Abstract: A metering device for metering dry bulk material contained in a storage container has at least one metering element and a rotary drive connected to the at least one metering element. At least one outlet is provided, and the metering element feeds the dry bulk material to the outlet. The metering element transports the dry bulk material in a direction different from a horizontal direction and comprises at least one helical stay. The outlet has an outlet pipe that extends into the lower area of the storage container. The helical stay interacts with the outlet pipe for effecting transport of the dry bulk material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filling sleeve which allows containers with a rectangular or square cross-section, especially bags with deep side folds, to be filled advantageously in that they are given a stable shape. The objective is achieved by means of a filling sleeve which is characterized in that, in the exit cross-section, a central region is provided with inserts and four separate exit apertures are kept open in the corners of the square or rectangular cross-section. In this way, the filling material flowing through the substantially completely open and normally undivided entrance cross-section of the filling sleeve is divided into four individual streams which are associated with the corners of the exit cross-section. Thus, while being filled, the bags are initially stabilized from the corners, as a result of which a certain tension remains in the walls between the corners, so that the walls cannot bulge out when the level of the filling material rises.

Abstract: A baton suitable for use in self-defense includes a body adapted to receive a canister of spray therein, a nozzle securable to the body and adapted to receive spray therethrough, and a trigger mounted on the body. The trigger mounts on the body in a location that permits grasping of the body underhanded with the thumb positioned over the trigger to permit movement of the trigger from an unfired position to a fired position that facilitates ejection of spray from the canister through the nozzle. The trigger includes an actuator and a lock coupled therewith. One motion performed with the thumb releases the lock and moves the actuator from the unfired position of the trigger to the fired position of the trigger.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser including: an entraining gas reservoir (10) provided with an actuator (12′) suitable for pressurizing the gas contained in the reservoir; a fluid reservoir (3); and a dispensing orifice (21) serving to pass a mixture made up of entraining gas and of fluid; the fluid reservoir (3) being separated from the gas reservoir (10) by a partition (31″; 31″′). The partition is permeable to the gas and impermeable to the fluid, so that the pressurized gas penetrates into the fluid reservoir (3) through the partition, and entrains the fluid with it towards the dispensing orifice. The fluid is urged towards the dispensing orifice by thrust mechanism (32″, 32″′) so that fluid is always present at the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A non-barrier type aerosol container (10) dispensing a fluent material. A generally cylindrical can body (12) has a relatively thin sidewall thickness of between 0.004 inches and 0.010 inches depending upon the type of metal from which the container is made. The can body has beads (30) formed at regular intervals substantially its length. The beading adds structural strength to the container so the container is not readily deformed when un-pressurized. The aerosol container also can withstand a vacuum of at least 23 inches of Mercury without collapsing. A valve assembly (14) includes a spray valve (20) for dispensing the fluent material stored in the container. The container is filled with the fluent material and a propellant stored in the container under pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a ladder carrying device that can be used to carry a ladder either over or under a carrier's shoulder. The ladder carrying device of the present invention can be mounted in a variety of different positions on the side rails and/or rungs of a ladder, thereby allowing the ladder carrying device to be positioned according to the carrier's preference.

Abstract: A belt clip apparatus for releasably holding a portable device on a user's apparel has a base member with a latch opening for receiving a lock pin projecting from the portable device, a clip for securing the base member to the wearer's apparel, and a latch member movably mounted in the base member for movement between a first position locking the lock pin in the latch opening, and a released position permitting the lock pin to be removed from the latch opening. A manually operable actuator linked to the latch member can be actuated by a user to move the latch member between the locked and released positions. The actuator is moved in a generally horizontal direction transverse to the hanging direction in order to release the latch member. A biasing device biases the latch member towards the locked position.

Abstract: An adjustable frame, mountable on a vehicle, for releasably securing hand trucks of different sizes and configurations includes: a support platform for receiving a base of a hand truck; a first and a second side member affixed to the platform; a first bracket and a second bracket attached to the first and second side members, respectively, the brackets extending in parallel therewith; an elongate swing bar pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotal between a first position that retains the hand truck on the platform, and a second position, which allows access and removal of the hand truck from the platform; and a latch mounted on the swing bar. The second bracket may include a strike that engages the latch for releasably securing the swing bar in the first position. Cushioned crossbars attachable to the side members dampen vibration of the hand truck during transportation.

Abstract: A device for the fixation of dimensionally stable suitcases, for example, for the cargo space of a motor vehicle. Receiving tracks are provided in a cargo space floor, which tracts are associated with securing means for the suitcases, corresponding securing elements are provided on the suitcases, which can be engaged with positive lock with securing means in the cargo space, and actuation means are provided, in the cargo space or on the suitcase, for the manual separation of the securing means and the securing elements from each other, for use, for example, in station wagons.

Abstract: A pack provides a lightweight compact carrier for bulky footwear such as inline skates, ice skates or a skateboard. The pack includes a skate blade compartment with two adjustably sized openings, each opening adapted to receive a skate blade. A securing element retains the skate blade within each of the openings. A carrying strap is affixed to the skate blade compartment.

Abstract: A dispenser from which sheet material may be dispensed from a supply of the sheet material carried on the dispenser. The dispenser has a frame on which the roll of sheet material is journaled for rotation about its axis. An elongate blade fixed to the frame has a sharp cutting edge that is adapted for transversely cutting the sheet material after a desired length of the sheet material has been dispensed. A guard strip of resiliently movable material extends along one major surface of the blade and along the cutting edge to help protect the sheet material and/or users of the dispenser from the cutting edge. That guard strip is resiliently movable by pulling the sheet material toward the cutting edge to allow the cutting edge to transversely sever the sheet material being pulled from the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single hand, paper towel dispenser comprising a base, a core holder operable to hold a roll of paper towel segments connected together end-to-end along perforated tear lines. The invention has a paper towel dispensing bale including mutually parallel arms that receive a paper towel strip in a general S-shaped path during a one handed dispensing operation.

Abstract: An auxiliary elastomeric sealing adaptor is disclosed which effectively provides a high degree of sealing, and prevents fuel leakage, between the metering valve stem and the tool stem components of a fuel-cell powered fastener-driving tool despite bending, tilting, or pivotal movements of the metering valve stem attendant a fastener-firing operation. In addition, the incorporation of the elastomeric adaptor between the stem components reduces the need for high tolerance manufacturing techniques and also enhances the service lives of the stem components. The sealing adaptor is mounted upon the free or distal end portion of the metering valve stem and is seated within a counterbored region of the fastener-driving tool stem.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool is disclosed having a self contained pre-pressurized pneumatic power source. Operator actuation of a trigger mechanism causes a pressurized medium supplied by the self contained pre-pressurized power source to flow through a valve and to propel a piston connected to a driver blade towards a nosepiece assembly end of the tool. The flow of the pressurized medium through the valve further recoils a spring-biased activating bolt which resets the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A powered tool constructed to drive a fastener into a workpiece includes a nosepiece assembly including a back plate and a front plate combining to define a path for a driver blade, the front plate being pivotally movable relative to the back plate between a closed position, in which the front plate and the back plate are in contact with each other, and an open position. The front plate is movable to an interim deflecting position between the closed position and the open position. A handle portion has an outer surface at least partially defining a grip, and an inner surface at least partially defining a chamber. The handle portion includes a substrate having at least one aperture, and an overmold configured for forming a gripping surface on the outer surface and for extending through the apertures into the chamber for forming a resilient mounting point.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a housing defining a cavity for insertion of at least one battery, a battery configured for insertion into the cavity and having at least one battery contact element, a terminal module disposed in the cavity, constructed and arranged for engaging the battery and making an electrical connection therewith, the module including at least one terminal module contact element. At least one of the battery and terminal module contact elements incorporates a precious metal alloy and the other of the contact elements is conductive. The respective contact elements are configured for oxidation-free operation in the range of at least about 100 g's.

Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic articulates an end effector by having a general articulation mechanism that converts rotational motion from a handle portion. A firing bar longitudinally translates between the handle portion and the end effector. The firing bar head is thickened in order to present an undistorted cutting edge and engagement features to the opposing jaws of the end effector. The firing bar also advantageously includes a thinned or tapered proximal portion in the form of a strip or band that negotiates the articulation mechanism flexibility. To prevent buckling of the firing bar strip during firing, a pair of support plates adjustably flank the firing bar strip through the articulation mechanism. To advantageously prevent pinching, retaining bars are positioned between the support plates above the firing bar to maintain spacing therethrough.

Abstract: An ultrasonic horn assembly for applying ultrasonic energy at an operating location which assembly includes a metallic fusion zone at an interface between adjacent horn assembly components. A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic horn assembly including forming this metallic fusion zone.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a vibratory horn and at least one mount securing the horn. The horn has a resonant frequency and the mount has a resonant frequency about the same as the horn. The mount includes an inner portion that holds the horn at a nodal region. The mount also includes an outer surface that is coupled to a support member, for example, a bearing. The mount vibrates in resonance with the horn at the resonant frequency, wherein the vibration amplitude of the outer surface of the mount is generally up to about 15 percent of the vibration amplitude of the inner portion.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element having electrodes and metal bumps are attached to the electrodes. The metal bumps include copper cores and gold surface layers covering the cores. In addition, the metal bumps may include gold bump elements and solder bump elements connected together.

Abstract: A soldering iron comprises a tip end; a heater portion for electrically heating the tip end of the soldering iron; a holding portion provided at the rear end of the heater portion: a heat pipe structure provided in the holding portion; a first heat pipe holder for holding a frontal portion of the heat pipe structure to which heat generated at the heater portion is transferred; a second heat pipe holder for holding a rear part of the heat pipe structure; and a grip portion placed externally around the first heat pipe holder.

Abstract: A wire-bonding machine includes a heat block for supporting a lead frame during wire-bonding. A clamp mechanism in the machine clamps leads of the lead frame during wire-bonding by fixedly holding sets of the leads against the heat block one set at a time. A wire-bonding tool wire-bonds leads clamped by the clamp mechanism to bond pads on an integrated circuit die. By clamping leads of the lead frame in separate sets, the machine provides improved clamping for lead frames with leads requiring clamping in different planes.

Abstract: On a main shaft 30 of a numeric control type machine tool, a rotary tool 50 is installed. The main shaft 30 is not inclined in the machine tool. A first member 70 and a second member 76 to be subjected to friction stir welding are fixed on a table 20. Relative to an axial center of the rotary tool 50, a non-linear welding portion of the first member 70 and the second member 76 is inclined by inclining the table 20. Then, by rotating the table 20 and relatively moving the portion to be welded into contact with the rotary tool 50, welding of the first member to the second member is carried out according to friction stir welding. The above-stated inclination is the inclination required for the friction stir welding. In this way, welding along a path of ring shape or circular shape (including a circular arc) using friction stir welding can be carried out easily.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber reinforced metal disc comprises forming an annular groove in an axial face of a first metallic ring. A plurality of metal coated fibers are arranged in spiral preforms and a plurality of metallic wires are arranged in spiral preforms. The metal coated fiber preforms and the metallic wire preforms are arranged in the groove. An annular projection is formed on an axial face of a second metallic ring. The annular projection on the second metallic ring is aligned with the annular groove in the first metallic ring. Heat and pressure is applied to axially consolidate the metal coated fiber preforms and metallic wire preforms and to bond the first metal ring, the second metal ring, and the preforms to form a unitary composite disc. The use of metal coated fibers and metallic wires allows the mechanical properties to be tailored.

Abstract: A LED stacking manufacturing method and its structure thereof, mainly uses a stacking method to integrate the epitaxial layer and the high-thermal-conductive substrate by twice bonding process, and the converted epitaxial layer of the temporary bonded substrate replaces the epitaxial wafer growth substrate, and the second bonded layer of the etch stop layer of the epitaxial layer is bonded with the second bonded layer of the high-thermal-conductive substrate to form an alloy layer with permanent connection, and then the temporary bonded substrate is removed, such that the process completes the integration of the epitaxial layer and the high-thermal-conductive substrate and makes the ohmic contact layer to face upward to provide a better reliability and efficiency of optical output of the LED.

Abstract: Method for controlling the deposition of solder on a base metal or substrate is disclosed. The method comprises applying an attaching flux and finishing flux to a substrate, placing a preform thereon and subjecting the same to reflow conditions. The finishing flux is applied to solubilize the normally insoluble corrosive residues that would occur when the attaching flux is subjected to reflow conditions with the preform and substrate. Alternatively, the attaching flux may be applied to the preform and substrate before undergoing reverse reflow conditions and then the finishing flux is applied to the solder deposit and substrate and the same subjected to second reflow conditions. After each method, the residues left from the attaching flux which are solubilized by the finishing flux, are cleaned by washing with a typical solvent.

Abstract: An object is to reduce impact load applied on a bonding subject at the time of wire contact detection and achieve a stable and highly precise fabrication of a bonding ball so as to shorten the bonding time. A wire bonding arm comprises: a Z driving shaft supported by a Z-axis base capable of swinging via a first shaft; and a low pressurizing shaft with a smaller inertia than that of the Z driving shaft having a capillary, which is supported on one end of the Z driving shaft to be capable of swinging via a second shaft. The capillary is brought down by the Z driving shaft to the position of the height right before an initial ball comes to contact with a first bonding point. Then, only the low pressurizing shaft is driven at low speed to be brought down while holding the Z driving shaft in position. At the point where the initial ball comes in contact with the first bonding point, a prescribed weight and ultrasonic vibrations are applied for bonding it to the first bonding point.

Abstract: A plurality of pinhole disks are superposed, fixed in position with the pinholes brought into alignment with the aid of a wire, a pin or light, and bonded or welded together to form a pinhole disk laminate. The laminate has an untapered deep enough center through-hole and is suitable as an order sorting aperture (OSA) in hard x-ray microscopy using a FZP.

Abstract: A unitary bulk container is described having an inner sleeve (10) and an outer sleeve (12). The inner sleeve (10) has opposed side panels (22), (24) and two sets of opposed end panels. The outer sleeve (12) has opposed side panels (62), (66) and opposed end panels (60), (64). As assembled, the inner sleeve (10) is positioned within the outer sleeve (12) with either the inner sleeve side or end panels being adhered to the outer sleeve side or end panels. The other of the inner and outer sleeve side or end panels are not adhered to one another. The outer sleeve (12) of the assembled container preferably has a four-sided shaped, though at least two of its upright corners do not form true 90 degree angles. The container is capable of assuming a flat unitary collapsed state and an open unitary erected state. The container is initially formed to its flat unitary collapsed state.

Abstract: A punch includes a base, a plurality of punch pins, a lever and a plank. The base includes a lower member defining a plurality of holes and an upper member defining a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes defined in the lower member. Each of the punch pins is for insertion through one of the holes defined in the upper member and one of the holes defined in the lower member. The lever is pivotally mounted on the base. The plank defines a plurality of holes. The plank is movably attached to the lever between several positions in each of which it pushes a different set of the punch pins when the lever is operated.

Abstract: An inputtable and readable scheme for use with a score card utilized in combination with a golf course competition event. A first plurality of inputtable fields each correspond to an individual golf course hole. A second field is associated with a golf course identity and location, said second field further typically including a bar code assigned to the golf course. One or more third fields are associated with a participant identity and include a selection of either again a bar code identifier or a plurality of alpha-numeric input fields. The score card, upon completion of said first, second and third fields, is inputted into an appropriate and electro-optical card reader device for calculating the participant's score and handicap.

Abstract: A method of enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface includes an interface, the interface including visible graphical information and substantially invisible coded data. When the sensing device is placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, it senses indicating data indicative of the operation using at least some of the coded data. The graphical information designated is at least partially indicative, to the user, of the operation. The operation indicated by the indicating data is then performed in the computer system.

Abstract: An automated check-cashing unit includes an input device configured to generate input signals in response to inputs from a customer, a storage device including a database of customer information, a check reader configured to receive and read a check to be processed, a cash dispenser, and an electronic processor. The processor is configured to receive the input signals from the input device, receive information about the check to be processed from the check reader, access the database of customer information to obtain data about the customer, and determine automatically whether to accept or reject the check based on the input signals, the received information about the check, and the data about the customer. Upon accepting the check, the processor signals the cash dispenser to dispense cash to the customer. The processor may be further configured to confirm the identity of the customer based on biometric information about the customer.

Abstract: A banknote release and storage apparatus is provided for both discharging banknotes from a safe and for re-inserting a banknote through the same discharge opening back into the safe. A stacked array of banknotes can have the lower-most banknote discharged through an opening for dispensing to a user. Conversely, a banknote returned to the same discharge opening can be re-inserted when a lifting unit lifts one end of the stacked array of banknotes to create a receptive storage space and a let-off device is driven in a reverse direction for drawing the banknote back into the storage unit.

Abstract: A system and method that offers a consumer the option to pay for a transaction at a point-of-sale or to conduct a transaction at an automated teller machine using either a credit line or funds in an account, both the credit line and the funds being available upon using a single card. The credit line and the funds can be associated with the same or different financial institutions.

Abstract: The immigration system includes a travel document insertion port for accepting a travel document retaining individual information which specifies a bearer, a reader for reading individual information from the travel document inserted into the insertion port by a bearer, an acquiring portion for acquiring the bearer's biological information, and a collator for collating the individual information acquired by the acquiring portion with the individual information read from the bearer's travel document by the reader. Further, the system includes an examination portion for examining the passing of a bearer for approval or disapproval based on the result of collation in the collator, a passing ticket issuer for issuing a passing ticket to the bearer who is approved to pass, and a gate for approving the passing of a traveler by accepting the inserted passing ticket issued from the passing ticket issuer.

Abstract: A system and method of usage charging at any one of multiple access points to a facility involves the presentation by a user of a personalized electronic storage device, such as a smartcard, at an access point. A history of previous usage is stored on the storage device and compared at the access point with a locally stored tariff table of differential prices for different combinations of usage. An appropriate charge is then indicated to the user and, upon payment, permission to use the facility is granted and recorded in the usage history. The charge for an instance of use is variable according to the tariff table in dependence on the previous usage history.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of contactless electromagnetic identification code IC circuit, which contains a control circuit to detect an input pad, and to provide a coding signal to decide one identification code for the contactless electromagnetic induced identification code IC. The control circuit contains: a carry clock signal source, which provides a carry clock signal to the input pad for generating a responding signal from the input pad; and a flip-flop set, which connects to the input pad, decides the identification code and forms the coding signal according to the pad's responding signal and the carry clock signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for sorting objects that comprises capturing object information from machine-readable indicia on an object, determining routing information from the information, determining, based on the routing information, a correct sort destination for the object, and generating a visual and/or audio command identifying the correct sort destination for the object. The present invention also includes an object sorting system, comprising a rack system that includes sort destination modules and a management system. The management system comprises a control system, an information capture device for reading object information from machine-readable indicia from each object and for outputting the corresponding data to the control system, and an audio system for providing instructions to an oprator.

Abstract: An electronic hand held wireless device and system are provided to implement various inventorying and/or ordering of implant and/or tissue products from remote sites. The invention also provides a method whereby the hand held device, when in communication with a data base remote from said wireless device, permits real time inventory of available products to be ascertained and real time wireless remote ordering of such products can be effected. Other information, such as product specification, storage requirements and surgical techniques can also be accessed by the hand held device.

Abstract: A computer based system for rapid triage of multiple patients in a hospital emergency department setting that allows flexibility in the order of entry of data. The system includes overlapping pathways for evaluating and assigning a criticality or triage level to a patient's condition based on the medical professional's observations about the patient's condition, the patient's age, the patient's vital signs, and a series of scripted questions and observations contained in an algorithm that is selected based on the patient's chief complaint. The system employs special triage algorithms for children. The computer interface provides waiting area and detailed patient information reports to an emergency department physician that are constantly updated with real time information on the criticality of each patient in the emergency department. The system also provides a permanent record of the triage process for each patient.

Abstract: A reader and system for a noncontact type information storage medium, capable of providing an easy-to-use user interface for information exchange between the non-contact formation type information storage medium and the reader. A reader for a noncontact type information storage medium for reading data from the medium via an antenna through magnetic induction or magnetic coupling, the reader having a display device for displaying whether a reception of data transmitted from the medium via the antenna is succeeded or failed or for displaying a communication result with the medium.

Abstract: A coin-type IC card reader/writer comprises a coin-type IC card distributing unit provided in a coin-type IC card guide path, for performing the processing of reading data from the coin-type IC card and writing data to the coin-type IC card while temporarily stopping the rolling movement of the coin-type IC card, and, based on results of the processing, distributing the coin-type IC card to another coin-type IC card guide path disposed separately from the first-mentioned coin-type IC card guide path.

Abstract: To provide connecting means between an antenna structure, which is in a PC main body, and a PC card that does not have an extruding section. There are included a housing 8, an antenna structure, a slot 10 of the housing into which a PC card is inserted, a high frequency cable 5 one end of which is connected to the antenna structure electrically and part of which is pulled outside the housing, a connector plug 6 that is connected to the other end of the high frequency cable 5 electrically and is outside the housing, and an elastic body such as rubber 13 which is configured so that the high frequency cable is pulled inside the housing.

Abstract: A loading mechanism of this invention that draws a card into a body unit and ejects the card outside of the body unit is so constructed as to include a movement member that moves to a drawing direction and an ejecting direction of the card by means of power of a drive motor, and an engagement member provided to the movement member so as to engage with and disengage from a recess of the card. In this construction, the engagement member is engaged with a recess of the card to thereby move the card together with the movement member to the drawing direction and the ejecting direction.

Abstract: The pixels of an image sensor array can be readout (84, 85) in m×n blocks (m, n) that are compatible with the operation of a desired image compression algorithm (14), thereby reducing the amount of memory required by the image compression algorithm.

Abstract: Coordinate positions of four points are detected from a captured two-dimensional code image. The two-dimensional code size and coefficients of equations are determined for coordinate positions corresponding to center positions of respective cells compensated for inclination of the image by adding depth information. The coordinate positions of respective cell center positions are determined according to the calculation equations by applying the determined coefficients. Brightness/darkness is discriminated from image data corresponding to the respective cell center positions and binary data (0 or 1) for respective cells are generated. Two-dimensional code information is reproduced based on the binary data. The equations are expressed by recurrence formulas. The coefficients determined from the coordinate positions are divided by the same constant to make them integers.

Abstract: Curved reflecting surfaces on a rotary scan component produce an aiming spot of enhanced visibility during a single scan line mode of operation for an electro-optical reader capable of reading bar code symbols in a multiple scan line mode of operation.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging system for illuminating an object and forming an image thereof. The planar laser illumination and imaging system which comprises an image formation and detection module having a field of view (FOV) focused at an image detecting array. A planar laser illumination array (PLIA) constructed from an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs) is arranged in rectilinear manner.

Abstract: A memory card connector includes a main body and a slide plate. There are a plurality of terminals, a halt prevention hook and a slide rail in the main body. The slide plate has a rod, an opening at one end enabling insertion of a memory card a plurality of jacks extending to the other side thereof. Each jack has a guided chamfer therein, and each terminal is bent at the middle part thereof to form a pressing structure to avoid direct abrasion of the chip on the memory card as well as to avoid misinsertion or misejection of the memory card. With a special fastener on the memory card connector, the memory can connector can be coupled with another memory card connector (may be of a different size or specification) for hosting more memory cards.