Abstract: The present invention provides a multiplexed control system, employing a single solenoid valve, to selectively control the damper lock-out clutch and motor/generator cooling of an electronically variable hybrid transmission. The present invention also contemplates a method of selectively controlling damper lock-out clutch engagement and motor/generator cooling for an electrically variable hybrid transmission control.

Abstract: A bill acceptor assembly for accepting bills, vouchers, scrip, tickets and/or currency at a gaming table. The bill acceptor assembly includes a note feeder having an intake opening adapted to receive one or more notes. The note feeder may be mounted to a table to allow a user to insert notes into the intake opening. The notes are passed to a validator located underneath the table. The validator is configured to validate the notes and separate valid notes from invalid notes. The validator passes the valid notes to a cash box located underneath the table and passes the invalid notes to a rejection slot formed on the note feeder.

Abstract: A bill handling machine includes a machine body 10 for conveying bills 3 and storing bills other than a bill 3 to be discharged and a detachable box 20 having a mounted section 21 detachably mounted to a mount section 11 of the machine body 10 for storing and discharging the bill 3 to be discharged. The machine body 10 includes distinguishing device (14b and 14c) for distinguishing whether or not the bill 3 is a dischargeable bill, conveying device 12 for conveying the bills 3 in the normal or reverse direction between the distinguishing device and the mounting section 11, and a keeping bill storage section 15 for storing the bills 3 other than the bill 3 to be discharged which is conveyed by the conveying device 12. The detachable box 20 includes a dischargeable bill storage section 25 for storing the bill 3 so as to be discharged.

Abstract: A wheel for driving a flexible handrail of an escalator or moving walk turns about an axis of rotation, and has a tire with a tire cover that may be filled with pressurized gas and a contact surface that is intended to rest against the handrail. The contact surface is formed on a power transmission element that has a reinforcing insert and is accommodated in a peripheral recess of the tire cover.

Abstract: This apparatus automatically lines up and forwards in a single line lengthwise objects supplied at random and in many lines and yet automatically returns objects overflowed from a line-up line to upstream. This apparatus includes: a cantilever type main conveying conveyor (A1) constructed from a plurality of conveying roller rollers of an oblique arrangement drivingly rotated by a non-contact transmission system, a return conveying conveyor (A2) having a conveying direction formed of drivingly opposite to the conveying direction of the main conveying-conveyor, and a delivery conveying conveyor (A3) for transferring objects conveyed by the return conveying conveyor to an upstream end of the main conveyor. The return conveying conveyor (A2) has been with an open end side of the conveying roller placed close to a side portion on the open side alongside a downstream side portion of the main conveying conveyor (A1).

Abstract: Conveyor drum for receiving axially aligned articles that are conveyed in a cross-axial direction toward the conveyor drum. Conveyor drum includes a separation device for changing a longitudinal axial spacing of the articles by a predetermined longitudinal axial separation, and an adjustment device structured and arranged to adjust the predetermined longitudinal axial separation. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A conveyance system, wherein dividable horizontal conveyance units are connected to each other through joint plates and a support post and rails of the horizontal conveyance units are connected to each other without any step and clearance. A joint conveyance carnage assembly is conveyed by a force applied thereto from annular chains of the horizontal conveyance units through chain presser plates. When the rearmost one of the chain presser plates leaves the annular chain of the horizontal conveyance unit, the chain presser plate of the headmost first conveyance carriage reaches the annular chain of the horizontal conveyance unit and the joint conveyance carriage assembly is continuously conveyed.

Abstract: A device is constructed for processing or customizing cards or flattened portable objects, for example memory cards, smart card, magnetic strip card, or badge. The device is characterized in that it comprises a flexible or rigid mobile transport structure (1) bearing at least transport means (2) for receiving at least a card (9) in at least a supply station (39) and carrying the cards to one or several processing stations (3). The transport device (2) is mobile relative to the transport structure (1) and enables the card to be displaced towards the processing station (3) or to be displaced inside said station, or a combination of both, without leaving said transport structure.

Abstract: An unloader that includes a pad replacing device provided adjacently to at least one of an upper carrying device and a lower carrying device. Each of the carrying devices includes an endless rotating member and plural unloader pads, the endless rotating member having a plurality of first pad attaching portions at intervals in a rotational direction, on which the unloader pads are detachably attached by sliding the unloader pads in a direction orthogonal to the rotational direction. The pad replacing device includes a pad setting portion and a pad moving portion, the pad setting portion having a second pad attaching portion on which a replacing pad is attached by sliding the replacing pad in the direction orthogonal to the rotational direction. The unloader pad is detached by being pushed by the replacing pad by moving the replacing pad to the unloader pad.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting a transportable product, especially a bulk-type product, includes an essentially cylindrical chamber containing at least one shaft which extends along the cylindrical chamber and comprises a plurality of first transport elements for transporting products in a product transport direction. The transport elements extending radially outwards from the shaft and are respectively connected to the shaft at connection points on the surface thereof. The individual connection points are located along a helical line on the surface of the shaft and the plurality of first transport elements form a first path which corresponds to the helical line and comprises a first discontinuous section extending in a helical manner around the surface of the shaft. Other elements are arranged at least in partial regions of the first path, such elements protruding into the first path.

Abstract: An endless conveyor for receiving, conveying in a conveying direction and delivering rotation-symmetrical products. The conveyor is provided with at least a single endless transport element, as well as with a number of transverse elements extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction. At least a single hourglass-shaped roller is provided on each transverse element, wherein the rollers form a corresponding at least single row and wherein between each two successive rollers in a row there is a conveying position for a product. The conveyor includes a lay-on portion and a successive downstream portion which are situated in different planes, the angle between these planes being greater than 180° as measured from above.

Abstract: Conveyor systems for storage and movement of goods on pallets and slip sheets. The transfer structures enable slip sheet mounted loads to be transferred to a roller conveyor by providing structures that cooperate with wide platen forks of a lift truck. The structures provide roller contact between a portion of the underside of the slip sheet at all times. In other areas there is alternatively contact between a lift truck platen or additional rollers that cooperate in a manner making it possible to move the slip sheet mounted load from the lift truck to an adjacent conveyor system.

Abstract: An edge module for a modular plastic conveyor belt with a resilient blocking member for preventing migration of a hinge rod out of its resident position in the hinge joint of the belt. The edge module includes a hinge rod aperture intersected by a recess. A blocking element in the form of a resilient strip is retained at one end in the recess against a curved outer side wall of the recess in a blocking position occluding the aperture. The other end of the blocking element is elastically deformable away from the outer side wall into a non-blocking position by the force of a hinge rod being inserted into the aperture from the outside edge of the module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cellular phone casing capable of storing a cellular phone (a mobile phone) from an external impact when a cellular phone is stored in a bag and is carried and capable of preventing a cellular phone from moisture in rain or at a beach. The cellular phone storing casing comprises a casing body that has an inner storing space having a certain size and depth for storing a common cellular phone wherein an upper side of the same is opened for an easier storing and unloading of a cellular phone; a cover body that is fabricated in separation with the casing body and stores or unloads in a state that a cellular phone is sealed in the inner storing space of the casing body wherein the cover body is opened and closed with respect to the casing body; a hinge connection part that is designed so that the cover body is rotatable with respect to one surface of the casing body; and a locking part sealingly engages or opens the cover body with respect to the casing body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a case for holding elongate objects, in particular, drills or other tools, comprising a housing shell and a lid hinged pivotably thereto via a hinge and at least two pivotable holding parts which while the case is closed are pivoted inward into the interior, while they are pivoted outward out of the said interior when the lid is being opened, wherein only the holding part close to the lid is mounted in a pivoting axis in the housing shell of the case, while the at least one additional holding part disposed in front of the holding part closest to the lid is detachably connected to the respective closest holding part. The advantage lies in the fact that the case can be modularly expanded, that the manipulation is improved, and that the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Abstract: A card and blister package for small articles of commerce has a clear plastic blister piece, a card and a retainer piece. The blister walls form an article-receiving cavity and a plurality of upwardly projecting spaced-apart male prongs extending along the upper edge of the blister piece. A generally rectangular card has shaped perforations for receiving there-through the prongs of the blister piece and the retainer comprises a generally rectangular ring having a plurality of sockets for receiving the prongs of the blister piece, whereby the prongs can be engaged through the perforations, snapped into engagement with the ring sockets, and UV-activated adhesive on the engaged parts illuminated by UV light so as to bond to the ring to the blister to secure the package.

Abstract: An egg carton comprises a base having a plurality of egg cells, the base being attached to a lid and locking flap by at least one hinge member. The lid has a plurality of closing apertures adapted to receive a plurality of buttons located on the locking flap. The lid further has an outer closure mechanism adapted to interlock with an inner closure mechanism located on the locking flap. The egg carton may also be equipped with a venting system.

Abstract: A packaging box in which, in one plate and one lid plate connected to an upper end portion of the side plate constituting the packaging box, one creasing line parallel to the upper end portion is formed for each, and two cut lines are formed so as to connect the end portions of the creasing lines. Provided is a packaging box from which a stored article can be easily taken out when a lid plate is opened, and which can endure a compressive stress imposed when a multiple number of the boxes are piled up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating mixed plastics using flotation techniques including a first stage initial washing tank for washing of incoming plastics and providing a first separation process and at least one separation module. The first stage initial washing tank includes a perforated basket to hold heavy materials, such as metals, glass, and the like. Each separation module includes a separation tank, a feeding section for feeding of mixed stream into the separation tank; and a collecting section for collecting of the separated mixed plastics including floaters and sinkers from the separation tank. The separation tank has no moving parts. Each separation tank and the first stage initial washing tank is a standard off-the-shelf circular tank with a flat bottom. Washing and drying steps are eliminated between separation stages. Batch processing is replaced with generally continuous operation. An integrated vibrating screen and air classification system is provided.

Abstract: A rack-mount storage system comprises an equipment cabinet that defines at least one device opening therein. A first device sized to be received by the first device opening defines a first mounting pathway therein. The first device has a chassis that is sized to receive at least one component of the first device and that also defines at least a portion of the first mounting pathway. A support spar sized to be received by the first mounting pathway and being sized to engage said equipment cabinet and extend substantially between first and second sides of the equipment cabinet engages the first mounting pathway and the equipment cabinet to support said first device in the equipment cabinet.

Abstract: A saddle hanging system efficiently supporting a saddle in various locations. The saddle hanging system includes a support member comprised of a support plate having a catch member and first handle attached at a first end and a second handle attached at a second end. The support plate is a flattened V-shaped structure, formed to accept the placement of a saddle upon it. The catch member is U-shaped for positioning onto a fence or a connecting member. The handles located at each end are used for moving the support member from location to location or for adjusting when in place.

Abstract: A shelf assembly having at least one bracket including a top member, a bottom member and a side member. The top member is positioned in opposed spaced relationship with the bottom member. The assembly includes a shelf having at least one mounting edge and at least one trim edge. The mounting edge is adapted for positioning in the space defined by the top and bottom members for support by the bracket. The trim edge has an outwardly projecting tongue having a terminal portion with a terminal geometric configuration. The assembly further includes at least one trim member having a groove with a groove geometric configuration corresponding to the terminal geometric configuration to allow the groove to receive the tongue to join together the shelf and the trim member.

Abstract: A height adjustable upright for an adjustable organizer system has at least one first segment with a upper end configured to hang from a mounting rail and has a lower end. The upright also has at least one second segment with a pair of opposed ends, at least one of which being configured to connect end-to-end with the lower end of the first segment. A clip has a pair of opposed ends each configured to connect to the lower end of the first segment and to the one end of the at least one second segment to hang the second segment from the first segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transporting apparatus provided with a sensor for detecting information relating to a relative position in the vertical direction between an article to be transported and a holding portion for holding the article, and a controller that is linked to this sensor through signals, wherein the controller raises the holding portion by a set raising amount when the sensor detects that the holding portion is below a target lowering position. Thus, it is possible to provide a transporting apparatus with which the position of the holding portion can be automatically moved to a suitable position even if the holding portion is lowered too far with respect to the article.

Abstract: A collapsible and reusable shipping or storage container that easily collapses to a flat stackable package with no small or loose parts. Said container can be locked with a single locking mechanism in collapsed folded position or in fully open position with items inside. Said container is collapsed for return transport to distribution center to await reloading of future contents and thereby minimizes required space and preventing waste while in transport returning to distribution facility. To fold and collapse said container, top lid slides out and is lifted diagonally and removed from container, bottom panel is released and flipped up toward front side panel, collapsible sides are folded in and removed lid is placed into designated slot within collapsed container.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a base and a container. The container typically includes a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion is hinged to the bottom portion. The container is fixed to the base so that the top portion can be rotated upwards to reveal a cavity in the container for storing objects. The container may include a lock which can be locked to prevent the cavity from being exposed. The base may have an open box structure with a chamber in which the container is placed.

Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.

Abstract: A trash bag removal system is disclosed. The system includes one or more flexible liners arranged within a trash can. An overfilled trash bag may force the liner against one or more of the internal walls of the trash can such that the liner will slide upwardly along the internal wall as the trash bag is removed.

Abstract: A pure water tank reduces stress to be applied to the tank when pure water in the tank freezes, to thereby prevent the deformation or breakage of the tank without thickening the wall of the tank. The tank has inner side-walls to define a pure water zone. On the outer side of the inner side-walls, an antifreeze zone is defined. The antifreeze zone holds antifreeze having a freezing point lower than a lowest temperature of a service temperature range of the tank. The density of the antifreeze increases as the temperature thereof decreases. The width of the antifreeze zone is set to satisfy D?? loge(H)+d0, where H is the height of the antifreeze zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for sealing paint in a can. The device or fluid cover includes a circular disk having an outer edge with the diameter of the edge being smaller than the inner diameter of the can. The cover includes a side wall that extends outwardly and upwardly and a lip that extends radially outwardly from the side wall. The diameter of the lip is greater than the inner diameter of the can. Upon insertion of the cover into the can the side wall flexes to allow the cover to be inserted into the can, whilst the lip frictionally engages the can inner surface. The fluid cover further includes a handle defining an upward cavity that can be compressed to expel air from the cavity and assists in sealing the fluid cover on top of paint by providing a partial vacuum. The side wall may be of an arcuate shape and have several sections extending radially outwardly at different angles to the disk.

Abstract: A pressure vessel with a protective jacket disposed thereon, wherein the vessel is formed of a metal liner surrounded by a layer of thermoplastic composite filament winding and a protective jacket disposed thereon that facilitates stacking and portability of the vessel, while also providing sufficiently sized openings for visual inspection of the composite layer integrity.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: A brush for a pill handling apparatus and an associated pill handling apparatus and method are provided. The brush defines a non-circular profile and agitates the pills when rotated. For example, the brush can be rotatably mounted proximate a rotary slat of the pill handling apparatus so that the brush is configured to seat the pills into the receptacles of the apparatus, such as into receptacles defined by one or more rotary slats. Multiple brushes can be provided in a single pill handling apparatus, e.g., to define therebetween a reservoir for holding the pills.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention are directed to a dispenser assembly having a reservoir bottle with an opening for fluid communication. The opening is formed to receive a housing cap and a dispensing pump such that the dispensing pump is sealingly engaged to the bottle opening. The housing cap has an outer surface in contact with the reservoir opening and an inner surface in contact with the dispensing pump. The outer surface includes a lip which engages the reservoir opening and a step which engages the pump.

Abstract: A viscous fluid dispenser, includes a compressible body having a substantially tubular profile and comprising an interior fluid holding cavity and a head comprising a cap strurture operatively connected to an operative end of the compressible body and a nozzle communicatively connected through the cap structure to form a continuous off-center passage through the head from the interior fluid holding cavity to an exterior fluid expressing side.

Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a base having a lid integrally connected to the base by a hinge. The base has a deck with a central portion, a dispensing opening in the in the central portion, and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The peripheral portion includes a raised wall partially surrounding the central portion, and having a greatest height adjacent to the hinge and decreasing in height around the central portion. The wall has an inner surface that blends with the central portion of the deck to form a concave channel surrounding the central portion of the deck. The channel surface has a base that is angled with respect to the peripheral portion down and away from the raised wall.

Abstract: An appliance for facilitating the blood drawing process comprising a band to be worn across the wrist of the phlebotomist intending to draw the blood, the wrist band including a holder for retaining a blood collection barrel in place on the phlebotomist's wrist and in clear view while both of the phlebotomist's hands are free to perform the blood drawing process.

Abstract: A motorcycle bag is provided having an adjustable enclosure for securing the motorcycle bag to a sissy bar of a motorcycle. Using layers of various sized panels, including a panel that can be expanded using closure means such as a pair of zippers, discreet sized closed loops are formed to fit over different sized motorcycle sissy bars. By expanding the adjustable panel, more sizes are available to the user providing a plurality of options for fitting the motorcycle bag onto different motorcycles. The motorcycle bag preferably includes a protective covering tethered to the bag within a storage compartment that may be withdrawn to cover and insulate the motorcycle bag from moisture, rain, and wind during travel in inclement weather. The motorcycle bag further preferably includes an organizer for storing various travel items and hide-away arm straps for carrying the motorcycle bag like a backpack when the motorcycle bag is not affixed to a motorcycle.

Abstract: A method of dividing glass plates for the purpose of reducing the required space in an interim buffer (80) reducing the transit times of different kinds of glasses, comprises generating a sequence of sub-plates (T) from the glass plates (P) stored in a blank plate storage (12), the consecutive sub-plates (T) of the sequence of sub-plates exhibiting identical or different material properties. Each sub-plate (T) is subdivided further by scribing and breaking-off until a desired cut piece has been attained. The generated cut pieces are deposited in a predetermined order in the interim buffer (80) and as called for are processed further. Equipment dividing glass plates into cut pieces accordingly entails that different cutting and breaking-off systems are preceded by at least one intermediate storage receiving at least two glass plates exhibiting different material properties and delivering a programmed sequence of sub-plates, the consecutive sub-plates exhibiting identical or different material properties.

Abstract: A self-contained dispenser apparatus configured to dispense a continuous feed of plastic bag material wound in a coreless roll thereof. The dispenser apparatus includes a base portion defining an opening into a receiving bay thereof. A cover assembly is removably mountable to the base portion, and includes an end cover portion positioned over the opening to enclose the coreless roll therein. A dispensing slot extends through the end cover that enables one end of plastic bag material to continuously feed therethrough. The cover assembly further includes a cutting assembly positioned proximate the dispensing slot to enable severing of the plastic bag material.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a strip product using a strip fabrication assembly, by entering arm positions for guide arms of the assembly into a guide arm controller device, moving the corresponding guide arms of the strip fabrication assembly to the respective arm positions using the guide arm controller device, and feeding different strip materials through the assembly using the guide arms, after moving them to the entered arm positions. The guide arms are coupled to threaded rods, and are moved by actuating servo motors which are coupled to the threaded rods. The guide arm controller device may include a programmable logic controller, which has been programmed to control the servo motors in response to entry of guide arm positions.

Abstract: A fastener driving device for use in driving a fastener into an elongated contoured portion of a workpiece is disclosed. The elongated contoured portion has a surface that is contoured perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the elongated contoured portion. The device includes a contact arm that is operatively connected with the trigger assembly, and a contoured contact foot for engaging the workpiece. The contact arm is constructed and arranged to move relative to a housing assembly of the driving device when the contact foot is pressed against the workpiece. The contact foot has a contoured engaging surface that includes a recess that is shaped to generally complement the shape of the contoured surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated power tool such as a screw driver, a nail gun and an impact wrench those being driven by a pneumatic pressure. A pressure reduction valve is provided between a connector connected to a compressor and a compressed air chamber defined in an outer frame of the power tool for supplying a pressure lower than the pressure at the connector to the compressed air chamber. A passage section is provided independently of the pressure reduction valve and communicating the connector with the compressed air chamber. A valve member is disposed at the passage section for selectively applying compressed air from the connector to the compressed air chamber directly through the passage section.

Abstract: A system and associated friction stir welding (FSW) assembly, controller and method for performing a friction stir welding operation are provided. The friction stir welding system includes a FSW device, such as a CNC machine, that includes an actuator capable of moving a FSW tool relative to a workpiece. The system also includes a controller capable of controlling the FSW device to drive the actuator to move the FSW tool. In this regard, the actuator is capable of being driven such that the FSW tool is capable of performing a friction stir welding operation on the workpiece. The controller is capable of monitoring a torque of the actuator to thereby control the FSW device to drive the actuator such that the torque is maintained within a range about a torque setting.

Abstract: A wire feed sensor guide, used in fabrication of semiconductor packages, guides a wire W from a wire source to a wire bonding location. The wire feed sensor guide has a unitary slider 1 that can be manually slid into and out of a fixed portion (2 or 2/3). Slider 1 has a slot SL that guides wire W, and includes a hole S for a sensor wire SW (such as optical fiber) that senses the position of wire W within the slot. Slider 1 also includes an air tube hole A that transmits air to urge wire W from a first position W1 toward a second position W2 during a wire bonding cycle. Advantageously, the unitary nature of the slider (including its air tube hole A and sensor wire hole S) ensure that the air blowing and wire position sensing processes do not require manual adjustment. Moreover, the end of the sensor wire is substantially protected from contamination by being substantially enclosed in the slider 1 and exposed only inside slot SL, thus increasing reliability.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an assembly including a stack of at least two primary parts, the primary parts being joined together around their periphery with the exception of a place forming a passage so as to define between the two of them a cavity, and the primary parts having, facing the cavity, at least one face that is covered, in a pattern, with a stop-off product containing a binder that can be thermally degraded, and a sealed reservoir having an open end, the end being joined in a sealed manner to the passage in the stack so as to allow communication between the internal space of the reservoir and the cavity, the reservoir being placed under a partial vacuum, this being produced so as to be non-deformable at the temperature and at the pressure at which the diffusion bonding of the said stack takes place.

Abstract: A storage container that is foldable between a first, second and third position, and having a generally planar base, a pair of opposing end panels, and a pair of opposing side panels. In the first position, the side panels and end panels are folded to form a generally planar shape. When formed into the second position, the end and side panels are folded generally perpendicular to the base to form an open container shape. In the third position, the base panels, side panels and end panels are folded to form a closed box shape. The base includes a bottom portion located between a pair of base panels. The end panels are foldably connected to the base panels. The side panels are foldably connected to the base and the end panels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a divided bulk bin container and blank. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define container blank. The blank includes a pair of opposed first side panels and a pair of a opposed second side panels coupled with the first side panels. An outer bottom panel is connected with said first side panel and an inner bottom panel is connected with said second side panel. Also, a first divider panel is connected with said outer bottom panel and a second divider panel is connected with said inner bottom panel. Further, a divider slot is formed in said inner bottom panel and said second divider panel. The nature of the divider slot is such that the width of said divider slot is at least twice the thickness of the first divider panel.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus having a counter/lockout mechanism that monitors the number of sterilization/use cycles the electrosurgical apparatus undergoes and indicates the number of sterilization/use cycles that have actually been performed. The counter/lockout mechanism includes a temperature actuated element actuated in response to each sterilization cycle and a mechanically actuated element in response to a use cycle to effectuate a change of one or a plurality of indicia. The counter/lockout mechanism causes a single increment or decrement for each sterilization/use cycle that has been completed while also impeding use of the electrosurgical apparatus when the electrosurgical apparatus has undergone a predetermined number of sterilization/use cycles. In one embodiment, the distance of movement of the mechanically actuated element when fully actuated is greater than the distance the indicator moves when illustrating a change in the number of remaining uses.

Abstract: A wireless payment system allows high speed operation without user intervention with the convenience that cellular phones provide. The system being described uses a wireless stored value module attached to an ordinary cellular phone or embedded in the cellphone's Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. A Reader is installed in points of transaction that communicates with the module and deducts the balance stored in the module for effecting the payment. The transaction is sent by the Reader to a central database to update a copy of the module's balance and perform settlement functions at the end of the day. After every transaction, a SMS or text confirmation is received by the cellphone user which indicates the amount paid and remaining balance in the module. Re-loading of values in the module can be accomplished solely by sending text messages using a cellular phone from anywhere, any time.