Abstract: In a machine for processing mail articles, the method of distinguishing between mail articles (P1, P2, P3) contained in envelopes made out of paper and mail articles contained in envelopes made out of plastics material, consists in displacing each mail article in front of a pressure member (5) so as to produce an acoustic signal that results from a suction effect of the pressure member on one face of said article while it moves in front of said pressure member, and in comparing said acoustic signal with a reference signal in order to detect whether the envelope of said article is made out of paper or out of plastics material.

Abstract: A device for sorting flat-area piece goods, particularly packets, packages, and letters. This device has a drum cylinder open towards the outside at both faces, and mounted at an angle to rotate on a bearing body on the mantle surface of the cylinder. The cylinder is structured with longitudinal rollers that rotate about their longitudinal axis, arranged at a distance from one another, mounted on annular flanges, whereby the longitudinal rollers are arranged as steps that extend towards the inside. In each instance, the steps are formed of a roller arrangement of longitudinal rollers. According to an alternative particularly preferred embodiment there is a device with longitudinal rollers that can be put into rotation about their longitudinal axes by a drive. This device has longitudinal rollers that can be put into rotation about their longitudinal axes by the drive.

Abstract: The invention discloses a drinking straw with an integral filtration system including a plurality of filter types to extract or neutralize toxins such as heavy metals, chemicals, microbiological biological cysts and other such impurities and contaminants from a beverage as it is being consumed.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanically stable substrate having at least one through-opening, a perforated membrane which is integral or fluid-tightly connected with the substrate and which extends across the through-opening, and at least one semi-permeable layer which is applied in firmly adhering manner to one or both sides of the membrane, at least in the perforated region thereof, in that the semi-permeable layer or semi-permeable layers is/are secured mechanically in the adjacent perforations and/or by chemical-structural and/or physical adhesion and/or adhesive intermediate layers and/or covalent surface bonding to the adjacent surfaces of the membrane, optionally of the substrate, or of a metallic film optionally additionally applied to one or both sides of the membrane. The invention further provides a process for the production of this sensor- and/or separating element and the use thereof.

Abstract: A surface-mounted bracket for receiving and storing removable vehicle doors is disclosed. In general, embodiments of the bracket include an elongated bar, a first support bar connected generally perpendicular to the vertical bar, and a second support bar connected generally perpendicular to the vertical bar, the second support bar being offset and generally parallel to the first support bar. The support bars include support brackets that are adapted to receive the male hinge pins on vehicle doors. The brackets can further include stabilizers to prevent the doors from swinging on the support brackets.

Abstract: A detachable device of a cable management arm. The device includes a detachable plate, a bracket, and a retaining member combining with the cable management arm between a computer rack and a component drawer. The detachable plate includes engaging members integrally formed thereon. The bracket includes a positioning hole, and assembling holes adapted to receive the associated engaging members. The retaining member is pivotally mounted to the detachable plate. The retaining member includes a protrusion adapted to extend into the positioning hole of the bracket, and an elastic member adapted to maintain a retaining relationship with an assembled position or a disassembled position defined in the positioning hole of the bracket.

Abstract: A wafer holding apparatus composed of a plurality of rods joined at opposite ends by endplates. Each rod at each end is secured to the endplates by a mechanical dovetail joint. The dovetail joint secures the rods to the endplates without the need for sealing or coating agents. Also, auxiliary mechanical components such as nuts and bolts to secure the joint components need not be employed to secure the joint. Each rod has multiple grooves or slits for placing multiple semiconductor wafers that are to be processed in processing chambers. The wafer holding apparatus is oxidation resistant, chemical resistant and thermal shock resistant.

Abstract: A file suspension device for holding hanging file folders in a box. The file suspension device includes a frame. The frame has an elongate first rod, an elongate second rod, an elongate third rod and an elongate fourth rod. A fastening structure is provided on at least two of the rods for removably fastening each of the at least two rods on the top edge of one of the walls of the box. The fastening structure pinches an upper portion of the wall when the fastening structure is fastened to the wall for retaining an associated rod on the wall.

Abstract: A stackable storage unit may be vertically stacked for storage and transportation of storable members. The storage unit comprises at least one pair of rails extending in a first direction and having a contoured surface for supporting a surface area of a generally cylindrical storable member. At least two generally vertical walls extend in the first direction on opposing ends of the storage unit. The walls comprise a flat top surface with a plurality of alignment openings therein. A plurality of alignment tongues extending from the bottom of the wall are positioned and configured to engage corresponding alignment openings in an underlying storage unit. A rib structure underlies the rails and connects the walls to the rails. Feet extend below the bottom of the alignment tongues and support the storage unit on a generally flat surface or fit inside the walls of an underlying storage unit.

Abstract: A slotwall panel storage system has a slotwall panel with a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots forming a plurality of generally “T” shaped slats and a hanger bracket for removably mounting a device on the slotwall panel. The hanger bracket includes a support portion, a first generally “J” shaped hook on one edge of the support portion and a second generally “J” shaped hook on an opposite edge of the support portion. A hook or storage device is attached to the support portion of the hanger bracket. The hanger bracket can have a spring arm for frictionally locking the hanger bracket on the slotwall panel.

Abstract: A shelf liner comprising a base for engaging a surface of a shelf, a panel secured to the base with the panel having at least two display areas for displaying information, in one embodiment a plurality of lips located on the panel slidably secures a first information strip to the first display area and slidably secures a second information strip to the second display area and in a further embodiment, a set of sidewall dividers having an elongated portion member are secured to the opposite sides of the base for forming a compartment therebetween.

Abstract: A shelf for a refrigerator includes a plate, a cross support, a side support, and a frame. The plate includes first and second surfaces. The frame is adhered to a first surface of the plate and forms a sealed spill containment area. The second surface of the plate adhered to a cross support or side support for an easily manufactured and assembled spillproof shelf.

Abstract: A display device including a plurality of display panels, at least one of the panels having a dimension differing in at least one aspect from a corresponding dimension of another panel. The invention also includes sets of display panels for use with such a display device, and related display methods.

Abstract: A closure is provided for an opening in a container having a wall around the opening and at least one thread on the wall. The closure includes (1) an attachment wall defining at least one thread for threadingly engaging the container wall thread, (2) an occlusion wall closing the attachment wall to occlude the container opening when the container is in the closed position, and (3) a continuously curving, peripheral, finger-engaging surface which defines (1) a plurality of circumferentially spaced protuberances, (2) a finger-receiving recess between adjacent protuberances, and (3) a finger-engaging rib projecting laterally from each of the protuberances.

Abstract: A freight storage container includes six rectangularly-shaped panels including a base panel, a front end panel hingedly fastened to a front edge of the base panel and pivotable into overlying contact therewith, and a rear panel hingedly fastened to a rear edge of the base panel and pivotable downwards to overlie the front end panel. The container is assembled on-site by folding upwardly the rear and front panels, installing two side panels in the base, and fastening a roof panel to upper peripheral edge walls of the side and end panels, by novel fastener joints each consisting of a tubular hinge lug member protruding downwards from a lower inside surface of the roof panel, a coaxially aligned tubular side panel hinge lug member protruding inwardly from a side panel, and a stainless steel friction pin forced into an interference fit within coaxially aligned bores of the two lugs.

Abstract: A splash-proof lid assembly is a substantially planar unit which is made up of a disc and a bottom section that is rotatably connected to the disc. By rotating the bottom section to the underside of the disc, a chamber is formed which allows for drinking from a cup once the lid is placed on the cup.

Abstract: A packing tray is provided for use in both cell pack and tray pack arrangements. The packing tray is unitarily formed from polystyrene foam to have a cellular structure. Cells are arranged in longitudinal rows of alternating odd and even numbers, and the cells are partially separated by cell dividers, which have at least major portions recessed within the tray.

Abstract: To reduce the volume of a metal container body after the juice or beer contained therein has been consumed, the container body/wall is formed with accordion-shaped portions having horizontal ring-shape hill portions valley portions.

Abstract: A drinking device 10 lifted and held by a person's mouth while the person consumes the liquid contents includes a lower base portion 12, an upper mouth portion 14 having an aperture 15 in a top portion 17, and a mid-portion 16 having a relatively cylindrical outer wall 18 integrally joined to the lower base portion 12 and the upper mouth portion 14. The upper mouth portion 14 includes a relatively arcuate first side ridge 35 positioned adjacent to a horizontal portion 33 of an upper end 32 of the outer wall 18, and a substantially right angled second side ridge 36 positioned substantially opposite the first side ridge 34 and adjacent to an arcuate portion 35 of the upper end 32 of the outer wall 18. The aperture 15 is positioned in axial alignment with the outer cylindrical wall 18 of the mid-portion 14.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing flat articles, which is entirely mechanical, resistant to theft and vandalism and consistently dispenses the correct volume of merchandize. A dispensing mechanism locks out a patron as the last article or item of merchandize is dispensed from the merchandize magazine by arresting rotation of the coin mechanism at a point where a coin cannot be inserted. A novel locking mechanism for the door covering the secure compartment in which collected coins are stored and a novel protective flap for the dispensing slot are also provided.

Abstract: A dosing spoon for microtablets is described for which the lower part (1) of the spoon consists of an even polygone which possesses a border (2) on all sides with exception of one side and whereby the polygone has a number of individual recesses (3) which are formed in such a way that an individual microtablet fits in each individual recess.

Abstract: Ready to use sheets of aluminum foil sized specifically for salon use and dispensed in an engineered delivery system that allows for rapid fingertip use.

Abstract: Device designed to supply water to aircraft galleys. The device operates simply, autonomously and independently and is provided with a simple structure. The device comprises a system which supplies a quantity of pressurized water from bladder tank of a container, consisting of a receptacle and a cover, and which recovers an equivalent or greater quantity of contaminated water in bladder tank of the same container. In this way, there is no longer an outflow of water. The device requires no electrical or pneumatic pump. The pressure in the water circuit is generated by the spring which is compressed in the container when bladder tank is being filled with drinking water and which acts on the piston, which in turn compresses the bladder tank. The water circuits are reduced to a minimum. The device is installed in a pressurized area and eliminates all frost-related risks.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser assembly characterized in that it comprises: a fluid dispenser (1) defining a substantially flat body (10) provided with a dispensing orifice (17) and with a removable closure member (18) suitable for closing the dispensing orifice (17); and packaging (2) encasing the dispenser (1) and forming an opening portion (24, 28; 240, 280) in which the removable closure member (18) is received so that it is possible to take hold of it in order to remove it from the body, thereby unmasking the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid dispenser includes a housing having at least a first opening and a second opening, and a valve member fitted in the housing, the valve member being rotatable about an axis and including a first channel, extending along said axis and communicating with the first opening in the housing, and at least two outlet channels radially extending from the first channel to the circumference of the valve member, wherein each of the radially extending outlet channels can be brought into registry with the second opening by rotating the valve member.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser pump comprising a pump body (10) containing a pump chamber (11) defined between an upper piston (20) and a lower piston (30), the pistons (20, 30) being mounted to slide in leaktight manner in the pump body (10), the pump chamber (11) being provided with an inlet valve (40) and with an outlet valve (50), the lower piston (30) co-operating with the outlet valve (50), when the full dose has been metered out, to open the outlet valve and to make it possible to deliver the fluid contained in the pump chamber (11), the dispenser pump being characterized in that the lower piston (30) is separate from the inlet valve seat (42) and is mounted to float in the pump chamber (11), the lower piston (30) being returned to its rest position by the inlet valve seat (42).

Abstract: A device for storing, measuring and dispensing granular and powder material has a container for accommodating a material, a dispensing unit with a casing having a filling opening and a dispensing opening and a slight movable in the casing between the filling position in which a slight compartment can side with the filling opening for pouring the material from the container into the slide, a spring, and a spring moving the slide from the filling position to a dispensing position in which the dispensing opening coincides with the filling opening of the casing and a spring arranged so that the slide can be moved from the filling position to the dispensing position by a user with overcoming a spring force, while the spring moves the slide from dispersing position to the stirring position.

Abstract: It becomes possible for the rotational force generated by an operating member (12, ) to be transmitted to a cylindrical movable body (13) by means of a shaft member (62) inserted slidably in the longitudinal direction in a non-rotatable fashion, inside the movable body (13), and moreover, the shaft member (62) becomes able to pass inside the movable body (13) by penetrating through the inner side of the ratchet spring section (81), a composition being adopted wherein the shaft member (62) passes through the female screw thread (11a) of the main body (11) which screws together with the male screw thread (13a) of the movable body (13).

Abstract: A clamping element (10, 21) for fixing an article of clothing, especially a pair of pants, to a transverse support (27), which connects the ends of a clothes hanger (20) and has a middle reinforced region (15, 26) and two outer leaf spring elements (11, 12, 28, 29), which is made entirely of plastic.

Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger comprises a hanger body having legs extending in a hanger widthwise direction. First and second leg extensions are each adjustably engaged to a leg of the hanger body to determine an overall width along the widthwise direction of the garment hanger. A collar support extends upwardly from the hanger body. The collar support comprises first and second posts, each extending at an angle to a respective one of the legs. The first and second posts are spaced apart by a distance approximating the widthwise dimension of a garment collar. A spacer extends on opposite sides of the hook-shaped member in a horizontal, profile direction that is perpendicular to the widthwise direction. The spacer has a thickness along the horizontal, profile direction approximately equal to an overall thickness of the leg extensions taken along the horizontal, profile direction.

Abstract: An auto activity center with toy and baby bottle tether for providing an adjustable rod assembly adapted for use in the rear of a vehicle to suspend toys and bottles to occupy the infant during car travel. The auto activity center with toy and baby bottle tether includes a horizontal support member that is coupled to an interior of a vehicle adjacent to a top of the interior. Each of a plurality of vertical support assemblies has a first end that is coupled to the horizontal support member. Each one of the vertical support assemblies has a second end. A plurality of fastening means is coupled to the second end. Each one of the plurality of fastening means is for securing a children's accessory to the system.

Abstract: A vehicle article carrier includes a pair of laterally spaced apart siderails. A pair of crossbars are removeably coupled to the siderails. Each crossbar is operable in a first or stowed mode axially aligned with a siderail and in a second or carrying mode laterally spanning the space between the side rails.

Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.

Abstract: A storage caddy has a slidable drawer on which items are stored. Items are presented for removal when the drawer is slid from the shell of the caddy. Items stored in a caddy with a hinged drawer, can be removed by breaking the drawer at the hinge to drop the item toward the ground for convenient and safe removal. A set of golf clubs stored in the caddy in the bed of a pick-up truck are slid from the shell on the drawer. The horizontal plane of the drawer is then broken at the hinge and the bottom of the golf bag moves toward the ground. The golf bag can then be easily lifted onto the shoulder or rolled away. The caddy positions heavy items for easy removal preventing undue stress or injury on those retrieving items from the caddy.

Abstract: In the method for cutting flat glass work pieces a laser beam having a linear beam profile followed by a cold spot is moved along a curved dividing line (2) on the work piece. A linear focal point (1) is produced on the work piece by scanning the laser beam. Trajectory data from the curved dividing line (2) is made available during every scanning motion and scanning is controlled so that all points of the curvilinear focal point (1) lie on or coincide with the curved dividing line (2). A length of the curvilinear focal point is adjusted according to the curvature of the curved dividing line by adjusting scanning amplitude of the scanning motion. Preferably the laser beam output is adjusted as a function of the length of the curvilinear focal point.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight and rechargeable electric stapler for automatically punching holes in documents and the like is provided wherein a fixed switch is fixed to the case body and an actuating bar is moveable at the front end and back end, so the switch is durable and also the presence of staples can be determined at a glance with a LED. The electric stapler comprises a case body, drive train, wiring board, magazine frame, an arm, a fixed switch wherein an actuating switch for actuating the drive train (motor) is mounted on the case body, and a moveable actuating bar coupled to the fixed switch and mounted between the case body and frame.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal structure in which the metal structure has separate walls forming channels through which a fluid can flow includes at least partially wetting the walls inside the channels with an adhesive, bringing the metal structure into contact with a solder that adheres to the adhesive, and carrying out a heat treatment to form soldered connections between the separate walls. The method is distinguished by the fact that the dosed delivery of the adhesive is performed by at least one dosing element having a honeycomb configuration and having an inlet side (8) and an outlet side, the element being connected to the adhesive. The adhesive enters the dosing element through the inlet side and is uniformly distributed into the channels through the outlet side. The invention also includes a device for wetting the metal structure with the adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a chip from substrate where the chip is attached to the substrate by solder connections to form an assembly involve applying a loading force to drive a coil spring biased shearing element comprising a slide block with carrying a shearing blade into a loading position. Load the assembly of the substrate and the chip into a fixture with a window therethrough for the chip with the shearing blade in contact with the chip. Remove the loading force to arm the shearing blade to apply a shearing force from the shearing blade to the chip. Heat the solder connections of the assembly in the fixture to a predetermined temperature, preferably below the melting temperature of the solder at which shearing of the solder connections occurs. The shearing blade comprises a slidable plastic blade backed up by a metal blade.

Abstract: A method for connecting conductive members includes a step of providing a first conductive member, a step of providing a second conductive member, and a step of jetting droplets of molten metal so as to form a connecting portion which electrically connects the first conductive member to the second conductive member.

Abstract: For dispensing solder on a substrate, a soldering wire and a forming gas heated to a predetermined temperature are fed to a mixing chamber of a two-component nozzle so that, in the mixing chamber, solder is melted off and carried with the gas stream. The solder blown out of the two-component nozzle settles on the substrate. The two-component nozzle is moved or swivelled relative to the substrate in order to distribute the solder over a predetermined area of the substrate.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a stack of coins is formed by a flat sheet of paper having first and second opposite edges generally parallel with each other, an adhesive applied to an area of the sheet of paper adjacent to at least one of the first edge or the second edge, and first and second score lines generally parallel with the first and second edges for facilitating folding of the sheet of paper. The first and second score lines are spaced such that when the first edge is folded over onto itself along the first score line and the second edge is folded over onto itself toward the first edge along the second score line, the first and second edges overlie and the sheet of paper adheres to itself in the area of the adhesive, thereby forming a sleeve, which when opened, has a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the stack of coins.

Abstract: A rural mailbox having a housing with a generally rectangular base member, a roof section positioned over the base member, and side sections depending downwardly from the roof section into engagement with the base member. A back panel is secured to one end of the base member and roof and side sections to close that end of the housing. A door is pivotally mounted on the other end of the housing for rotative movement between an open position exposing the interior of the housing and a closed position isolating the interior of the housing. The door is formed of a clear polycarbonate resin with smooth surfaces providing a transparent door through which any contents of the housing may be viewed from anywhere within a reasonable distance prior to opening the door for retrieval of any such contents while yet providing a door which is tough, strong, shatter resistant, resistant to distortion or other damage from environmental factors, and capable of many years of service.

Abstract: A method of securing access by an external application to at least one user card having a microprocessor, said user card being capable of containing a plurality of internal applications, said external application corresponding to one of the internal applications, said user card co-operating with a terminal, said external application using a protocol for connection to said user card in which each type of external application is associated with a predetermined identity parameter, the method comprising the following steps: when a first external application is connected with the corresponding internal application on the user card, the identity parameter of the application is determined; if a second external application requests connection to said user card, the identity parameter of said second application is analyzed; and if said parameter is identical to that of the first-connected application, then access to said corresponding internal application on the user card is denied to said second external applicati

Abstract: A point-of-transaction machine that allows global users to reach all aspects of their finances, from their brokerage account to their banks, mortgage accounts, credit card accounts and more. Unlike conventional ATMs where you can only reach your bank account(s), the initial screen when signed on will give the global user options on which account or accounts they want to transact business. This initial screen will satisfy the banking, mortgage, and security law requirements of most countries, including those of the United States and Canada where such companies are required to be independent. The point-of-transaction machine will collect fees for each transaction, similar to current ATM usage fee agreements and will allow certain users to complete transactions without fees.

Abstract: Sheet media package system includes a cartridge or other packaging for containing a plurality of sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transponder which stores relevant digital data associated with the cartridge or other packaging.

Abstract: A library system having a reader and labeling device (200) for interrogating data storage cartridges of the type containing an in-built memory chip having information stored describing details of data contained on the data storage medium is disclosed. The reader-labeling device comprises a processor, random access memory, printer, display, keypad, operating system, transponder, receiver and battery power supply. Key parameters describing a data cartridge can be accessed quickly and efficiently without the need to access the data storage medium itself. A cartridge media specific label may be rapidly printed for attachment to a data storage cartridge. The reader-labeling device may be incorporated into an automatic library (201) accessible by a robotic arm (202), wherein the user may quickly read summary information describing a data storage cartridge or its contents from information stored on a memory attached to the cartridge by use of the reader-labeling device externally controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article and method for identification, classification, and inventory tracking of articles in bulk. The article has a first state and a second state. The state is the condition of the article including such states as new, used, broken, or depleted. When the article is new, it will have a perception indicating its state. The perception will be different from other perceptions of the article because of an identifiable characteristic which differentiates it from articles being in other states. The article has a second perception that is representative of a second state of the article. The second perception may be fixed upon or within the article or, in the alternative, the first perception may be such that, when the article changes state, the first perception changes into the second perception.

Abstract: A novel bridge device and accompanying methodology which link the world of the smart cards to that of the magnetic finance cards is described. This bridge device is called the Magnetic Stripe Bridge (MSB), whose primary function is to interface an ordinary or naked smart card, with just a smart chip embedded in, to a magnetic card reader for credit transaction without requiring alteration of the existing card processing infrastructure. This is done using techniques which include magnetic stripe signal emulation. Thus, any smart card is effectively transformed via the use of the MSB into an ordinary magnetic finance card and is admissible for use by any conventional magnetic card reader. Through this MSB and the accompanying methodology, secure smart cards can now be deployed everywhere, including on the Internet, thus significantly reducing the current extensive magnetic finance card fraud and identity theft.

Abstract: IC card receiving power from terminal and performing process, IC card comprises storage storing first identification information uniquely assigned to IC card, acquisition unit acquiring second identification information from terminal, first timer including first change unit whose state changes with lapse of time without power, state of first change unit changing from first initial state to final state via intermediate state, first timer outputting first signal indicative of changed state of first change unit when IC card receives power, comparison unit comparing second identification information with first identification information, determining whether second identification information and first identification information are identical, and providing first initializing signal according to at least one of determined results, and controller initializing first change unit to first initial state when receiving first initializing signal, controller further controlling IC card to make it inhibit process until stat