Abstract: An improved container designed to provide all of the foregoing attributes (including light weight, low cost, ease of use and carrying, and climatic tolerance) while also presenting a virtually impenetrable barrier to animals. One exemplary embodiment comprises a highly resilient, lightweight, one piece polymer (polycarbonate) body or shell having a large-diameter aperture disposed at one end. A threaded, partially flexible lightweight polymer cap element mates with the body; the cap element comprises a tamper-resistant configuration with locking features which prevent rotation of the cap with respect to the body past a certain point. A ridge is formed on the body along the mating region of the cap, the ridge acting to prevent any animal (or human for that matter) from being able to insert anything (e.g., claws) under the cap when installed to pry it off.

Abstract: A stackable case for retaining and transporting bottles includes outer side walls forming an outer shell, a case bottom disposed substantially within the outer shell, and a plurality of supports for supporting the outer surfaces of the bottles. The side walls include a lower wall portion and a plurality of spaced upwardly projecting pylons, where four corner pylons define the four corners of the case. At least one upwardly projecting column is generally disposed within the outer shell, and defines, in combination with the case bottom, the side walls and the end walls, a plurality of bottle retaining pockets. The end walls each include an integrally molded handle structure suspended between an upper portion of adjacent corner pylons to thereby define a generally open end wall area below the handle structure. The handle structure allows the bottle case to be manipulated with either a palm-up or palm-down orientation of the hand.

Abstract: A dual arm caddy to be attached to the spindle of a wall mounted toilet paper holder for carrying disposable wet wipes. The upper portion of each arm is attached by hooking the spindle, and the lower, utility portion is attached to a container inclined from front to rear. A lid is rear-hinged. The hooking means can be a U-shaped slot open in the rear of the arm's upper portion, and inclined upward and elongated to assure the caddy makes wall contact before engaged spindle reaches slot's upper end. Embodiments include caddies suspendable from crossbars such as towel racks to provide consistently horizontal and stable utility platforms throughout a range of crossbar-to-wall distances. The hooking means of the arms can also be rounded to allow them to freely rest on top of the crossbar and the caddy configured to always occupy the space closest to the wall to which the crossbar is attached.

Abstract: A label sheet assembly is provided with bar code information thereon defining the layout of the labels on the backing sheet. A versatile label dispenser apparatus advances the label sheets and deflects them over a peeling bar in one direction to partially separate the labels from the backing sheet; with the advancing action being determined by the bar code information. The label sheet assemblies are then deflected in the opposite direction, and are routed in a substantially flat condition to the output of the dispenser apparatus. The labels are partially dispensed, substantially vertically from the dispenser, and a substantial number of sensors are provided to sense when all of the labels have been removed; and then the dispenser advances the label sheet assembly to partially dispense the next row of labels. The bar code reader may also sense the leading edge of the label sheet assembly to accurately control the incremental advancing of the label sheet assembly.

Abstract: Vending machine product is moved by an “X-Y mechanism” having two stationary electronically controlled drive “motors,” which drive tension elements that position horizontally and vertically sliding components. A separation and selection system uses a “rotator” to release a product from a tray and a “gate” to separate the products into two columns on the tray. A “lever” mechanically links these components. Products move off the tray by a spring powered “slider” on the tray. There is only one “rotator-gate-lever” mechanism per pair of product columns in each display tray. When a “cup” engages the “lever” moving to the right, a product from the left side of the display tray is pushed into the “cup” and vice versa. Adjustable side walls in each tray accommodate different sized packages. The delivery mechanism uses the “cup” for transport. A lower surface of the cup engages a sliding “door” to a balanced delivery “port” for delivery of product from the cup to the port.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing flat items includes a housing having a removable collection pan with a pan bag, a door with display windows, a coin slide mechanism extending through the door and a folder slide mounted on the inside of the door. The folder slide releasably retains either a tower or a shipping/dispensing box for holding a column of the flat items to be dispensed through a slot in the door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A container release assembly is positioned at the end of the vend queue to vend a container upon activation. The container release assembly acts on the first-in-line container to be vended and on the second-in-line container, by retaining the second-in-line container while the first is being released. The container release assembly acts on the containers from two opposite sides of the containers.

Abstract: A pill dispenser for use with a conventional pill bottle includes a hollow housing having an upper end with an internally threaded collar thereon for coupling the housing with the externally threaded neck of a conventional pill bottle. A tubular passageway extends from the upper end of the housing to the lower end. A spring-biased reciprocal plunger extends from a side of the housing that operates a gear actuated dispensing arm that pivots into and out of the passageway. By reciprocating the plunger, a user can individually dispense a pill through the lower end of the housing.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for dispensing a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerizable or cross-linkable adhesive monomer material includes a pipette-shaped applicator, and a synthetic or semi-synthetic adhesive monomer material sealed in the pipette-shaped applicator prior to dispensing the material.

Abstract: A system top deliver liquid egg product in aliquot portions respective to a selected number of eggs, the system being totally contained in a cooled surround.

Abstract: An Integrated Drip Proof Stopper System for wine and other liquid-containing bottles is installed during the manufacture of the bottle. The Integrated drip Proof Stopper System contains a shrink-wrap shell disposed about the throat of the bottle. The shrink-wrap shell has an opening strip that separates a shrink-wrap shell extension from a lower portion of the shrink-wrap shell. When pulled, the strip exposes an absorbent pad that is adhesively bonded to the bottom portion of the shrink-wrap shell. The absorbent pad captures drips that occur when wine or liquid is poured from the bottle, preventing damage to tablecloths or tabletops on which the bottle is placed. The upper portion of the absorbent pad has a plurality of slits and teeth forming a teeth-like structure adapted for expansion by the user to increase drip capture efficiency.

Abstract: A removable safety cap (10) for use with an ink cartridge or other fluid holding container having a nozzle (34) extending from the dispensing end. The safety cap (10) prevents the flow of ink out of the cartridge or, if ink escapes past the dispensing nozzle seal, prevents the flow of ink outside the cap (10). The cap (10) also enables the ink cartridge to be set upright with the dispensing end down without the need for a nest or fixture to help support the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing closure which includes an automatic sealing valve which opens to dispense a fluid product from a squeeze-type container when the container is subjected to an external force, such as squeezing pressure, and which automatically closes when the external force is terminated, and a closure body which securely mounts the automatic sealing valve to the container, wherein the automatic sealing valve and the closure body are designed in a special form not to need a means for retaining the automatic sealing valve to the closure body, so that the possibilities of defect thereof in manufacture and disorder during use can be remarkably reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced by shortening an assembling process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receptacle with a plunger, which is displaceably arranged therein. The plunger comprises a plunger body with a flat face, whereby at least two encircling sealing lips are shaped onto the plunger body. Each sealing lip has slot-shaped notches at at least one location that, as soon as the plunger is inserted into the receptacle, permit a gas exchange between the inside of the receptacle and the outside atmosphere. The invention also relates to the use of the receptacle and of the plunger for storing and discharging, in particular, dental materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire resistant ceramic part which can be embodied in the form of an impact pot or a casting gutter and has the following characteristics:—a base (10);—at least two walls (12, 14) which extend from opposite sections (10l, 10r) of the base (10) such that at least some sectors (12.1, 12.3, 12.4) of the inner surfaces thereof run at an angle >0 and <90 degrees from a plane E—E, perpendicular to the base (10), and at opposite inclinations;—an opening (O) is configured between free ends (12r, 14r) of the walls (12, 14);—the distance (dmin, qmin) between the walls (12, 14) is smaller in at least one sector (11) between the base (10) and the opening (O) than it is in the areas (12u, 14u; 12o, 14o) located adjacent the opening (O) and the base (10).

Abstract: Clothes hanger structure comprising two arms, designed to provide a support for a garment, and a hook provided with a stem fixed at the center line of the hanger. The stem is provided with a portion that can engage to a variable depth in a seat provided at the centre line of the structure, thus permitting at least two fixing positions, one extended and one retracted. This structure permits use of the clothes hanger both during manufacture of the garment and in the domestic environment.

Abstract: An ink container opener has a first portion and a second portion which are approximately perpendicular to each other. Each portion has an opening for receiving an ink container cap. The opening of the first portion comprises a plurality of ridges extending along at least one side of the opening. The first and second portions are formed of a unitary construction and form an L-shaped configuration. Force is applied to the container body to separate the cap from the body as the cap is supported by the opener.

Abstract: A method for cutting the edges of a continuous glass ribbon (10), moving at a speed VR, comprising a longitudinal marking stage which generates a marking line, in particular using a cutting wheel (11), a transverse marking stage, and a subsequent transverse breaking stage. The inventive method also comprises an intermediary stage between the longitudinal marking stage and the transverse marking stage consisting in generating at least one longitudinal fissure (32) through at least a substantial part of the thickness of the continuous glass ribbon, or through the entire thickness of the continuous glass ribbon, on the basis of the marking line (30), and in spreading said longitudinal fissure at a speed VF, which is more or less equal to but in the opposite direction to the speed VR of the moving continuous glass ribbon. The invention also relates to a device designed to carry out said method. The glass plates cut using the inventive method have edges, advantageously, without any major defects.

Abstract: A system for dispensing thermoplastic bags or the like from a roll of bags. The present system is configured for point of use dispensing to a customer, such as in the produce section of a grocery store or market. The preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present system teaches a bag dispensing rack configured to hold a single roll of produce bags, but which is configured to provide an interlocking system for stacking multiple racks of bags one upon the other, each rack holding a single roll of bags, which may be of different configurations or sizes. Each bag pack is dispensed from a roll which includes first and second retaining side walls, a base, and a front opening terminating in a dispensing tongue, which is configured to engage an open slit situated medially relative to a perforated dispenser line juxtaposed each bag forming the bag roll.

Abstract: A setting device (10) drives fastening elements into a receiving material and includes a housing (11) with a piston guide (13) arranged in the housing (11) and with a hollow space (14) in which a setting piston (15) is displaceably mounted. A bolt guide (16) is connected to the piston guide (13) by an interface (17). The setting device further has a piston restoring device (20) with an adjusting member (21) which engages in the piston guide (13) in a work position and is moved out of the piston guide (13) into a release position (24). Further, there is a securing element (30), with the adjusting member (21) being held in the work position (23) in a first position (33) of the securing element (30) and the adjusting member (21) being released to move into the release position (24) in the second position (34) of the securing element (30).

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic head construction, a connection method and a connecting device by which excellent electrical connection can be carried out between a core electrode and a substrate land face on a flexure in a magnetic head employing the piggy back system. In order to attain the object of interest, in the present invention, a fine adjustment actuator is arranged between a core and a flexure; a projection portion which is projected from the fine adjustment actuator when viewed from the flexure is provided in the core; a hole is provided in the position, on the flexure, corresponding to the projection portion; only the core is fixed by a support portion provided through the hole portion and a clamp pin without applying any load to the fine adjustment actuator; and while maintaining this fixing state, an electrode and a substrate land are bonded to each other with a wire.

Abstract: A multilayered stack and method of formation. First and second dielectric layers are formed, respectively including first and second liquid crystal polymer (LCP) dielectric materials, with an electrically conductive plug through the first dielectric layer. A first and second electrical circuitization is formed in direct mechanical contact with a surface of the first and second dielectric layer, respectively, wherein the second electrical circuitization mechanically and electrically contacts an end of the plug, and wherein the plug is fluxlessly soldered to the first electrical circuitization.

Abstract: In a bulk bin having side walls joined to one another at adjacent edges along vertical scores, and bottom flaps joined to bottom edges of the side walls along a flap score, with adjacent flaps separated from one another by a flap slot, a shaped cut is made at the terminal end of the flap slot to redirect stress away from the bottom end of the vertical score and resist initiation of tearing of the vertical score at that point. In one embodiment, the shaped cut is a downwardly open hook shape which terminates in an end pointing laterally away from the vertical score and into the flap. In another embodiment, the shaped cut resembles a modified Greek letter psi (?), with the ends pointing laterally away from the vertical score, and in still another embodiment, the shaped cut is “T” shaped, with the ends of the “T” pointing laterally away from the vertical score.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing security with an optical card. According to one embodiment of the invention, immunization data can be disposed on an optical card and used in an optical card system to establish that a particular individual has been immunized for a particular disease. The immunization data can be stored in a variety of formats and encrypted for verification. Biometric data can be used with the immunization data to establish that the immunization data applies to that particular individual. The optical card memory allows sufficient biometric data to be stored so as to clearly verify the identity of the card holder.

Abstract: A detector (10) for detecting an object (42) in a media item (40), such as a check or banknote is described. The detector (10) comprises first electrically conducting means (14), such as a roller, disposed on one side of a media path (32); second electrically conducting means (16), such as another roller, disposed on an opposing side of the media path (32); insulating means (30a,b) for electrically insulating the first and second conducting means (14,16); and impedance measuring means (38) for measuring the impedance between the first and second electrically conducting means (14,16). By measuring the impedance between the conducting means (14,16) it is possible to determine if an electrically conducting object (42) is being carried by a media item (40).

Abstract: A method is provided of an operator who is other than a check depositing customer handling a fault condition in an image-based check depositing terminal. The method comprises inserting a non-customer identification card into a card reader of the terminal to allow the card reader to read from the card data which is associated with a financial institution, removing a check along a check transport path which extends between a check input slot and an image capture device of the terminal, and inserting the removed check into the check input slot to allow the check to be transported along the check transport path past the image capture device to capture an image of the check so that the image of the check can be electronically transmitted together with the data which is associated with the financial institution. The method may further comprise verifying that the check is transported into a check storage bin after the check has been transported past the image capture device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and dispensing gift cards for an associated merchant. A customer enters a value for the gift card through a customer input pad, and pays for the card by swiping a credit card through a credit card reader. After authorization is received, a card transporter pulls a serialized gift card from a card stock hopper. The card transporter then moves the card to a gift card inspector, which determines whether the serial number of the gift card can be properly read. If not, the bad card is deposited in a bad card bin. If the serial number can be properly read, the card transporter moves the card to a good card dispenser, which dispenses the gift card to the customer.

Abstract: A system for automatically charging fees when predetermined positions are passed, comprising a communication device (4) for dedicated short range communication (DSRC) that is intended for an at least temporarily stationary installation, and at least one mobile communication unit (7) for dedicated short range communication (DSRC); the DSRC communication device (4) provided to be stationarily installed is adapted for transmitting information identifying itself and thus, at least indirectly, its position of installation to the mobile DSRC communication unit (7).

Abstract: A system and method for providing users with visual, English language comprehension, cognitive, or other limitations an intuitive audio interface and navigation method for use in automated systems which generates an official paper record of the session. A particularly useful application of the system is for voting systems whereby users listen to instructions and ballot choices via a telephonic device and use a standard 12-key telephone touchpad to enter selections. The selections made are printed in English and the voter's selection language, and also encapsulated in a two-dimensional identification symbol that is printed on an official paper ballot to be tabulated. Machine, ballot, and anti-fraud information is likewise encoded in the identification symbol for ensuring election integrity and complete accuracy. The barcoded paper ballots are the official ballots that serve as a physical audit trail.

Abstract: A high gain, low signal-to-noise, transimpedance amplifier is prevented from saturation even in the presence of bright sunlight by an offset adjustment circuit utilizing a field effect transistor as a variable resistor.

Abstract: A method of determining an orientation of a respective object having an interface surface with coded data. The coded data includes a plurality of coded data portions provided at respective positions on the interface surface. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the object. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the object identity. The method also includes generating indicating data indicative of one or more of: a position of the sensed coded data portion, a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface, an orientation of the sensed coded data, or an orientation of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. Furthermore, the indicating data is transferred to a computer system being responsive to the indicating data to determine the orientation of the object.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device comprises: an ir-based object presence and range detection subsystem; a multi-mode area-type image formation and detection subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; a multi-mode image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; a system mode configuration parameter table; and a system control subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems.

Abstract: A device for optical scanning of markings, such as barcodes, has at least two transmitters (10, 20) that send light beams (12, 22) at different angles toward a rotating polygonal mirror (30), which deflects the light beams onto the markings being scanned. The light reflected by the markings is deflected by the polygonal mirrors (30) to separate receiver systems, so that the device has and simultaneously uses at least two separate transmitter/receiver channels.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner and pattern mirrors arranged to produce sets of scan lines. The spinner is operable at two, substantially constant, non-zero spin speeds.

Abstract: A compact display assembly includes a flexible display screen such as a passive LCD screen or an OLED display screen. Printed circuit boards including driving circuitry for the display screen are mounted at its rear in a configuration defining a longitudinal region of the screen about which it may be folded or curved over on itself to a compact configuration. The assembly may be included in electronic computational devices such as laptop computers, electronic books and the like.

Abstract: A scanning device for scanning coded data indicative of a plurality of locations disposed on a surface is provided. The device generates interaction data based on the sensed coded data. The scanning device comprises a laser source for exposing a coded data portion, a photodetector, an analog to digital converter, a framestore, an image processor and a host processor.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit having a reverse engineering protection part that can be easily implemented without additional circuitry or process using a method for protecting against reverse engineering of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a logic gate and a reverse engineering protection part. The reverse engineering protection part alters the apparent Boolean functions of a logic gate. Further, the reverse engineering protection part includes at least one PMOS transistor and at least one NMOS transistor. The PMOS and NMOS transistors are constructed to remain in a state of constant on or off irrespective of an input signal applied to their gates. The PMOS transistors and the NMOS transistors are included in transistors forming the logic gate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an article (1) comprising a sheet (2) and at least one element (4) having a certain thickness, comprising the following steps: providing a sheet (2) with at least one cavity (3) open on one side; placing said element in this cavity (3) by applying, to said side, a structure (5) comprising at least one layer carrying the element, said structure being positioned with respect to the sheet (2) so that the element (4) is at least partly housed in the cavity (3).

Abstract: A secure card adapter provides for writing of highly secure, single transaction information on a machine-readable medium of a card structure in accordance with a format that may be downloaded from an external data source. The card structure may be, for example, an existing access authorization card or an existing credit card containing account-specific information which can be read and stored in memory of the secure card adapter. Once such account-specific information is read from an existing access authorization or credit card, secure transaction information can be written, together with the account specific information in accordance with the downloaded format information on another card structure to provide a universal access authorization and/or credit card. Thus the secure card adapter provides an enhanced degree of security through an existing or transitional communication infrastructure.

Abstract: A near field communication device included in a secure transaction card provides an addition and/or transitional communication link for communicating secure transaction information. The near field communication device may be selectively engaged or disengaged and, when engaged, either active or passive modes of operation of the near field communication device can be selected. in the active mode, secure transaction information is transmitted upon establishment of a communication link with a complementary near field communication device. In the passive mode, secure transaction information is transmitted upon interrogation from a complementary near field communication device. Secure transaction information is generated and stored for transmission in a memory and at least a portion of the memory is erased or nulled upon transmission or upon expiration of a selected period of time.

Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. The interactions between a temperature sensor and a temperature well integrated in the removable basin are disclosed. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device are provided.

Abstract: The use of a turbulent contactor to absorb a selected gas component from a gas stream. The invention particularly applies to a method of distributing a liquid into a gas stream which comprises providing a liquid to an annulus at the periphery of a pipe in which a gas stream is flowing, the gas flow drawing the liquid into a film along the inner surface of the pipe to a sharp edge at the end of the pipe at which point the liquid breaks off the surface of the pipe and mixes intimately with the gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing electrically charged particles of a coating material. A source provides the coating material to a coating material dispenser. An electrical supply supplies electrical charge. A first electrode provides charge to the coating material as it is dispensed. At least one second electrode is provided at a location removed from the first electrode. Both the first electrode and the at least one second electrode are coupled to the supply of electrical charge.

Abstract: An irrigation system for supplying aerated water to plants includes a diffuser. Oxygen is diffused into water by the diffuser to generate aerated water. The aerated water is supplied to an irrigation device which supplies the aerated water to the plants.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for delivering fluid to the backside of a substrate while minimizing waste is provided. The device includes an inner cylindrical tube having a top opening and a bottom opening. An upper cap overlying a top portion of the inner cylindrical tube is included. The upper cap is moveably disposed over the inner cylindrical tube. The upper cap includes a top with at least one hole defined therein. The top includes a sidewall extending therefrom. A system and a method for reducing an amount of a cleaning chemistry applied to a backside of a wafer during a cleaning operation are also provided.

Abstract: An injection nozzle is proposed in which the nozzle needle has an annular groove in the vicinity of the transition between the blind hole and the nozzle needle seat. In seat hole injection nozzles, the annular groove is disposed in the vicinity of the injection orifice(s). The annular groove reduces the tolerance of the flow resistance of the injection nozzle with a partial stroke of the nozzle needle and thus permits a more precise measurement of the fuel quantity injected.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a body, filter, and damper member. The body extends along a longitudinal axis between an inlet end and an outlet end and has a wall defining a flow passage extending therebetween. The filter is disposed in the flow passage proximate the inlet end. The damper member is secured to the flow passage between the inlet end and the filter. The damper member has outer and inner surfaces surrounding the longitudinal axis, the outer surface being contiguous to the wall of the flow passage to define at least one circumferential band about the longitudinal axis in the flow passage. The inner surface defines an aperture that extends through the damper member to permit fluid communication between the inlet end and the filter. A damper member is also shown and described. A method of reducing sound in the valve group subassembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multiple injection holes are formed in an injection hole plate. Each injection hole penetrates the injection hole plate. The injection hole is formed with an inlet side opening and an outlet side opening. The outlet side opening is formed in the shape of a flattened rectangle having a major axis and a minor axis. Therefore, the fuel flowing into the injection hole through the inlet side opening is injected in the shape of a film from the outlet side opening. Thus, liquid film splitting is promoted, so atomization of the fuel is promoted. Since the multiple injection holes are formed in the injection hole plate, the shape of a great fuel spray, which is formed by combining fuel sprays injected from the respective injection holes, can be adjusted easily.