Abstract: A backpack includes a backpack body comprising first and second panels cooperating to substantially form a first compartment therebetween; an expandable compartment configured for housing an object, the expandable compartment including first and second areas cooperating with each other; the first area being connected to the backpack body, the first area having two end portions, each end portion comprising a protrusion, and the first area having a fold line approximately along its center, the second area comprising three regions configured to cooperate with each other; and a cord capable of cooperating with the second area for facilitating the cooperation of the three regions. The shape of the protrusions of the end portions prevent the visibility of the first area to a user when the compartment is in an unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A bag for collecting, storing and carrying tennis balls and similar sports equipment. The bag has a first opening to attach to a collection device such as a tube collector. The balls are directed into the bag when the collection process has completed or when the collector overflows. The bag is detachable from the collector. The bag holds over twenty balls for easy carriage and access. The bag may be worn over the shoulder with an attached shoulder strap. A second opening with a closing mechanism allows a user to quickly access or dump the balls within the bag. The second opening may be positioned along the top or bottom of the bag. This opening allows the bag to be used in place of a ball hopper. A third opening may be present on the top or bottom of the bag opposite the second opening.

Abstract: A storage device for an orthodic appliance which includes a housing defining a storage chamber. This housing includes means for gaining access to the storage chamber and for resealing the storage chamber. In the one of the preferred embodiments of this invention, the storage device includes means for releasable attachment of the housing to an item of apparel (e.g. belt) or to an accessory (e.g. backpack or purse). In an alternative embodiment of this invention the means for attachment of the housing to the item of apparel or to an accessory can be integral with he housing. The storage device is preferably configured to disguise its function, and is, thus, is design to mimic a cell “flip” phone, pager or a personal desk accessory (PDA).

Abstract: A golf caddie belt for storing accessories needed to play the game of golf is disclosed. The golf caddie belt disclosed herein incorporates the use of a belt that is used around the player's waist to hold essential golf equipment in an orderly and accessible fashion.

Abstract: A storage container that operates to hold various types of dispensing materials. The storage container allows the user to select the size of the dispensing material to be placed into the storage container by offering a slideable connection. Once the size of the dispensing material is determined the user can place the dispensing material such as plastic, aluminum or paper into the storage container wherein the dispensing material is held into place by way of an extended triangular locking piece. The extended triangular locking piece operates on a spring load system that allows for the dispensing material to be placed into the storage container by applying pressure to the extended triangular locking piece. The storage container is designed with a jagged tooth edge that allows the dispensing material to be cut by applying pressure over the jagged tooth edge. Additionally, the lid of the storage container is designed with a weighted lip that functions to automatically close.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering control system/method for a process line running a web material including at least two steering units, a downstream and an upstream steering unit. At least one controller is in communication with the downstream and upstream steering unit. The downstream steering unit collects downstream data concerning a downstream position of the web material and sends the downstream data to the controller. The upstream steering unit collects upstream data concerning an upstream position of the web material, and sends the upstream data to the controller. The data may be an actual position of the web material or a position of a frame or a roller of the steering unit. The controller utilizes the downstream data to effect a downstream adjustment of the downstream steering unit. The controller utilizes the downstream data and the upstream data to effect an upstream adjustment of the upstream steering unit.

Abstract: A nailer device having a carriage assembly, a pair of pivotal drive wheels, a nailer assembly and at least one end wheel. The pair of pivotal drive wheels are on the carriage assembly. The at least one end wheel is disposed adjacent an end of the carriage assembly. A drive motor can be associated with at least one of the pair of pivotal drive wheels when the nailer device is operating in an automatic mode. A handle disposed either intermediate of the pivotal drive wheels can be used to move or manually operate the nailer device and move the nailer device to an adjacent row of floorboards to be secured. A pair of adjustable wheels is also provided to adjust the height of the device.

Abstract: A nailing device used for securing hardwood flooring planks to a subfloor using arcuate fasteners. The nailing device comprises a main body in turn defining a fastener discharge opening. The nailing device also comprises an arcuate fastener ejection channel made in the main body and destined to accommodate an arcuate fastener, the arcuate fastener ejection channel opening outwardly of the nailing device at the fastener discharge opening. The nailing device further comprises an arcuate plunger at least partially nested in the arcuate fastener ejection channel and movable along the arcuate fastener ejection channel between first and second limit positions. Moreover, the nailing device comprises a plunger actuator nested in the main body and connected to the arcuate plunger, which can be selectively activated for moving the arcuate plunger between its first and second limit positions.

Abstract: A solid weld-metal-producing material is formed by agglomerating weld metal material powder. An igniter may be integrally formed in or on the agglomerated weld metal material. In addition to typical components of a weld metal material mixture, such as a reductant metal and a transition metal oxide, the agglomerated weld metal mixture may include a binder material, such as sodium silicate. In addition to functioning as a binder to help hold the agglomerated weld metal material together, the binder material may aid in the exothermic reaction that occurs when the weld metal material is ignited. The agglomerated weld metal material may be made by mixing together a reductant metal powder, a transition metal oxide powder, and possibly a binder solution. A slurry of the components may be pressed together, for example, using a die and a ram, and then may be dried.

Abstract: A titanium based welding flux that includes titanium dioxide and a moisture resistant agent. The titanium oxide includes purified titanium dioxide that includes little or no impurities that can act as nucleation sites for carbide formation in a weld metal. The moisture resistant compound includes a colloidal metal oxide.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring simultaneously and in a reliable manner both the level of molten metal in a casting mold and the depth of molding powder floating over the molten metal, wherein an electromagnetic open cavity is formed on the upper inlet aperture of a casting mold and electromagnetic signals are introduced into the cavity by means of an emitting device. The electromagnetic signals exiting the cavity are then detected and a relationship is established between the detected properties of the electromagnetic cavity and the level of molten metal and depth of molding powder.

Abstract: Methods for coating a substrate, such as a turbine engine component, are presented. In one method a preform comprising braze alloy and wear-resistant particles is attached to the substrate. The preform is then bonded to the substrate to form the wear-resistant coating. Other embodiments include articles, such as components for gas turbine engines, comprising a wear-resistant coating disposed on a substrate, the wear-resistant coating comprising wear-resistant particles in a braze alloy matrix.

Abstract: A solder joint determination method is disclosed that is able to inspect a joint portion between an electrode and a soldered portion and determine a soldering condition of the joint portion reliably with high precision. The method includes the steps of: scanning a surface of the electrode with the light beam; detecting a height of the electrode relative to the circuit board from data of the scanning of the electrode; scanning a surface of the solder near the electrode with the light beam; detecting a height of the solder relative to the circuit board from data of the scanning of the solder; and determining the solder joint condition between the electronic part and the solder based on the height of the electrode and the height of the solder relative to the circuit board.

Abstract: A method for weldbonding at least two work-pieces together includes applying an adhesive to a first surface of a first work-piece, and bringing the first surface of the first work-piece into contact with a surface of a second work-piece. The first work-piece and second work-piece are then friction stir or friction stir spot welded together, and the adhesive is cured. The use of bonding tools to maintain the two work-pieces together during curing of the adhesive is eliminated.

Abstract: Packaging for providing a convenient, efficient and economical medium for storing, protecting and shipping a product. A package in either assembled or unassembled form is provided whereby a product may be easily and efficiently secured and stored without damage and subsequently removed. An assembled package for containment of an article may include a sealed area defining borders of the package and a seamless gap area, wherein the article is restrained within the gap area.

Abstract: A carton has a handle having gussets that provide cushioning for a user's hand during carrying of the carton. The handle also provides additional strength, rigidity and tear resistance to the carton.

Abstract: A child resistant container 2 comprises a closable wall 10, a closure flap 20 connected to the closable wall 10 and a wall portion 4 having an inner layer 6 and an outer layer 8, said closure flap 20 being inserted between said inner and outer layers 6, 8. The closure flap 20 comprises one or more locking apertures 26 and said inner layer 6 of said wall portion 4 comprises one or more locking tabs 34 which engage in respective locking apertures 26 to prevent the closure flap 20 from being withdrawn from between the inner and outer layers 6, 8.

Abstract: This invention provides a food container made of a paper sheet with a base portion with four lateral edges connected by folding to the lateral side portions along the folding line. Between each lateral side portion is provided with a side flank which is divided into two portions along the folding line. The outer rim portions of a pair of opposite lateral side portions function as inner cover portions similar in shape to a cut end gable. The outer rim portions of another pair of opposite lateral side portions function as outer cover portions.

Abstract: An enclosed carton for carrying a number of containers, such as cans, which is easily convertible into a tray with a lid, from which the cans can be easily removed. The tray is formed by a zipper with two tear lines that are formed in the adjoining bottom flaps of the carton. The carton may have a carrying handle for carrying the carton loaded with containers. This carton is especially designed to be easily convertible into a tray for holding cans between two closely spaced shelves in a refrigerator. Provision is made for the easy removal of the lid. Another embodiment of this invention discloses an enclosed carton with diamond shaped corners so that the carton can be tightly packed and which is also convertible into a tray.

Abstract: A dispensing carton includes a dispenser section having a deformation pattern provided therein. The deformation pattern facilitates removal of the dispenser section during opening of the carton.

Abstract: A compact multifunction pedometer and advertising means includes a computerized calculating function to accurately determine the calorie consumption, distance and the time for exercise duration. Utilizing input data of the user's height, weight, average stride and desired time period for exercise of walking or running, the pedometer calculates, and if desired displays, the consumed calories as well as the distance traveled and lapsed time of striding or alternatively, the time remaining for a scheduled walking or running session. The calories burned during exercise are accurately determined through calculations based on the individual's stride and weight data input by the user. The pedometer is extremely compact, has easy to operate function controls and may include a belt clip for ease of use during exercise. The pedometer including surfaces suitable for displaying advertising.

Abstract: A system for reconciling a bill for the usage of a metered device includes an image capture device for generating an electronic image of a machine readable code associated with a hardcopy bill for the use of a metered device, a decoder for decoding at least one reconciliation instruction from the electronic image and a reconciliation controller for executing the at least one reconciliation instruction to enable a reconciliation of the hardcopy bill for the use of the metered device with stored metered device usage data.

Abstract: An identification card includes a card portion and a USB flash drive that is pivotably attached to the card portion.

Abstract: A method for providing messaging between a portable device and base device is provided. The method includes communicating one or more message codes maintained in the portable device to the base device. The base device then composes a message for a user of the portable device using a dictionary of message codes. The message codes have corresponding message values, which are used to generate the message for the one or more message codes. The generated message is then provided to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a credit card and debit card transaction terminal including a processor, a display and a memory. A card reader is configured to read data stored on a portable memory medium. An operator interface is produced by an operator interface program and executable by the processor. The operator interface being displayable on the display in an operator language. A customer interface is produced by a customer interface program and executable by the processor. The customer interface being displayable in a customer language. A language identification module is stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The language identification module is configured to select the operator language and to select a customer language in which displayable for the operator and customer, respectively. The operator and customer languages are selected from a plurality of languages stored in the module. The operator and customer languages are different.

Abstract: A method and system verifies the validity of a credit card payment transaction with a set of requester account data by searching an account record database for a matched record containing a record account number that matches the requester account number and an expected verification key that matches the requester verification key, said expected verification key changes after each successful payment transaction validation, according to a pre-determined list of values to enhance the security and robustness of account transactions. Also, the present invention provides a method and system that is cost-effective to implement and highly compatible with the current account verification procedure.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly and method for forming a transaction card assembly. The transaction card assembly may include one or more transaction cards that is separably attached to an envelope. The envelope may be fully formed and ready for use and attached at its outer surface to the transaction card assembly. The envelope pocket may be sized to accommodate all or a portion of the transaction card assembly, e.g., a single CR-80 size transaction card. The envelope may support the attached card, e.g., from hanger at a point-of-sale display. A message portion may be removably attached to the envelope and be arranged for placement in the envelope pocket.

Abstract: A transaction security apparatus, including an input device for inputting information regarding a transaction on an account involving an individual, a camera for obtaining a photograph of the individual's face, wherein the photograph is stored as a digital photograph file, a processing device, wherein the processing device processes information regarding at least one of the information regarding a transaction and the digital photograph file, and a transmitter for transmitting the information regarding a transaction and the digital photograph file to a communication device associated with an account holder, wherein the information regarding a transaction and the digital photograph file are transmitted on or over at least one of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Abstract: Transaction card assemblies, systems and methods of making are provided. One such assembly includes a card carrier having a card integrally formed within. The card peripherally engages the card carrier and is adapted to be removed from the card carrier. An encodable strip is disposed on the card. The strip has first and second encodable tracks. The first encodable track is positioned to be read by a point-of-sale device when the card is engaged with the card carrier, and the second encodable track is positioned to be read by the point-of-sale device after the card is separated from the carrier. In this manner, the card can be read using the same point-of-sale device whether or not the card has been separated from the carrier.

Abstract: A transaction system suitable for payment by card includes a child account associated with a parent account. The transaction system receives from the parent a data set representing rules which specify on which purchases the child will benefit from an incentive such as discount, coupon, rebate or gift. Upon a purchase transaction with the child card, the system detects an eligible purchase by producing a result data set from the rules data entered by the parent and the particulars of the purchase transaction, where the result data represents the appropriate incentive granted, if any, and directs the system to charge the incentive cost to the parent account.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes: an authenticating section that authenticates a user; an inputting section that allows the user to input authentication information used for performing the authentication by the authenticating section; an upper-limit retaining section that retains an upper limit indicating a maximum number to which the number of consecutive failures of the authentication is allowed; and an upper-limit decreasing section that decreases the upper limit when trials of the authentication consecutively fail until the number of failures reaches the upper limit.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a strip of pre-printed tickets, said strip including a plurality of score lines defining successive tickets. The device includes a stepping motor which is used to convey the strip towards a theoretical cutting position using a determined number of motor steps corresponding to the number of tickets required. The aforementioned stepping motor is associated with adjustment means which are used, if necessary, to adjust the position from the strip from the theoretical cutting position to a correct cutting position. The adjustment means includes a first memory means which stores the individual length of the tickets by counting the corresponding number of steps of the motor, a second memory means which stores a characteristic motif of the tickets, and a recognition means which recognizes the passing of the motif as the strip is conveyed to the theoretical cutting position.

Abstract: A information-hidden mobile ticketing system, having a ticket purchasing device, an mobile ticket issuance management system, a embedded mobile ticket, a mobile communication device, and a ticket verification device. The user can purchase a mobile ticket from the mobile ticket issuance management system via the ticket purchasing device. Once the purchasing information is provided, the mobile ticket can be sent in the form of a message, a multi-medium message or other wireless form to a mobile communication device assigned by the purchaser. The information hiding method is used to embed the barcode representing the mobile ticket in a digital image. By a program specified by the mobile communication device, the digital image can be retrieved. Thereby, the risk of being decoded and stolen can be alleviated.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for purchasing a transaction ticket by using a transaction card. A transaction card device transmits a ticket purchasing request including transportation information and transaction card information to an acquiring bank server. The acquiring bank server generates a ticket ordering request according to the transportation information so as to process a reservation procedure with a ticketing system, and then transmits a card authorization request generated according to the transaction card information of the ticket purchasing request and the price of a ticket ordering response to the issuing bank server. After the issuing bank server checks corresponding transaction card information and approves the request, a card authorization response is returned to the acquiring bank server. Then, the acquiring bank server generates a ticket purchase response to the transaction card device for outputting transportation ticket information and a bill.

Abstract: The invention relates to an information carrier (1) a of type on which electronic information can be provided, such as a DVD or CD rewritable or recordable or a diskette, which information carrier is substantially free of such electronic information, while on a surface of the information carrier and/or in electronic form at least one commercial message (5) has been provided which is not related to the supplier or producer of the respective information carrier.

Abstract: A tender separator for placement in a section of a till, such that tenders can be separated within the section by placing a first form of tender below the separator and a second form of tender above the separator. Preferably, the tender separator is movable in a vertical direction to accommodate varying amounts of the first form of tender. Optionally, the tender separator may be adapted for placement in one or more tracks of a back of the section, such that the tender separator is movable, in a vertical direction, in the one or more tracks. As another option, more than one separator may be placed in one section of the till, such that multiple forms of tender can be separated within the section by placing the tender separators between the multiple forms of tender. The tender separators may be tabbed and/or flexible (e.g., for easier access to tenders placed therebeneath).

Abstract: Techniques are described for performing a one-touch search to locate a selected item associated with an RFID tag. The techniques allow, for example, an RFID reader to perform a search where a user selects an item from a list, and the RFID reader, without any further input from the user, interrogates one or more RFID tags until an RFID tag associated with the selected item is found. The RFID reader may also allow a user to associate items with an RFID tag, view items associated with an RFID tag, and edit item lists associated with an RFID tag. In this way, an RFID reader may associate any number of items to an RFID tag, repeatedly edit existing item lists associated with an RFID tag, and quickly search multiple RFID tags until a desired item associated with a particular RFID tag is found.

Abstract: A method for storing inventory items in an inventory system includes detecting that an inventory holder is available for storage and determining a classification of the inventory holder. The method also includes determining a classification of each of a plurality of storage locations and selecting a storage location for the inventory holder based, at least in part, on the classification of the inventory holder and the classification of the selected storage location. The method additionally includes transmitting information identifying the storage location to a mobile drive unit associated with the inventory holder.

Abstract: There is provided an object comprising: a first identifier identifying a unique object identity; a second identifier identifying a first digital signature for the identity; and a mask for masking at least one of the first identifier and the second identifier. The masked identifier is readable only when said mask has been removed.

Abstract: Techniques for a radio frequency identification (RFID) device are provided. The device includes a slot antenna having at least one slot disposed in a first substrate. A strap is disposed across the slot. The strap includes a second substrate and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the slot antenna. In a specific embodiment, a thickness of a metal slot antenna is at least ¼th an inch. The RFID device can also be associated with a location, and be attached to a pallet rack.

Abstract: An object comprising first coded data disposed on or in a surface thereof and an RFID tag is provided. The first coded data identifies a plurality of locations on the surface and the RFID tag identifies a unique identity of the object.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) featuring an optical reader (12) for printed codes capable of transforming the information of a code printed on an object such as a label into digital data, the object being equipped with a radiofrequency system featuring an antenna (27) and a chip (28) connected together. According to a main characteristic of the invention, the device features a radiofrequency dialog unit (15) designed to encode the chip (28) with digital data read from the printed code and to compare the digital data encoded in the chip with information from the printed code.

Abstract: A surface contact card latching assembly (100) is located in a portable electronic device (200). The latching assembly includes a receiving portion (11) and a latch portion (12). The receiving portion is configured for receiving a surface contact card (20). The receiving portion includes an aperture (113) formed at a first end thereof via which the surface contact card enters or exits, and a latching containing portion (114) formed at an opposite second end thereof The latch portion is received in the latching containing portion. The latch portion is operable to move in the latching containing portion so as to drive the surface contact card to move out of the receiving portion through the aperture.

Abstract: A document correction detection system includes a code analysis section that inputs a read image provided by optically reading a print medium on which a document image and a code image are formed and extracts the code image from the read image and a correction detection section that determines a correction made to the document image on the print medium if an anomaly in the code image extracted by the code analysis section is detected.

Abstract: An object comprising first coded data and a random pattern disposed on or in a surface thereof is provided. The first coded data identifies a plurality of fiducials on the surface and the random pattern defines at least one fingerprint for the object.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an electrically-controlled illumination source, and a circuit configured to control the illumination source so as cause the light source to generate at least one sequence of light pulses that mimics those a photo-detector of a bar code reader would observe from a reflected source when reading a printed bar code symbol. In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises an electronically reconfigurable, reflective display that is insensitive to a polarization of an incident illumination source, and a circuit configured to selectively configure the display to display a bar code symbol thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device (500) with a device (600) for increasing the depth of field having at least one optical element (3) with different focal lengths (f1, f2).

Abstract: By way of example, in this example of the invention, it would also be possible to dispense in a manner which is not illustrated with the spring elements 2, and then for the element 1 to carry out an oscillating translational deflection. The invention relates to micromechanical optical elements having a reflective surface which can be deflected electrostatically or electromagnetically in a known manner and which can be used for a large number of applications. The object of the invention is to provide an element such as this at low cost and with improved dynamic deformation behaviour. The elements according to the invention with a reflective surface are in this case held by spring elements, in which case the element which can be deflected is held on mutually opposite sides by in each case at least two mutually independent spring elements.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system at a point of sale (POS) station, that generates and projects a first plurality of laser scanning planes through a horizontal-scanning window, and a second plurality of laser scanning planes through a vertical-scanning window. The first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between the horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within the 3-D scanning volume.

Abstract: Techniques for transmitting data between devices based on two-dimensional symbols are disclosed, where the devices are generally not equipped with the traditional networking capabilities, or at least these traditional networking capabilities are not used for the data communication. According to one aspect of the techniques, two devices communicate with each other by displaying one or more two-dimensional symbols. Data is encoded into one or more symbols that are displayed on one of the devices. Images of the symbols are taken by another one of the devices to receive the data. These images are sequentially processed and decoded so that the data is now received. To accommodate various environments, the system is configured to adjust parameters pertaining to the symbols to achieve an optimum transmission rate.