Abstract: A device for processing workpieces uses ultrasound, with an resonant system comprising an ultrasound generator, an ultrasound sonotrode, and an anvil, wherein a workpiece is processed between the anvil and the ultrasound sonotrode. The ultrasound generator comprises a regulation means which has a regulation member connected upstream of the ultrasound generator to receive a feedback signal from the resonant system and to generate a regulation variable which is supplied to the ultrasound generator. A connecting point is provided between the regulation member and the ultrasound generator, at which the regulation variable of the regulation member is linked to a process variable from the processing procedure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for processing workpieces using ultrasound, comprising an ultrasound sonotrode and an anvil, wherein a workpiece is processed between the ultrasound sonotrode and the anvil, the ultrasound sonotrode having a recess with open edges in the axial direction and a die is disposed in the recess in the direction towards the workpiece and/or the anvil, the die being displaceable between a rest position retracted into the ultrasound sonotrode and an operating position in which it partially projects out of the ultrasound sonotrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element with a face, which has a concentric annular bead (3), for being friction welded to a flat component (12, 26) by rotational force acting upon the fastening element and a pressing force directed toward the component (12, 26). The annular bead (3) has, in the area of its greatest height (6), a concentric line of contact with the component (12, 26) and is a part of a flange (4), which comprises both the annular bead (3) as well as, outside of the annular bead (3), a concentric groove (7) with an outer wall (25) for repelling rubbed-off parts arising during friction welding, and has a central recess (8) for accommodating the rubbed-off parts, whereby the flange (4), together with its side facing away from the annular bead (3), forms an opposite surface (5) for the pressing force directed toward the component (12, 26) and, together with its outer surface, forms a driver for the rotational force.

Abstract: A wire bonding machine is provided. The wire bonding machine includes (1) a bond site area for holding a semiconductor device during a wire bonding operation, and (2) a gas supply line configured to provide a gas at the bond site area from above the bond site area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selective rework for surface mount components. A shield assembly encloses a circuit board on which Surface Mount Technology (SMT) modules are soldered. The shield assembly includes a top shield member having an opening over an SMT module to be removed from the circuit board, and a bottom shield member having an opening exposing the solder mount of the SMT module to be removed. An intermediate shield member is located in the opening in the top shield member and extends through the opening to the circuit board and surrounds the SMT module to be removed. A spring loaded mechanism is positioned over the intermediate shield member and grips the SMT module to be removed. The spring loaded mechanism applies removal force for removing the SMT module from the circuit board when heat is applied causing the solder holding the SMT module to the circuit board to reflow.

Abstract: A carton is formed from a major blank that may be reinforced at selected locations to increase the strength of the carton. The carton includes gusseted corners that in part form an interior carton volume. The interior volume of the carton can be varied by placing the carton in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Taught herein is a package for holding and storing various types of portable items. A pre-formed tray (12, 26) is configured to receive and store portable items of any size and shape. The tray is attached to a slide card (10), loaded with the items, and inserted into an outer sleeve (100). Receiving recesses (42, 44, 46, 48) hold the items in the tray. An engaging element (22) integral to the card or tray cooperatively engages locking elements and stopping elements (108, 120) integral to the outer sleeve. The cooperative engagement of the elements provides a child-resistant feature and a spill-resistant feature. A release element 130 disengages the child-resistant feature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a container comprising a lower box portion, an upper lid portion and a sliding device, wherein said lower box portion comprises a box bottom wall, a box front wall and a box back wall, wherein the upper lid portion is hinged to the box back wall, wherein the sliding device embraces at least partly the lower box portion, wherein the container is opened by moving the sliding device longitudinally along the lower box portion in a first direction and closed by moving the sliding device longitudinally along the lower box portion in a second, opposite direction, wherein the box back wall comprises a first stopper flap limiting the movement of the sliding device in the first direction and a second stopper flap limiting the movement of the sliding device in the second, opposite direction and wherein the first stopper flap and the second stopper flap are formed by a common incision. The invention further relates to two blanks for making the box and the sliding device.

Abstract: A container comprises a bottom ball, opposite pair of end walls, and opposite pair of side walls. The opposite pair of the end walls foldably joined to opposite ends of the bottom wall and the opposite pair of side walls foldably joined to opposite sides of the bottom wall. The pair of side walls and the pair of end walls cooperating with one another to form an open-top tray. Each of the pair of side walls comprising at least one locking tab integrally formed on at least one end of the respective pair of side walls to securely lock the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls to one another.

Abstract: A stackable container for carrying produce. The container has tapered side walls or end walls to aid in the stacking of like containers. Also, the container has locking flaps that allow the container to be erected manually and without the need for fasteners. Further, at least one tapered wall of the container has a reinforcement flap that creates a partial top structure in the upper part of the container that helps prevent bulging of the walls. The reinforcement flap also creates doubled stacking tabs and diagonal corner posts that aid in the stacking of like containers.

Abstract: A postal receptacle assembly (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) comprises a postal receptacle component (22) which is spatially framed by other components of the postal receptacle assembly. The other components include a horizontally-oriented stoop (24); two columns (26) mounted on the stoop and extending essentially vertically parallel in spaced apart relationship; and, a pediment (28) supported by the two columns. The postal receptacle component (22) is situated in a space (30) framed in two dimensions by the stoop (24), the pediment (28), and the two columns (26). In certain embodiments the postal receptacle assembly is configured to visually emulate the appearance of a building or portion of a building (e.g., a porch). One or more of the assembly components (known as “stylistic” components) may be formed with (or structurally and/or visually convey) selected architectural features.

Abstract: Systems, computer-readable media, and methods are presented for selecting a service entity that utilize a processor, a memory connected to the processor, and program instructions storable in the memory and executable by the processor. Program instructions can execute to receive information from a first entity regarding a particular set of attributes of a second entity, a set of services to be performed by the second entity, and a predetermined compensation for the services. Program instructions can execute to transmit a communication to a second entity that contains the particular set of attributes, the set of services to be performed, and the predetermined compensation. Program instructions can execute to identify a number of second entities to perform the set of services by matching a number of the particular set of attributes received from the first entity. Additionally, program instructions can execute to receive a selection from the first entity of at least one of the number of second entities.

Abstract: An anti-theft lottery ticket includes a substrate, a redemption bar code printed on one side of the substrate, and play symbols printed in a play area on one side of the substrate. The play area is covered with a scratch-off material and a destructible bar code is printed over a portion of the scratch-off material. The portion depends on whether the ticket is a winning ticket or a losing ticket. An enclosure encloses at least one anti-theft lottery ticket, and an activation bar code is attached to the enclosure. Anti-theft lottery ticket methods include scanning the activation bar code, the destructible bar code, and the redemption bar code by a retailer and communicating with an activation-validation database to determine if a lottery ticket is valid and payable.

Abstract: The self service prepay dry cleaning locker system is composed of a unit which houses the software, keyboard, printer, disposable bags and a determinate number of lockers for the available space. The system allows for customers to access a drop off and delivery location for their articles to be dry cleaned. This would be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This would also allow for a dry cleaning establishment to keep their overhead low, while being able to expand their customer base by being accessible outside of normal operating hours.

Abstract: A method of processing a check prior to electronically depositing the check includes receiving the check, determining a number of existing check submission indicating marks, if any, that are present on the check, determining whether the number is less than a pre-set maximum number, discontinuing the processing of the check if it is determined that the number is not less than the pre-set maximum number, and printing a new check submission indicating mark onto the check and continuing the processing of the check if it is determined that the number is less than the pre-set maximum number. The existing check submission indicating marks may be printed with an energy emitting ink, such as, without limitation, a luminescent ink. Also provided is an apparatus adapted to implement the method just described.

Abstract: A method of processing a check prior to electronically depositing the check includes steps of (a) attempting to print a cancellation mark on the check using an energy emitting ink, such as a luminescent ink, (b) radiating first energy, such as UV energy, toward the check, (c) determining whether second energy is emitted from the check as a result of the radiated first energy impinging upon the energy emitting ink present on the check, and (d) allowing the check to proceed to electronic deposit only if it is determined that the second energy is emitted from the check. Also, an apparatus for electronically depositing a check that implements the method.

Abstract: In this RFID card issuing system, manual operations are required only in two steps of: inputting personal information of an RFID card holder to register it in database; and pushing a shutter button of a camera at the photographing, and software controls are employed for the steps of: copying an image file of a computer COM4 from the camera CAM, changing the file name to a suitable name, and registering the name in the database to associate it with the personal information; printing the image file and personal information on a new card NC; and reading an ID number from an inlet stuck to a rear surface of the new card NC during the printing and registering the ID number in the database to associate it with the personal information and image file. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the issuing time and simplify the issuing process of the RFID card.

Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card and a card holder, wherein the package assembly further comprises at least three unique identifiers thereon such that the transaction card may be activated at a point of sale by either a one-step or two-step activation process.

Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card held by a card holder and having a security code spanning the transaction card and the card holder such that upon removal of the transaction card from the card holder, the security code is broken and a portion of the security code remains on the transaction card and a portion of the security code remains on the card holder.

Abstract: An identification verification system includes a combination of indicia that represent measurable characteristics mapped into a characteristic signature, and an indicia detector for detecting the characteristic signature and verifying authenticity of the characteristic signature.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for managing multiple smart card sessions with multiple communications or computing devices in association with a single smart card reader. A wireless smart card reader is provided for communicating with a plurality of devices requiring smart card functionality in a number of smart card sessions, in which each smart card session is addressed with an identifier identifying a single device. The smart card session is secured by a wireless connection pairing and by a secure pairing, such that each connection between the smart card reader and a device is secured against all other devices in communication with the smart card reader using a master connection key, which is unique for each device.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow service-to-device mapping using genetic algorithm logic by which services are mapped onto best-suited smart items selected from a plurality of smart items of a sensor network. As part of the mapping, and/or subsequent thereto, a deployment of the service(s) onto the smart items is initiated. A sorted repair structure indicating an ordering of services in accordance with a hierarchy of atomic services and composite services based on a composition of services for one or more devices of a sensor network is determined. One or more derived generation structures are determined based on genetic algorithm logic that is operable on the sorted repair structure. A service is mapped onto at least one device of the sensor network, based on one of the derived generation structures. As a result, users may achieve a desired result in a fast, convenient, and reliable manner, even when executing the deployment remotely or automatically.

Abstract: Improved optical data cards 20, and compatibly-configured systems, methods, and software are useful in advertising, communications, and the completion of on-line and other electronically-processed transactions. Optical data cards 20 comprise optically readable data comprising unique card identifiers and seating devices configured for seating the cards 20 in an optical reading devices. When used in accordance with suitably-configured systems and processes, the cards 20 are useful, for example, in furthering secure electronic transactions in goods and services.

Abstract: A prepay receptacle for dry cleaning drop-off. This unit is houses the merchant card swiping device, software, printer, disposable bags and wire basket on rollers. This single unit will allow a customer to prepay and deposit their articles to be dry cleaned, at their convenience. The customer will be able to place their articles in disposable bags for sanitation purposes. This protects them and the personnel from the dry cleaning establishment. The software is point-of-sale and user friendly. The unit is portable, so there is the convenience to place the unit anywhere the dry cleaning establishment desires. The unit is operational by plugging into standard 110V and a DSL line for transmission of data from the software.

Abstract: A biometric identification system which uses a UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) tag storing a first set of specified biometric information on an identity card; which bears a facial picture of the card carrier. An identification system comprising an antenna using radio frequency signals and a reader is used to read the first set of specified biometric information from the tag when the identify card is within sensing range of the identification system. A camera captures and digitalizes the facial features of the card carrier when the card carrier approaches a designated area and transmits this digital data to a computer which compares the first set of specified biometric information obtained by the reader from the identity card and the second set of digital facial information obtained from the camera to the stored biometric information to determine if the two sets of biometric information are a match.

Abstract: A card payment system includes a purchases assistance system linking online merchants of goods or services, including digital goods, with the operator of the card issuance system. Merchants can use the purchases assistance system to seek help from the Issuer for resolving disputes related to purchases of digital goods of which the provisioning may have failed, to trade better commercial terms from the Issuer in exchange for providing details of products purchased by cardholders, to verify the balance of debit cards and request a reservation of funds from the Issuer to lower their financial risks prior to certain types of transactions, or to signal to the Issuer special loyalty rewards associated with specific purchases.

Abstract: An interactive kiosk that can be placed in a retail environment. The kiosk includes a main body portion, a plurality of user interfaces disposed on the outer face of the main body portion, dispensing system disposed in the interior of the main body portion, and a central processing unit. The main body portion has an inner face, an outer face, an interior and an exterior, and includes a plurality of dispensing slots defined therein. The dispensing system includes first and second rows of dispensers disposed on the inner face of the main body portion. Each of the dispensers is in electrical communication with the central processing unit. The dispensing system also includes a top funnel having an opening defined therein associated with the first row of dispensers, and a bottom funnel having an opening defined therein associated with the second row of dispensers. The dispensing system also includes a slide tray assembly disposed below the at least one funnel.

Abstract: In a network advertisement system, an information processing section includes a module to store, when sales or service operation is conducted for a first terminal, purchase history of articles or services of the first terminal; and a Social Network Service includes an extraction module to extract, on receiving from the module a notification of the reception of the article or service by the first terminal, registered users related to the user of the first terminal. The SNS notifies the reception of the article or service by the first terminal to terminals of the registered users thus extracted. When a second terminal receives purchase of an article or provision of a service on the basis of the notification of purchase information of plural users, a degree of contribution to the sales promotion is expressed by a numeric value for each of the plural users by referring to the shop server and the SNS to reflect the degree of contribution to the affiliate.

Abstract: An active matrix emissive display (ED) is disclosed that also includes optical scanning capability. Each display pixel is independently addressable and independently internally driven for light generation. Each display pixel is also given the ability to be coupled to detection circuitry in order to sense currents or voltages that are optically generated or leaked by its internal LED when exposed to light (and thus acting in a photodiode capacity). Since the intensity of the light illuminating the diode determines the magnitude of generated currents and/or voltages or leakage current through the diode (when reverse biased), these sensed currents or voltages give an indication of the intensity of the light striking the pixel. In this manner, active matrix ED pixels are configured to serve the dual purpose of being able to generate and detect light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling plant products based on laser activation of a color-changing compound is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a nozzle sprays a coating of photosensitive material containing color-changing chemical component. An optional drying station is set up to optimize homogeneity and adhesiveness of the color-changing coating. A laser equipped with beam steering optics is used to image the desired mark on the plant product by inducing a change of color in the photosensitive coating, without contacting the plant product skin and at a high speed. An optional nozzle sprays a sealant coating after printing, for extended durability of the imaged label. In addition, an optical sensor detects the incoming plant product, determines its size and sends information for selecting the proper label to be imaged. An additional optical sensor can be placed at the end of the process to verify the quality and legibility of the imaged label.

Abstract: A bar code or two dimensional symbol reading device is properly configured by displaying a symbol or barcode having the properties required for configuration on a computer screen, capturing an image from the computer screen, and then configuring the symbol reading device appropriately. The symbol reading device may also require user confirmation, and may display the parameters with which it is configured on a computer screen.

Abstract: A position indicator that uses light and a light tight cover with ports installed over a clear tube and an internal moveable sensor with both light blocking and collecting/reflecting properties inside the tube to show a position by means of a light path and view port. The position can be read locally with the eye or remotely with an optical fiber or optical device from the view port.

Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card connected to a first panel via a releasable interface, wherein the first panel is affixed to a second panel such that upon releasing the interface, the first panel remains affixed to the second panel and the transaction card is released from the package assembly.

Abstract: A flash memory mass storage drive stores user files in a convenient credit card sized drive. Embodiments function as both a credit card and a mass storage drive. Communication may be through a host interface connector such as a USB connector, a magnetic interface, a smart card interface, and/or a near field communication interface. In certain embodiments the drive comprises a portion that is sufficiently thin to be swiped through a standard credit card, ATM, or point of sale device. The USB connector of the drive can easily be plugged into even a crowded receptacle of a host computing device.

Abstract: A system of adjusting the temperature set point of a cooling system and measuring the temperature of an environment, a temperature sensing assembly (1) for monitoring, a method of measuring and adjusting the temperature set point are described. The a temperature set point adjusting and a temperature of an environment measuring system for a cooling system comprises a sensing assembly (1), a processing unit (20), the sensing assembly (1) comprising a ser of winding turns (2), an interaction element (3) detachably associable with the set of turns (2), the set of turns (2) being subjected to a sampling voltage (Vp) and having a resistance (RS) and the system (10) measuring the temperature of the environment (Ts) from the alteration of the resistance (Rs) of the set of turns (2).

Abstract: A device for controlling a temperature of a fluid includes a plurality of valve assemblies, each coupled to a cold fluid supply, a hot fluid supply, and an outlet line. An orifice is coupled to each outlet line and to a combined outlet line that is common to all orifices. Each of the orifices has a proportionally different flow area. Hot and cold fluid supply temperature sensing elements are coupled to supplies. A controller is coupled to the hot and cold fluid supply temperature sensing elements and the plurality of valve assemblies. The controller selectively couples one of the cold fluid supply or the hot fluid supply to the outlet line for each of the plurality of valve assemblies responsive to the cold fluid supply temperature sensing element, the hot fluid supply temperature sensing element, and a desired temperature in the combined outlet line.

Abstract: A freeze resistant pipe assembly including a pipe T having a valve mechanism for draining fluid from the pipe T defining a fluid flow path therethrough, wherein the valve mechanism is operatively connected to a bottom portion of the pipe T and below the fluid flow path, and further including a drain operatively connected to the pipe T below the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A flow regulating article is provided. The flow regulating article, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a patterned structure. The patterned structure includes a shape memory alloy capable of changing shape at predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: A flow control valve for selectively routing a coolant in a dual-zone heater system is provided. The flow control valve includes a housing and a flow control device. The housing includes an inlet port, a bypass outlet, a front heater outlet, and a rear heater outlet communicating through an internal cavity. The flow control device, which can be a cylinder, sphere, etc., is rotatably positioned in the internal cavity. The flow control device has an axial channel and generally radial aperture. The axial channel transports the coolant received from the inlet port through the flow control device, and the aperture delivers the coolant to one or more of the bypass outlet, the front heater outlet, and the rear heater outlet as the flow control device is rotated. In this way the circuit is not deadheaded.

Abstract: A perfume device with changeable appearance includes a casing and a decoration plate. A coupling section is arranged on one side of the casing and the casing includes an accommodation space. The accommodation space is used for placement of essence. The casing includes a plurality of air outlets. The decoration plate is replaceably connected to the casing and includes a connection part on backside thereof and pattern on front side thereof. The connection part is fit with the coupling section. Therefore, user can replace decoration plate with pattern fit with odor of essence to achieve visual display effect.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to disseminate volatile liquid into an atmosphere from a reservoir, the transfer to atmosphere being achieved by means of a porous transfer member that transfers liquid from the reservoir to an evaporation surface. The evaporation surface is a capillary sheet substantially transversely from the transfer member, and being further characterized in that the material of the sheet is a plastics material having a Shore D hardness of from around 50 to 80 and a thickness of from 0.75-1.25 mm. These sheets make especially good liquid transfer contact with the transfer member.

Abstract: A shower device includes: a driving unit including a housing and a core allowed to reciprocate by water which is introduced into the housing; a shower part allowed to swing; a water guide channel introducing water which is introduced into the housing to the shower part; and a power transmission part transmitting a motion of the core to the shower part. The shower part sprinkles water while swinging when water is introduced into the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for spraying texture material including a body, a pressurized air source mounted on the body, a texture material hopper mounted on the body, and a texture delivery nozzle for selectively spraying texture material from the hopper onto a surface to be coated by propelling the texture material using pressurized air from the pressurized air source wherein each of the air source and the hopper can be disconnected from the body without the use of tools.

Abstract: A low-volume atomiser for agricultural use is described, and an anti-drip device therefor, of the type comprising at least a tank (S) for a treatment liquid, a blower (V) to determine an airblast in delivery ducts (1) of delivery assemblies, and a system feeding the liquid to the delivery ducts (1) comprising at least one common manifold (2) with multiple branches from which a series of small pipes (4) depart connecting to respective delivery ducts, said liquid flowing in the small pipes (4) by depression, wherein between said common manifold (2) and each of said small pipes (4), at the bottom of said pipes, at least one check valve (6) is provided which prevents reflux of the treatment liquid towards the common manifold (2).

Abstract: A shower head comprising a pair of plates, for dispensing and closing, directly facing each other relative to an axial direction. A seal is directly arranged and pinched in compression between the plates so as to sealingly delimit with the plates a fluid collecting chamber. The shower head is especially thin, inexpensive to manufacture and to assemble.

Abstract: A sprayhead especially suited for coupling to an extension hose for use in a pull-out kitchen faucet, the sprayhead including a selector subassembly for choosing between both spray and aerate modes, and a volume control built in to the sprayhead. The selector subassembly is engaged to a detent finger-button mounted on the housing that selectively diverts water flowing through an aerated flow path to an alternate spray flow path, thereby allowing manual selection between spray mode and aerate mode. The volume control is a slide switch on the housing and coupled to a rotary valve assembly for allowing the user to adjust the flow volume when in spray mode without affecting water volume in the aerate mode. When in aerate mode water is expelled from the sprayhead through an aerator output, and when in spray mode water is expelled through a series of nozzles oriented radially around the aerator output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube system for supplying a fluid, preferably for subsoil irrigation. Said tube system consists of an inner tube (2) which supplies the fluid and is arranged inside an outer tube (1?) at a distance therefrom. A buffer volume is formed between the inner tube (2) and the outer tube (1), said buffer volume being sub-divided into provision chambers (8) by constrictions (7) of the outer tube (1?). The fluid (3) supplied by means of the inner tube (2) enters the chambers (8) by means of portioning holes (4). The outer tube (1?) preferably consists of a porous material. In order to fill the buffer volume (5) with a fluid, the cross-section of the openings of the outer tube (1) is essentially smaller than the cross-section of the portioning holes (4) of the inner tube (2). To this end, the inner tube (2) consists of a fluid-impermeable material, and the outer tube consists of a porous or perforated material.

Abstract: A food processing appliance for multiple purposes having one or more driven blades. A motorized, electrically powered reciprocating blade food preparation appliance that performs similar tasks as a mandoline slicer and, optionally, has a rotational blade that is mounted and driven in a novel manner to conserve space and make efficient use of a motor.

Abstract: A wattle manufacturing system generally includes a hopper having an inlet for receiving a supply of straw, a loosening mechanism for loosening the straw when the straw is placed in or near the hopper inlet, a compaction chamber positioned to receive the loosened straw from the hopper, and a discharge conduit in communication with the compaction chamber. The discharge conduit may be in the form of a generally cylindrical tube, hereinafter sometimes referred to as an ejection tube, and generally includes a discharge end adapted to hold a netting material, for example a tubular shaped netting material, suitable to contain compacted straw. The netting material may be provided in a cartridge form which is structured to be coupled to the discharge end of the ejection tube.

Abstract: A reel that includes: an upper flange and a lower flange that retain width direction edge portions of a recording tape; a lower circular cylinder portion disposed extending upward from an upper surface of the lower flange on the same circumference as the axial center of the lower flange; a hub that is fitted over the outside of the lower circular cylinder portion and around which the recording tape is wound; a rotational detent member that regulates movement of the hub in the circumferential direction with respect to the lower flange; and an upper circular cylinder portion that extends downward from an undersurface of the upper flange and is welded to an end surface of the lower circular cylinder portion such that the hub is interposed and held between the upper flange and the lower flange. A recording tape cartridge that includes this reel.