Patents Issued in April 14, 2005
  • Publication number: 20050077317
    Abstract: Spout assemblies are provided for dispensing liquid from a nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Timothy Garrison, Harold Schubert, Bryan York, Daniel Preston
  • Publication number: 20050077318
    Abstract: A portable water cooler is designed to accept the placement of bagged fluid therein, leading to the connection of the bag of fluid to a fluid flow pathway, thereby allowing the fluid to be dispensed in a manner such that the fluid is segregated from the internal surfaces of the cooler. The portable water cooler generally includes an internal spike and external spigot through which fluid may flow. Systems and methods for dispensing bagged fluid from such a cooler, including various multi-bag systems and methods allowing for improved thermal control of fluids being dispensed, as well as increased selection of fluids dispensed from the same portable water cooler provide a high level of convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Henry Macler, Jeffrey Macler, Steven Avery
  • Publication number: 20050077319
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising: at least one fluid reservoir (1) defining a substantially rigid neck (14); a substantially rigid casing (2) containing the reservoir (1); and a dispenser member (5) engaged in the neck (14) of said at least one reservoir (1) in order to withdraw the fluid; the fluid dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises a holding element (3) engaged both with the neck (14) of the reservoir (1) and with the rigid casing (2) in such a manner as to hold the reservoir in place in the rigid casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Isabelle Binois, Laurent Decottignies
  • Publication number: 20050077320
    Abstract: An improved non-spill water bottle cap is developed for preventing water spillage when a water bottle is inverted to place on a water dispenser. The improved non-spill water bottle cap comprises a cylindrical plastic tube (10), a spherical float (20) for controlling the water flow, a plastic cap head (30) integrally formed with the cylindrical plastic tube (10), an edge frame (11) disposed at the end of the cylindrical plastic tube (10) and an annular flange (13) with a plurality of peepholes (13a) disposed at the mouth of the plastic cap head (30) for retaining the spherical float (20) inside the cylindrical plastic tube (10), and an annular sealing ridge (12) for momentarily blocking the water flow path by contacting the spherical float (20) to form a seal when the water bottle is inverted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Won-Hie Choi, Myong-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20050077321
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprising a spout and a spigot. The spout includes a tubular member. The tubular member includes a first end, a second end, an inside surface and an opening extending transversely through the tubular member between the first and second end thereof. The tubular member defines a cavity capable of receiving a flowable material therein. The spigot is attached to the inside surface of the tubular member. The spigot includes a peripheral wall, a transverse wall and a handle. The peripheral wall includes an outer surface positionable over the opening. The transverse wall is coupled to the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall and the transverse wall cooperating to substantially seal the first end of the tubular member and the opening from the cavity of the tubular member. The handle is associated with at least one of the peripheral wall and the transverse wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Lee Liston, Robbie Wells
  • Publication number: 20050077322
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable dispensing container suitable for containing liquids comprising a hollow container; a funnel overlay that fits over the neck and top wall of the container during its storage condition and, when removed from its storage position, provides a funnel for dispensing the container's contents; and a removable cap being manually secured in engagement with the container to protectively maintain the cap over the container and over the funnel overlay in its storage position. Once the cap is disengaged from the container, and separated therefrom, the funnel overlay is readily converted into a funnel for dispensing the container's contents by removing the funnel overlay from its storage position and positioning the funnel overlay into an opening of a receptacle for receiving the contents of the dispensing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: David Graybill
  • Publication number: 20050077323
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing valve assembly is provided with a vacuum release feature. The valve assembly is adapted to be fastened to a container opening. The assembly includes a unitarily formed one-piece cylindrical base having a vertical center axis. The base a mounting collar; an enclosure portion connected to the mounting collar forming an inner cavity within the base; a spout connected to the enclosure portion having an interconnected axial core substantially positioned within the spout forming an annular liquid passageway; and a gas passageway having at least one inlet orifice located on an outer surface of the spout, the gas passageway including at least one generally horizontally oriented radial pipe section having one end connected to the at least one inlet orifice and another end connecting to a vertically configured pipe section having an exit orifice. The valve assembly may further include a cap having a drain port, wherein the cap adapted to slip fit over the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Philip Alei
  • Publication number: 20050077324
    Abstract: An aperture forming structure for a sealed containment and dispensing package for flowable products is provided. The structure includes a breakaway tip member of thermoformable plastic. In one embodiment a cap may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and may be used to protect the tip member or for reclosing the aperture. An alternative embodiment relates to a pouch, wherein a flap member portion of the pouch is folded over and sealingly attached to the body of the pouch. When the flap member portion is pulled away from the body, an outlet aperture is produced through the surface of the pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Publication number: 20050077325
    Abstract: A square paint container having recesses formed therein for facilitating the pouring of paint from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Robert McDonald, Paul Katterle, John Kramer
  • Publication number: 20050077326
    Abstract: A garment security hanger and display comprising one or more hanger assemblies, one or more lock rod assemblies, and a base. Each hanger assembly comprises a hanger body with an integral locking device and indicator mechanism. The present invention provides for the placement of a garment on a hanger assembly before the hanger assembly is releasably attached to a lock rod assembly. The lock rod assembly is typically inserted through a sleeve of the garment before being inserted into a channel formed in the hanger assembly. When the lock rod assembly is fully inserted into the channel, the locking device is engaged and the indicator flags the locked status. The hanger assembly may be unlocked by a key inserted in the locking device, allowing the lock rod assembly to be extracted. The present invention possesses a simple, yet scalable, design for economical manufacture and widespread retail use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Poindexter, Eric Watts
  • Publication number: 20050077327
    Abstract: A tire carrier assembly with integrated “D-rings” includes a hinge-mounted tire carrier and light assembly with an integrated wiring harness. The light assembly includes a light source and the light source is configured to illuminate a license plate affixed to the tire carrier assembly. The hinge allows the tire carrier and spare tire to be positioned next to the vehicle for traveling (“closed position”) and positioned away from the vehicle for access to the rear storage area of the vehicle (“open position”). Additionally, the integrated wiring harness provides electrical power to the light assembly, enabling the light source to be energized in both the open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Kenney
  • Publication number: 20050077328
    Abstract: A weighted retaining member for use with a stringer of the type used to secure fish that have been caught. The retaining member comprises a body in the general configuration of an animal or fish body, a fish configuration typically having a mouth and a tail. The body is configured to be operatively connected to a fish stringer such that the body is suspended from the stringer and hangs in the natural orientation of a fish. The retaining member may also be pre-configured as a fish stringer having the retainer already attached to one end of the stringer. When the retaining member is suspended from a fish stringer in proximity to free-swimming fish, the retaining member is accepted as a part of the natural surroundings and, accordingly, may be used in proximity to a fishing lure without driving fish away. The retaining member is weighted sufficiently to keep fish retained on the stringer under water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Boyd Perttu
  • Publication number: 20050077329
    Abstract: The backpack has a retractable tether to control is a child's movement. The backpack with the retractable tether serves a dual function; it allows the child the ability to carry personal items in the main compartment and the parent the ability to limit the child's movement. The backpack with the retractable tether has a wrist loop that the parent can either wear around their wrist or can attach it to briefcases, belt loops, pocketbooks, strollers or any other device in the parents' control. The backpack has adjustable shoulder and waist straps to secure the backpack to the child. Both the shoulder and waist straps have securing mechanisms so the child cannot easily remove the backpack. The backpack has clear plastic window for a conventional identification card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Sconzo
  • Publication number: 20050077330
    Abstract: A child's sling is formed of a cross-wise channel near midway between its ends and with a pocket on the end of the longer one of its branches. When used for carrying child in the cross-carry position, the sling is looped over the head so that the channel is in the middle of the lower back and the branches extend down in front of the would-be carrier. The branches are then passed across the chest and through the channel in the back and continued around and back in front where they are tied in a knot after adjusting the sling for suitable comfort of a carried child. Advantageous use may be made of the channel to carry a child in other positions such as the single-shoulder-carrying position. For this position, the channel is placed on top of the shoulder and the branches of the sling brought around the body below the other shoulder and up through the channel and tied in a knot. The sling may be used for other purposes too, such as a shawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Joyce Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20050077331
    Abstract: A child harness comprising: (a) a crotch support coupled to a frame, the crotch support adapted to provide a seat for a child and distribute the child's weight to the frame; and (b) an active restraint coupled to the frame and responsive to the movement of the child secured therein, the active restraint including a leg strap adapted to engage a leg of the child and a shoulder strap adapted to engage a shoulder of the child, where the leg strap is operatively coupled to the shoulder strap, and where movement of one of the leg's or shoulder's of the child to engage the leg strap or shoulder strap restraining that portion of the child's body operates to increase tension on the corresponding shoulder strap or leg strap on the same side of the child's body. The invention provides an action-reaction harness system as well as a method of accommodating a child's range of movements without compromising the integrity of the harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Bryan Keller, Cynthia Nelson
  • Publication number: 20050077332
    Abstract: A baton scabbard for stowing various length batons enables insertion into and removal of a baton from the scabbard through lateral movement of the baton. The scabbard includes a generally C-shaped housing that supports a pair of laterally spaced snap-action latching mechanisms mutually cooperable in response to entry of a baton to effect a snap-action retention of the baton within the housing. A belt or strap attachment is pivotally connected to the housing for attaching the scabbard to a user's belt and permits the housing and a baton held therein to be selectively oriented relative to the user irrespective of the length of the baton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin Parsons
  • Publication number: 20050077333
    Abstract: A steering wheel workstation support is provided for mounting a laptop computer. The steering wheel workstation support contains a support portion with a lip, a hook arrangement, and a standoff member integrally formed from a single piece of material. The support portion lip secures the laptop base. The hook arrangement attaches the workstation support to the steering wheel. The standoff member, located on the back of the support portion, causes the lower end of the support portion to be displaced from a lower part of the steering wheel so as to present the laptop keyboard and display at ergonomically desirable angles. In addition, the workstation support may be placed on a horizontal surface so as to present the laptop display to viewers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Caradimos
  • Publication number: 20050077334
    Abstract: A retaining arrangement for use in motor vehicles equipped with a steering wheel having a rim connected with the steering column by way of a number of spokes; a compartment for the air bag in the steering column is covered by a cover member that disintegrates in case of deployment of the air bag; the retaining arrangement, which may be detachable or non-detachable, thereby permits fastening of a piece of paper containing, for example, driving directions, to the cover of the air bag housing so as to permit consultation of the information while driving the vehicle with no loss of steering ability and with minimal inattention to the traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Craig
  • Publication number: 20050077335
    Abstract: A pair of padded rigid-V one-piece kayak carrier supports with integral channel mounts mount on the cross arms of an existing roof rack. An elasticized cord loop stretches over the ends of each of the cradles and under externally protruding pegs. A telescoping cross bar may interconnect the two cradles with sliding mating channel connectors to attach the cross bar to the cross arms of the roof rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Grayson Bourne
  • Publication number: 20050077336
    Abstract: A tape dispensing device is comprised of a means for rotatably supporting a roll of tape. A means for adhering to the tape and pulling the tape forwardly is positioned forwardly of the supporting means. The adhering means and pulling means is rotatably supported. A motor means is provided for imparting rotation to said adhering and pulling means. Means for cutting the tape means is positioned forwardly of said adhering and pulling means. A switch means is provided for actuating the motor continuously while said actuating means is engaged. Also a shaping means is positioned above the path of travel of the tape to urge the tape against the adhering and pulling means, the adhering and pulling means including a set of feed rollers. The shaping means is positioned between a pair of adjacent feed rollers, the lowermost edge of the shaping means being positioned below the uppermost edge of said pair of adjacent feed rollers forming a structural indentation in said tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Lammers, John Nottingham, John Spirk, Patrick Brown, Daniel Wanhainen
  • Publication number: 20050077337
    Abstract: A cartridge comprises a container 11 for housing a connected staple, a driving section 21 for driving a staple, a conveying path 25 which extends from the container 11 to the driving section 21, and conveys the connected staple, a feeding member 30 which is disposed in a position remote from a guide member 23 forming the conveying path 25, and reciprocates along the conveying path, feeding claws 31A, 31B having leading end portions which are attached to the feeding member 30, and project in the conveying path 25 from openings 23A, 23B formed in the guide wall 23, and the connected staple being fed toward the driving section 21 by the feeding claws 31A, 31B when the feeding member 30 advances. The cartridge further comprises a link mechanism 50 for moving the feeding member 30 backward when a lid 13 of the container 11 is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Max Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsunori Manabe
  • Publication number: 20050077338
    Abstract: A stapler capable of avoiding defective clinching and buckling of legs even if the stapler is of a vertically-separated type in which a driver unit and a clincher unit are separated vertically is disclosed. This stapler is provided with clincher members (133 and 134) for clinching legs of a staple driven out by a driver and holders (131 and 132) which hold the clincher members (133 and 134). Also, in this stapler, guide surfaces (131b and 132b) for guiding tips of the legs of the staple toward the clincher members (133 and 134) are formed on upper surface portions of the holders (131 and 132), and the holders (131 and 132) are movable in a direction perpendicular to a surface which includes a direction that the legs of the staple are clinched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Max Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunio Ishizaki
  • Publication number: 20050077339
    Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding a wire to a substrate. The bonding tool has a body portion, a working tip coupled to one end of the body portion, an orifice extending along a longitudinal axis of the body and the working tip, and a polymer coating disposed over at least a portion of a surface of the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Benjamin Sonnenreich, Sigalit Robinzon
  • Publication number: 20050077340
    Abstract: This invention provides an electronic component mounting method capable of effectively utilizing a self-alignment effect even if a mounting interval of electronic components is small. This method includes the steps of detecting a printing position of a solder paste on the circuit board and mounting an electronic component. This invention further provides apparatus, devices, and system using the method. When a solder paste on a circuit board having a land formed thereon is printed and an electronic component is mounted, the printing position of the solder paste of the circuit board is detected by a printing position detecting device included in an inspecting apparatus. Then, the electronic component is mounted by using the detected printing position of the solder paste as a reference by an electronic component mounting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyasu Nagafuku, Noboru Nishikawa, Takeshi Kuribayashi
  • Publication number: 20050077341
    Abstract: A metal coating is formed on the inside face of a first thermostructural composite material part presenting indentations forming channels, and also on the inside face of a second thermostructural composite material part for being applied against the inside face of the first part, and the first and second parts are assembled together by bonding said inside faces together by hot compression, in particular by hot isostatic pressing, thereby obtaining a thermostructural composite material cooling panel having integrated fluid flow channels. The invention is applicable to making heat exchanger walls such as the walls of combustion chambers in aircraft engines, or the diverging portions of rocket engines, or plasma confinement chambers in nuclear fusion reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Larrieu, Gilles Uhrig, Jacques Thebault, Clement Bouquet
  • Publication number: 20050077342
    Abstract: A cover is secured over a device supported by a substrate. A bond ring is formed on the cover, and an intermediate tacking layer is formed on top of the bond ring. The substrate is tacked to the tacking layer. The cover is then staked to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chen, David Craig
  • Publication number: 20050077343
    Abstract: A method for brazing two or more of stainless steel components for use in medical equipment, in which one component is joined to other component using a brazing material containing Au of which amount is 62.5 wt % or higher, the method comprising the steps of: a first step in which the components are subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of 1,050 to 1,200° C. in a hydrogen containing atmosphere or in a vacuum; a second step in which one of the components is allowed to close to the other component so as to form a gap therebetween; and a third step in which the brazing material in a molten state is supplied into the gap to join the components together to manufacture a metal assembly. The joint portions formed in the metal assembly have excellent chemical resistance and corrosion resistance, and thus the metal assembly is suitably used in an endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicants: PENTAX Corporation, SHINWA HEAT TREATMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Sato, Yoshihiro Obata, Wataru Murai, Ryoji Tokieda, Naoki Kamiya, Hideo Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20050077344
    Abstract: A packaging box in which, in one plate and one lid plate connected to an upper end portion of the side plate constituting the packaging box, one creasing line parallel to the upper end portion is formed for each, and two cut lines are formed so as to connect the end portions of the creasing lines. Provided is a packaging box from which a stored article can be easily taken out when a lid plate is opened, and which can endure a compressive stress imposed when a multiple number of the boxes are piled up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Tsunenari Kakuda
  • Publication number: 20050077345
    Abstract: A walker and/or wheelchair distance measuring device comprising a wheel assembly, a measuring assembly and a display. The wheel assembly is capable of attachment to a walker, and includes a support and a wheel. The measuring assembly comprises a sensor having a trigger associated with one of the support and the wheel and a pickup associated with the other of the support and the wheel. The processor is electronically coupled with the sensor. The processor is capable of interpreting the information received from the sensor. The display is associated with the processor for displaying results computed from the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Phillip March
  • Publication number: 20050077346
    Abstract: A method of permit mailing includes encoding information about a permit holder and information about a batch mailing into a barcode, imprinting the barcode onto a plurality of mail pieces of the batch mailing, and utilizing the encoded information to charge the permit holder for the batch mailing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Rana Dutta, George Brookner
  • Publication number: 20050077347
    Abstract: A safe for deposits is inserted a sealed bag containing cash and houses the bag for preventing illicit actions and theft even when scrutiny processing is outsourced. A bag insertion portion into which a cash bag is inserted, cassette housing portion which houses a recoverable cassette, and control portion are provided to the safe to perform recovery merely through cassette attachment and removal operations, so that the danger of failure to recover a cash bag (bag left behind) is prevented. And information on the housed cash bag is stored in the cassette for checking the cash bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Tsutomu Uematsu, Takahiko Tanaka, Kazushi Watari
  • Publication number: 20050077348
    Abstract: An intelligent ID card holder comprises a receptacle for receiving the smartcard to facilitate intelligent ID card based transactions. The card holder further comprises one or more sensors of a user's features and a microcomputer for confirming the user's identity. The holder communicates with the ID card by electrical contacts or RF antenna. The sensor collects data representative of features of the current user of the card, and the microcomputer compares stored data in the memory with the sensed data to determine whether the current user is the authentic user. In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent ID card holder comprises a card holder with a cutaway viewing area showing a portion of the ID card surface, such as a photograph of the authentic user, while the ID card is inserted in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Colin Hendrick
  • Publication number: 20050077349
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a RF transaction using a secondary transaction number that is associated with a user's primary transponder account. The user provides the secondary transaction number, often with limited-use conditions associated therewith, to a merchant to facilitate a more secure and confident transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: David Bonalle, Susan Isenberg, Peter Saunders
  • Publication number: 20050077350
    Abstract: A dual card, which facilitates payment for goods or services from either a credit account or a stored value account, operates on both an open network and a closed network. The dual card is a payment card that integrates the ability to provide credit privileges and stored value privileges to a cardholder of the dual card. The features, benefits, and advantages of a stored value card are integrated with the credit card aspects of the dual card. The benefits, features, and advantages of a credit card are integrated with a stored value card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Colette Courtion, Mary Stumpf
  • Publication number: 20050077351
    Abstract: Means and a method for authenticating a photographic image (3) on an identification device (1), the identification device (1) being provided with: a photographic image of a person (3) and a microprocessor (8), the microprocessor (8) having: a) a processor (7), b) a memory (9) connected to the processor (7) and having stored authentication data, and c) interface means (5) connected to the processor (7) for communicating with an external device, wherein said photographic image (3) comprises stegano-graphically hidden information, the content of which together with said authentication data allows authentication of said photographic image (3), the method having the following steps: a?) scanning the photographic image (3) and generating image data. b?) analyzing these image data in accordance with a predetermined image analysis procedure to derive said hidden information, and c?) carrying out the authentication of the photographic image (3) based on the hidden information and the authentication data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Eduard De Jong
  • Publication number: 20050077352
    Abstract: An inventory monitoring system measures changes in weight of an inventory stored on one or more scales. The inventory items are divided into classes by weight, and the system determines the maximum number of items that can be in a combination while maintaining a distinct combined weight. Items are then removed or added, and the change in weight on the scales is correlated to a change in the number of inventory items to track the number of items removed or added over time. In a combined system, scanners are employed to track inventory received or sold, and data from the scanners relating to the items in the inventory is filtered out for comparison to the inventory changes indicated by changes in weight. The system has particular utility for monitoring inventories of cigarettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Inventrol, LLC
    Inventor: Larus Gudbjartsson
  • Publication number: 20050077353
    Abstract: An RF tag reading apparatus reads information from RF tags affixed to postal envelopes by a single operation. An article container contains a large number of postal envelopes provided with RF tags. A reader antenna, which is connected to an interrogator via a coaxial cable, is disposed under the article container. Maximum gain directions of the RF tags of the respective postal envelopes are uniformly directed to the reader antenna. The respective postal envelopes contained in the article container are arranged face to face with each other in a direction orthogonal to the maximum directions of the RF tags. Since a maximum gain direction of the reader antenna is oriented toward a base end surface of the article container, the maximum gain directions of the RF tags are opposed to the maximum gain direction of the reader antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadatoshi Oishi, Masakazu Kato, Naohiro Matsushita, Koichi Sano, Nobuo Murofushi, Yasuo Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20050077354
    Abstract: Computer software which includes code configured to create a printer label format based on a printed label that has been scanned. The code is configured to scan a label by either using a plurality of different types of scanners, or by using a single piece of hardware which can perform a plurality of different types of scans. Then, the scanned label is used to generate a label format. The label format created from the scanned label is thereafter useable to print labels similar in format to the label which was scanned. Preferably, barcodes are recognized as barcodes, and not just as graphics. Preferably, a user is prompted, via a visual display, to confirm that the scanned objects have been correctly characterized and the user can change any of the characterizations made by the software. The user can link any object to a variable field, and can add embedded printer-specific non-printing control codes to the label format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Karl Torchalski
  • Publication number: 20050077355
    Abstract: A novel card recognition system includes a computer having a card controller for exchanging data with a standard card that is compliant with a standard and a non-standard card that is not compliant with the standard, and a card adapter for connecting the non-standard card to the computer so that the non-standard card is recognized. The computer or card adapter includes a data converter having an input/output controller for the non-standard card and converting data of the non-standard card into data for the standard card, and an interface having an input/output controller for the standard card and connected to the data converter via a dedicated transmission path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yamamoto, Hiromasa Kusakabe
  • Publication number: 20050077356
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system and communication method which enable various types of near field communication, and a data processing apparatus. NFC communication apparatuses 1 to 3 have two features in that each can perform communication in two communication modes and that each can perform data transmission at a plurality of transfer rates. The two communication modes consist of a passive mode and an active mode. In the passive mode, between the NFC communication apparatuses 1 and 2, for example, the NFC communication apparatus 1 transmits data to the NFC communication apparatus 2 by modulating electromagnetic waves generated by itself, while the NFC communication apparatus 2 transmits data to the NFC communication apparatus 1 by performing load modulation on the electromagnetic waves generated by the NFC communication apparatus 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Sony Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Takayama, Susumu Kusakabe, Kazushige Tsurumi, Tadashi Morita, Kunihide Fujii
  • Publication number: 20050077357
    Abstract: A contactless card reader comprising an enclosure containing a control circuit connected to a first antenna and capable of remotely exchanging data by the coupling between the first antenna and the antenna of a contactless card. The enclosure contains a diagnosis device comprising a second antenna connected to a test circuit via a switch and means for providing a switch control signal, said test circuit being capable, with no presented contactless card, of exchanging data with the control circuit by the coupling of the first and second antennas when the switch is on to perform a diagnosis of the reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Pascal Roux
  • Publication number: 20050077358
    Abstract: An omnidirectional scanning system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The omnidirectional scanning system includes at least one processor for operating the scanning system in at least two modes including a first mode which is a non-restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in any orientation of the set of multiple orientations, and a second mode which is a restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in an orientation of a selectable reduced set of the set of multiple orientations. The method includes the steps of operating the system in a mode selected from the at least two modes including the first mode and the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Boehm, Morgan Fuchs, Daniel Gonzalez, Patrick Salatto, Joel Kahn, George Lasher, Ed Barkan
  • Publication number: 20050077359
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code, including an omnidirectional optical code scanner system for illuminating, scanning and decoding at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The scanner system includes an actuator assembly having circuitry for providing for user selection of a mode selected from the group of modes consisting of: an omnidirectional mode for performing a read operation for reading an optical code oriented in any orientation included in the set of multiple orientations, a restricted omnidirectional mode for performing a read operation for reading the optical code when oriented only in an orientation of a reduced set of the set of multiple orientations; and an aim mode for illuminating a target object and disrupting a corresponding read operation; and circuitry for generating a signal indicative of the mode selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Boehm, Morgan Fuchs, Daniel Gonzalez, Patrick Salatto, Joel Kahn, George Lasher, Ed Barkan
  • Publication number: 20050077360
    Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading a target based on light reflected from the target, an imaging lens with a first optical axis is provided so that the reflected light enters into the imaging lens. A photodetector having an active area and a second optical axis different from the first optical axis is provided. The imaging lens focuses the reflected light on the active area of the photodetector. A fold mechanism is arranged between the imaging lens and the photodetector. The fold mechanism folds an optical path of the reflected light between the imaging lens and the photodetector to adjust a length of the optical path while keeping each of the first and second optical axes constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Kunihiko Ito, Hisashi Shigekusa
  • Publication number: 20050077361
    Abstract: User can flexibly increase in setting a bar code margin and easily confirm a bar code image relative position. Operability is improved in inputting a character string regarding the bar code. For the margin, a bar code guide giving a target size of a bar code image area is displayed in an input print preview. When the character string regarding the bar code has been already input and a bar code type is changed, the character string already input is checked against character input conditions defined by the post-change type of bar code. In inputting the characters regarding the bar code, the input characters are checked against the character input conditions, such as the character type and the defined number of characters defined by the set bar code type. Therefore, the input character is ignored or displayed in a mode in which the input character is different from other characters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Mamoru Sakai, Mikihiro Kajihara, Yoichi Hine, Takanobu Kameda, Toshinori Nojima
  • Publication number: 20050077362
    Abstract: A stacked small memory card includes an upper memory card and a lower memory card, the upper memory card and the lower memory card respectively formed a first heat sink and a second heat sink, the first heat sink and the second heat sink are stacked together, so that, the heat of the upper memory card and the lower memory card may be dispersed via the first heat sink and the second heat sink. Thus, the stacked small memory card of present invention having high function of disperses heat to promote its durability and lifetime effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Jackson Hsieh, Jichen Wu, Abnet Chen
  • Publication number: 20050077363
    Abstract: An integrated circuit card of the present disclosure is provided, which includes an input/output block for receiving external command data, a central processing unit for performing a task corresponding to the received command data, and a judgment block for judging whether a working time of the central processing unit reaches a reference time, after an input of the external command data is completed, where a control block operates responsive to an output of the judgment block and controls such that procedure data is output via the input/output block without intervention by the central processing unit whenever the working time of the central processing unit reaches the reference time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Kyung-Duck Seo
  • Publication number: 20050077364
    Abstract: The temperature/humidity control system includes a humidifying device having a vibrator to convert water into vapor. The control system also includes, a storage member storing the vapor generated by the vibrator, and at least one mixing member to humidify hydrogen and air supplied to the fuel cell stack with the vapor stored in the storage member. The control system fuel cell includes a preheating device configured to preheat the hydrogen and air humidified by the mixing member, and at least one temperature sensor detecting temperatures of hydrogen and air having passed the preheating device and a temperature of coolant of the fuel cell stack. Finally, the control system includes at least one humidity sensor detecting humidities of hydrogen and air having passed the humidifying devices, and a fuel cell control unit controlling the humidifying device and the preheating device based on signals of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Byoung Hwang
  • Publication number: 20050077365
    Abstract: The invention is directed to temperature control system in which a programmable controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device having a power connector. The programmable temperature control system may include at least one power coupler for removeably engaging the power connector from the temperature-modifying device. The programmable controller may be electrically coupled to the at least one power coupler and programmed to control the operation of the at least one temperature modifying device in response to the comparison of a measured temperature with at least one set point temperature. The power coupler may comprise one or more electrical outlets on the programmable temperature control system, for example, that may be used to individually control heating and cooling devices. The power controller may also include an power coupler for removeably engaging a power supply, such as an electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Michael DeLuca
  • Publication number: 20050077366
    Abstract: A manual reset high temperature limit thermostat is provided. The manual reset lockout feature is provided by a lock rod that is outwardly transitioned upon actuation of the thermostat when the sensed temperature reaches its high level limit. A manual reset reset slide then engages the lock rod to prevent automatic resetting of the thermostat once the sensed temperature decreases below the thermostat set point. Resetting of the thermostat once the temperature has decreased may be accomplished by sliding the switch to disengage the reset slide from the locking rod. The thermostat internal snap action mechanism then retracts the lock rod and resets the thermostat's electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Mark Berns, Tom Buckshaw