Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mounting electronic components that enables precise mounting of electronic components, such as deformation-prone thin IC chips or fine-pitch and high-pin-count IC chips, on a substrate. Thin IC chips, which conventionally tend to lose flatness because of warping that occurs during production or deformation that occurs when picked up with a suction nozzle, are pressed against a substrate (4) with a preset load using a suction nozzle with a flat suction surface (11b) so as to correct deformation; the suction nozzle (11) is controlled to move up to make up for a decrease in the distance between the oppositely spaced IC chip and the substrate (4) that is caused by thermal expansion due to the heating for melting solder bumps (1a) on the electrodes; and the suction nozzle (11) is controlled to move down to mitigate the effect of a pulling-apart force applied to the molten parts as the thermally expanded parts cool down and contract.

Abstract: A wire bonding method and apparatus are provided for electronic components to enable PR processing and wire bonding to be carried out substantially concurrently. The apparatus comprises a bond head carrying a bonding tool for performing wire bonding and a rotary motor coupled to the bond head that is configured to change an angular orientation of the bonding tool relative to an electronic component to be bonded. There are first and second carriers for respectively mounting electronic components for wire bonding, and an optical system is arranged and configured to view bonding points on an electronic component mounted on the first carrier when the bonding tool is located over an electronic component mounted on the second carrier to perform wire bonding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction stir welding method in which a plurality of members are lapped and a welding tool is pressed into one of the members, while being rotated, to cause friction stir to weld the members. A small diameter projected part is disposed at a tip end of a shoulder of the welding tool, and is positioned out of a rotating axis of the welding tool. Especially, the method is suitable for spot welding and removes a surface oxidation film on a lapped welding interface to weld two members.

Abstract: A method for welding and repairing cracks in metal parts is provided by subjecting the metal parts to be welded to friction stir welding and the cracks to be repaired to friction stir processing under conditions sufficient to provide a weld joint or crack repair having a preselected property or set of properties based upon the intended use of the weldment. The FSW and FSP methods are advantageous in joining and repairing metal structures and components in applications for natural gas transportation and storage, oil and gas well completion and production, and oil and gas refinery and chemical plants.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate, a first organic electronic component overlying the substrate, wherein, from a plan view, the first organic electronic component defines a perimeter of a first pixel area, and at least one post structure, wherein the at least one post structure lies within the perimeter of the first pixel area. The electronic device can also include a confinement structure overlying the substrate and having a first opening, wherein from a plan view, the first opening has a perimeter that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of the first organic electronic component.

Abstract: The invention provides a friction stir welding method of forming a weld portion having an excellent fatigue property in the case of welding a weld material by using a friction stir welding method. The invention provides a friction stir welding method structured such as to insert a tool provided in such a manner that a pin-shaped probe protrudes to an end surface of a columnar member to a weld material in a state of being rotated, and move the tool in a state of being rotated, thereby welding two or more weld materials in accordance with a friction stirring, in which a cavity portion is provided in a part of a weld portion of the weld material, a member is formed in the cavity portion, and the weld material is welded by the friction stirring. In accordance with the invention, since an unwelded portion is not formed near the cavity portion, a notch effect is reduced, and it is possible to form the weld member which is excellent in the fatigue property.

Abstract: Provided is a micro heat flux sensor array having reduced heat resistance. A micro heat flux sensor array may include a substrate, a plurality of first sensors formed on a first side of the substrate, and a plurality of second sensors formed on a second side of the substrate. Each of the plurality of first and second sensors may include a first wiring pattern layer of a first conductive material, a second wiring pattern layer of a second conductive material contacting the first wiring pattern layer, and an insulating layer in contact with the first and second wiring patterns.

Abstract: In wire bonding, a clearance measurement between the capillary and reference member being performed by an image capturing device for capturing elevation images of the used and new (replaced) capillaries and the reference member and by a clearance measuring device that processes the elevation images of the capillaries and the reference member, obtained by the image capturing device, and then measures the distance in a vertical direction between the tip ends of the capillaries and the tip end of the reference member, thus setting post-replacement capillary contact position data based on pre-replacement capillary contact position data and the obtained clearance difference.

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

Abstract: Utilizing magnetic features located on different structures having semiconductor devices to align the structures when contacting the structures together. The magnetic features on each structure are of opposite polarity and provide magnetic forces for alignment of the structures. The magnetic forces can also be used to sense position and move the structures into an aligned position. In some examples, the structures include die with semiconductor devices. In one example, the structures are wafers with multiple die. In other examples, one of the structures is a die and the other is a wafer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding two separate ends of an extrusion or two separate extrusion ends to form a flashless extrudate or gasket by having a first and a second mold for supporting and clamping the extrusion ends, and a spacer bar for positioning the extrusion ends to a location within the mold. A heating element elevates the temperature of the extrusion ends to a welding condition, and a clamping device is used for securing the extrusion ends. A flashless welding operation results by inserting and clamping at least one heated extrusion end into a welding mold until an acceptable contact pressure is obtained against the opposing heated extrusion end.

Abstract: A wave solder apparatus. A conveyer carries a circuit board. A solder tank is disposed under the conveyer and includes a turbulent nozzle and a laminar nozzle separated therefrom. The turbulent nozzle includes a plurality of turbulent spouting holes. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the turbulent spouting holes to that of the turbulent nozzle exceeds 0.377. A first heater is disposed under the conveyer and adjacent to the solder tank, heating the bottom surface of the circuit board. A second heater is disposed above the conveyer and opposes the first heater, heating the top surface of the circuit board.

Abstract: Mailpieces configured to mitigate flexure of frangible articles during handling by postal processing equipment. The mailpieces include spacers that intervene between the stress-sensitive article held by the mailer and a convex surface of a roller, drum, spindle, or other mechanical device used in the postal processing equipment for transporting the mailpieces.

Abstract: A container, in particular for free-flowing substances, comprising a blank (16) made of sheet-like, flexible material in particular cardboard, which can be folded at least to form part of the container, a first wall (1) and a second, adjacent wall (4) of the container, the walls (1, 4) being angled in relation to one another and being connected integrally to one another in the region of a common edge (5), it being the case that a weakening line (7) runs over each of the walls (1, 4) and surrounds the region of a reclosable pouring element (6), which is formed essentially from the material of the walls (1, 4), and that a line of inflection (15) passes through the pouring element (6), crossing over the edge (5) in the process, and divides the pouring element (6) into a pouring portion (6a) and an operating portion (6b). A container in which a greater number of opening and closing actions is made possible is provided in that the operating portion (6b) has a reinforcing element (9) in the region of the edge (5).

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. End flaps are respectively foldably attached to panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A dispenser has a tear line and at least one dispenser section foldably attached to the carton for at least partially defining an opening in the carton for accessing the containers. A gusset connects the end flaps, wherein the gusset can be unfolded to allow relative movement between the end flaps and to allow the dispenser section to pivot outwardly to enlarge the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cup package made of a fibre-based material, such as polymer-coated packaging board, comprising a cup (1) containing a packaged product (2) and a lid (6) closing the mouth of the cup. In accordance with the invention, the cup (1) has a collar (5) bent downwardly from the mouth of the cup and diverging from the cup skirt (3), and the lid (6) has a rim (8) oriented accordingly downwardly from the collar, the lid being fixed in position by heat-sealing between said collar and rim parts. For opening the package, the lid (6) can be equipped with a tear strip (11) surrounding its rim (8). In addition, the lid (6) may be nested with the cup (1), so that compression and friction between their opposite surfaces retain the lid in position in the reclosed package.

Abstract: An animal herding device has an elongate tubular body portion adapted to avoid kinking thereof, a hand gripping member at one end and a noise making member at the other end. The body portion may be internally reinforced with a rope or like means. The body portion may also be optionally fitted with padding for specified uses.

Abstract: The Electronic Mail Alert System uses infrared emitting diodes and matching detectors to determining the presence or absence of mail. This information is applied to a microcontroller, which provide a coded signal to the transmitter. Each mailbox has its own code and its matching receiver will only accept that unique code. The electronic circuitry will not be seen in the mailbox and everything is automatically done. All the mailperson need to do is deliver the mail as usual.

Abstract: A mail box has a lockable, controlled door or lid, person identifying means such as a card reader for electronic cards of type Smartcard and a key set for entering a personal code. After the mail box has received valid identifying information of a person, the door is automatically opened and a letter can be put into the mail box. In the mail box a marking means is provided that applies a marking to the letter that has been put in. The marking includes the identity of the person and information about the mail box and the time when the letter was put into the box. The mail box can also allow that registered or certified items of mail are put in and then receipts are printed. It can also allow stamping of items of mail put into the box by deducting a postage amount from a balance stored on the card and printing of a receipt for a received item and the payment made. The fact that only persons who can safely identify themselves can enter items of mail generally gives an enhanced security in handling mail.

Abstract: A system comprising a product tag, a consumer receiver and software for the receiver enables a consumer to electronically retrieve information about commercial product. Each product would have a tag that could contain any amount of description information about the product. The tag has the capability of transmitting this information to a consumer. A customizable and programmable receiver can read the product tag and interpret the information according to the consumer's preferences programmed on the receiver. The software would allow the receiver to interpret the product tag information into an understandable format and present it to the consumer. This system enables a consumer to more efficiently and effectively obtain information about a commercial product.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring identification information from each visitor of an event and producing a smart badge that will automatically register him to the event activities. The system comprises a scanning or imaging device, information extraction means and printing means, including label printing and RFID, magnetic and barcode printing means. The system can also read each smart badge issued by wireless means and without the visitor having to actively cooperate and hence, continuously trace any visitor location and his points of interest.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and method for providing an RFID technique is provided. The terminal includes an RFID reader unit for receiving identification information from an RFID tag and a controller for detecting a pre-set theme corresponding to the identification information and outputting a control signal based on the detected theme.

Abstract: A printer is provided having a print media supply, at least one printhead arranged to print on traveling print media, a feeder arranged to feed print media from the print media supply along a media path past the printhead, and a binder arranged on the media path for binding the print media printed on by the printhead. The print media supply, the printhead and the binder are arranged so that the media path is substantially straight.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine (ATM) has a cassette apparatus, detachably accommodated in a cassette accommodating space of the ATM, for storing the cheques endorsed by a printing unit therein. The cassette apparatus includes a storage cassette for stacking the cheques in a cheque storage position thereof, a transfer unit for transferring the cheques provided thereto, a cassette driving unit for driving the transfer unit when the storage cassette is accommodated into the cassette accommodating space, and a stacking unit installed in the cassette accommodating space for taking out the cheques transferred to a designated position and stacking the cheques on the cheque storage position.

Abstract: A cash and cheque automatic depositing apparatus is capable of automatically depositing a bundle of cashes and cheques inserted at once. The apparatus includes a bundle insertion opening for allowing a user to deposit or receive therethrough a bundle of cashes and cheques, and a bundle separator for separating the banknotes inserted through the bundle insertion opening one by one. The separated banknotes are automatically transferred one by one and verified to check authenticity or abnormality thereof. Further, the banknotes are transferred onto an authentic cheque transfer path and an authentic cash transfer path to be separately stored in storage cassettes.

Abstract: A personalized calling card (100) includes personal information (103-111) and also includes indicia signifying the cardholder's children (113) that conveys information regarding their number, gender and and/or birth order (115).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and computer program products for point of sale (POS) based capture of reference magnetic signatures. In one embodiment, a magnetic signature included in a request to authorize a transaction associated with a magstripe card is retrieved from a database. If the transaction is determined to be non-fraudulent, the magnetic signature is used to provide a reference magnetic signature for the magstripe card. A transaction is determined to be non-fraudulent, for example, if the transaction is not reported as being fraudulent for a designated period of time such as for three to four months. In another example, a transaction is determined to be non-fraudulent if an indication or a confirmation is received from a card member of the magstripe card that the transaction was valid.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and computer program products for updating a reference magnetic signature of a magstripe card. In one embodiment, magnetic signatures from a magstripe card, each previously captured from a terminal during a transaction are retrieved from a database. The magnetic signatures are examined to identify if the magnetic properties of the magstripe card have changed. If a change is detected, a new reference magnetic signature is selected and/or created based on the magnetic signatures examined to identify the change and assigned to the magstripe card.

Abstract: An electronic settlement system includes a portable telephone mounted with a noncontact IC card means and a fingerprint verification means, a noncontact IC card reader, and a fingerprint sampler connected with the noncontact IC card reader. User's fingerprint data is sampled using the fingerprint sampler and transmitted from the noncontact IC card reader to the portable telephone. The portable telephone makes the fingerprint verification means compare the sampled fingerprint data with fingerprint data prestored for verification and transmit the verification result to the noncontact IC card reader. The noncontact IC card reader performs electronic settlement based on the received verification result, thereby ensuring security and reliability when the user purchases an article of commerce.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for uniquely identifying an entity includes a wireless identification device with a controller mechanism for wirelessly communicating and acquiring, processing and transmitting data. A reader device having a controller mechanism acquires, processes and transmits data and a sensing mechanism is in communication with the reader device for acquiring, processing and transmitting data from the wireless identification device. A wireless control device is included for communicating with the reader device and can communicate with and configure the reader device, the wireless identification device or subsequent wireless identification devices. A method of uniquely identifying an entity is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of attracting and retaining customers of a Banking institution through an incentive program is disclosed, comprising: operating a promotional program, comprising the dispensing of a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and operating a rewards program, wherein upon a customer completing a triggering behavior, a specified reward is granted to the customer. Systems and methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises dispensing a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated checking machine (ATM).

Abstract: A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method is provided. The machine is operate to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader of the machine. The machine enables a user to perform banking operations responsive to account indicia read from the card. Such banking operations may include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. While a user operates the machine to dispense cash or perform other banking operations, the machine may further permit at least one portable wireless device to wirelessly access the machine to purchase and wirelessly receive digital information such as music and/or video files from the machine.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items.

Abstract: A digital system for home entertainment includes a multi-function DVD Receiver and a remote large capacity digital library of multi-national materials. The system also includes a high speed connection between the multi-function DVD Receiver and the remote library. The system also includes a security sub-system including a smart card and smart card reader for gaining access to the library. Further, the system includes a point rating pricing system and an accounting sub-system so that items provided to a viewer are stored in the library for additional viewing without additional charge. A method for providing home entertainment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A handheld device for personal use for communication with electronic labels (11) in an ESL system comprises, in addition to control means (55), memory means (61), transmission means (57) for transmitting a command to the electronic label, and one or more buttons (53, 53?) for user input, a receiver (63) for receiving informa-tion from a central unit (1) in the system. The information may comprise new com-mands, or an authorization code that may be included in commands sent to the labels for authorization of the handheld device.

Abstract: Provided is a device for interfacing between a POS system having a first connection requirement, such as a serial connection requirement, and a cash drawer having a second connection requirement different from the first connection requirement. The device includes a circuit adapted to receive a signal from the POS system and open the cash drawer, or else generate a signal to the cash drawer that is recognized by the cash drawer as the signal to open.

Abstract: The present invention provides various apparatuses and methods that allow point of purchase products to be automatically dispensed. In an embodiment, the present invention operates with a self-scanning checkout and enables products to be dispensed with other retail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point of purchase. The product is immediately dispensed and provided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the collected and transported retail items. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the collected and transported retail items. In another embodiment, the present invention is modular and operates in a quick service restaurant environment. The present invention requires little counter/floor space, adds little to the cost of labor, can be mounted in a variety of locations, dispenses in any direction and integrates with virtually any existing system.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and ordering parts and monitoring inventory levels is presented. The method includes the steps of capturing identifying information from the part, identify the part from the identifying information and ordering the part from a portable device. Additional steps are having a central computer monitor inventory levels, track part request, and order replacement parts when inventory levels fall below a preset level. A system for implementing the method outlined above comprising portable devices and central computers equipped with the proper software and databases to identify the part and allow personnel to request replacements from inventory as well as monitor inventory levels and directly order replacement inventory should inventory levels fall below a preset level.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, computer usable code and apparatus for locating a desired medium having a radio frequency transponder having a product unique identifier, wherein the desired medium has a medium name. A radio frequency reader or reader looks up the medium unique identifier from a user inventor based on the medium name. The reader sends an interrogate signal. The reader receives a radio frequency response having a candidate identifier. The reader determines whether the candidate identifier matches search criteria and outputs a status change to a user interface.

Abstract: A wireless sensing system includes a sensor made from an electrical conductor shaped to form an open-circuit, electrically-conductive spiral trace having inductance and capacitance. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the sensor resonates to generate a harmonic response having a frequency, amplitude and bandwidth. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to the sensor and wirelessly detects the sensor's response frequency, amplitude and bandwidth.

Abstract: There is provided a two-dimensional code capable of performing accurate recognition. The two-dimensional code includes: a code data portion (102) where a plurality of square cells (106) are two-dimensionally arranged to constitute code data; and a plurality of corner cells (104) arranged so as to surround the code data portion (102). The corner cells (104) are configured with a greater area than the square cells (106). When the two-dimensional code is imaged by an imaging device, the corner cells (104) can be recognized in a large scale, thereby improving the two-dimensional code read accuracy.

Abstract: An automated package dimensioning subsystem comprising a Laser Detecting and Ranging (LADAR-based) scanning apparatus for capturing two-dimensional range data maps of the space above a conveyor structure, along which packages are transported, and an image contour tracing apparatus for extracting package dimension data from the two-dimensional range data maps.

Abstract: An apparatus, system or method for increasing quality of digital image capture is provided. Imaging and, more particularly, capturing visuals to provide image manipulation options are provided to increase resolution of the subject images.

Abstract: Detection information is obtained from captured-image information of an imaging element array. An area is provided in an image capturing region in the imaging element array. In response to the obtained detection information, a pattern is generated which defines a ratio of a number of photosensor pixels used to capture an image to a number of all photosensor pixels in the area. The imaging element array is driven in accordance with the generated pattern. Interpolation responsive to a first picture signal generated by the used photosensor pixels in the area is implemented to generate a second picture signal corresponding to unused ones among all the photosensor pixels in the area. The first picture signal and the second picture signal are combined into a captured-image signal. The captured-image signal is outputted at a prescribed frame rate.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: Digital image capture and processing engine of modular design and employing an optical waveguide structure for collecting and guiding LED-based illumination during object illumination and imaging operations. The digital image capture and processing engine also includes apparatus for automatically controlling the duration of illumination produced from LED illumination arrays during object illumination and imaging operations. Such automatic illumination control involves measuring the amount of illumination to which the object be imaged has been exposed, and controlling the duration of illumination produced from the LED illumination arrays based on such measurements during each object illumination and imaging operation. By virtue of the present invention, the digital image capture and processing engine ensures the reliable formation and detection of high quality images in diverse application environments in the digital image capture and processing engine can be used.

Abstract: An optical system used in a barcode scanner is disclosed to include a lens, two LEDs arranged at two sides of the lens, two condensers arranged in front of the LEDs, and two curved reflectors with multiple curvatures for reflecting a major part of light from the LEDs through the condensers onto the left and right sides of an image mapping surface on a barcode and a minor part of light onto the center area of the image mapping surface so that the receiving characteristic of the lens can pick up an evenly distributed bright image from the image mapping surface on the barcode and the posterior image processing of the barcode scanner can obtain a strong and clear image signal to facilitate barcode and to increase recognition rate and accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for information retrieval by decoding barcodes from images obtained using a mobile device or computer. The barcode image is obtained via a digital camera or web cam attached to the mobile device or computer. After the barcode image has been obtained, the image is decoded using decoder residing in the mobile device or computer. Information contained in the barcode is displayed on the screen of the mobile device or computer. Further action is carried out according to information extracted from the barcode. Another method to decode the obtained image is to transmit the image through HTTP protocol to a server for decoding and carrying out instruction contained in the barcode.

Abstract: Described is a scanner for reading an optical code which includes a light transmission system and an image acquisition system. The light transmission system projects light on a target. The image acquisition system receives light reflected from the target to generate an image of the target. The image acquisition system is arranged to receive the light reflected from the target at a plurality of angles so that, when specular reflection of the target is associated with a first of the plurality of angles, light from a second one of the plurality of angles is available to minimize image degradation associated with the specular reflection.

Abstract: A method for decoding a decodable symbol using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture operating mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, and attempts to decode for a decodable bar code symbol which may be represented in the image data.