Abstract: A vending machine which can match the personal preference of the prospective purchaser, enhance motivation to purchase and display information with a high advertising effect. A display drive unit drives a display in accordance with image data, character data and control signals from a control unit to output images, and an audio output unit performs audio outputting by driving loudspeakers in accordance with audio data and control signals from the control unit. An IC chip reader reads IC chip information stored in an IC chip and delivers it to the control unit. A modem receives data from outside in accordance with control signals from the control unit, and delivers them to the control unit. A storage device stores a plurality of sets of component data, and stores data received by the modem in accordance with control signals from the control unit or delivers to the control unit data it stores.

Abstract: Described are is a wireless device for outputting product-related data comprising a memory, an output arrangement, a wireless receiver and processor. The memory stores first product-related data. The output arrangement outputs the first product-related data. The wireless receiver receives a wireless signal including second product-related data. When the wireless receiver receives the wireless signal, the processor processes the second product-related data to replace the first product-related data so that the output arrangement outputs the second product-related data. The device is situated adjacent to a product. The first product-related data corresponds to the product and the second product-related data corresponds to one of the product and a further product.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic processing of special service logistic including a registered mail, a credit card, an insured mail, a receiver confirm mail and billing to mail receiver are provided. The system and method for automatic processing of special service logistic improves the rate of auto processing articles and provides the reliability and the security of the processing result through automatically processing the article and creating the delivery information thereof using receipt information although a postcode is not present in a barcode.

Abstract: Provided is a goods information providing terminal that includes an authentication unit authenticating a user based on bio information including a user's fingerprint and initiating a user session when the user is authenticated; a goods information request unit requesting a goods management server that manages goods information and information on the location of goods from a radio frequency identification (RFID) attached to the goods to provide the goods information and the information on the location of the goods; a goods information display unit displaying to the user the goods information or the information on the location of the goods acquired from the goods management server; and a goods processing unit acquiring goods information including how to contact a seller from the goods management server, and contacting an associated agency including the seller when the goods need to be repaired or exchanged.

Abstract: A system and method for media card communication is disclosed. The system for communicating with a media card includes a software component, a controller, a signal interface, and a data device. The software issues a request and transmits it to the controller. The request is further transferred from the controller to the data device. The data device is coupled to the controller through the serial interface. The data device is further coupled to the media card. According to the request, the data device exchanges data with the controller and the media card.

Abstract: A card processor which can substantially reliably prevent magnetic data recorded in a magnetic card and can remarkably enhance security. In the card processor, two radiation sources radiate disturbing magnetic fields outside of an insertion slot. A disturbing magnetic field radiated from one radiation source and a disturbing magnetic field radiated from the other radiation source have different frequencies and intensities. Accordingly, even when a differential head is located at such a position as to be influenced by the disturbing magnetic fields, it is substantially impossible to attain such balance adjustment as to eliminate the influences of the disturbing magnetic fields.

Abstract: A label producing apparatus includes a pressure bonding roller configured to produce a printed tag label tape by bonding a print-receiving tape paid out from a print-receiving tape roll to a base tape having a plurality of RFID circuit elements and paid out from a cover tape roll, a signal processing circuit configured to create RFID control information to be written to IC circuit parts and a transmitting portion of a radio frequency circuit, an antenna configured to write the thus created RFID control information disposed upstream of the pressure bonding roller in the transport direction of the base tape, and a print head configured to carry out print to the RFID circuit elements disposed upstream of the pressure bonding roller in the transport direction of the print-receiving tape 103. Accordingly, the RFID circuit elements are disposed on the tape at close intervals, and read/write processing can be carried out effectively and continuously.

Abstract: The present invention provides a direct part mark symbol reader that employs the use of high angle bright field illumination and low angle dark field illumination to create a digital image of the symbol that can be subsequently decoded. The reader employs an optical subsystem that produces a sharply focused image at either of the reading positions associated with the dark field illumination and the bright field illumination.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus in which the potential well is shifted within each light receiving pixel of a CCD image sensor during an exposure period, blooming is suppressed. The CCD image sensor has a vertical overflow drain structure in which unnecessary information charges are discharged from the charge transfer channel region according to a substrate voltage Vsub. By switching a transfer electrode of a plurality of transfer electrodes for each pixel, to which an on-voltage is applied, during the exposure period, the accumulation position of the information charges is shifted, together with the potential well, within each pixel. The amount of information charge stored in the potential well, which exceeds a predetermined upper value of amount, is discharged by applying a discharge voltage VSH, higher than a reference DC voltage VSL in a normal state, to the substrate prior to the shift of the potential well.

Abstract: An optically variable device (OVD) is provided that includes a barcode rendered from a three-dimensional barcode. To increase the readability of the barcode rendered in the OVD, the bars of the three-dimensional barcode may have tapered sidewalls and depths that are small compared to their heights and widths. The barcode may be rendered in the OVD such that it is viewable only at certain angles or using certain wavelengths of light. Also provided is a barcode of multiple portions where a portion is rendered in an OVD and another portion is otherwise provided (e.g., printed). Such a barcode may have portions that are readable as independent barcodes and are also readable together as a single, compound barcode. Also provided is a method where a plurality of OVDs with unique images are associated with products, e.g., packaged together, so that receipt of a package of products with non-unique images indicates counterfeiting.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which a bar code reader may include an image capture device; and at least two bar code reading stations, the image capture device being able to read bar code data from any of the bar code reading stations. The two bar code reading stations may be configured for reading bar code data from different bar code data storage media types. The first bar code reading station may be configured to receive a passive bar code data storage medium and the second bar code reading station may be configured to receive an active bar code data storage medium.

Abstract: A hand-held barcode scanner includes a fingerprint reader for reading fingerprint data from a digit of an operator of the barcode scanner. Preferably, an operator's digit can be comfortably placed on the fingerprint reader while the operator is scanning barcodes. This type of barcode scanner may be used with a system or method for verifying identity during data entry. A system includes the barcode scanner with fingerprint reader; a database storing identification data and fingerprint data for users; and a controller, which is in communication with the scanning element, the fingerprint reader and the database, that compares fingerprint data from a digit placed on the fingerprint reader with the database to obtain an identity of a user and then associates the identity of the user with barcodes scanned by the barcode scanner. The system may activate an alarm if the identity of the operator is not an authorized user.

Abstract: A portable digital image capturing and processing system comprising: an image formation and detection subsystem; a narrow-band illumination subsystem; a narrow-band transmission-type optical filter subsystem; an automatic light exposure measurement subsystem; and an automatic illumination control subsystem. The image formation and detection subsystem has an area-type image sensing array for detecting digital images of objects formed thereon by image formation optics providing a field of view (FOV) for the system. Within the FOV of the image formation and detection subsystem, the narrow-band illumination subsystem produces a field of narrow-band illumination consisting essentially of a narrow band of wavelengths of visible illumination.

Abstract: Print jobs having a mixture of first image sheets and second image sheets are sorted to a first image forming device and a second image forming device. After image formation is performed on sheets by the respective image forming devices, radio frequency IC tags (RFID tags) are affixed to the sheets, in which attribute information including post-processing information and page identification information is written. Sheet bundles produced by the respective image forming devices are separately set to a post-processing device. The post-processing device reads out the attribute information stored in the radio frequency IC tags, and the sheets are selectively fed from the respective sheet bundles while conforming to the page order. Thereafter, the post processing is performed.

Abstract: A chip card retaining mechanism for retaining a chip card (40) mounted in an electronic device, the electronic device including a housing (10). The chip card retaining mechanism includes a receiving portion (20), and a locking assembly (30). The receiving is formed on the housing for fittingly receiving the chip card therein. The receiving portion has an open end facing the battery compartment of the electronic device. The locking assembly includes a first stopper mechanism (32) and a second stopper mechanism (34). The first stopper mechanism includes a pair of wings (322) extending from two opposite sides of the receiving portion over the receiving portion and a second wings (324) extending from one end of the receiving portion and spanning over the receiving portion. The second stopper mechanism is configured for restricting the chip card moving out of the receiving portion along a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A chip card retaining mechanism for retaining a chip card mounted in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing (10). The housing has a battery compartment (12) defined therein. The chip card retaining mechanism includes a receiving portion, and a locking assembly. The receiving portion is formed on the housing for receiving the chip card therein. The receiving portion has an open end (142) facing the battery compartment of the electronic device. The locking assembly includes a stop mechanism, and an elastic arm (26). The stop mechanism is configured for preventing the chip card from being withdrawn from the receiving portion via a top of the receiving portion. The elastic arm is formed on the housing, and has latching portion (262) disposed adjacent the open end for abutting with the chip card.

Abstract: A method of tagging a manufactured product with a passive tag includes processing a subset of a plurality of unique combinations of at least two axis ratios, where the subset is determinable by a plurality of parameters that define a portion of a coordinate space, to determine a first particular unique combination of the at least two axis ratios. A gas having the determined particular one unique combination of at least two axis ratios is incorporated into the manufactured product. The product to be tagged may be a first product, characterized by a first particular characteristic, and a second product is characterized by a second particular characteristic different from the first particular characteristic. The unique combination of at least two axis ratios is a first unique combination.

Abstract: A smart card is disclosed and it includes a processor; a first interface for use in communication with a terminal; a second interface for use in communication with another smart card; and RST generation device for generating a RST signal for the another smart card.

Abstract: A wireless radio frequency device includes: a substrate; a conductive adhesive adhered to the substrate; and an integrated circuit coupled to the conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive is configured to function as an antenna. This allows the integrated circuit to receive and transmit radio frequency signals via the conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A vehicle HVAC system as described herein obtains solar intensity data from an onboard solar sensor, along with current vehicle position data from a telematics system or a GPS system. The current vehicle position data is processed to determine the current sun position, which is used to provide a real-time and accurate estimate of the solar intensity in the vehicle interior. Vehicle configuration information, including position data related to light-obstructing features such as pillars, may also influence the solar intensity estimate. The solar intensity estimate can be utilized to control the operation of the vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: A water control valve assembly includes a valve manifold having a mixing chamber for mixing water from a supply of hot water and a supply of cold water. The valve manifold has a water control element controlling the flow of water from the mixing chamber to a discharge port of the valve manifold. A thermostatically controlled bypass valve is in fluid communication with the valve manifold, wherein the bypass valve is configured to bypass water from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more components of a climate control system is provided that includes one or more controllers in connection with low voltage power lines for powering the one or more controllers. The controllers are further capable of transmitting one or more communication signals via the low voltage waveform. The system includes a thermostat controller, at least one system controller for a heating or cooling system, and a controller for a circulating air blower. The thermostat controller, system controller and circulating air blower controller are connected to each other only through each controller's individual connection to the hot and common low voltage power transmission lines. Each controller is capable of transmitting one or more signals that are superimposed onto the low-frequency low-voltage waveform and include information identifying a destination controller that the signals are intended for.

Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.

Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.

Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.

Abstract: A joining apparatus is provided for a model railroad track, wherein the model railroad track includes a pair of combined track-railbed sections, with each end thereof configured for abutting an end of another combined track-railbed section, including a tie array disposed on an upper portion of each railbed and a pair of spaced apart rails fixed thereto, wherein the rails are electrically and physically joined to a rail on an abutted rail by a rail connector. Each combined track-railbed section includes a joining element retainer located adjacent each end of the section, underlying the railbed adjacent an end of each rail fixed to the railbed. A joining element is removably retainable in each joining element retainer for providing horizontal, vertical and longitudinal alignment between abutted combined track railbed sections.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system in an internal-combustion engine is provided with an electroinjector (1) comprising an injection nozzle (5), and a needle (7) mobile along an opening stroke and a closing stroke for opening/closing the nozzle (5) under the control of an electroactuator device (8). The opening stroke of the needle (7) is controlled by a rod (14) pushed by the pressure of the fuel in a control chamber (15), in such a way as to keep the needle (7) normally in the position for closing the nozzle (5). The control chamber (15) is equipped with an inlet duct (18) having a pre-set diameter (D4) and with an outlet passage (24) having a diameter (D5) and controlled by a control valve (16).

Abstract: A direct-current sprayer includes a shell with an outlet therein, a valve in the outlet, a pipe leading to the valve from a pump in the shell and a hose detachably connected to the valve so that water can flow from a pump in the shell into the hose through the valve. The valve automatically blocks the flow of the water after the hose is detached from the valve.

Abstract: A boom breakaway assembly for a spray boom used by a vehicle. The boom breakaway assembly includes a reciprocating system having a first position and a second position, a retention system, and a bias system. In the first position, the bias system applies a maximum effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system applies a holding force upon the spray boom to maintain the spray boom in a desired outward position. In the second position, the bias system applies a minimal effective bias rate to the reciprocating system and the retention system reduces or disengages the holding force upon the spray boom, thereby allowing the spray boom to move from the outward position to a breakaway position when the spray boom encounters an obstacle. The bias system returns the reciprocating system to the first position once the spray boom clears the obstacle.

Abstract: A nozzle formed by a male insertion member for releasable coupling with a female coupler of a pressure washer. The nozzle may include a tip that is oriented in a direction opposite from the insertion member, and a shroud that at least partially encloses the female coupler when the male insertion member is engaged with the female coupler.

Abstract: A paint reservoir has a fluid outlet 115 connectable to a spray gun 101 and a fluid inlet 131 provided with a removable screw cap 132 whereby the fluid inlet 131 is directly accessible for introducing paint to the reservoir while attached to the spray gun 101. The fluid outlet 115 and fluid inlet 131 may both be provided in an end wall of the reservoir with outlet 115 located on the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or offset to allow the size of the fluid inlet 131 to be increased for easier filling of the reservoir. The outlet 115 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or it can be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis to provide greater clearance for access to the fluid inlet 131 when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun 101. In an alternative arrangement, the fluid outlet is provided in an end wall of the reservoir and the fluid inlet is provided in a sidewall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A spray gun with containers can be supplemented with additives, which are dispersed into the water flow and sprayed out together. A pistol shaped gun has a spout at the front end of the gun and at least one container inside the gun for storing additives. A mixing duct inside the gun communicates with the spout for sufficiently stirring the additives within the water flow. An inlet hose is led from the second end of the gun to the mixing duct. The inlet hose is kept an eccentric position in opposite to the spout with a distance. Branched tubes are connected among the inlet hose and the containers respectively. Valves inside the branched tubes are coordinated with the button outside the gun to control the water flow.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for dispensing a multicomponent composition comprised of a mixture of a plurality of different fluid components. A diffuser surface is placed downstream from a plurality of inlets. An outlet extends through the diffuser surface. At least one inlet placed in fluid communication with a source of a pressurized carrier fluid, and each of a plurality of inlets is placed in fluid communication with a source of a different fluid component. Once the diffuser surface receives fluid components, each received fluid component is directed toward the outlet for mixing and dispensing therethrough by the pressurized carrier fluid from the carrier fluid inlet. Typically, the fluid components are maintained in a different flow path on the diffuser surface before mixing.

Abstract: A secondary fuel nozzle is formed by brazing and welding a central core, a cylindrical body, and a unitary secondary fuel nozzle portion. The central core has a central bore for receiving a liquid fuel cartridge, and at least two passages concentric with the central bore. The secondary fuel nozzle portion includes a base flange and a main shaft having a central bore for aligning with the central bore of the core and for receiving the liquid fuel cartridge, and a plurality of peripheral bores disposed at spaced locations about the central bore for flow communication with the concentric passages of the core. The core is brazed to the base flange and the cylindrical body is disposed around the core and welded to the base flange to define a one-piece secondary fuel nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A device for preparing froth, in particular for preparing milk froth by means of hot steam output by a domestic coffee machine, contains an elongate nozzle body having a rear end and a front end, which can be connected in the region of its rear end to a hot steam source and which has an outlet nozzle in the region of its front end. A casing sleeve having a rear end and a front end surrounds the nozzle body and has an air intake opening in the region of its rear end and an outlet opening in the region of its front end, an intermediate space being formed between the nozzle body and the casing sleeve. An outer sleeve surrounds the casing sleeve at least in the region of the rear end of the casing sleeve.

Abstract: A leg water-spouting device of the present invention comprises a foot-front water spouting section for spouting water toward the foot-front side of a user and a water-spouting section direction moving mechanism for reciprocating the destination of water spouting of the foot-front water spouting section along the longitudinal direction of the foot and more preferably, it has a plurality of spouts arranged side by side in the foot instep width direction in use for each of the right and left feet or the pressure of water spouting received by the water arriving point is changed according to the position of movement of the moving water arriving point or the water spouting amount is changed according to the position of movement of the moving water arriving point. According to the above construction, such a leg water-spouting device can be provided that the sensory receptors existing on the skin are effectively stimulated and greater comfort can be obtained.

Abstract: A fluid product spray head (40) comprises a spray orifice (45) and a spray profile (100) upstream from this spray orifice (45). Said spray profile has a swirling chamber (101) connected, during the spraying of the product, to the spray orifice (45) and to at least one non-radial channel (110) connected to the swirling chamber (101). The spray profile (100) is provided in the bottom of the spray head (40). A obturator (38) interacts with the spray orifice (45) while being able to be displaced and/or deformed between a closing position of the spray orifice (45) and an open position of the spray orifice (45). The inventive spray head (40) has an axially hollow sleeve (150) that accommodates the spray profile (100), and said obturator (38) axially displaces and/or deforms at least partially in said sleeve (150).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector for internal combustion engines, having a high-pressure fuel reservoir, which includes a pressure booster and an injection valve member that has at least one booster portion and one needle portion that closes at least one injection opening. The pressure booster is received in a booster housing and is braced on a spring element which surrounds the booster housing. As a result, the booster housing is fixed on a nozzle housing part that encloses the injection valve member.

Abstract: An improved liquid impingement nozzle having two openings along an axis, spaced apart and angled towards each other. A non-atomized liquid stream of the same liquid is directed through each opening by a pressurized source. The two streams meet at an apex distal from the front of the nozzle to create a flat triangular pattern of liquid. The inner shape of the nozzle is substantially conical reducing turbulence and dead zones within the nozzle, thereby reducing build-up and clogging.

Abstract: A flow shut off or throttling valve is provided in a sprinkler nozzle housing to enable a nozzle to be changed without having to turn off a flow pressure source. The valve intersects a flow path through the nozzle housing and has an opening such that when the opening is aligned with the flow path, a flow stream can flow unobstructed through the flow path. The valve is movable between a fully open position in which the opening is aligned with the flow path and a closed position which blocks the flow stream from flowing to a nozzle disposed at an outlet passage of the flow path. The valve may be constructed to be either slidable or rotatable between the two positions, and is actuated by a gearing arrangement which is operable at the exterior of the nozzle housing. The external valve actuator may function as a physical barrier to retain the removable nozzle in the nozzle housing when the valve is open and to disengage the nozzle when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine having an integrated seat guide cold forged of precipitation hardened stainless steel wherein the integrated seat guide having superior corrosion resistance and welding characteristics to a stainless steel injector body. The integrated seat guide includes a fuel outlet, a valve seat disposed about said fuel outlet, a guide portion adjacent to said valve seat, an end surface opposite said fuel outlet, and an annular shoulder with an annular weld affixing integrated seat guide to injector body.

Abstract: A diffuser for a device for packaging and dispensing a product. The arrangement is particularly advantageous for foaming cosmetic products. The diffuser includes a collar which can be mounted on a container and a product diffusion head extending from the collar and provided with at least one output aperture. Preferably, the output aperture is oriented at an angle, relative to an axis of the collar, lying between 0° and 85°. The diffusion head is movable relative to the collar. Moreover, the diffusion head has an extension axis inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the collar, and has a size which is contained within the maximum cross-section of the collar and/or of the container.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a capability of confirming that the device is ready for making an electrostatic spraying of the liquid composition on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle and a pump for dispensing the liquid composition out through the nozzle. An emitter electrode is disposed to electrostatically charge the liquid composition being dispensed for making the electrostatic spraying. The device is provided with a power switch and a selector for selection between a spraying mode and a dripping mode. In the dripping mode, the pump is alone actuated to dispense the liquid composition absent electrostatic charge. In the spraying mode, both of the pump and the emitter electrode are activated to make the electrostatic spraying. Thus, the user can be easy to drip the liquid composition by simply manipulating the selector prior to initiating the electrostatic spraying.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a mobile irrigation system having an elongate boom and a plurality of downwardly extending towers. Each tower connects to a wheel assembly which may include at least one support frame for supporting a tire assembly on opposite sides of the wheels so as to distribute weight from the tower across the tire assembly. The wheel assembly may be adapted to be coupled to a tower. The wheel assembly also includes drive axle which may be rotatably coupled to the tire assembly; and a gear box which may be rotatably coupled to the drive axle and mounted on the axle in such a position that it does not support weight of the tower.

Abstract: A rotary crushing apparatus having a hydraulic motor for driving a crusher includes a load detector for detecting a loading state of the hydraulic motor, a load judging device for judging the loading state of the hydraulic motor, a feeding amount controller that stops a feeding of an object to be crushed by a feeder when the load judging device judges as overloaded or that starts the feeding of the object to be crushed by the feeder when the load judging device judges as underloaded, and a motor capacity controller that changes a capacity of a capacity-variable motor to a large capacity when the load judging device judges as overloaded. Since the capacity of the hydraulic motor is switched to the large capacity when the feeder is stopped, it is possible to crush wood in the crusher with high torque and to reduce the load in order to recover to a former state in a short time.

Abstract: A shredder plate assembly for a food waste disposer includes a disk with one or more water slinging devices attached, so that water flowing into the disposer flows over the water slinging device and against the inside of the disposer housing as the disk rotates.

Abstract: A web smoothing roller comprising a rotary roller main body, a fiber structure with strethchability, covering the outer peripheral surface of the rotary roller main body, and an expansion/contraction means for expanding/contracting the fiber structure in the direction of the rotation center axis of the rotary roller main body.

Abstract: The invention proposes a timepiece comprising a repeater striking mechanism (14), wherein the striking mechanism (14) comprises a release lever (24) fitted with a click (26) which is pivotably mounted on the release lever (24) and which meshes with the teeth (27) of a ratchet detent wheel (28) such that, during automatic release, a release cam (16) causes the release lever (24) to pivot towards the detent wheel (28), characterized in that the striking mechanism (14) comprises a winding cam (34), which cooperates with a shoulder (36) associated with the release lever (24) to control the winding thereof, in that the release lever (24) is restrained in its wound position, by a locking device (42), and in that the release cam (16) releases the striking mechanism by unlocking the locking device (42).

Abstract: A system and method of modulating tape tension during operation of a tape drive data storage system in which a fixed position tape guide utilizes one or more drag elements to exert a control force on a tape medium that affects downstream tape tension. Drag elements that may be used include, but are not necessarily limited to, air ports that delivery positive or negative air pressure to the tape medium, skiving edge elements that are positionable into and out of engagement with the tape medium, and brakes or motors that engage the tape guide (if it is rotatably mounted) to control its rotational torque. A tension control circuit is used to vary the operation of the one or more drag elements. Signal inputs to the control circuit are provided by a tape tension sensor adjacent to or incorporated in the tape guide.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge made up of a cartridge case composed of an upper and lower cases welded together on the mating surfaces by ultrasonic welding with a plurality of energy directors, and a single reel of magnetic tape rotatalby retained in the case, in which the weld deposits formed by the energy directors may be prevented from sticking out of the mating surfaces. A plurality of energy directors provided on one of the mating surfaces have an elongated shape, and are disposed with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along the side wall of the upper and lower cases.