Abstract: A vehicle console includes a media storage compartment having a plurality of receptacles arranged to selectively fan-out to facilitate access to the receptacles for storage and retrieval of items. The vehicle console may be an overhead console, a center console attached to the floor or a seat, or integrated into another portion of the interior such as a door panel or dashboard, for example. In one embodiment, a plurality of receptacles joined together with collapsible and expandable spacing therebetween facilitates storage and retrieval of items upon opening of a storage compartment door. The receptacles may be implemented by plastic sleeves flexibly connected by a string, band, webbing, or other material to fan-out, accordion style, and present the stowed items to a user upon opening of the storage compartment door, while collapsing within the storage compartment upon closing of the door for efficient storage.

Abstract: A multi use utility strap has an elongated first strap member. The first strap member has a first end and a second end. The first end is folded over and coupled to a body section of the elongated strap to form a first loop. The second end is folded over and coupled to the body section to form a second loop. A second strap member having a first end and a second end is provided wherein the first end is coupled to the first strap member. A first pair of D rings is positioned in the second loop. A third strap member is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end of the third strap is folded over and coupled to a body section of the third strap member to form a third strap member loop. A connector is provided for coupling the second strap member to the third strap member.

Abstract: A hip support member for packs, bags and other articles including a pair of spaced-apart rigid arms adapted to engage the hips of the wearer of the pack, bag or article. A sleeve or shoulder associated with either the arms or the article secures the arms to the article. In one embodiment, the arms, shoulders and sleeve combine to define a generally U-shape frame adapted to be mounted to an article and wrap around the hips of the wearer. In another embodiment, the shoulders and/or sleeve are adjustable to adjust the width between the arms and the arms are rotatable about the article between disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: A support member for packs, bags and other articles adapted to be supported from the shoulders of a wearer of the article including a pair of spaced-apart rigid arms adapted to engage the waist and/or hips of the wearer of the pack, bag or article. A sleeve or shoulder associated with either the arms or the article secures the arms to the article. In one of the embodiments, the arms, shoulders and sleeve combine to define a generally U-shape frame adapted to be mounted to the article. In another embodiment, the shoulders and/or sleeve are adjustable to allow the adjustment of the width between the arms. In other of the embodiments, the arms are rotatable about the article between disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: A rigid, flexible weight support clip for over-the-back mounted packs, bags, and other articles. In one embodiment, the clip is located within the interior of a back pack and includes arms adapted to protrude through apertures defined in the pack and extend through respective exterior sleeves. The clip may be made of a shape memory alloy or bent in a manner which allows the arms to flex either towards or away from each other and to exert a compressive force against the waist, hips and/or back of the user. In another embodiment, the clip is adapted to be suspended from the handle of a golf club adapted to be carried in a generally horizontal orientation and the clip is pivotable about the handle into engagement with the waist and/or hips of the user. In another embodiment, the clip is adapted to extend from and pivot about the front face of a golf bag adapted to be carried in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A support member for packs, bags and other articles adapted to be supported from the shoulders of an individual. The support member defines a pair of arms adapted to engage the waist and/or hips of the individual and being made of flexible material, such as a flexible core material, which allows the arms to be manipulated into a selected position against the waist and/or hips of the individual and further adapted to retain such position when the arms are released. In one embodiment, the support member is located within the interior of a back pack and the arms protrude through sleeves integral with the back pack. In another embodiment, the support member is adapted to hang from the handle of a golf bag.

Abstract: A bag for laptop computers and the like which adapted to be suspended from the shoulders of the wearer in an over-the-back relationship. The bag is adapted to incorporate several different types of waist/hip support member embodiments extending outwardly from a top longitudinal edge of the bag and defining a pair of arms adapted to engage the waist and/or hips of the wearer. A double shoulder strap assembly associated with the bag includes a central strap adapted to be removably secured to the handle of the bag.

Abstract: A belt and case assembly for holding and supporting items for a user is disclosed, including an outer belt surface, an inner belt surface opposite the outer belt surface, a plurality of first components of a dual component directional snap fastener traversing the outer belt surface and engaging the inner belt surface, and a case having a flexible side, wherein the flexible side incorporates a plurality of second components of the dual component directional snap fastener to form a plurality of engagements to the plurality of first components, the plurality of second components positioned with respect to one another so as to prevent rotational movement of the case about said belt, the plurality of engagements decoupled by a force applied in a predetermined direction at a first position of the first component.

Abstract: A wire tie holder/dispenser in the form of a belt-mounted device suitable for the containment of double loop rebar ties for user convenience. In the preferred mode, the device comprises a generally rectangular support member, which comprises a work belt foldover thereon for attachment to the belt. Left and right L-shaped aluminum or steel members are affixed to the support member via rivets, and extend outwardly therefrom. In this mode, a stiffening material be also be utilized to provide additional structural support. The left and right members are a maximum of 4⅞ inches apart from one another in the preferred mode, and are at least 8 inches in height. In an alternate mode of production, the device utilizes a steel rod assembly in lieu of the aforementioned L-shaped members. The steel rod may be ¼ inch in diameter, and also comprises left and right members extending outwardly from the support member, of a size within the range noted above.

Abstract: A web tensioning device utilizes a dancer arm which can be positioned by a controlled servo motor. In a preferred embodiment, the controller for the servo motor receives an input signal based on the acceleration (positive or negative) of the dancer arm and implements a torque component necessary to maintain predetermined web tension, for example, an applied torque component that changes the position of the dancer arm. The controller may also receive additional input signals indicative of the acceleration of the web itself.

Abstract: In the apparatus, a fastening element is driven into a support under the action of the gases from an explosive charge via a piston (2) that can move in a gun between a firing position and a fastening position, and a plug guide (5) in which a piston-braking ball (6) mechanism is mounted, which comprises arms (7) mounted to pivot on the plug-guide (5) arranged to modulate the radial force of the balls (6), depending on the relative displacement of the gun (3) and of the piston (2), between a maximum force when the piston (2) moves forward in the gun, and a non-zero minimum force, when the piston (2) moves back.

Abstract: Stapler (1) designed for stapling together a workpiece (8), primarily a sheaf of papers. The stapler comprises a base section (2) provided with a support surface (6) with an open slot (7), on which support surface the workpiece to be stapled is placed. A stapling unit (4) is attached to the base section in a pivoting manner by a first pivot shaft (10) and houses a magazine, in which staples (11) are stored, and a driver (12), which serves to drive staples individually into the workpiece to be stapled. In the driving action, the stapling unit is pressed into contact with the workpiece and the driver acts to drive the staple into the workpiece to a bottom position, in which the crown (52) of the staple is in contact with the workpiece and the legs (53, 54) of the staple extend through the workpiece and the slot in the support surface.

Abstract: A method of making a face mask including the steps of providing a plurality of lengths of Grade 2, commercially pure titanium wire, having a diameter of from about 0.21 to about 0.24 inches; forming each length at room temperature to a desired bend angle by bending the member at room temperature using rotary bending apparatus to a first bend angle that is from about 1.25 to about 1.35 times greater than the desired bend angle; and welding each of the thus formed lengths to at least one other of the lengths in an ambient, oxygen containing environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for evaluation of a spot welded portion by which the strength of a panel. In the evaluation method, a stress value at a welded portion of the panel is calculated by a stress analysis according to a FEM using the elements, and then the strength of the welded portion is evaluated based on the stress value at the welded portion. Particularly, a portion in the proximity of the spot welded portion is divided, with a central portion of the spot welded portion registered with a nodal point of the elements, into a central element and a plurality of concentric ring-like elements including first and second ring-like elements from the center side provided by the central portion of the spot welded portion. Thereafter, the plural concentric ring-like elements are individually divided in a circumferential direction each into a plurality of portions to form the elements. Then, the strength is evaluated based on the stress value of the second ring-like element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a process for repairing metal workpieces, such as turbine engine components, is provided. The process comprises the steps of forming a braze paste containing a first nickel base alloy material containing boron and chromium and a second nickel base alloy material containing chromium and cobalt, applying the brazing paste to an area of the metal workpiece containing at least one crack, and subjecting the workpiece and the brazing paste to a brazing cycle by heating the brazing paste and the workpiece, preferably to a temperature in the range of from 2000 to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. During the brazing cycle, the brazing paste flows into and fills the at least one crack and thus repairs the metal workpiece.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a reliable metal/ceramic bonding substrate at low costs by forming a desired fillet on the peripheral portion of a metal circuit by a small number of steps. After an active metal containing brazing filler metal 12 is applied on a ceramic substrate 10 to bond a metal member 14 thereto, a resist 16 is applied on a predetermined portion of a surface of the metal member 14 to etch unnecessary portions, and then the resist is removed. Thereafter, unnecessary part of a metal layer 12b, which is formed of a metal other than an active metal of the active metal containing brazing filler metal 12, is etched with a chemical to be removed. Then, unnecessary part of an active metal layer 12a, which is formed of the active metal and a compound thereof, is selectively etched with a chemical, which inhibits the metal member 14 and the metal layer 12b from being etched and which selectively etch the active metal layer 12b, to form a metal circuit on the ceramic substrate 10.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for improving ball grid array (BGA) joint reliability. According to one embodiment, an area of weakness in a BGA package having an array of solder balls is determined, and a bonder is applied to the area of weakness independently of the array of solder balls.

Abstract: A wire bonding method that connects a first bonding point and a second bonding point by a wire, the method including a step that press-bonds a ball formed on a tip end of a wire to a first bonding point, thus forming a press-bonded ball; a step that slightly raises a capillary, moves the capillary toward a second bonding point and then lowers the capillary by an amount that is smaller than an amount in which the capillary was raised, and a step that raises the capillary to allow the wire to be paid out of the capillary and moves the capillary toward a second bonding point, thus connecting the wire to the second bonding point.

Abstract: Disclosed are high reliability solder joints and methods for manufacturing the same. Methods are disclosed forming a solder joint (26) in an electronic assembly (10) having one or more copper connection sites (16) including steps for applying a nickel layer (22) with a carefully controlled thickness to the copper connection site (16), and applying a diffusion layer (24) to the thin nickel layer (22). Further steps are disclosed for positioning lead-free solder (18) adjacent to the diffusion layer (24), and for reflowing the solder (18) to form a highly reliable solder joint (26). Also disclosed is a solder joint (26) for use in a semiconductor apparatus (10) having at least one copper connection site (16). The solder joint (26) includes a thin intermetallic compound layer (28) bonded to the copper connection site (16) and lead-free solder (18) encapsulating the thin intermetallic compound layer (28).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing an MCM for hat removal where the hat includes a piston thermally coupled to a corresponding chip. The apparatus includes a heater positioned to reflow a joint between the piston and a base of the hat; and a retractor for biasing the piston away from the corresponding chip. Implementation of the apparatus and process prevent a piston, as it moves across the top of a corresponding chip during mechanical shear to remove the hat, to impact chip(s) and surrounding components. In addition, since piston(s) are retracted, the likelihood of piston impact with or cracking of a chip is reduced. In addition, cutting into a corresponding chip having a tilted back surface is prevented. The need to replace chips and other electronic components when making other repairs may, therefore, be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A process of making a multi-layer thermal interface material is depicted. The multi-layer thermal interface material is attached between an integrated heat spreader and a die. Processing of the multi-layer thermal interface material includes stamping or other pressure processing.

Abstract: A flux is supplied from a flux transfer head having a flux transfer pin to a predetermined position on a substrate, and then a solder ball is mounted on the predetermined position by a solder ball mounting head having a suction nozzle. The solder ball mounting head and the flux transfer head are provided alternately on a head supporter. When the rotation of the head supporter is stopped, sucking a solder ball suction by the suction nozzle, depositing the flux on a free end of the flux transfer pin, transferring the flux to the substrate by the flux transfer pin, and mounting the solder ball on the predetermined position by the ball mounting head, and examining whether the solder ball exists on the suction nozzle by which the ball mounting operation has just carried out are executed.

Abstract: A tubular carton and blank for forming the carton includes a top, base and a pair of side walls. At least one of the side walls includes a displaceable zone arranged to protrude out of the plane of the one side wall. The displaceable zone includes connected sections each occupying a different plane to a next adjacent section.

Abstract: A container of the gable top variety having a handle which resides within the bounds of the footprint of the container while further providing for the placement of a pouring spout on the top end of the container. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the container is formed from a flat blank of a paperboard-containing material having foldable panels which, when folded, define the gable top of the container, one of the two major panels of the defined top being larger that the second of these major panels and further being oriented at an angle with respect to the vertical which is different from the angle of orientation of the second major panel. In the present container, the pouring spout is disposed on the second (smaller) major panel and the handle is disposed on the larger of the two major panels. The handle of the present container may be formed integrally with the blank or attached to the partially or fully erected container.

Abstract: Calculator based resolution method and device for an optimization problem of the physical real world, the problem being modeled with constrained discrete variables, the variables having a referenced set of possible states. The method comprising, a survey propagation step and a survey induced decimation step to provide a simplified problem, until all variables are either assigned or are unpolarized.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically or semi-automatically loading patient chart information onto a patient room computer system. The systems and methods involve using the patient room computer system to obtain patient identifying information, then requesting the patient chart from a primary computer system. Upon receiving the patient chart from the primary computer system, the invention relates to displaying the patient chart on the patient room computer system. Obtaining the patient information may occur in several ways. For instance, since a patient is typically associated with a specific room within the healthcare facility, the act of obtaining patient information may involve determining the room identification for the patient and using the room identification, requesting the patient chart associated with the room. In an embodiment, the room identification information is transmitted to the patient room computer system automatically upon entering the room, e.g., by using cellular telephone technology.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an arbitrary image including one of chromatic and/or achromatic characters, a photograph, and halftone dots, which enables a formation of color images of chromatic and achromatic character areas, a photographic area, and a screened halftone area after area identification processing and which facilitates a visual check of whether the area identification processing was correctly performed on the basis of the color images, comprising: an image processing means 36 for identifying character areas, a photographic area, and a screened halftone area of an arbitrary image upon receiving an input of image information constituting the image and for performing image processing including determining whether each of the character areas is chromatic or achromatic and an image forming means 39 for forming and outputting images with colors varying with the area type of the chromatic and achromatic character areas, the photographic area, the screened halftone area in an identification result output cha

Abstract: Commercial self-service equipment (1) gathering several integrated modules that are responsible for a series of specific service functions to the user, namely: CPU (13), hard disk (14), floppy disk drive (15), video monitor (3) or touch screen (3A), PIN keyboard (4), and function keyboards (5), paper note recognizer (17), paper note dispenser (9) (up to 4 types of paper notes), with sealable cassettes and paper note rejection cassette, coin dispenser (10) (up to 4 silos), thermal printer (16) (to print tickets), ticket reading scanner (18), hybrid card reader (11) (for the reading of “smart cards” and magnetic cards), and wireless electronic wallet (19), which can be electronically “charged” with a certain amount, and capable of performing credit or debit transfer transactions.

Abstract: A cash dispensing machine includes a validation unit 13 for validating cash inserted through an insertion slot 8, a detachable storage unit 30 for storing cash validated by the validation unit 13, communication means provided in each of the validation unit and the storage unit, for transmitting and receiving information of the cash related to cash validated by the validation unit and an ID information of the cash and a memory unit 37 provided in the storage unit 30, for storing information of the cash transmitted from the validation unit 13 in association with the ID information.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are disclosed for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. A dynamic discount card is disclosed according to an aspect of the present invention. The dynamic discount card comprises an information access component for receiving information and a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.

Abstract: A coin selector is provided with a charging function for smart cards and coins. A coin selector is provided with a smart card charging function comprising of a coin slot which is located at the upper section of a perpendicular base plate and a coin returning slot which is located below the coin slot at the base plate. An upwards slanting surface which faces the upper section of said base plate has a coin entry which is located at the upwards slanting surface. An antenna or sensor for communicating or signaling is located around the coin entry and under the upwards slanting surface. An antenna signal indicator is located on the upwards slanting surface.

Abstract: An access portal separates an unpaid side of a controlled entry barrier from a paid side. The portal comprises a vestibule connecting the paid and unpaid sides of the controlled entry barrier. A first door separates the vestibule from the unpaid side of the controlled entry barrier and a second door separates the vestibule from the paid side of the controlled entry barrier. A fare collection box is positioned at the unpaid side. A controller is operably connected to the fare collection box. The controller, upon receiving an indication of a collected fare, monitors for a further indication of a collected fare. At the conclusion of the monitoring, the controller cycles the first door, and subsequently, the second door.

Abstract: A mobile unit 10 according to the present invention is provided with a noncontact IC chip 10b, a virtual IC chip area 12, and a virtual IC chip switch 14. The virtual IC chip area 12 retains a plurality of content data elements used in execution of a plurality of application programs, in connection with the respective application programs. The virtual IC chip switch 14 transfers a content data element corresponding to an application program selected, from the virtual IC chip area 12 to the noncontact IC chip 10b. This allows the mobile unit 10 and the reader/writer device 20 to achieve transmission/reception of the content data element between them.

Abstract: A console for the input and display of consumer product information such as pricing, etc. The console may be built into the handle of the shopping cart or as a retrofit application on existing handles. The console has a product information input device for numerical values such as product pricing, cost per unit, etc. The apparatus has a calculator and output display for such data. Some space on the console will likely be dedicated to a display panel for advertising. The console may be equipped with a bar code scanner as an alternate means of inputting such consumer data. The console should have an output display, such as a monitor, and/or a readout in order to display the product information such as: cost per unit. A video monitor may be used in connection with the console in order to provide advertising information related to products.

Abstract: An instore and remote-hosted solution for Retail Promotion Optimization using moveable “devices”, said “devices” having components such as price checkers, printers, displays and controllers. In a Retail store, the solution processes the scan of a barcode, or a button push, then outputs targeted text, graphics, messages and/or coupons. The system includes algorithms and logic associated with evaluating in real-time, from external and internal databases, multiple factors and conditions such as location, time, inventory, demand, elasticity, product life cycle and shelf life, profit margins, inventory turns, cost of goods sold, as well as identifying customers, shoppers or users, with or without collecting descriptive information, followed by the subsequent issuance of customized text, graphics, messages and/or coupons for a current or future purchase.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and recording equipment information related to a fleet of equipment. The equipment information can be accessed and updated through the use of a data device carried by fleet personnel in the field, recording, facilitating inspection, service, maintenance, and repair of the equipment.

Abstract: A gun control system is disclosed that includes a fire control kernel and location-independent software components within the fire control kernel. The kernel provides core fire control functionality that is unaffected by changes within the external environment, such as changes to the physical configuration of the gun system of which the gun control system is a part. Each location-independent software component has a specific functionality, and is able to run on any processor within the system in a location-independent manner. These software components can include a target/track management interface software component, a gun control system control interface software component, a gun mount control interface software component, an ownship data interface software component, and a gun control system display interface software component.

Abstract: An IC card reader holding an IC card by using an IC contact block and a card receiving member at a data communication position, and preventing a sudden increase in load when inserting the card. A card receiving member (13) is entirely or partially moved in a card carriage direction together with an IC card (5) when inserting or removing the IC card (5), and the IC card (5) is received and supported from a rear surface side thereof when at least IC contact springs (11) are in contact with a surface of the IC card (5), thereby suppressing a sudden increase in insertion load in the middle of the card insertion operation.

Abstract: The card reader prevents fraudulent use of the data read from a magnetic card. The card reader takes a card having a magnetic stripe at a card insertion port into a card reader and a magnetic head reads data recorded on the magnetic stripe. The data read is saved and a timer is started. After a given time elapses, the saved data is made unavailable for reading.

Abstract: A system, such as a checkout station, for positively identifying items includes a reader that reads coded information affixed to an item. The system further includes a capture module, such as a camera. The capture module captures a visual characteristic of the item to be identified, such as the color, size, shape, or texture of the item. The visual characteristic of the item is compared with visual characteristics of candidate items stored within a database. If multiple items within the database are associated with the item to be identified, the images of the candidate items may be displayed to a user. The user may then select the candidate item that most resembles the item to be identified. The coded information of the item being identified is then compared with coded information of the selected item within the database. If the coded information of both items corresponds, the item is positively identified and is accepted for purchase by a consumer.

Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.

Abstract: A control circuit performs capturing of pixel signals along each scanning line when a high-speed capturing mode is selected, switches the capturing mode to a partial capturing mode when it is assumed based on the captured pixel signals that an information code is present in one image region, sets a capturing objective area at a predetermined central region to capture pixel signals in this capturing objective area and perform a decoding operation.

Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.

Abstract: A bar code reading device processing two-dimensional electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which can automatically discriminate between code symbologies such as PDF 417 code symbology and UPC code symbology. The bar code reading device may further have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.

Abstract: A bar code reading device processing electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which includes an illumination assembly and a solid state image sensor. The bar code reading device may have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.

Abstract: An optical scanner may be used either with or without a support stand. When operated without the support stand, the scanner may be used to acquire an image of an object in virtually any location and/or orientation, e.g., an image of a picture hanging on a wall. When used in conjunction with the support stand, the support stand may hold the scanner in a non-horizontal orientation so that the combined scanner and support stand occupy a relatively smaller footprint. The scanner may attach to the support stand such that it is able to pivot with respect to the support stand. An object to be scanned (e.g., a document) may then be placed on a support surface of the support stand and the scanner pivoted to a closed position to allow scanning of the object. In this manner, the scanner may also be used in a manner similar to a conventional flatbed scanner.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.

Abstract: A bar code reading device processing electronic representations in the decoding of bar code symbols, which includes an illumination assembly and a solid state image sensor. The bar code reading device may have improved reprogramming features and improved menuing features.

Abstract: Methods of coding and retrieving information by using the unique emission properties of the semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) for the identification of valuable documents, articles and objects are described. A carrier medium is prepared containing quantum dots selected to give the carrier medium defined fluorescent emission characteristics encoding predetermined information. The carrier medium is then applied to the object, preferably in the form of an ink.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier with respect to a workstation can include an encoder reader located in a fixed position at a workstation for generating a signal in response to interaction with at least one encoder strip, a workpiece carrier movable along a path of travel through the workstation, and having an encoder strip connected thereto, the encoder strip operably interacting with the encoder reader located at the workstation, and a non-direct drive or friction drive engaging the workpiece carrier for moving the carrier along the path of travel through the workstation, the non-direct drive or friction drive responsive to the signal from the encoder reader in a closed loop feedback control system. The encoder reader can be selected from a group consisting of an optical encoder reader, a magnetic encoder reader, and any other absolute positioning encoder reader.