control module. The smart card control module includes a card reader. A smart card containing data regarding available funds and other parameters is used with the SCCM to determine the output to a command generator for a television or a touch tone generator for a telephone switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for contactless registration of information stored on electronic tags, comprising at least one receiving device (1), embodied in the form of a container, tub, basket or the like, with an opening (2) for receiving electronic tags, a detection device (3) associated with the at least one receiving device (1) for receiving information from the electronic tags, and a read device (4) for processing information received from the receiving device.

Abstract: A collision prevention relational function is disclosed for RFID tags, which increases stability during system operations. The RFID tag includes a parallel resonance circuit having a coil, a resonance capacitor, an adjustment capacitor, a switching circuit, a rectification circuit, a smoothing capacitor, a constant-voltage circuit, a voltage detection circuit, an exclusive OR circuit, a timer circuit, a voltage detection circuit, a control circuit, an OR circuit, a latch circuit, an UID storage device, and a data modulator/demodulator. When a predetermined power supply voltage/operating voltage is obtained, an anti-collision algorithm identifies and adjusts RFID tags that experienced collision.

Abstract: A wireless terminal (30) including a smart card application host (34), such as a contact smart card or the terminal MCU or a terminal security component, and including a terminal interface (32), and also including a smart card router (33) that enables RF communication with a contactless card reader (35) in for example a ticketing system (31), even though the smart card application host (34) does not contain a contactless interface. The smart card router (33) includes an RF antenna (33c), separate from and external to the smart card application host (34), and also a modulator/demodulator (33b), and also includes a card access module and router (33a) for routing communication traffic (Rin) arriving via the RF antenna (33c) to either the smart card application host (34) or to the terminal interface (32), based on information included in the arriving communication traffic (Rin).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transponder reading device for reading out a plurality of inductive passive transponders (50) having a resonant circuit. A transmitter coil (62) is provided to create an alternating magnetic field having an operating frequency fB, in which the number of transponders (50) may be placed such that same are magnetically coupled to each other. A retuning means (56) is further provided which is arranged in the alternating magnetic field and has such a frequency-dependent impedance that a voltage induced in the resonant circuits of the transponders (50) by the alternating magnetic field has a maximum in the range of the operating frequency fB.

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

Abstract: A gyricon platen cover provides a black background behind an original document and a white background surrounding the document to mitigate show-through of the back side of the document while the front side of the document is being scanning. The gyricon platen cover also provides a black background for the document for pre-scan detection of the location of the edges of an original document for electronic registration, electronic skew correction and automatic magnification selection during scanning of the original document.

Abstract: A card for causing the device to operate in a predetermined operation mode. The card comprises, on a first surface, a visual representation of the operation mode, and on a second surface, a visually encoded representation of the operation mode. The encoded representation is readable and decodable by the device so as to cause the device to operate in the operation mode. Methods of determining an output data of sensed data are also disclosed.

Abstract: A barcode with enhanced visual quality may be used with an item such as a document. The barcode includes a background field having an embedded graphic. The background caries data related to the item. The embedded graphic may obscure some background data. A bar coding apparatus, system and a corresponding method involve two basic functions: encoding and decoding. The encoding function uses an encoding algorithm to generate the barcode. The graphic is then embedded onto the barcode and the thus-generated enhanced visually significant barcode is placed on the item. Decoding involves machine-reading the barcode using a decoding algorithm. The decoding algorithm can operate with or without an original bit map that was used to generate the graphic. The graphic may be enhanced in a manner that may make at least a portion of the encoded information within the graphic readable by a human.

Abstract: Techniques for using imaging information computed from examining a scanner signal are described. When one or more objects passes within a field of view of a scanner, scan patterns emerging from one or more scanner windows and reflected from the objects back into the scanner windows produce one or more scanner signals. The scanner signals are processed to obtain beam position and beam length information to improve the accuracy of bar code decoding and to compute imaging information for objects within the field of view of the scanner. The imaging information for the objects is compared with bar code information for the objects. The expected number, size and shapes of objects indicated by the bar code information is compared with the actual number, size and shapes of objects in order to determine if valid scans occurred or if missed, double or otherwise erroneous scans occurred.

Abstract: An interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equipped with one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable has a first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. The first end connector of the interface connector cable is typically a multiple pin connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable only to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals, the first end connector including at least one electrical connection between two pins for completing a circuit within the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral.

Abstract: In a paper money receiving/discharging apparatus, having an enlarged receiving capacity of paper moneys, and in a paper money conveyer apparatus, enabling decelerated/accelerated delivery of the paper money, while preventing it from buckling and folding thereof, the paper money is delivered between holding conveyer means 300 and 301 for holding and conveying the paper money to conveying the paper money, in the delivery of the paper money, and holding means 30 and 51, having a friction coefficient lower than that of the holding conveyer means, are provided between the holding conveyer means 300, which is provided in an upstream side, and the holding conveyer means 301, which is provided in a downstream side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an article (1) comprising a sheet (2) and at least one element (4) having a certain thickness, comprising the following steps:

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory card in which stored information is not lost undesirably even when an operation power source is shut down during an erasing/writing process. A nonvolatile memory has an erase table in which a free-space information flag is associated with each physical address of a memory area and an address translation table in which a physical address of a memory area is associated with each logical address. The free-space information flag indicates whether a corresponding memory area is permitted to be erased or not. A control circuit determines a memory area to which rewrite data is to be written by referring to the free-space information flag of the erase table, reflects the physical address and the logical address of the memory area to which the data is written into the address translation table, and updates the free-space information flag of the erase table.

Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle comprises a heating air fan for producing a heating air flow to be introduced into a vehicle interior, a heating device with a heat exchanger arrangement for heating the heating air flow delivered by the heating air fan, a vehicle interior temperature sensor arrangement for producing an output in connection with the temperature in the vehicle interior, a vehicle interior reference temperature presetting arrangement, a heating air flow temperature sensor arrangement for producing a second output in connection with the outlet temperature of the heating air flow heated by the heating device, and also a control device which is arranged so as to set the delivery capacity of the heating air fan in dependence on the first output and on the vehicle interior reference temperature predetermined by the vehicle interior reference temperature presetting arrangement, and to set the heating capacity of the heating device in dependence on the second output.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a rail (10) on a rail substructure (18), comprising a support plate (24) which supports the rail (10) and is held on the rail substructure (18) by means of bolts (30) arranged on both sides of the rail, and rotatable adjusting units (28) which are each associated with one of the bolts (30) for adjusting the support plate (24) relative to the bolts (30), wherein the adjusting units (28) are coupled by a gear mechanism (46, 48, 66, 48) for being adjusted synchronously.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel injector provided with an electrically operated electomagnetic actuator in such a manner as to open the injector for a determined injection time; the method providing that the injector be operated with a first current waveform if the injection time is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and that the injector be operated with a second current waveform if the injection time is less than the predetermined threshold value; both the current waveforms have an identical initial portion, during which the current passing through the injector is caused to rise until it reaches a peak value, which is maintained by cyclic switching of the voltage applied to the injector between two different values.

Abstract: A scent strip for use with digital entertainment media contains a volatile mixture of a detectable scent and an imperceptible pheromone which is adhesively attached to a digital entertainment medium package, e.g., a CD/DVD case or VHS cassette, or to a print medium, e.g., business card or magazine. The strip includes a peelable cover layer, that, when removed, releases the contained volatile mixture causing a desired modification in behavior, such as increasing a person's libido. The cover layer can be removed in accordance with written instructions provided with the strip indicating a cue, e.g., during payback of the medium, when the cover layer should be removed, e.g., during a particular scene in a movie.

Abstract: A composite wick for delivering two liquids with different properties to a surface includes a first section provided for delivering a first liquid to the surface of the wick and a second section provided for delivering a second liquid to the surface of the wick. Preferably, the first section is made of hydrophobic materials and the second section is made of hydrophilic materials. Also, a composite wick includes a first section made of either a porous ceramic-based material or a porous sand-based material and a second section made of a porous plastic material, wherein the first and second section preferably are formed as concentric cylinders, with the first section being disposed within the second section.

Abstract: A wick-based delivery system includes a container for holding a liquid, and a porous wick, having a first section of a material with a pore size of a predetermined size and a second section of a material of a predetermined pore size that is greater than that of the material of the first section. The porous wick extends through an opening in the container so that when the liquid is added to the container, a lower region of the porous wick is in contact with the liquid, and an upper region of the porous wick is exposed to the ambient air. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first section and at least a portion of the second section are exposed to the ambient air. In another embodiment, only the second section is exposed to the ambient air.

Abstract: The fuel injection system has one high-pressure fuel pump (10) and one fuel injection valve (12), communicating with it, for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. A pump piston (18) of the high-pressure fuel pump (10) defines a pump work chamber (22), which communicates with a pressure chamber (40) of the fuel injection valve (12); the fuel injection valve has an injection valve member (28), by which injection openings (32) are controlled and which is movable in an opening direction (29) counter to a closing force by the pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber (40). By means of a control valve (80), a connection (74) of the pump work chamber (22) with a relief chamber (24) is controlled, and having a second control valve (80), by which a connection (74) of a control pressure chamber (62), which communicates with the pump work chamber (22) and is defined by a control piston (60), with a relief chamber (24) is controlled, in which connection a throttle restriction (75) is provided.

Abstract: A gun mount for a spray gun includes a rigid bracket that is installed on a rigid vertical support such as a gun mover. The bracket securely mounts the guns so as to reduce vibration and swaying during a spraying operation, even when the guns are being vertically moved by an oscillator. A position label or other suitable indicia is provided on the bracket so that the gun mount position can be recorded and thereby accurately repeated during subsequent installations. The bracket in one embodiment includes a series of vertical and horizontal mounting holes that permit a gun body to be installed at a desired vertical and horizontal orientation. A gun blow off arrangement is also provided for mounting associated pairs of air nozzles in position to blow powder from gun exterior surfaces. The associated pairs of air nozzles are mounted on a common bracket that can be selectively and slideably positioned on a channel support.

Abstract: Sprinkler head spacer systems for preventing a sprinkler head from being positioned too close to a sidewalk or curb. The spacers include a body and attachment fingers for attachment of the spacers to a sprinkler. Various styles are disclosed, including some in which the fingers are detachable from the body. In other versions the spacing between the fingers is adjustable to accommodate sprinklers of different diameters.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a pair of bubble generating rings, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the rings, and a link assembly that couples the trigger mechanism and the rings in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the rings to be pivoted. Each ring is pivotably coupled to each other in a manner such that the rings can be pivoted between a closed position where the front surfaces of the rings contact each other, and an opened position where the rings are positioned side-by-side in the same plane.

Abstract: Modular spray gun apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a handle module and a head module that is removeably coupled to the handle module. The head module includes a first housing having an inlet adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas, a flow passage extending between the inlet and an outlet, and a first coupling member proximate the outlet. Similarly, the head module includes a second housing having a second coupling member removeably coupled to the first coupling member of the first housing, a nozzle fluidly communicating with a spray outlet, and a needle assembly operatively associated with the nozzle to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from a mixing passage through the nozzle.

Abstract: A spreading head, particularly for spreading thermoplastic material on an intermediate component, which comprises a first duct for feeding the adhesive to a valve provided with a needle that interferes with a cup connected to a second duct for spreading an adhesive. The valve comprises means suitable to actuate and/or visualize the selective positioning of the needle, preferably in the open condition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nozzle (1) for introducing molten metal into an ingot mould for continuous metal casting, comprising a first tubular part (2) whereof one end is designed to be connected to a vessel containing said molten metal, and the other end emerges into a second hollow part (4) of elongate shape of which at least one portion of the internal space (3) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first tubular part (2), said hollow part (4) comprising an orifice (5, 6) at each of its ends, a bar (19, 27,29) provided with perforations (21) being arranged in the internal space (3) of said hollow part (4). The invention is characterised in that the orifices (5, 6) of said hollow part (4) are closed above said bar (19, 27, 29).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for producing and preparing fibres. Said system comprises a first separator that is connected downstream of a tubular dryer, the fibre outlet of said separator being connected to a second separator by means of a connecting conduit. A size application device (9), formed by a section of conduit containing an internal tube (14) that is provided with air passages (13) and has a greater flow cross-section than the connecting conduit, is integrated into said connecting conduit. The internal tube is surrounded by an external tube (15), which together with the internal tube defines an annular chamber that has at least one compressed air connection (20).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a small portable grinding machine enabling the fishing person(s) to act in a responsible manor when disposing of unwanted and extra monofilament fishing lines. This provides the allowance for a more proper disposal of said monofilament line thereby causing a reduction in the ecological ramifications of entanglement to fish and wildlife. The said invention can help reduce the plastic issued associated with the pollution of said waterways in helping to keep the oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds free of this material. The machine would also reduce the risks associated with safety issues in reducing the amounts of monofilament fishing line that can become entangled on boat propellers, boat intake ports, and the like, causing delays, engine problems, and the associated safety issues.

Abstract: A fishing reel has a spool for retaining a line thereon, a transmission assembly for driving the spool reciprocated along an elongated orientation thereof and a crank for driving the transmission assembly to wind the line on the spool, wherein the transmission assembly has at least an elliptical wheel to make the line wound on the spool in a uniform distribution.

Abstract: To detect alignment and/or absence of a tape leader pin in an opening of a tape cartridge, a light source scans the opening. Detection logic analyzes the detected reflection waveform signal for deviation from a cylindrical surface reflection of the tape leader pin, if any, such as elliptical or conical, representing tilt angle misalignment of the pin. Further, both ends of the pin are scanned for difference in displacement and for difference in amplitude, displacement representing tilt in the direction of scan, and amplitude representing that one end or the other is likely to have been pulled into the cartridge. Low amplitude of both represents absence of the pin.

Abstract: A webbing winding device in which a breadth dimension of a torque limiter is less than an axial direction dimension of an external gear. A rotation disc, the torque limiter or the like is wholly disposed, along a radial direction of the external gear, between the external gear and a peripheral wall of a baseplate. Further, members such as pawls, a rotation disc and the like are disposed, along a radial direction of the peripheral wall, between the peripheral wall and an adaptor, and these members are accommodated at an inner side of the external gear. Consequently, a thickness dimension (axial direction dimension) of a clutch is practically the same as an axial direction dimension of the external gear, and this is extremely thin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety belt apparatus for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles having at least one safety belt (11), which is wound to a greater or lesser degree onto a belt reel (13) rotatably secured on the vehicle chassis (14) about an axis of rotation (12) and preferably biased by a spring retraction mechanism, in particular a spiral spring (15) in the belt winding up direction and/or having a belt draw out- blocking mechanism (26, 38; 55, 56, 57), which, with an attempted rapid draw out of the safety belt (11) and/or with in particular accident dependent accelerations and/or deviations of the vehicle position from the normal, horizontal arrangement of the vehicle blocks a further draw out of the safety belt (11), with a toothed ratchet wheel (29) being rotationally coupled to the belt reel (13) and cooperating with a blocking pawl (17) secured to the housing and movable into an out of engagement, in such a way that with the blocking pawl (17) moved into engagement with the toothed ratchet wh

Abstract: The present invention provides a winder for strings of lights and storage for the same. The device includes a frame coupled to a spool retainer. The device further includes a means for winding the spool retainer, such as a drive shaft driven by a hand crank or electric motor. The device further includes a removable spool, for receiving a string of lights, that is coupled to the spool retainer. Additionally, the device includes a handle mountable to the frame for supporting the winder during winding. The invention additionally provides a method for winding a string of lights. A frame coupled to a spool retainer is provided. A reversible handle is then mounted to the frame. A removable spool is coupled to the spool retainer. One end of a string of lights is secured to the spool. A crank is then rotated to coil the string of lights about the spool.