Abstract: A bicycle stem and handlebar engaging container that is engaged to each of the stem and handlebar and that rides on the stem of the bicycle. A stem of a bicycle is a structural part of the bicycle that is disposed between the handlebar and the fork. A person turns the handlebars, which thus turns the stem, which thus turns the upper portion of the fork, which thus turns the lower portion of the fork, which thus turns the front wheel of the bicycle. A floor of the container rides on the stem. A first pair of quick connect and release straps engages the stem and a second and third pair of quick connect and release straps engage the handlebar. The second pair of quick connect and release straps includes a side strap and an end strap that engage each other. The third pair of quick connect and release straps includes a side strap and an end strap that engage each other.

Abstract: A T locking set for a bicycle seat bag is provided with a T rack and a clamping plate integrally formed therewith. The clamping plate is disposed on the top of the seat bag, while a pressing plate is correspondingly provided inside the seat bag, such that a bolts can go through the pressing plate and fastened to the clamping board, and that the T rack can be combined on the top of the seat bag. Two bars are extended from the respective ends of the T rack, whereas a clamping groove is formed between the respective bars and the clamping plate for clamping the two posts under the seat. A Velcro® or a U locking base is provided at the front end of the seat bag for firmly fastening the seat bag under the seat.

Abstract: A utility bag carrier used, for example, in hunting includes a belt that extends around a person's waist, and shoulder straps connected to the rear of the belt. Pouches for storing items are positioned on the left and right sides of the person for convenient access to the items. The pouches are each joined to the belt using a sleeve that permits each pouch to slide along the belt. Each pouch is supported by one of the shoulder straps to assist in bearing the load of items stored in the pouch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic tool drive system, comprising a portable pressure source, a valve assembly, a regulating assembly, and a pneumatic assembly. The pneumatic assembly can be any conventional pneumatic device. The pneumatic assembly may be a pneumatic tool, such as, but not limited to, a nail gun, a power sprayer, a torque wrench, and the like. The pneumatic tool drive system gives the operator the freedom to move about his work space free of cumbersome hoses and compressors.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for being endoscopically or laparoscopically inserted through a cannula of a trocar into an insufflated body cavity or lumen (“surgical site”) for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue including gripping surfaces on inner surfaces of an upper and lower jaw that enhance use as a grasping instrument to preposition tissue prior to performing a stapling and severing procedure. An illustrative version advantageously includes a separate closure trigger and closure mechanism that facilitates use as a grasper without the possibility for inadvertent firing (i.e., stapling and severing).

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument clamps tissue in a staple applying assembly comprising a lower jaw of an elongate channel holding a staple cartridge and a pivotally opposed upper jaw (anvil). A firing handle drives a rack in a handle connected to a firing rod and bar that pass through an elongate shaft and into the staple applying assembly to sever and staple tissue. Upon release of the firing handle, a retraction spring assists in withdrawing the rack and other firing components. To advantageously assist in firing, a spring biased plunger is cocked prior to firing to impart assistance upon depression of the firing trigger. Alternatively, a torsion coil spring ratchet mechanism is preloaded to act through a gear into the rack to assist. As a further alternative, a retraction spring is preloaded and disengaged until the rack is fully fired.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasonic welding system having an ultrasonic welder integrated with a servo press for galling and ultrasonic welding of a first workpiece to a second workpiece. The first and second workpieces are substantially disposed between a confronting tip and stationary anvil of the ultrasonic welder. Prior to welding, the servo press preferably quickly moves the tip toward and generally against the first workpiece. During welding, a variable speed motor of the servo press preferably slowly moves the tip toward the anvil compressing the workpieces together while a transducer of the ultrasonic welder transmits mechanical vibration to the tip for welding the workpieces together.

Abstract: A brazing material including about 40 to about 60 percent by weight gold, about 5 to about 16 percent by weight nickel and about 35 to about 55 percent by weight copper.

Abstract: In a frictional spot joining where plural metal members lapping over are jointed with a joining device comprising a rotating tool, a receiving tool disposed on a rotational axis of the rotating tool and a drive device to rotate and move the rotating tool in a pushing direction, a holding member is provided on a side of the receiving tool, which has a restriction portion to restrain a movement of the receiving tool in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis, and the joining device is moved by a moving device such that the receiving tool is disposed at the restriction portion. Accordingly, the rotational runout of the rotating tool can be restrained effectively with a simple structure of a properly small-sized rotating tool and receiving tool.

Abstract: An R-ALIP type electromagnetic pump having an inner core, a linear pipe, and a combination of an outer core and coils provided around the linear pipe is disposed outside a solder vessel containing a molten solder. The solder vessel has a bottom wall made of an iron having at least 100 times as high a magnetic permeability as that of the molten solder and having a magnetic permeability not less than that of the inner core and a wall thickness not less than that of the inner core so that a magnetic field from the R-ALIP type electromagnetic pump cannot leak into the solder. Therefore, a stray current derived from an alternating magnetic field can be prevented from spreading in the molten solder.

Abstract: Techniques for affixing a micro-object to a mounting structure at a desired relative orientation. A shaped portion of a work piece is caused to become embedded in two or more reference structures at stages during fabrication. The micro-object may have dimensions less than 200 microns, and possibly on the order of 15-25 microns. The mounting structure may be formed with a blind recess or a through aperture in which the micro-object is mounted.

Abstract: A solder jet apparatus is disclosed. The solder jet apparatus is a continuous mode solder jet that includes a blanking system and raster scan system. The use of the raster scan and blanking systems allows for a continuous stream of solder to be placed anywhere on the surface in any desired X-Y plane. This allows for greater accuracy as well as greater product throughput. Additionally, with the raster scan system, repairs to existing soldered surfaces can be quickly and easily performed using a map of the defects for directing the solder to the defects.

Abstract: A cold weld is formed in a multilayer material. A first pin is coupled to a first block. A second pin is coupled to a second block. The multilayer material is disposed between the first pin and the second pin. The first pin opposes the second pin. The multilayer material is held in the XY plane and floats in the Z axis.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled armature bar end fitting-to-strand brazed connection. The end fitting is comprised of a main body and a cover, and defines a cavity, a bottom wall of which is defined in part by the cover. An armature winding bar strand package including solid strands and hollow strands arranged in a tiered array extends into the end fitting so that at least the free ends of the hollow strands extend beyond the bottom wall, into the cavity. The side wall of the cavity is spaced from the hollow strands. A braze alloy joins the strands to each other and to the end fitting. The braze alloy forms an isolation layer over the free ends of the solid strands and over the said bottom wall of the cavity to a depth above a horizontal junction between the main body and the cover.

Abstract: A method for inspecting manually inserted components is proposed, which is used to inspect whether the manually inserted components are correctly assembled on the circuit board. The method for inspecting manually inserted component implements the steps of first inserting the manually inserted components into corresponding positions on the surface of the circuit board, then covering a masking board on the surface of the circuit board, and forming a plurality of openings on the masking board corresponding to where the manually inserted component is assembled on the surface of the circuit board, exposing only the manually inserted components so as to facilitate in inspecting the arrangement of these components inserted on the circuit board and holding these components in place when subsequent soldering process is performed.

Abstract: A method of forming a sensor for sensing a physical property of a media. A substrate is provided having circuitry thereon including at least one electrical contact and a die is provided having disposed thereon corresponding electrical contacts and a sensing element for sensing a physical property of a media applied to said sensing element. One or more bonding ring or portions are arranged on the die. The die electrical contact(s) and bonding ring(s) can be bonded substantially simultaneously, with conductive bonding material, to the corresponding substrate electrical contact(s) and a surface of said substrate, respectively, to thereby form a sensor. The bonding ring(s) form a pressure seal. The substrate can include corresponding bonding ring(s). The die can include an ASIC for compensating temperature effects on said pressure sensor.

Abstract: A convenience fast food package is provided with at least one removable printed premium that is rendered through the use of high resolution imaging equipment on a central area or portion of the package. The premium is defined in one face of a panel of the package through the use of lines of weakness that allow the premium to be readily removed and utilized by a consumer. The food package of the present invention is produced in accordance with a customer retention and development program.

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 and a first side panel and a second side panel. The carton has a dispenser for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser has a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The carton can also have a curved end.

Abstract: A boring such as a high accuracy boring is performed by inputting vibration only in the moving direction of a tool. The device comprises an ultrasonic horn (1) functioning as a vibrator, a punch (2) functioning as a boring tool for boring a work (W) which is an object to be bored, a guide bush (3) guiding the punch (2) in the moving direction, an elastic body (4) for retaining the punch (2) in a floating state on the guide bush (3), and a die (5) functioning as the boring tool formed in pairs with the punch (2). The punch (2) is floatingly retained by the elastic body (4) inside the guide bush (5), and vibration is applied to the punch (2) by the ultrasonic horn (1) to make the punch (2) jump toward the work (W) to strike the work (W) for boring the work (W).

Abstract: A method of broadcasting product-recall advisory alerts via communications networks where a central notification computer is provided to broadcast advisory alerts to electronic device addresses stored in a subscriber database in a text, oral, pictorial, and computer retrievable format. The subscriber database contains subscriber data sets which each include the electronic device address, subscriber year of birth, and at least one geographic location associated with the electronic device address. When an advisory alert is initiated due to a product-recall, the affected subscribers are determined by geographic area, age, recreational activities, elderly parents, or other demographics is determined, and a geographic area defined by a perimeter is associated with the advisory alert. An algorithm retrieves addresses of the electronic devices associated with affected subscribers and the advisory alert is transmitted to the electronic device addresses.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for identifying unsafe synthetic transactions and modifying parameters for automated playback. Bytecode instrumentation is used to dynamically observe the behavior of application code directly and identify each universal resource locator traversed and parameters passed in a transaction. The bytecode instrumentation may determine, based on the parameters passed, that a parameter in the current transaction is an unsafe parameter, and that the unsafe parameter is associated with a test parameter in a previously overridden transaction. If the unsafe parameter has an associated test parameter, the bytecode instrumentation may dynamically override the unsafe parameter in the current transaction with the test parameter in order to make the transaction safe for synthetic playback.

Abstract: A financial transactions control system may automate the correction of exceptions in financial transaction data. It may include an exception identification system configured to detect exceptions in the financial transaction data. It may include a storage system configured to store information about the detected exceptions, recipients designated to handle the detected exceptions, and the status of efforts to resolve the exceptions. An exception alert system may be configured to automatically in response to each detected exception look up the identity of at least one recipient that has been designated in the storage system to handle the exception, and to cause a message to be delivered to the at least one identified recipient alerting the at least one identified recipient to the exception. The financial transactions control system may also include an exception tracking system configured to track each exception and the status of efforts to resolve it.

Abstract: A coin sorting and counting machine and a method for operating it to automatically dispense cash vouchers based on the value of the counted coins, manufacturers? coupons and store coupons. Coins are placed in a hopper tray angled downward from the horizontal. When the hinged tray is lifted, the coins travel over a peak structure, through a waste management system and into the coin sorting and counting apparatus. The value of the coins and the number of coins within each denomination are displayed as the coins are counted. The coins fall into a storage area and the user is issued a cash voucher and a series of manufacturer coupons.

Abstract: A system and method of conducting a transaction comprising accepting transaction information from a user, producing a customized statement, the customized statement relating to at least a portion of the transaction information and including a challenge to the user, and sending the user an obscured representation of the customized statement. The system and method may accept from the user a response to the challenge. The system and method may further allow the transaction to proceed if the response is correct and prevent the transaction from proceeding if the response is incorrect.

Abstract: Current hardware, along with customized copyrighted software, can be utilized to enhance efficiency of information processing by pharmacy personnel and as a byproduct, bring third party payers into compliance with statutory laws.

Abstract: A biometrically activated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a fingerprint detection matrix, an antenna control circuit, and a biometric identification chip. The fingerprint detection matrix acquires biometric data indicative of a user's identity and passes it to the biometric identification chip. The biometric identification chip compares the biometric data acquired by the fingerprint detection matrix to biometric data stored thereupon. The antenna control circuit activates the RFID tag selectively dependent upon the result of the comparison of the acquired and stored biometric data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a checkout device that includes a purchasable item having an RFID tag affixed thereto and a scanner for detecting the RFID tag. A dispenser proximate to the scanner dispenses a point of purchase product upon selection by a user of the checkout device. A controller in operative communication with the scanner and the dispenser subsequently calculates the cost of the purchase item and the point of purchase product. A display device in operative communication with the controller displays the cost to the person using the checkout device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security protected circuit in a microcomputer, and more particularly provides a security protected circuit capable of controlling whether an ICE should be used without an external terminal and for protecting security. Specifically, collation data is supplied from an ICE to a JTAG I/F and the corresponding address data of built-in memory I obtained as reference data. Then, it is determined whether both data is matched by comparing both data in a comparison circuit, and a lock mechanism is released. Even when unmatched data is equal to or less than a prescribed value, the lock mechanism is released. Thus, a lock release device which protects security can be provided without providing a special terminal for lock release.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for receipting transactions transacted at a POS device. More specifically, but not by of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for electronically receipting POS transactions and, in some embodiments, of providing the electronic receipts to a destination selected by a party to the POS transaction.

Abstract: A retail store has responsive environment apparatus installed which is controlled by processing apparatus. Trigger event sensors coupled to the processing apparatus, are positioned throughout the store. When customers enter and move about the store, the processing apparatus senses various trigger events and in response thereto creates a micro-environment in the vicinity of each customer, catering to the characteristics of that customer. The micro-environment physically moves as the customer moves about the store. The micro-environment is dynamic in that it is engaged in a continual response loop based on the response trigger events of the customer throughout this interactive cycle with the micro-environment.

Abstract: A system of processing a payment transaction for goods and/or services, the system comprising a kiosk for providing the goods and/or services, a payment application and a payment terminal. The kiosk includes a kiosk application and a data store for storing data in respect of the transaction. The payment application is adapted to read data from the data store and communicate with the payment terminal, the payment terminal being computationally separate from the kiosk application and adapted to contact a financial processor and communicate back to the data store. The kiosk application monitors the data returning from the payment terminal and acts accordingly.

Abstract: A retail checkout system includes a customer-operated portable terminal with a data reader, such as a barcode scanner, and a customer-operated self-checkout station with an automated payment-accepting subsystem. Customers use the portable terminal to identify and log products that are selected as they move through a store. Item identification data is then transferred to the self-checkout station, where the customer pays for the selected products using the automated payment-accepting subsystem.

Abstract: System for identifying and managing pallets, which are placed at or picked up from bin locations by means of an industrial truck, with the following characteristics: a box-shaped housing, which contains all components required for communicating with transponders as well as evaluating signals from the transponders, in particular a read/write unit, a send/receive circuit and an evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit has an interface to an on-board, the box-shaped housing is attached to the bottom side of the lower cross bar of a support for the loading fork between the fork arms, a single transponder is attached to the front side of the middle block of the pallet, and/or a rack support at the entrance that faces the industrial truck is provided with a transponder on a longitudinal support.

Abstract: A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing.

Abstract: We describe an economical and efficient voting system that uses paper balloting and statistical methods to allow trustworthy verification of the results. In the past, voting systems have relied on recounts to verify that the correct winner is chosen. However, recounts only prove the consistency of the system, doing little to prove that the choice of the winner is correct.

Abstract: In order to realize a cost-effective production of a transponder in an RFID system that is intended for the identification of merchandise, the invention proposes a two-part housing with an upper housing part and a lower housing part, wherein the lower housing part is provided with a grounding surface and an antenna with a transponder IC is spaced apart from and arranged above this grounding surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, provided is a sensing element including a transducer configured to convert mechanical pressure into an electrical signal. Also provided is an RFID tag having a first section configured to employ at least a portion of the electrical signal as a trigger signal, wherein the trigger signal causes the RFID tag to generate and transmit an RFID identification signal.

Abstract: A plurality of electromagnetic wave areas is provided to form a data channel between a wireless IC chip and a main antenna. The plurality of electromagnetic wave areas is placed along a traveling direction of the wireless IC chip, and comprises an electromagnetic wave area at a first stage in which an electromagnetic wave is radiated from front of a traveling direction of the wireless IC chip, an electromagnetic wave area at a middle stage in which an electromagnetic wave is radiated in a direction intersecting with a traveling direction of the wireless IC chip, and an electromagnetic wave area at a last stage in which an electromagnetic wave is radiated from a rear of a traveling direction of the wireless IC chip.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the relationship between at least two indicia values that can be related to the same article is provided. The system includes a processor for providing a first indicia value, providing a second indicia value, manipulating the first indicia value and the second indicia value based on first rule to obtain a first score; manipulating the first indicia value and the second indicia value based on a second rule to obtain a second score; and concluding that the first indicia value and the second value are related to a same article.

Abstract: A trigger for initiating reading, and a lightpipe for displaying the results of the reading, together form an integrated molded assembly for installation into an electro-optical reader.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a polygon mirror being located opposite to a laser beam projecting unit with a surrounding reflection mirror set arranged between them. The polygon mirror includes a plurality of sides, each of which is a curved reflection surface, and is driven by a motor to rotate, so that a laser beam projected from the projecting unit is reflected by the curved reflection surfaces of the polygon mirror and projected toward the surrounding reflection mirror set.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code detector detecting a two-dimensional code including a plurality of position identifying patterns and an information pattern and generating control information for an object provided with the two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code detector includes: an image input unit which inputs an acquired image obtained by an image pickup of the object; a pattern detection unit which detects position identifying patterns within the acquired image input by the image input unit; a position/posture calculation unit which calculates position/posture information indicating a position and posture of the two-dimensional code in a three-dimensional space based on a two-dimensional position of the position identifying patterns detected by the pattern detection unit; a decoding device which decodes the information pattern; and a control information generating unit which generates the control information based on the decoded information decoded by the decoding device and the position/posture informatio

Abstract: Described is a method and system for optimizing scanner performance. The method comprises obtaining a digitized representation of a bar code, estimating a set of parameters from the digitized representation, adjusting a scan angle as a function of at least one parameter in the set of parameters.

Abstract: A plural-component symbology is provided, which includes a substrate for displaying symbols thereon, and a locater and a data code symbol displayed on the substrate. The locater code symbol has first detectable elements to be read. The data code symbol has a fixed physical relationship to the locater code symbol and has second detectable elements to be read which are optically distinguishable from the first detectable elements. The first detectable elements can have a first size and the second detectable elements a second size which is smaller than the first size. A methodology for reading data relating to objects, at least some of which have at least one plural-component symbology affixed thereto, is also provided, and includes imaging the plurality of objects together, locating at least some of the objects, attempting to read data relating to the located objects, and further processing of any plural component symbologies.

Abstract: A method and systems for collecting data from a huge number of pre-filled forms are disclosed. According to the method and systems of the invention, the pre-filled forms comprise RFID tags, check boxes, and electrical connection between the RFID tags and the check boxes so that responses are modified according to checked boxes. In a preferred embodiment, each check box comprises at least two electrical terminals electrically connected to the RFID tag through a register. Using a pencil with conductive ink for checking the check boxes establishes an electrical contact between the terminals that modify the value of the register that in turn, modifies the response of the RFID tag. When the check boxes identifiers of a form have been collected, the identifier of the form is stored within the RFID reader to avoid further reading of the RFID tag, or the identifier of the RFID tag is erased.

Abstract: A data collection device is configured so that the device receives and processes various radio signals and automatically changes an operating mode of the data collection device in response to the processing of the radio signals or in response to the presence or absence of radio signals without manually inputting any commands with use of a user interface. By configuring the data collection device to automatically change an operating mode in response to sensed radio signals, operating modes are presented to an operator that may be tailored to the preferences of the present operator and/or tailored to the particular requirements of the device at present location of the device. With highly featurized operating modes being automatically and selectively presented to operators under specific circumstances, an operator is relieved of a variety of burdensome and time consuming exercises that are typically associated with learning how to access particular functions of a highly featurized electronic device.

Abstract: A card carrying device may include a stacker in which a plurality of cards may be stacked, a card pushing-out member for engaging with the rear edge of a card at a lowest position of the cards to push the card at the lowest position outside from the stacker, a carrying-out roller for carrying the card outside from the stacker, and a card pushing-up member for pushing up other cards stacked on the card at the lowest position in an upper direction in a period after the carrying-out roller comes in contact with the card at the lowest position and before the card at the lowest position has been carried outside from the stacker. The card pushing-out member and the card pushing-up member may be formed as one piece of a card pushing out-and-up member. The card pushing out-and-up member, i.e., the card carrying-out member may include an engagement part, a first guide part and a second guide part.

Abstract: A non-reactive but highly absorbent material, such as clay, is incorporated into polyolefin/silica matrix to form a core document substrate. This material may be added to create a distinctive look of the document. Clay particles are added to the polyolefin/silica matrix in measured quantities at a known particle size distribution so that the core looks substantially the same from the front, back and side to the curious viewer. Addition of a covert component, such as a UV pigment, allows a covert characteristic and it also allows a mathematical description to be calculated describing the random distribution of a specific area on a document and then captured on it (e.g., in the bar code or magnetic stripe or digital watermark on an ID document). Each document is unique virtue of the clay's distribution within the document's core. The material is buried within the document, and the unique distribution for each document is protected by virtue of the construction for the entire length of the document's life.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a substantially planar business communication assembly that has one or more mechanically ablated recesses or depressions which are created through the use of rotary bit a portion of the form assembly. The assembly preferably includes first and second portions that are joined to one another to form a composite construction. The business form is typically provided with an ablated depression in one of the two portions. The depression has a depth that is sufficient such that when a removable element is placed within the depression the surface of the removable element is substantially planar with the surface of at least one of the surfaces of the portions used to make up the assembly.

Abstract: Transaction cards having one or more folds therein to provide compact and easily stored transaction cards are provided. Moreover, foldable transaction cards are provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding key chains, or other devices for attaching the transaction cards to other items, such as sets of keys, wallets, or other items. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. Still further, transaction card systems are provided comprising a case or housing for holding and/or storing foldable transaction cards therein.