Abstract: A dispenser device includes reservoirs for containing respective substances, pumps associated with respective reservoirs, and a pushbutton. The device allows two substances to be dispensed in varying proportions by actuating the pushbutton. In embodiments, each pump has a moving control member which, when actuated, causes the substance contained in the reservoir associated with the pump to be dispensed. In embodiments, at least one elastically-deformable transmission member is associated with a control member and is disposed in such a manner as to transmit displacement of the pushbutton to the control member in order to dispense substance. In embodiments, at least one adjustment member adjusts the end-of-stroke position of the displacement at least of the control member associated with the transmission member.

Abstract: A foam chemical dispenser device that includes a dispenser housing having a body portion defining a mixing module reception area, and a mixing module positioner adjustably supported by the dispenser housing between a mixing module hold position and a mixing module access position. Further included is a finger releasable locking device which, when in a locking mode, locks the mixing module positioner in the hold position and when in a release mode provides for positioner adjustment to the access position. Also included is a dispenser having a dispenser housing with a chemical inlet section and a chemical outlet section, and a closure device dimensioned for contact with a mixing module positioned to receive chemical from the chemical outlet section of the dispenser housing, and the closure device being pivotable between a mixing module hold position and a mixing module access position.

Abstract: A dispense system such as an aerosol or pump system includes a container having an upper rim, a collar secured to the upper rim, and a cap removably attached to the collar. The collar may be rotatably secured to the container such that when the cap is rotated, the cap and collar rotate together about the rim of the container without detaching. The cap may enclose an actuator or pump of the container preventing inadvertent dispensing of the contents as well as rendering the container more tamper resistant. Each of the cap and collar includes various features to interlock with one another. In one variation, the cap includes at least one tooth which engages a slot or an opening in the collar to achieve locking. The cap may be rotated or snap fit into place depending on the variation. Caps that are directly mountable to a rim of a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid metered dispensing squeeze bottle includes: (a.) a squeezable container having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom at one end and a bottom at the other end; (b.) a nonflexible trap chamber of a predetermined volume, connected to the opening of the container; (c.) a dip tube, and (d.) a one way valve system at the bottom of the dip tube that includes a leg. There is also a flexion mechanism on one or both of the dip tube and the leg to permit folding of the leg toward the tube for insertion into a standard neck or narrow neck container.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a housing, a sleeve reservoir and a container. The housing has a nozzle for dispensing the fluid and contains a power source, an infrared sensor, an integrated circuit chip and a pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a motor, at least one gear, a pipe and a helical shaft positioned coaxially within the pipe. The helical shaft is driven rotatingly relative to the pipe. The sleeve reservoir has open upper and lower ends, overflow openings near the upper end and a ball valve at the lower end. The sleeve reservoir is first inserted into the container before fluid is poured into the container. The helical shaft and pipe are then inserted co-axially into the sleeve reservoir, submerging them in the fluid and flooding the space between the helical shaft and the pipe to minimize the time delay for dispensing the fluid.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for venting an internally pressurized container such as an aerosol can has three sections, a concave annular outer area, a circular central area and an annular intermediate area connecting the concave annular area to the circular area. The three sections all have the same thickness. The central area has a center point and an arc shaped score line extending through 132° to 138°, preferably 135°, about an arc center. The arc center is offset from the center point of the circular area by a distance of from about 0.290 inches. The score line has a depth of from 0.010 to 0.012 inches and is trapezoidal in transverse cross section. The intermediate area meets the circular area at an angle greater than 90° and the intermediate area meets the concave annular outer area at an angle greater than 90°.

Abstract: A standard stem and nozzle arrangement for a pressurized dispensing container which dispenses product such as caulk, has an engagement that holds the stem to the sealing boot so that when the nozzle is rotated, the stem will stay in place. Thus, any binding between nozzle and stem due to cured or dried dispensed product can be overcome by twisting the nozzle hard enough to break such a seal without causing the stem to rotate. The engagement is shown as a set of wedge-like projections that extend up from the button of the stem into the resilient sealing boot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container for containing a beverage and a grommet for use with a container, and a method of retaining liquid in a container and preventing reverse flow out of the container. The container is of the type for retaining a quantity of beverage including at least one wall containing a cavity therein, a rim defining a mouth, and a lid extending at least partially over the mouth. A valve port is provided in the lid. A grommet is provided for retention in the valve port including a flange and structures for retaining the grommet in the valve port. The grommet defines an aperture extending therethrough which communicates with the valve port. The beverage is passed through the aperture and valve port for retention in the cavity of the container. A tongue extends from the grommet into the valve port for movably blocking a portion of the valve port.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for fragrance dispenser is disclosed. The driving mechanism comprises a press mechanism and a control circuit characterized in that the press mechanism is provided with a base seat having a protruded circular recess at the lower section thereof for the mounting of a fragrance bottle, the surface of the base seat is mounted with engageable main and driven gears, and the bottom of the base seat is provided with a motor such that the axle of the motor and the main gear are engaged with each other, and the driven gear is engaged with a press rod having a plurality of teeth such that the driving by the control circuit will drive the gear to rotate and the press rod is driven to move up and down, thereby the dispensing head of the fragrance bottle is pressed and the fragrance is dispensed at a specific timing.

Abstract: A hanger apparatus for allowing garments of various sizes to be hung up with out being stretched. The hanger apparatus includes a hook member being designed for selectively engaging a hanging member whereby the hook member is suspended from the hanging member. A pair of arm members are coupled to the hook member whereby the arm members are suspended from the hanging member when the hook member engages the hanging member. The arm members are designed for being positioned in one of the garments to allow the garment to be suspended from the hanging member. Each of a pair of extension assemblies engages one of the arm members whereby each of the extension assemblies selectively extends beyond the associated one of the arm members to accommodate garments of a larger size.

Abstract: A mobile container includes a container, lid, and belt clip. The belt clip is adapted to be coupled to a belt worn by a person.

Abstract: A ride ready vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier includes a pair of spaced apart wheel supports and a stabilizing member which is engageable with the bicycle, preferably with one of the bicycle wheels, at a location above the wheel supports. One of the wheel supports is in the form of a pair of spaced apart wheel engagement members which are pivotably mounted to a structural member associated with the carrier, and which are configured to grip the wheel so as to provide initial support for the bicycle on the carrier. The stabilizing member is in the form of a clamp arm mechanism having a base mounted to the structural member and an extendible and retractable arm having a wheel-engaging portion at its outer end, which can be moved into and out of engagement with the wheel.

Abstract: A adjusting nut is arranged on a threaded spindle. The adjusting nut supports a first double arm lever unit with a first and a second arm. A second double arm lever unit is pivotally mounted at its first arm through a connecting strip to the second arm of the first double arm unit. The second arm of the second double arm unit is pivotally mounted through a control rod unit to a rocker. This rocker supports a upper feeding roller which co-operates with a lower feeding roller for a feeding of a strip shaped blank. The first arm of the first double arm unit supports a bolt which projects into a elongate hole of a eccentrically supported rod.

Abstract: An insert seal for an adapter connectable to a fuel cell which is engageable upon a combustion tool fuel metering valve, the fuel cell having a stem and the metering valve having a nipple, includes a body defining a central passageway and having a first end sealable on the stem and a second end sealable on the nipple, a flange portion affixed to the second end, being in fluid communication with the passageway and having a larger diameter than the body. The fuel cell adapter is configured for connection to the fuel cell and is engageable upon the combustion tool fuel metering valve, has an adapter body with a base configured for engagement upon the fuel cell and a nozzle connected to the base, the adapter body defining a chamber configured for accommodating the stem and the nipple, the insert seal being accommodated in the chamber.

Abstract: Two slide bases (106) synchronizingly traveled on linear guides (105) arranged upwardly and downwardly in parallel with each other are rotatably attached with a clincher unit (107) and a driver unit (104) and provided with a click stop mechanism for fixing the clincher unit (103) and the driver unit (104) at a 0 degree position or a 45 degree rotated position. Respective outer peripheral portion thereof are provided with claw portions (119), (120), in correspondence with the 0 degree position and the 45 degree rotated position and a stopper pin (121) is arranged at a traveling path. When the driver unit and the clincher unit are traveled from an initial position to a skewed binding position, the 0 degree claw portion 119 impinges on the stopper pin (121) and the driver unit and the clincher unit are rotated to the 45 degree rotated position to fix.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool has a body, a handle, a clip, a biasing member and a cap. The handle is formed on and extends from the body and has a free end and an annular shank extending from the free end. The clip is rotatably and slidably mounted on the shank and has a collar and a clip tab. The collar is rotatably and slidably mounted around the annular shank and has multiple teeth formed on a side of the collar facing away from the body. The clip tab extends from the collar. The biasing member is mounted around the annular shank and has two ends abutting respectively with the handle and the collar. The cap is detachably attached to the shank and has multiple recesses respectively corresponding to and engaging with the teeth on the collar.

Abstract: A desktop stapler includes an automatic opening staple track whereby when the stapler is opened by pivoting the body about the base, the track is de-latched by ribs of the base, and the track slides out from a chamber within the body. The stapler includes a track alignment system that holds the front of the body precisely over the anvil by use of forward and rear torque arm contact areas between the base and track. The stapler also features a striker bottom edge that is shaped to follow the curved shape of the anvil so that the striker may enter the anvil recess without impacting the anvil. A staple chamber in the stapler has staple exit ribs that allow only one staple at a time to be ejected from the staple chamber.

Abstract: Two slide bases (106) synchronizingly traveled on linear guides (105) arranged upwardly and downwardly in parallel with each other are rotatably attached with a clincher unit (107) and a driver unit (104) and provided with a click stop mechanism for fixing the clincher unit (103) and the driver unit (104) at a 0 degree position or a 45 degree rotated position. Respective outer peripheral portion thereof are provided with claw portions (119), (120), in correspondence with the 0 degree position and the 45 degree rotated position and a stopper pin (121) is arranged at a traveling path. When the driver unit and the clincher unit are traveled from an initial position to a skewed binding position, the 0 degree claw portion 119 impinges on the stopper pin (121) and the driver unit and the clincher unit are rotated to the 45 degree rotated position to fix.

Abstract: Two slide bases (106) synchronizingly traveled on linear guides (105) arranged upwardly and downwardly in parallel with each other are rotatably attached with a clincher unit (107) and a driver unit (104) and provided with a click stop mechanism for fixing the clincher unit (103) and the driver unit (104) at a 0 degree position or a 45 degree rotated position. Respective outer peripheral portion thereof are provided with claw portions (119), (120), in correspondence with the 0 degree position and the 45 degree rotated position and a stopper pin (121) is arranged at a traveling path. When the driver unit and the clincher unit are traveled from an initial position to a skewed binding position, the 0 degree claw portion 119 impinges on the stopper pin (121) and the driver unit and the clincher unit are rotated to the 45 degree rotated position to fix.

Abstract: Two slide bases (106) synchronizingly traveled on linear guides (105) arranged upwardly and downwardly in parallel with each other are rotatably attached with a clincher unit (107) and a driver unit (104) and provided with a click stop mechanism for fixing the clincher unit (103) and the driver unit (104) at a 0 degree position or a 45 degree rotated position. Respective outer peripheral portion thereof are provided with claw portions (119), (120), in correspondence with the 0 degree position and the 45 degree rotated position and a stopper pin (121) is arranged at a traveling path. When the driver unit and the clincher unit are traveled from an initial position to a skewed binding position, the 0 degree claw portion 119 impinges on the stopper pin (121) and the driver unit and the clincher unit are rotated to the 45 degree rotated position to fix.

Abstract: A flip chip bonder including a substrate holding mechanism and a chip die bonder for bonding a semiconductor chip having a plurality of electrodes projecting from its front surface to a substrate held on the substrate holding means. The flip chip bonder includes a chuck table, a semiconductor chip take-out area and an electrode cutting area, a cutting mechanism having a cutting tool for cutting the plurality of electrodes projecting from the front surface of the semiconductor chip held on the chuck table and arranged in the electrode cutting area to make them uniform in height, a semiconductor chip take-in mechanism, and a semiconductor chip conveying mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed a semiconductor bonding apparatus which mounts a semiconductor chip via an elastic member disposed between the semiconductor chip and a mounting substrate, comprising a holding section which holds the semiconductor chip facing the mounting substrate, a translatory gas bearing which is connected to the holding section and which is capable of moving the semiconductor chip in a bonding direction with respect to the mounting substrate, a voice coil motor connected to the translatory gas bearing, a load cell which detects a pressing force to be applied to the elastic member by the holding section, and a driving section which generates a driving signal in accordance with the pressing force detected by the load cell to drive the voice coil motor.

Abstract: In an electronic component mounting method in which electronic components are sucked/held by plural respective nozzles provided on a mounting head so as to be mounted on electronic component mounting portions of a board, such a mounting operation is sequentially carried out as to all of the electronic components, in which the electronic components are sucked/held by the plural nozzles; an electronic component sucked/held by one of the plural nozzles is provisionally positioned above one electronic component mounting portion; both this electronic component and the electronic component mounting portion are observed by an observation head which is located between the board and the mounting head; a relative position detecting operation for detecting a relative positional relationship between this electronic component and the electronic component mounting portion is carried out as to all of the electronic components held by the mounting head; and the electronic component is positioned with respect to the electroni

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the metallization with a silicon alloy melting at a temperature T1 of certain zones of the surface of a part made of an oxide ceramic unable to be wetted by the said alloy, the said process comprising, in succession, a step of depositing carbon on the said zones of the said part that are to be metallized, a step of depositing the silicon alloy in solid form on at least one portion of the said part, so that the said alloy has at least one point of contact with the said zones to be metallized, followed by a heating step at a temperature greater than or equal to T1, the said alloy gathering in the molten state on the said zones to be metallized. This process applies also to the brazing of parts, at least one of which is a part made of an oxide ceramic unable to be wetted by the said alloy. Application of the said processes to the fields of electronics, electrical engineering, thermal engineering and chemical engineering.

Abstract: A printed wiring board has a circuit substrate 6 having a conductor circuit 5 and a through hole 60, and also has a joining pin 1 inserted into the through hole. The joining pin is manufactured by using a material unmelted at a heating temperature in joining the joining pin to an opposite party pad 81. The joining pin is constructed by a joining head portion 11 having a greater diameter than an opening diameter of the through hole. The joining pin forms a joining portion for joining and connection to the opposite party pad. The joining pin has a leg portion 12 having a diameter smaller than the through hole. The leg portion is inserted into the through hole and is joined to the through hole by a conductive material such as a soldering material 20, etc. In lieu of a joining pin, a joining ball approximately having a spherical shape can be joined to the through hole by the conductive material.

Abstract: The wrap-around carrier of the invention includes opposed side panels hingedly connected to a top panel and to a pair of bottom flaps. An end retention structure is connected to at least one of the side panels and to the adjacent one of the bottom flaps. The end retention structure includes an anchor panel hingedly connected to an end edge of the one side panel and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the inside surface of the one side panel, a gusset panel hingedly connected to the anchor panel and extending toward the adjacent end opening of the carrier, and an end panel hingedly connected to the gusset panel and disposed to engage the adjacent end article packaged in the carrier to prevent it from dislodging form the carrier. The end retention structure further includes a relief panel that hingedly interconnects the end panel with the one bottom flap. The relief panel is disposed in the plane of the one bottom flap when the carrier is in an erected condition.

Abstract: A multifunctional device for supporting a lid of a container in order to protect an item stored within the container is provided. The support device includes a generally planar upper member. The support device also includes at least one leg member detachably connected to the upper member by a connecting member and projecting from a surface of the upper member. The upper member and leg member have a first function as a lid support when the leg member and upper member are attached. Further, either one of the upper member or the leg member have a second function different from the first function when the leg member is detached from the upper member.

Abstract: The security mailbox assembly functions to prevent identity and mail theft. The security mailbox assembly comprises a lockable mailbox having an internal alarm system functioning in cooperation with a receiver, a remote control transmitter, and an outgoing mail holder including an additional receiver.

Abstract: An inline printer assembly includes a chassis. A media supply bay is mounted on the chassis for storing sheets of print media. A feed mechanism is mounted on the chassis for feeding the sheets of print media from the paper supply bay along a feed path. A printer is mounted on the chassis downstream of the media supply bay for printing on media received from the supply bay. A binder binds printed media received from the printer. The media supply bay, the printer and the binder are configured so that the feed path is substantially straight.

Abstract: A simple and reliable device is provided which pulls out packing material from a container in order to band a stack of bank notes. The container has an upper lip with an element interacting with the packing material. A vertically reciprocating pickup mechanism is moved down and contacted with an upper surface of a packed band. A suction attaches the upper surface of the packed band and allows the upper surface to be pulled past the upper lip such that when a lower part of said packed band is gripped by retainers that extend from the upper lip, the band is spread out sufficient to insert a rolled up stack of bank notes.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (15) and a cash dispensing mechanism (220). A fascia (12) of the machine includes a pair of horizontally disposed convex mirrors (338, 340). The mirrors are used to enable a machine user to view the rear area (343) behind the machine user. The machine can move the mirrors into operative viewing position in response to machine user input. The machine also includes lights that can be selectively directed and illuminated to reduce the risk of observation of inputs to the machine by unauthorized persons. A rear area light source focuses light away from the machine user's line of sight to the user interface but toward the rear area (343) to obscure nonuser view of machine user input to the user interface.

Abstract: A device external to a terminal transmits a specific application identifier and an encrypted first key and number to a first chip card in service in the terminal. In the first card, if the decrypted first number satisfies a first condition, the specific application is called up, application data are read, the data are encrypted using the decrypted first key to transmit them to the external device, and the application is made inoperable. Following replacement of the first card by a second card, the external device transmits the identifier and an encrypted second key and number to the second card. In the latter, if the decrypted second number satisfies a second condition, the encrypted data are transmitted to the second card so that the latter calls up the application, decrypts the encrypted data using the decrypted second key and installs said data.

Abstract: A transmission base flow control device including a first credit counter, shared by an active system and a preparatory system of a reception device, managing a credit value of the active system; a second credit counter and a third credit counter counting the credit values for each system of the active system and the preparatory system of the reception device; a differential counter holding a difference between the credit value counted by the second credit counter and the credit value counted by the third credit counter; and a control unit matching, according to the difference held by the differential counter, the credit values of the first credit counter and the second credit counter or the credit values of the first credit counter and the third credit counter with a credit value corresponding to the reception device of a new active system after switching the system of the reception device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a commodity information registering apparatus which registers commodity information while a commodity is moved, comprising a radio tag reading section which reads a radio tag within a first field to acquire commodity identification information stored in the radio tag, an optical reading section which reads a code symbol within a second field to acquire commodity identification information described in the code symbol, and a registering section which registers one of the commodity information corresponding to the commodity identification information acquired from the radio tag and the commodity information corresponding to the commodity identification information acquired from the code symbol.

Abstract: An inventory agent operating on software includes instructions operable to cause a programmable processor to receive inventory data relating to stock in an inventory. The inventory data includes planned inventory data and actual inventory data. The instructions are operable to cause the programmable processor to use the inventory data to calculate one or more correlations in errors between the planned inventory data and the actual inventory data, use the one or more correlations in errors to estimate a probability density for one or more errors, calculate a predicted inventory level, calculate a likely error of the predicted inventory level using the estimate of the probability density, and adjust the predicted inventory level with the likely error to estimate a likely actual inventory level. The inventory agent may be implemented in a supply chain management system.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for marking a pre-printed paper ballot which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the apparatus. If the ballot is to be machine marked, the ballot is inserted into the marking apparatus and candidate selections are presented to the voter on a touchscreen. Candidate selections entered on the touchscreen are marked on both the top and bottom sides of the ballot utilizing a single print head to mark spaces corresponding to the selected candidates, and the ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his selections have been marked. The ballot, whether hand-marked or machine-marked, is inserted in a ballot scanning device, wherein it is tallied and deposited in a ballot box.

Abstract: To minimise the power consumption when registering an electronic ticket, a bidirectional communication in a higher frequency band is initiated when the electronic ticket has received a wake-up signal in a lower frequency band via a highly sensitive receive module. During entry stamping, a wake-up telegram containing an identity of the detection space is transferred to and stored in the electronic ticket. The wake-up telegram is received in the lower frequency band by another receive module in the electronic ticket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar code reading device of the type having an imaging assembly including a two dimensional image sensor and which may be moved between varying positions, orientations and angles relative to a substrate. In one embodiment a bar code reading device can be used to obtain an area electronic representation of a substrate including bar code indicia and a signature, and can output an area representation including a representation of a signature. In another embodiment, the bar code reading device can process and output a processed area electronic representation to an output destination. In one embodiment an output destination to which a bar code reading device outputs a processed area electronic representation is a display.

Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading an information code, a case has one wall in which a reading window through which light is transmittable. The reading window has a length and a width. An area sensor has a pixel area composed of pixels. The pixels are arranged in rows and columns. The area sensor is disposed in the case such that the pixel area is opposite to a window surface of the reading window, and row and column directions of the area sensor are inclined to directions along the length and width of the reading window, respectively.

Abstract: A counterfeit detection method includes electronically reading a label on a desired item in a store, transmitting an item identification code encoded in the read label to an authentication unit, receiving an indication from the authentication unit whether or not the item identification code is registered to the store and if the indication is positive, generating a certificate of authenticity for the desired item.

Abstract: A method and system for aiding the selecting/culling or reformatting of encoded containers stored in a multi-rack array with respect to certain desired characteristics of compositions held within the containers employing a corresponding graphical interface that indicates the physical position of the containers within the array, and selection operations to be performed with respect to one or more containers in the array.

Abstract: A non-complex imaging arrangement is aligned along an imaging axis. A mirror assembly is configured to reflect an image from an optical axis, which intersects the imaging axis, toward the optics assembly. The imaging arrangement includes at least one fixed image sensor for imaging thereon an optical code or target, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode symbol, or label, signature, marking, picture, etc. The imaging arrangement provides an extended working range of approximately 5–102 cm. The imaging arrangement is capable of being incorporated within a barcode imager to provide a non-complex barcode imager having an extended working range which is comparable to or greater than the working ranges of conventional image-based barcode imagers.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

Abstract: A loading apparatus with which it is possible to securely connect connection terminals of a recording medium to terminal electrodes, thereby enhancing the reliability of operations of the loading apparatus. A holder (34) which holds a recording medium (100) having connection terminals (105) and which is moved between an insertion/take-out position where the recording medium is inserted or taken out and a completion position where the loading of the recording medium is completed, and a lock lever (42) for locking the holder in the insertion/take-out position, are provided, and the locking of the holder in the insertion/take-out position by the lock lever is released when the connection terminals of the recording medium are connected to the terminal electrodes.

Abstract: A clip that utilizes a magnet to attach identification cards to clothing. The clip includes a clasp, a hinged metal bendable strap, and a magnetic connector which together allow identification cards to be displayed anywhere on a garment without penetrating, clamping or biting the fabric. The invention is connected to an identification card by passing the card attachment clasp through a slotted hole cut in the card and snapping it closed. The clasp is attached to a bendable strap that ties the card to the magnetic connector. The hinged metal bendable strap can bend and flex allowing the position of displayed card to adjust to the movement of the person wearing it. The magnetic connector consists of two parts. The first part is a ferrous metal plate which is fixed to the back of the bendable strap. The second part is an extra strong magnet which is placed behind clothing fabric when attaching the invention to a person's clothing.

Abstract: A promotional tool and a vehicle used to distribute products, information, gift certificates, prepaid phone cards, and coupons for businesses, corporations, retail establishments, universities, and sales personnel. A customized gift card displays professionally created artwork, logos and graphics that best portray the provider's intent for the overall design. The card is folded, die-cut and glued to receive a multimedia disc, gift certificate, coupon or phone card. A Multimedia Disc is included as a gift with each card. It is a digital medium that contains professionally recorded digital music and a variety of audio, video, and graphic information regarding the provider. It is placed in the card so the label which supports the card's overall design, is in view. A gift certificate, coupon, or a prepaid phone card can be placed in the card for easy accessibility and scanning by a retailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact-less identification device comprising a flat conducting structure as an electromagnetic sensor or transducer, and more particularly the invention relates to contactless cards, hybrid cards and radio operated electronic labels and tags. The electromagnetic sensor architecture according to the invention is suitable for all the applications where contactless or hybrid cards are of advantage: high volume paying and toll applications (public transportation, public sport events, person and good identification, access to controlled areas, control of shipment of goods, handling of luggage, product control in chain production environments), etc. The contact-less identification device according to the invention has had its performance enhanced by the use of space-filling techniques in the design of its electromagnetic sensor and by the use of a planar capacitor in conjunction with said flat conducting structure.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a data carrier having at least one planar surface. An array of detectable items is positioned on the planar surface and is detectable with a sensing device. The array is configured to represent a two-dimensional code that defines at least executable instructions and redundancy encoding to impart fault tolerant characteristics to the code. The executable instructions include image processing algorithms.

Abstract: A device and method that may be used at nearly any place to set and adjust a control system such as a thermostat, controller or computer having numerous parameters and options that may be selected for desired operation of an air management system. One may remotely, via a personal digital assistant or computer, configure, commission, select, set or adjust the parameters and options of a control system. The configuration information may be shared with other personal digital assistants in a wireless or non-wireless manner. Further, enhanced diagnostics and repair may be achieved with the sending of configuration information from one PDA or computer to a PDA or computer at a diagnostic and repair facility. New modifications and calibration may be provided for the configuration. Such added information and configuring may be sent back to the originating PDA or computer for the providing to the controller or thermostat.

Abstract: This invention concerns a floor buried system for heat distribution comprising heating means of a heating fluid, a pump, at least a rack (12) to which are coupled at least a supply pipe (13), at least a return pipe (18) and connection means characterised in that said at least a rack (12) comprises at least a supply collector pipe (14), at least a return collector pipe (17) and a plurality of supply pipes (1–11), said supply collector pipe (14) being connected to said supply pipe (13), through which the heating fluid flows by means of said pump, heated by said heating means, and in that said supply collector pipe (14) is connected to said plurality of supply pipes (1–11) which reach said at least return collector pipe (17), said at least a return collector pipe (17) being coupled to said at least a return pipe (18) from which outflows said heating fluid cooled.