Abstract: A nail gun having a contact arm normally biased in a direction away from a workpiece by compression springs. A free end of the contact arm is brought into abutment with a workpiece and a trigger is pulled for driving a nail thereinto. In the trigger pulling operation, an inner end of the contact arm is engaged with a trigger arm which is biased by a plunger spring through a plunger. Because the contact arm is held on the workpiece, the plunger is moved to provide ON state against biasing force of the plunger spring. Immediately after the nail driving, a nail gun body is moved in a direction away from the workpiece relative to the contact arm. This causes disengagement of the trigger arm from the inner end, to relatively move the nail gun body toward the workpiece by the biasing force of the compression springs. This means relative movement of the contact arm in the direction away from the workpiece.

Abstract: A combustion-engined setting tool for driving fastening elements includes a fuel guide (12) connecting a fuel source (11) with a combustion chamber (13), at least one electronically controlled valve (24) arranged in the fuel guide (12) between the fuel source (11) an the combustion chamber (13), a control unit (20) for opening the electronically control valve (24) for a predetermined, by the control unit (20) time period, and a storage chamber (21) arranged between the electronically controlled valve (24) and the combustion chamber (13).

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a casing (3), a cylinder head (1), a chamber sleeve tube (4) to form a combustion chamber (17), a cylinder (5) and a drive piston (18). Isolating means (24) are mounted on the chamber sleeve tube (4) so as, when the apparatus is opened, to isolate the space (32) formed between the anterior part (27) of the chamber sleeve tube (4) and the casing (3) from the combustion chamber (17). A bellows (30) is provided for ducting the cooling and venting fresh air directly towards the chamber (17).

Abstract: A combustion-powered driving tool for driving nails or other fasteners in which the starting characteristics of a motor in the tool are improved by varying the amount of voltage applied to the motor when starting the motor and during normal operations so that the motor is driven to reach the rotational speed required in normal operations quickly. Therefore, the combustion-powered driving tool does not require the use of an expensive low-inertia motor, but can use a relatively inexpensive core-type motor or the like with inferior starting characteristics, while improving the work efficiency and user-friendliness of the combustion-powered driving tool.

Abstract: A setting tool includes a housing (11), a bolt guide (12) axially displaceable relative to the housing (11), a safety sleeve (20) at least regionwise surrounding the bolt guide (12) and having at least two shell parts (21, 22) formed of tubular sections, and a clamp member (23) at least regionwise encompassing the two shell parts (21, 22) for forming the safety sleeve (20).

Abstract: A loop pin connecting device for causing mutual mating between a insertion head portion and a socket portion of a filament has a first feeding means, which feeds out the insertion head portion in front of the loop pin connecting device, and a second feeding means, which feeds out the socket portion in front of the loop pin connecting device, wherein along one stroke from a position at which the insertion head portion and the socket portion of the individual loop pins are set into the device such that the insertion head portion and socket portion are moved up to a position at which there is mutual mating therebetween, at least the first feeding means has a operation interruption mechanism capable of temporarily stopping the feeding operation at an arbitrary position during the stroke.

Abstract: Power tools, nailers and strips of fasteners. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a power tool including a housing, a deflector selectively movable relative to the housing between a first position, in which the deflector deflects fluid in a first direction, and a second position, in which the deflector deflects fluid in a second direction. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a nailer including a magazine operable to support a strip of fasteners in an orientation therein, the magazine defining an insertion opening therein through which the strip of fasteners is insertable into the magazine, the insertion opening having a configuration, the strip of fasteners having a configuration complementary to the configuration of the insertion opening, the strip of fasteners insertable into the magazine only when the strip of fasteners is in the orientation.

Abstract: An electric nailing gun in which a piston head is reciprocated with a nailing plunger in a receiving chamber of a cylinder to force air out of the receiving chamber of the cylinder toward a coil of a nail driving mechanism for dissipating heat, which is generated by the coil, during down stroke of the nailing plunger, and to buffer the returning speed of the nailing plunger by compressing air, which exists between the piston head and the receiving chamber of the cylinder, during return stroke of the nailing plunger after each nailing action.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to create a friction welding tool for friction welding that can be controlled with respect to measuring accuracy based upon the temperature in the weld zone. This object is attained in accordance with the invention by determining the temperature values of the weld zone (6) by means of a temperature sensor (7), which is arranged with its measuring point in the pin (4) of the stir welding tool (1).

Abstract: The apparatus includes a base 23 fixed at a predetermine position, a tool holding jig 29, to which a welding tool 21 is mounted, installed on the base 23 rotatably about a preset reference axis L1 and movably along the reference axis L1, a tool rotation driving means for rotating the tool holding jig about the reference axis L1, and a tool movement driving means for moving the tool holding jig along the reference axis L1. The apparatus realizes miniaturization of the apparatus, simplification of the structure, and improvement of the operability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a metal mask for an integrated circuit chip interconnect solder bump. The invention deposits a very thick photoresist on both sides of a very thick molybdenum foil sheet (the molybdenum sheet is at least 8 mils thick and the photoresist is at least 5 microns thick). Then the process exposes and develops the photoresist to produce at least one opening having a diameter of at least 5 mil. The invention simultaneously etches both sides of the molybdenum foil using a very low etchant spray pressure of approximately 5 psi to form at least one via in the molybdenum foil that has a diameter of at least 12 mil and a knife-edge of 0.2 mil. The photoresist is removed after the etching process.

Abstract: A method for forming odd-shaped mufflers is achieved by first introducing an unfilled muffler insert having a desired number of pipes and partitions within a two-piece shaped tool. Fibrous material is introduced within desired compartments formed between the shaped tool and unfilled insert to form a filled insert. The shaped tool and filled insert are then placed on a winding device. A yarn thread is then wound and secured around the fibrous material within a gap created between the two pieces of the shaped tool. The winding device and shaped tool are then removed from the filled and wound muffler insert. The wound and filled muffler insert may then either be pressed into a previously formed muffler shell, or alternatively, the muffler shell may be formed around the wound and filled muffler insert to form the muffler.

Abstract: A system and method for object detection are provided where the system includes a component detection unit for detecting components in an image, a component fusion unit in signal communication with the component detection unit for fusing the components into an object, and a CPU in signal communication with the detection and fusion units for comparing the fused components with a statistical model; and the method includes receiving observation data for a plurality of training images, forming at least one statistical model from the plurality of training images, receiving an input image having a plurality of pixels, detecting a plurality of components in the input image, determining a fusion of the detected components, comparing the fusion with the statistical model, and detecting an object in accordance with the comparison.

Abstract: The method of mounting an electronic part is capable of securely mounting the electronic part having fine solder bumps without excessively heating the part. The method of comprises the steps of: applying flux-fill, which acts as flux and under-filling resin, on a surface of a mount board, in which electrodes are formed; respectively connecting solder bums of the electronic part with the electrodes; and simultaneously filling a gap between the electronic part and the mount board with the flux-fill, wherein the solder bumps are made contact with the electrodes, and ultrasonic vibration energy is applied to contact portions of the solder bumps and the electrodes in the connecting step.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a shaft having a metal matrix composite mid shaft and monolithic high strength alloy forward and aft shafts. The forward and aft shafts are each inertia friction welded to separate annular transition pieces which include a barrier layer operative to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds. Special tooling is used to avoid applying shear stresses to the transition piece during welding. The welded forward and aft subassemblies are subsequently heat treated before inertia friction welding them to the mid shaft.

Abstract: A joining portion of an opposed surface of workpieces is heated by generating an induced current due to a change of a magnetic field as well as by applying a frictional heat to the joining portion, so that productivity and quality of welding can be improved.

Abstract: An improved water soluble protective paste and a method for protecting metal circuits and pads on the surface of an electronic board during the manufacturing steps. A densifier is added to the paste making it easier and more efficient the dispensing of the paste. After deposition the layer is dried until a solid protective film is obtained. An additional advantage obtained by the present invention is that the protective layer can be deposited also by means of an offset printing process, avoiding the use of the stencil and of the screening steps. Screening process is a labourious operation which requires very sophisticated equipment and a very high precision in the design of the stencil. Because of these requirements, screening is an expensive process. On the other hand offset printing is a very simple, cheap and reliable method. In addition, the film forming properties allow the material to create a protective film even with a thin deposited film.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for forming conductive bumps on a plurality of semiconductor devices with an oxidizable material. The apparatus comprises a bump forming device, a chamber system adapted to house the semiconductor devices and a gas supply for supplying an inert gas into the chamber system. A support table is provided for supporting the semiconductor devices during bumping, and the said support table is operative to move the semiconductor devices from a bumping site into the chamber system after bumping.

Abstract: A system and method for reflowing lead-free solder to interconnect a plurality of electronic components to a substrate is disclosed. The system includes an oven for preheating the substrate and the plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, and a supplemental heat source disposed in the oven for providing additional heat energy to reflow the solder.

Abstract: The wrap-around carrier of the invention includes opposed side panels hingedly connected to a top panel and to a pair of bottom flaps. An end retention structure is connected to at least one of the side panels and to the adjacent one of the bottom flaps. The end retention structure includes an anchor panel hingedly connected to an end edge of the one side panel and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the inside surface of the one side panel, a gusset panel hingedly connected to the anchor panel and extending toward the adjacent end opening of the carrier, and an end panel hingedly connected to the gusset panel and disposed to engage the adjacent end article packaged in the carrier to prevent it from dislodging from the carrier. The end retention structure further includes a relief panel that hingedly interconnects the end panel with the Done bottom flap. The relief panel is disposed in the plane of the one bottom flap when the carrier is in an erected condition.

Abstract: A mailer with return postcard formed from a single sheet of paper, such as 28# paper, utilizing pressure seal cohesive material. This is accomplished by applying cohesive material in a unique pattern and then folding the sheet of paper into a double V-fold construction.

Abstract: This device was invented to be used by casinos using table games. It will assist the count team in resetting drop boxes, which collect money or other items of value. It will assist in resetting the drop boxes quickly and with a small amount of effort. The use of this invention will replace the manual method of resetting drop boxes. It was specifically designed for use on the multi-shift drop boxes distributed by Spur Gaming of Zephyr Cove, Nev., however, can be adaptable to other drop box applications. The device is presently in use at a casino and they are extremely satisfied with its operation.

Abstract: An electronic calculator apparatus converts between bushel measures of a selected crop product and weight measures of the selected crop product. The apparatus comprises a microprocessor and a keyboard comprising a numerical portion, a crop product portion, and a conversion portion operative to transmit to the microprocessor respective numerical, crop product, and conversion data inputs selected by a user. The microprocessor is programmed with known arithmetical relationships between bushel measures of selected crop products and corresponding weight measures of the selected crop products and is operative to receive the numerical, crop product, and conversion data inputs and to provide a data output corresponding to a desired conversion between bushel measures and weight measures. A display is coupled to the microprocessor and is operative to display the data inputs and data output to a user.

Abstract: In an electronic apparatus having a user identification function or in a user identification method, an electronic apparatus and an electronic instrument having stored therein user personal information communicate in wireless with each other so as to enable the electronic apparatus to automatically identify the electronic apparatus user. If the electronic apparatus identifies a plurality of possible users, the electronic apparatus automatically selects the user by executing specific user identification processing.

Abstract: A system for purchasing a personal recording media includes a first station for converting at least one data composition and a data information corresponding thereto to predetermined signals and for transmitting the signals, and a receiving device for receiving the signals and for enabling a user to sense the data composition transmitted The data information corresponding to the data composition being transmitted is selectively stored, by a predetermined operation by a user, either into a storage device of a card-type storage medium when the card-type storage medium is attached to the receiving device or into a storage device in a second station including the receiving device. A desired musical composition can be recorded into a recording medium, either at the second station or at a third station, based upon the data information stored in the card-type storage medium or in the storage device of the second station, and accounting and royalty processes are implemented.

Abstract: An antenna unit prevents a communication error by suppressing side lobes formed by an antenna coil segment of a reader/writer device. The antenna unit (200) is used for a reader/writer device (20) whose signal processing circuits (210) and (220) communicate with an IC card (10) via electromagnetic waves, wherein an antenna coil (100) of the IC card (10) relatively gets close to the antenna unit (200). The antenna unit (200) includes the antenna coil segment which forms a loop antenna (202) on a substrate (201) and conductor segments (203) at the periphery of the antenna coil on substantially the same plane of the antenna coil.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of integrated card technologies, and more specifically the present invention is in the field of multi function smart cards and other types of information containing cards.

Abstract: An autonomous and portable smartcard reader device incorporates a high level of embedded security countermeasures. Data transfers are encrypted with two specific input devices, namely a light sensor and PIN or other keyboard entry, and at the output through the use of a dual-tone encoder-decoder. The unit may be used alone or as a plug-in to another device such as a PDA, cell phone, or remote control. The reader may further be coupled to various biometric or plug-in devices to achieve at least five levels of authentication, namely, (1) the smartcard itself; (2) the smartcard reader; (2) the PIN; (3) private-key cryptography (PKI); and (5) the (optional) biometric device. These five levels account for an extremely strong authentication applicable to public networking on public/private computers, and even on TV (satellite, cable, DVD, CD AUDIO, software applications. Transactions including payments may be carried out without any risk of communication tampering, authentication misconduct or identity theft.

Abstract: There are described a system and a method of detecting the passage of persons or objects through an entry-exit (4) of a delimited space (2). The direction of passage is detected on the basis of the reception, by a portable electronic unit (40) with which the person or the object is equipped, of first and second electromagnetic signals (a, b) respectively transmitted in respective spatially separate and partially overlapping first and second communication regions (A, B) each crossing an entry-exit zone (32) defined by the entry-exit. The first and second electromagnetic signals are transmitted substantially in phase at the same frequency and each comprises an identical message portion (100), one of said first and second electromagnetic signals further comprising an additional message portion (150) identifying the corresponding communication region (A, B), transmission of the other of said first and second electromagnetic signals being interrupted during the transmission of said additional message portion.

Abstract: A method and system of displaying information, including sensing at least an identification code on one or more identification-carrying devices; using a powerline modem to transmit the identification code and information display system identification information from information display system to an informational server; receiving at least the identification code and the information display system identification information at the information server; determining one or more portions of information to be displayed on an information display system based on the identification code and the information display system identification information; and receiving via the powerline modem and conveying the one or more portions of information at the information display system.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus (60) is provided which is used in a recorder and/or player to write and read data to and from a contactless IC card (1). The antenna apparatus (60) includes a loop coil (61) to radiate an electromagnetic field for magnetic coupling with a loop coil (4) at the IC card (1) to send and receive data to and from the IC card (1), and a magnetic sheet (62) disposed to face the main side of the loop coil (61), opposite to the main side facing the IC card (1). The magnetic sheet (62) has the specific permeability ?? and product Ms.t of saturation magnetization Ms and thickness t thereof set in accordance with a necessary range of communications with the contactless IC card (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading unit and a marking card for optical mark reader. The reading unit comprises a plurality of optical sensing devices (R1, R2, R3, R4 . . . ) corresponding to a plurality of marks (M1, M2, M3, M4 . . . ); and a plurality of counters (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4 . . . ) for converting output signals to output values corresponding to an amount of light sensed, and for sending the output values to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU performs an answer checking process by a logical calculation based on the output values from the counters (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4 . . . ).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing a code from a code image that is expressed physically or electronically and extracting data represented in the code image is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a raw image in which a code image is contained, detecting a background image included in the raw image, extracting a code image region in which a background image is excluded, recognizing the shape and type of the code image and the color or shade represented in each of cells, converting the color or shade recognized from each of the cells into a corresponding character, number, or symbol and generating code data. The code image in which predetermined data are represented as colors or shades are received, and original colors or shades can be precisely discriminated regardless of an environment in which the code image is recognized.

Abstract: Focusing in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia is obtained by moving one prism relative to another prism. An outgoing laser beam directed to indicia for reflection therefrom and/or return light reflected from the indicia is focused by the moving prism.

Abstract: An optical reader having a picture taking mode and a decode mode. In a picture taking mode, the reader captures and outputs a frame of image data without attempting to decode a decodable symbol in the frame. In the decode mode, the reader captures a frame of image data and attempts to decode a decodable symbol represented in the frame. The reader may have a decode mode in which light from an aiming light source is received by an image sensor.

Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system is disclosed comprising a hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device which embodies an electronically-controlled bar code symbol reading engine for producing a raster-type laser scanning pattern in either a hands-free or hands-on mode of operation for scanning 1-D and 2D bar code symbols. The electronically-controlled bar code symbol reading engine has (i) a high-speed/high-resolution raster scanning mode of operation, during which a high-speed, high-resolution raster-type scanning pattern is precisely generated under electronic control, and (ii) a high-speed/low-resolution raster scanning mode of operation during which a high-speed, low-resolution raster-type scanning pattern is precisely generated under electronic control.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for isolating a portable hand held electronic unit from external mechanical shocks and/or vibrations by dampening them at several levels. The system can absorb an external mechanical shock at three different levels by employing an external bumper system, elastic housing design features, and an internal frame isolation. Moreover, such isolation assembly simplifies production of the portable electronic unit by enabling a “build to order process” according to a customer's specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to forgery-proof marking for objects, such as check cards, banknotes, labels, and the like, comprising a plastic transparent film (1) having a first and second surface, whereby a series of layers is applied to the second surface. When viewed from the first surface, the color of this series of layers changes according to the viewing angle, and the series of layers is formed from an absorber layer provided on the second surface, from a spacer layer (3) overlying the absorber layer, and from a mirror layer (2) overlying the spacer layer (3). In order to improve the machine identification of the authenticity of the marking, the invention provides that the absorber layer is comprised of metallic clusters (4).

Abstract: A smart card includes a card bearing a module that is made up of a support supporting at least an electronic chip. The support is fixed on one surface of the card. This surface extends up to at least one of the edges of the card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for expiring a device after a predetermined time period has elapsed. A device, which contains its own internal time cell, is designed to stop working or self-destruct after a predetermined time period has expired. The device uses its own time cell so that the elapsed time period is not altered through an external time source. After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the device or a component of the device self-destructs when connected to a power source.

Abstract: A cargo closure for sealing a cargo item such as a piece of luggage in a closed condition is disclosed. The cargo closure comprises a permanently closable tie and a data carrying member which may be formed as an integral plastics molding. The tie includes a strap and a base member. The strap includes barbs which engage a flexible pawl member located within a hole through the base member through which a free end of the strap is inserted and tightened after being attached to the cargo. The data carrying member may carry a person's name and address and is foldable to selectively to conceal or expose those data, and it may also carry an alphanumeric string or a bar code for identification purposes. Other embodiments of the invention may include strips of conductive material in the tie and base member which are connected to a smart card attached to the data carrying member for communicating with electronic equipment on the cargo item.

Abstract: Machine-readable coded data disposed on or in a substrate. The coded data includes a plurality of layouts of two or more layout types, each layout having n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a center of rotation. Each layout encodes a first codeword formed from a sequence of n first symbols, each sub-layout defining a position for a respective first symbol so that the first symbol indicates the identity of the sub-layout. The layout also encodes a second codeword formed from a number of second symbols, which indicative of information regarding the respective layout and a number of third symbols which are partially indicative of a third codeword.

Abstract: An optical element, such as a lightguide or an optical film, is formed with a predetermined, programmed pattern of optical structures. The optical structures may be arranged to selectively correct for non-uniformities in the output a lightguide, or may be arranged to otherwise enhance the performance of a display.

Abstract: A thermostat independently controlling cooling water passages of two circuits, including a first valve body having first and second passages in constant communication. A third passage is selectively connected to those passages. Communication of the third passage is disconnected when the cooling water temperature is below a prescribed temperature, and the valve is opened when the cooling water temperature is equal to or higher than the prescribed temperature. A second valve body, having fourth and fifth passages selectively in communication, closes the valve to disconnect those passages when the cooling water temperature is below the prescribed temperature, and opens the valve by operating the first valve body to link the passages when the cooling water temperature is equal to or higher than the prescribed temperature. A tubular sleeve prevents first and second control chambers, respectively including the first and second valve bodies, from communicating with each other.

Abstract: This thermostatic valve (10) comprises a casing (12) which delimits openings (14, 16, 18) for the circulation of the fluid, a mobile sleeve (22) for regulating the passage of the fluid between the openings, a fixed seat (34) for receiving the sleeve (22) and a thermostatic member (40) which has a mobile piston (44). The sleeve (22) is mounted on the piston in such a manner to control, at least in part, the displacements of the sleeve relative to the seat. The valve also comprises controlled means (56, 66) for driving the body (42) of the thermostatic member (40) in accordance with the direction of displacement of the piston (44). Application to a cooling circuit for engines having large cubic capacities, for example truck engines.

Abstract: A method, system and device for making hot water available in a water-supply system is disclosed. The water-supply system includes a source of hot water, a hot-water line and one or more tap connections for hot water connected to the hot-water line. The method includes transporting water from the source of hot water through the hot-water line during at least a portion of periods of non-withdrawal through the one or more tap connections such that a temperature profile of water in the hot water line is at least one of substantially temporally constant and varying spatially monotonically along the hot-water line.

Abstract: A water heater system that will provided immediate hot water to a point of use has a water storage container having an inlet coupled to a water pipe and an outlet coupled to a point of use fixture. A low current heating element is located within the water storage container and is used to immediately heat up and removes contaminants in the water stored and flowing through the water storage container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cross-tie having an elongated body that comprises a reaction rail supporting section, two running rail supporting sections and a power rail supporting section. The reaction rail supporting section is adapted for supporting a reaction rail and the two running rail supporting sections are each adapted for supporting a respective running rail. The power rail supporting section is adapted for supporting at least one power rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for producing an artificial snow surface for tire evaluation is provided. The process provides for manufacturing a series of snow layers, each layer followed by a packing and a grooming step to provide a multi-layered snow surface. Desirable shear strength properties of the snow surface are enhanced by a surface grooming technique that applies a layer of water to the upper snow surface followed by grooming of the surface. The manufactured snow surface allows the testing and evaluation of tires that compares favorably to tire evaluation data obtained from outdoor testing facilities.

Abstract: A liquid dispense head is provided which can be manufactured at a reduced manufacturing cost, will not react with dispense liquid containing biomolecules, and can dispense liquid droplets having a constant amount from individual nozzles. The liquid dispense head has reservoirs used as reservoirs for containing liquid, pressure chambers for applying a pressure to dispense the liquid, flow passages connecting the pressure chambers and the respective reservoirs. In the liquid dispense head described above, a part of the flow passage is formed of a minute through-hole provided in a glass substrate, and the inside diameter of the minute through-hole is continuously decreased or increased.