Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a body (1), a fluid reservoir (3), a dispensing member, such as a pump or a metering valve having a piston or a valve member that is mounted to move axially, which dispensing member is fitted to the reservoir (3), and an actuating element (5) mounted to move between a rest position and an actuating position, for actuating the dispensing member and thus for selectively dispensing the fluid contained in the reservoir (3), said fluid dispenser device being characterized in that the direction in which said actuating element (5) moves is different from, and in particular perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the piston or the valve member of the dispensing member moves, the device further comprising force-regulating means for predetermining the force to be exerted on the actuating element (5) for actuating the dispensing member, said force being constant each time the device is actuated, independently of the quantity of fluid contained in the reservoir (3) and/or of the

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for lubricant having a lubricant reservoir (1), a piston (3), which is arranged on a threaded spindle (2), within the lubricant reservoir and a drive head 4, which has a drive shaft (7) connected to the threaded spindle (2) and an electromechanical drive (5) for actuating the drive shaft. The drive shaft (7) contains a lubricant passage duct (8) which opens into the lubricant storage space of the lubricant reservoir. A ram (9) is inserted into the lubricant passage duct (8) of the drive shaft, said ram having an axial bore (10) with a nonreturn valve (11) on the inlet side, and also a ram head (13) which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner and is loaded by a compression spring (12). The ram head (13) bears under the effect of the compression spring (12) against a control surface (14) of the drive shaft (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder measure-dispensing cap (1) comprising: a body (3) having a first end face (4), which is designed to be brought into contact with a powder container (10), and a second end face (5) which, together with the first end face (4), defines at least one feed opening (6) which flares out towards the first end face (4), said feed opening (6) supplying at least one endless screw (7); and at least one opening (12). The inventive device is characterised in that the opening (12) is disposed in the second end face (5) in contact with the endless screw (7).

Abstract: A container or pitcher is provided having a flexible side wall portion and rim portion of the container which can conform to the shape of an object to which the pitcher is applied to thereby direct fluid flow from the pitcher over a broader area and to prevent fluid from flowing from the pitcher and underneath the rim of the pitcher and onto portions of the object to which it is not desirable to apply the fluid.

Abstract: A push/pull closure is disclosed the closure includes a body part (3) and a slider part (41). The slider part (41) can be moved between closed and opened positions. The body part (3) includes a nozzle section (15), a container neck engaging section (21), and an annular section (23). One feature of the closure is that the annular section (23) operates in an overcentre action to move the body part (3) from a raised position to a lowered position. As the annular section (23) moves to the lowered position the closure pierces a container membrane (7) to allow the container contents to be dispensed. Another feature of the closure is that the nozzle section (15) includes an air vent (71) that opens into a cavity (35) in which the slider part (41) slides between the open and closed positions. The air vent (71) spaced away from an outlet end (11) of the nozzle section (15) in order to minimised air entrainment as the contents of the container are being dispensed.

Abstract: A plastics closure (10) for a container mouth is provided with flow regulation means for selectively controlling the flow of contents dispensed. The means comprise at least two parts (30,70) which can be moved relative to one another. Each part has at least one dispensing orifice (39,90). The parts (30,70) are adapted so that their respective orifices can be aligned at least partially with respect to each other and with the container mouth. The degree of overlap between the respective orifices defines a common dispensing area to allow control of the flow rate.

Abstract: A needle threader device includes: a loop support base; a threading loop connected to the loop support base; a needle holder base; a needle cradle located on the needle holder base; a loop passage guide located on the needle holder base and intersecting the needle cradle at a predetermined angle, and being biased toward one end of the needle cradle; and, a thread insertion hole located on the needle holder base, adjacent to and connected to the loop passage guide. The loop support base and the needle holder base and rotatably connected so that the threading loop may be inserted into the guide and extended into the thread insertion hole. A user may insert a needle into the needle cradle with the needle eye located at the intersection of the needle cradle and the loop passage guide, then move the loop support base toward the needle holder base so as to insert the threading loop into the loop passage guide, through the eye of the needle and into the thread insertion hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting sock blanks or the like so that the open toes of the blanks can be sewn closed includes a device for turning the sock inside out, a sock rotation device for grasping the sock and rotating it until sensors detect that the sock is in the proper orientation, a sock transfer device for taking the sock from the sock rotation device toward a sewing machine, and sock guiding and positioning mechanisms for feeding the sock into the in-feed nip of the sewing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a container to an item of clothing, including a first portion releasably engageable with the container and a second portion fixed to the first portion and being releasably engageable with the item of clothing.

Abstract: An ergonomic weapon sling includes an elongate strap having a preformed permanent curved shape adapted to conform to the anatomical contour of the user's body along an elongate area of contact between the strap and the body. First and second fasteners are carried on the strap for attaching to the forearm and stock of a rifle or shotgun. The sling is positionable in a carrying position in which the strap is positioned over a shoulder of the user and conforms to the contour of the user's torso, and is also positionable in an aiming position in which the strap conforms to the contour of an upper arm of the user and stabilizes the arm supporting the forearm of the weapon to aid the user in aiming the weapon.

Abstract: A combination beach towel and knapsack in which the towel has a storage pocket or compartment at its top. The storage pocket has two clasp or similar fastening devices inside of the pocket. There are two drawstrings around the perimeter of the top of the pocket that when pulled, draws the top of the storage pocket into a closed position. The ends of the drawstrings are provided with fasteners.

Abstract: A baby carrier comprises a wrapper partitioned to a front portion and a rear portion, front portion having a back support to support the back of a baby when needed and a hip sheet extending from the back support, the rear portion having a bottom sheet extending from the hip sheet and a rear sheet extending from the hip sheet, auxiliary supports each connected to the bottom sheet to support the thighs of the baby when needed, and shoulder straps connecting the back support to the auxiliary supports to hook the connected shoulder straps on the shoulders of a baby caretaker when needed. The hip sheet is foldable over on the bottom sheet so as to allow the baby to sit on the hip sheet detachably layered on the bottom sheet while being supported by the auxiliary supports.

Abstract: A holster is provided with a clip portion for clipping to a user's belt or other suitable location and a harness portion for holding an electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a medical infusion pump. The holster may include a rotation mechanism that allows the holster to be rotated in a manner, to position and maintain the electronic device in any one of a plurality of selectable rotational orientations, while the holster is clipped to the user's belt. Alternatively or in addition, the clip portion is pivotally connected by a hinge to the harness portion, to allow the harness portion to pivot upward relative to the clip portion. The pivotal connection of the clip portion to the harness portion allows the user pivot the harness portion (and, thus, a medical device received in the harness portion) upward, for example, to better accommodate the user's view or access to displays, indicators, compartments, buttons or other manual operators on the medical device.

Abstract: A purse caddy for supporting a purse in an upright condition upon a vehicle seat. The purse caddy includes an open-topped box dimensioned to receive a purse and a strap for supporting the open-topped box. The open-topped box has: a bottom panel, a front panel hingedly secured to the bottom panel and extending upwardly from the bottom panel, a back panel hingedly secured to the bottom panel at a location remote from the front panel and extending upwardly from the bottom panel, and at least one elastic strip connecting the front panel and the back panel together at a height above the bottom panel. The opposed ends of the strap are connected to the back panel so as to form a loop for encircling a support like the headrest of a vehicle seat.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.

Abstract: A storage box for a cargo bay of a vehicle including a conveyor on which items, e.g., tools and materials, are stored. The conveyor is actuatable to move the items in a pre-selected direction, preferably toward the side or rear of the vehicle cargo bay to provide easy access to the items. In another aspect, the storage box includes fold-out shelving. The shelving includes multiple panels hinged together. A first panel is hingedly connected to an intermediate panel, which is hingedly connected to a second panel, which is pivotally connected to the storage box. The panels are operable in (a) a collapsed mode, where the panels fold substantially vertically against one another, and (b) an extended mode, where the first panel moves outwardly to a substantially vertical position and the intermediate and pivot panel pivot downward to a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: What is new in the art of my invention is the ability of the bag to also be used as a stool. A person can carry personal items in the bag, and sit on it while waiting in line or changing shoes. A person could also use the bag to more comfortably accomplish task that require bending at the waist.

Abstract: An assembly that enables a person to flexibly position and hold in place an item of personal property for which the user desires to have frequent and immediate access is provided. The assembly includes a strap that extends diagonally along the front of the user, over one shoulder of the user, and diagonally across the back of the user, wherein the strap has end portions that come together near the person's midsection and attach, via a mechanism, to an item of apparel worn by the user. The strap can also be opened to extend around a person's waist or midsection. A carrier slideably engages the strap for example at a portion of the strap along the front side of the user. The carrier houses one or more personal items, such as a cell phone.

Abstract: In a glass cutter wheel where a blade edge is formed on a disk-shaped wheel, grooves having a predetermined shape are formed at a predetermined pitch in a ¼ or smaller or ¾ or smaller blade edge line portion of the entire perimeter of the blade edge. The ratio of the groove portion to the entire perimeter, which largely contributes to a scribing characteristic, is changed such that a desired scribing characteristic can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the electrical contacting of a continuously moving metered material web (7), in particular a flexible flat cable, a so-called FFC, during its processing or manufacture.

Abstract: A machine for storing, unrolling, guiding into position and fastening rolled roofing material to a roof deck. The machine includes a holder which cradles the roll of roofing material, or alternately, suspends it on a cantilevered spindle, so that the roofing material can be unrolled and guided into position on the roof deck. A nail gun under automatic control fastens the roofing material at selected intervals to the roof deck. The operator simply moves the machine across the deck and the roofing material is placed and fastened on the roof as quickly he walks. The machine also has a guide bar that follows the edge of the prior row of roofing material for proper placement of the next row. The machine is made n two sections that may be separated for ease of raising to the roof. Further, the machine presented heren can also be powered and controled by electrical energy or by stored pressured gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening an elongated strip such as a felting strip or the like to a roof with the rolling of the apparatus along the roof. Preferably, the machine applies the staples at an acuate angle of about 30° to 40° to the longitudinal axis of the strip and staple gun extends at the acute angle with the user's arm also extending at this acute angle. The staple gun must be enabled by placing it against the roof before an actuation of the trigger will cause a firing of the staple. The strip may be mounted in a reel that is in a substantially vertical plane with a strip guide and point of application of the strip to the roofing felt so that the strip is not twisted in its travel from the reel to the roof. The strip may be severed by a severing device, as when reaching an edge of the roof, and automatic strip advancing device may be actuated to advance a new leading end of the strip for placement beneath the nose of the staple gun.

Abstract: The present invention solves a problem that in a wire bonding process, an inert gas used for prevention of oxidation of a substrate gave rise to shimmer due to the temperature difference during bonding, thereby degrading the precision of pattern recognition. With this invention's bonding device 21, shielding lids 31, 32, and 33 are disposed at upper and lower parts of a ring illumination 25 and at a lower part of lens barrel 29. Shimmer 37 of nitrogen gas that blows out from a working hole 24 can thus be prevented from entering inside ring illumination 25, especially by shielding lid 31 at the lower part of ring illumination 25. As a result, the recognition precision of a recognition camera can be improved and the wire bonding precision of the &mgr;m order can be improved.

Abstract: A device and a method, as well as use thereof, in the feeding of welding wire, said device and method designed to prevent deformities from forming in the welding wire (2) during the feeding of welding wire. A first end of the welding wire (2) in one container (3) is connectable to a wire guide (1).

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for connecting two tubulars using a welding process with reduced inner diameter flash. The method includes connecting an end of a first expandable tubular to an end of a second expandable tubular using a welding process and reducing an inner diameter flash using a flash reducing device. In one embodiment, the flash reducing device is a plug disposed in the bore of the two tubulars. In another embodiment, the flash reducing device is a roller member. In a further embodiment, the flash reducing device is a rotating cutting member.

Abstract: Catalytic converter (2) includes a catalyst container (10) formed from a tubular blank (10′) and having a catalyst carrier, and a flange member (11) joined to the hollow member. The tubular blank (10′) is subjected to a spinning operation by forming roll or rolls (22A), to form the catalyst container (10) having a desired shape, and the opposed circumferential surfaces of the catalyst container (10) and flange member (11) are forced against each other by the forming roll or rolls (22A) or an array of presser pieces (22B) while the catalyst container and flange member are rotated relatively to each other, so that friction heat is generated for friction-welding the catalyst container and flange member at their joining portions (10b, 11b).

Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.

Abstract: Different metallic materials are joined in such a manner that friction heat generated by fiction between a rotating probe made of a hard material and one of the metallic materials having a lower mechanical strength or a lower melting point than the other to effect plastic flow of the one material and the probe is inserted into a pit formed in a joint zone of the other material to fill the pit with the plastic flow material.

Abstract: A vacuum brazing method is disclosed for joining aluminum stock materials to each other. The typical cladding material utilized includes aluminum and a melting point lowering agent such as silicon. In addition, the cladding material typically includes magnesium to provide for enhanced wetting of the cladding material into the joint area. It has been found that adjusting the ratio of magnesium to calcium to a level of equal to or greater than 625 to 1 provides greatly enhanced brazed joint formation and reliability of the vacuum brazing method.

Abstract: A superabrasive tool blank whose carbide side is affixed with a suitable braze alloy, for subsequent shaping into desired tool geometry and induction-brazed forming a cutting tool. The use of the pre-coated braze alloy in the tool blank forming cutting tools allows the direct brazing of the superabrasive blank onto a tool insert, thus minimizing operations and labor time involved for the shaping and handling of the braze substrate in the process of the prior art, i.e., the brazing of the assembly of the superabrasive tool blank, braze alloy, and tool insert. The pre-brazed blank can be conveniently used in automated brazing operations for forming cutting tools.

Abstract: Deterioration of a joining portion caused by a Cu—Zn compound layer is prevented by forming compound or alloy of Cu and Sn at the joining interface including a Cu surface to be a joining portion of a circuit board and an electronic component and then carrying out soldering by use of a soldering material containing Sn and Zn in composition.

Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider is provided to facilitate loading the two tiers of containers and an end of the divider is folded down to facilitate its correct placement on the bottom tier of cans. A slit is provided between the two end portions of the divider so cans can be removed from the dispenser without being impeded by the divider being in the way.

Abstract: A carton with a new type of dispenser that is placed midway between the ends of the carton adjacent a fold line between the top panel and adjoining side panel. The dispenser is designed so that it is slightly larger than the diameter of the bottom ends of from two to three containers. Said dispenser may have a push tab or starting flap to aid in commencing tearing the dispenser flap open. A coupon may be located on the inside or outside of the dispenser flap.

Abstract: An information processing method provided, wherein an identifier (ID) corresponding to an object is obtained based on information input from a sensor for detecting the object, and the obtained ID is continuously and repeatedly input to an information processing unit. The information processing unit compares a program that is set based on a newly-input ID with a program that is set based on an already-input ID, and ends the currently-executed program when the two programs are different from each other. In this method, by putting an object in a sensor effective area, a program corresponding to the ID of the object is started, and by removing the object from the sensor effective area, the program is ended.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed which enables a consumer to use a PIN biometric, merchant code or other indicia to conveniently instruct a financial institution to activate or access specific financial services or accounts during a particular time period or during a particular transaction. When making a purchase, the cardholder enters account information into a remote terminal such as a POS device, then the cardholder inputs a particular PIN or biometric which is communicated to the financial services provider. The provider interprets the PIN or biometric as an instruction to access or activate a particular service.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A method of verifying the processing of a card includes a step of processing a card. Next, a check is made to verify whether the card was completely or incompletely processed. Finally, verification results are generated that indicate whether the card was completely or incompletely processed. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an identification card manufacturing system that is configured to carry out the method described above.

Abstract: A multi-use transaction card, which is particularly useful for holding and transferring value between gaming machines, includes both a machine-readable area and a thermally printable area. The machine readable area links the card to account information in a host processor. The thermally printable area provides a visible indication of the status of the account. The account balance of the card can be updated with use, and the thermally printable area can be reprinted with updated information. A succession of updated entries can be thermally printed on the cards. All but the most recent entry are overprinted with a cross-out or other pattern as an indication that the prior entries are no longer current.

Abstract: Provided is a banknote receipt and payout apparatus which handles several denominations, having a banknote loading and collecting function, and which is capable of handling several denominations. A banknote receipt and payout apparatus comprising a receipt and payout opening for paying out banknotes introduced thereinto by a user, and for stacking therein banknotes to be delivered to a user, a banknote checking part for checking banknotes, a banknote storage and discharge bin for carrying one or both of storing and discharging of banknote notes, a loading and collecting bin 8 for loading and collecting banknotes, and a transfer path for transferring banknotes, wherein the banknote storage and discharge bin is of a vertical type in which banknotes are stacked in a horizontal posture, and the loading and collecting bin is of a horizontal type in which banknotes are stacked in a standing posture.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus including at least one storage device storing at least one dynamic identifier associated with at least one item, the at least one dynamic identifier configured to include at least one variable portion that has at least one of a variable content and a variable length based at least in part on at least one detectable condition associated with the at least one item.

Abstract: A scanner comprising a data reader integrated with a weigh scale includes a processor that recognizes specific types of optical codes. In a preferred embodiment, when a weighable item is read by the data reader, a fixed delay timer, which prevents multiple reporting of the same item data before the timer expires, is not allowed to expire until after the item is removed from the weigh scale. In an alternative embodiment, the timer is set for one of several possible delay times depending on the type of symbol being read. The timer is not allowed to expire until the most recently reported data is no longer observed by the reader. Thus, the likelihood that multiple reads of the same symbol will be reported is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A voting system generating method automatically allocates a vote-recording function to a machine that includes a storage medium and that is first connected to a network. The method then automatically allocates a backup vote-recording function to a machine that includes a storage medium and that is secondly or later connected to the network. The method the automatically allocates a normal voting machine function to a machine which includes no storage medium and which is connected to the network after the vote-recording machine is set up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating, in a commercial environment, alternative or complementary suggestions in response to a specific inquiry about a product, for displaying the suggestions on a display device at the point of purchase, and for providing real time electronic communication with a product expert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing mail/parcel item delivery. The mail/parcel item includes an optical indicia disposed thereon. The method includes capturing a first color image of the item. The first color image is stored in an electronic memory. A second color image of the optical indicia is captured. The optical indicia is decoded to thereby generate decoded data. The first color image is associated with the second color image and/or the decoded data. As a result, the first color image and the second color image and/or the decoded data are linked in the electronic memory. An image is displayed that includes the first color image and at least the decoded data.

Abstract: A golf data entry card includes a first printed region for entering a member identification code and a second printed region for entering the number of strokes played for each hole. The card is designed to be read by an optical mark reader so that the information may be processed by a processor. Processor may be connected to a central processor which may receive data and perform processing. A golf statistics data entry card includes a first printed region for entering a member identification code and a second printed region for entering player statistical information. Golf statistical information may be generated based upon the player statistical information alone or in combination with historical player statistical information.

Abstract: There are provided a portable information terminal 104 that creates audio visual information including image information and acoustic information by an image constantly shot at the monitoring position arbitrarily displaced and sound constantly collected thereat, adds time information to the audio visual information, and transmits it via a communication network 100, and a storage server 106 that stores the audio visual information and time information transmitted from the portable information terminal 104 via the communication network 100 and transmits the storage information via the communication network 100 according to a reference request of storage information including the audio visual information and time information.

Abstract: An invisible symbol reading apparatus includes a heating unit for heating an invisible symbol formed on a sample and containing a material which emits infrared light when heated, a detecting unit for detecting infrared light emitted from the invisible symbol, and an arithmetic operation unit for binarizing a detection signal from the detecting unit. The arithmetic operation unit calculates a differential coefficient of the detection signal, that corresponds to a position on the sample. On the basis of upper and lower threshold values set for the differential coefficient, the arithmetic operation unit determines a maximum value of the differential coefficient in a region exceeding the upper threshold value and a minimum value of the differential coefficient in a region smaller than the lower threshold value. The arithmetic operation unit binarizes the detection signal by using the maximum or minimum value as a loading or trailing edge of a binary function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a transponder, especially a contactless chip card (1) comprising at least one electronic component (chip module 2) and at least one antenna (3); the at least one electronic chip component (2) being disposed on a non-conducting substrate that serves as a support for the component. The at least one antenna is also disposed on a non-conducting substrate, the at least one electronic component (2) being applied to a first substrate and the antenna (3) on a second substrate. The entire circuit (1) is then produced by joining the individual substrates so that they are correctly positioned relative to each other. The components (2, 3) are contacted once the different substrates have been joint by means of auxiliary materials such as solder or glue, or without auxiliary materials by microwelding. The non-conducting substrates form a base card body.

Abstract: A method, a system and a product for controlling a program in a computer (15) are described. The program is controlled by means of a product (21) on which there is a position code which defines a number of positions on the surface and on which base an image of at least that shown on the display when the program is executed is printed.

Abstract: An electronic mixed water preparation device comprises a compact flush-mounted unit for electronically controlling mixed water in private households. Previously, such methods could only be implemented in an industrial environment or in combination with additional devices. The compact unit comprises an electronic controller and a step motor which acts upon a mechanical actuator. The preparation of mixed water can be exclusively carried out in conjunction with a temperature sensor whose measuring values are used to detect throughflow and excess temperature, in addition to actual temperature values.