Abstract: A toothpaste tube squeezing mechanism includes a housing in which a toothpaste tube is stored and a button which is pushed to dispense toothpaste from the tube. The button is connected to a tube squeezing mechanism by a gear system.

Abstract: A transition for dispensing a composition from a container comprising a collar; a spout comprising an opening, said spout being capable of directing the flow of the composition out of the container; a drip concentrating member having at least one drain hole functionally connecting the collar and the spout; wherein the drip concentrating member is at least partially non-planar.

Abstract: A universal wall plate which can be secured to a wall and to which a variety of dispensers can readily be secured and removed with minimal effort, without the need to remove the wall panel and without causing damage to the wall.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a water tank to provide water to a mixing manifold. Liquid concentrate stored in a reservoir feeds to the mixing manifold. Downstream of the mixing manifold is a mixing bowl receiving powdered ingredients from a hopper. Pumps such as peristaltic pumps, move the fluid. The whole process is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A dispensing pump for liquid or pasty products comprising a pump chamber (2) and a piston (6) arranged to move telescopically within the pump chamber between rest and active positions, wherein an inlet valve (5) is provided at one end of the pump chamber. This inlet valve may be locked closed with the piston in its rest position.

Abstract: A universal wall plate which can be secured to a wall and to which a variety of dispensers can readily be secured and removed with minimal effort, without the need to remove the wall panel and without causing damage to the wall.

Abstract: A gyrator feeder that gyrates a dispensing member to uniformly and circumnavigating dispense material by generating a true circular orbital vibratory motion in the dispensing member by either rotating an offset weight along a vertical central axis of the dispensing member or by positioning vibratory motors diametrical opposite from each other on a gyrator housing and synchronizing the vibratory motors with each other to thereby dispense material.

Abstract: A device for the dosed output of a medium from a container through an opening in an upper housing part. A valve piston tip is associated with said opening for the closing thereof. A piston surface, which is pressed against a spring, is adjacent to the valve piston tip and is used as part of a valve piston, which is sealingly guided in a piston chamber in the upper part of the housing and forms a filling chamber which is connected to the container, between the upper part of the housing and the opening.

Abstract: A piston pump in which, when the piston is stored or when the pump is not operative, the piston is received inside a portion of the chamber with the piston in a position having a larger diameter than portions of the chamber in which the piston is received when the piston is operative for pumping.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device includes a fluid bottle, a discharge tube, a pressurizing device coupled between the bottle and the discharge tube for forcing the fluid to flow through the discharge tube without gravity, the pressurizing device includes a container coupled between the bottle and the discharge tube, a piston is slidably received in the container, and a motor is coupled to the piston to move the piston in the reciprocating action within the container, and a speed reduction device is coupled between the motor and the piston for allowing the piston to be actuated by the motor with a reduced driving speed and an increased driving torque.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes several pioneering discoveries. Including, a complete dose (10) of gas (60) formed essentially by motive gas (65). Dose (10) having the form of a plurality of bubbles (75). Also, a pbod ejected from any selected initial velocity. Also, a succession of identical bubbles formed essentially by a motive gas. Pbod systems transport a dose of liquid and a dose of gas to a target via pbod (70). Pbod systems may provide a solution to many various problems in many various technologies.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser head for mounting on an outlet from a fluid dispenser member such as a pump or a valve, the head comprising: an endpiece (1) that is adapted to be mounted on the outlet from the dispenser member; a fluid dispenser nozzle (2) through which the fluid leaves the head; and a flexible hose (3) connecting the endpiece (1) to the nozzle (2); the hose being injection-molded on the endpiece (1) and/or on the nozzle (2).

Abstract: A cartridge arrangement comprises a frangible portion and a guide tube. The frangible portion being substantially housed within the guide tube with an end of the frangible portion being sealed by a clip. A cap attaches to an end of the guide tube by a screw thread. Unscrewing of the cap urges arms, having a portion seated behind the clip, away from the guide tube thereby opening the frangible portion.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle having: (i) an elongate nozzle body having a base portion and a dispensing end; (ii) an internal conduit in the nozzle body for delivering product from the base portion to the dispensing end; (iii) engaging formations on the nozzle for inter-engaging with co-operating engaging formations on a cap, to hold said cap in a position over-fitting the nozzle; and (iv) an external ramp on the nozzle body and against which a co-operating portion on the cap may act, to provide sufficient relative separation force between the cap and the nozzle body, to separate the engaging formations on the cap and the nozzle from an inter-engaged position.

Abstract: A strap-retaining hanger for hanging garments with straps such that the garments do not become entangled with adjacent garments and/or hangers. The strap-retaining hanger includes a main hanger body and one or more strap-retaining components. Each strap-retaining component includes a housing attached to the main body of the hanger. The housing retains therein a strap hook joined to a spring member. An actuator is used to place the spring member in compression to cause protraction of the strap hook out of the housing. When pressure is released from the actuator, the spring compression is released and the strap hook retracted into the housing. The strap hooks hold the straps of the garment and are only exposed when there is a desire to put the garment on the hanger or to take it off the hanger.

Abstract: In a combination hanger and indicator tab, the hanger has a hook extending upward from a body, and forming an angle with the body, with a rib extending around the periphery of the hanger at least in part of the region of the intersection between the hook and the body. The indicator tab has two opposing side walls connected by an end wall. The side walls preferably have a through opening therethrough, while the end walls preferably have a first notch on at least one free side thereof, but more preferably both. A receiving boss extends inward from one or both side walls, the receiving boss having a second notch therein for receiving the rib of the hanger. Optionally, an incline rises from the interior surface of the size wall carrying the receiving boss towards the top of the second notch.

Abstract: What primarily makes this invention unique is how it is used. Most other slings wrap around the user's body causing discomfort and difficulty in transitioning the weapon to the opposite shoulder; this sling attaches to the user's tactical vest at each shoulder, allowing for maximum comfort, weight distribution, and smooth easy transitions to either shoulder. Most other slings remain attached to the weapon; this sling remains attached to the user's tactical vest, but can quickly be removed by two snaps. Most other slings attach to two points on the rifle or shotgun with a strap between the two points, causing the strap(s) of the sling to interfere with the functional operation of the weapon; this sling has a single attachment via the attachment clip with no interference of any kind. All points of attachment are designed for quick release and connection.

Abstract: The invention is a buckle-knife including a housing, a spring mechanism and inserts. The inserts include a pair of knives within the housing and positioned to face towards each other. The knives have blades bearing an aperture and a longitudinal groove adjacent a center section thereof, and protrusions extending from sides of the blades and configured to pass into the apertures in order to hold the blades in a locked position. Also, the invention includes a catch positioned adjacent a center of the housing,. The catch has a stopping plate that is configured to pass through the openings in the blades when the buckle-knife is in the locked position.

Abstract: The golf ball holder generally consisting of an inverted, U-shaped member providing a pair of depending leg sections, one of the leg sections being insertable between a waistband of the clothing of the user and the body of the user, and the other of the leg sections having at least one upwardly opening recess for receiving a golf ball therein, the surface of the recess having a set of protuberances engageable by a golf ball inserted in the recess, an interference-fit relation for retaining said golf ball therein.

Abstract: A cargo box has a bottom portion and a lid. The lid is hinged to the bottom to allow opening on one or more sides. Operation of opening and closing multiple latches is coordinated by an external handle and internal bar assembly.

Abstract: The cargo system of the preferred embodiment includes a container, a first mount coupled to the container, and a second mount coupled to the container for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cargo system is preferably attachable and securable to a roof rack of a vehicle having a first bar and a second bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component (1), particularly for a vehicle, which can pivot about a pivot axis (2) and is provided for interacting with a fastening element (7). Said component (1) comprises a rotating element (3) that can rotate about a rotation axis, this rotation axis (6) forming an angle with the pivot axis (2).

Abstract: A desktop tape dispenser is disclosed. The desktop tape dispenser of the present invention comprises a main body portion, an adjustment portion, a stopping portion and a return portion. A rotation shaft is disposed in the lower middle part of the main body portion. The adjustment portion may be used to set the tape output length. The stopping portion is fitted in the main body portion and has a wheel piece, which extends out of the main body portion and is positioned at a level higher than that of the rotation shaft. A cutter is provided on the front part of the main body portion. A user may set the tape output length with the control piece of the adjustment portion. The desktop tape dispenser of the present invention is easy to use and can reduce the waste of the tape.

Abstract: A pneumatic fastener includes a housing and a handle coupled to the housing. The handle defines an inlet channel for delivering compressed gas to the housing. A trigger valve is in communication with the inlet channel and configured to actuate the pneumatic fastener. A fastener driving assembly is disposed within the housing. The fastener driving assembly includes a cylinder and a piston that reciprocates within the cylinder to drive a fastener. A valve piston is coupled to the fastener driving assembly. Actuation of the valve piston causes compressed air to drive the piston within the cylinder to drive the fastener. An outer cap is coupled to the housing and an inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap. The inner cap includes an opening in communication with the trigger valve for porting the compressed air to a region above the valve piston.

Abstract: A stapler device and a method of stapling an article. The stapler has a striker and a spring for driving the striker to apply a staple. During the stapling cycle, the striker and spring are cocked and loaded prior to being release to apply the staple. While the stapler is in the cocked and loaded position the stapling cycle is automatically interrupted to maintain the spring and the striker in the cocked and loaded position. The stapler device may be then moved to a second location before the interruption is discontinued by an actuator. Once the stapling cycle is continued, the cocked and loaded striker and spring are released to apply a staple. The device is also selectively capable of a second mode of operation wherein the stapling cycle is not interrupted.

Abstract: The nailer comprises a main body, an elongated nail ejection channel in the main body for receiving a nail to be ejected and including a nail outlet leading out of the main body, and a plunger carried within and movable along the nail ejection channel. The nailer also includes an actuator capable of moving the plunger along an ejection axis in the nail ejection channel for selectively ejecting the nail out through the nail outlet. A first guide member is carried by and movable relative to the main body, for engaging a first reference surface outboard of the nailer, and a first adjuster mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the first guide member relative to the main body is also provided. The position of the nail ejection channel can be adjusted relative to the first reference surface with the first adjuster mechanism when the nailer engages the first reference surface with the first guide member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a self-righting anvil assembly is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod and a pivotable anvil head. The surgical stapling device includes an anvil retainer assembly having a locking member in the form of a trocar for moving the anvil head from its tilted position to its operative position upon attachment of the anvil assembly to the stapling device. A cam member is provided to retain the locking member in a first or locked position and, thus, the anvil head in the operative position until after the stapling device has been fired. In another embodiment, a tiltable anvil assembly for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and a head assembly which is pivotally secured to the center rod. The head assembly includes a housing, a post, an anvil plate and a backup member.

Abstract: A transducer is provided that comprises a horn having a longitudinal axis, a bonding tool attached to the horn, and an ultrasonic generator attached to the horn and spaced from the bonding tool along the longitudinal axis of the horn. A flexure is attached to the horn between the bonding tool and the ultrasonic generator for supporting the horn whereby to increase its dynamic rigidity in directions transverse to the longitudinal axis. (FIG.

Abstract: A cordless welding machine includes first and second batteries being connected in parallel, a ground clamp connected to the first and second batteries, and a first welding electrode connected to the first and second batteries. The batteries providing a current output of at least about 40 amps.

Abstract: In the present invention, a plurality of suction ports are provided in a heating plate of a heat processing apparatus. The suction ports are provided at a central portion, an intermediate portion, and a peripheral portion of a substrate mounting surface of the heating plate, respectively. The warped state of the substrate before heat-processed is measured, so that when the substrate warps protruding downward, the suction start timing via a suction port corresponding to the outer peripheral portion of the substrate is set to be relatively early as compared to the suction start timings via the other suction ports, and when the substrate warps protruding upward, the suction start timing via the suction port corresponding to the central portion of the substrate is set to be relatively early as compared to the suction start timings via the other suction ports.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which enable the joining of two materials via ultrasonic welding, including materials normally considered incompatible in traditional ultrasonic welding techniques. The system permits ultrasonic welding of a first material to a second material, the second material including material types normally considered incompatible with the first material and includes an abrader for altering the surface of the material/s to be joined. A first pressure device is operative to vary the position of the abrader and thereby vary the abrasion applied to the materials. An ultrasonic source provides acoustic energy to a weld interface between the materials. A second pressure device is operative to vary the force applied to the interface between the materials while a sensor senses the weld interface temperature.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system includes an ultrasonic welding stack mounted for linear movement and for applying a controlled force, speed, or a combination of force and speed to a first workpiece to press the first workpiece against a second workpiece to which the first workpiece is to be joined, and an electrically powered linear actuator coupled to the ultrasonic welding stack for moving the stack while applying a controlled force, speed, or a combination of force and speed to said stack, the actuator including an electrical servo motor producing rotational mechanical motion and an integrated converter for converting the rotational motion into linear motion. In one specific implementation, a controller is coupled to the linear actuator for controlling the force applied by said actuator to the ultrasonic welding stack, and a sensor is coupled to the servo motor for producing a signal related to the torque produced by the servo motor and supplying that signal to the controller.

Abstract: An arrangement for the welding of cables by means of an ultrasonic welding device with a compression chamber for housing the cables defined by at least sections of a sonotrode transmitting ultrasonic vibrations, a counter electrode and lateral defining elements. In order to guarantee a desired layout for the cables, the components are installed in an insertion space, before closing the compression chamber, the width of which is less than that of the open compression chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spoke with diverse diameters is disclosed. A wire is drawn, and at least two rollers sequentially press the wire to form diverse diameters with circular, oval or flat cross section. A multi-layer spoke with diverse diameters and good roundness is achieved. This method is efficient and reduces manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A method for applying a solder to a substrate by positioning solder in a solid state, melting it and then impacting it against a substrate by means of compressed gas. The method utilizes a holder having a capillary bore whose diameter, at the substrate end, has a contraction whose diameter (D2) is smaller than the diameter (D3) of the solder globule, an energy source connected to the capillary, and a compressed gas source connected to the capillary.

Abstract: A chip module apparatus includes one or more chips electronically connected to a substrate by controlled collapse chip connection (C4) solder joints. A thin cast polymer barrier layer is cast from solution and covers the C4 solder joints. The chips are enclosed within a cavity that includes a gaseous environment. The cast polymer barrier layer is exposed to, and protects the C4 solder joints from, the cavity's gaseous environment. Accordingly, the cast polymer barrier layer is able to protect the C4 solder joints from corrosion caused by corrosion inducing components (e.g., carbon dioxide, moisture, octanoic acid, etc.) present in the cavity's gaseous environment. To provide reworkability, the cast polymer barrier layer is thermally stable at least to the reflow temperature of the C4 solder joints and has a decomposition temperature below that of the substrate, and preferably has a melting point above the reflow temperature of the C4 solder joints.

Abstract: A gift wrapping package is provided which provides enhanced ornamentation and ease of wrapping of gifts for special events. The gift wrapping package includes a flat base and a dome-like cover which forms a central cavity. The dome-like cover is retractable and expandable. In a retracted condition, gifts can be placed within the central cavity. Thereafter, the cover can be closed by expanding and rotating the cover until the dome-like structure is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the gift wrapping package includes a hook or handle for enabling a person to carry a wrapped gift or to hang the gift wrapped package upon objects such as a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A container movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The container comprises a substantially rectangular base panel, four side walls hingedly connected to each other and to the base panel, a median fold line crossing opposite two of the four side walls and the base panel so that each of the opposite side walls and the base panel are foldable along the median fold line, and two bottom fold lines formed on the base panel and extending substantially diagonally across the base panel so that the base panel is also foldable along the bottom fold lines. The side walls of the container have top edges defining an open top of the container. The container is formed of a substantially flat, single-piece blank.

Abstract: A reinforced container assembly and method for making the same are provided. The reinforced container assembly comprises a fiberboard container and a first reinforcement strap. The fiberboard container has a lower portion and an upper portion. The first reinforcement strap wraps continuously around a periphery of the container a plurality of times in a spiraling manner from a starting point of the reinforcement strap to a terminating point of the reinforcement strap. The reinforcement strap physically connects to the container at a first location. The reinforcement strap is further physically connected to the container at second location. The reinforcement strap provides structural support to the fiberboard container to increase the strength of the container assembly.

Abstract: A towelette dispensing carton is provided which includes a deck panel with an elongate through-cut slot, a front panel adjoining the deck panel, a rear panel adjacent the deck panel, a bottom panel flanked on opposite edges by the front and rear panels, and a lid panel partially covering the deck panel. Right and left side panel systems close off ends of the carton. The lid panel features curved and straight sections along a leading edge, the respective sections being formed on opposite sides of a tab projecting from the leading edge, the tab being at a lesser distance (L1) from one of right or left side panel systems than a distance from the other side panel system (L2).

Abstract: A blank and/or carton that provide(s) at least one aperture in at least one end flap to allow exchange of air between an inside of a carton formed from the blank and the outside of the formed carton is provided. The blank and/or carton can include more than one aperture in an end flap, in adjacent end flaps, in end flaps at both ends of the blank or carton, in end flaps at either the exiting end of the carton, the non-exiting end, or both. A method of exchanging air is also described.

Abstract: A method for providing a user interface of a mobile communication terminal having a tap sensitive sensor and a display. The method may include: detecting a first tap in a first direction of the mobile terminal using the tap sensitive sensor; determining a first user input, utilizing the first tap in the first direction; and as a response to the first user input, executing a first set of software code corresponding to the first user input and serving to control at least one display related aspect of the mobile communication terminal. Corresponding mobile communication terminals and computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: A product authentication system includes a carrier for receiving paper currency. The currency bears a unique serial number. The carrier is attached to a product the authenticity of which may need to be verified. The carrier can serve as a hang tag attached to various products, such as designer clothing, shoes, or watches. The carrier is preferably fully transparent to expose the currency embedded within it and to expose the unique serial number. A verification system allows a user, such as a consumer, to enter alphanumeric characters representing the serial number of the currency and includes a data base containing an inventory of serial numbers representing legitimate products to which carriers with unique articles of currency have been attached. The alphanumeric characters are compared with the serial numbers contained in the data base and an output is provided for indicating the authenticity of a product only when the entered alphanumeric characters correspond to a serial number stored in the data base.

Abstract: An ATM can accept a bulk stack of currency notes for deposit from a customer. The ATM includes a stack transporter (400) that can rotate an accepted stack while relocating it to a predetermined location inside of the machine. The stack transporter includes a rotatable housing (406) in which a stack holder (404) is radially movable. The stack holder can receive a currency stack (411) deposited in a fascia opening (412) by a customer. The stack holder is retracted to move the stack away from the opening and into the housing to completely move the stack into the machine. The housing, having the bulk stack therein, is then rotated about an axis (408) to move the stack toward a stack processing area in the machine. The stack holder is then extended to expose a stack end out of the housing for stack processing.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for private information exchange in smart card commerce is disclosed. The method includes, in response to determining that an item of biometric data received on a biometric reader corresponds to an authorized user, unlocking a communication channel on a communication port, exchanging public keys between the user and authorized point of sale, receiving an information request from an external point of sale machine across the communication channel, decrypting an information request and parsing a data token.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security checks, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.

Abstract: A holographic magnetic tape comprising a hidden image pattern for protecting against skimming, alteration and counterfeiting of the data encoded in the holographic magnetic tape. The hidden image pattern in a holographic magnetic tape of a transaction card is used to determine the validity of said transaction card and the holographic magnetic tape. This relieves the clerk at the point-of-sale of visually inspecting card which is generally ineffective.

Abstract: The method for authenticating a mail order or telephone order transaction according to the present invention includes receiving authentication information from a cardholder, providing authentication information to an issuer, and determining whether the authentication information is valid. If the authentication information is valid, the issuer informs the merchant that the transaction is valid. In an embodiment, the issuer may not supply a personal assurance message and/or other confidential cardholder information previously supplied by the cardholder in response to the authentication information.

Abstract: A portable, biometrically-secured device for facilitating various different types of in-person and online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to safely perform in-person financial transactions, such as credit card transactions, in which the user's identity is biometrically authenticated. The portable, biometrically-secured device can also be used for performing biometrically-secured online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to create a secure platform from which to make the online transactions by loading a secure operating system from the device to a host computer's volatile memory. Biometrically-secured online transactions can then be performed using the host computer. In one embodiment, the portable, biometrically-secured device facilitates online financial transactions that can be performed without transmitting a user's financial information to the online merchant.

Abstract: A portable, biometrically-secured device for facilitating various different types of in-person and online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to safely perform in-person financial transactions, such as credit card transactions, in which the user's identity is biometrically authenticated. The portable, biometrically-secured device can also be used for performing biometrically-secured online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to create a secure platform from which to make the online transactions by loading a secure operating system from the device to a host computer's volatile memory. Biometrically-secured online transactions can then be performed using the host computer. In one embodiment, the portable, biometrically-secured device facilitates online financial transactions that can be performed without transmitting a user's financial information to the online merchant.