Abstract: A personal protection device for emitting a loud noise and/or directing a spray toward an attacking person, including a sound producing canister, a deterrent spray canister, and a trigger corresponding with both the sound producing canister and the deterrent spray canister, such that when the trigger is depressed, the spray canister releases a deterrent spray, and the sound producing canister releases a sound. The personal protection device may include a cap that locks over the trigger for protecting the trigger from being accidentally pushed.

Abstract: A liquid metered dispensing squeeze bottle includes: (a.) a squeezable container having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom at one end and a bottom at the other end; (b.) a nonflexible trap chamber of a predetermined volume, connected to the opening of the container; (c.) a dip tube, and (d.) a one way valve at the bottom of the dip tube. There is an inlet leg that freely rotates around the bottom of the dip tube and a drive mechanism, such as a counterweight or a float, to assure that the leg extends into an air pocket when the container is tilted for liquid squeeze dispensing.

Abstract: A fertilizing system and a method for fertilizing are provided. The system includes: a first chamber, a first piston, a second chamber, a fertilized inlet, a fertilizer outlet and a fluid inlet. The first piston is adapted to reciprocate within the first chamber at least partially in response to a flow of fluid from the fluid inlet. The second piston is adapted to reciprocate within the second chamber at least partially in response to the reciprocal movement of the first piston. The second piston selectively enables a fertilizer to flow from the fertilizer inlet to the fertilizer outlet.

Abstract: A discharge container includes a cylindrical container body with a bottom which includes a support extending upward from a bottom wall along a center axis, and a fixed partitioning plate extending from a region from a peripheral wall to a bottom wall as a base end to partition the inside of the container body in a radial direction; a rotor which includes a cylindrical shaft piece rotatably engaging with the outer surface of the support, and a rotatable partitioning plate extending from the cylindrical shaft piece as a base end to be arranged in a radial direction along with the fixed partitioning plate; and a cylindrical lid with a top which has a top wall having a saucer-shaped upper surface, and a downwardly extending shaft extending downwardly from the lower surface of the top wall and engaging with the cylindrical shaft piece from above such that the downwardly extending shaft cannot rotate therein, the lid covering the cylindrical opening as a lid and rotatably engaging with the cylindrical opening, wher

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device has a chamber (11) for a liquid. The chamber has first and second openings (17), (18); a one way valve (19) retained in the first opening to allow liquid flow only out of the chamber; and a closure (13) slidably retained in the chamber to close the second opening. The closure has an actuator (22, 24) with a flexible element (21) which, extends into the chamber reducing its volume and thereby causing liquid to be expelled from the chamber through the valve. The closure slides in the chamber to reduce the volume of the chamber by the amount of the dispensed liquid.

Abstract: A valve includes a shell defining a space and an aperture through which gas can go into the space. A tube is movable in the space of the shell between a first position for opening the aperture of the shell and a second position for closing the aperture of the shell. The tube includes a tunnel defined therein and an internal annular flange formed on the wall of the tunnel. A seal is located between the tube and the shell. A spring is compressed between the tube and the shell. A core is located in the tube so as to abut the internal annular flange of the tube in the first position of the tube. A rod is formed on a closed end of the space of the shell so as to push the core from the internal annular flange of the tube in the second position of the tube.

Abstract: A closure for a container adapted to contain a liquid comprising: (a) a base adapted to be attached to an opening of a fluid container, the base including a conduit extending therethrough that is adapted to be in fluid communication with fluid contents of the fluid container when attached to the opening of the fluid container, and the base further including a spout guide defining at least a portion of the conduit and having an annular deck extending inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the base, defining an orifice in fluid communication with the conduit; (b) a spout mounted to the spout guide for reciprocation between an open position and a closed position, the spout including a plug having a leading end adapted to allow fluid flow through the orifice when the spout is in the open position; and (c) a discrete sealing member coupled to at least one of the spout and the base, adapted to be at least partially displaced to provide a fluidic seal between at least one of the spout and the base to seal

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a container, a pump assembly and a bleed valve. The pump assembly is connected to the container selectively pressurizing the container and includes an outlet port. The outlet port has a check valve precluding flow from the container through the outlet port. The bleed valve is in communication with an aperture formed through the container. The bleed valve relieves excess pressure in the container.

Abstract: A dispenser control system for a washing machine having at least one electrically operated device includes a controller; at least one fluid transfer mechanism in communication with said controller and in fluid communication with said washing machine; a magnetic field sensor removably connected to an exterior housing of said electrically operated device, said connection made by a surface mount mechanical connector; and means for communicating a signal from said magnetic field sensor to said controller, said signal generated by said magnetic field sensor in response to detection by said sensor of a magnetic flux generated by said electrically operated device outside of said housing of said electrically operated device.

Abstract: An electronically controlled actuator in a plumbed water line within a water conditioning management system, having an at least one valve with a valve stem in a plumbed water line within the water conditioning management system, an at least one actuator, an at least one actuator housing, an at least one electronic controller in communication with the actuator, an at least one shaft coupled to the actuator and said valve; an at least one shaft encoding device; and an at least one user interface with multiple indicator elements indicating the position of valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser/applicator (100) comprising a recipient consisting of a body (105) and a distribution head (120) which is provided with at least one opening (121) and a cap (110) for blocking said distribution head by being axially sunk thereinto.

Abstract: An improved backpack/seat combination includes a main container having a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior volume and a top lid enclosing the interior volume, the main container constructed of a rigid material and at least one backpack strap mounted on the main container. A seat back/lumbar support structure includes a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on a seat back support bar, the seat back support bar at least one of adjustably, pivotably and movably mounted on the main container. Finally, the seat back/lumbar support pad is movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent the rear wall of the container box and towards the base wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above the top lid of the container box by at least one of adjusting, pivoting and moving the seat back support bar.

Abstract: A utility belt, especially for use by medical personnel, has a first strip of material adapted to encircle the waist of a person wearing the belt, and a second strip attached to an outer face of the first strip. The second strip has one or more partial loops formed therein, defining attaching points for connection of one or more items to the belt. At least one of the items is connected to the belt by an extensible device that permits the item to be pulled away from the belt and used without disconnecting it from the belt. The belt is made of a material that can be washed and sterilized.

Abstract: A device for carrying a portable computer having four corners includes a loop-shaped support including four loop portions spaced-apart and connected by three connector portions and a handle portion. Each of the loop portions forms an opening for receiving one of the corners of the computer. The support comprises elastic shock cord so that the support is stretchable over the computer with corners of the computer received in the openings of the loop portions to secure the support to the computer. The user carries the portable computer by grasping and holding the handle portion with the computer hanging therefrom.

Abstract: A carrying arrangement for a hand-guided power tool has a carrying element to be guided across a shoulder of an operator and a shoulder support arranged slidably in a longitudinal direction on the carrying element. A friction-reducing element for reducing friction between the carrying element and the shoulder support is provided. The shoulder support has a shoulder section and a lateral support section connected to the shoulder section. The carrying element is arranged on the shoulder section and the lateral support section rests against a side of the operator. In this way, excellent force distribution during operation is ensured.

Abstract: Existing invention directs to map holder (1; 101) considered to be used in activities with vehicles, comprising a map holder party (7: 107) and a vehicle fixation (3; 103), at which mentioned map holder party (7; 107) include a surface spread support element (9; 109) that is arranged to be fixed on the vehicle with mentioned vehicle fixation (3; 103), at which mentioned support element (9; 109) consists a support for a turn able take up of a mutually surface spread map carrying element (11; 111).

Abstract: In an object carrier for supporting apparatus such as a minicomputer, a navigation apparatus or cell phones, which carrier comprises a foot adapted to be attached to a support surface, a top part for supporting an apparatus holder or directly an apparatus, and a flexible arm extending between the foot and the top part, the flexible arm is releasably connectible at least to the foot by a plug-in connection consisting of a receptacle part formed at least in the foot for receiving an end of the flexible arm in a rotationally fixed relationship and the plug-in connection further includes locking means for firmly retaining, and releasably locking, the end of the flexible arm in the foot and respectively, top part.

Abstract: Improvements for a carrier configured to be mounted on a roof of a vehicle, including a removable floor cover configured to provide a protective layer on the floor of the carrier and/or to dampen sound produced within the carrier. In some embodiments, the cover may include floor conforming structures such as ribs or apertures, to conform the cover to the floor of the carrier and/or to accommodate mounting structures attached to or integral with the floor of the carrier.

Abstract: An accessory adapter for a motorized personal transporter, which includes a bracket, a support member attached to the bracket, and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is mounted on an outer wheel nut of a wheel of the transporter, while the bracket is attached to a wheel assembly of the transporter. An inner connecting member of the bracket is connected to an inner portion of the wheel assembly of the transporter, while an outer connecting member of the bracket engages the bearing assembly. The outer connecting member of the bracket includes a concave cavity in which the bearing assembly lies, thereby allowing the wheel of the transporter to spin freely and brace the weight of the accessory. The support member may include a pair of prongs, which are connected to the bracket, and a neck that contains a plurality of holes which enables a user to connect accessories to the adapter, such as video camera equipment, golf bags, hunting rifles, and other personal items.

Abstract: A carrier device that is adapted to be attached to a bicycle or other transport vehicle for transporting preferably a skateboard or other equipment. One portion of the carrier device such as a clamp member can be connected to a bicycle, preferably the handlebar thereof. A skateboard is securely and firmly connected to a board rack or bracket of the carrier device by a securing mechanism. The board bracket can accommodate skateboards of numerous sizes or widths. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier device and skateboard are mounted so that balance of the bicycle is maintained and the rider's hands remain free to control the handlebar of the bicycle.

Abstract: A caddy device for carrying and organizing articles being transported in a vehicle. The caddy is user-configurable to one or multiple individual compartments for optimizing their dimensions for carrying, holding and organizing articles such as filled shopping bags or food and drinks. Employing multiple dividers the device may be deployed to numerous different positions to adjust the compartment size. An optional cooler bag for transport of cold items is also engagable within the compartments.

Abstract: This is a personal carrying device or holster for any electronic device a person might carry. The design is applicable to a wide variety of electronic devices of different manufacturers, models and instruments. It is intended to be attached to a person's waist band or belt, or attached to a carry strap such as an over the shoulder strap or purse strap. It is made of one piece heavyweight leather with Velcro closure and double belt loop design for secure attachment to user or user's personal belongings.

Abstract: An adjustable depth control device for a fastener driving tool has an attachment member which is used to couple the adjustable depth control device to the fastener driving tool. An adjustment member is coupled to the attachment member to adjust and control a driving depth of the fastener driving tool. A stopping head is formed on a rivet die of the fastener driving tool for keeping the rivet die in a chamber of the fastener driving tool and for limiting a distance the rivet die will travel.

Abstract: The nail presser lid structure for a nailer includes a coupling end and a swinging end. The swinging end is provided with a flexible presser, formed of a presser portion and a spring. The presser portion protrudes from the swinging end to press on the closing side of the removable cover. An inclined guide plane is placed outside of the presser portion. When the removable cover presses the inclined guide plane, the presser portion is forced to return and press the spring to accumulate elastic restoring force. When the closing side of the removable cover overpasses the inclined guide plane, the presser portion will recover again and press the positioning portion of the closing side, such that the nail presser lid and removable cover of the nail box are closed flexibly, offering greater operational friendliness and practicability.

Abstract: A hammer tacker (1), which is used to drive staples (8) into a work piece (7) and which hammer tacker comprises a handle (2) and a magazine (3) which magazine includes a magazine house (4) and a magazine rail (5) which rail is connected to the magazine in such a way that it in its front end (6) can be moved in to and out of (P) the magazine house and in which magazine staples are stored which staples by a feeding device (24) arranged in the magazine are fed to an outlet opening (25) placed in the front end of the magazine and through which outlet opening a fed staple by a driver blade (10) housed in the magazine and arranged to a driver (9) in a driving punch (D) drives the staple into the work piece, wherein the driver (9) is attached to the magazine (3) on the magazines outer side (19).

Abstract: A method for forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor includes forming a capacitor bottom plate and a metal interconnect feature on a substrate. A dielectric layer having a predetermined thickness is then formed. The dielectric layer has a first portion overlying the capacitor bottom plate and a second portion overlying the metal interconnect feature. The dielectric layer is processed to adjust the thickness of the first portion of the dielectric layer relative the thickness of the second portion of the dielectric layer. Processing can include etching the first portion of the dielectric layer or adding dielectric material to the second portion of the dielectric layer. A capacitor top plate is formed over the first portion of the dielectric layer to complete the MIM structure.

Abstract: A wire bonder (900) with a rigid pedestal (902) having resilient inserts (920). A package (904) placed on the pedestal (902) contains an electrical device (906). The bond pads on the electrical device (906) are electrically connected to bond pads on the package (904) by a series of bond wires (908) through use of a well know bonding process. A vacuum source holds the package (904) against the pedestal (902) deforming the resilient strips (920) located in the rigid member (902) of the pedestal and ensuring good contact between the ground pads of the package (904) and conductive resilient members (920). The resilient members (920) are conductive and electrically connect the package grounds to a system ground (922).

Abstract: A surface mounting assembly (SMA) process for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB), with the SMA process including the steps of: providing a circuit board with a plurality of metallic pads; depositing solder paste on at least a portion of the plurality of metallic pads; and mounting at least one electrical component having a metallic portion and a non-metallic portion onto the circuit board with at least some of the non-metallic portion contacting the solder paste.

Abstract: A through hole is formed in a printed board. Conductor patterns are formed on an upper face and a lower face of the printed board in such a manner that the conductor patterns are electrically connected to each other, by means of a through hole solder. A lead terminal of an electronic component is inserted into the through hole and soldered with a lead free solder. According to this invention, an area of an opening of the through hole is set to be four times or more as large as a cross sectional area of the lead terminal. In this manner, heat conduction on occasion of soldering can be enhanced, and the soldering can be favorably performed, even when the lead free solder having a high melting point is used.

Abstract: A horn-holder pivot type bonding apparatus including a horn holder for holding an ultrasonic horn, and a motor for driving the horn holder to pivot, with an imaginary pivot point of the horn holder being positionally fixed on a bonding surface. The motor is provided substantially in the center of the upper portion of the horn holder. The horn holder is formed with circular arc sections in the forward and rearward portions with respect to the imaginary pivot point; and a bonding head has, at portions corresponding to the circular arc sections of the horn holder, forward and rearward cams so that the cams are pivotable by supporting shafts. The forward and rearward cams have circular arc sections that contact the circular arc sections of the horn holder, the circular arc shape of the circular arc sections of the forward and rearward cams being centered on the supporting shafts.

Abstract: A method for connecting at least two metal layers by means of a diffusion soldering process, wherein each of the metal layers that is to be connected is plated with a respective solder layer prior to the diffusion soldering process.

Abstract: A solid wood postcard formed in the shape of a recognizable image in silhouette, such as a state or a local landmark, having a mailing graphic and a message graphic affixed thereto, whereby the postcard is suitably adapted to be placed directly in the mails for delivery without need for an envelope or exterior packaging; the postcard optionally bearing a graphic logo on either side, said graphic logo being optionally customizable, and the postcard also optionally prepared with appropriate postage affixed thereto, for the convenience of the purchaser. A method for preparing and delivering said postcard.

Abstract: A carton has a multi-ply handle formed from sections of two overlapping panels.

Abstract: In a paper processing apparatus including a loading unit, pickup mechanism, color detection unit, pickup control unit, discrimination unit, collecting unit, and rejecting unit, partition cards having colored areas and medium are loaded into the loading unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system to automatically display the seating assignment of an attendee. The system comprises a processor in electronic communication with a database, an electronic reader and a display screen. The attendee wears a badge which comprises at least an computer readable portion itself comprising an identification number or code. When the electronic reader reads the identification number from the badge, the name and the seating assignment of the attendee are retrieved from the database and displayed on the display screen. A method is also provided thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for product information coding and authentication for product tracking purposes are disclosed here. One embodiment includes generating a plurality of product codes, each product code being a unit level code that is unique for each item, maintaining product information associated with the plurality of product codes of a plurality of items, and providing at least part of the product information associated with a product code of an item in response to receiving a request to authenticate whether the product code is one of the generated product codes.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing system for a self-service terminal and a media cassette for use in such a self-service terminal. The sensing system for a self-service terminal comprises an aerial comprising at least one receive circuit and a processor arranged in use to determine the position of a first resonant circuit mounted in a media cassette inserted into the terminal based on a signal received via the aerial.

Abstract: A detachable media pick unit is provided for use in an Automated Teller Machine dispenser unit. The pick unit comprises pick components, a transport mechanism and at least one motor, which is arranged to drive at least one of the pick components and the transport mechanism. The pick unit is detachably mountable in to a dispenser unit when in use. The media pick unit may also comprise a vacuum pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for processing a document involving the automatic removal of text from a predetermined area of a document, the method comprising inputting a bitmap containing the predetermined area of the document from which the text will be removed wherein the predetermined area contains handwritten strokes, detecting the text, removing the text and any handwritten strokes that intersect with the text and outputting the bitmap with the text removed therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and systems for validating a negotiable instrument. One method can include obtaining an electronic image of the negotiable instrument, electronically determining a first value and a second value of the negotiable instrument based on the electronic image, and automatically validating the negotiable instrument if the first value is substantially equal to the second value.

Abstract: A system and method for replenishing a wireless terminal account of a customer of a telecommunication service provider. In one embodiment the method includes transmitting through a point-of-sale device a merchant identification, a customer mobile identification number and an amount to the telecommunication service provider. The method also includes validating the merchant identification and crediting the customer account. The method may include delivering a merchant confirmation to the point-of-sale device and delivering a customer confirmation to the customer's wireless terminal.

Abstract: Check processing involves scanning a back of a check having no authorization data printed thereon, electronically generating authorization data indicating that processing a check payment has been completed, and generating an electronic merged image by electronically combining back image data captured during the scanning of the back of the check with generated authorization data, such that, in the electronic merged image, the authorization data appears outside of an endorsement area. Moreover, these operations are performed in a single pass of the check in one direction through a transportation path of a check processing apparatus. No printing of any data is required. The check processing can be embodied in a method, apparatus, or instructions embodied on a machine-readable medium.

Abstract: An original check identifier in MICR format includes separator symbols that do not appear on a typical computer keyboard. When a user is entering a check identifier from a computer or a telephone, the user is instructed to replace the separator symbols with replacement symbols that appear on a typical computer keyboard. The replacement symbols indicate the separation of fields within the check identifier, such as the routing number field, the account number field and the check number field. The entered check identifier with replacement symbols is parsed to distinguish the fields. After the fields are distinguished, the routing number, the account number and the check number of the check identifier are identified.

Abstract: To more rapidly redress identity theft, reports are issued to a person detailing instances in which that person's driver's license, passport, or other government-issued identification documents are presented as a form of ID. These reports can be issued periodically (e.g., integrated with monthly reports aggregating bank and brokerage account information, of the sort provided by Yahoo! and Microsoft Money software), or can be issued by email or text messaging, etc., each time an ID presentment is reported. Upon receiving a report of unfamiliar ID usage (e.g., a report that a driver's license was presented as evidence of age to purchase alcohol in a remote state), the person can take early action to redress apparent identity theft.

Abstract: An envelope for carrying a transaction card is provided. A transaction card is a gift certificate or the like redeemable for additional goods from a retail store or the like. The envelope includes a planar surface having a first side and a second side. A slot is cut into the planar surface and an adhesive is superimposed on the second side of the planar surface. When the envelope is affixed to an object, a pocket forms between the planar surface and the object. The object is in communication with the slot. The transaction card can then be inserted into the slot to securely dispose the transaction card in the envelope. The envelope further includes a concealed promotional material assembly for advancing promotion of the retail store. The concealed promotional material assembly includes promotional material such as a coupon, a scratch-off game, or a scratch-and-sniff sheet, a label concealing the promotional material and an adhesive removably securing the label concealing the promotional material.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus distributes service information related to an electronic transaction to a user who performs the electronic transaction. The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a service information group including the service information, transaction information relating to the electronic transaction, and user information relating to the user; a service information selector that selects the service information to be transmitted to the user from the service information group based on the transaction information and the user information; and a destination address selector that selects, from a plurality of destination addresses associated with the user, a destination address to which the service information selected by the service information selector is to be distributed.

Abstract: A method and system for the resale of prepaid cards and paper gift certificates, which includes as part of the resale process verification of the monetary value represented by such prepaid card or gift certificate.

Abstract: An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code to receive a request to withdraw money using a bank card. A determination is made as to whether a profile is present on the bank card. The money is dispensed using types of currency based on the profile in response to the determination that the profile is present on the bank card.

Abstract: A method of operating a terminal at an airport beyond security screening, the terminal having a housing, a display, a reader configured to read data from an information bearing medium comprising the steps of: reading a personal identification; performing at least one of the following functions: gate check-in; employee access terminal to a jetway; changing seats; ordering meals; accessing frequent flier programs; processing boarding passes; reading passports and displaying flight information. A method of operating a terminal at a restaurant, the terminal being hand held and having a housing, a display, a reader configured to read data from an information bearing medium comprising the steps of: reading personal identification; performing at least one of the following functions: ordering meals; bill payment; displaying menu items; viewing meal order status; and verbal communications.