Abstract: A child resistant multiple dosage blister pack dispenser includes a main housing bottom component having walls and a bottom panel for supporting a blister pack, and a main top component. The bottom panel has a plurality of orifices located so as to position a blister pack thereabove, with individual dosages of the blister pack located above the orifices. These orifices are of sufficient size and shape to push individual dosages from the blister pack therethrough. The main housing top component is permanently connected to the bottom component and is laterally moveable relative to the bottom component. The top component has a first position, being a rest position, and having a second position, being a dispensing position. There is a biasing spring connected to at least one of the bottom component and the top component, that biases the top component relative to the bottom component so that the top component is in its first position.

Abstract: A stacked assembly of disposable biohazard containment bags having a reinforced holder for displaying and dispensing the disposable biohazard containment bags from a bracket member of a display stand. The display holder is formed from a piece of cardboard folded upward along an upward fold and downward along a pair of downward folds to thereby form a pair of opposing display holder flaps and an integral reinforcement member comprising a pair of opposing reinforcement member flaps. The reinforcement member flaps are fixedly attached to one another and are sandwiched between the display holder flaps and depend downward from an upper portion of the opposing display holder flaps. The disposable biohazard containment bags are stacked together, and are sandwiched between the opposing display holder flaps such that a disposable biohazard containment bag can be detached from the holder by pulling the biohazard containment bag in order to break a frangible perforation.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus comprising a housing defining an internal cavity and an article storage compartment positioned inside the cavity. The article storage compartment may have a cooling unit associated therewith for cooling the article storage compartment. The article storage compartment is subdivided into a plurality of article storage sub-compartments, each sub-compartment having an opening at a dispensing end thereof for passage therethrough during a dispensing operation of articles stored therein. An air barrier arrangement is positioned so as to be in common with the dispensing end of a plurality of said sub-compartments, for separating the interior of the sub-compartments from the remainder of the interior of the internal cavity, the air barrier arrangement having flaps that operate individually with respective ones of said sub-compartments, so as to allow articles stored in the sub-compartments to pass therethrough during the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.

Abstract: A duplex storage pouch capable of storing a segregated liquid and powder for extended periods. The two ingredients are separated by a frangible chevron-shaped seal. When pressure is applied to the pouch, one or more chevron points lying along the chevron-shaped seal rupture, allowing the two ingredients to mix. The pouch is flexible, so that the user can knead the two ingredients together for thorough mixing. Once the mixing is complete, a peelable cover is removed to expose a dispensing opening.

Abstract: An upright product outlet bag evacuation packaging (100, 200) includes a flexible, collapsible bag (101, 201) and a spout (116, 216) that contains and dispenses a liquid (118, 218). The bag (101, 201) includes a first wall (102, 202) and a second wall (104,204) that are operatively connected by a seam (106, 206). When the bag (101, 201) is filled with liquid (118, 218), the first wall (102, 202) and the second wall (104, 204) are pushed away from one another thereby pulling a first side (109, 209) inward and causing an indentation (114, 214) to form. The indentation (114, 214) hinders flush contact between the first wall (102, 202) and the second wall (104, 204) as the bag (101, 201) progressively collapses as the liquid (118, 218) is dispensed. A housing (300, 400) for use with a dispenser may be used to create and reinforce the indentation (114, 214). The housing (300, 400) includes a cavity (303, 403) configured and arranged to receive the bag (101, 201).

Abstract: A dispenser bottle and associated closure has a sifter disposed in the neck thereof, either in the form of castellated vents formed in the interior peripheral edge of the neck or a separate sifter element. A rotatable cap is positioned over the sifter. The cap has holes that align with the vents or holes in the sifter to dispense material from the bottle. A removable lock ring is removeably conjoined to the cap to evidence tampering. One embodiment employs a squeeze tab that is depressed to open the bottle thereby increasing the dexterity required for opening. Another embodiment employs a rotatable sifter that must be held by one hand while the cap is held and rotated relative to the sifter by the other hand. A detent provides resistance to opening.

Abstract: A lower portion of a nozzle is held hermetically in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tubular neck of a container, and an inner surface of a cap is mounted to an outer surface of the tubular neck. A discharging hole of the nozzle is hermetically sealed by an inner top surface of the cap. A ring-shaped projection is formed on an upper portion of the nozzle for hermetically contacting an inner surface of the cap. Thereby, double sealing is provided in cooperation with hermetic sealing of the discharging hole of the nozzle by the inner top surface of the cap. The nozzle prevents a liquid leak and liquid dripping from the nozzle and form liquid drops independently of a dripping angle.

Abstract: Method and device for metering granular materials which comprises a least one dispensing element, driving means arranged to control the dispensing element, sensing means designed to detect the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element, and a program control unit designed to control the control means and disable it as soon as the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element has reached a predetermined amount.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a device manufacturing apparatus in which a device can be precisely manufactured by stably ejecting a predetermined amount of droplets when the device is manufactured using a droplet ejecting device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a receptacle for a cosmetic or care product although other substances may be used in conjunction with the present application. The receptacle includes a body with a single opening. An insert is secured in the opening and includes a passage for extracting the cosmetic or care product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iron device to be applied to ironing machine for ironing uncreased-trousers, the device comprising a supporting framework which supports an ironing head including trousers support elements as well as trousers bottom gripping elements, the ironing device further comprising a steaming drum coupled to a heating circuit for heating the trousers bottom gripping elements and a steaming duct coupled to the gripper elements.

Abstract: An assemblage is disclosed for storing and displaying articles of men's and women's apparel and accessory. The assemblage has an elongated support member and a plurality hanger members secured to it. The support member can be rigid or flexible enabling it to be folded or rolled up when not in use.

Abstract: A garment hanger a coupler, and one or more bottles, such as the waste bottles, detachably or selectively secured to the coupler, for suitably supporting the shoulder portions of the coats or jackets or garments. The bottles may be threaded and thus secured to the coupler with threading engagements. The coupler includes a retainer for attaching to support members. The retainer includes a stem having a hook formed on one end for attaching to the support member, and a lever having an arm biased to engage with the hook and to retain the hook to the support member.

Abstract: A hanger for hanging one or more hats, particularly baseball-style caps, from a support member. The cap hanger has an upper portion with a hook, a middle portion suitable for displaying information and a lower portion having a hanger body with one or more hanger sections. The hanger sections are configured to receive and retain the back portion, either the back side of the cap or the strap or band, whether adjustable or not, of a cap in a cap receptacle and suspend the cap in a generally downward direction. The hanger sections can have an upper channel and a plurality of lower channels separated by a protruding member and a shaped narrowed section to hold the cap in the cap hanger. The cap hanger can also have one or more brim clips, separately or in combination with hanger sections, for receiving and retaining the brim of a cap.

Abstract: The tire carrier assembly of the present invention is mounted to the frame of a vehicle by removing the existing D-rings and placing the mounting brackets for the tire carrier over the apertures where the existing D-rings were mounted. The existing D-rings are then placed over the tire carrier mounting brackets and the entire assembly is mounted or coupled to the vehicle, using the original mounting apertures for the D-rings.

Abstract: Quick-connect assemblies and hydration systems incorporating the same. The hydration system includes a fluid reservoir and may be housed within a pack. Drink fluid is drawn from the reservoir through a drink tube to a mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the drink tube is connected to the reservoir at an exit port, the hydration system includes a manually actuated on/off valve, a filter, a pump, and/or a bite-actuated mouthpiece. The quick-connect assembly fluidly interconnects components of the hydration system and is configured to quickly release, and permit reattachment of, the detached components or replacement components. In some embodiments, the replacement components enable different performance from the detached components. In some embodiments, the quick-connect assembly is adapted to selectively couple a bite-actuated mouthpiece and a gas mask adapter to the drink tube. In some embodiments, at least a portion, if not the entire, hydration system is formed from a chemically resistant material.

Abstract: A holder retains cell phones, pagers, or holsters, with the holder composed of fabric; having a strap and optionally a pouch for retaining the held cell phones, pagers, or holsters in any angular orientation of the holder; and having a pair of apertures for engaging and retaining the clip of an associated cell phone, pager, or holster, with a strip positioned between the pair of apertures for engaging the clip and for distributing the weight and/or other forces associated with the clip and the associated cell phone, pager, or holster and preventing wear on the holder.

Abstract: A motor vehicle box and a pickup truck having a motor vehicle box provided in the pickup truck bed are provided. The motor vehicle box includes a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall constructed to form a container having an opening wherein the container has an exterior side and an interior side; a lid constructed to cover the opening, wherein the lid is hingedly attached to at least one of the plurality of walls; and a latch mechanism comprising a latch member constructed and arranged to move between a first position and second position. The first position is provided for holding the lid in place covering the opening. The second position is provided for releasing the lid. The latch mechanism includes an exterior latch release mechanism and an interior latch release mechanism. The exterior latch release mechanism extends to the exterior side of the container and is constructed to move the latch member to the second position when triggered.

Abstract: The vehicle mounted storage unit includes a support bracket that is clamped to a vehicle's spare tire and wheel rack on the outside of a vehicle by the fasteners that clamp the wheel to the rack. A storage unit frame is attached to the support bracket by a mechanical fastener. A pair of spaced apart left upper door panel post receiving tubes are mounted on the unit frame. A pair of spaced apart right upper door panel post receiving tubes are also mounted on the storage unit frame. The posts are positioned to minimize the space required for the door panel panels. Side curtain hangers are also secured to the storage unit frame. An inner pan is attached to the unit frame. An outer pan is pivotally connected to the unit frame. The two pans cooperate to encase the unit frame and vehicle components supported by the unit frame.

Abstract: A carrying tray assembly for the rear of a sport utility vehicle. The assembly is suspended from sections of the sports bar arrangement and permits easy access to any items on the tray of the assembly. The assembly also permits other gear to be placed below the tray on the floor of the rear deck of the vehicle and covered with a tonneau if desired to protect the gear from the elements. The assembly has front and rear supporting systems that are adjustable to fit a variety of sport bar designs. Additionally, because the tray is suspended from sections of the sports bar arrangement rearwardly of the driver's and front passenger's seats, traditional half tops and windscreens can also be used on the vehicle at the same time as the carrying tray assembly.

Abstract: In a coil material feeding apparatus which has a reduced bouncing in spite of a high speed operation, and can lower the load of the intermittent feeding apparatus, and can shorten the line length of the press stamping line, a position sensor for detecting a loop amount of a coil material and a coil material feeding portion are provided; the coil material feeding portion is provided with feeding rollers and a material correcting portion, and a mounting angle of the coil material feeding portion can be changed in correspondence to a thickness of the coil material and the like.

Abstract: A stack of caps each have a central hole and a connection cord frictionally extends through the central holes for collection the caps as a stack. A ring is connected to a first end of the cord and an enlarged end piece is integrally formed on a second end of the cord. The enlarged end piece is slightly larger than the central hole of each cap so that it is allowed to be pulled through the central holes when the cord is pulled out from the stack of the caps. A pushing mechanism includes a cover and a pushing rod which movably extends through the cover. The cover is threadedly engaged with the threaded inner periphery defined in the open top of the tube and a spring is mounted to the pushing rod. A pushing end is connected to the pushing rod so as to press on a top of the stack of the caps.

Abstract: An electric stapler includes a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, a reduction gearbox connected to the motor, a cutter blade mounted to the frame for severing individual staples from an array of staples, an anvil against which the staples are deformed by the cutter blade, and a rotational element connected to the gearbox to be rotated thereby on demand, the rotational element including an off-centre pin co-operating with the cutter blade to effect linear movement of the cutter blade upon rotation of the disc. The gearbox typically includes a series array of interconnected modules, each housing at least one gear. A pivot secures the frame to the base such that a gap between the anvil and the cutter is adjusted according to sheet thickness as a result of sheet insertion over the anvil prior to activation of the motor.

Abstract: A solder bump fabrication method and apparatus. First, a printed circuit board, having a plurality of devices, is provided. A material is formed on the printed circuit board, and it is disposed between pins of the devices to prevent the devices from short-circuiting due to the solder bumps. Then, the solder bumps are formed on the pins of the devices so that the devices are fixed on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is passed through an infrared oven to melt the solder bumps. The material separates the solder bumps attached to the pins of the devices so that the devices are prevented from short-circuiting.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding implement. The welding implement having a neck, a handle and a retaining nut for securing the neck to the handle. The neck being operable to convey electrode wire therethrough. The retaining nut being adapted for wrench-tightening to a threaded portion of the welding implement. An optional retaining nut operator. The optional retaining nut operator being adapted to secure to the retaining nut. The optional retaining nut operator being adapted for manual rotation to thread the retaining nut to the threaded portion of the welding implement. The optional retaining nut operator may be adapted to snap-fit onto the retaining nut. The optional retaining nut operator may comprise an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may comprise a polymer.

Abstract: 19An electronic component carrier includes a frame, a circuit board clamp fixed to the frame for clamping a circuit board, a vibrating device for vibrating the circuit board while the circuit board is carried through a reflow oven and the temperature inside the reflow oven is a predetermined temperature, and a collector installed on the frame for collecting electronic components dropping from the circuit board.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus of connecting wellbore tubulars by explosive welding, using a frangible anvil, and reforming a surface of wellbore tubulars at a connection. In one embodiment, a first tubular is aligned proximate a second tubular such that an inside diameter of the first tubular and an outside diameter of the second tubular form an annular space, a frangible anvil is disposed in a bore defined by the tubulars, and an explosive charge placed around the outside surface of the first tubular is detonated. In another embodiment, tubulars are aligned, connected by explosive welding, and then reformed at the connection.

Abstract: The invention provides a discontinuous friction stir welding apparatus and welding method having a compact machine head capable of corresponding to a wide usage. In a friction stir welding apparatus provided with a tool (1) having a shoulder portion (1a) with a large diameter and a pin portion (1b) with a small diameter protruding in an axial direction, and welding by inserting the tool to a material to be welded while rotating the tool, the tool, a moving mechanism of the tool and a backing member (5) for the welded material are received in one frame (10). The tool moving mechanism has a main axis motor (2) for rotating the tool, an axial moving apparatus (4, 13a, 13b, 14) for moving the tool in a direction of a rotation axis, and a welding direction moving apparatus (9, 17) for moving the tool along a weld line of the welded material.

Abstract: A new method is provided for the creation of high-accuracy and low-accuracy openings overlying points of electrical access over the surface of a semiconductor device supporting substrate. Openings are first created for access to the substrate followed by copper plating and then patterning of the plated layer of copper, creating the interconnect metal over the surface of the substrate. A first solder mask is coated over the surface of the substrate, this first solder mask must be provided with a first array of low-accuracy openings for electrical access there-through for the placement of contact balls. The first openings can be created using conventional film artwork since low accuracy is required for the contact ball openings, resulting in a low-cost process for the creation of the first openings. A second solder mask is next coated over the surface of the first solder mask.

Abstract: A bonding method using a bonding agent is provided, which has the steps of forming an underlayer on a first member, providing a bonding agent on the underlayer, forming a contact member, different from the bonding agent, on a second member, bringing the bonding agent into contact with the contact member so that the first member and the second member are bonded to each other. In the method described above, the wettability of the bonding agent to the underlayer is superior to that of the bonding agent to a surface of the first member before the underlayer is formed thereon, and the bondability of the bonding agent to the contact member is superior to that of the bonding agent to a surface of the second member before the contact member is formed thereon.

Abstract: Optimum bond parameters for a bond force FB and an ultrasonic variable PB and, optionally, at least one further bond parameter GB of a Wire Bonder for ball bonding can be determined by means of a method with which a predetermined number of bond cycles is carried out, whereby the bond parameters to be optimised are each varied within a predefined range, whereby with each bond cycle n, after attachment of the wire ball to the connection point of the semiconductor chip, the following steps are carried out:

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board includes: washing a land that corresponds to the exposed portion of a copper circuit of a printed circuit board with acidic electrolytic water having a pH of not more than 5 to remove an oxide; treating the land with basic electrolytic water having a pH of not less than 9 to prevent oxidation; and soldering electronic components to the land. The portion to be soldered is treated with the electrolytic water beforehand, thereby improving soldering at low cost without any adverse effect on the environment.

Abstract: An expanding file portfolio that comprises a front panel member, a rear panel member and a spine member, all of which are made from a substantially rigid plastic material. The spine member has a base portion, a front section and a rear section. The front section of the spine member overlaps and is attached to a portion of the front panel member and the rear section of the spine member overlaps and is attached to a portion of the rear panel member. A divider insert member extends between the front panel member and the rear panel member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, by providing an article enclosure surrounded by a set of hollow walls, and at least partially filling the hollow walls with phase change material, and providing an insulating enclosure about the article enclosure, the insulating enclosure having a relatively high “R” factor for restricting the flow of thermal flux into and out of the article enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping articles under controlled temperature conditions, having a metallic article enclosure surrounded by a set of insulating panels, with a predetermined volume separation between the enclosure and the insulating panels, and the predetermined volume being filled with phase change material.

Abstract: A recloseable beverage container is provided having two halves and a releasable handle, the container comprising a bottom half having a front, back, opposing sides, and a bottom. A top half is provided having a front, back, opposing sides, and a bottom, hingedly joined to the bottom half thereby forming upon closure a hollow enclose for storing a plurality of beverage containers. A recloseable handle formed upon closure by an extended tab in the front of the bottom and a cutout in the front of the top. The container includes an elongated releaseably adhesive flap located on the front of the top that overlaps the front of the bottom.

Abstract: Techniques for performing one or more actions based upon physical locations of one or more paper documents. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the paper documents have identification tags physically associated with them. The physical locations of the paper documents are determined based upon information read from the identification tags physically associated with the paper documents.

Abstract: A customer e-label apparatus and method includes an electronic tag for storing information electronically. A device for writing information on the electronic tag at the point of sale of an item to a customer is provided at the point of sale. An attachment device is provided for attaching the electronic tag to the customer's item at the point of sale.

Abstract: An interactive video rental/purchase system enables a potential renter/purchaser to determine the availability of one or more videos from one or more video retail outlets via the internet on a home personal computer. The system provides the user with pricing information, the most geographically convenient location at which one or more videos is currently available, and enables the user to reserve one or more selected videos by placing an immediate hold on the selections. The system also provides the user with access to additional information including trailers of available videos, critics' reviews of the videos, and viewer feedback from other users who have viewed the videos.

Abstract: An improved service station car wash system. A car wash kiosk is coupled to the fuel dispenser communication loop in the forecourt of the service station so that the car wash kiosk appears to the service station controller just as a fuel dispenser would. The car wash kiosk sends a car wash request over the fuel dispenser communication loop to the service station site controller. The service station controller handles any payment processing needed, as it would for payment entered at a fuel dispenser, and in turn communicates such request to a car wash controller for initiation of a car wash. The service station site controller is able to communicate to the car wash kiosk in a similar manner as communication occurs with a fuel dispenser, thereby making the functionality present in the service station controller for fuel dispenser applicable and reusable for a car wash kiosk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a document verification system capable of verifying whether a document is an original at low cost and with ease. A terminal device acquires, as a registered feature vector feature information indicating a feature of a nonreproducible disorder portion in a printing region on a document serving as the original, and stores the registered feature vector on a hard disk via the Internet. A server acquires, as a calculated feature vector the same information as the registered feature vector in a document to be verified as to whether the document is the original, reads out the registered feature vector from the hard disk, compares the acquired calculated feature vector with the read out registered feature vector, and verifies whether the document to be verified is the original on the basis of a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Method and device for changing the operating mode of a chip card reader according to the standard of the card inserted into the reader. The sequence is (a) set the reader to one standard, (b) initialize the card, to obtain a response, (c) analyze the response to determine conformity with the standard, (d) if conformity, engage the card (e) if no conformity, deactivate the card and set the reader to another standard, (f) repeat (b)-(e) with the new standard. The device includes at least one two-position switching-circuit connectable to a modules of different standards, a circuit for detecting the presence of a card in the reader, and at least one logic-unit for determining the position of the switching-circuit according to the presence or absence of the card in the reader and the response of the card as to conformity with the standard engaged.

Abstract: A commissioning system incorporates a commissioning station for mounting a controller to be commissioned by the action of loading data into a writable memory of the controller. The station has a label reader for reading a label attached to the controller. Preferably the label is readable by the label reader only when the controller is mounted on the commissioning station. Data encoded in a code pattern on the label specifies commissioning parameters to be loaded into the controller memory. The label reader reads the code pattern and generates a signal encoding the code pattern data. The commissioning system receives this signal and transmits a commissioning signal to the controller encoding the commissioning parameters, which are then loaded into the controller memory. In one embodiment the commissioning station has a configuration that cooperates with the controller to create an access barrier to the label reader scanner surface when the controller is mounted on the station.

Abstract: An integrated marking system is described wherein means for marking or encoding information, preferably in the form of a plurality of machines, are linked and controlled in conjunction with means for processing information. Essentially, the means for processing information can be a software program, implemented via a single computer or a computer network. Likewise, the means for linking and controlling the aforementioned machines is possible via the software in conjunction with the same computer or network. Despite the numerous advantages provided by this system, this level of functionality and control was heretofore unseen in the marking industry.

Abstract: A shopping system for scanning codes related to products, such as consumer goods and services, and for retrieving data associated with the codes includes a portable, hand-held and battery-operated optical code scanner for scanning, capturing, storing and decoding information related to scanned codes, at least a first shopping kiosk having a processor, and at least a first host computer operatively coupled to the first shopping kiosk. The scanner and the first shopping kiosk are configured such that the scanner transfers decoded data to the kiosk, and the kiosk provides the transferred decoded data in a useable format by means of a display monitor and/or a printer. A communications data link between the scanner and the first shopping kiosk is established for transfer of decoded data by a transfer, and recognition by the first shopping kiosk and/or the first host computer, of an identification code stored in memory of the scanner that is associated with a user of the scanner and/or the scanner.

Abstract: A manual card reader comprises a slot frame with a recess provided in the slot frame in the card insertion direction to allow insertion or removal of a card. A card is inserted into the slot to a holding point through the recess and is taken out therefrom. The manual reader further comprises a shutter that prevents insertion of a foreign object beyond the recess into the card reader. A first locking device is detachably provided at one end of the shutter. A second locking device is detachably provided at the other end of the shutter.

Abstract: A card reader includes a stopper or wall at the back of an insertion passage where a card is inserted. If a breakage of the wall at the back of the insertion passage is detected, the card processor drives the shutter to block the insertion port. This reliably prevents such an occurrence that the customer inserts the card through the insertion portion without knowing that the wall has been broken, pushes the card until even a portion of the card is not exposed at the recessed portion, finds himself unable to take out the card that is pushed in, and goes for a clerk in charge, and that the card stolen by the thief.

Abstract: Machine-readable coded data disposed on or in a substrate in accordance with a layout, the layout having at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two, the layout encoding an orientation codeword comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of of n symbols, where m is one or more, each encoded symbol being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the orientation codeword, each representation comprising a different cyclic shift of the orientation codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout, and wherein the orientation codeword is fault tolerant.

Abstract: A generic data package template is described that allows data to be encoded and printed in any arbitrary shape using an arbitrary encoding scheme. The template comprises an arbitrary shaped constant background pattern that is read to locate and orient a data area. The data are contains a plurality of dots that are decoded to extract the stored information.