Abstract: A frontloaded injection device that includes a cartridge holder into which a replaceable cartridge containing a fluid is inserted. The cartridge holder includes a closing element such as a pair of claws which are displaceable in a radial direction. The closing element is provided at the front of the injection device and locks the cartridge by gripping at the neck part of the cartridge after the cartridge has been loaded into the cartridge holder from the front of the injection device. The closing element is preferably biased in an outwardly radial direction when the locking element is moved axially out of the cartridge holder.

Abstract: A sprayer device (10) with a trigger pump (29) includes a substantially L-shaped body (14) that can be applied to a container for liquids and is provided with a sprayer nozzle (15). A chamber (20) wherein a plunger (33) of the pump slides, an input duct (37) which puts the container into communication with the chamber and an output duct (38) which puts the chamber into communication with the nozzle are formed inside the body. A suction and delivery valve (100) which allows the suction of the liquid from the inside of the chamber and the delivery of the liquid from the chamber to the sprayer nozzle is installed in the chamber of the sprayer body. The stem (32) of the plunger of the pump is operated by a trigger (29) biased by a spring (60).

Abstract: An improved dropper bottle, and in particular a dropper body able to be joined to a container body and closed by a cap, are described. The dropper body comprises a first droplet delivery end and an open base, the open base of the dropper body comprising a first projection able to engage with the internal surface of a mouth of the container body, and a second projection able to engage with the external surface of the mouth of the container body. Locking toothing is provided between the dropper body and the container body.

Abstract: A spare tire cover includes a cup-shaped hard top cover having a substantially cylindrical portion, an inner surface of which is provided with a plurality of inwardly directed projections arranged at predetermined circumferential intervals, a substantially cylindrical fixing plate having a plurality of holes for receiving the plurality of inwardly directed projections to secure the fixing plate to the top cover, and a flexible rear cover having a peripheral edge that is attached to the fixing plate.

Abstract: A hydration device/golf bag carrying harness combination including a golf bag carrying harness including a pair of shoulder-engaging loop straps and a rear connection section from which the pair of shoulder-engaging loop straps extend in a general V-shape from the upper portion of the rear connection section. A hydration device includes a liquid container, a liquid delivery tube and at least two mounting straps extending from and connected to the hydration device. At least two strap engagement clips are mounted on the rear connection section of the golf bag carrying harness generally adjacent the upper portion of the rear connection section to each releasably engage one of the mounting straps. Finally, the liquid delivery tube extends forwards of the golf bag carrying harness such that a wearer of the hydration device may access liquids stored in the liquid container without having to disconnect the container from the harness.

Abstract: A securing bracket for mounting a bed slide in a vehicle storage area is disclosed. The bed slide-mounting bracket is characterized by a body with a protrusion. The protrusion is formed comprising a cavity sufficient to affix the bed slide-mounting bracket to the vehicle storage area using pre-existing vehicle hardware.

Abstract: A hook-like carrier adapted for attachment to and support by the belt of a user includes an attachment member having a pair of generally vertical, spaced slots which are adapted to receive the user's belt. Attached to an outer portion of the attachment member is a first element of a foldable hook. The first hook element is pivotally coupled to a second hook element such as by a first hinge and the second hook element is, in turn, pivotally coupled to a third hook element, such as by a second hinge. The hook elements are pivotally movable between a first folded configuration, such as when not in use, and a second extended configuration for engaging and supporting an article and maintaining the article securely in position in closely spaced relation to the user's waist.

Abstract: A tape dispenser dispenses rolled adhesive tape spirally wound on a hub. The dispenser has first and second side members, and a cutter member. Each of the side members has a first major side portion which overlies a roll of adhesive tape within the tape dispenser. A cylindrical axle portion is formed centrally on the inside surface of the first major side portion of each of the side members, and the cylindrical axle portions are telescopically received one in the other. At least the first side member is flexible in the region of the first major side portion, so that when it is flexed towards the second side member, the telescopic axle becomes shorter, and an interference of the hub and/or the tape with the side members occurs. Thus, a braking effect is imparted to the roll of adhesive tape, so as to preclude unwanted unreeling of the spirally wound adhesive tape from the hub.

Abstract: The guide rods 25, 26 extending straight along the discharge port 17 are fixed to the contact member 24, and this contact member 24 is retained slidably on the nose 16 via the guide rods 25, 26. The nose extension 23 is formed at the free end of the discharge port 17 so as to be integral with the nose 16 so that the nose extension covers the outer circumferential surface of the discharge port 17. The contact member 24 is held in the annular space formed between the nose extension 23 and discharge port 17, the contact member 24 being provided so as to project from free end of the nose extension.

Abstract: A magazine is connectable to the nosepiece of a fastener tool having a driving mechanism for driving a fastener into a workpiece. The magazine defines a fastener channel for storing one or more fasteners, and a pusher channel that receives a pusher assembly for pushing the fasteners towards the nosepiece. The pusher assembly slides along the pusher channel and includes a pusher for contacting the fastener and pushing the fastener towards the nosepiece, and a spring for biasing the pusher towards the fastener channel. The pusher has a camming surface to bypass fasteners inserted into the magazine assembly when the pusher assembly is moved towards the end of the magazine assembly farthest from the nosepiece. The magazine also has a locking mechanism near the end of the magazine assembly farthest from the nosepiece for latching the pusher.

Abstract: A nailing gun with a dust-blowing device, the dust-blowing device is attached to a side of the nailing gun and has an actuating device operated by pushing forward to actuate the dust-blowing device. Therefore, operation of the nailing gun with the dust-blowing device is in accordance with ergonomic to facilitate the use of the nailing gun.

Abstract: A shipping carton is converted to use as a display carton using perforated lines and precut openings that together define a line circumscribing the carton. At any location at which the perforated line crosses an edge of the carton of another perforated line, a precut opening provides a clean separation. Additionally, no section of the perforated lines parallels an adjacent fold line.

Abstract: The application is directed to a safety device for a bank note storage apparatus. If banknotes are not place properly in the compartment of the tray but overlie a flange of the safety device as the tray is pushed into the slot and flange will jam between pegs and, causing a body to move back against a spring and a latch to extend downward from the tray. The latch will prevent movement of the tray fully into the enclosure. The user must remove the obstruction before the tray can be moved fully into the enclosure.

Abstract: A mail box configured to contain and reduce exposure to hazardous particulates, which includes a container having a deposit port at an upper end and a collection chamber at a lower end. There is at least one door at the upper end for mail to be placed into the deposit port. A normally open sealable bag is located in the collection chamber for receiving mail and for being sealed when the mail is to be removed from the container There is a bag holder constructed and arranged to hold a bag in place and normally open so that in a first position, mail placed into the deposit port falls downwardly through the bag holder and into a bag in the collection chamber and which bag may be preliminarily sealed while in this position, and in a second position, the bag may be more securely sealed and removed from the bag holder.

Abstract: A food and/or treat dispenser comprises an enclosed container having at least one aperture for insertion and dispensing of food stored therein. The dispenser comprises a top portion, a base portion and a central portion therebetween, wherein at least one aperture is provided in the top or base portion. The aperture is selectively openable and returnably resilient. A plurality of ribs are provided to facilitate selective opening of the aperture. The top and base portions include a perimeter encircling a concavity, the perimeter of a relatively flat configuration so that the top and/or base portions are positionable in a free standing configuration on a flat or planar surface.

Abstract: The Modified Garbage Collector for Commercial Establishments fulfills the need for an apparatus that can be used to help users collect and dispose garbage in a hygienic way. Once the tray with contents to be disposed is placed inside the Modified Garbage Collector, a series of automated actions help dispose the contents of the tray and store the tray for later use.

Abstract: A secure package receptacle comprising a parallelepiped box having a flushly fitted lockable access door hingedly attached within the front of the box, a recessed handle within the access door, a lid pivotally secured and flushly fitted to the box top, the lid beveled edge fitting a coplanar beveled edge of the top, a recessed handle within the lid and a lid lock accessible from the box interior, the recessed handles having handle surrounds preventing inclement weather invasion, whereby received packages are securely retained within the interior of the box until accessed from the access door.

Abstract: A transaction handling system and associated method are described for handling transactions based on a plurality of rule sets that apply to point sets (where the point sets contain points that can be consumed for goods and services, or have some other end-use connotation). Namely, the rule sets can be associated with respective point lots to define the characteristics and behavior of the respective point lots. For example, one rule in an applied rule set can determine whether a consumer is permitted to make a purchase without having sufficient points in the consumer's point lot, thus incurring a negative balance in the point lot. Another rule (e.g., a sandbox rule) can determine whether the consumer is permitted to use points only within a limited identified environment, or whether the consumer can use the points in any environment. An override rule set can override a default rule set on an individual account basis or on an individual consumer basis.

Abstract: A method, secure cell phone and system for securely accessing an automated banking machine using such secure cell phone. The secure cell phone includes a read only memory device in combination with two linear feedback shift registers for generating a unique security transaction code, which includes a cell phone identification concatenated with two pseudo random codes. The automated banking machine is called from the cell phone. One of the pseudo random codes is input into a software emulation of the cell phone circuitry running on the automated banking machine to generate a computed pseudo random code. This computed code is concatenated the input pseudo random code and a determined cell phone identification to generate a computed transaction code. The automated banking machine is securely accessed using the secure cell phone if the computed transaction code matches the unique security transaction code.

Abstract: Methods according to the invention include accepting e-check data input from a payer, parsing the data to determine the bank routing number and the ostensible checking account number, determining the correct number of checking account digits based on the bank routing number, determining whether the ostensible checking account number has the correct number of digits, and prompting the payer to re-enter the checking account number with the correct number of digits if necessary. In addition, the methods include automatically pre-pending and/or appending zero digits where necessary to correct the number of digits in the checking account number. In cases where the payer includes the check number as part of the account number, the methods include removing the check number from the account number by prompting the payer to enter the check number so that it can be deleted from the account number.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a display device in an upper housing portion and a currency dispenser in a (lower) chest housing portion. A cooling system within the machine housing is operative to cool air in the housing. The cooling system includes temperature sensors, an air duct, a blower, and an air cooling device. The duct extends between the separated chest portion and the upper portion. The chest portion houses the blower, which is operative to move air through the duct. A controller can operate the air cooling device to maintain the air temperature in both the upper portion and the chest portion within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to enable users to operate the machine to carry out transactions such as the dispensing of cash. The exemplary machine provides audible instructions which are output through external loudspeakers, a headphone, or a handset. Rotation of a rotatable knob (372, 382) or other movable item causes the output of user selectable characters, transaction types and/or amounts corresponding to each respective position. The user selects the audible output produced in the current position of the knob for receipt by the machine as a transaction input by pressing on the knob. Characters and other selectable inputs corresponding to knob positions can be varied by the computer in the machine to reduce the risk of a criminal intercepting the user's inputs to the machine.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: A method to personalize a computer environment of a computer system. The method includes storing at least a portion of a user profile in a portable storage medium, logging onto the computer system using a user identification and validating the user identification from a relevant user list by the computer system. The method also includes retrieving the portion from the portable storage medium and at least partially configuring the computer environment of the computer system according to the retrieved portion, by the computer system. A method is also included to provide personalized services to a user. This method includes storing at least a portion of a user profile in a portable storage medium and retrieving the portion from the portable storage medium by a web server. This method additionally includes at least partially configuring an Internet service according to the retrieved portion by said web server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to online purchasing via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting purchasing transactions over a network.

Abstract: Memorandum information specific to a user is provided at proper timings by using a portable terminal, without accessing an external apparatus and without a necessity of secure and complicated operations.

Abstract: A medication dispensing unit is provided for tracking medical products having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag uniquely associated therewith. The dispensing unit includes compartments for receiving medical products therein, and readers for reading the RFID tags associated with the medical products in the compartments. A processor is coupled to the readers for receiving and processing readings of the RFID tags in the compartment to identify the medical products in the compartments. The processor may identify a medical product removed from a compartment by determining a difference between readings of the RFID tags in the compartment taken before and after the medical product is removed from the compartment. The processor may verify that the medical product removed from the compartment is authorized to be removed or confirmed that an identified patient is intended to receive the medical product being removed from the compartment.

Abstract: A contactless data communication system includes a contactless identification tag having first identification information inherent to the contactless identification tag and includes a drive power generation means to generate drive power from an electromagnetic wave used for a power supply sent from a data communication system, an acquisition request receiving means, and an identification information sending means. The contactless data communication has a second identification information inherent to the data communication system and includes an electromagnetic wave sending means, an identification information acquisition means, an information sending means, an information acquisition means, and a position information computation means.

Abstract: The card processing apparatus is capable of reissuing a card-shaped storage medium and omitting a trouble of collecting accommodated card-shaped storage media. The card processing apparatus comprises: means for processing the card-shaped storage medium, which reads data from and writes data in the card-shaped storage medium; means for transferring the card-shaped storage medium, which has been accommodated in a card accommodating section; a movable guide section distributing the card-shaped storage medium to the card accommodating section or a card outlet according to a position thereof; means for changing the position of the movable guide section; and a control section selectively feeding the card-shaped storage medium to the card accommodating section, outside of a card inlet or outside of the card outlet.

Abstract: An assembly comprises an integrated circuit card capable (2) of communicating data in a contactless fashion. The assembly further comprises a case (32) for the integrated circuit card. The case has an electrical circuit (14, 16) which, when the integrated circuit card is inside the case, is electrically coupled to the integrated circuit card so as to prevent the integrated circuit card from communicating data in a contactless fashion.

Abstract: A card reader includes a card locking mechanism locking a card medium in an immovable holding position when the card medium inserted from a card insertion port provided in a front section of a card reader body stops because of abnormal stopping, thus preventing wrongful removal of the card medium by withdrawal. The card locking mechanism includes a spindle able to rotate via a spindle pin at one end inside the card reader body at the card insertion port, and a stopper configuration enabling direct contact with a surface of the card medium provided along a periphery at another end. A rotation radius includes a distance from the spindle pin to the stopper configuration being gradually increased from one end of the stopper configuration to another end to increase locking force by contact with the card medium.

Abstract: An authentication system may comprise: a first light source, a second light source, and at least three optically filtered light sensing devices. The first light source can have a first light source spectral distribution and can be capable of providing sufficient excitation to produce a photoluminescent emission from a medium comprising a luminescent tag and a color. The second light source can have a visible multi-wavelength spectral distribution and can be capable of providing sufficient visible multi-wavelength illumination of the medium to generate a second analog response. Each light sensing device can have a different device spectral sensitivity range.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the astigmatic difference of an optical device for analyzing the astigmatism inherent to the optical device by utilizing a condensation performance analysis system while correcting the astigmatic difference inherent to the condensation performance analysis system for analyzing the condensation performance of the optical device to be analyzed.

Abstract: Two-dimensional Code having superior decoding property which is possible to control the level of error correcting codes, and method for encoding and decoding the two-dimensional Code is provided. The two-dimensional code includes finding pattern area comprised finding patterns for discriminating the code area from whole image, timing pattern area comprised timing patterns for checking a position of data area from the whole code and positions of each cells of the data area, and data area inputted various kinds of data and decoding information of data itself.

Abstract: A method of identifying a face of an object having a plurality of faces with each face having coded data disposed thereon or therein. The coded data includes a plurality of coded data portions provided at respective positions on each face. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the object. The method includes the steps of sensing at least one coded data portion, generating, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the object identity, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The generating step of the method also preferably produces at least one of: a position of the sensed coded data portion; a position of the sensing device relative to the face; an orientation of the sensed coded data; and, an orientation of the sensing device relative to the face.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and appartaus for analysis of images of two-dimensional (2D) bar codes in which a model that has proven successful in decoding of a prior 2D image of a 2D bar code is utilized to speed analysis of images of subsequent 2D bar codes. In its various aspects, the invention can be used in analyzing conventional 2D bar codes, e.g., those complying with Maxicode and DataMatrix standards, as well as stacked linear bar codes, e.g., those utilizing the Codablock symbology. Bar code readers, digital data processing apparatus and other devices according to the invention be used, by way of non-limiting example, to decode bar codes on damaged labels, as well as those screened, etched, peened or otherwise formed on manufactured articles (e.g., from semiconductors to airplane wings).

Abstract: An insert-type barcode reader has a body support with an insertion slot for receiving a card with barcode. A circuit board and a CIS component module electrically connected to the circuit board with each mounted to the body support to scan and process signals. A roller is mounted to the body support for movement relative to the CIS component module to allow the card to be properly guided into the insertion slot and tightly pressed onto the CIS component for accurate scanning of the barcode on the card. Two photoelectric sensors mounted to the body support are electrically connected to the circuit board for sensing the card entering and leaving the insertion slot to control starting, running and stopping of the scanning function of the CIS component module.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for providing optimized accuracy and precision in analog-to-digital conversions of data. In an embodiment of the invention, an A/D converter is configured by setting two separately definable reference voltages that are controlled by a microprocessor. The A/D converter range is as wide as, or slightly greater than, a dynamic range of the analog signal to be converted. The microprocessor adjusts at least one reference voltage. The A/D converter receives analog signals from a sensor. The dynamic range of the signal from the sensor, or the sensor operating conditions, are used to define the reference voltages. The converted data is provided to a data processor at a rate controlled by a clocking signal. In a method according to the invention, the A/D converter is operated using the features described above. The accuracy and the precision of the converted data are thereby optimized.

Abstract: A mobile computer and a reader are provided that may be constructed as a standard modular attachment (e.g. sled) for the computer that may be used only when RFID interrogation is desired. The sled may carry an antenna loop, integrated RFID reader electronics, and a dedicated battery that are separate from the actual mobile computer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for housing a stylus as part of a handle of a mobile terminal to increase utility. By designing a cavity within the handle of a mobile terminal, a compartment is obtained which in turn can be exploited for housing a stylus therein. The inner walls of such cavity can include sculpted ribs that function as a mechanism for guiding the stylus during insertion into the cavity. In one aspect, the stylus placed within the handle can be substantially parallel thereto. In addition, the stylus can be engaged in the cavity of the handle via a spring locking mechanism or any other suitable securing assembly.

Abstract: A product is provided with a coding pattern, which codes position information in the form of coordinates for a plurality of points on the product with the aid of a plurality of marks belonging to each point. The marks have a first parameter which varies for coding of the position information. The marks additionally have a second parameter which varies for coding of further information in the coding pattern. A method and a device for coding of the coding pattern and a method and a device for decoding of the coding pattern are also described.

Abstract: A data glyph and method, system, and computer program product for creating and reading the data glyph is provided. In one embodiment the data glyph is created by combining individual glyph elements, wherein each glyph element is selected from a list of glyph elements corresponding to one of each of the hexadecimal numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F. Each glyph element is made from darkening a unique subset of cells from an array of allowable cells.

Abstract: A two-dimensional data carrier, readable with an optical reader, includes a plurality of dot-based data image templates that each defines at least one locating formation, at least one orientation formation and a plurality of data areas of predetermined dimensions and orientation, which contain bits of data. A plurality of dot-based data packages of said bits of data are positioned in a respective data area. Each image template and its associated data package define a readable tag.

Abstract: The invention is directed to temperature control system in which a programmable controller may be programmed to control a thermal output of said temperature-modifying device having a power connector. The programmable temperature control system may include at least one power coupler for removeably engaging the power connector from the temperature-modifying device. The programmable controller may be electrically coupled to the at least one power coupler and programmed to control the operation of the at least one temperature modifying device in response to the comparison of a measured temperature with at least one set point temperature. The power coupler may comprise one or more electrical outlets on the programmable temperature control system, for example, that may be used to individually control heating and cooling devices. The power controller may also include an power coupler for removeably engaging a power supply, such as an electrical outlet.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing one or more properties of a fluid is provided. The sensing arrangement includes a fluid flow path (3) and a sensing means (5) to sense one or more properties of the fluid. The sensing means (5) is positioned or positionable within the fluid flow path (3). In use, the sensing arrangement directs the fluid in a substantially spiral flow (2) within the fluid flow path (3) past the sensing means (5). Also provided is a method of sensing one or more properties of a fluid and a fluid system for controlling one or more properties of a fluid.

Abstract: A fail-safe proportional mixing valve is provided that tempers a hot fluid supply by proportional flow from a hot fluid inlet and a cold fluid inlet. The valve includes a fail-safe mechanism disposed within the body of the valve to isolate flow from the hot fluid inlet in the event the temperature of the mixed fluid exceeds a predetermined set point. The valve also includes a check valve in the fluid inlets to prevent backflow in case of failure of a fluid supply. In a further aspect, the cold fluid inlet includes an adjustment set screw to adjust the cold fluid flow into the mixing valve, thereby adjusting the maximum mixed fluid temperature that can be discharged from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A thermostat mounting structure capable of reliably positioning an embedded thermostat and ensuring high sealability. A coolant channel is formed in a casing. An embedding hole is formed in the casing across the coolant channel. A thermostat includes a cylindrical valve body with a surrounding wall having an entry aperture and an exit aperture. A valving element for advancing and retracting to open and close the entry aperture and the exit aperture. The thermostat is inserted into the embedding hole so that both apertures face the coolant channel. A cover member for covering the embedding hole via a circular rubber seal seated in a groove of the cover member and for fixing the thermostat. A positioning structure for positioning the thermostat to a side of the cover member.

Abstract: A thermal element of a simple structure which can have a reduced cost because a minimum required number of structural components are used, excels in response and endurance and enables forward and backward movement of a piston with the prescribed stroke under the effect of volume changes following the expansion and contraction of a thermally expandable body. A thermal element 10 containing a thermally expandable body (wax 12) inside a case 11 comprises a piston 13 arranged inside the case along the axial line thereof. The inward end of the piston borders on the inside of the thermally expandable body and the outward end thereof protrudes outwardly from one end of the case, thereby enabling the piston to move forward and backward following the expansion and contraction of the thermally expandable body. The piston is slidably held with a guide member 14 disposed in a portion at one end inside the case.

Abstract: An improved feed dispenser is programmable to allow for a desired feeding schedule. When a feeding interval begins, a dispersion wheel begins operating. A separate spinner plate is used to block feed from the dispersion wheel, and begins operating to allow feed to the dispersion wheel only after a delay of several seconds after the dispersion wheel begins operation. In addition, the dispersion wheel is operated for another period of several seconds after the spinner plate ceases operation in order to clear the mechanism and prevent blockage.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying chemicals in a forestry environment includes a back pack supported reservoir for containing such chemicals and a variable speed pump for urging the chemicals from the reservoir through a rearwardly oriented spraying unit. Positional and delivery rate monitoring equipment may also be incorporated in the design.