Abstract: A baby carrier 1 entirely formed of a sheet member 12 and including a wrapping portion 16 for wrapping a baby/toddler and a shoulder engaging portion 15 engageable with a shoulder of a wearer of the baby carrier. The wrapping portion 16 is expandable. The wrapping portion 16 has an opening B for allowing the baby/toddler to enter or come out from the wrapping portion 16 at a top end thereof, and an opening edge 12aa of the opening B has expansion restriction means 17 for restricting expansion of the opening edge 12aa.

Abstract: A sling type baby holding carrier comprises a cloth sling body that can be crossed and a back support part having bending rigidity and arranged on the inner surface of the sling body so as to support the back of a baby.

Abstract: A sling type baby holding carrier comprises a cloth sling body that can be crossed, a crotch support part fixed to the inner surface of the sling body so as to support the crotch of a baby, an abdomen support part continuously extending from the crotch support part so as to support the abdomen of the baby, and a connecting member for connecting the sling body to the abdomen support part.

Abstract: A hand-free food dispensing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a harness portion that attaches the apparatus to the person's body, wherein the harness is adjustable to the size of the wearer; and a food dispensing portion attached to the harness portion that is a substantially curved hollow food trough with at least a portion of the top open to the wearer. The food dispensing portion is positioned by the user's mouth such that when the apparatus is filled with food, the person can access food in the apparatus by moving their mouth towards the food dispensing portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide improved water sports equipment racks and methods for their use. In an set of embodiments, device (such as a rack, for example) for holding one or more pieces of water sports equipment is provided. The rack might have a first pair of forks having parallel prongs adapted to hold one or more water skis, wakeboards, and or the like. In some embodiments, the rack might further comprise a second pair of forks adapted to hold a surfboard. Merely by way of example, each member of the second pair of forks might comprise an upper support surface and a lower support surface disposed approximately parallel with the upper support surface. The upper support surface and lower support surface can be spaces to accommodate a surfboard therebetween. Other embodiments provide methods of using and/or modifying water sports equipment racks.

Abstract: Motorcycle having a holding device which is situated in the rear-end area of the motorcycle and is provided for holding a saddlebag arranged on the side of the motorcycle, whereby the holding device has at least one tooth-like and/or cog-like form-fitting element that extends upward away from the motorcycle. The saddlebag has a recess that can be placed in a form-fitting manner on the form-fitting element. The at least one form-fitting element in turn has a hole that functions as a tie-down grommet when the saddlebag is removed.

Abstract: A bag or garment having a pocket or retaining structure particularly configured to secure a baby wipes container. The bag or garment may include an elongate slot and a retaining mechanism secured across the slot such that a baby wipes container placed between the slot and the retaining mechanism is secured thereto such that an opening in the baby wipes container for accessing wipes therein is aligned with the slot. The bag and garment may further include a particularly arranged pocket for holding a baby changing mat, bottles, diapers, and other baby paraphernalia.

Abstract: A backpack for carrying a chair(s), the pack includes a front, a rear and lateral sides of a size to enclose a chair(s) in the pack. Backpack straps are on the rear for being worn at a wearer's shoulders. A cover encloses the top of the pack. A mesh bottom region of the pack enables exit of sand, dirt, water and tiny objects. Elements on the outside of the pack enable support of other objects on the outside of the pack.

Abstract: Backpacks, book bags and day packs have advantages over conventional luggage in that the user's hands are free from carrying the backpack since the backpack is carried on the back of the user. However, this places the backpack out of line of sight from the user, and thus subjects the user to pickpocket or other thieves accessing goods carried in the backpack. The inventive backpack disclosed herein limits access to the packing compartment of the backpack (2) by continuing the zipper tracks (20, 56) for those compartments (12, 50) and terminating them on the back face (6) of the backpack which is normally contacting the upper back of the user. These zipper tracks terminate in a pouch (22) secured by a releasable closure, such as a hook and loop fastener (29). This pouch is primarily defined by a flap (28) which is covered by or constructed of the same padded textile material that covers the back face of the backpack to provide comfort to the user. Thus, the backpack is not easily opened by sneak thieves.

Abstract: A storage device for storing and carrying tools or other similar devices is provided. The device generally comprises a first storage compartment and second storage compartment, each storage compartment containing front and back panels, lateral side panels, and a bottom panel. The top of the storage compartments include openings for accessing the storage compartments. At least one dividing member defines a plurality of storage pockets within each storage compartment. The dividing member contains a lower edge connected to the bottom panel of the storage compartment, a front edge connected to the front panel of the storage compartment, and a back edge connected to the back panel of the storage compartment. A tool slot is defined by the front panel of the first storage compartment, a back panel of the second storage compartment, and the connections between the storage compartments.

Abstract: A note paper roll comprised of a narrow elongate sheet of paper helically wound upon itself, with one surface of the sheet having one or more strips of low-tack pressure adhesive extending longitudinally thereof. The strips of adhesive may be disposed along the edges, and/or centrally of the sheet. A variety of dispensers enable discrete segments of paper, of a length determined by the user, to be cut from the roll. One dispenser includes a battery operated motor which drives a traction wheel to draw paper from the roll. Another is manual and includes a housing for rotatably supporting the roll and a cutter for shearing segments of the roll drawn through a slot in the housing. Another comprises a tear bar which forms part of a channel manually engagable with one side of the roll.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing an end-to-end anastomosis of first and second luminal structures includes a housing having an actuator attached thereto and a selectively removable loading unit attached to a distal end of the housing which supports any array of surgical fasteners at a distal end thereof. The surgical fasteners are simultaneously deformable upon activation of the actuator such that a distal end of each surgical fastener secures each end of each luminal structure to complete the end-to-end anastomosis wherein the resulting eversion is exterior to the luminal structures.

Abstract: A template for forming a box from a card, including a sheet having a plurality of edges and an image of a polygon, the polygon encompassing a substantially transparent region on the sheet, wherein the area of the polygon is smaller than the area of the sheet and the sheet is sufficiently rigid to permit a user of the template to substantially trace along the edges thereof.

Abstract: A package for containing a food product. The package has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package including a top panel, a bottom panel and a first side panel and a second side panel. At least one feature separates the package into a first portion and a second portion. The at least one feature extends at least in part through the top panel, the bottom panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel. At least one of the first portion and the second portion being shaped for holding at least a portion of the food product.

Abstract: An anti-sifting polygonal carton stores granulated and powdered products. The carton starts as a single blank with four sections: a side, a front, a side, and a rear. The sides have a side panel with two flanking miter panels and two minor flaps. Each miter panel has two opposite miter flaps. The front has a front panel with a second major flap having a tear strip and an opposite second major lower flap having a crease. Separated from the front by a side, the rear has a rear panel having a miter tab opposite the side and a first major flap and an opposite first major lower flap. The fold lines continuous with the miter flaps and the miter tab are reinforced with tape or patches. The tear strip and top of the carton have a pattern of cuts to open and to reclose the carton.

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The carton includes a handle in the closed end of the carton for grasping and carrying the carton. At least one end flap of the at least two end flaps comprises a main panel for closing the closed end of the carton and an extension panel foldably attached to the main panel. The extension panel is positioned above the handle to reinforce the carton.

Abstract: A magnetic bin system is disclosed. The magnetic bin system is comprised of two or more bins that vary in size and shape. The bins each have a first pair of adjacent sides with a first bottom edge, a second pair of adjacent sides with a second bottom edge, and a bottom side. The bottom side is connected to the first bottom edge and the second bottom edge to form an open top bin. On each bin, a magnet is coupled to each side of the first pair of adjacent sides, and a metal strip is coupled to each side of the second pair of adjacent sides. So that the bins can attach to each other, the magnets are coupled to the first pair of adjacent sides and the metal strips are coupled to the second pair of adjacent sides at approximately the same distance above the bottom side. These components work together to create an organizational system that can be used anywhere.

Abstract: A carton has a multi-ply configuration which can be formed by overlying a primary blank with one or more reinforcing blanks.

Abstract: A new and improved packaging container, and a method and apparatus for fabricating the same, comprises a laminated structure comprising a plurality of plies formed from suitable paper or similar materials. The plurality of plies, having a predetermined width dimension, are bonded together in a substantially flattened state by glue which is applied in predetermined, axially extending, laterally staggered patterns.

Abstract: An elastic reinforcing cover is provided for a carton having a front panel, a back panel and two side panels being substantially at right angles, both side panels being substantially at right angles as to both the front panel and the back panel, The two side panels are generally parallel to one another and the front panel and the back panel are generally parallel to one another. A base is connected to the side panels and the front panel and the back panel. The base includes a slide resistant surface. The front panel, the back panel and the two side panels and the base are flexible and elastic. A strap is secured to and extends from the rear panel to the front panel, the strap and the front panel include a fastener to secure the strap to the to the front panel. The strap is located generally midway between the two side panels.

Abstract: Packaging boxes and packaging methods for providing the ability to quickly open tape-sealed packages while eliminating the necessity for cutting tools and potential cutting injuries associated with these cutting tools. Through the inclusion of at least one perforated access panel in at least one end portion of a corrugated packaging box, hand access is provided to an end of the tape allowing the length of tape to be completely removed without the use of any cutting tools. The at least one perforated access panel can include a punch-in section and a tear-away section wherein a tape end is positioned over at least a portion of the punch-in section. The punch-in section can be pushed inwards providing access to the tear-away section. Pulling on the tear-away section results in the tear-away section and correspondingly, the tape being torn from the packaging box.

Abstract: Configurations for a packing container formed from a single, preformed, rigid unit of generally U-shaped cross-section are disclosed. One configuration utilizes three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated end. Another configuration employs three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated mid-section. A third configuration uses two end closures to enclose an object with random elevations. With three end closures, a fourth configuration encloses two or more dissimilar objects in separate compartments. The fourth configuration is especially useful for items that should be prevented from touching or intermingling during shipping. A fifth configuration combines elements of the other four configurations, allowing a user to ship objects with elevated ends, elevated mid-sections, or random elevations in separate compartments. A sixth configuration encloses one or more objects with two end closures that are about equal in length to one another. A device for forming the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: Configurations for a packing container formed from a single, preformed, rigid unit of generally U-shaped cross-section are disclosed. One configuration utilizes three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated end. Another configuration employs three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated mid-section. A third configuration uses two end closures to enclose an object with random elevations. With three end closures, a fourth configuration encloses two or more dissimilar objects in separate compartments. The fourth configuration is especially useful for items that should be prevented from touching or intermingling during shipping. A fifth configuration combines elements of the other four configurations, allowing a user to ship objects with elevated ends, elevated mid-sections, or random elevations in separate compartments. A sixth configuration encloses one or more objects with two end closures that are about equal in length to one another. A device for forming the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pack suitable for housing liquid and/or solid-liquid contents whose wall comprises a layer of board (3), an inner layer (2) sufficiently impermeable to create a seal between the board (3) and the pack's contents, and an outer protective layer (4,5) covering the board (3), wherein the pack's layers are microwavable and the outer layer (4, 5) is breathable.

Abstract: A method of performing an action in relation to an object, the method including: determining a request to perform the action in relation to the object; identifying, using the request, action data indicative of at least one of: the action; the object; and, a target device to perform the action in relation to the object; and, performing, using the action data, the action in relation to the object.

Abstract: An image forming system such as a printer (100) includes an RFID tag (70) and RFID reader (72) for storing one or more warranty parameters. A print controller (57) measures a specified warranty parameter and causes the reader (72) to write data representative of the parameter to the RFID tag (70). The data may be encrypted for security. Later, an external RFID reader (74) may be used by service personnel to retrieve the data from the RFID tag (70) for processing a warranty claim.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for use in a method for use in a system comprising user identification reading means, a computer operable to communicate with the user identification reading means, the computer having access to scheduled attendance information of at least one employee, a mobile device and wireless communication means allowing the computer and the mobile device to communicate, the method comprising the steps of: comparing actual attendance information against the scheduled attendance information; determining if a least one employee has failed to attend when scheduled; if at least one employee has failed to attend when scheduled, notifying the mobile device.

Abstract: A payment transaction system and method is disclosed which has a central facility (100, 200) which has an approval payment processor and a transaction payment database for maintaining accounts relating to customers. The approval payment processor interrogates the database to determine whether a payment should be improved based on the status of the account. A retail processor (P1) receives input payment data from a consumer's mobile telephone relating to the purchase of products so that the payment data can be received by the central facility for approval or declining the payment. The retail processor (P1) has an EPOS checkout terminal and a store database and communicates with a retailer head office processor. The mobile phone is provided with a preset template for facilitating input of data.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking deposit information and reporting the deposit information to a bank is disclosed. The method includes preparing a deposit record at a retailer or commercial service location and electronically communicating the deposit record to the bank. The deposit record is authenticated with the bank to produce an authentication code and a tag is provided for a deposit associated with the deposit record. The tag includes the authentication code.

Abstract: A system and method for securely making payments and deposits is disclosed. A method for securely and synchronously making a payment includes the steps of submitting a transaction request to a transaction center, the transaction request including details of a transaction between a customer and a third party, confirming the transaction request with the customer by communicating with a customer securely identifiable device, submitting the transaction request for approval, and paying the third party. A method of securely and synchronously making a deposit includes the steps of submitting a deposit request from a depositor to a transaction center, confirming an authorization request with the depositor by communicating with a customer securely identifiable device, receiving an authorization from the depositor, and depositing a deposit amount in a third party receiver account. Secure and asynchronous systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and System for Enabling Teller Presentation of Pre-Approved Credit Offers. Simultaneously with a teller transaction flow, pertinent customer information can be parsed and forwarded to a credit opportunity system such as may be operated by a credit bureau. If the customer qualifies, the appropriate details of the pre-approved credit offer can then returned to the teller system. The teller then has both a cue and the necessary information to sell a pre-approved product to the customer. Provisions can be made to dispose of the transaction in various ways, based on input by the teller as to the outcome of the offer to the customer. A server and other functionality disposed in a channel technology mid-tier can control the formatting and sending of offer inquiries.

Abstract: A cassette, a control device, an automatic teller and a method for opening and/or closing such a cassette provided wherein the cassette can be opened and/or closed contactlessly by means of establishing a direct radio link between the cassette and a control device in order to open and/or close the plurality of cassettes simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods enable the provision, management and use of a monetary card for making donations. A processor may cause information associated with donation parameters to be stored on a monetary card. The card may be given as a gift to a recipient. The recipient may use the card to make a donation to a donation recipient. The donation may be made by way of any suitable method or configuration. In one example scenario, the donation is made by the card recipient using a web-based communication system to specify one or more values associated with the donation parameters. For example, the card recipient may use the card to access an account or record and may select a donation recipient from among a list of available donation recipients and may also specify an amount to be donated. The donation may be linked to a separate financial account which may be held, for instance, by the purchaser of the card.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods of manufacturing data card assemblies. These methods generally comprise manufacturing or purchasing a data card comprising a special number, wherein the special number is associated with a particular data card account; packaging the data cards in a package such that the special number is visible; generating activation information; reading the special number on the data card; recording the activation information on the package; and associating the special number with the particular activation information recorded on the package. Some embodiments of the present invention may further comprise conveying the association between the activation information and the special number to an intermediary managing the data card accounts. Some embodiments of the present invention may further comprise generating a special number associated with a particular data card account; and generating activation information associated with a particular special number.

Abstract: A settlement system using electronic money for accessible objects includes a recording medium for electronic money information and a controller. The recording medium has an electronic money memory storing the electronic money information and an accumulative information memory storing accumulative information for granting a privilege. The accumulative information is accumulated according to spending the electronic money. The controller converts the accumulative information into the privilege on the basis of a set requirement.

Abstract: A device customizing system which includes: a device having an account information acquisition unit that acquires account information, and a customizing unit that customizes environments and settings of the device based on customize information; an authentication agent including a user data storage unit that stores user data for customizing the device in association with the account information, and a customize information generating unit that acquires the user data from the user data storage unit to generate the customize information; and a directory server including an account information storage unit that stores the account information, and an account information verification unit that verifies the account information acquired by the account information acquisition unit by using the account information storage unit.

Abstract: An electronic transactions system suitable for payment services wherein certain merchants needing to accept online micro-payments from holders of mainstream payment cards are equipped with an online Point Of Service system capable of communicating directly with an operator acting on behalf of the issuer of the cards of the payers via a dedicated data communication protocol to obtain an authorization for micro-payments without transiting through a separate acquirer and interchange network, whereas the card-holder payer needs only to fund a single account for both micro-payments with those certain merchants and regular payments with all other merchants where their card is accepted.

Abstract: A selectable, multi-purpose card comprising a plurality of features stored in memory means operatively mounted on the card and selection means for allowing a user to select a feature in a few simple steps, preferably in a single step. In one embodiment the card includes a plurality of magnetic strips positioned on the card in a manner to allow swiping each magnetic strip separately using conventional reading devices. Each magnetic strip activates a different feature of the card. In another embodiment the card includes a programmable magnetic strip, a plurality of features stored in memory means mounted on the card, a plurality of buttons or contacts, and means for programming the magnetic strip with a different card feature. The card may also include a thin, flexible display.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for, a method for, and a method of doing business including dispensing samples. These include a sample card distributor 4; a machine-readable label 3 incorporated in a sample card 2, a machine-readable label writer 6 for writing data associated with a product 5 onto the machine-readable label 3, and a device for distributing samples 7 which includes a machine-readable label reader 9 for reading the machine-readable label 3; a database 12 containing sample information; means for packaging and distributing samples 14; and a processor 11 for receiving data from the machine-readable label reader 9, obtaining sample information from the database 12, and directing the means for packaging and distributing samples 14 to package and distribute at least one sample.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium, wherein a vending machine comprising an audio code collector and a code validator is adapted to receive audio tones from a mobile device, and wherein the audio tones include authentication codes and dispense codes to control dispensing of product from the vending machine.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods to conduct and process transactions between a merchant and a customer. In accordance with the present invention, when new, value-added functionalities are desired for existing legacy point-of-sale (POS) stations, specially adapted external device(s) of the invention may be communicatively coupled to existing legacy POS stations to incorporate the desired functionalities, without the need for expensive reprogramming or retrofitting of the legacy systems. By way of example, the desired functionalities may involve a variety of transaction programs such as electronic check conversion (ECC), Check 21, rewards programs, discount programs, loyalty programs, etc.

Abstract: Architecture that utilizes RFID technology in product manufacturing and lifecycle management to track the depletion of inventory, verify the correctness of a part, monitor the completeness of an assembled product, and check a returned product to determine warranty procedure. An RFID reader, or reader/writer, can sense information of an RFID tag associated with an item at various stages of product life. The information can be compared with data associated with the RFID-tagged item, and appropriate action can be taken based on the comparison. A machine learning and reasoning component can be utilized to generate automatic action based on the information.

Abstract: Articles being information management objects are brought together and stored in a preservation place arranged within the communication area by an antenna and a reader/writer unit, and electric wave communication of having an access to only wireless tags of the number of the information management objects located in the preservation place or the number (object number) to be processed is performed, and communication without excess and deficiency is realized.

Abstract: A system for printing a greeting card on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the greeting card on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A system for printing video information on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the video information on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A system for printing a subscription on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the subscription on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A system for printing a trading card on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the trading card on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A system for printing educational material on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the educational material on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A system for printing location-based information on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the location-based information on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.