Abstract: A dispensing pouch and method for making the same are described. One described dispensing pouch includes a flexible first sheet and a flexible second sheet, each including at least one layer, and where the flexible second sheet has substantially the same size and shape as the flexible first sheet. The flexible second sheet is joined to the flexible first sheet to define a compartment configured to substantially contain a material. The flexible first sheet and the flexible second sheet also define a channel configured to allow dispensing of the material from the compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid spray bottle with combined drive, equipped with a liquid propulsion member (50) that has a main axis of translation (X?X) coupled, on the one hand, to a spray member (9) comprising a nozzle (11) having an axis of diffusion (Y?Y) and, on the other hand, to a container (3) containing the liquid.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a container, a functional cover cap, an actuator and a dispenser plate wherein said container comprises a top and a groove wherein said groove comprises a center positioned on the container such that the center of said groove is at least more than about 3% from the top of the container.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser being useful as a tissue roll dispenser. The dispenser comprises a dispensing head, a base and a hollow body serving as a reservoir that is detachable from the base such as to release the distal closed end of the hollow body and to allow the insertion of the distal closed end into the axial void space of a tissue roll. The dispenser of the invention can prevent the tissue to be contaminated by any fluid during the placement of the tissue roll.

Abstract: A portable grease gun with the capability of being attached to either a grease containing barrel or a hose carrying grease from a grease supply container. An adapter may be mounted to the barrel mounting in place of a barrel to couple the grease gun to a hose connected to a grease supply container remote from the grease gun. Alternating plug may be mounted in the barrel mounting and a pumped grease supply coupled to the resupply port on the grease gun. The grease gun includes an output valve which restrains passage of grease at pressure below 30 psi.

Abstract: The inventive fluid product dispenser comprises a container (10) containing a fluid product, a propellant, a control non-metering valve (20) which is mounted on said container and provided with a valve element displacing between the closed and open positions thereof. Said valve (20) is used for deliver the fluid product when the valve element is maintained in the open position. Said dispenser also comprises a delivering head (30) mounted on said valve element of the valve (20) and provided with a delivering orifice (31) and is characterised in that said head (30) comprises a metering system (32, 33, 34, 35) which delivers an exact and reproducible dose at each actuation of the device.

Abstract: A spray actuator for a pressurized aerosol canister that simplifies the mechanical moving parts of a spray actuator to a body and a trigger and a third nozzle piece being inserted at the very end of the product dispensing passage either in the body or the trigger. The moveable trigger rotates about a pivot or hinge point on the body and is biased by engagement with the valve stem or an additional spring return into a neutral unactuated position where the product is not dispensed. When dispensing of the product is desired, the user grasps the actuator and pulls the trigger against the body and overcomes the bias of the valve stem and the valve is actuated as discussed above to dispense the pressurized aerosol product.

Abstract: A water spray gun mainly includes a water spray gun body and an electronic device. The function of the water spray gun body just like those of prior water spray gun bodies, that is a hose is connected to the water spray gun and through which water can be sprayed. However, the shape of the water spray gun body prefers to be like a toy gun. The electronic device provides sound, or light effect to generate entertainments.

Abstract: A modular rack is provided that is mountable to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a cargo bed and opposing side walls. The rack comprises a frame member, a pair of kickers, and at least one module. The frame member may be mountable to the side walls of the vehicle. The kickers may each define a top end that may be removably connectable to the frame member. The kickers may also each define a bottom end that may be removably mountable to the cargo bed. The module may be connectable to one of the frame member and the kickers. The module may be configured as a tire carrier, a tool case, and/or a panel for mounting or carrying accessories such as lights.

Abstract: An expandable and foldable clothesline apparatus adapted to attach to a vehicle hitch via a trailer coupler. The trailer coupler connects to a ball unit and a ball mount. The ball mount is attached to a horizontal member having a first end and a second end. Two pivoting arms attach to the horizontal member at the first and second ends via pivot joints. Each pivoting arm has a free end and is rotated about its respective pivot joint to an extended and open position, allowing a number of lines to be secured between the pivoting arms for hanging clothing. An expandable and collapsible clothesline apparatus adapted to attach to a vehicle hitch via a trailer coupler. The trailer coupler connects to a ball unit and a ball mounting plate. The ball mounting plate is attached to a horizontal member having a first end and a second end. Two pivoting arms attach to the horizontal member at the first and second ends via pivot joints.

Abstract: A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage.

Abstract: An accessory rack for mounting on a vehicle is described. In an embodiment, the accessory rack includes an anchor that mounts to the frame and a stand that is supported by the anchor so as to provide a strong yet compact accessory rack. The small size provides potential benefits in the reduction of fuel consumption and/or reductions in wind noise in the event the user does not remove the accessory rack from the vehicle during periods of disuse. The accessory rack may include a stand configured to support standard sized carriers while providing improved ergonomics during installation of objects onto the carrier.

Abstract: A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source, a valve sleeve reciprocable relative to the power source between a rest position and a firing position, and a lockout device in operational proximity to the valve sleeve and configured for automatically preventing the reciprocation of the valve sleeve from the firing position until a piston in the power source returns to a pre-firing position.

Abstract: A contact safety and trigger mechanism for use with a pneumatic fastener in order to permit efficient pneumatic fastener actuation mode selection. A rotating rod is included in a contact safety assembly which is constructed to slide toward/away from a driver housing, defining a piston for securing a fastener disposed within the piston's path of travel. The rotating rod includes a first shoulder or ledge and a second shoulder which is off-set from the first shoulder. The rod may be rotated in order to orientate the selected shoulder, to function as a stop for a pivoting trigger assembly, which is constructed to contact a pneumatic valve, to initiate a fastening event in-which a fastener is driven into a workpiece.

Abstract: A combustion-type power tool includes a housing, a cylinder head disposed at one end of the housing, a cylinder in the housing, a piston slidably disposed in the cylinder, and a driver blade connected to the piston. A combustion-chamber is provided in the housing, a fan is disposed in the combustion chamber, and a motor having an output shaft is coupled to the fan. A motor holder accommodates the motor, and the cylinder head is formed with a motor holder receiving portion in which the motor holder is slidably movably disposed. An elastic member is disposed in a gap formed between the motor holder and the motor holder receiving portion.

Abstract: In the invention, a joining means having a ram tool, a countertool and a holder with an opening to accommodate the ram tool or the countertool, is described. The two tools are arranged coaxial with each other at different ends of a C-bracket. The invention is distinguished in that the holder comprises at least one plane contact surface arranged on the outer surface of the holder, resting in contact with at least one plane face of the corresponding end of the C-bracket and detachably fastened thereto. Between the contact surface and the face, at least one interlay is arranged, determining the information and/or the distance of the contact surface from the face.

Abstract: A firing pin for a nailing gun has a head and a shaft, wherein the head has a cushion attached thereon to operationally abut a pad on inner wall of the nailing gun. Therefore, not only the pad provides a damping capability but also the cushion provides an additional buffering efficiency to reduce vibration and impact and to protect the firing pin from damage. Thereby, lifespan of the firing pin and the pad are significantly prolonged.

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 handle is pivotally attached to the rear end of the housing body, pressing down the handle stores energy in a power spring by bending the middle section of the power spring, and further pressing down the handle unlocks the front end of the power spring which forces a driving blade to move downward and expels a staple out of the bottom of the housing body. 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 cutter unit 10 with a fixed cutter 11 arranged between staple legs and a movable cutter 13 operated from an outer side to an inner side of the staple leg is provided. The cutter unit 10 is arranged slidably between a position advanced into an operation region a movable clincher 5 and a position escaped from the operation region of the movable clincher 5. The cutter unit 10 is advanced to a staple strike out portion to cut the staple leg penetrated through a sheet to be bound, the cutter unit 10 is escaped from the operation region of the movable clincher 5 and thereafter, the staple leg is bent by operating to pivot the movable clincher 5.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical fastener apparatus is provided with a reinforcement material holder, where the holder positions a sheet of reinforcement material adjacent body tissue that is sutured by a plurality of surgical staples dispensed by the apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.

Abstract: A portable multi-axis load confirmation tool having a rotating ball on the end thereof follows a three-dimensional weld program path therewith. The ball reacts to an internal load cell for verifying weld program path dynamics before an actual program is run with friction stir welding tools. The load cell is connected to instrumentation electronics converting a load cell signal to a digital readout and comparing the load cell signal to weld program load requirements. The tool integrates into a tool holder loaded on a friction stir welding spindle for simulating an actual friction stir welding tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of rolling a strip-shaped in-process stock, in particular a metal strip, with which, a metal strip (3) is unwound from a coil (2, 7) held on an unwinding reel (1, 6), is fed into a reversing rolling mill (8), is rolled, and is wound-up onto a winding-up reel (9) to form a coil (10), wherein the metal strip (3) is reversibly conveyed from the unwinding reel (1, 6) to the winding-up reel (9) until a set thickness is reached and, with each passing of the reversing rolling mill (8), is subjected to a reduction of thickness, and wherein an end of the metal strip (3) of a first coil is welded to a beginning of the metal strip (3) of the second coil, and the metal strip (3) of the first coil is temporarily stored in a strip store during a welding process, and finally, the in-process stock consisting of two lengths is reversibly rolled to a final dimension, and an additional length is welded to the end of the in-process stock before the last pass.

Abstract: The present invention provides seam-welded, air hardenable steel tubes, methods of manufacturing seam-welded air hardenable steel tubes, tube mills for practicing such methods and applications for using seam-welded, air hardenable steel tubing of the present invention.

Abstract: A wire bonding method that connects a first bonding point and a second bonding point by a wire, the method including a step that press-bonds a ball formed on a tip end of a wire to a first bonding point, thus forming a press-bonded ball; a step that slightly raises a capillary, moves the capillary toward a second bonding point and then lowers the capillary by an amount that is smaller than an amount in which the capillary was raised, and a step that raises the capillary to allow the wire to be paid out of the capillary and moves the capillary toward a second bonding point, thus connecting the wire to the second bonding point.

Abstract: The invention is a lead attachment suitable for implantation in living tissue that enables connection of a wire that is comprised of stainless steel to a tack that in turn is bonded to a titanium swage cup, preferably Ti-6Al-4V. The wire is attached by crimping inside a crimping tube, to assure electrical continuity from the wire to the crimping tube. The tack is bonded by swaging a thinned swage ring and is further sealed by welding to swage cup, which is bonded by brazing to ceramic case.

Abstract: Substrates such as wafers often have surface or other imperfections that can create gaps when the wafers are solder bonded together. Such substrates can be more effectively bonded together by subjecting an intervening solder layer to an electrostatic force that causes the solder layer to be pulled to fill at least some of any gaps that may exist between the substrates. When the solder cools, an improved solder bond is formed.

Abstract: An input device for applying a signal depending on a user-operated key to an information processing device is disclosed which includes a plurality of keys including a function-key pad and a ten-key pad; and a communication section for transmitting data to and from a non-contact IC card or a device equivalent to a non-contact IC card; the communication section having an antenna housed in the input device and disposed above the ten-key pad and rightward of the function-key pad.

Abstract: The invention described herein represents a significant improvement in creation and utility of RFID systems by creating a freeform field where readable data can be printed or written.

Abstract: A method for providing messaging between a portable device and base device is provided. The method included 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: Controlling, monitoring and managing system applied in self-service equipment for banking, a system (1) that previews, inside each of the self service banking terminals (2) associated to a specific bank, a Local Management Feature (3), connected through a Local Server (4), to a Control, Monitoring and Management Center (5), responsible for the general administration of the system, and provided with a Security Module (6), being that, when the administration of the place is local, Control, Monitoring and Managing Consoles are previewed (7); at the back part of the terminal (2), a command panel is previewed (8) bearing an interface to communicate with the Local Management Feature (3) previewed inside the above-mentioned terminal (2), as well as the Control, Monitoring and Management Center (5) and with Local Consoles for Control, Monitoring and Management (7); such control panel (8) is endowed with a keyboard (9), LCD display (10), magnetic and “smart card” reader (11, digital printing reader (12) and a biometri

Abstract: An automatic vending machine included in a donation collecting system includes a donation button and a change button. The donation button is depressed when information indicating that change is treated as a donation is input to the automatic vending machine. The change button is depressed when information indicating that the change is received by a user is input to the automatic vending machine. If the user depresses the donation button, then the automatic vending machine accepts the change as the donation, and transmits donation information on the donation to a company computer through a communication network. Moreover, donees are displayed on a donee display unit so that the user can select one of the donees.

Abstract: The present teachings describe a system for processing financial transactions. In one embodiment, the system includes a remote terminal adapted to identify the location of financial transactions via global positioning system (GPS) information such that the remote terminal acquires transaction information from a user and transmits a first signal indicative of transaction information and GPS information. In addition, the system includes an authorizing host adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the remote terminal such that the authorizing host evaluates the risk associated with financial transactions based, at least in part, on the GPS information so as to determine whether to accept or decline the financial transaction. The present teachings further describe devices and methods of acquiring GPS information for the purpose of managing risk for financial transactions.

Abstract: An ATM extends a stack of currency notes through a cash outlet opening for presentation to a customer. Each dispensed stack, including those of different sizes, is centered in the opening. The centering of a stack is based on its thickness. The thickness can be based on the quantity of notes in the stack. Different sized stacks require different amounts of movement to be centered. A stack is centered in the opening to facilitate grasping thereof by the customer.

Abstract: An internet N is connected to an electronic money management server 10 so that communications can be performed with a deposit money terminal device 30 replenishing an electronic money for an user card comprised by recording a card ID and an issuer ID, a member shop terminal device 50 reducing the electronic money utilized from the user card, and the like. The electronic money management server 10 acquires the deposit money amount and the issuer ID from a deposit money terminal device 30 at the replenishment time of the electronic money, and totalizes the deposit money amount for each issuer, and performs the delivery of the cash for the totalized deposit money amount to the issuer.

Abstract: A transaction-enabling instrument, such as a credit card, a debit card, or a check, has encoded thereon in machine-readable form a telephone number of a portable wireless communications device, such as a cell phone or a PDA, of the instrument's owner, who is typically the holder of the instrument, and a transaction-authentication code. When the holder presents the instrument to enable a transaction, a reader reads the phone number and code, and an authentication server causes the phone number to be dialed and the owner to be prompted for the authentication code. If the owner provides the code, the server allows the transaction to proceed. If the owner cannot be reached or does not provide the code, the server denies the transaction.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device (RFID) and method for authenticating RFIDs are disclosed. In RFIDs, data is stored in a form of data segments selectively associated with promiscuous and non-promiscuous regions of their memories. A randomly selected portion of a content of a non-promiscuous region is examined by an interrogating readers or a host computer after validating the data contained in a promiscuous region.

Abstract: A signature device having an item selection input section which accepts a selection of a group of items formed by combining an item delivered from at least one supplier and an item generated by itself, a path verification information updating section which updates path verification information to verify a delivery route included in the signature information on the delivered item, a signature information preparation section which prepares new signature information from a signature prepared by itself and the updated path verification information with respect to the selected item group, and a signature information transmitting section which transmits the new signature information to the signature verification device. The signature verification device receives the new signature information and verifies the delivery routes for all the items included in the selected item group based on the new signature information.

Abstract: A system for activating a merchandise card and account that permits a card user to initially purchase or reload cash value into a merchandise account using a card issued by an issuer such as a merchant, bank, or card association via a terminal, with or without a PIN, and have the cash value on the card immediately converted to a purchase of proxy merchandise offered by the card issuer, and at the time of account debiting allowing said cardholder to make a final selection of merchandise from the inventory of the issuing merchant. The system operates a network, on a real time or batch basis, that uses a communication system to connect point of sale terminals, remote terminals, and computers operated by card issuers, merchant headquarters, and account processors to issue cards, calculates taxes and merchant costs, converts cash to proxy merchandise, and allows cardholders at the time of debiting their account to substitute the proxy purchase for a final selection of merchandise.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for instant decisioning and remote dispensing of credit cards. In accordance with one implementation the system for instantly issuing a credit card includes means for receiving a credit card application from an applicant, means for instantly decisioning the credit card application, if declined, means for instantly notifying the applicant of that decision, and if approved, means for instantly issuing the credit card. The instant issuance credit card system can also receive a security deposit from the applicant where a determination is made that the applicant may need to remit a security deposit in order to secure the credit card. A decision to require security deposit may be based on the credit history of the applicant. A method for instantly issuing a credit card is also provided. Additionally, an apparatus for remotely dispensing a credit card is provided.

Abstract: A first access number stored on the removable computer chip module is retrieved by a mobile cellular device. The first access number to a cellular network is transmitted by the mobile cellular device using spread spectrum communications. The mobile cellular device receives a second access number in response to the cellular network allowing the mobile cellular device access. The mobile cellular device transmits the second access number to the cellular network using spread spectrum communications for subsequent access to the cellular network.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating radio frequency identification (RFID) devices and validating readers of the RFID devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) checkout system includes a reader, a first RFID tag, and a second RFID tag. The first tag is configured to be attached to an item selected to not be read by the reader, and the second tag is configured to be attached to an item selected to be read by the reader. Upon items being positioned within the reader, the reader reads the tags to determine if the first tag is present within the reader. The reader is enabled to complete a checkout transaction if no first tags are detected within the reader during the reading. The first tag includes an attachment base, an extension portion connected to the attachment base, and a RFID antenna connected to the extension portion. The extension portion is movable relative to the attachment base between at least a first position and a second position, and the extension portion extends away from the attachment base in the first position.

Abstract: A method for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including printing a bar code on each shipment to be tracked, wherein the bar code includes at least one part for identification of the shipper of the shipment, which is invariable for each shipper, and a shipment rank identification part of each shipment, which is variable for each shipment; and a device for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including at least one database having at least one user data table listing bar codes of the shipper and address information, and a data table of shipments being tracked listing each shipment by shipper.

Abstract: An interactive display capable of providing an interested party with information relating to an object. The object is provided with identifying indicia. The display includes a reader for reading the indicia. Identifying information read from the indicia for a particular object is used to retrieve object information stored in memory in associating with the identifying information for the object. A display system includes the interactive display and a rack supporting multiple objects, each of which is provided with unique identifying indicia capable of being read by the indicia reader of the interactive display. The interactive display displays object information retrieved from the memory to the interested party when the object's identifying indicia is read by the interactive display's indicia reader. The system is particularly useful for displaying product information relating to specially configured product samples supported in a conventional display rack.

Abstract: A method of establishing at least one marking element on a substrate (1). By means of design data of the substrate (1) at least a fictitious marking element (5) on the substrate (1) is determined. The fictitious marking element (5) should then be unique for a predefined area of the substrate (1). The fictitious marking element is obtained by selecting at least two transitions (6, 7, 17, 18) of at least one element on the substrate while the transitions (6, 7, 17, 18) enclose an angle to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for reading an optical code is provided. The optical code reader system includes a dual aim/illumination assembly including a single light source generating: a) light having a first intensity for providing an aim pattern visible to a user for aiming the aim pattern at a target during an aim period of a scan cycle having at least an aim period and an exposure period; and b) light having a second intensity greater than the first intensity for providing illumination during the exposure period of the scan cycle. An imager module having an array of photo sensors senses incident light and generating image signals corresponding to the sensing during the exposure period.