Abstract: A golf bag well arrangement on a golf car includes a receiving area adapted to receive at least one golf bag in a secure position. A first support surface is arranged on the receiving area and defines a first plane. A second support surface is defined on the receiving area and defines a second plane. A first retaining wall extends between an outer boundary of the first support surface and an inner boundary of the second support surface. The first plane is parallel and offset to the second plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof rack (1) for a vehicle having at least one tubular rail (2) extending essentially at a distance from the roof of the vehicle and at least two supports (5) at the ends of the rail to attach the roof rack (1) to the vehicle roof, where the rail (2) is shaped in its end areas (3) to have a curve (4) and in the area of each curve (4) is held from below by the support (5) which can be attached to the rail (2), the underside (11) of said support—when viewed in cross-section—forming a flat supporting surface (12) for a matching surface (13) on the rail (2).

Abstract: Disclosed are small, compact devices that provide readily deployed storage for small personal items, and they can also readily be returned to their stowed configuration. This toggling between deployed and stowed can be accomplished without a required change to the connection of any such device to another object, such as a travel case. The devices provide specific benefit to people going through an airport or building security checkpoint at which it is a requirement that pocket items such as cell phones, keys, and coins must be removed from one's pockets for assessment by a scanning apparatus.

Abstract: A device for safely and efficiently transporting golf clubs on motorcycles wherein the golf bag is separable into two equal halves that are supported on opposite sides of the motorcycle for transport and are then secured together to form a single golf bag for use in the traditional manner to transport a plurality of golf clubs during the playing of golf.

Abstract: In order to improve an actuating device for a trailer coupling, in particular, for actuating a trailer coupling with a ball neck movable between an operative position and a rest position, for example, a locking device of such a trailer coupling, comprising a device base which can be mounted on the vehicle and a lever which is mounted on the device base so as to be movable and can be moved from a starting position, in which no actuation of the trailer coupling takes place, into an actuating position, whereby the trailer coupling is acted upon by means of a movement transfer device, in such a manner that this can be operated as favorably as possible it is suggested that a securing device be provided on the lever which secures the lever against any actuation in the starting position.

Abstract: A self-leviling cup holder comprises a combination of two rotational axes that provide for angular compensation means to maintain a cup level as well as keeping the center of gravity of the cup low.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for securing a tool holster to the thigh of a user which apparatus is particularly adapted for use in connection with diving tools and underwater use. The apparatus utilizes an arrangement of straps and fittings to securely position the diving tool holster on the user's thigh when the user is actively moving underwater.

Abstract: A holder for supporting a tool, such as a hammer, on an object, such as a belt, is disclosed. A generally U-shaped resilient clip has a proximal end and a distal end. A tool holder frame is included that comprises an upper end having an attachment means for attaching the tool holder frame to the distal end of the clip. The tool holder frame further includes a tool holding section at a lower end thereof, such as a rigid loop or an open Y-shaped hook. The attachment means includes a pivot aperture formed through the distal end of the clip, a rivet, a rivet head cover, and an aperture formed in the upper end of the tool holder frame. The rivet comprises a shaft and an enlarged pivot head, and is secured through the central aperture of the rivet head cover, the aperture of the upper end of the tool holder frame, and the pivot aperture of the clip. As such, the tool holder frame is pivotally fixed to the clip by the rivet.

Abstract: An apparatus for finishing a glass sheet comprising a pair of fluid bearings having bearing surfaces in opposing relation, the bearing surfaces spaced apart to define a channel for receiving the glass sheet, each bearing surface having a plurality of pores through which jets are introduced into the channel, the pores positioned on the bearing surface such that the jets produce a uniform fluid pressure across the bearing surface.

Abstract: An idle driving operation preventing device (40) includes an engaging member (45) disposed on a pusher (31). The engaging member (45) can engage a stopper member (47) coupled to an operation member (5a), so that the movement of the operation member (5a) for driving the fastener (n) can be inhibited. The engaging member (45) is biased by a biasing force that is smaller than a biasing force applied to the pusher (31).

Abstract: A combustion-engined setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component includes at least one combustion chamber (11) for receiving an oxidant-fuel gas mixture, a piston guide (17) located adjacent to the combustion chamber (11), and in which a drive piston (15) for driving the fastening elements in is displaceable by combustion gases, a ventilator for creating turbulence in the combustion chamber (11), and a compression device (30) for compressing gases fed into the combustion chamber (11) and driven by the ventilator drive (21).

Abstract: A combustion-type power tool includes a housing, a head section, a cylinder, a nose extending downwardly from a lower end portion of the cylinder, a push lever, a piston, a combustion-chamber frame movably provided in the housing so as to abut the head section at a first position and to be separated from the head section at a second position, and a connection unit for mechanically associating the push lever with the combustion chamber frame. The connection unit includes at least two arms, and a connector section connected with the push lever and having a first plate portion and a second portion extending from the first plate portion. Each of the at least two arms is connected at one end with the combustion chamber frame and at another end with the second portion of the connection section.

Abstract: A nail gun has a body, a nail magazine, a pad supplier and a pad holding device. The pad holding device is mounted between the body and the pad supplier and has a base plate, an outer cap and a holding ring. The base plate is attached to the body, is connected to the pad supplier and has a pad channel and a holding hole. The outer cap has an outlet and a recess. The holding ring is C-shaped, is held inside the recess in the outer cap, aligns with the holding hole and has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter is slightly small than that of the holding hole to make the holding ring partially overlap with the holding hole to allow the holding ring to be expanded inside the recess.

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 technique for maintaining-designs tolerances and reducing stress during welding of closures on nuclear waste containers.

Abstract: A method of joining aluminum alloy members, including the steps of: obtaining a joined body including: (a) contacting aluminum alloy members each made of a 6000 series aluminum alloy with T4 temper; and (b) performing a friction stir welding operation on a contact portion of the aluminum alloy members at which they are held in contact with each other, so as to form a stir zone at the contact portion; and performing, on the obtained joined body, an underaging treatment which is an artificial aging treatment and which is completed before hardness of the stir zone reaches maximum hardness, the underaging treatment being performed before GP zones are formed at the stir zone of the joined body.

Abstract: A method for forming a friction stir welded assembly is provided, as is an associated component assembly formed according to such a method. The method includes coating surface portions of one or more untreated articles with a coating material. Thereafter, the articles are friction stir welded to form an assembly. A thermal treatment is performed before or after the welding operation, e.g., to simultaneously heat treat the articles and cure the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger tube in which a tube for a heat exchanger formed by brazing is manufactured using a sheet material, wherein a filler metal melted during brazing can be prevented from entering an opening formed in an opposing portion or a parallel portion formed when bending a sheet material into a tube shape or an opening facing toward the outside of the tube. The opposing portion, the parallel portion, or the opening facing toward the outside of the tube is sealed. As the sealing means, friction welding is preferable.

Abstract: A repair method of propagating epitaxial crystalline structures is provided. The repair method broadly comprises the steps of providing a substrate to be repaired, placing an additive material as a preformed shape onto an area of the substrate to be repaired, utilizing a heat source to heat an entire volume of the additive material and an area adjacent to the additive material to a fusion temperature, holding at the fusion temperature for a time sufficient to allow grain growth and orientation to occur, and ramping down the heat source at a predetermined controlled rate until solidification is complete.

Abstract: A method of joining heat-treatable aluminum alloy members by friction stir welding, including the steps of: a T4-treatment-performing step of performing a T4 treatment on heat-treatable aluminum alloy members so as to impart T4 temper to the heat-treatable aluminum alloy members; a joining step of joining the heat-treatable aluminum alloy members with T4 temper by friction stir welding to provide a joined product; and a reversion-treatment-performing step of performing a reversion treatment, the reversion-treatment-performing step being carried out prior to or after the joining step.

Abstract: A method for forming a leadframe assembly is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a sheet of leadframe material and depositing a brazing alloy on a first surface of the sheet. The method also includes the steps of placing one or more substrates on the first surface of the sheet and in contact the brazing alloy, and heating the brazing alloy to bond the substrate to the first surface of the sheet.

Abstract: The invention is a postcard in the form of a lightweight flip-flop sandal. This postcard is an efficient and unique way to memorialize and to convey the leisure experiences of the sender to an addressee. The three-dimensional flip-flop postcard can actually be worn, albeit without a mate unless two are sent, either before or after a message and appropriate address information is written in applicable marking areas and it is mailed with sufficient postage or otherwise delivered to the intended recipient.

Abstract: A carton has a plurality of panel strips that extend around the periphery of the carton as well as along a length or height of the carton. The panel strips are defined by oblique fold lines extending along the height of the carton. The panel strips provide the carton with a rotated or “twisted” shape.

Abstract: A corrugated paperboard container (10) has a bottom (11), opposite side walls (12, 13) and opposite end walls (14, 15). The end walls include an end panel (18) that is foldably connected to the bottom, and end flap panels (16, 17) that are foldably connected to the side walls. A roll-over flap (23) is connected to the end wall by a web (24), and a notch (20) is in the top edge of the end flap panels. The end wall panel and end flap panels are folded into overlying relationship, and the roll-over flap is folded over an upper edge of the end wall panel, with the web lying in the notch. A projection or hook (41) extends into one side of the notch to engage an edge of the web to retain the web in the notch. A blank for making the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic box includes a top and a tray that may be locked together. The top has two open sides to save material. The top can have drain holes along its edges, and the tray likewise has drain holes along its edges, so that when the tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container, water in the top container can drain down and through the bottom container.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention feature a storage container formed from cardboard material. This particular storage container has a rectangular base unit having a front wall folded upwardly along a folded front edge of the rectangular base, a back wall folded upwardly along a folded back edge of the rectangular base with at least one cover slot and integral cover secure flap extending from within the at least one cover slot. On the top of the storage container, a outer cover panel extension to the front wall is folded in a spaced and parallel relationship to the rectangular base along a folded top edge of the front wall and having at least one cover tuck flap with an integral cover secure slot both cooperating with the at least one cover slot and integral cover secure flap respectively. Under the cardboard outer cover panel is an inner cover panel extension to the back wall folded along a folded top edge of the back wall in a spaced and parallel relationship to the rectangular base.

Abstract: Packaging is disclosed for electrical installation equipment, in particular, made from a folded cardboard box, with two parallel first cardboard portions which form a front and a rear wall of the packaging and with two second cardboard faces extending perpendicular thereto, of which the cardboard face forms the bottom wall and the cardboard face forms the upper wall, with first flaps formed on the longitudinal edges of the front and rear wall and the bottom wall, which are attached to the longitudinal edges and able to be bent towards one another, so that they are in a single plane, with cover flaps attached to the edges of the upper wall extending in line with the longitudinal edges and which cover the first flaps and are bonded thereto, and with a third flap arranged on the upper wall which terminates on the edge of the upper wall opposing the front wall and is bonded from inside against the inner face of the front wall.

Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.

Abstract: Gift packaging is provided that employs lines of weakness in order to facilitate the creation of an opening for accessing items held within the packaging. In certain embodiments, the gift packaging, as containment structure, has a first opening through which gift items may be inserted into the packaging, and a second opening generated by separation of adjacent sections of material along one or more lines of weakness for access to the items. This material separation may be facilitated by use of a separation member defined by the one or more lines of weakness.

Abstract: A mailbox arrangement features a mailbox; a pipe for coupling and/or affixing the mailbox to the ground in a desired position, the pipe being arranged on a slanted axis in relation to the axis of force of gravity acting on the mailbox; and a swing bearing assembly arranged between the mailbox and the pipe for rotating the mailbox 360 degrees or more in relation to the pipe in response to impact, including that from snow, slush, ice or water thrown from a plowblade when streets are being cleaned in the winter time, as well as impact from vandalism, and for returning the mailbox to the desired position based on the force of gravity acting on the mailbox. The swing bearing assembly may include a flange bearing or a wheel bearing.

Abstract: Housings are typically used to protect sub-assemblies in self-service equipment such as key-pad assemblies in automated teller machines (ATMs), self-service kiosks, pay-as-you-go photocopiers and the like. There is a need to secure those housings to prevent access to and tampering of the equipment within. In addition, when replacement sub-assemblies are used, for example, for maintenance or upgrade, then it is necessary to authenticate those sub-assemblies. By providing markers fixed in sub-assembly housings and sensors in the housings or self-service equipment, it is possible to overcome these problems. The markers and sensors are brought into alignment when the sub-assembly housing is fully assembled. The markers and sensors are arranged to detect when a particular physical relationship between the markers and sensors is lost or altered. For example, the markers provide spectral signatures and comprise rare earth metals such as lanthanides.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a means of automatically detecting and recording a person's use of magazines, i.e. printed media exposure, for the purpose of market research. The present invention comprises one or more electrically conductive marker regions applied to certain specific locations on one or more magazine pages. In one general embodiment, the presence and relative separation of the marker regions are detected by a capacitive sensors and electronic device that stores, processes and communicates the data wirelessly to an external device. In another embodiment, a passive chip less tag is used to indirectly measure the change in conductivity of the conductive regions caused by prolonged exposure to air or light. Exemplary methods are described for acquiring readership and exposure data using the present invention.

Abstract: A chip information character set including a lot ID for chip-marking, which has a smaller number of characters than that of a conventional lot ID used in a fabrication line for a semiconductor device, is generated by coding the conventional lot ID using a decimal numeration system or a 62 decimal numeration system. A wafer identifier for chip-marking having 1-character is generated by coding a conventional number of a wafer using a set of identification symbols. A chip coordinate for chip-marking is having either 1-character or 2-characters is generated by coding a conventional coordinate of a chip in the wafer using the decimal or 62 decimal numeration system. The chip information character set has a simplified form to be written in a relatively short time, thereby increasing a productivity of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting personal health information from a databank to a health facility. An individual's health information is stored in a database, and the information is sent to authorized users as needed. The information is stored in the database by coding an individual's private file with a unique identifying number or alpha-numeric sequence. The individual is provided with an electronically readable identifier (ERI) that corresponds to the unique identifying number or alpha-numeric sequence. The ERI can be scanned by medical personnel with the appropriate scanner. The scanner is authenticated by the database, and the information corresponding to that individual is sent back to the scanner for use by the emergency medical personnel. The health information can also be sent to a hospital. The entire process requires authentication of the medical personnel and validation of the ERI for security purposes.

Abstract: A method and system for providing Web-based information that is relevant to a program being viewed on a television. A data stream providing a set of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) is provided along with the program content. The URLs identify Web sites that are relevant to the program content. Based on user preferences specified in a user profile, URLs for Web sites that are likely to be of particular interest to the user can be culled from the overall set of URLs. These URLs are sent to a device connected to the Internet (e.g., a personal computer system), allowing the user to access Web-based information relevant to the program content. The program content continues to be displayed on the television and the Web-based information is displayed on the personal computer system. Accordingly, the user can view targeted information that is of interest without interrupting the display on the television.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based check depositing terminal. The method comprises capturing an image of a physical check provided by a user at the check depositing terminal, and perforating the physical check after the image of the check has been captured.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for providing enhanced accessibility to a self-service terminal. The self-service terminal comprises a media entry/exit device and a sensor, associated with the media entry/exit device, for detecting a user's body part in close proximity to the media entry/exit device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a simplified risk assessment for a promissory transaction when sufficient historical transaction information exists for the check writer. In an embodiment, a computerized method for determining authorization of a financial transaction comprises maintaining a historical transaction value for past transactions associated with related promissory payments, receiving a request from a merchant to determine authorization of a financial transaction associated with a proffered promissory payment, the proffered promissory payment having at least one transaction identifier, accessing the historical transaction value associated with the related promissory payments, and determining based on the historical transaction value whether to authorize the financial transaction based a risk score or whether to authorize the financial transaction based on data stored in a negative database.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a card reader, a display device, a currency dispenser, and a deposit storage chest. The machine can receive user deposits for storage in the chest. The machine includes a card reader cooling device. The machine can also facilitate cooling of the display device.

Abstract: A system automatically determines authorization of a financial transaction occurring through the presentation of a check card such as a demand deposit account (DDA) card. For a proposed financial transaction of a customer from a merchant having a membership program, the system obtains an indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The system determines an indication of risk for the transaction, based at least in part on the indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The financial transaction is authorized when the indication of risk is within at least one parameter.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automated age verification in self service transaction processing. Upon identification of an age restricted product presented for purchase, presentation of a purchaser identification document is requested. Encoded information is read from the document and a purchaser photograph obtained from the document is examined. An image of the purchaser is also captured. The purchaser birth date encoded on the document is evaluated and the captured image of the purchaser is compared with the image of the purchaser photograph. The purchase is authorized if the purchaser birth date indicates that the purchaser meets the age requirements for the purchase and the captured purchaser image matches the photograph.

Abstract: A PIN server system interacts with one or more financial institutions to authenticate a mobile phone and-or a user thereof. The PIN server provides to the mobile phone one or more PIN numbers to use in financial transactions involving the one or more financial institutions, and also provides the one or more PIN numbers to the financial institutions in a manner that results in the one or more PIN numbers being associated with one or more accounts of the mobile phone user with the one or more financial institutions.

Abstract: An electronic commerce system is built between a vending machine and a communication device that permits information exchange through a network, wherein the vending machine includes a first wireless information transceiver coupled to a control system of the vending machine, and the communication device includes a second wireless information transceiver corresponding to the first wireless information transceiver and an electronic commerce software for performing the steps of receiving a transaction request information by the communication device; sending the information by the communication device to the network through the second wireless information transceiver; sending the information by the network to the first wireless information transceiver, and analyzing the information by the first wireless information transceiver to produce a purchase message; and sending the purchase message by the first wireless information transceiver to the control system, and releasing a merchandise stored in the vending machine

Abstract: During transit of media cassettes there is a need to secure stacked media within the cassette to prevent this stack from moving and becoming disarrayed. Previously this has been achieved by using a pusher plate to urge the stack of media items to one end of the cassette by locking that pusher plate during transit. A ratchet bar is provided in the media cassette lid which engages with the pusher plate assembly to lock it during transit. The ratchet bar is coupled to a cam which is arranged to engage a dispenser when the media cassette is loaded into an ATM or similar. When the media cassette is inserted into the dispenser the cam automatically drives the ratchet bar which rotates and in so doing disengages the pusher plate assembly. By housing the ratchet bar in the media cassette lid, space savings are achieved and in addition, users are prevented from using the pusher plate locking mechanism to facilitate overfilling of the media cassette.

Abstract: The invention provides a track arrangement for guiding a media carrier in a self-service terminal between a home position and one of a second and a third position. The track arrangement comprises: a first track length defining the home position of the media carrier; a second track length associated with the second position; a third track length associated with the third position; and a switch arranged to be rotatable around a central axis adjacent the convergence of the three track lengths, the switch having a portion of track extending across the switch. The second track length is positioned such that the angle between the second track length at an end adjacent to the switch, and the home position of the media carrier, is greater than 90°. The second track length is positioned such that the angle between the third track length at an end adjacent to the switch and the home position of the media carrier is greater than 90°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reconciliation or settlement of vending machine accounts.

Abstract: A pair of engagement members to be detachably engaged with a bill recognition device is provided on a unit body of a reader-writer unit, and the bill recognition device is attached to the unit body by engagement with the engagement members. Therefore, the bill recognition device can be attached/detached without using any screws. For example, when the bill recognition device is replaced, operations for detaching and attaching the bill recognition device can be performed advantageously easily. In the replacement process, the bill recognition device can be attached or detached while the unit body is in the state of being mounted on an outer door. Thus, the drawback of the unit body being dismounted from the outer door when the screws are removed as in the conventional art is eliminated and the attachment/detachment operations are not complicated.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-program for providing translated answers to foreign language speakers is presented. The method includes the steps of receiving, at a public terminal, a verbal input from a customer speaking a foreign language, the foreign language being unintelligible to an operator of the public terminal; translating, by the public terminal, the verbal input into a language that has been predetermined as being understandable by a specific operator of the public terminal; and presenting the translated verbal input to the specific operator.

Abstract: The present invention, as embodied in the claims, relates to customer care management via a communications systems and methods including, in embodiments, a combination of automated and human services to be provided to a customer in a retail store environment in real time. For example, one embodiment of the present invention provides an automated method for assisting a customer in a retail store comprising: identifying the customer; periodically identifying the customer's position in the store; identifying a product of interest to the customer; and communicating information to the customer via a remote specialized sales agent or other audio, visual and/or computer data relevant to the customer.

Abstract: Self-service checkout system having a merchandise-registration device 5 with a scanner 8 for registering the merchandise, a screen 14 for displaying merchandise data, a payment device with at least one coin-depositing and coin-dispensing device and a data-processing device, with the merchandise-registration device 5 comprising a base segment 6 and a head segment 7 which can be pivoted about a vertical axis of rotation V and can be pivoted through 180° with respect to the base segment 6, with the head segment 7 comprising at least the scanner 8 for registering the merchandise, the screen 14 for displaying merchandise data, and the payment device with at least one coin-depositing and coin-dispensing device.