Abstract: A non-slip resilient unitary attachment designed for use on a standard wire hanger. The attachment is shaped or molded with a non-uniform diameter of a resilient rubber or foam rubber or similar material that will deform temporarily to lend itself to better retention of small to medium sized straps typically identified on woman's clothing i.e., camisoles, spaghetti-strapped tops, tank tops. The hanger attachment will be somewhat less than equal to the length of one of the shoulder support bars of the wire hanger. The hanger attachment will be split or cut longitudinally, half the diameter of the hanger attachment, with a tape-backed adhesive placed within the slit of the hanger attachment to close the slit and mechanically maintain its position without other restraints.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fitting an extendible support stocking on a person, optionally oneself, comprising a fixed part supporting a first upper plate (1) having a first upper tongue (2) secured thereto, a movable part slidably mounted on a guide system of said fixed part and supporting a second lower plate (3) having a second lower tongue (4) secured thereto, lever means to move said movable part with respect to said fixed part by making it slide along said guide system from an initial position wherein said first tongue (2) and said second tongue (4) are close to each other and thereby cooperate to form a sleeve that can be fitted inside said stocking, to an operating position wherein said first tongue (2) and said second tongue (4) are progressively moved apart from each other thereby extending said stocking fitted onto said sleeve, then to a releasing position wherein said lower plate (3) is removed separate from said upper plate (1).

Abstract: Tool holder devices are provided, which are designed to hold tools having spring clip mechanisms. In one aspect, a tool holder device comprises a guiding portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is adapted to engage a spring clip of a tool for mounting the tool. The guiding portion is adapted to guide a spring clip towards the mounting portion as a person slides the tool from the guiding portion to the mounting portion while maintaining contact between the spring clip and the guiding portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel workstation support is provided for mounting a laptop computer. The steering wheel workstation support contains a support portion with a lip, a hook arrangement, and a standoff member integrally formed from a single piece of material. The support portion lip secures the laptop base. The hook arrangement attaches the workstation support to the steering wheel. The standoff member, located on the back of the support portion, causes the lower end of the support portion to be displaced from a lower part of the steering wheel so as to present the laptop keyboard and display at ergonomically desirable angles. In addition, the workstation support may be placed on a horizontal surface so as to present the laptop display to viewers.

Abstract: In a component feeding apparatus, forwarding pitches of the storage tape are reduced without using an alternative forwarding gear corresponding to the reduced pitches. The component feeding apparatus feeds chip components by intermittently forwarding the storage tape having the chip components by predetermined pitches. Thy apparatus has a sprocket for intermittently forwarding the storage tape, a forwarding gear supported by the same axis as that of the sprocket and rotating together with the sprocket, a forwarding lever turnably supported, and first and second forwarding pawls both attached to the forwarding lever. Every time the forwarding lever turns in a predetermined direction, the first forwarding pawl and the second forwarding pawl engage with the forwarding gear alternately to rotate the forwarding gear by half a tooth pitch.

Abstract: A spring actuated stapler includes a lever releasably linked to a striker at a lever front end. An elongated power spring is linked to the striker so that raising the lever front end deflects the power spring. The lever and power spring pivot about a common fulcrum structure. The fulcrum structure includes a rear facing surface and the lever pivots about the rear facing surface when the lever is near a lever release point. This pivot location is adjacent to the power spring, at a bottom of the structure of the fulcrum. With the lowest possible pivot location the lever retracts and releases from the striker more quickly than if the lever pivots about a higher location at a fulcrum “axial center”. The release action is therefore more consistent, and less sensitive to manufacturing variations of the stapler.

Abstract: An article of manufacture including an organic structure and inorganic atoms bonded to specific locations on the organic structure.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) travel axis load control method and apparatus for controlling a travel axis load applied to a FSW setup during the joining of workpieces by FSW. The method and apparatus recognize that controlling certain attributes of a friction stir welding plasticized region are key to controlling the quality of the resulting weld. This invention controls any of a number of qualities associated with the plasticized region thereby producing welds having improved mechanical and aesthetic properties, as well as extending the life of the FSW tool. The method and apparatus may control the FSW process to obtain a predetermined optimum size of a heat affected zone. The plasticized region may be monitored in a number of ways including, but not limited to, force on the tool, torque applied to the tool, workpiece temperature, plasticized region physical dimension, as well as changing surface characteristics such as color and reflectivity.

Abstract: A device (100) and method (200) for bonding a ribbon wire (104) to a workpiece (106) comprising feeding the ribbon wire through a passageway (116) of an ultrasonic bond capillary (102) and clamping the ribbon wire against an engagement surface (120) of the bond capillary via a clamping jaw (118) operably coupled to the bond capillary. The ribbon wire (104) is bonded to the workpiece (106) along a bonding surface (112) of the bond capillary (102) and penetrated, at least partially, between the bonding surface and the engagement surface (120) of the bond capillary by a cutting tool (124). The cutting tool (124) may comprise an elongate member (126) positioned between the bonding surface (112) and engagement surface (120), and may have a cutting blade (128) positioned at a distal end (130) thereof. The cutting tool (124) may further comprise a ring cutter (132), wherein the ribbon wire passes through a ring (134) having a cutting surface (138) defined about an inner diameter thereof.

Abstract: A mechanical weldable fitting for use in tapping a pipe includes a first and second metal collar, each formed of attachable upper and lower semi-toroidal portions that when assembled on the pipe providing spaced-apart external cylindrical surfaces. Each collar having at least one internal circumferential sealing groove therein that receives a gasket formed about the pipe. A lower semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. An upper semi-tubular metal containment member is positioned on the external cylindrical surfaces of the collars. The upper containment member having an integral upwardly extending tubular access portion affording passage for tapping the pipe. The upper and lower containment members are welded to each other and to the collars to fully encompass a portion of the pipe.

Abstract: A brazed joint between an armature bar strand package and an end fitting includes a plurality of strands arranged in a tiered array and forming the strand package; a cavity in the end fitting, free ends of the plurality of strands extending through opening in the end fitting and received in the cavity; and an essentially phosphorous-free copper-silver braze alloy joining the free ends of the plurality of strands to each other and to interior surfaces of the end fitting.

Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for forming an article carrier, for holding one or more articles, for example foodstuff or the like, including a base panel, a pair of outwardly sloping side wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel and one or more inwardly sloping end wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel.

Abstract: A mailbox system that is sturdy and durable, easy to manufacture, assemble and customize, and is aesthetically pleasing to look at. The mailbox system preferably includes a pair of vertical posts and horizontal rails, a decorative component such as a flag or flower box, a mailbox and a newspaper receptacle. When assembled, the horizontal rails and the decorative component span between and are supported by the vertical posts, while the mailbox and newspaper receptacle are mounted to a single post. Assembly of the mailbox system is made quick and easy through the use of a series of snap-fit assembly features.

Abstract: A plurality of terminals (40) that are provided to users, and a providing device (20) are placed at a providing place (2). The providing device includes a memory that stores information concerning the plurality of terminals (40). The providing device (20) specifies a terminal (40) that includes the application software that the user designates from the plurality of terminals (40) by applying information in the memory, and provides the terminal (40) to the user. A collecting device (30) is placed at a collecting place (3) for collecting terminals that are returned by the users, and collects terminals (40) returned by the users.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purchasing cash from an ATM. The ATM has a unique identifier visibly located thereon. A customer phone includes a camera and a programmable memory. The camera can be used to capture an image of the ATM's identifier. The memory includes customer account data. A customer uses their phone to establish wireless communication with a transaction host. The customer can transmit to the host a request for cash from the ATM. The request includes the account data and the image. The host can use the account data in payment for the requested cash. The host can use the image to identify the particular ATM associated with the request. After payment, the host causes the identified ATM to dispense the requested cash.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited checks.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying information and controlling a response function when two or more pieces of information correspond to each other. The system includes an information device and an identification device. The information device has identification information stored therein. The identification device has identification information stored therein or thereon. The information device obtains the identification information from the identification device and compares it to the identification information in the information device. If the identification information corresponds, the information device provides a response signal. The response signal may control a locking mechanism for a container to which the information device is attached or provide an audible or visual indication. The system and method may be used for controlling the administration of prescribed medication to a patient or in other medical or non-medical applications.

Abstract: A method and system that enables a customer to delegate or authorize another individual to perform a financial transaction is provided. This system uses a smart card and a biometric scanner or reader writer, or a biometric device without a smart card. The smart card holds personal and financial accounts information about the customer including a set of biometric templates of the customer. The second smart card owner is identified as the true owner of a smart card after the second smart card passes a biometric authentication using a read write device. The first smart card owner specifies the desired transaction that is to be performed by the second smart card. The delegated or authorized transaction created by the first smart card is encrypted and stored in the second smart card and/or to a remote back-end host server.

Abstract: A postage metering system for applying indicia including postage value on mail items, the system including: a keyboard for inputting information; a printer for printing indicia; an accounting module for accounting for postage value applied to mail items; and a security module for requiring a user to input an operating code prior to further operation of the system, the security module being configured to compare the input operating code with at least one stored valid operating code and cause the printer in a printing operation to print an indicium having a zero postage value where the input operating code and any stored operating code do not match and printing of an indicium is requested.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for counting or measuring the relative positions of a number of resonant tag elements in proximity to each other. By measuring the resonant frequency of a given set of tags using a reader antenna and comparing the measured frequency to a reference resonant frequency, the observed frequency shift is used to ascertain certain properties of the set of tags, such as the number of tags present or the relative positions thereof.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus, a container management system, and a method of container handling are provided in which information of a container to be handled is accurately recognized automatically, in order to improve the efficiency of a container handling operation. An RF-ID reader/writer (wireless communication device) is provided in a container crane, on a beam of a spreader holding the container, facing a lengthwise end face of the container. An RF-ID tag (wireless tag) that stores container information is installed on a lengthwise end part of the container. The construction is such that the RF-ID tag reader/writer performs wireless communication with the RF-ID tag when the spreader is located on the transporting route of the container. The container information includes output of sensors provided on the container that detect security information of the container.

Abstract: A ballot packaging system is automated to place ballots in envelopes. The ballots are printed by an assigned type according to voter information stored in a database. Each ballot includes a first printed indicia allocated to the ballot type, but this identifier does not particularly identify the voter. The first printed indicia is scanned to produce a scanned identifier signal. The ballot is placed in an envelope, which is printed with comparison indicia that enables a comparison to ascertain whether the ballot within the envelope does contain the intended ballot type.

Abstract: A method that allows one to mark information with a pencil or ball point pen on a material and have the marked information represent answers to questions or responses to queries that may be read while the material is contained in an envelope. The material may be any cellulose type product, i.e., paper, cardboard, chipboard, wood or plastic, fabric, animal hide, etc. The marked entered information may be corrected by erasing the written information with an eraser and writing new information on the paper with a pencil or ball point pen.

Abstract: The appliance comprises an IC card reader for an operation with an IC card and a power supply for providing a supply voltage, in particular for the IC card. The appliance comprises further an overload protection circuit, which simulates an IC card extraction in case of an overload of the supply voltage. The power supply is then immediately switched off to avoid any damage for the power supply. In a preferred embodiment, the IC card reader is equipped with a card presence switch for indicating to a micro-controller of the appliance, that an IC card has been inserted into the card reader. The micro-controller provides then a control signal for switching on the power supply for the operation with the IC card. The protection circuit is coupled between the supply voltage for the IC card and the signal line of the card presence switch and provides a detection of a short circuit. The protection circuit may comprise a diode, a comparator or a transistor, which switches off the power supply via a logic circuit.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device comprises: an automatic object presence detection subsystem; a multi-mode area-type image formation and detection subsystem having a field of view (FOV), and narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; an image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a barcode scanner platform is provided in which the gain of an analog signal representative of a barcode is controlled using a control loop. In embodiments, an MTF detector generates a value (e.g., DC) representative of a low frequency portion (wide or out of optical focus elements) of the analog signal and a second value (e.g., DC) representative of a high frequency portion (narrow elements or in optical focus elements) of the analog signal. The processor uses the first and the second values and a reference amplitude to determine a gain signal. The processor provides the gain signal to an AGC circuit that provides a linear response to the gain signal using matched JFETs. A noise filter can be enabled or disabled based on the first value, the second value, and/or the barcode scanner platform read rate.

Abstract: A device for conditioning a vehicle includes at least one electrically operated conditioning arrangement, a hot air supply system with a heat source, and a delivery arrangement for delivery of heated air into a vehicle interior, a fuel cell system for providing electrical energy for the at least one conditioning arrangement and the delivery arrangement. The hot air supply system includes the fuel cell system as heat source and also furthermore a heat exchanger arrangement for transferring heat arising in the region of the fuel cell system to the air to be delivered into the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A retrofittable pressure gauge for a spray gun includes a pressure sensor, located in a pressure chamber, a power source and a display unit, all enclosed within a case, a passageway providing fluid communication between the pressure chamber and a pressurised interior space of the spray gun when the gauge is mounted on the spray gun and a mounting fixture configured for mounting the pressure gauge at a spreader valve or a trigger operated fluid valve of the spray gun.

Abstract: A system for thermal spray coating of a particulate material onto a substrate includes a spray gun apparatus having dual vortex chambers for the mixing of fuel gas and oxygen. The apparatus provides a jet flame resulting from a compression wave formed by compressed air. Dual venturis control the flow of fluidized coating material particles to provide smooth and controlled delivery of coating material to the spray gun.

Abstract: A servo-valve for a fuel injector equipped with a pressure booster whose working chamber is separated from a differential pressure chamber by a booster piston in which an actuator can connect a control chamber to a first low-pressure return and the differential pressure chamber can be connected to a second low-pressure return or to a return system in which the returns are connected to each other. A first servo-valve piston has a first sealing seat, and a second piston, embodied as a sealing sleeve, is accommodated on the first servo-valve piston and, together with a valve housing, constitutes a second sealing seat. When the pressure in the control chamber is relieved, this second sealing seat is closed with a shorter stroke, sooner than the first sealing seat. When the control chamber is subjected to pressure, the second sealing seat opens only after the first sealing seat is closed.

Abstract: An airless application system. The system includes a primary product container, a secondary product container, and a sprayer in fluid communication with the primary product container and the secondary product container.

Abstract: An impact sprinkler drive is provided by an impact arm or spoon that rotates out of and counter-rotates into a water stream to impact and forward re-align a water emission portion from which the water stream emits. The impact arm is designed to, upon sufficient rotation, interfere with the water stream to reduce back-impact and reverse re-alignment of the water stream. The impact arm may be an impact spoon formed on an impact disc. The impact spoon is configured to increase the energy for forward re-alignment of the water emission portion including an increased length to permit a time delay before water flowing through the spoon applies force away from the water stream. The water acts upon spoon portions positioned at increased radial distances so that the water acts with a greater torque arm to impart rotational energy.

Abstract: A windshield washer fluid reservoir tank for a vehicle is externally formed with a side stepping surface, and is internally defined with a space for storing windshield washer fluid replenished through a feeding pipe having a cap, and for allowing the windshield washer fluid stored therein to be pumped to a windshield of the vehicle through supply hoses under the operation of a supply motor pump installed in position within the windshield washer fluid reservoir tank, in order to ensure extended use of the windshield washer fluid without requiring frequent replenishment, by virtue of such a space having a sufficient storage capacity capable of storing a large amount of the windshield washer fluid.

Abstract: A sprinkler head vegetation shield that includes a sloping wall defined by a single-piece curved plate. A lip extends horizontally away from the wall along an upper perimeter thereof for supporting the shield adjacent a sprinkler head without attachment thereto. A notch is located substantially near a lower perimeter of the sloping wall and configured to accommodate movement of the sprinkler head relative to the plate.

Abstract: A faucet spray head includes a diverter valve that has a diverter stem constructed and arranged to control water flow patterns. The stem includes a neck and a head that is larger than the neck. A shell encloses the diverter valve, and the shell has an opening through which the stem extends. A pivot member is coupled to the shell, and a rocker arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot member. The rocker arm has a retention opening, and the retention opening is adapted to slidably receive and retain the head of the stem during assembly of the rocker arm to the pivot member. The rocker arm is attached to the diverter valve in order to actuate the valve. The spray head includes lock pins that are configured to engage a lock insert that is secured to a spout.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid handling nozzle has a body with a first end and a second end, a fluid conduit and a recess at the second end. The first end is configured for connection to a pressurized fluid source. The fluid conduit has an inlet at the first end and an outlet at the recess. The nozzle uses the Bernoulli effect for lifting a part.

Abstract: An agitator mill comprises an annular cylindrical exterior grinding chamber which is defined by an inner wall of a grinding receptacle and an outer wall of a rotor; and an interior grinding chamber which is defined by an inner wall of the rotor and an outer casing of an interior stator. The grinding chambers are interconnected by a deflection chamber. g<h applies to the radial gap width g of the exterior grinding chamber in relation to the radial gap width h of the interior grinding chamber.

Abstract: A system for fixing the mobile jaw on a conical head of a cone or giratory stone crusher, includes a bowl, with a feed hopper mounted thereon, a fixed truncated jaw mounted coaxially with the bowl, a crushing head mounted on a main shaft coaxial with the fixed jaw and a conical mobile jaw mounted on the head and clamped thereon by a locking element integral with the head and pressing on the top of the mobile jaw. The element has on its outer periphery notches radially oriented outwards and uniformly distributed on the periphery and the mobile jaw has, on its inner periphery, at its openings studs radially oriented inwards, uniformly distributed on the periphery and matching in number the notches, the studs penetrating when mounted in the notches so as to secure the locking element and the mobile jaw in rotation when the crusher is operating.

Abstract: A shredder for shredding a by-product, such as sprue, runner and the like generated when molding a thermoplastic synthetic resin product, into recyclable shredded pieces, is structured such that front and rear oscillating side walls are openable, right and left stationary side walls are connected by two support shafts and one connection member, and two support shafts serve as pivot axes of the oscillating side walls and connection members connecting the right and left stationary side walls.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes: a reel body attachable to a fishing rod; a spool rotatably supported by the reel body; a handle disposed at a side portion of the reel body for rotating the spool to winding a fishing line on the spool; and an auxiliary operating member for auxiliary winding the fishing line on the spool provided at a position in which the auxiliary operating member can be operated by a finger of an angler's hand holding the fishing rod to which the reel body is attached.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a reel around which a magnetic tape is wound, a cartridge case rotatably accommodating the reel, a reel lock for locking rotation of the reel relative to the cartridge case, a resilient member urging the reel lock toward the reel, a release pad for disengaging the reel lock by displacing the reel lock against an urging force of the resilient member, so as to allow rotation of the reel, and a pivot provided on the reel lock at a position facing with and slidably contacting a contact surface of the release pad in a manner allowing rotation of the release pad. The pivot and the contact surface are both made of resin, and the contact surface is made of a resin having a higher hardness than the pivot.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a spool for winding a seatbelt, a motor for generating rotational torque to rotate the spool, a clutch mechanism for connecting a power transmission path to transmit rotational torque of the motor to the spool in a connected mode and for disconnecting the power transmission path in a disconnected mode, and a clutch mechanism disconnection detecting device for detecting disconnection of the clutch mechanism. A motor control device stops the motor according to a detection signal from the clutch mechanism disconnection detecting device.

Abstract: In order to be able to adjust the tension and position of a material web, for example, a paper web, that should be printed by a printer, an electrostatically-acting braking device is described that provides a charger, for example, a corotron, and a braking plate, between which the material web runs. The charger charges the material web, which is thereby drawn to the braking plate, lies on the braking plate, and is braked via friction. It is advantageous that the charge voltage of the charger and be controlled via sensors for the web tension and web position and can very quickly react to the signals of the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a textile bobbin on a support roller and for facilitating the exertion of a controlled bearing pressure from the textile bobbin against the support roller. The apparatus comprising a creel for grasping the textile bobbin, a shaft for supporting the creel for pivotable movement relative to the support roller, a lever mechanism for applying a variable torque to the creel as a function of pivoted movement of the lever mechanism, and an adjustment device for varying the torque applied to the creel via the lever mechanism. The adjustment device comprises a rotatable eccentric element disposed to act on the lever mechanism for establishing an adjustable base position of the lever mechanism according to a rotated position of the eccentric element.

Abstract: A supersonic cruise configuration aircraft comprises a fuselage extending on a longitudinal axis from a forward nose to an aft tail, and a wing coupled at an inboard section to the fuselage and extending to an outboard tip, and having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The aircraft further comprises a landing gear that is coupled to the wing and capable of stowing into the wing and fuselage on retraction. The landing gear has a landing gear strut. The wing is gulled with a dihedral at an angle that is increased inboard and aligns with the retracted landing gear. The wing has a minimum thickness sufficient to enclose the landing gear.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a structure is provided that includes a body having a first wall and a second wall. At least one appending component extends from an end of the body and includes a first skin and second skin. The structure additionally includes at least one actuator positioned within a cavity formed in the body first wall and the appending component second skin. The actuator includes at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) wire adapted to constrict when activated to move the first skin of the appending component from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite structure is disclosed herein. The process uses a frame and selectively pressurizable forms. The forms define the interior members of the composite structure and frames define the exterior surface of the composite structure. Composite material is wrapped around the forms and the forms and composite material are placed in the frame. Selective forms are then pressurized and the composite material is co-cured together. A single piece co-cured fuselage incorporating a plurality of stiffeners is also disclosed in the application. The stiffeners are co-cured to the fuselage and may be in various patterns. The patterns may include an iso-grid pattern, and ortho-grid pattern, and a hoop-grid pattern.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10). One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom ( 11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10). One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: An extendable leading edge for the fuselage and wings of an aircraft is disclosed. The leading edge may be extended from a retracted position adjacent to the fuselage and wings to an extended position. In the extended position, the leading edge increases lift of the aircraft at low speeds. In the retracted position, gaps associated with the leading edge are avoided.