Abstract: The invention relates to a siphon head formed by three basic components constituted by a first part comprised by an interchangeable actuator head, a second part comprised by the safety closure of the container and a third part comprised by the valve system permitting dispensing the fluid contained into the bottle including a resilient material part constituted by a head joined to elastic memory members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to transfer liquid from an industrial, rigid liquid package. The apparatus of the present invention is a hollow tube in a U configuration. One leg of the U is inserted into the bung or hole in the top of a rigid liquid package. The section of the apparatus that is inserted into the liquid package is shapes so as to ensure that fluid from the container can enter the hollow apparatus. The apparatus is removably affixed to a rigid liquid package. The apparatus includes a counter-weight which inhibits tipping of the container as it is emptied as well as a configuration which facilitates the removal of substantially all liquid for the rigid liquid package via a fluid pump connected to the apparatus.

Abstract: A bottle top for use in controlling the flow of dispensing fluids from common bottles which includes a base cylinder with an inner and outer wall and being partially enclosed at one end by a top surface. The inner wall includes threading for engaging any number of common bottle types while the outer wall includes a plurality of protrusions to aid in the griping of the bottle top for placing the bottle top on a bottle. The top surface includes a channel for directing the flow of the fluid towards a dispensing surface that caps the channel and includes at least two flow controlling dispensing apertures. The top surface further includes at least one inlet aperture for permitting air to enter into the bottle thereby allowing smooth fluid dispensing from the dispensing apertures.

Abstract: A flow control device for containers of liquid and viscous materials include an air vent by-pass positioned within the container and extending into an enlarged area of the container. The flow control device enables a more smooth and uniform pouring of low viscosity liquids and viscous materials, and reduces or eliminates the intermittent flow associated with prior art containers for these materials. The invention is particularly useful when disposed within a hollow handle. Operation of the by-pass device may be augmented by a closure orifice positioned near the top of the container. Alternatively, the closure orifice may be used by itself for smaller container sizes, but with less flow control effect.

Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a closure shell of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction having a base for securement to a container neck finish and a lid coupled by a hinge to the base. The base has a deck, a recess extending across the deck from a point adjacent to the hinge, and a dispensing opening in the recess. The lid has a base portion for receipt in the recess in the closed position of the lid and a tongue at an end of the lid remote from the hinge. A latch on the base in the recess engages the tongue on the lid releasably to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch preferably comprises a snap latch that includes an internal bead on the tongue and an external latch element in the recess over which the internal bead is received in the closed position of the lid. The base preferably includes a ledge in the recess against which the tongue abuts, and a pair of ribs for frictionally holding the tongue against the body.

Abstract: A pour spout for removable attachment to a container wall for efficiently pouring viscous liquids between containers includes a generally flexible exterior member having a pour region and a collection region. The exterior member defines a slot for removably receiving a container wall, the exterior member flexibly conforming to the diameter of the container wall. The collection region is situated adjacent the inner wall of the container wall when attached thereto and is configured to guide liquids toward an outwardly extending pour region and channel. At least one clip is attached to the exterior member in an over-molded construction and is situated in the slot. The clip includes attachment members biased toward each other for securely gripping the container wall when the slot and clip are engaged therewith.

Abstract: A back unit for use in a display hanger assembly is provided. The back unit comprises a body, arms, and mounting tabs. The body includes a vertical channel. The vertical channel forms a concave surface on a first side and a convex surface on a second side. The arms are integrally formed with the body and extend outwardly away from the first side. The arms include a slot. The mounting tabs are integrally formed with the body and extend outwardly away from the second side.

Abstract: Clip hangers are provided. A clip hanger includes a body and two clip components. The body includes a hook structure. The clip components are rotatably connected with the body. When the body applies a force on the clip components, the clip components and the body clip an object at three points.

Abstract: The invention is a removable golf cart rack for carrying articles. The article carrier includes a support rack configured to slide over a rounded base and be held in place by gravity with the base situated between horizontal bars of the article carrier. In use, the article carrier can be easily situated on the base. During non-use, the article carrier is simply lifted off of the base, providing an aesthetically pleasing and safer alternative to typical racks mounted to golf carts using hardware.

Abstract: A sling worn on the person secures a rifle across the front of the person's torso and permits ready deployment of the rifle. The stock of the rifle is removably secured at the person's waist. The barrel of the rifle is removably secured at one of the person's shoulders.

Abstract: A rotatable utility belt mount for use with a utility belt and an object to be rotatably, removable secured to the utility belt includes a first circular, planar disk element, having an engagement structure thereon for engaging a second circular, planar disk, a second circular, planar disk element, having an engagement structure thereon for engaging, in a rotatable, removal fashion, the engagement structure of the first circular, planar disk element; an orientation mechanism for restricting rotational orientation of the second circular, planar disk element relative to the first circular, planar disk element; and a locking mechanism which restricts relative rotational movement and allows separation of the second circular, planar disk element from the first circular, planar disk element when the second circular, planar disk element is oriented to a specific orientation relative to the first circular, planar disk element.

Abstract: A shoulder bag support device is disclosed. The support device includes a support strap having first and second ends. The first end can be secured to a belt worn about a user's waist. The second end is removably secured to an outboard portion of the shoulder bag. The support strap passed from the user's belt, under the shoulder bag, to the outboard portion of the shoulder bag. When in use, the support strap supports a portion of said shoulder bag's weight, which reduces the amount of the bag's weight carried by the user's shoulder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a backpack, comprising a backpack body and at least one shoulder strap. The backpack body defines at least one storage compartment. The backpack body has a back-facing face. The back-facing face having at least one air channel defined thereon. The at least one air channel has at least one opening at the periphery of the back-facing face. The at least one shoulder strap is connected to the backpack body. The at least one shoulder strap is adapted for mounting the backpack on a wearer.

Abstract: A protective tool holder comprises a tool pocket including a front piece having a cutout forming a channel to receive a tool handle, such as a trowel, attached to a back piece by at least one fastener which acts as a spacer. The tool pocket bottom and sides are open, the spacer limiting movement of a tool inserted into the pocket. Openings among spacers allow debris to exit the tool pocket. The tool holder is attached to a belt by an attachment member comprising a front and a rear member that when separated, attach the tool holder to the belt by suspension over the belt. An aperture in the rear member is sized to receive a belt therethrough. The members have upper and lower sections, the lower sections being releasably attached to each other by a second fastener, the upper sections attached to each other by the first fastener.

Abstract: A hand-held drive-in power tool for driving in fastening elements includes a drive-in ram (13) displaceable in a guide (13) located in the tool housing, a drive (30) for driving the drive-in ram (13) and including at least one preloaded drive spring (31), a tensioning device (70) for preloading the drive spring (31), and a transmission mechanism (32) arranged between the drive spring (31) and the drive-in ram (13).

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 stapler includes a driver to push a staple into a workpiece and a pair of clincher plates that are rotated by a clincher transmission, in coordination with movement of the driver, to clinch the staple.

Abstract: A circular stapler for performing hemorrhoidal operations is disclosed. The circular stapler includes an anvil, a stapler head and a shaft which movably supports the anvil in relation to the stapler head between open and closed positions. The stapler includes at least one displacing member, each of which is arbitrarily and/or independently displaceable along the shaft. Each of the at least one displacing members has a first end configured to engage a pursestring suture and a second end which extends through the body, e.g., the neck of the stapler. The displacing member is arbitrarily displaceable along the shaft. In one embodiment, two independently displaceable displacing members are provided. In another embodiment, the at least one displacing member is at least partially embedded in the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, in which the first and second jaws are aligned within a plane, and a second position, in which the second jaw is in non-parallel correspondence to the plane. The surgical device may include a surgical member, e.g., a cutting and/or stapling element, disposed within the first jaw, and a second driver configured to cause relative movement of the surgical member in a direction parallel to the plane. The first and second jaws may include a camming arrangement that is configured to move the second jaw between the first and second positions. The camming arrangement may include a channel disposed along at least a portion of one or both of the first and second jaws, a ball bearing disposed within the channel.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion with a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical device also includes a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion. A driver is configured to cause relative movement of the jaw portion and the shaft portion. The driver may be configured to cause the jaw portion to pivot relative to the shaft portion about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to first and second longitudinal axes defined by the jaw portion and the shaft portion, respectively. The driver may also be configured to cause at least a portion of the jaw portion to rotate relative to the shaft portion about the first longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the surgical device includes a surgical member, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within the first jaw.

Abstract: A thermocompression bonding module includes a thermode assembly configured to be mounted to a plate member. The thermode assembly includes a heater assembly configured to apply a bonding force to an item during a bonding operation and a control device coupled to the heater assembly for adjusting the bonding force applied by the heater assembly to the item. A force feedback device is positioned, relative to the heater assembly in order to detect the bonding force applied by the heater assembly. The control device adjusts the bonding force based on the bonding force detected by the force feedback device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining pipe sections (102, 104) together to form an underwater pipeline. The pipe sections (102, 104) are in an abutting position and have a generally vertical orientation. An upper end (108) of the most recently joined pipe sections (104) is to be welded to a lower end (106) of a new pipe section (102). The apparatus comprises at least two welding equipment carriers (148, 152) and at least two welding heads (110, 112). Each welding head is connected to an equipment carrier (148, 152) by means of at least one umbilical (130, 132). The apparatus further comprises a welding head guide assembly (113) which is adapted to be fixed to one of said upper of lower pipe sections. The welding head guide assembly (113) guides the welding heads about the pipe sections (102, 104). The apparatus further comprises a guiding device (133) which guides the welding equipment carriers (148, 152) around said welding area (115).

Abstract: The bead trimmer is preferably applied in a production line for elements having longitudinal weld beads (21), where an element slides along a parallel direction to a longitudinal axis thereof (x), and comprises a tool-bearing turret (2) for removable fixing of a trimming tool (30), associated to a first slide (3) which is slidable along a horizontal direction (y) which is transversal with respect to the longitudinal axis (x) between an internal position, in which the tool (30) is aligned with the weld bead (21), and an external position, in which the tool (30) is not aligned with the weld bead (21). The first slide (3) is associated to a second slide (4) which is vertically slidable on a bearing structure (40) along a vertical direction (z) between a lowered position, in which the tool (30) is in contact with the weld bead (21), and a raised position, in which the tool (30) is distanced from the weld bead (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a soldering work piece made of aluminium and/or aluminium compounds, to a soldering method, in addition to a heat exchanger soldered in said manner. One surface of the soldering work piece is provided with an artificially applied oxide layer.

Abstract: A vacuum column for oil distillation incorporates a thickened plate that has a layer of erosion-resistant material that is thicker than the corrosion-resistant thickness of an adjacent column section. Use of thickened, explosive- or roll-bonded clad plates may provide better service than either conventional plug-welded liners or conventional shell plates with weld overlays.

Abstract: A packaging method includes ultrasonically bonding a semiconductor device and a substrate together via bumps that include gold as a main component thereof. A contact surface of a primary bump on a surface of an aluminum pad on one side of the substrate contacts and is ultrasonically bonded to a distal end surface of each opposed secondary bump on one side of the semiconductor device. An area of the contact surface is larger than that of the opposed distal end surface. By this method, damage to the substrate from the ultrasonic can be reduced without using a reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A body member and flange members are butted together at first and second abutment portions, and are retained by first and second backing jigs. In this arrangement, inner circumferential surfaces of the first and second abutment portions are fitted on and in close contact with outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second backing jigs. Subsequently, the friction stir welding is performed along each of the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion by using a probe which is rotated at a high speed.

Abstract: To repair the blade, a patch is welded by an electron beam. The method starts by machining the damaged zone so as to obtain a zone to be repaired having a defined profile; welded on to a first test piece element corresponding to the blade, having said defined profile, is a second test piece element, corresponding to the patch, in order to obtain a start-of-run test piece; the quality of this test piece is verified and, if it corresponds to the repair acceptance criteria, the patch is welded on to the zone to be repaired using the same electron-beam welding machine without changing its operating parameters, and the repaired zone is reworked by machining.

Abstract: The present invention provides technology that uniformly heats and melts a plurality of solder material arranged in a plurality of locations on a board, and uniformly solders a plurality of parts to the board that are arranged in a plurality of locations on the board. A soldering apparatus includes an induction coil having a length in the longitudinal direction that is longer than the length of the board. An inner space having a size sufficient to arrange the board therein is maintained inside the induction coil. The board supporting the parts and the solder material will be positioned in the approximate center of the inner space of the induction coil. An alternating current will flow through the induction coil in this state. An alternating magnetic field will be generated in the inner space of the induction coil. Magnetic fluxes will substantially uniformly pass through the inner space of the induction coil along the longitudinal direction of the induction coil.

Abstract: A wire bonding method may involve forming a bonding ball on a leading end of a wire projected from a capillary. The bonding ball may be transformed to increase an area of the mounting surface of the bonding ball. The transformed bonding ball may be bonded to the bonding pad.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic assembly comprising an electronic component that is attached to a circuit board by protruding solder bumps of the electronic component places the electronic component on a surface of the circuit board so that solder bumps on the bottom of the electronic component engage contact pads on the top of the circuit board. The solder bumps are then reflowed to attach the electronic component to the circuit board after which the electronic component is underfilled by providing a mold die having a mold cavity, a gate leading into the mold cavity and a vent leading out of the mold cavity. The mold die is placed over the electronic component and onto the surface of the circuit board so that the electronic component is inside the mold cavity and the mold cavity is sealed.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a first body is joined to a second body by joining a first amorphous braze layer to a surface of the first body and joining a second amorphous braze layer to a surface of the second body. A reactive multilayer foil is then disposed between the first and second amorphous braze layers. The layers are pressed together and the foil is ignited. Since the bodies can be joined to the braze layers by processes that do not require a furnace and the braze-coated bodies can be joined by the foil without a furnace, the method can produce strong brazed joints in typical workshop and field environments. Preferably the amorphous braze is a bulk metallic glass.

Abstract: A postcard has a body that comprises a front part and a back part mutually joined, between which a receptacle is formed, adapted to house an optical disk. A first substantial portion of the front part is permanently joined to the back part, whereas another substantial portion of the front part is separate from the back part, to enable positioning the disk in the receptacle. The second substantial portion of the front part can be applied in adhesive fashion to the back part, to close the receptacle that is to contain the disk.

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles such as cans includes a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, a top wall and end closure panels for at least partially closing the ends of the carton. The top wall is of multi-ply construction and the carton further comprises an opening provider defined by a series of weakened lines in the top, side and end walls. The opening provider includes at least one weakened line coincident at least in part with a stress relieving fold line to facilitate easy opening of the carton.

Abstract: The easy open envelope comprising a front panel and a back panel hingedly connected to one edge of the front panel; a sealing flap connected to the opposite edge of the front panel at a fold line and having on an outer side of the sealing flap in one corner section thereof a legend or indicia indicating where to pull on the corner section of the sealing flap to open the envelope; and a strip of adhesive sealing material extending longitudinally across the envelope on one of the sealing flap or back panel of the envelope in the area where the sealing flap overlies the back panel, but not in the area of the corner section, whereby, once the sealing flap is sealed by the strip of adhesive material to the back panel, the sealed envelope easily can be opened by pulling on an edge of the corner section of the sealing flap having the legend to create an opening in the sealed envelope where a finger or tool can be inserted to open the envelope along the fold line.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for holding a coin, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of scored concentric circular regions that may be removed as needed to accommodate the diameter of different size coins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the authenticity of an object, the method comprising the steps of: providing an authentication code, determining the positions of particles being distributed in an object, encoding of the positions to provide a check-code, using the check-code and the authentication-code to determine the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: According to the invention, the method of controlling a multimode terminal (T) is characterized in that a sensor (CL, CS, CM) in the terminal (T) measures an environmental characteristic (L, S, M) thereof, a message (M1) is sent to a remote processing platform (P) containing the measured environmental characteristic (MES, L, S, M) and an indication (IDMA) of the information presentation mode that is currently active on the terminal (T), the indication (IDMA) is analyzed in accordance with a prescribed processing rule in the processing platform (P) to determine if it corresponds to a prescribed presentation mode indication (IDMR), and, if so, the measured environmental characteristic (MES, L, S, M) is analyzed to determine if it conforms to a prescribed condition (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5) in order, if so, to trigger automatically sending from the processing platform (P) to the terminal (T) of an instruction (IA) for activating therein a prescribed mode of presentation of information to the user that is not the curr

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a location of a person or object. A device is affixed to the person or the object and the location of the person/object determined according to various location determining techniques. Location information is sent to a supervising authority directly from a communications element of the device or through intermediate communications elements. Terrestrial-based signals can be used to determine location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, applied in a mobile device, for determining operational settings of the device. A signal is received from a transmitter. The signal is decoded to retrieve a first country information. An operational setting of a function on the device is determined.

Abstract: A system for managing token image replacement is provided. The system includes a remote server, a personal computer (PC) connected to the remote server, a smartcard that can be read by the PC, and a card image server. Using application logic and rules, the remote server is able to read the card image on the smartcard and determine if the card image on the smartcard needs to be updated. If an indicator on the smartcard is set to “update”, the remote server then retrieves a backup card image that corresponds to the card from the card image server. The remote server forwards the backup card image to the PC which, in turn, writes the backup card image including transaction information to the smartcard. Once the backup card image is written onto the smartcard, the indicator in the smartcard is then reset to ensure that subsequent interactions with the system would not initiate an update.

Abstract: If a USB device is turned off or is not active, the device may be electrically disconnected from a USB host controller. The device may be electrically disconnected through a physical interface on the device. In some embodiments, if the device becomes active during a wait period (e.g., 2-3 seconds) prior to electrically disconnecting the device, the device may not be electrically disconnected. In some embodiments, when the device is electrically disconnected from the USB host controller and no system activity of a bus mastering peripheral is occurring, the CPU may enter a low power state if other conditions are met. In some embodiments, if the USB device becomes active after electrically disconnecting, the electrical disconnection may be discontinued.

Abstract: A note validating and storage assembly for a gaming table having a table top includes a storage box for storing notes received at the gaming table. A validator, adjacent the storage box, validates, authenticates and determines the value of the notes. A controller having a memory is in operative communication with the validator for receiving and storing data corresponding to the authenticity and value of the notes. A separator adjacent the validator grips one of the notes and separates it from a plurality of notes. A fan assembly is operably associated with the separator for aiding in separating the notes. A holding area is disposed below the table top such that notes may be pushed through a note entry slot in the table top and into the storage area with a plunger. An RFID system can be employed in conjunction with gaming chips for various table management purposes.

Abstract: A conversion terminal includes an algorithm storage unit, e-money acquisition unit, and e-money conversion unit. The algorithm storage unit stores an algorithm to convert a type of e-money. The e-money acquisition unit acquires one type of e-money. The e-money conversion unit converts the acquired e-money into another type of e-money in accordance with the algorithm stored in the algorithm storage unit. A conversion system, conversion server, conversion method, and recording medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite electronic card device is disclosed, comprising an erasable nonvolatile memory, a random access memory (RAM) . . . , CPU, cryptographic module and other electronic components. Through different cryptographic algorithms, different security application systems may arrange and configure different application program or data block required and application software, keys, password, key authentication an personal data may be written into the arranged application program or data blocks. As such, the different security applications systems may be accessed by the single composite electronic card device.

Abstract: In a method for controlling access to data stored on a smart card, an external request for communication with the smart card is received via a first communication interface. The external request for communication may be a request for communication over a second communication interface, for example, from a smart card reader. Private data from the smart card is transmitted via the second communication interface responsive to authentication of a user of the smart card. Related devices are also discussed.

Abstract: A system, method, computer program and product to allow a card processor to use a single card with a card account number for payment from different account fund buckets. The first account fund bucket is an unrestricted general account fund bucket with funds available to make purchases of goods and services. The second account fund bucket is a restricted account fund bucket that can be used for the purchase of third party administrator approved goods and services. The card processor determines if a transaction is for third party administrator approved goods and services. If the requested transaction is for approved goods and services, the card processor deducts the costs of the approved goods and services first from the second restricted account fund bucket, and then from the first unrestricted account fund bucket. If sufficient funds are not available in the multiple account buckets, the card processor denies the requested transaction.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a predetermined number of prepackaged condiments to a customer based on a food order inputted into a business machine at a food service establishment. The system includes a business machine, such as a cash register, linked to a powered prepackaged condiment dispenser. Each menu item available at the establishment is assigned a number that represents the total number of prepackaged condiments that a normal customer may need while consuming the item. A microprocessor contained within either the dispenser or the business machine retrieves the number of condiments from the memory when a food item key is pressed and provides a signal to the condiment dispenser so that the predetermined number of prepackaged condiments is dispensed. The system controls the amount of prepackaged condiments provided to the customer in order to reduce waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to an authorization verification method and devices suited therefor, which play back authorization data via a user interface (11) of an electronic playback device (1). During the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of a first playback device (1), the playback attributes are modified. The playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) is compared with the playback of reference data via a user interface (21) of a second electronic playback device (2). Authorization is granted in the event the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) matches the playback of reference data via the user interface (21) of the second playback device (2), and modifications of the playback attributes are, in essence, time-synchronized.

Abstract: Contact data is modified by first identifying contact data associated with a particular contact entry. A file containing the identified contact data is locked and at least one value contained in the contact data is modified. A version stamp associated with the modified value is stored in the file. Additionally, a time stamp associated with the modified value is stored in the file. The file containing the identified contact data is then unlocked.