Abstract: A portable work tray designed to receive objects therein whereby the tray has a leveling assembly operatively connected thereto to allow the tray to be placed in a generally level manner upon engagement with a sloped surface. The tray includes four walls and a bottom with a pair of pivot arms oppositely mounted along two of the walls. Intermediately mounted to the pivot arms distal to walls is a support arm. The support arm has substantially disposed thereon a coating and/or a serrated edge to prevent the tray from traversing down the sloped surface.

Abstract: A container comprising a pail, removable cover, and a gasket disposed between the cover and the pail is disclosed. The pail has an angled bead at the proximal end of the pail and a plurality of satellite rings that extend circumferentially around the pail and form a wall junction with the pail. The wall junction has a substantially constant wall thickness. A bail ear is formed to connect at least two of the satellite rings to define an opening between the bail ear and the body. The pail also includes a shock absorbing wall section.

Abstract: The invention provides a straw and beverage container combination wherein the straw has retention means such as a convoluted portion adjacent one end that resists removal of the straw from the central aperture of the container lid when a lid is attached to the container. The means also serve to maintain the straw inside the container in an upright position.

Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.

Abstract: A collapsible paper roll storage device having an opening for inserting paper rolls therein, and a lower securing member that provides support and access to the lower paper roll, allowing a user to draw a paper roll when needed. As the lower paper roll is drawn, the stored paper rolls automatically shift down, replenishing the lower most position for subsequent paper roll withdrawal. The collapsible paper roll storage device has at least one suspension device, facilitating easy suspension and removal of the device. The collapsible paper roll storage device is made from pliable material or incorporates crease lines such that when it is empty, it can be collapsed down to a small rectangular shape and transported or stowed away until subsequent use.

Abstract: A collapsible storage device having an opening for inserting products therein, and a lower portion that provides support and access to the lower product, allowing a user to draw the lower product when needed. As the lower product is drawn, the stored products automatically shift down, replenishing a lower most position for subsequent product withdrawal. The collapsible storage device comprises at least one suspension device, facilitating easy suspension and removal of the device. The collapsible storage device is made from pliable material or incorporates crease lines such that when it is empty, it can be collapsed down to a small shape and transported or stowed away until subsequent use.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second release mechanisms mounted to front portions of adjacent shelf dividers extending along a product shelf and establishing a product queue. A product transport system is arranged in the cabinet to carry a selected product container from the product queue towards a delivery chamber. A drive mechanism, operatively connected to each of the first and second release mechanisms, is mounted to an underside of the product shelf to simultaneously shift the first and second release mechanisms in order to release a selected product to the product transport system.

Abstract: A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second integrated dispensing systems mounted at front portions of adjacent product shelf dividers establishing at least first, second and third product queues. Each of the first and second dispensing systems includes first and second release mechanisms having a plurality of hinged plates supported by a frame. The plurality of hinged plates are selectively shifted into and out of corresponding ones of the first, second and third product queues, such that each product queue has associated therewith two opposing release mechanisms. Preferably, at least one of the first and second release mechanisms for each dispensing system includes a queue spacing member which is mounted to one of the hinged plates and projects into the product queue to establish a desired spacing between the release mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a balloon cap structure that permits automatic inflation of a balloon with gas; a balloon that is provided with the cap structure and can be prevented from flying away after being inflated with gas for buoyancy; a balloon storage box for storing such balloons; and a balloon vending machine from which the balloons can be automatically dispensed one by one for distribution or for sale.

Abstract: A hydrogen source comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a first form and a second hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a second form different from the first form. The hydrogen source comprises a means for converting hydrogen from the first form to hydrogen gas and transferring the hydrogen gas from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir. An an interface is provided for transferring hydrogen from the second hydrogen reservoir to a hydrogen reservoir in a portable device. The interface comprises a fluidic coupling. The hydrogen source may be used to provide hydrogen fuel to a wide range of portable devices.

Abstract: A tube dispensing device having a body, the body has a first end and a second end. The body is adapted to receive a tube, the tube has a dispensing end and a collapsible body. The body also has a first arm and a second arm. In addition, the body can cause the arms to come together when a collapsible body is between the arms, thereby forcing a product in the collapsible tube to be dispensed from the dispensing end of the tube. The tube dispensing device can have a motor. The motor can be operatively attached so as to dispense product when the motor is activated. The motor can be activated by either a button or a sensor. The tube dispensing device can have a base. The base can hold the body in a fixed position, either in a generally upward or generally downward direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a technique to make soft plastic paste tubes, popular consumer products of daily life, foldable and easily squeezed. The feature is to apply adhesive material in segments with protection films in an adhesive zone on the external surface of a plastic paste tube, from the head to the tail. The central line of the adhesive zone intersects the middle point of the tail end of the paste tube. When paste is consumed to a certain point, flatten the tail end, push the remaining paste toward the head, tear off a protection film to reveal an adhesive segment nearest to the tail end, and then fold up the flattened section forward 180 degree so that the flattened tail is glued onto the tube surface where the adhesive segment is located. Thus it prevents the folded section from stretching back out due to the plastic's tendency and squeezing pressure of consumers. As the amount of remaining paste decreases, keep flattening and folding repeatedly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used for the non-vented dispensing of liquid products from a container including a mobile base, an exhaust conduit and a push element which co-operates with a piston and a return spring. The invention is characterised in that the device includes a sealing and dosing bush bearing a sealing needle valve which can move in translation in a discharge channel in the bush, the needle valve being connected by means of a drive link to an axial guide rod which can slide in the exhaust conduit of the container that is connected to the channel by pressing on the bush and compressing the spring.

Abstract: The application relates to an assembly comprising a container for drink provided at a top with a beverage outlet situated on a centre line, which outlet is connectable to a flexible dispensing line having an outlet end, and with a pressure inlet situated at a distance from the centre line for receiving a pressure medium into the container, wherein the assembly comprises a bridge formed as an integral unit, the bridge being attachable to the container at the top, the bridge having a gas channel with on one side a connector for attaching to a pressure medium source and on the other side to the pressure inlet of the container, and having an opening for guiding an operating element that is attached to an inflow end of the dispensing line, in the direction of the outlet for opening of the outlet.

Abstract: A spray can holding and actuation device comprises a rim engagement element and a locking mechanism for compressing the rim engagement element against the rim surrounding the push-button valve on the can. The rim engagement element includes a compressible collar tat is joined to a shroud that depends downwardly from a front portion of the device The collar is dimensioned to fit around the rim, and it has a pair of opposed ends separated by a gap. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking element that is attachable to the opposed collar ends when the ends are urged together to compress he collar against the rim In another embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a latch that is pivotably attached to one of the collar ends and that is pivotable to a position in which it engages the other collar end and rim, whereby the collar ends are urged together to compress the collar against the rim.

Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container includes a first lid having a dispensing surface and a skirt depending from a periphery thereof. The dispensing surface is formed from at least one of a substantially transparent and translucent material and includes several apertures. A second lid has a second dispensing surface and a second skirt depending from a periphery thereof that is adapted to be inserted into and releasably held within the first lid. The second dispensing surface includes several orifices. The first and second lids are rotatable a full 360° relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flowable solid substance comprises a receptacle having a first end and a second end. A dispensing portion is located on the first end. A flowable solid substance is disposed within the receptacle. A section of the receptacle is disposed between the first end and the second end and includes a minor width dimension and a major width dimension. Further, the container has a Broen-Rung Principal Component Index of about zero.

Abstract: A plastic bottle-type container has at least two adjacent chambers, each having a bottom part, the adjacent chambers being separated by seams which can be at least discontinuously broken.

Abstract: A device for introducing additive fluids to a primary fluid is characterized by a body having a central bore for flow therethrough of a stream of primary fluid, and a plurality of fluid flow channels in the body. Each channel extends between an inlet to the channel for connection to an associated supply of additive fluid and a plurality of outlet orifices from the channel that open into a surface of the body around and outside of an exit from the central bore. Additive fluid is emitted from the outlet orifices in a direction ranging from the additive fluid being directed generally parallel to a stream of primary fluid exiting the central bore to the additive fluid being directed toward and against the stream of primary fluid.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for an information display cap are described. The apparatus may include an information display cap having a body with a continuous outer surface and inner surface. The body may have multiple hanger attachment members connected to the inner surface and arranged to attach the information display cap to a hanger. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A device, method and system for facilitating placement of a sock, stocking, or other footwear are disclosed herein. An exemplary device may have a lower member, a handle, and a spreader. The lower member may have a first side and a second side. The first side and second side are sized to fit within footwear when the lower member is in a retracted position. The handle may be coupled to the lower member and allows a user to position the lower member. The spreader means moves the first side and the second side from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, the first side and second side are sized to receive a foot of the user.

Abstract: A combination backpack and seat cushion includes a cushion operatively connected to a pair of functional backpack sections. The cushion is sandwiched between the backpack sections at a first configuration and further separates the backpack sections into a more linear configuration at a second configuration. The backpack sections include compartments for carrying books or other articles. The invention may be carried as a traditional backpack at the first configuration. At the second configuration, the cushion may be placed on a chair seat and back rest while the connected backpack sections may be strapped out of the way below and behind the chair.

Abstract: A belt buckle for holding valuables includes a frame, a belt-fastening arrangement attached to the frame and a cavity defined within the frame. The cavity constitutes a compartment bounded by planar surfaces and dimensioned for accommodating at least one credit card. The compartment has a top opening for introducing and removing the valuables.

Abstract: The carry strap for buckets includes a loop fitting around the rim of a bucket with a hand strap and a shoulder strap attached on substantially opposite sides of the loop fitted around the bucket rim. A carry strap for ladders includes, adjustable opposite end loops and a shoulder strap as a carrying case sewn to the strap so that the strap may be folded and retained within the carrying case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strap system for securing an object to a dolly. The strap system includes a first strap section having first and second ends and releasably attached to the dolly at the first end and a second strap section having first and second ends and releasably attached to the dolly at the first end. The second end of the first strap section and the second end of the second strap section are releasably attached to each other.

Abstract: This invention has concealed pockets or pocket embedded in the middle of the belt material. This invention was made to give women options to carrying a purse . The pocket in the belt will allow your personal items to stay hidden. The configuration of the lining to create the pocket gives the belt unique inner pocket to keep money, credit cards, etc stationary in one area. The Closure structure at the top of the belt allows for easy accessibility and security.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an E-beam firing bar engages the channel and selectively engages the anvil during distal firing movements, wherein the tissue is severed and stapled driven upward from the staple cartridge to form against the anvil. In particular, a wedge integral to the staple cartridge is driven distally by a middle pin of the firing bar to effect stapling. A single lockout of the staple channel responds to the presence of the wedge sled in its unfired position to allow the firing bar to fire. Otherwise, the single lockout prevents firing when the staple cartridge is missing or spent. Further, some versions include an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuator that presents an abutting surface, or acts as a trapdoor to a ramped recess in a staple channel to block the firing bar, as an active approach to preventing firing for one or more conditions.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue. The surgical stapling device includes an elongated body which is adapted to receive a single use loading unit (“SULU”) or a disposable loading unit (“DLU”) having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. Each DLU includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The proximal body portion has a proximal end having one or more lugs which are dimensioned to be received within one or more channels formed in the distal end of the elongated body. The distal end of the walls defining the channels can be chamfered or angled such that if the DLU is not properly aligned with the elongated body when the proximal end of the DLU is inserted into the distal end of the elongated body, the chamfered or angled distal ends of the walls defining the channels will cam the lugs to properly align the DLU with the elongated body.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for performing endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame and a bellows seal which provides a seal between the frame and a clamping mechanism and the frame and a firing mechanism. The bellows seal is positioned within the frame such that the bellows seal expands outwardly upon advancement of a clamp member of the clamping mechanism to provide a seal within the frame or to increase the capacity of the seal within the frame.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus such as an ultrasonic transducer is provided that comprises an oscillation amplification device having a longitudinal axis and a substantially triangular cross-sectional area on a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. An ultrasonic driver is coupled to the oscillation amplification device at a first position along the longitudinal axis and a bonding tool is mounted to the oscillation amplification device at a second position along the longitudinal axis spaced from the first position.

Abstract: A bondhead assembly having a bond body for mounting a bonding tool, a support structure that is configured to be drivable for moving the bondhead assembly to different locations and flexural elements arranged substantially along at least one plane which couple the bond body to the support structure for flexibly supporting the bond body during movement with respect to the support structure. A motor is coupled to the support structure and it is operative to drive the bond body to move relative to the support structure along an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the at least one plane.

Abstract: A device for purging gas comprises a conduit assembly defining an interior volume. The conduit assembly comprises a first conduit portion having an open first end and an open second end and a second conduit portion having an open first end and a closed second end. The open second end of the first conduit portion is disposed proximate to the open first end of the second conduit portion to define a weld region. The device further comprises a supply element supplying a gas to the interior volume at a substantially constant rate and a vent element venting the gas from the interior volume at a rate that maintains the gas in the interior volume within a pressure range suitable to hold a weld bead in the weld region in equilibrium during formation of a weld to join the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion.

Abstract: Provided is a pronged fork probe tip for probing a node, such as a through-hole node, on a circuit. The probe tip has a shaft made from an electrically conductive material, concentric to a longitudinal probe axis, and two fork prongs coupled to the shaft and positioned parallel to the probe axis. The two fork prongs provide two geometrically singular points of contact, concentrating applied force from the shaft to the node hole, and more particularly, to solder within the node hole, at two points. A self-cleaning space between the fork prongs aids in preventing clogging of the probe by flux material and/or debris. The shaft may also include a plunger and/or a structure to provide a preferred fixed orientation by preventing rotation of the probe about the probe axis.

Abstract: A conductive ball is formed by coating a generally spherical-shaped core made of a non-metallic material with a coating layer composed of a Cu layer and an Sn-5.5Ag alloy layer of non-eutectic composition. The conductive ball is disposed on a land of an electronic component via flux and reflown at heating temperatures whose peak temperatures reach 250 to 260° C. The Sn-5.5Ag alloy of non-eutectic composition is put in the state in which a solidus portion and a liquidus portion coexist to keep flowability relatively small. The conductive ball is fixed on the land without exposing an SnCu layer formed on the Cu layer. An electrode is formed without exposing the SnCu layer having relatively poor solder wettability. Between the electronic component and a circuit board, a joint section having a good electric conduction property and mechanical strength may be formed.

Abstract: A method of making a tailored blank comprising the following steps: (a) friction welding first and second structural members together at a substantially right angle with respect to each other to form an intersection comprising a first joining surface formed by adjoining bottom faces of the first and second structural members, and a second joining surface formed by an angled face of the first structural member that is disposed at a first oblique angle relative to the bottom face of the first structural member; (b) friction welding the first joining surface of the intersection to a first portion of a surface of a base member; and (c) concurrently linear friction welding first and second joining surfaces of a third structural member to the second joining surface of the intersection and to a second portion of the surface of the base member respectively.

Abstract: A method of hole defect repair includes removing one or more defects at or near a desired hole shape in a substrate by removing a non-concentric portion of the substrate proximate the desired hole shape, and welding a filler material to the substrate after removing the non-concentric portion of the substrate.

Abstract: An envelope assembly is provided for improved performance of a mailing envelope in the automated mail handling process. The envelope comprises a front panel having top, bottom and side edges and forming an envelope front surface, side flaps extending front the side edges, a rear panel extending from the bottom edge and combining with the side flaps to form an envelope rear surface, and a closure flap extending from the top edge for securing the envelope in a closed position. The configuration and attachment of the side flaps and the rear panel are especially beneficial as described herein.

Abstract: A closeable mail receptacle for use inside of a drop box, includes a rectangular tub having an open top, and a top cover adapted to engage the open top and close the tub either prior to or during removal of the tub from the drop box. The top cover may include a peripheral frame adapted to engage the open top. The rectangular tub may be a standard mail flat tub and further include a non-permeable liner located within the common mail flat tub. The rectangular tub may include a peripheral flange extending horizontally outwardly from around the open top.

Abstract: A coin dispenser includes a coin canister that automatically locks into the dispenser. A remotely operated mechanism may unlock the canister from the dispenser. The dispenser may serve as a loading stand for the canister. The canister may be adapted for manual loading of coins into the canister without removing the canister from the dispenser. The canister may include a receptacle for coins and an aperture adapted to facilitate loading coins into the receptacle and to retain coins in the receptacle. The canister may include a repositionable handle that covers an aperture of the canister in one position and serves as a carrying handle in another position. A system for dispensing coins includes a controller electrically connected to a coin dispenser. The dispenser includes a coin canister and a latch that locks the canister to the dispenser. The controller can send an electrical signal that unlocks the canister.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are described for check processing at an ATM. A check may be received at an ATM, and an image of the check may be captured. It may then be verified that the image captured meets an established quality standard. The ATM may then print on the check to indicate that it is not negotiable, and the check may be discharged from the ATM to the user.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an air travel agent who reviews photo IDs of prospective travelers is advised by an expert system that directs the agent to give certain travelers more or less (or different) scrutiny, depending on the type of photo ID they present (e.g., depending on the jurisdiction from which their driver's license was issued). The system relies on a database in which historical incidents of fraud associated with different types of identification documents are logged, thereby serving as a resource by which future frauds might be better identified. Events that may signal increases in fraud beyond historical norms for particular types of ID documents, such as reported thefts of security laminates or other consumables used in their production, can also (or alternatively) be tracked in the database, and considered by the expert system. Such techniques allow security personnel to focus their efforts where they will do the most good.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for authorizing a purchase transaction made using a purchasing device associated with a financial account and communicating with a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. In one embodiment, the method may include determining a physical location of the purchasing device during the purchase transaction based on location information provided by the purchasing device. Further, the method includes determining a physical location of the POS terminal during the purchase transaction. Based on the identified locations of the purchasing device and POS terminal, a proximity of the purchasing device to the POS terminal is determined. The method may also include authorizing the purchase transaction based on the determined proximity of the purchasing device to the POS terminal.

Abstract: The invention provides consumers with the services of multiple cards or accounts while allowing consumers to carry a single card, transponder, code and/or other access device. Because the card may access combined services such as financial transaction services and transportation services, the system may facilitate charging the financial account for the transportation services. The system may allow the consumer to use loyalty points or geographic based loyalty points to pay for the transportation services. The system may also limit the use of certain loyalty points based upon the geographic area for certain transportation services in certain geographic areas.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of identifying illegitimate requests for information may include associating a first carrier with an electronic promotional item, receiving a request relating to the electronic promotional item from a second carrier, and identifying the request as illegitimate if the first carrier is different than the second carrier. The computer-implemented method may further include transmitting the electronic promotional item to the first carrier. The request may be a response to the electronic promotional item. In some embodiments, the electronic promotional item may be a link to more information about the electronic promotional item. The computer-implemented method may further include logging the request in a database and charging an ad sponsor for the request in the second database. In some embodiments, a charge may be canceled for the request if the request is identified as illegitimate.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a physical product using a print medium, comprising the steps of: determining a print media identifier from the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device, the print media identifier having been linked to information associated with the physical product; and, causing, using the mobile telecommunications device and the print media identifier, the information associated with the physical product to be transmitted to a system, whereby the system initiates the delivery of the physical product to a recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the electronic management and redemption of coupons. The system incudes an integrated coupon card comprising a microprocessor, a random access memory means, a scanner, and a communications port. The coupon card is capable of scanning coupon bar codes from paper coupons and receiving redemption requirement data from a periphery device. The coupon card will allow bar codes and redemption requirement data to be transferred to a periphery device and will store what bar codes were redeemed because they corresponded to purchase data received from a cash register memory. The system further incudes one or more periphery devices having a microprocessor, a first communications port for communicating with said coupon card, and a second communications port for communicating with a cash register.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for integrating a bottom-of-basket (BOB) item detector with a data reader. In some embodiments, the BOB item detector may be integrated with a barcode scanner of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal without need for modification of the POS system software. Some embodiments may also provide for a visual and/or audible indication or confirmation of the presence of a bottom-of-basket item.

Abstract: Architecture for presenting m-commerce transaction data to a user. An m-commerce device includes a device reading apparatus adapted to read a dataform. At least one item for purchase has associated therewith an item dataform readable by the m-commerce device, the item dataform linked to item information of the item. A terminal is provided for interactive presentation of information to the user. The m-commerce device and terminal are in communication over a network such that item information input to the m-commerce device is transmitted to the terminal for interactive presentation to the user.