Abstract: A system for dispensing cylindrical containers is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing with an upper opening and a lower opening includes a track that connects the upper and lower openings. A drawer is mounted in the lower opening so that containers placed in the upper opening may travel along the track until they reach the drawer. In an embodiment opening the drawer allows a single container to be removed. A plurality of tracks connecting a plurality of upper and lower openings may be provided so that different types of containers may be dispensed. In an embodiment the drawer may be lockable and a cover that may include a lock may be mounted to the housing so as to cover the upper opening. In an embodiment, a sensor may be included to detect the opening of the drawer.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method for dispensing fluids from a flexible container is disclosed. The dispensing device includes a support and a linkage pivotally attached to the support. The dispensing device may also include a roller mechanism coupled to the linkage, wherein the roller mechanism has at least two squeeze members configured to engage a flexible container that coact with a drive roller to force the roller mechanism in a first direction to dispense fluids from a flexible container.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to droppers that can be used at nighttime or in low-light conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing a beverage comprising a mixture of liquid, e.g. water, and at least one liquid concentrate, with at least two liquid nozzles connected respectively to at least one liquid source for producing a first jet of liquid in air along first path and a second jet of liquid in air along a second path, at least one concentrate nozzle connected to at least one liquid concentrate source for delivering a stream of liquid concentrate in air along a third path, wherein the liquid nozzles and the concentrate nozzle are oriented with respect to each other so that the first, second and third paths intersect above a container at a common intersection point, whereby the mixture is formed by collision of the respective jets and the stream(s).

Abstract: A condiment dispenser includes one or more condiment chambers for holding condiments. Each condiment chamber is connected to a common discharge chamber or to a respective discharge chamber, the discharge chamber(s) having an outlet for dispensing condiments from the condiment chamber(s). Each connection may be formed through a respective tube. A flow control mechanism may control the flow from a condiment chamber to a discharge chamber. The mechanism may be a dial that is operable to compress and decompress the tube. The dial may move between numerous positions and retain any position between uses. A dispersing element may be positioned respective to the outlet of a discharge chamber to control the dispensing and dispersing of condiments. In an example operation, the flow control mechanism(s) are adjusted to a desired flow and the dispenser is inverted, causing condiment(s) to flow from the condiment chamber(s) and into the discharge chamber(s), where the condiments are dispensed and dispersed.

Abstract: A system for applying a layer of foam comprises a first fluid supply supplying a first stream of a first fluid in a first supply line, a first flow divider splitting said first stream into primary and secondary streams, a second fluid supply supplying a second fluid in a second supply line, a second flow divider splitting said second stream into primary and secondary streams, a first mix head combining the primary stream of the first fluid with the primary stream of the second fluid, and a second mix head combining the secondary stream of the first fluid with the secondary stream of the second fluid.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a liquid, and a chamber in communication with the reservoir. The chamber receives the liquid, and a micro power source generates electricity for heating the liquid disposed in the chamber. A nozzle is included for releasing the heated liquid from the chamber through an orifice in the nozzle.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a pump in fluid communication with a fluid outlet. The fluid dispenser further includes a securing mechanism for securing the pump to a fluid source containing a fluid product, a movable dispensing actuator in operative engagement to the pump where the dispensing actuator is adapted to urge the pump to convey the fluid product from the fluid source to the fluid outlet when moved from a first position to a second position, and a retractable projection extending from the dispensing actuator for reversible engagement to a fixed portion of the fluid dispenser wherein the dispensing actuator is immobilized in the first position.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a pump in. fluid communication with a fluid outlet. The fluid dispenser further includes a securing mechanism for securing the pump to a fluid source containing a fluid, a movable dispensing actuator in operative engagement to the pump where the dispensing actuator is adapted to urge the pump to convey the fluid from the fluid source to the fluid outlet when moved from a first position to a second position, and a rotatable locking mechanism operatively associated with the dispensing actuator for releasable engagement to a fixed portion of the fluid dispenser wherein the dispensing actuator is immobilized in the first position.

Abstract: A candy pick and mix merchandiser system has a small foot print. Depth adjustable merchandiser vessels have an array of vertically stackable candy delivery bins of varying sizes and configurations. A tongue and groove attachment means attaches and interlocks the vertically stackable candy delivery bins to form a stacked configuration wherein the bins are stacked one over another in an interlocked array. Vertical stability strengthener means strengthen the interlocked array of vertically stacked candy bins. The vertical stability strengthener means comprise a plurality of male and female plugs adapted for insertion into a plurality of vertically and horizontally parallel and side-by-side flush perforations in frontal lower corners of vertically disposed left and right acrylic panels of said bins. The candy delivery bins are front or rear loading. Funnel and rake bins in which a rake passes through a narrow aperture in the funnel minimize entry of contaminants into the bin.

Abstract: A cooking utensil having a dispenser for salt, pepper or other seasonings built into its handle. The dispenser is created from a hollow portion of the utensil handle, and includes a lid and perforations for loading and dispensing the seasoning in particulate form therefrom. The dispenser portion of the handle may be separated by the user from the rest of the handle by unscrewing or otherwise disengaging the two portions from one another. The invention may be used in any cooking utensil, and two or more utensils with built-in dispensers may be incorporated into a set of utensils, such as a set of grill tools.

Abstract: Components are provided for use in systems for dispensing fluids. A resilient diaphragm is provided for a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm includes a pressurizing portion connected with a connecting member to a peripheral mounting flange for mounting the diaphragm in the housing of the pump. The pump housing has a retention wall which can be swaged against the diaphragm flange. The pump housing has a discharge structure with an outlet valve and a restraint structure adjacent the valve to prevent in-venting through the outlet valve. The outlet valve includes a flange which is retained by a retention wall and which projects from the discharge structure and which is swaged into engagement with the outlet valve flange.

Abstract: A device comprises a container includes a dispensing mechanism for enabling pressurized dispensable contents contained within an interior space of the container to be selectively dispensed therefrom. A retention clip structure is attached to an exterior portion of the container and includes a clip portion that is biased to a closed configuration for enabling the clip portion to securely engage a portion of an article for attaching the container to the article. A cap assembly includes a cap body attached to the container and a trigger moveably attached to the cap body. The trigger includes a handle portion and a dispensing mechanism engagement portion attached to the handle portion. The handle portion is movable from a rest position to a displaced position for causing the dispensing mechanism actuation portion to act on the dispensing mechanism such that the pressurized dispensable contents are dispensed from within the interior space of the container.

Abstract: A metering unit for metering a substance, in particular a powder, comprising a storage container for storing the substance and a metering device rotatable about an axis of rotation, a discharge opening being provided for discharging the metered substance, is described as fulfilling higher demands of metering accuracy in comparison with the related art. This is achieved by the fact that at least one closing element is provided on the lowest end section of the metering device for completely closing the discharge opening.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container having a closed bottom, a mouth opening and a side wall comprises a discharge tube, connecting mechanism for connecting an upper end of the discharge tube to the mouth opening of the container, a measuring reservoir attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material, and a pivot mechanism pivotably connecting the reservoir to the discharge tube. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position in which the reservoir is substantially parallel to the discharge tube to a second position in which the discharge tube and the reservoir are substantially perpendicular to one another. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a boot hanger which includes a hook and at least two spaced apart support arms. Each support arm includes a first section having a first end rigidly attached to a base of the hook and a second end disposed distal from the hook. The first section extends at a downward slope from the base of the hook, so that when the hook is disposed to be a high point of the hanger, the second end is disposed lower than the first end. Further, the support arms include a second section having a first end connected to the second end of the first section, and a second end disposed in a region approximately under the hook. The first sections of the support arms angle away from each other to collectively form an acute angle, with the vertex of the acute angle being at a base of the hook. The second sections of the support arms are spaced apart from each other at a generally constant distance, and are generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus transportable by an exercising person, for maintaining a liquid drink within one-handed reach while the person is exercising, includes a container for the liquid drink, an adjustable belt for fitting about the person's waist, a holster connected to the belt, for releasably retaining therewithin the container, and a cradling web extending between the holster and the belt, connected thereto at respective web extremities but being arcuately spaced therefrom along a middle portion of the web.

Abstract: A backpack that includes at least one module which is movable between a first storage position in which its contents are difficult for the user to reach with the bag on his back and a second access position in which the said contents are easy for the user to reach with the bag on his back. The module is fitted to slide between the first and second positions, on at least one rail extending laterally from a rear area of the bag to the front of the bag, and possibly as far as the strap assembly. For each module, it preferably includes a rail support panel, the rear edge of which is fixed laterally to the bag proper and the front edge of which extends to the front of the bag.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compact, lightweight, foldable, easy to use, low cost, portable car seat transport device and method of using the same. The car seat transport device may be adapted to carry any type of car seat. The device includes a harness having a lower strap and an upper strap, each strap having respective first and second ends. The lower strap may be adapted to extend through a lower slot in the car seat and the upper strap may be adapted to extend through an upper slot of the car seat. The upper strap may be attached to the lower strap and the first and second ends of the lower strap may be attached to each other. The harness may be a single piece with the upper strap being fixedly attached to the lower strap. The car seat transport device provides a remarkably easy to use and effective support system that permits hands-free carriage of the car seat from a person's body.

Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle roof is disclosed. The load carrier includes at least one load profile which, in use, extends along the vehicle roof. The load profile has a first part and a second part which are movable relative to each other in their longitudinal direction. The first part that in use is positioned next to the vehicle roof having at the top an undercut groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first part and in which engages, in a longitudinally displaceable manner, at least one slideway belonging to the second part and having a shape matching the undercut groove.

Abstract: A neck strap for a mobile electronic device, includes a flexible loop arrangeable around the neck of a user and a connector whereby said flexible loop is connectable to said mobile electronic device. Furthermore, one section of said flexible loop includes at least one securing element, whereby a cable is securable to said at least one section of the flexible loop. In this way, a cable, such as an earphone cable, may be secured to the flexible loop, thereby organizing the cable and reducing tangling of the cable.

Abstract: A separation apparatus comprising a first and a second scribing means for scribing front and rear surfaces of a first mother substrate made of a brittle material along first predetermined scribing lines previously provided on the front and rear surfaces of the first mother substrate, the first and second scribing means being opposed to each other on an upper side and a lower side, and a holding and transferring means for holding and transferring the first mother substrate so that the first predetermined scribing lines of the first mother substrate are located between the first and second scribing means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty. Magnets may be used for guidance in deploying fasteners from a catheter. The fasteners are cinched with a flexible tensile member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor (1), suitable for the catalytic conversion of a feed mixture which is capable of explosion and/or ignition, comprising a feed supply chamber (2), an effluent discharge chamber (3), a catalyst bed (4) having an upstream surface (5) and a downstream surface (6) which is in fluid communication with the effluent discharge chamber (3), and means for covering part of the upstream surface (5) that partly confine the feed supply chamber (2), wherein the feed supply chamber (2) has, during normal operation, no zones where the fluid flow is stagnant, to the use of such a reactor (1), in particular a catalytic partial oxidation process, and to transport means provided with such a reactor (1).

Abstract: When a semiconductor chip is mounted using ultrasonic vibration, a method of mounting makes it possible to bond the semiconductor chip and bonding patterns with sufficient bonding strength without making the construction of a circuit board complex. The method of mounting a semiconductor chip causes ultrasonic vibration to act on the semiconductor chip to mount the semiconductor chip on a circuit board by flip-chip bonding. As the circuit board, a circuit board is used where protrusion patterns are provided at positions on bonding patterns to which the semiconductor chip is bonded corresponding to antinodes of vibration for a case where the bonding patterns resonate due to ultrasonic vibration applied by the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A method for producing a welded connection between a first workpiece and a second workpiece and also an apparatus for carrying out the method are illustrated and described.

Abstract: An ultrasonic horn used in, for instance, a wire bonding apparatus and formed with mounting flanges, including a slit and a cross-sectional shape varying portion; the slit being on the central axis in the horn's longitudinal direction and extending fore and aft relative to the center of the mounting flanges, the length of the slit(s) being equal to or greater than the width direction of a flange region that is between the opposing flanges, and at least a part of the cross-sectional shape varying portion being on the outer surface of the horn at a slit region in which the slit is formed. The stress center point in the cross-section of the ultrasonic horn at the flange region is positioned more to the inside than a straight line joining the stress center points in the cross-sections of the ultrasonic horn at the front and rear end portions of the slit.

Abstract: A heat shield is disclosed having first and a second three-dimensionally deformed metal layers which are connected to one another such that an outer edge section of the first metal layer is flanged on the second metal layer around substantially the entire circumference of the outer edge of the second metal layer. The outer edge section is welded regionally in at least one partial area of the second metal layer. A method for producing the heat shield is also disclosed.

Abstract: Illustrated and described is a friction stir welding device for mounting on a handling device. The object that the forces and moments which have to be absorbed by the handling device during the welding operation in the course of the movement of the friction stir welding tool along the weld seam are independent of the welding operation is achieved by a friction stir welding device with a tool drive, with a mounting element for connection to the handling device, with a friction stir welding tool, which is driven by the tool drive in a rotating manner about an axis of rotation, with a counterbearing roller and with a counterbearing drive, the counterbearing drive driving the counterbearing roller in a rotating manner about a counterbearing axis and the circumferential surface of the counterbearing roller being arranged opposite the friction stir welding tool.

Abstract: A mailer primarily composed of three layers, or sheets, that are fastened on top of one-another. A back sheet forms the back of both the outgoing and return mail pieces. The back sheet includes the reclosable flap and further includes an opening to allow external viewing of an identification code marked on a media sleeve that is placed in the finished mailer. A second sheet is a middle sheet fastened on top of the back sheet. The middle sheet also has an opening, and is attached to the back sheet such that the middle sheets opening aligns with the back sheet opening. A disk receiving slot is formed between the back sheet and the middle sheet. The aligned openings in the back and middle sheets are located in a center of the disk receiving slot. A third top sheet is removably attached on top of the middle sheet. The top sheet includes delivery markings for original mailing portion of the mailer.

Abstract: A package comprises a container portion including at least one wall member wherein one end of the container portion includes a smaller width dimension than an opposing end of the container portion and perforations positioned in the at lest one wall member. The perforations may extend from approximately the one end toward the opposing end. The perforations may also enable a user to gain access to an interior of the container portion.

Abstract: The self-mounting and collapsible tray has a base (1), two side walls (2) and two end walls (3), as well as, in correspondence with each corner, a corner pillar which comprises at least four segments (41-44) separated by fold lines (4a-4c). The last segment (44) is affixed to the end wall so that at least one part of the last segment extends from one of the intermediate segments (43) and toward the centre of the end wall, distancing itself from the corresponding corner of the tray. In addition, the tray comprises, in correspondence with each end wall (3), a transversal flap (5) constituted by at least one part of a prolongation of the end of the end wall which corresponds to the upper part of the end wall of the tray in the erect position, said transversal flap (5) having two ends (51), each folded over and affixed to an outside face of the corresponding side wall (2).

Abstract: A carton with bevel corners for carrying cans, or other articles, which has an interlocking separator pad so the cans or articles can be contained in two layers is provided. The carton has two ends, each of which is closed by two side end closures and top and bottom end flaps. Each side end closure has an aperture that is interlocked with the end portion of an interlocking separator pad. In one embodiment of this invention, the interlocking separator pad has two tabs with the aperture in each side end closure being a slot through which a tab is extended. This pad may have a foldably attached leading flap that is lodged between cans or articles contained in the carton and the side end closures.

Abstract: A corrugated or other suitable carton board tray for baking a food product in the tray is disclosed. The tray includes a rectangular base (5), upright side walls (7), upright end walls (9), and a locking assembly (15, 17) that holds the side walls and the end walls in upright positions with the comers of the tray and therefore the corners of the baked food product produced in the tray being straight and squared. A blank for forming the tray is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved riding crop that allows a horseback rider to retain the crop on her hand without needing to tightly grip the crop includes a rod having opposite ends, a clapper fixed at one or both ends of the rod, a grip fixed to the rod or slidably retained on the rod, and an elastic cord extending from opposite ends of the grip and through an adjustable cord lock. Other preferred embodiments include a clapper fixed at each of the opposite ends of the rod, and a grip slidably retained on the rod between a clapper at one end of the rod and a stop located between the opposite end of the rod and the midpoint of the rod, which allow a rider to use either end of the crop for cueing the horse.

Abstract: Provided is a rotatable keypad assembly including a plurality of keybuttons used as a data input unit of a portable terminal. In the rotatable keypad assembly, a roller is rotatably installed at a predetermined position in the portable terminal and has a portion exposed outside the portable terminal. A keypad sheet is wound around the roller and has the keybuttons thereon. A knob is interlocked with one end of the roller and is rotated to expose the keybuttons corresponding to the exposed portion of the roller. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size, thickness and weight of the portable terminal without presenting any difficulty in using the portable terminal.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a controller having an interface part communicating with an external host apparatus and a status register group, and having a plurality of functional units communicating with the host apparatus via the interface part, respectively. The status register group includes operable status registers corresponding to the functional units respectively and indicating whether or not the corresponding functional units are in an operable state, and processing status registers corresponding to the functional units respectively and indicating whether or not the corresponding functional units are in a Function-Being-Processed State. When a command received from the host apparatus is provided for any one of the functional units, the controller transfers the command to the functional unit. In the case of a read command for the status register group, the controller transmits a status of the status register group to the host apparatus as a response.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy and integrity of delivered parcel records and providing the parcel recipient with a record of each delivery, the method including the steps of: delivering a parcel to the intended recipient; obtaining the recipient's signature; electronically linking the recipient's signature to the transaction at the time of delivery; electronically linking an electronic delivery record access slip to the delivery record at the time of delivery; providing the recipient with an electronic delivery record access slip that has a unique transaction number and information sufficient to enable the recipient to retrieve the delivery records from an Internet website, text messaging, e-mail, facsimile, telephone or other device.

Abstract: A method for testing a card reader includes the steps of: identifying a logical drive corresponding to the card reader; determining whether the card reader matches a portable storage device connected to the card reader; displaying error information if the card reader does not match the portable storage device; obtaining a control code of the portable storage device if the card reader matches the portable storage device; testing the performance of the card reader by means of reading and writing data in the portable storage device through the card reader according to the control code.

Abstract: A method for obtaining technical information of IC is disclosed. The method provides an IC, a computer, and a network terminal. The network terminal stores technical information of the IC. The IC includes a memory. The memory stores link information for obtaining the technical information. Connects the IC to the computer. The computer reads the link information from the memory of IC, and obtains the technical information from the network terminal according to the link information. Using this method, engineers can find the technical information of the IC conveniently and correctly.

Abstract: Automated methods for processing a cash advance and/or a check cashing transaction using an ATM entail obtaining identification information for a user; producing an image of each side of an original check for the transaction; accessing a database of financial transactions to determine if the transaction has an unacceptable risk; voiding the original check and returning the voided check to the user; producing a cash (debit) card and corresponding account for a principal amount for the user; and communicating the image of each side of the original check to a settlement service provider via a communications network on a maturity date.

Abstract: Modular processing system (1) for processing personalization elements, in particular chip cards, smart cards and/or magnetic strip cards, comprising a large number of processing modules, wherein the processing modules each comprise at least one first and at least one second sub-module (3-7; 12-20) and are arranged in a linear manner one behind the other in such a way that in each case the first sub-module (3-7) as the process module is arranged in a processing area (10) above a common table top plane (21) of a system base frame (2) and the second sub-module (12-20) as the electronics and process component module is arranged in a control and evaluation area (11) below the table top plane (21).

Abstract: A function for processing electronic money is installed in a mobile phone 7 provided with a contactless IC chip. At this time, an electronic money member number is written to the contactless IC chip. The user accesses a point site on a point server 10 through a user terminal, and logs in thereto. The user enters the electronic money member number in the point site. The point server 10 transmits a combination of the electronic money member number and the user's point member number to an electronic money server 2. The electronic money server 2 receives the electronic money member number and the point member number from the point server 10, and memorizes them after establishing a linkage therebetween.

Abstract: A system wherein a customer is provided with a debit card, cash value is loaded onto the customer's card and a customer account is set up. To allow money remittance, specific information is obtained of the customer and the recipient. These include their names, address, phone number and a recognizable government identification number. The personal information of the customer and the recipient is verified with a government agency. Once the personal information has been verified as acceptable, a recipient's account is established related to the customer's account. The amount of money requested by customer is transferred from the customer's account to the recipient's account. The recipient may be provided with a card providing access to the recipient's account. The recipient may be in the same country or in a foreign country.

Abstract: A credit card payment method and system ensures the security and robustness of payment transaction processing and validation procedure by utilizing an ordered list of supplementary credit card numbers and by requiring a card holder to present said supplementary credit card numbers, one by one, according to a pre-determined selection rules for consecutive payment transactions. Said credit card payment method and system further allows a supplementary credit card number to carry information regarding the transaction payment amount to enhance the security of payment processing. Also, said method and system is cost-effective to implement and highly compatible with the current credit card payment verification procedure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media provide mechanisms to provide an additional financial card product to a cardholder or customer at various times during the year. The additional financial card product may be associated with a primary financial card product of the cardholder. In one embodiment, the method may comprise identifying the cardholder, determining a target time to send the additional financial card product to the cardholder, defining one or more attributes associated with the additional financial card product, and sending the cardholder the additional financial card product at the target time.

Abstract: A method for automatic electronic saving of change over the whole dollar amount of purchases using cash, debit cards, credit cards, or any combination of cash, debit cards, and credit cards. For cash purchases, change from the purchase is transferred into the user's designated account by transferring the change from the purchase into the user's account through a point of sale machine. For debit card and credit card purchases, the automatic savings transfers occur through the user's checking and/or credit card account. The purchase is rounded up to the nearest whole dollar amount or other amount the user elects to have purchases rounded up to. The difference is automatically transferred into a separate account. The method works best if all of the monies saved from the method are transferred into an interest bearing account elected by the user that is separate from the users normal checking and saving accounts.

Abstract: An interactive transaction gift card system containing a code stripe with an identification code which provides the features of a conventional gift card and/or debit card with the added benefits of an interactive multimedia presentation which can be in the form of a virtual store.

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine includes a card reader associated with a card slot. An anti-fraud sensing device is able to sense ambient light or generated radiation that passes to the sensing device through the card reader slot. The installation of an unauthorized card reading device on the machine changes at least one property sensed by the sensing device. A controller in the machine receives signals from the sensing device, and determines if an unauthorized card reading device has been installed.

Abstract: A user interface system for allowing users to initiate events comprises: a plurality of markers each having a marker identity; a plurality of portable readers each having a reader identity and arranged to read said marker identities from adjacent markers, and at least one base station arranged to communicate with said readers in a wireless manner, wherein at least one reader is provided with actuation means which when actuated by a user causes the reader identity of the reader and the marker identity of an adjacent marker to be transmitted by the reader to said base station, so as to cause, for at least one of said markers, said base station to initiate, directly or indirectly, an action which is at least partly determined by the reader identity of said reader.