Abstract: A container for holding and dispensing liquid having a container wall comprising a rigid portion that dimensionally defines the container, a liner portion disposed within the container adjacent to the rigid portion, and an adhesive layer disposed between the rigid portion and the liner portion. The adhesive layer removably secures the liner portion to the rigid portion such that the liner portion is capable of being separated from the rigid portion and collapsed within the container, for dispensing the liquid.

Abstract: An actuator cap for a container of product includes a main peripheral wall surrounding a central discharge member. The central discharge member is oriented to discharge product axially. An actuator arm extends radially from the central discharge member and is axially deflectable to axially displace the discharge member. A pillar has a peripheral surface and is radially deflectable toward the central discharge member, and the pillar is deflectable relative to the main peripheral wall. In an actuating position of the discharge member, both the pillar and the actuator arm are deflected.

Abstract: A product refill for a housing includes an actuator cap and a container of product. The actuator cap includes a base portion having a mounting end, a central actuator member having a substantially axially oriented discharge orifice, and an axially movable actuator cap portion flexibly connected to the base portion. First and second unshielded outer contact surfaces of the movable portion are separated by an arcuate distance of at least about 90 degrees wherein pressure applied to both of the surfaces axially displaces the surfaces and thus the movable portion toward the mounting end in a generally non-tilting manner thereby displacing the actuator member to an actuating position thereof. A length between at least one of the outer contact surfaces and a centerline of the cap is greater than about one-quarter a largest lateral dimension across the product refill.

Abstract: A holster secures a turkey call to a hunter's leg or arm freeing up one hand for supporting her/his shotgun or bow. A series of serrations on an external face of an annular retainer ring engage serrations on an internal surface of a cylindrical upper portion of the holster to retain the retainer ring and the encircled turkey call engaged with the holster. A reverberation chamber in the lower portion of the holster has an angled reflecting surface to bounce the sound vibrations emanating from the turkey call out an opening in the opposing side wall.

Abstract: A nailing machine includes a switch operating member 40 for setting to switch respective modes of single striking and continuous striking, and pivot restricting mechanism for restricting a contact lever 34 for operating a valve stem 19 of a start valve 15 from being pivoted in cooperation with the switch operating member 40 set to switch to the single striking mode. By the pivot restricting mechanism, an amount of pivoting the contact lever 34 at a position of operating to draw a middle of a trigger lever 31 in the single striking mode is restricted, and a valve stem 19 is maintained to maintain a state of operating to make the start valve 15 ON. Therefore, a reaction of the nailing machine in the continuous striking is reduced, further, dribble in the single striking mode is prevented from being brought about. In addition thereto, an erroneous operation in connecting an air chuck is prevented.

Abstract: An injection nozzle 21 for injecting a combustible gas into an annular combustion chamber 10 formed above a driving cylinder 4 is formed so as to face the interior of the combustion chamber 10, in which a rotary fan 24 for mixing a combustion gas supplied into the combustion chamber 10 and air is provided. A vortex generator 33 is formed in an upstream side of the injection nozzle 21 in an air flow formed in the combustion chamber 10 by the rotary fan. Vortexes are generated near the injection nozzle 21 in the combustion chamber 10 by the vortex generator 33, so that the mixing of the combustion gas and air is promoted.

Abstract: A combustion-operated setting tool for driving fastening elements in a constructional component includes a device (30) for adjusting setting energy applied to a setting piston (15) axially displaceable in a guide space (4) of a piston guide (13). The adjusting device (30) has a separation member (31) adjustably arranged between the receptacle (18) and the guide space (14) of the piston guide (13) and dividing the combustion chamber (20) in a first sub-chamber (21) arranged between the receptacle (18) and the separation member (31) and a second sub-chamber (22) arranged between the separation member (31) and the guide space (14) of the piston guide (13), the separation member (31) having a plurality of through-openings (34, 35) for controlling flow of the combustion gases into the guide space (14) of the piston guide (13), with an active opening cross-section of at least a portion of the through-openings (34, 35) changing dependent on an adjustable position of the separation member (31).

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Abstract: A die bonding apparatus for die bonding at least two members, which are heated in a heat treatment furnace, comprising a first member having a surface to be die bonded on which solder is disposed and a second member disposed to face the first member in a state in which the solder disposed on the surface of the first member to be die bonded is interposed therebetween, and a base portion for mounting the first member thereon in a predetermined position, wherein the base portion has a temperature distribution so that a temperature of a vicinity of a central portion in a predetermined direction of the base portion is higher than that of a vicinity of an end portion of the base portion in a state in which heating is effected in the heat treatment furnace to, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of bubbles in the solder.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a plurality of mail units during transfer from a source location to a destination. One embodiment is a method comprising associating information identifying the plurality of mail units with a radio frequency (RF) tag that identifies a carrier unit. The method further comprises storing said associated information in at least one of the RF tag and a computer memory. The method further comprises communicating with the RF tag to identify the location of the carrier unit. The method further comprises identifying the location of at least one of the plurality of mail units based at least in part on the location of the carrier unit. Another embodiment is a system configured to perform an embodiment of the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering targeted informational messages includes a computer system for creating a de-identified encrypted PID and de-identified patient transaction data in a retail store for transmission and storage. A subset of de-identified encrypted PIDs are associated with targeted informational messages by the system and transmitted to retail stores, where a targeted message is printed on behalf of the patient corresponding to the de-identified encrypted PID.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for reading a radio frequency identification transponder are described. A transmit coil produces a transmit field to power and interrogate the transponder. A reference coil and a receive coil furnish inputs to a differential amplifier, balanced so that the differential amplifier produces a predetermined signal. The receive coil senses changes produced by the transponder, while the reference coil is relatively isolated from such changes. The differential amplifier produces an amplified signal based on the difference between the inputs from the receive coil and the reference coil, so that the signal produced by the differential amplifier is based on the field effect changes produced by the transponder.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a payment on an account comprises reading account information from a payment instrument that identifies a customer account that is to receive a payment. A financial institution associated with the customer account is determined as well as a payment account that is associated with the financial institution where the payment is to be deposited. A payment amount is collected, and the payment amount is transmitted to the payment account of the financial institution.

Abstract: An automated banking machine which is operative to authenticate firmware in at least one hardware device of the machine. The hardware device is operative to generate through operation of at least one processor in the at least one hardware device a firmware certificate responsive to the at least one measurement request message and the firmware content. The automated banking machine is operative to send a message from the automated banking machine to a host banking system responsive to the firmware certificate. The host banking machine may authenticate the message and send the automated banking machine an authorization message for performing a transaction function with the automated banking machine. Such a transaction function may include dispensing cash with a cash dispenser of the automated banking machine.

Abstract: An ATM currency cassette is adjustable to hold currency of different heights. An assembly is removably connected to the inside of the cassette lid. With the lid in the closed position the currency is maintained in a proper position by the assembly. The assembly is adjustable to achieve different spacing arrangements. The cassette can hold a first sized currency with a first spacing arrangement and a second sized currency with a second spacing arrangement.

Abstract: To prevent skimming of card data used in electronic payment, attention is given to a phenomenon occurring in performing the fraudulent act of attaching a skimmer to a settlement terminal—namely that the settlement terminal is turned on and off several times. Detected power-on/off abnormalities are determined in accordance with an abnormal power-on/off definition stored in a memory. This may, for example, be that when the number of times the settlement terminal is turned on or off within a specified time period exceeds a predetermined number, the power-on/off is defined as abnormal power-on/off. When the power-on/off is determined to be abnormal, warning information is sent to a settlement organ computer.

Abstract: A system for personalizing a plurality of transaction cards comprises an array of shells that are adapted to engage a sheet having a plurality of transaction cards. Each of the shells comprises an antenna adapted for transmitting data onto one of the cards. An orientation detector is used to determine the orientation of the sheet relative to the array of shells. A controller is used to direct operation of the antenna so that data may be recorded on the cards.

Abstract: The invention facilitates the computation of expected approval rates based on historic transaction data relating to transaction classes, approved transactions and declined transactions. The invention provides a system and method by which a program administrator for a company may model varying client-imposed limit scenarios in order to determine one or more optimal monthly and/or transactional spending limits. Further, the present invention provides a means for setting varying monthly and/or transaction spending limits for purchases from any number of industries. Providing card members with information regarding optimal spending limits reduces the occurrences of declined credit transactions.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product and service for aiding a shopper in locating a product in a store are presented. The shopper enters an identifier for a desired product into a wireless computer, such as a tablet computer or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). A server determines both where the shopper is presently located (starting physical location) and where the desired product is located (final physical location) in the store. The server then sends the wireless computer a real-time image that corresponds with a changing physical location of the shopper, such that the shopper is able to find the desired product by following a travel pathway to the final physical location of the desired product.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology focuses on new methods and apparatus relative to generation of a custody and control form that finds application in drug use or clinical testing, among other fields. At least one embodiment of another aspect of the inventive technology focuses on methods and apparatus relative to an encrypted, character-based identifier usable to adequately identify an event (a purchase, e.g.), an object (a product purchased, e.g.) or substance (a specimen collected from an individual for drug testing or clinical testing); in a preferred embodiment, this identifier is based on a time and entity associated with the event, object or substance to be identified.

Abstract: A method of identifying or authenticating a product by providing an analog identification indicium including a randomized pattern of identification features on a first part of the product wherein one or more attributes of the randomized pattern of identification features correspond to an item identifier. A digital identification record is provided on a second part of the product including an encoded digital version of the item identifier, the first and second parts being separable when the product is used. The randomized pattern of identification features of the analog identification indicium is read and decoded to generate an item identifier and the digital identification record is read and decoded to generate an item identifier. The product is deemed authentic if the item identifier from the analog identification indicium substantially matches the item identifier from the digital identification record.

Abstract: A secure magnetic stripe card stripe reader (MSR) module and software system capable of encrypting the magnetic stripe data to CISP standards for use in point of sale (POS) and other applications requiring data security using non secure networks and computing devices. Additionally, when incorporated within an attachment for conventional personal digital assistant (PDA) or cell phone or stationary terminal, provides encrypted data from the magnetic head assembly providing compliance with Federal Information Processing Standards Publication Series FIPS 140 covering security and tampering standards. Moreover, this module and software system includes the capability of providing secure POS transactions to legacy transaction processing systems transparently to the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, this module and software system includes the capability of transparently providing detection of fraudulently copied magnetic stripe cards.

Abstract: A TV includes a memory module including a mounting part detachably mounted with kinds of memory cards; an input part to receive an access command to access the memory card mounted thereon; and a signal processor operating data communication corresponding to the access command with the memory module after a predetermined delaying time is passed from an inputting moment of the access command when the access command is inputted through the input part. Thus the present invention provides a TV and control method thereof to stably access a memory card mounted on a multi-memory slot.

Abstract: A method for tracking sterilant cassettes within a sterilizer involves reading for the presence of a cassette within a cassette processing area of the sterilizer by reading a first visual code on the cassette with a scanner and with the same scanner reading for the presence of a second visual code in a spent cassette collection box. Upon successfully reading the second visual code it is thus known that the spent cassette collection box is present and has capacity to receive the cassette.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of systems capable of managing the interaction between vendors and end users. To use the system, a user first scans any common barcode using a mobile device. The barcode information along with a user identification number is then sent to a server. The server uses the user identification number to look up the user's preferred vendors and content providers. The manufacturer code from the barcode is also looked up in a vendor database. Once the preferences have been determined, this information is sent to each vendor and content provider which returns information, a list of options, and/or other content. This information is then aggregated into a WAP page by the server and transmitted to the mobile device. The user utilizes the mobile device to select a content provider or vendor.

Abstract: A system and related method of a computer card slot and a bezel. Some of the exemplary embodiments may be a portable computer comprising a computer card slot accessible through an aperture in a housing of the portable computer, a card reader electrically coupled within the computer card slot, and a bezel mechanically abutting an outer end of the card reader (at least a portion of an outer face of the bezel substantially coplanar with the housing). The computer card slot comprises a computer card ejection actuation mechanism proximate to the aperture in the first side, and wherein the bezel at least partially covers the ejection actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A security document, comprises a printed document and one or more memory circuits adapted to be read wirelessly attached to or incorporated within the printed document, wherein data in the memory circuit is protected from access by an unauthorised reader, and wherein the memory circuit is physically isolated so as to inhibit physical tampering or to indicate when physical tampering has occurred. Methods of publishing and of reading such security documents are described.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a demodulating circuit, a plurality of sampling circuits each capable of sampling output signals of the demodulating circuit, a plurality of detection circuits capable of detecting headers of output signals of the sampling circuits, a plurality of processing circuits capable of performing a predetermined data process based on the detection results of the detection circuits, and a circuit capable of determining a match to a preset communication method from results of the header detection by the detection circuits. By performing processes adapted to different communication methods in parallel, time required to establish a connection and enable information to be transmitted/received is reduced.

Abstract: A method of checking a sheet as to forgery thereof, the sheet being provided with an electronic circuit chip from or in which information can be read out or written and having visible information. The method includes a step of encrypting the visible information of the sheet and storing the encrypted visible information in the electronic circuit chip, and a step of determining discriminatively the authenticity of the sheet by comparing the visible information of the sheet with the information stored in the electronic circuit chip.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a circuit lead, the method comprising: (a) depositing a slurry upon a substrate in a predetermined pattern, the substrate including a plurality of substantially uniformly patterned micropores operative to drain a fluid component of the slurry from the surface of the substrate, while maintaining conductive particles of the slurry on a surface of the substrate; and (b) drying the conductive particles to secure the conductive particles upon a surface of the substrate and provide a circuit lead. The invention also includes an electronic circuit comprising: (a) a substrate including a plurality of micropores that are substantially uniformly patterned; (b) a microchip; and (c) a circuit lead in electrical communication with the microchip and contacting the substrate, the circuit lead comprising conductive particles deposited upon the substrate by ejecting a slurry from an inkjet printer.

Abstract: A dual mode smart card controller is provided. In one embodiment, a USB and ISO7816 smart card controller is provided that determines the type of card that is inserted into a slot. If the smart card is a USB smart card, the controller is adapted to pass control of the smart card to an external PC host USB hub circuit. If the smart card is an ISO7816 card, then control is handled by the dual mode controller. In another embodiment, the controller includes an embedded USB hub circuit to permit the controller to directly control both USB and ISO7816 smart cards. Exemplary control sequencing includes monitoring a C4 signal line for a preselected time period, or generating an enable signal if a USB smart card is detected.

Abstract: There is provided a substance shutoff device for shutting down the communication of at least one of an inflammable substance and an oxidizer when the inflammable substance and the oxidizer are brought into contact with each other to thereby prevent further contact between the inflammable substance and the oxidizer. The substance shutoff device comprises a catalyst portion provided in contact with one of an inflammable substance flow path and an oxidizer flow path; and a shutoff means, which operates by heating through a reaction between the inflammable substance and the oxidizer in the catalyst portion to shut down the communication of at least one of the inflammable substance and the oxidizer. A fuel cell using the inflammable substance shutoff device is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment of self-adjusting flexible track for use with electric model vehicles includes a flexible base and at least two flexible channels coupled to the flexible base. The flexible channels are adapted to directly support travel of the electric model vehicle. Moreover, the flexible channels are adjustable such that bending forces applied to the track do not alter the geometry of a track connection interface. Thus, the self-adjusting flexible track may be bent into virtually any shape without the need to modify the connection interface for connection to a second track.

Abstract: An interference fit assembly comprises a wick constructed of a porous polymer and a wall constructed of a polymer for interference engagement with the wick. The wick has a weight of 3.3 grams.

Abstract: A fuel injection method is provided for correcting the fuel injection amount accurately by eliminating offset components when detecting a current flowing through a solenoid for fuel injection. A current component, which is detected during normal running and a drive current flowing through the solenoid for fuel injection is OFF (Step 11), is input to an A/D converter that stores the value thereof (Step 12). Thereafter, the drive current is turned ON (Step S13), elapse of a fixed time period is waited (Step S14), and an input voltage of the A/D converter is detected (Step S15). A difference current (offset component) is calculated by subtracting the offset voltage from the input voltage (Step S16), and a current span is adjusted based on a span correction factor (Step S17). Thereafter, a pulse width current correction factor is calculated (Step S2a) and, based on the pulse width current correction factor, a drive pulse width is calculated (Step S2b) and provided to the solenoid.

Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.

Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting fuel that is at high pressure into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine has an injection valve member triggered by an actuator and a coupler chamber; the actuator acts on the injection valve member and the injection valve member opens or closes at least one injection opening. The coupler chamber is located on the side of the actuator diametrically opposite the injection valve member; and the coupler chamber is filled with fuel that is at system pressure when the injection opening is closed.

Abstract: A portable sprayer having a backpack to which are secured a blower unit and a supply tank. The blower unit includes a drive motor and a blower driven thereby. The blower unit is mounted on the backpack by at least one anti-vibration element. The supply tank, for example for spray agent, is mechanically separated from the blower unit and is also mounted on the backpack by at least one anti-vibration element. A removable, at least approximately rigid connection element is provided for coupling the supply tank and the blower unit together or for isolating them from one another with respect to vibrations.

Abstract: A fuel injection device includes at least two valve elements, disposed in a housing and coaxial with one another, with at least one fuel outlet opening associated with each valve element. On the outer valve element, radially outward from the at least one fuel outlet opening associated with it, there is a first sealing edge which cooperates with a valve seat on the housing and can separate the at least one fuel outlet opening from a high-pressure connection. An additional sealing edge is provided on the outer valve element, between the at least one fuel outlet opening associated with it and the inner valve element.

Abstract: The invention provides an injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine, the injection nozzle (2) including an outer valve member (8) received within a bore (6) provided in a nozzle body (4) and being engageable with a first seating region (20) to control fuel flow from a first delivery chamber (32) to a first nozzle outlet (22), an inner valve member (44) slidable within an outer valve bore (34) provided in the outer valve member (8) and being engageable with a second seating region (46) to control fuel flow from a second delivery chamber (62) to a second nozzle outlet (48), a lifting arrangement (80) associated with the outer valve member (8) such that movement of the outer valve member (8) is transmitted to the inner valve member (44) when the outer valve member (8) is moved through a distance greater than a predetermined distance (L), and a control chamber (7) arranged to receive pressurised fuel, in use.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a fuel injection port, a needle for cutting the fuel flow into the fuel injection port and a needle mover for moving the needle away from the fuel injection port and allowing the fuel to flow into the fuel injection port. When the needle is moved away from the fuel injection port by the needle mover, the force is applied by a force applicator to the needle away from the fuel injection port only during the period when the needle is moved away from the fuel injection port to less than a predetermined degree.

Abstract: An actuator (4) is connected, on one side, to a valve needle (3), and on the opposite side, to a hydraulic piston (6) pertaining to a hydraulic length compensator. A working chamber (5) is divided by a tight separating membrane (9), into an actuator chamber (10) containing the actuator (4) and a fluid chamber (11) which can be filled with the fluid to be dosed in a pressurized manner while the actuator chamber (10) and the hydraulic chamber (7) are filled with a hydraulic fluid. A base pressure can be produced in the hydraulic fluid by means of the pressure of the fluid to be dosed, which is transmitted through the separating membrane (9).

Abstract: A fuel injector and various methods relating to the assembly of the fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a power group subassembly and a valve group subassembly having a respectively connected first and second connector portions. The power group subassembly includes an electromagnetic coil, a housing, at least one terminal, and at least one overmold formed over the coil and housing. The valve group subassembly insertable within the overmold includes a tube assembly having an inlet tube and a filter assembly. A pole piece couples the inlet tube to one end of a non-magnetic shell having a valve body coupled to the opposite end. An axially displaceable armature assembly confronts the pole piece and is adjustably biased by a member engaged with an adjusting tube with a filter assembly mounted thereon. The seat assembly includes a flow portion and a securement portion having respective first and second axial lengths at least equal to one another.

Abstract: An air nozzle includes a hollow casing, a plug received in the chamber and having a channel defined through the plug, a central tube movably received inside the channel of the plug and having an outer threading formed on an outer periphery thereof, a nozzle rotatably received inside the chamber and having a nose out of the top open end of the hollow casing and a compartment to receive therein the central tube and the plug and a cap to secure the nozzle, the central tube and the plug inside the hollow casing such that movement of the central tube allows the air nozzle to adapt to various positions of a central pin of a second air nozzle in an object for inflation.

Abstract: A flow-through joint in an irrigation machine between the main pipeline section and a swing span, such as a corner span, permits a limited amount of generally linear displacement of the swing span within the joint for speed control or other purposes. A turret that rotates freely on the upright outlet port of the main pipeline section has a pair of coupling assemblies on opposite sides of the upright pivot axis through the outlet port, one of such coupling assemblies having a ball joint and the other being provided with relatively displaceable components. The arms of a connecting yoke on the inner end of the swing span are coupled with the ball joint on the one hand and the displaceable components on the other so as to provide the necessary swinging and pivoting motions while at the same time allowing displacing movement as necessary for control purposes.

Abstract: A control system with a sensor mounted in direct mechanical connection to a non-rotating refining member so that the sensor is responsive to axial vibration movement of the support, and an analog to digital converter directly connected to the output of the sensor without filtering. The control system also includes a controller connected to the analog to digital converter and responsive to the analog to digital converter to compare the amplitude of the output signal from the sensor to a baseline value based on the level of vibration associated with the pulp refiner when it is operating without plate clashing. When the signal exceeds the baseline value, an action is taken to help alleviate the plate clashing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, among other things, a stationary peg for securing within a grinding chamber of a coal pulverizer, wherein the stationary peg includes a base portion having a front surface with a groove defined therein and an elongate portion extending from the front surface of the base portion. A layer of a protective material is disposed on the upper surface of the elongate portion and at least a portion of the layer extends into the groove defined in the front surface of the base portion.

Abstract: A container for packaging and unwinding a coil of welding wire to allow an uninterrupted flow of the welding wire from one the container to another container. The coil of welding wire, including a coiled portion having a top and a bottom, a first extension of wire extending from the coil near the coil top to a feeding end and a second extension of wire extending from the coil near the bottom to a transfer end. The transfer end of one container being joinable to the feeding end of another container. The container including an outer packaging having at least one vertically extending sidewall, a closed bottom, a top opening for removing the welding wire and a wire coil receiving cavity within the outer packaging for receiving the wire coil. The feeding end and the transfer end can be positionable near the top opening. The container further includes at least one transfer control tab in the cavity near the top opening.

Abstract: A fishing reel power device is characterized by a variable speed motor and adapter combination which can be used with a conventional fishing reel for automatically winding the same. The adapter includes either recesses for receiving the handle and counterweight of a fishing reel crank and/or a pair of projections which engage the crank. A further recess in the end of the adapter receives a nut on the reel to align the device with the reel. The motor is activated by a switch to rotate the adapter and thus the reel crank. The adapter is designed to retain the engaged portions of the reel with a gripping force which increases as the load on the motor increases. Once winding is complete, the adapter is easily disengaged from the reel so that the reel is available for manual operation.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic tape cartridge, including a cartridge (1) composed of a top cartridge (2) and a bottom cartridge (3), a reel (5) rotatably disposed in the cartridge (1), and a magnetic tape (4) wound onto the reel (5), in which a width (w) of the magnetic tape (4) is over 12.65 mm, a thickness (h) of the cartridge (1) is 32 mm or less, and the width (w) of the magnetic tape is 60% to 90% of the thickness (h) of the cartridge (1).