Patents Issued in January 4, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070000951
    Abstract: A dispensing cartridge with a vented piston is disclosed. The piston includes a piston shell and a bleed plug. The arrangement of the piston shell and the bleed plug allows air to be vented through the piston until all of the air is vented out of the dispensing cartridge. With the air vented out of the dispensing cartridge, the piston self-into actuates into a closed sealed position in which the bleed plug forms a seal with the piston shell to prevent further fluid from flowing between the two elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Springhom
  • Publication number: 20070000952
    Abstract: A whipped cream dispenser arrangement comprising a portable, hand-held whipped cream dispenser-canister for holding a quantity of cream to be dispensed as whipped cream. The dispenser has a male fitting on the canister with a central bore there-through. The bore encloses a cartridge piercing pin therein, as part of its prior art use. A replacement adapter cap is arranged in fluid communication with a spaced-apart tank of pressurized gas, and the dispenser has a nozzle having a valve therewith for dispensing whipped cream when pressurized gas is introduced through the adapter cap from a large, spaced-apart pressurized gas tank, and into the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Frederick Gruenewald, Thomas Muldcon
  • Publication number: 20070000953
    Abstract: A metering and dispensing device for free flowing materials includes a volume body having first and second ends, and a volumetric channel extending therethrough. The second end of the volume body is adapted for attachment to the opening of a container holding the free flowing material. The device further includes a measuring partition operatively associated with the second end of the volume body. The measuring partition includes a barrier lip portion extending therefrom into the volumetric channel, and a measuring opening selectively movable from a closed position to an open position relative to the volumetric channel, wherein the selective movement of the measuring opening simultaneously causes the barrier lip portion to vary the volume of the volumetric channel relative to the measuring opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Fredrik Ranney
  • Publication number: 20070000954
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a container, a rotatable dispensing structure or spout assembly and a locking structure or cap. The spout assembly is rotatable between a closed position and an open dispensing position and the locking cap is slideable between a spout assembly restraining position and a release position. The container includes a pair of side grooves, a pair of side ledges and a lateral groove. The locking cap includes a pair of runners for engaging the container side grooves, a pair of rails for engaging the container side ledges and a lateral flange for engaging the container lateral groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheila Hill
  • Publication number: 20070000955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper for application to a container of the type with a base, an emptying duct, a lid, mounted on the base to pivot between an open and a closed position, a hinge with elastic return which holds the lid in the open position thereof and locking means, for locking the lid on the base. The stopper comprises positive unlocking means for the lid from the base, which are manually operated to provide a force to disengage the holding means. The base is a unitary construction and made from plastic material, the lid is made from the same plastic material and the leaf of the hinge is in an elastomeric plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Betrand Barre, Gilbert Xavier, Lepage Francis
  • Publication number: 20070000956
    Abstract: A skid-proof garment hanger comprising a main body and two skid-proof members; wherein the main body has a middle portion and a pair of shoulders, the shoulders are formed to extend from the middle portion to two lateral ends; the upper surface of each shoulder is provided with a receiving space which has on its one end an engaging slot; one end of each skid-proof member can be engaged in a corresponding engaging slot, while the other end is received in the corresponding one of the receiving spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond Wu
  • Publication number: 20070000957
    Abstract: An information marker holder system includes a web and an information marker holder for receiving an information marker over the holder. A gap substantially spaces the web from the information marker. The system further includes a protrusion on the information marker holder for preventing removal of the information marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Ellen Stein, Joseph Pluchino, Tom Chung
  • Publication number: 20070000958
    Abstract: A securing arrangement for a portable electronic device comprises a wrist receiving loop a first end of which is permanently coupled to a first location on the device and an anchoring member coupled to a second end of the wrist receiving loop in combination with a coupling member including a first anchoring loop coupled to the device at a second location separated from the first location, the first anchoring loop and the wrist receiving loop being sized so that the anchoring loop may be passed over the anchoring member to releasably couple the securing arrangement in a first configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jaeho Choi, Brett Christie, Ian Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20070000959
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable writing panel system for a vehicle, the system including a writing panel and a support leg wherein the support leg upper edge is hingedly attached to the writing panel. The expandable writing panel system also includes writing panel guide tracks and support leg guide tracks adjacent to the writing panel guide tracks. When in an unextended state, the writing panel fits within the console body and is configured adjacent to the support leg and both are generally vertical and, in an extended state, the writing panel guide tracks divert the lower edge of the writing panel away from the lower edge of the support leg and the writing panel into an angled orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Perin
  • Publication number: 20070000960
    Abstract: A front carrier includes an outer frame pipe surrounding the periphery, and a cross pipe and a back-and-forth member which are provided inside the outer frame pipe. A front side portion of the outer frame pipe is lowered at a one-step to form a stepped bottom portion. The back-and-forth member is disposed to extend obliquely downwardly from the cross pipe toward the stepped bottom portion. In addition, the widthwise inside portion of the rear side portion is bent to be forward to form an end side portion, which is joined to the cross pipe to be flush with the back-and-forth member. Thus, a cargo support surface formed by the cross pipe, the back-and-forth member and the end side portion is surrounded by an outer frame portion higher at a one-step than the cargo support. Part of the outer frame portion is allowed to serve as a cargo stopper for the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Seiji Hanafusa, Yuji Maki, Masahiro Inoue
  • Publication number: 20070000961
    Abstract: A water bottle carrier for bicycles is fixed onto a frame of a bicycle by an axial base, and the axial base axially contains a handle of the water bottle. A transversal second connecting section is disposed at the bottom of the handle, and a first, a second and a third hole passages are interconnected to the axial wall of the axial base. The handle is turned clockwise to drive the second connecting section to turn from the first hole passage into the third hole passage through the second hole passage and fix the water bottle into the axial base. On the other hand, the handle is turned counterclockwise to turn the second connecting section form the third hole passage to the first hole passage to take out the water bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Chang Ching Chung
  • Publication number: 20070000962
    Abstract: A rack for securing wheeled vehicles, particularly bicycles, includes wheel-receiving wells for receiving the front wheel of the vehicle and contacting the wheel at least at two points. A wheel-engaging arm, pivotally mounted to the rack, is pivoted upwardly and is extensible outwardly against a biasing element. The arm is adapted to engage the wheel of the bicycle at least at a third point for securely holding the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Reeves
  • Publication number: 20070000963
    Abstract: Article-carrying straps and sashes are improved by providing an interlocking buckle structure that is ornamentally decorative. In preferred embodiments the buckle structure includes a plate and receiving aperture which are in the form of a regular geometric shape such as a circle, oval, square, rectangular, or star shape. Irregular plates and apertures may alternatively be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Ammerman
  • Publication number: 20070000964
    Abstract: An accessory for detachably connecting a web-belt to a backpack comprises a unitary element including a base panel joined respectively at first and second fold lines to bottom and top panels, with the top panel in turn being joined at a third fold line to a flap, and with all fold lines being parallel. The base panel has a back surface adapted to be secured to the backpack, and a front surface configured and dimensioned to lie along a back side of the web-belt. The bottom panel is foldable at the first fold line to a position overlying a front surface of the web-belt, the top panel is foldable at the second fold line to overlie the thus folded bottom panel, and the flap is foldable at the third fold line to underlie a rear surface of the base panel. The thus folded flap is detachably secured to the rear surface of the base panel by a Velcro-type fastener or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Howell
  • Publication number: 20070000965
    Abstract: A weapons case for carrying a concealed weapon. The weapons case includes a closure flap, one or more access panels, an ammunition holder, and a weapon stabilizer. Each access panel includes a first sub-panel, a second sub-panel, and a sub-panel fastener configured to selectively connect to each of the sub-panels and further configured to transition between an open position and a closed position. When the sub-panel fastener is in the open position, the contents of the weapons case are accessible and visible. When the sub-panel fastener is in the closed position, the contents of the weapons case are inaccessible and not visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: James Cannon
  • Publication number: 20070000966
    Abstract: A sheet discharging device that includes: a discharge roller that discharges a transported sheet to outside the sheet discharging device, the discharge roller being integrally formed with a flexible rotating shaft; first and second bearing members that rotatably hold one end side and another end side of the rotating shaft, respectively; a nipping member that nips the transported sheet in cooperation with the discharge roller, the nipping member being opposed to a peripheral surface of the discharge roller; and an abutment member abutting against one of the rotating shaft and the nipping member between the first bearing member and the second bearing member to curve the rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Shusaku Tsusaka, Yoshikatsu Kameyama, Junki Ueyama
  • Publication number: 20070000967
    Abstract: A solder composition includes a reflow-wetting element that is an intermetallic both pre-reflow and post-reflow. The intermetallic releases the reflow-wetting element upon heating. The solder composition includes the intermetallic first phase in a bulk-solder second phase. A method of assembling a microelectronic package includes the intermetallic in a solder. A computing system also includes the intermetallic first phase in the bulk-solder second phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Daewoong Suh
  • Publication number: 20070000968
    Abstract: A welding method for manufacturing welded structures having excellent properties to prevent the propagation of brittle fracture occurring in welded joints, characterized by the step of forming a repair weld having a greater toughness than that of a butt weld and an outer edge whose angle ? with respect to the longitudinal direction of the butt weld is not less than 10 degrees and not more than 60 degrees, by applying repair welding to a region to arrest a brittle crack in a butt-welded joint where a brittle crack is likely to propagate after removing part of the butt-welded joint, in said region, by gouging or machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Tadashi Ishikawa, Takehiro Inoue, Hiroshi Shimanuki, Tadashi Koseki
  • Publication number: 20070000969
    Abstract: A brazed aluminum alloy structure is formed that includes a first component formed of an aluminum alloy sheet, a second metal sheet component formed of an aluminum alloy and a braze fillet metallurgically bonding a faying surface of the first component to a faying surface of the second component. The braze fillet is composed of a hypoeutectic aluminum silicon alloy comprising between 0.005 and 0.045 weight percent strontium. The strontium addition produces a microstructure characterized by coral-like silicon particles that improve corrosion resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Kurt Mittlefehldt, Mingguang Zhu
  • Publication number: 20070000970
    Abstract: For electrically connecting a wiring formed on one surface of an insulating substrate such as an FPC to an individual electrode arranged facing the other surface of the substrate, firstly, a through hole and a notch are formed by irradiating a laser beam from above onto the FPC. Next, the FPC is arranged to be positioned such that the individual electrode, the through hole and the notch are overlapped in a plan view. Next, an electroconductive liquid droplet having a diameter greater than a width of the notch is jetted, toward an area formed with the notch, from the one surface side of the FPC. The landed electroconductive liquid droplet flows along the notch in a thickness direction of the substrate due to an action of a capillary force and reaches assuredly to the individual electrode, thereby electrically connecting the wiring and electrode arranged sandwiching the insulating substrate assuredly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Sugahara
  • Publication number: 20070000971
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes first and second transistors NTr1 and PTr1 push-pull connected between first and second power supply lines and outputting a voltage of one of the first and second power supply lines to a connection node ND by a charge-pump operation, and a pad PD electrically connected with the connection node ND and electrically connected with a flying capacitor, to which a given voltage is applied at one end, at the other end of the flying capacitor. The pad PD is disposed in an upper layer of at least one of the first and second transistors NTr1 and PTr1 so that the pad PD overlaps part or the entirety of at least one of the first and second transistors NTr1 and PTr1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Kumagai, Hisanobu Ishiyama, Kazuhiro Maekawa, Satoru Ito, Takashi Fujise, Junichi Karasawa, Satoru Kodaira, Takayuki Saiki, Hiroyuki Takamiya
  • Publication number: 20070000972
    Abstract: A friction stir welding device for welding an article by means of a welding tool, includes: a tool holding section configured to hold the welding tool and rotate round a predetermined reference axial line; rotation driving unit configured to drive the tool holding section to rotate round the reference axial line; movement driving unit configured to drive the tool holding section to move along the reference axial line; and a car body loaded with the tool holding section, the rotation driving unit and the movement driving unit, the car body being configured to travel above or below the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicants: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA KAWASAKI ZOSEN
    Inventors: Shinji Koga, Masayuki Inuzuka, Hidehito Nishida, Yasuo Otsuki, Katsumi Nakashima, Goro Nishiyama, Kentaro Yamazaki, Kouichi Ohta
  • Publication number: 20070000973
    Abstract: A unique tubular work piece is disclosed along with a novel method and apparatus for manufacturing tubular work pieces from sheet metal stock lighter and stronger structures with less waste and less cost than prior methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: MIDDLEVILLE TOOL & DIE CO., INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Johnson, Robert Middleton, Robert Middleton, Robert Leedy, John Nobel
  • Publication number: 20070000974
    Abstract: When the driving printed wires from the drive IC are passed between the terminal lands and connected to respective terminal lands, and the printed wires of a number greater than the number of printed wires that can be passed between the terminal lands are required, the driving printed wires from the drive IC are led on the outer side of the columns of the plurality of terminal lands and connected to respective terminal lands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kubo
  • Publication number: 20070000975
    Abstract: A self-contained, or externally actuated, hydraulic log splitter which includes a frame on which is slidably mounted an assembly of a specially designed push plate secured at one end to a reversible hydraulic cylinder and at the other to a splitting table carrying logs which is pushed against a straight blade to split the logs. A plurality of lines of discrete nubs are integrally a part of the push plate along a majority of its entire height and positioned substantially parallel to the straight blade and spaced away from the edge of the push plate. These nubs to provide specialized and improved gripping of log segments as they are split thereby minimizing the tendency of the split log segments to fly away from the splitter. An electric or gas engine driving an hydraulic pump or the hydraulic system of a tractor is connected to drive the reversible hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony Paradise
  • Publication number: 20070000976
    Abstract: Embodiments include electronic assemblies and methods for forming electronic assemblies. One embodiment includes a method of forming a MEMS device assembly, including forming an active MEMS region on a substrate. A plurality of bonding pads electrically coupled to the active MEMS region are formed. A seal ring wetting layer is also formed on the substrate, the seal ring wetting layer surrounding the active MEMS region. A single piece solder preform is positioned on the bonding pads and on the seal ring wetting layer, the single piece solder preform including a seal ring region and a bonding pad region. The seal ring region is connected to the bonding pad region by a plurality of solder bridges. The method also includes heating the single piece solder preform to a temperature above the reflow temperature, so that the bridges split and the solder from the preform accumulates on the seal ring wetting layer and the bonding pads. A lid is coupled to the solder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Leonel Arana, John Heck
  • Publication number: 20070000977
    Abstract: A mailer provides a new way of securing the delivery of letters, packages, parcels, and/or other items of mail through the U.S. Postal Service. The mailer includes a container and a spacer attached to an inner surface of the container. The container is designed to hold items of mail having an aggregate thickness less than a minimum thickness required to qualify as a First Class Mail parcel. The spacer has a predetermined thickness which causes the first and second sheets of the container to expand to a thickness which equals or exceeds the minimum thickness required to qualify as a First Class Mail parcel. The mailer therefore allows otherwise unqualified mail items to be sent as First Class or special services mail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Charles Crutchfield
  • Publication number: 20070000978
    Abstract: An intermediate for a postcard mailer is disclosed. An example intermediate includes a quadrate sheet of paper having parallel top and bottom edges, parallel first and second side edges perpendicular to the top edge and first and second faces. The intermediate also includes at least first, second and third fold lines parallel to said top and bottom edges dividing said sheet into at least first, second, third, and fourth panels, said first and fourth panels being substantially the same size and said second and third panels being substantially the same size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Darvin Bethke
  • Publication number: 20070000979
    Abstract: A triangular ice cream carton having indicia for serving proportional slices of ice cream. The ice cream container includes a repositionable triangular insert to protect the sliced end of ice cream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Duane West
  • Publication number: 20070000980
    Abstract: A carton has side panels extending upwardly from respective edges of the carton's bottom. Upright edges of the side panels are respectively connected to one another to define upright corners of the carton. At least a first opening to the carton's interior extends across a first of the upright corners. At least one partition has opposite ends that are respectively pivotably connected to the side panels that define the first upright corner, so that the partition can be pivoted between a deployed configuration and an undeployed configuration. The partition at least partially closes the first opening in the undeployed configuration. The partition extends into the carton's interior and at least partially around a compartment during the deployed configuration, whereby the partition at least partially defines the compartment during the deployed configuration. At least a second opening extends through the partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Oliveira
  • Publication number: 20070000981
    Abstract: The invention provides a foamed-elastomer collapsible box divider for dividing a box into at least six cushioned compartments when extended, and when collapsed having the form of an elongated component stepped on four edges as viewed from a side. The steps being formed by two face-to-face central elongated leaves, in combination with a short top and a short bottom leaf, and at least a first and a second leaf of intermediate length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: David Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20070000982
    Abstract: A carton comprises a divider panel that connects a front panel of the carton to a back panel. The lower edge of the divider panel is offset from the bottom panel, and therefore is less likely to buckle or bend when the carton is subjected to axial compression. The divider panel therefore provides greater axial stiffness and strength to the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: James Fogle
  • Publication number: 20070000983
    Abstract: An insulating container to replace expanded polystyrene includes a freestanding, cellulose-based substrate encapsulated with a polymeric film. The encapsulated cellulose-based substrate may be provided with an insulating value to match that of expanded polystyrene. Additionally, the encapsulated cellulose-based substrate may be recycled in the OCC recycle stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Spurrell, Michael Smith
  • Publication number: 20070000984
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes top panel assemblies that form additional bearing surfaces. The blank is configured to form a container that includes corners having multiple thicknesses. However, despite the multiple thickness of the corner assemblies, the panels are only adhered in one location per corner. The single adhesion/corner arrangement provides a multi-wall corner arrangement that is strong, yet has flexible applications. The single adhesive/corner adds vertical stacking strength and lateral stability between the panels. The unique approach of only adhering at one place per corner is a space and cost saving improvement that maintains a container integrity and usefulness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jack McClure
  • Publication number: 20070000985
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes top panel assemblies that form additional bearing surfaces. The blank is configured to form a container that includes corners having multiple thicknesses. However, despite the multiple thickness of the corner assemblies, the panels are only adhered in one location per corner. The single adhesion/corner arrangement provides a multi-wall corner arrangement that is strong, yet has flexible applications. The single adhesive/corner adds vertical stacking strength and lateral stability between the panels. The unique approach of only adhering at one place per corner is a space and cost saving improvement that maintains a container integrity and usefulness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jack McClure
  • Publication number: 20070000986
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes top panel assemblies that form additional bearing surfaces. The blank is configured to form a container that includes corners having multiple thicknesses. However, despite the multiple thickness of the corner assemblies, the panels are only adhered in one location per corner. The single adhesion/corner arrangement provides a multi-wall corner arrangement that is strong, yet has flexible applications. The single adhesive/corner adds vertical stacking strength and lateral stability between the panels. The unique approach of only adhering at one place per corner is a space and cost saving improvement that maintains a container integrity and usefulness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jack McClure
  • Publication number: 20070000987
    Abstract: An absorbent product (32) and a method of making the absorbent product. The absorbent product has at least one side panel (2, 35) having a first panel section (9) configured with a first tab (16) and a second panel section (10) configured with a second tab (23), wherein the first tab (16) overlaps and is fastened by a fastener (6), such that it can be opened and resealed, to an outer side (30) present on the second panel section (10), wherein the second tab (23) overlaps and is fastened by a fastener, such that it can be opened and resealed, to an outer side (31) present on the first panel section (9), and wherein the outer side (31) of the first panel section (9) faces the same way as the outer side (30) of the second panel section (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Birgitta Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20070000988
    Abstract: An improved coin box assembly is provided for a coin operated laundry appliance. The assembly includes a mounting bracket mounted in the cabinet of the appliance, a vault mounted within the mounting bracket, and a coin box mounted within the vault. The mounting bracket and vault provide double-wall protection for the coin box so as to inhibit prying. The assembly further includes external and internal plates sandwiching the front wall of the coin box to prevent cutting of the front wall of the coin box. A freely-spinning washer is mounted between the front plate and the front wall of the coin box to preclude a hole saw from cutting out the lock cylinder of the coin box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Maytang Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Selover
  • Publication number: 20070000989
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sorting and tracking mail items that are sent via a mail system. Such systems improve the efficiency and accuracy of mail systems by utilizing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate sorting instructions to a sorting operator. In one embodiment, a radio frequency reader device or tag can be associated with each container used to hold a plurality of mail items destined for a common delivery location. By reading information stored on RFID tags associated with mail items to be sorted, the radio frequency reader devices can be configured to automatically alert a sorting operator as to whether a mail item belongs in a selected container. The reader devices can also maintain a record of what mail items have been placed in each such container. This information can be stored in association with tracking information that is generated during the transport of the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nagesh Kadaba
  • Publication number: 20070000990
    Abstract: A disclosed method comprises scanning a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag on a package to generate scanned data, and generating a handling instruction for the package based on the scanned data. The handling instruction can be executed to route the package to a tip position within a hub facility for directing the package to the next location along its route, and/or to pre-load the package in a vehicle for delivery to the package's final destination. Related systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Baldassari, Duane Anderson, Robert Peters
  • Publication number: 20070000991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for configuration management in an article of manufacture disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for documenting a configuration of an article of manufacture includes an identifier positioned on the article of manufacture. A local positioning system is used to determine a positional location of the identifier on the article of manufacture. A multifunction apparatus configured to interactively communicate with the identifier and the local positioning system is present that is operable to communicate configuration information to the identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc Matsen, Brian Ramberg, Gloria Nickson, David Blackwell, Mahesh Seetharamu, Rajesh Doda, Everett Westerman, Karl Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070000992
    Abstract: Disclosed is time keeping system for an employer. The system includes one or more time-keeping network appliances. Each of these appliances includes a small web server. The system also includes some form of employee interface which enables the employee to submit, and the time keeper to receive, identification information regarding the employee. One embodiment uses at least one of a card reader, punch key pad, bar code reader, or proximity badge reader. These devices are used to clock employees in and out. The system also optionally includes an audio-output device to give the employee audio feedback during clock in and an LCD to give the employee visual feed back. If a second network device is included in the system, it is automatically set up as a client of the original time keeper introduced into the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: David Ginskey, Robert Barger, M. Chastain
  • Publication number: 20070000993
    Abstract: An ATM can accept a bulk stack of currency notes for deposit from a customer. The ATM includes a stack transporter (400) that can rotate an accepted stack while relocating it to a predetermined location inside of the machine. The stack transporter includes a rotatable housing (406) in which a stack holder (404) is movable. The stack holder can receive a currency stack (411) deposited in a fascia opening (412) by a customer. The stack holder is retracted to move the stack away from the opening and into the housing to completely move the stack into the machine. The housing, having the bulk stack therein, is then rotated to move the stack away from the opening and toward a stack processing area in the machine. The stack holder is then extended to expose a stack end out of the housing for stack processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: H. Graef, Natarajan Ramachandran, Pedro Tula
  • Publication number: 20070000994
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assisting a check-cashing entity to efficiently and accurately locate relevant positive pay information or other reconcilement information regarding a check or other negotiable instrument that has been presented in association with a request to cash, deposit, use as payment or other otherwise accept the check or negotiable instrument. In various embodiments, when a plurality of potentially useful reconcilement information sources are selected for querying in association with a proposed check-cashing transaction from amongst a set of available reconcilement information sources, factors relating to the transaction, factors relating to characteristics of the information sources, and factors relating to preferences on the part of the check-cashing entity may be considered in order to select and prioritize the querying of information sources that are deemed likely to hold desired reconcilement information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Leslie Michelassi, Lisa Tidwell, Randy Templeton, Sharat Shankar
  • Publication number: 20070000995
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing uniqueness in type definition names. Each application vendor has associated therewith a unique data sequence. The data sequence is combined with the type definition name and then a digital operation is performed to produce a unique digital identifier that is used in place of the type name.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Kapil Sachdeva, Sylvain Prevost
  • Publication number: 20070000996
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for providing a consumer with a rebate on purchases, which are made, for example, at a merchant. The rebate may be in a variety of forms. According to one aspect the rebate may be a reduction in the purchase price associated with a transaction. According to another aspect the rebate may be in the form of cash or an item having value being delivered to the consumer. The rebate may be provided at the Point of Sale. The rebate may be determined by a number of different criteria including purchase price, transaction frequency, predetermined time intervals, consumer loyalty, Point of Sale location, or any combination of these and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Lambert, Alice Wheeler, Charles Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20070000997
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for providing a consumer with a rebate on purchases, which are made, for example, at a merchant. The rebate may be in a variety of forms. According to one aspect the rebate may be a reduction in the purchase price associated with a transaction. According to another aspect the rebate may be in the form of cash or an item having value being delivered to the consumer. The rebate may be provided at the Point of Sale. The rebate may be determined by a number of different criteria including purchase price, transaction frequency, predetermined time intervals, consumer loyalty, Point of Sale location, or any combination of these and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Lambert, Alice Wheeler, Charles Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20070000998
    Abstract: A display-enabled electronic system. The display-card electronic comprises an external device and card-type device receiving the external device. The external device provides a data signal. The card-type device comprises a card body, at least one image display unit, and an interface. The card body comprises a display surface and a receiving portion. The image display unit disposed in the display surface displays corresponding images in response to the data signal. The interface disposed in the receiving portion, electrically connects to the external device to transmit the data signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang Lu, Jau-Min Ding, Yan-Rung Lin, Yi-An Sha, Chi-Chang Liao
  • Publication number: 20070000999
    Abstract: A transaction authorization system comprises an authorization engine (18) configured to perform an analysis in relation to a received request for authorization of a current electronic payment transaction and generate an authorization output based on the analysis, and a database (22) storing a plurality of transaction records for past electronic payment transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Kubo, Norbert Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20070001000
    Abstract: A system for facilitating image management for portable devices is disclosed. The system includes a host configured to maintain information relating to a first portable device and a second portable device and an interface device configured to communicate with the host and the first and second portable devices. The interface device includes control logic configured to: determine whether the first portable device is valid for image synchronization using information provided by the host; and if it is determined that the first portable device is valid for image synchronization, record an image of the first portable device, determine whether the second portable device is valid for image synchronization, and download an image of the first portable device to the second portable device if it is determined that the second portable device is valid for image synchronization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Visa U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Loc Nguyen, Bryan Shimko, Liane Redford, James Gordon, Kim Madore, Marc Black, James Mazour, Michael Salters, Glenda Berg