Abstract: An automated power actuated gun having a fastener feeding track with guides for holding a fastener assembly having a plate and attached stud in a firing position. The power actuated gun is attached to the fastener feeding track so as to permit relative movement there between. A fastener loading control prevents movement of an adjacent fastener assembly held within the fastener feeding track from moving until the barrel of the power actuated gun is clear. The relative movement between the fastener feeding track and the power actuated gun is utilized to activate a control mechanism to perform various functions on the power actuated gun, such as to advance a charge or to push a trigger firing the power actuated gun. The functioning of the power actuated gun is automated, greatly increasing productivity of a worker and eliminating the need of the worker to tediously load by hand and fire individual fastener assemblies.

Abstract: A hand operated stapling tool, which uses the energy stored in a spring to install staples by an impact blow, is disclosed. A housing body is preferably cast or molded. A hand lever is pivotally attached to the rear of the body, pressing the hand lever stores energy in a power spring through an actuating lever inside the housing body, and further pressing the hand lever releases the stored energy in an impact blow by a driving blade, which expels a staple down the housing body. A bend on the driving blade engages an actuating lever, and such structure make the stapler more compact. A staple feeding track is formed at the bottom of the housing body, and the stored staples are secured by a rear-hinged panel.

Abstract: A heating type accelerator for soldering paste includes an injection part, at least a heat guiding element and at least a heating element. The injection part has a chamber inside and provides an inlet and an outlet at two lateral sides thereof to communicating with the chamber. The heat guiding element has a contact surface touching the outer surface of the injection part intimately. The heating element provides a main member to connect with the heat guiding element and generates heat to transmit heat to the heat guiding element. Further, the heat guiding element transmits heat to the injection part to heat up the soldering paste indirectly and increase fluidity the soldering paste for the soldering paste being squeezed out smoothly via the outlet.

Abstract: A method for gluing and brazing a honeycomb structure includes at least one partially structured foil with a pitch and a wave height. The method includes the steps of choosing a mean brazing material diameter of a powder brazing material, said diameter being 15% smaller than the height of the wave; determining a minimum thickness of the glue strip according to equation; gluing at least partially structured foil within the width of the glue strip on at least part of the wave crests formed by the undulation; brazing the honeycomb structure. The invention also relates to a corresponding honeycomb structure that ensures satisfactory joint connections even when said structure is used in the exhaust systems of automobiles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating multi-component structural members includes brazing a first component of air-hardenable martensitic stainless steel to a second component made of ferrous, stainless or nickel alloy steels. The martensitic stainless steel first component is preferably type 410, 420 or 440 and formed while in the annealed condition. The martensitic stainless steel component is simultaneously brazed and hardened to the second structural component by heating both components to between 950° C. and 1100° C. while depositing a brazing compound between the structural components to form a joint. The structural members are then cooled at a rate of 25° C. per minute or greater so as to transform the air-hardenable martensitic stainless steel to a predominantly martensitic state.

Abstract: A method of bonding a metal ball for a magnetic head assembly is provided. The method comprises: preparing a capillary; disposing the capillary so as to face a bonding surface of the electrode pad of the slider and that of the electrode pad of the flexible printed circuit board; carrying the metal ball to the bonding surfaces by introducing the metal ball and the inactive gas stream into the carrying route of the capillary; positioning and retaining the metal ball on the bonding surfaces by the inactive gas stream passing through the carrying route and issued radially from the cutoff portions; and melting the metal ball by directly applying laser beams via the cutoff portions of the capillary, and bonding the electrode pad of the slider and the electrode pad of the flexible printed circuit board by the melted metal.

Abstract: In order to provide a current fuse with high solderability without containing harmful materials, solder chips containing 30 to 60 percent by weight of zinc, 0.1 to 2 percent by weight of copper, 0.1 to 1 percent by weight of nickel, and the remainder percent by weight being tin, or further containing 0.01 to 0.5 percent by weight of aluminum are inserted into the interior of the electrodes before pressing the electrodes into the ends of the substrate of the fuse, the exterior of the electrodes is heated to melt the solder chips, thereby connecting between the electrodes and the fuse wire.

Abstract: An electrical circuit apparatus (300) that includes; a substrate (330) having a top side, a ground layer (336), at least one thermal aperture (332), and at least one solder aperture (334); a heat sink (310); and an adhesive layer (320) for mechanically coupling the heat sink to the ground layer of the substrate, the adhesive layer having at least one aperture (322) wherein aligning the at least one substrate solder aperture with the at least one adhesive layer aperture enables solder wetting in a predetermined area between the heat sink and the ground layer of the substrate.

Abstract: A file folder includes a reinforced receptacle, a locking mechanism to secure engagement between a cover and a body of the receptacle, a first envelope immovably received in the receptacle and multiple secondary envelopes sequentially correlated to one another and movably received inside the receptacle such that movement of a reinforced board which is securely engaged with a rearmost secondary envelope is able to pull all the secondary envelopes out of the receptacle.

Abstract: A file folder includes a reinforced receptacle, a locking mechanism to secure engagement between a cover and a body of the receptacle, a first envelope movably received in the receptacle and multiple secondary envelopes sequentially correlated to one another and the first envelope, the second envelopes being movably received inside the receptacle such that movement of a reinforcing board which is securely engaged with a rear-most secondary envelope is able to pull all the secondary envelopes out of the receptacle.

Abstract: A clamshell type container formed from a blank that includes upper and lower sections hingedly connected to one another along a common edge. A circular region defined by perforations is formed in the upper section, and is adapted to receive a cup therein. In its intended use, the cup would contain a dipping sauce that is complementary to the food product housed in the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a separable two-piece food-serving apparatus with a quick-fit releasable and re-attachable hinge, comprised of an upper carton lid which is rotatably positionable over a lower carton food-serving tray to form a food-enclosing container. The tray has a bottom wall sized, shaped and having sufficient rigidity to be self-supporting when accommodating the weight, shape and typical bottom area of one or more food-items. The bottom wall has one or more adjoining tray side wall extending upward therefrom in a manner which provides a cantilevering support. Preferably the tray is made of a flexible material which accommodates a plurality of bending or flexing cycles and thereby facilitates the eating of food. The tray has hinge-portion tab(s) which, when brought into engagement with the hinge-portion aperture(s) of the lid provide a quick-fit releasable and re-attachable complete hinge. Exterior surfaces of the separable apparatus optionally display discernible content.

Abstract: A paperboard carton for receiving articles in two or more layers separated by a divider pad is provided. The divider pad is secured relative to an end panel arrangement at one end of the carton. The carton has a top panel, a base panel and a pair of opposite sides. One of the side panels has a removable portion adjacent one end, which, when removed, defines a roll out aperture for article removal when the carton is lying on the end panel arrangement.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for an identity verification switch. According to one embodiment, the method comprises receiving from an inquirer a request to verify an identity of an individual initiating a transaction. The request includes account information for an account subject to the transaction and identity information for the individual initiating the transaction. Based on the request, a verifying financial institution is selected from one or more participating financial institutions. The request is forwarded to the verifying financial institution for verification of the identity information. An answer is received from the verifying financial institution indicating results of verification of the identity information. The answer is returned to the inquirer.

Abstract: A device for recording financial transactions, comprising a control system, a display and a manual input system, the manual input system comprising a plurality of function inputs, a plurality of account selection inputs, a plurality of category selection inputs and a plurality of numerical data inputs.

Abstract: Electronic card tracking systems and methods are described that support electronic scrip programs and transactions. An electronic scrip provider receives transaction data of a transaction between a merchant and a supporter. The transaction data is electronic data of the transaction, and the transaction is a purchase transaction involving use of a card. The merchant is automatically debited by a rebate amount for the transaction. A first portion of the rebate amount debited from the merchant is automatically credited to an organization. A second portion of the rebate amount debited from the merchant is automatically credited to a scrip distributor.

Abstract: An identification confirmation unit is provided which includes a unit for gathering an individual's physical/biometric characteristics and data stored in and on an identification card and a processor for processing information about the characteristics and data to confirm the individual's identity and for verifying that the identification card has not been altered or forged. A method for confirming the identity of an individual is provided. The method comprises the steps of inserting an identification card into an identification confirmation unit, taking an image of at least one side of the inserted identification card, gathering embedded data from the identification card and uploading the gathered data to a processing unit, capturing at least one live image of the individual and uploading the captured image to the processing unit, and confirming the identity of the individual with the processing unit.

Abstract: A secure personal identification document and a system for obfuscating the document in order to prevent the unauthorized use of the document, the document including at least one person identifier arranged to be viewed by another person and the system including the personal identification document and a remote controller. The personal identification document also contains circuitry arranged to respond to an input signal from the remote controller, a signal receiving means, a memory device having at least one stored code, a comparator for comparing the input signal with the code; and an obfuscating means, such that the remote controller is arranged to provide the input signal over the air to the signal receiving means, and such that the comparator is arranged for comparing the input signal to the stored code and for causing the obfuscating means to obfuscate the person identifier if the input signal matches the code.

Abstract: A method for accessing a smart card (SIM) from a host device (TE), the smart card being connected to the host device (TE) via a telecommunications card (MT), the telecommunications card (MT) comprising a command interpreter (TA) for interpreting host device commands and a modem (ME) with associated smart card reader for enabling said telecommunication and user identification, the modem (ME) being only accessible to the host device via the command interpreter (TA), the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an access command (AT+CSIM) on the host device, said access command instructing the command interpreter (TA) to pass on any attached command originating from the host device (TE) to the smart card reader; (b) attaching an application command (APDU) to said access command (AT+CSIM) and forwarding both to the command interpreter (TA); (c) performing said application command (APDU) on the smart card reader; (d) storing a response given by the smart card (SIM) to said application command in a first buffe

Abstract: Payment transactions using a payment infrastructure are efficiently combined with e-merchandise transactions using an e-merchandise infrastructure, while allowing each infrastructure to concentrate on its primary function. An electronic payment device configured according to the payment infrastructure is interrogated by a payment module (also configured according to the payment infrastructure) of a first terminal to obtain financial data. Electronic merchandise-related information is generated by an electronic merchandise module (configured according to the electronic merchandise infrastructure) of the first terminal, and such information is transferred to the electronic payment device within a transaction conducted in accordance with the financial data and the payment infrastructure.

Abstract: A portable consumer device is disclosed. The portable consumer device includes a body and a computer readable medium coupled to the body. The computer readable medium comprises a data string including one or more wildcard values. The data string is specifically associated with the consumer. For example, the data string may represent one or more products that the consumer prefers to use.

Abstract: A device for displaying a bar code to represent a multiple-use consumption ticket in respect of a product or service, the device comprising a terminal (10) comprising communications means (11) adapted to receive a message containing order data in respect of said product or service, and graphical output means (12) adapted to represent said multiple-use consumption ticket in the form of a bar code.

Abstract: A method and a component placement device are provided for adjusting at least one optional setting of a process characteristic of the component placement device, which component placement device has at least one standard setting. The optional setting may be activated by way of an electronic key supplied to the component placement device. The optional setting may be temporarily activated by feeding the electronic key to the component placement device. Further, the standard setting may be reactivated after the expiration of a predetermined period of operation of the electronic key.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for ensuring security for a voting machine. The voting machine can include a display screen upon which numerous election choices are displayed for selection by a voter. A detachable printer can also be provided that is adapted to be securely attached to the voting machine and that prints the choices selected among the election choices to a print medium to generate a printed audit trail. A summary of the election choices visible on the display screen can be simultaneously compared with the printed audit trail by the voter poised in a voting position.

Abstract: A card printer includes a housing having a card outlet and a connecting element for connecting to a connecting element of a dust-proof card receiver. The dust-proof card receiver includes an opening. A vertical distance between the opening and the bottom of the housing is approximately the same as a vertical distance between the card outlet and the bottom of the housing. When cards output from the card outlet of the housing accumulate to the height of the opening and the card printer continues to output printed cards, cards subsequently output from the card printer push an upper card inside the dust-proof card receiver out from the opening of the dust-proof card receiver.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises an electronic document acquisition part that acquires an electronic document of a print target, a code information generation part that generates code information for uniquely identifying a medium on which a document image of the electronic document is printed, a code image generation part that generates a code image for printing from the code information generated by the code information generation part, a document image generation part that generates the document image from the electronic document, a printing part that prints the generated code image and the document image on the medium, and a management part that associates at least one of information obtained in a case of acquiring the electronic document and information obtained in a case of printing the electronic document with the code information and managing the information.

Abstract: Processing unit 8 is programmed to send control signals to all the members 51, 52, 53, 61, 62, 63 of two or more marking stations functioning with different printing technologies. Station 5 for instance functions with a mechanical typography system and station 6 is a laser marking station, the laser beam of which interacts with a light absorbing material applied on the rear side of the sheet 1, without substantially interacting with the front side of sheet 1 and the substrate of sheet 1.

Abstract: A RFID bracelet and a method for manufacturing the same wherein the bracelet is composed of a bottom layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, a radio frequency identification microprocessor attached to the top surface of the bottom layer, an antenna, operably coupled to the radio frequency identification microprocessor and attached to the top surface of the bottom layer, a core layer, positioned above the bottom layer and attached to the bottom layer, the radio frequency identification microprocessor and the antenna and a top layer, positioned above the core layer and attached to the core layer.

Abstract: A unitary plastic case includes a base and a cover that are pivotally coupled together by a hinge. In this manner, the plastic case is capable of being pivoted about the hinge between an open position and an enclosed position. With the plastic case disposed in its enclosed position, the base and cover are sized and shaped to substantially encapsulate a conventional EAS tag. In one embodiment, the plastic case additionally includes a pair of integrally formed mounting straps, each strap being shaped to include a plurality of ratchet teeth. Furthermore, the plastic case is shaped to define a pair of slots, each slot being sized and shaped to receive an associated mounting strap, the plastic case being shaped to sequentially engage the plurality of ratchet teeth on each mounting strap as each mounting strap is fed through its associated slot.

Abstract: Described are methods of making an electronic device including an electronic component, such as an IC chip, connected to conducting traces provided on a substrate by depositing an electrically conductive polymer deposited onto the substrate. The electronic component may be placed on the substrate before or after the electrically conductive polymer is deposited. Once deposited, the electrically conductive polymer is cured. The electrically conductive polymer may be deposited in a number of ways, such as using a mask having a desired pattern and applying the electrically conductive polymer to the mask, by screen printing the electrically conductive polymer or by printing the electrically conductive polymer using ink jet printing techniques.

Abstract: A tape distribution substrate comprises a plurality of distribution lines formed on a base film. In one embodiment, the distribution lines comprise data lines arranged in data line pairs, wherein each data line pair carries a data signal with two different polarities. The distance between the data lines in each data line pair becomes narrower as the data lines extend away from the base film. In another embodiment, the distribution lines comprise power distribution lines, each having a body portion including several holes, and divided into one or more sub-power distribution lines connected to the base film.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a tag includes the steps of applying a first patterned adhesive to the surface of the substrate and applying a first electrically conductive foil to the first patterned adhesive. A portion of the first electrically conductive foil not adhered to the first patterned adhesive is removed and a second patterned adhesive is applied to a portion of a surface area of the tag. A preformed second electrically conductive foil is applied to the second patterned adhesive to adhere the second electrically conductive foil to the surface of the substrate and portions of the first and second electrically conductive foils are electrically coupled to each other to form a tag circuit. A second patterned adhesive can be disposed between the first and second electrically conductive foils.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor outputs a temperature signal corresponding to a detected temperature. An identification unit connected to the temperature sensor generates and outputs an identification signal based on the temperature signal. A plurality of such data storage devices can therefore be identified by their relative position to an interrogator which outputs heat.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: An image preprocessing function for improving a hot code recognition rate. To implement this function, when a hot code pattern is input, by making a dark portion darker and a bright portion brighter so that an edge portion between black and white is more clearly identified, a difference between the hot code pattern and its background is clarified. Accordingly, an improved hot code recognition rate can be obtained.

Abstract: A new method and system for bar code data interchange includes a bar code scanner, such as a high scan rate LED scanner, and reads bar coded information from a video display. This bar coded information is scanned from the video display into a host device. The bar coded information may be sent to a user in a variety of ways, including over the Internet, any intranet, or any type of telephony network. The bar coded information may be viewed by the user on the video display as part of an e-mail message, as displayed on a web-page, or as displayed on television programming. The scanned bar coded information is decoded and may then be used. A first software program may have been used to create the bar coded information, and a second and distinct software application may be used with the now decoded bar coded information.

Abstract: An optical scanning system in which plural scan lines are sequentially scanned, and parameters association with the scanning are monitored. If one or more parameters change during the scanning operation, the system automatically begins rescanning, rather than continuing to scan the entire frame. This results in a system that operates more quickly than prior art systems, which have to waste an entire frame.

Abstract: A reader for optically reading machine-readable symbols such as barcodes. The reader includes at least one light source for producing light and a number of light emitters for emitting the light from the reader according to a desired sequence. The distinct light emitters are coupled with the at least one light source through an illumination network comprising waveguides and optical switches. The emitted light is controlled by a control subsystem, which can include a microprocessor, a buffer, a bus, and a memory. The distinct light emitters are supported in a holder, which is coupled to a housing of the reader. A focusing device directs the light emitted from the distinct light emitters. An optical sensor coupled to the housing receives at least some of the light reflected from the symbol and can operate with the control subsystem to decode the reflected light.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed which enable flexible insertion of forensic watermarks into a digital content signal using a common customization function. The common customization function flexibly employs a range of different marking techniques that are applicable to a wide range of forensic marking schemes. These customization functions are also applicable to pre-processing and post-processing operations that may be necessary for enhancing the security and transparency of the embedded marks, as well as improving the computational efficiency of the marking process. The common customization function supports a well-defined set of operations specific to the task of forensic mark customization that can be carried out with a modest and preferably bounded effort on a wide range of devices. This is accomplished through the use of a generic transformation technique for use as a “customization” step for producing versions of content forensically marked with any of a multiplicity of mark messages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to both systems and methods for product authentication. A system used herein, for example, comprises a population of entities which comprises at least two distinct clusters of entities having detectable counts or relative counts of entities per cluster; a measurement system capable of measuring a signature array of said population of entities; and a means for analyzing said signature array. The methods involve the systems of the invention for authenticating a given product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reagents, and apparatus for authenticating products. Methods of the invention are easy to implement but difficult to replicate, simulate, alter, transpose, or tamper with. In particular, the present invention relates to a product authentication code defined by a signature array of a population of entities, and its use thereof.

Abstract: A combination-type IC card is provided with both of (i) a contact-type interface for reading and writing data via contact-type communication terminals provided in a card, and (ii) a non-contact-type communication interface, which includes a non-contact-type communication parallel resonance circuit, for reading and writing data received, via an antenna coil, data transmitted via radio waves. Further, the combination-type IC card is provided with a contact/non-contact judging circuit for judging whether communication is contact-type communication or non-contact communication, by judging from a difference between (i) a frequency of a clock for contact communication, which is inputted via a clock terminal, which is one of the contact-type communication terminals, and (ii) a frequency of a clock for non-contact communication, which is received via the antenna coil.

Abstract: An IC card is provided into which information can be written without requiring a writer. The IC card (1) includes an IC chip (3), an antenna (4), and a plurality of circuits (5), which are built into a card main body (2), terminals (6, 7) connected to the extremity of each of the circuits (5), and a conductive sticker (8) affixed to the surface of the card main body (2) and providing continuity between the terminals (6, 7). Among a plurality of the conductive stickers (8), by peeling off a particular conductive sticker (8), continuity of the circuit (5) corresponding to the peeled conductive sticker (8) is broken, and since the IC chip (3) transmits a signal corresponding to the continuity/discontinuity states of the plurality of circuits (5) to a reader, information can be written without requiring a special writer by simply peeling off the conductive sticker (8), thus greatly improving the convenience.

Abstract: Noises from an IC card generated during communications by the IC card are removed to exclude adverse effect on the operation of a peripheral apparatus. In an IC card (C1) formed by sandwiching a circuit board (10) formed with an antenna pattern (1A) and an IC chip (2) mounted on the circuit board with a plurality of card constituent sheets, ferrite beads (11a, 11b) for absorbing and removing noises (unnecessary radiation energy) inputting to and outputting from the IC chip (2) are mounted on wiring sections (12a, 12b) interconnecting the antenna pattern (1A) and IC chip (2).

Abstract: A manufacturing process for encapsulation and cutting memory cards, embodying a full-wafer circuit board substrate, whereon is distributed a plurality of sets of a number of chip modules assembled from passive component members, flash memory modules and control chips. A mold is then used to carry out full-wafer compression molding to seal the chip modules and passive component members onto the circuit board substrate, thereby forming a plurality of sets of memory cards having complete electric functionality. Grooves are formed between neighboring memory cards when carrying out the compression molding process, which enable direct chamfering of edges and corners of each of the memory cards after cutting, thereby eliminating the need for further finishing.

Abstract: An improved system and method for automatically indicating the validity of calibration certifications is disclosed. For one example, a self-terminating calibration certification system is disclosed as a label with a first layer including a thermally-activated material with a bar code printed on one side, a heater element on the second side of the first layer, and a second layer of material affixed to the second side. A processing unit, a power unit, and a transmitter/receiver unit are affixed to one side of the second layer, and an adhesive material is affixed to the second side of the second layer. Thus, the label can be affixed semi-permanently to the measurement instrument or item of test equipment involved. When the measurement instrument or item of test equipment is calibrated, the processing unit starts an internal clock that counts down (or up) to the calibration certification due date.

Abstract: The invention provides a memory device (10) operable to receive an input signal and to generate a corresponding data bearing output signal in response, the device including a series of circuit stages (200) operable to be triggered by the input signal at a first stage of the series (stage 1) thereby causing a sequential triggering of stages along the series to a last stage of the series to generate the output signal, the data represented in time durations taken for each stage in the series to trigger a subsequent stage in the series. Sequential triggering of the stages generates a data bearing output signal for output from the device (10). The device (10, 800) can be modified to repetitively output the data in response to the input signal. Moreover, the device (900, 940) can be adapted to provide a delay before repeating the data, thereby coping with contention when several of the devices (900, 940) are operating within range of one another.

Abstract: A mixing valve has a valve housing, a thermostatic valve in the housing having a collar extending outward along an axis from the housing, and a stem axially shiftable in the collar. A sleeve surrounds the collar. A retaining part and interengaging screwthread formations between the part and the housing press the part against the sleeve and collar and thereby secure the collar and the sleeve on the housing against axial and angular displacement relative thereto. A handle is rotatably supported on the sleeve and threaded on the stem.

Abstract: To solve the problem that autorotation prevention devices, which are incorporated into automatic hot and cold water mixing valves so that the temperature adjustment handle will not move from the position of the desired setting temperature due to rotation of the temperature adjustment handle, increase the length of the body in the axial direction and solve the problem that prevents reduction in size of automatic hot and cold water mixing valves, in such a manner that the desired temperature position set by rotating the temperature adjustment handle will be maintained for all setting temperatures.

Abstract: An innovative thermostat having a handicap access mode is described. When the handicap access mode is triggered, the thermostat accepts voice commands to control thermostat settings. This innovative thermostat is a particularly convenient feature for the visually impaired, and individuals with limited mobility. In one exemplary embodiment, the thermostat includes a controller operable in a direct input mode and/or a handicap access mode. When in the direct input mode, the controller receives user commands through mechanical actuation of an adjustment mechanism to adjust a thermostat setting. When in the handicap access mode the controller receives voice commands through a microphone to adjust a thermostat setting.