Abstract: A one-piece container closure with a collar, leaflets hingedly attached to the collar, and thin flexible foldable webs attached to and extending between the leaflets. The leaflets are flat with the webs folded beneath in closed closure position. The leaflets are pivoted upwardly with webs unfolded therebetween in open position. An integral cap is attached to the collar by a snap-action bow-tie hinge. A central pin on the cap seals with the leaflets when the cap is closed. The closure is integrally molded in open position with raised leaflets and unfolded webs, leaflets then being lowered and the webs folded to closed position while the closure is still warm.

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a tube spout fitment includes a panel having a front wall and a back wall. A tube spout fitment is sealed between the front wall and back wall. The tube spout fitment includes a base portion having a seal-engaging surface that is disposed between the front wall and the back wall, and a centrally located passageway. An internal tubular spout projects upwardly from the base portion and has a centrally located passageway that is continuous with the base portion passageway. An external tube is removeably disposed over the internal tube Spout, and includes an upper removable portion having an upper edge that is sealed and a lower retained portion that is fixedly retained on the internal tube spout. A separating mean separates the removable portion of the external tube from the lower retained portion so that the internal tube spout is accessible.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for putting on a support stocking with a frame (1) comprising a stretching device (2) for two stretching jaws (17) each provided with a receiver (20) for the stocking and a self-locking spindle drive (5) for actuating the stretching device (2). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the stretching device (2) comprises stretching arms (3) which are held in a swivellable way in the frame (1), carry the stretching jaws (17) with the stocking receivers (20) and which each act via a guide rod (7) on the spindle drive (5).

Abstract: A chair conversion kit for an H-frame backpack includes left and right chair leg members that connect to the H-frame at left and right hinges. A seat member connects to the leg members and also connects to the H-frame such that, when the leg members are pivoted to a seating position, the seat member extends between the leg member and the H-frame to provide a seating platform. In other embodiments, a shelter fabric and a shelter frame member interact with the backpack and chair conversion kit to provide a shelter.

Abstract: A backpack assembly modified and constructed with a canopy type apparatus having upper and lower frame members. The canopy portion constructed and functioning primarily as canopies commonly used on baby strollers. The canopy consisting of a flange member and a tubular shaped canopy frame member, adjoined to the lower frame which is u-shaped in nature by a connection device that superimposes both frames and secured within by rivets. The flange member having apertures that allow pivotal movement between desired positions. The lower frame being telescopic in nature has notches allowing the canopy to be adjusted upward and downward. Adjustable shoulder and waist straps secure the assembly on the users body. A second set of straps attached to the shoulder straps are pulled forward in a downward motion to quickly and easily raising the canopy to its deployed position.

Abstract: A backpack combines with portable stereo system. The present invention includes a bag portion and a pair of shoulder straps attached to the front surface of the bag portion. Two mini boom boxes connected to each other through an audio frequency wire are respectively attached to the shoulder straps. An audio frequency receiver connected with the two mini boom boxes is set on top of the bag portion. With the idea the present invention employs, it can increase the added value by lowering the costs and therefore enhance the market competitiveness.

Abstract: A dual-strap carrying structure comprises: two hardened, uneasily deformed ring-shaped strap members with a certain width; and a connection belt for connecting the strap members to one another, whereby the strap members are unfoldable. The placement of the strap members is in compliance with human engineering so as to reduce the discomfortness in carrying the bag. At the same time, the weight of the golf bag is shared out between both shoulders. The dual strap carrying structure of the present invention is applicable to the computer handbag and the golf bag as well. The dual-strap carrying structure can be applied to a gold bag by using the hooked belts attached to the lower portion of the strap members. The dual-strap carrying structure can be also applied to a computer handbag by further using a retaining slide ring attached to the lower portion of the strap members.

Abstract: A strap may include a sheath and a fluid-filled bladder at least partially located within the sheath. The bladder has an elongate configuration that defines a first end, an opposite second end, and a central portion located between the first end and the second end. At least the central portion and the second end being unsecured to the sheath. In addition, the strap may include a pair of securing elements configured to join the strap to an article, and at least one of the securing elements may be joined to the second end of the bladder.

Abstract: A cargo carrier incorporates at least one hinge assembly that permits the controlled opening and closing of the cargo carrier door. The hinge assembly includes a torsion bar that has one end fixed with respect to the cargo carrier floor and the other end fixed with respect to the door. One end of the torsion bar rotates with respect to the other end when the door is opened or closed. The door is of sufficient weight that controlled opening and closing of the door is not possible without the aid of the hinge assembly. The door is also allowed to open sufficiently such that the end of the door opposite the hinge can contact the ground thereby forming a ramp.

Abstract: The hitch-mounted Lawn and Garden Tractor/ATV Accessory System provides an assembly for the attachment of one or more accessories, attachments, or implements to a lawn and garden tractor and/or ATV. The hitch-mounted support base of the accessory system accommodates the attachment of numerous accessories. With no restrictions to equipment brands and models, the accessory system is easily transferable from one equipment brand to the next as well as between lawn and garden tractors and ATVs, resulting in maximum versatility in accessory choice and use.

Abstract: A backpack to be carried on the back of user that includes an adjustable rib protector, a hydration system, a tool pack with storage pockets and two extra storage compartments that can be used to carry other miscellaneous items. The backpack can be used in two ways. It can be attached to a chest protector that is commonly used for off road bike riding, or it can be used without the chest protector with two shoulder straps to provide a conventional backpack. The conventional backpack can be used by an off road bike user or vehicle user or with the backpack reconfigured to be used as a backpack for hiking or the like. The backpack is configured in such a manner that the various storage compartments can easily be removed and replaced by different storage compartments for various backpack requirements.

Abstract: Golf bags including a single, off-axis strap arrangement or a dual, off-axis strap arrangement are disclosed. In single, off-axis arrangements, the strap is arranged such that each end of the strap is connected to the golf bag on opposite sides of a spinal axis, wherein one end of the strap is connected proximate an open top end and the other strap is connected intermediate the open top end and a closed bottom end. In dual, off-axis strap arrangements, each end of each strap is connected on opposite sides of the spinal axis, wherein each strap has one end connected proximate an open top end and one end connected intermediate the open top end and a closed bottom end. In addition, the end of each strap that is connected proximate the open top end is connected asymmetrical to each other with respect to a spinal axis of the golf bag.

Abstract: A pack configured to convert from one pouch to more than one pouch by utilizing internal storage of one or more additional pouches made of flexible materials which may be conveniently accessed and expanded from a storage area. The pack is comprised of substantially flexible materials and may be adapted to wear on any part of the body, on another pack, or for various functions to store or transport articles. The pack may be reversibly secured by utilizing straps, hook-and-loop type fasteners, or other convenient attachment. Additional storage areas accessible through covers or feed holes, may be incorporated to store utilitarian articles depending upon the need.

Abstract: A portable, multi-object storage apparatus including a base element that may be adapted to retain credit cards, business cards, folded bills, or similarly sized objects. The storage apparatus may include one or more interchangeable retention elements for securing portable objects of varying dimensions to the base element, and may further include a clip adjustment element for manipulating the orientation of the storage apparatus when attached to an article of clothing. The apparatus conveniently allows the user to attach the apparatus to the user's belt, clothing, or personal item, thus providing easy access to their cell phone, as well as their credit cards, business cards or money, without the need to store each in separate compartments or in the their pockets.

Abstract: A bag dispenser having a sling for supporting a roll of pre-formed bags.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of determining the correct timing of a material release mechanism of a material feed mechanism and includes the steps of: cycling a press mechanism through a working portion of a tooling mechanism; monitoring the press mechanism position; determining, by a location device, the desired timing for the material release mechanism to release contact with material; and correlating the desired material release mechanism timing to the press mechanism position.

Abstract: A nail holding and driving device includes an elongated generally non-magnetically conductive main tube and a magnet movably mounted on the outer wall of the main tube. A nail-driving rod is slidably housed within the main tube, the nail-driving rod being constructed of a magnetically conductive material and having a nail engaging and striking lower impact end face and an impact-receiving upper end. The magnet is operative to magnetize the nail-driving rod through the main tube. The nail-driving rod is operative to magnetically engage a nail to support the nail within the main tube in contact with the nail engaging and striking lower end of the nail-driving rod and drive the nail into the desired location by impact of a nail-driving device with the impact-receiving upper end of the nail-driving rod.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device. According to various embodiments, the stapling device comprises an end effector and a plurality of stacked actuatable wedge band sets. The end effector comprises an anvil having a staple forming surface and a staple cartridge facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a plurality of staple drivers moveable supportable within the staple cartridge. Each staple driver is in contact with one of the staples and configured such that when the staple drivers are actuated, the staple drivers drive the staples through the staple cartridge so that the staples are formed against the staple forming surface of the anvil. Each stacked wedge band set comprises at least two different-level wedge bands for axially traversing the end effector. Each wedge band comprises a wedge cam at its distal end for driving certain ones of the staple drivers when the wedge band is actuated.

Abstract: A contact assembly for mounting to a clamp to provide an earth/ground connection for arc equipment, the assembly comprising an outer metal housing providing a mounting body of generally cylindrical form, a solid metal contact block mounted within the body and extending through an open end of the body to provide a contact surface for establishing electrical contact with a workpiece, a cable connector extending into the interior of the contact body for electrically coupling an earth/ground cable to the contact body, and means for attaching the housing to the clamp such that the contact body is electrically insulated from the clamp.

Abstract: First components and second components in which bumps are formed on the lower surface thereof and laminate structures are formed by mounting them to stack with each other on a circuit board 13 are picked up from a component supply unit 1 using a placement head 16, and by lifting and lowering the placement head 16 holding the first components and the second components relative to a paste transfer device 5 supplying a flux 10 in the manner such as coating films having two types of different thicknesses, the flux 10 is supplied to the bumps of the plurality of components in a bundle using a transfer coating method. With such a configuration, it is possible to efficiently perform a component mounting with a satisfactory adhesiveness by ensuring an optimal amount of application quantity of a paste.

Abstract: A process for bonding insulated wires is provided wherein a conforming free air ball is formed from an insulated wire to create a ball bond. A tip of the insulated wire is first positioned close to an electronic flame-off device and a first electric discharge is produced from the electronic flame-off device to melt the tip of the insulated wire and produce a pilot ball. The electric discharge is then terminated. A second electric discharge is then generated to produce the conforming free air ball, and thereafter, the conforming free air ball is attached to a bonding surface to create the ball bond.

Abstract: An aqueous lubricating composition comprising at least one divalent metal nitrate; at least one alkali metal hydroxide; at least one ionic surfactant; and at least one lubricant/release agent. Upon application to aluminum and titanium, the lubricating composition forms a dry film lubricant stable to heating to a temperature of 200 to 400° C., preferably 1100° C.

Abstract: A method for soldering an electronic component to a substrate is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a metal layer on the substrate; applying a solder material on the metal layer; and performing a thermal process to transfer the solder material into a solder joint so as to connect the electronic component with the substrate. During the thermal process, a portion of the metal layer is introduced into the solder joint, thereby elevating the eutectoid temperature of the solder joint. This invention also provides an electronic device made by this method.

Abstract: An atmospheric shield for isolating a component from an external atmosphere is provided and comprising an envelope, and a base carrying a continuous channel, wherein the base and the envelope are arranged to define an enclosure within which the component to be isolated in use is located and such that a portion of the envelope extends within the continuous channel, wherein a seal is provided within the channel to seal between the envelope and the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining cathode metal sheets to form crude strips that can be coiled and rolled and for the production of metal strips of a constant thickness from crude strips that have been produced from cathode metal sheets of varying thicknesses. The aim of the invention is to produce metal strips of a high purity that are devoid of non-metallic inclusions. Strips produced in prior art are either limited in their dimensions, or a high-purity and the elimination of inclusions can only be achieved with high scrap rates and high production costs. The former case applies to the production of a strip from a single cathode metal sheet and the latter case to strips produced by fusion metallurgy. The method aims to reduce the number of method steps required for the production of strips and thus the production costs. The method takes advantage of the fact that many metals can be deposited in a highly pure form without inclusions in the form of cathode metal sheets by aqueous electrolysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for butt welding metal sheets (1, 2), preferably sheet metal strips or blanks of differing thicknesses by the relative displacement of a laser beam or electron beam in relation to the metal sheets (1, 2), along the line of contact of said sheets (1, 2) or the line of the welding seam that is to be produced, with the aid of tension rollers (4, 5, 10) that are located in pairs at a distance from one another above and below the sheets (1, 2) in the vicinity of the welding seam. The tension rollers (10) that are located above the sheets (1, 2) roll off the latter (1, 2) in a height-adjustable and/or sprung manner. The height of the tension rollers (4, 5) that are located below the sheets (1, 2) on at least one side of the welding seam is adjusted.

Abstract: A postcard having a writing implement attached thereto, such that the postcard and writing implement may be sold as a single unit. The postcard may further include prepaid postage for mailing to anywhere in the world. The invention further includes a multi-pack set of postcards having a detachable writing implement.

Abstract: A key card holder having a detachable card. The card may comprise a postcard with pre-paid postage or the postcard may include a voucher for free postage and mailing. A removably attached writing implement may be provided. The detachable card may further comprise a coupon, survey, map, checkout form, or an advertisement. Another aspect includes a hotel check-in kit comprising a key card and a postcard.

Abstract: A container has an article, such as a tray, and a sleeve wrapping the article. The sleeve has a first panel having an opening with a locking edge. A second panel of the sleeve has an interior cut line terminating at either end in a hinge line. The cut line has a section offset from the hinge line such that hinging the second panel about the hinge line extends a locking tab. The locking tab of the second panel locks to the locking edge of said first panel and an adhesive adheres an area of the second panel registered with the opening to the article.

Abstract: A sheet material is provided for forming a precision folded structural and aesthetic component of a contoured three-dimension. The sheet material may include a forward-panel bend line separating a forward panel and a fold panel, the forward-panel bend line may be curved to impart contour on at least the fold panel upon bending of the sheet material about the forward-panel bend line, and a fold line extending along the fold panel, the fold line may be substantially straight to impart the contour of the fold panel to the upper panel upon bending of the sheet material about the fold line.

Abstract: A method of forming a paper container uses a three-ply corrugated material having at an outer sheet of paper that may be stretched circumferentially to permit subsequent rolling of the corrugated material about a mandrel and an inner sheet of paper that can be stretched circumferentially to assist in rolling the lip of the cup and/or attaching the bottom to the cup. An extensible paper having two axes of extension of over four percent can be used for one or both of the paper layers.

Abstract: A letter box (10) includes an upper part (10a, 20), a lower part (10b, 21), at least one door (23) hinged to the upper part (10a, 20), a front (25) with at least one motif revealing opening (26), a back (24, 34), and sides (28, 33) connecting the front and back of the letter box. The motif revealing opening (26) is arranged so that a space (S) is created between the front (25) of the letter box (10) and a metal sheet attached on the inside of the front (25) acting as the back of a motif (90), which space (S) is adapted for receiving and revealing the motif releasably slid into the space, and in that the placement of the motif (90) is on the inside of the letter box (10).

Abstract: An article and a method for testing the assembly of that article are disclosed. The article includes a plurality of modules, at least two of the modules are capable of being placed in two different positions in the article, each module having a correct position in the article. Each module includes an aperture at a location determined by the desired position for that module in the article. The apertures are placed such that the apertures will be aligned to form a transparent channel when the modules are arranged in a predetermined pattern with respect to one another, but not when arranged in any of the possible incorrect orders. The article can be tested for assembly errors by transmitting a test light signal into the first end and testing for light that traversed all of said first transparent channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide voltage regulation for a processor. Control or configuration parameters for a voltage regulator (VR) are provided digitally over a configuration bus to a VR controller. The parameters may be provided directly from a storage element, or via a processing element or processor core. Based in whole or in part on the parameters, the VR controller provides an output control signal to affect a power output from a power converter to the processing element. In one embodiment, the VR controller is integrated onto the same IC as the processing element.

Abstract: A user interfacing method of financial settlement using a mobile enables a user to select one among a number of financial settlement cards contained in the mobile unit as a default card, and to perform an immediate settlement as the selected default card. When a menu is displayed on a settlement display screen, cards are classified by places of uses. A soft key is provided to easily achieve a menu shift. Communications are performed between the mobile unit (MU) and the base unit (BU) of the card terminal, by pressing an external key provided on an appropriate outer portion of the MU one time. Thus, the BU transmits an identifier includes information about a card to be used for settlement according to each use and whether or not a password is required, and the MU transmits necessary settlement information based on the received identifier to thereby perform a settlement.

Abstract: A payment instrument in the form of a cell phone is loaded with account information and activated as a payment instrument by reading account information from a nearby RFID device, and entering a user PIN or password. In one embodiment, the account information is read from an RFID tag provided to the user, and the password is entered on the phone keypad. In a second embodiment, the account information is read from an RFID device at an ATM or kiosk after the user inserts a card into a card reader at the ATM or kiosk and enters the password at the ATM or kiosk keypad.

Abstract: Methods and systems that prevent completion of postdated financial transactions until the specified future date is provided. A portion of the information necessary to complete a financial transaction is encrypted utilizing an identity-based encryption (IBE) scheme. The encryption key used to encrypt the information is associated with the date on which the transaction is authorized to be completed. The encrypted information is provided to the payee. The issuing bank provides a daily decryption key that allows decryption of information encrypted using the key associated with the corresponding date. Thus, only when the maturity date of the transaction has arrived will the payee or depositing bank be able to obtain the decryption key that will decrypt the encrypted information necessary to complete the transaction. Since the encrypted information can not be decrypted until the date associated with the encryption key, the financial transaction can not be completed until such date.

Abstract: The invention provides a credit/debit authorization system and method which aim at stopping unauthorized use of credit/debit cards. The authorization system and method takes a two-step authorization approach. When a credit/debit card transaction authorization request is routed to the authorization system, the authorization system first validates the transaction by comparing card and transaction amount information extracted from the transaction to the account information stored in an account database. If the transaction is invalid, the authorization system refuses the transaction. If the transaction is valid, the authorization system then determines if the transaction requires the card user's approval.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing a transaction. An authorization request for the transaction is received over a financial network. The authorization request includes account information and transaction information specifying at least a transaction amount. A financial account is identified from the account information. A history of the financial account is analyzed to generate a prediction of a balance of the financial account at a specified future time. It is determined that the balance of the financial account at the specified future time will support the transaction for the transaction amount. An approval response is accordingly generated for the transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for secure transmission of information identifying account holders in electronic payment transactions made using payment cards or devices that are based integrated circuit chip technology. Individual cards or devices are associated with a cipher key. Information such as personal account numbers, which may be stored on the cards or devices, is encrypted using a block cipher in a variant of the cipher feedback mode. This manner of encryption preserves the length of the cleartext, and allows the ciphertext to be securely transmitted in standard data structure formats over legacy electronic payment networks.

Abstract: Techniques for authorization of usage of a payment device include facilitating an issuer of the device obtaining an authorization message for an account number associated with the device, based on desired spending limit parameters established by a merchant and/or an issuer of the device; facilitating obtaining an issuer authorization decision; and responsive to the issuer authorization decision, facilitating setting a spending limit for the account number based on at least an appropriate one of the parameters.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system, method, and apparatus for offering products and services based, at least in part, on a continually updating analysis of user accounts held by commercial enterprises such as banks, credit card companies, media service providers, insurance companies, and other institutions that maintain user accounts that are subject to periodic transactions. One embodiment is directed to a system comprising a processor and a memory for storing data coupled to the processor, wherein the memory includes a user account comprising user data, user account data, and relationship data. The processor is configured for calculating a risk score based at least in part on the user data, user account data, or relationship data. The processor is further configured for outputting a set of products or services based at least in part on the risk score.

Abstract: A roll sheet type stored in an apparatus/medium type table, the roll sheet wound on a roll sheet holder of each of label creating apparatuses, and a medium type selected by the user are compared to each other. If both values are equal, one of the label creating apparatuses which accommodates the roll sheet holder holding the roll sheet of the medium type is set to be the label creating apparatus to which a PC sends a print request. As a result, the label creating apparatus can be automatically selected by the PC on the basis of label data created by the PC.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and validating inventory data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor-based inventory data collection system, with an internal integrated scanner, for efficiently collecting and validating inventory data includes a central processor coupled to a memory bus. The internal integrated scanner allows an operator to use one hand to scan and count merchandise, leaving the other hand free to adjust and move merchandise as needed. Since the operator can use the system to scan and count merchandise with only one hand, the operator is able to efficiently take the inventory without frequently pausing to adjust or move the merchandise. The central processor is adapted to receive the inventory data and is operable to validate the inventory data using a plurality of program codes. At least one flash memory device is coupled to the memory bus. The flash memory is adapted to store inventory data as the data is entered into the device and also adapted to store the program codes.

Abstract: A card reading device having both contact and contactless card reading functions includes a communication interface for transmitting and receiving signals, an antenna for electromagnetically inducing a contactless card, a protocol processor for exchanging data with the contactless card through the antenna according to a predetermined communication protocol, a card slot for embedding a contact card, an identification module for identifying the contact card, and a microcontroller for processing data stored in the contactless card induced by the antenna through the protocol processor, and exchanging data with a backend device through the communication interface when a result of the identification module represents that the contact card conforms to a predetermined authentication.

Abstract: A tag has circuitry with a communication portion that can transmit and receive wireless signals, including wireless transmission of data blocks that each have a predefined configuration with a plurality of data slots. The circuitry includes a further portion that, in response to receipt through the communication portion of a wireless communication containing a request identifying a set of plural data items, populates respective data slots in one data block with respective data items from the set, and then causes the communication portion to effect wireless transmission of that data block.

Abstract: A scanner capable of scanning a curved surface such as a bottle or other cylindrical, or curved surfaced object. In one class of embodiments, the present innovations include a scan head and one or more rollers (preferably two rollers, one active, the other passive) on which a cylindrical object turns in proximity to the head. As the object turns, the head records the image on the surface of the object.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a check code line image of a captured document such as a bank check. The system includes an image capture system for capturing an electronic image of a document; a code line locator system for locating a code line region within the electronic image of the document; and a blooming system for performing a localized video saturation on the code line region.

Abstract: A system, method and corresponding apparatus are provided for storing, retrieving and delivering unit dose blisters in their natural, raw state (i.e., without over-wrapping or repackaging). In particular, a plurality of unit dose blister mounts are configured to position a corresponding plurality of different types of unit dose blisters in a predetermined, repeatable orientation, so that they can be retrieved and delivered using, for example, an automated retrieval system. The storage apparatus (or unit dose blister mount) may include a cavity that is configured to receive a unit dose medication or medication cavity of the unit dose blister in such a way that the unit dose blister lies substantially flat in the horizontal plane, enabling any identification information displayed on the underside of the unit dose blister (i.e., the side opposite the unit dose medication, or medication cavity) to be viewed.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for photographing a business card in a portable terminal. The method includes recognizing boundary lines of the business card from an image received from a camera when a recognition and photographing key for a business card is selected, and allowing the business card to be automatically photographed by using the recognized boundary lines.