Abstract: A coin identifying sensor and a coin identifying apparatus has coin detecting sections (25X and 25Z) that are formed by relatively disposing a group of coin identifying sensors (21A, 21B, 21C and 21D) with each group provided with three aligned and integrated coin sensors. Each, of the sensors has a core wound with a coil. The sensors are disposed in a coin path in a direction crossing a movement direction of a coin. The first and second coin detecting sections are sequentially disposed on a coin path (4) to determine whether a coin is real or not using detection data of diameter, material and thickness of the coin based upon detection outputs sequentially obtained from the coin detecting sections.

Abstract: An item sorting system includes at least three modules for processing items requiring sorting, a conveyor line to transport the items in a first transport path from the first to the second and to the third module, and a bypass to transport items requiring sorting in a second transport path from the first to the third module thereby bypassing the second module. A control unit sets a spacing between the items in the conveyor line upstream of the bypass as a function of an activation of the bypass. The bypass is to mitigate stresses to which items are exposed when the item sorting system is used in a plurality of passes with different functions.

Abstract: A plunger assembly (30) is disposed on the access side of a conveyor (20). The conveyor (20) has a conveying surface upon which it transports articles by moving the conveying surface in a direction of flow (F). The plunger assembly (30) is mounted overhead vertically with respect to the conveying surface of the conveyor (20) such that sufficient clearance below the plunger assembly (30) is maintained to provide an access space through which the conveyor (20) and mechanisms and elements thereof can be accessed. Further, the plunger assembly (30) may be mounted both above and at least partially offset horizontally from the conveyor surface of the conveyor (20), such that no operative portion of the plunger assembly (30) breaks the plane (C) of the conveyor surface.

Abstract: A conveying device is provided in systems for safety checking items of luggage or cargo, comprising at least one baggage switch with at least two horizontal conveying means, which are parallelly arranged one above the other at a fixed distance and which can be vertically displaced with the aid of an elevator.

Abstract: A loader for loading flat carton sleeves into a magazine of a carton filling machine includes a conveyor having a loading section at a height that is easily accessible to an operator standing on the floor. The loader has queuing positions in which stacks of carton sleeves are accumulated before being delivered to the magazine from a delivery section of the conveyor.

Abstract: A high-speed linear pick-and-place for increasing the speed of transfer of semiconductor electronic devices with accommodation for automated inspection or test. The invention includes two or more linear pick-and-place assemblies, each having two or more independently positionable pick-and-place nozzles. These assemblies are aligned such that the 4 or more nozzles can all pick and place to common shared locations. The 4 or more nozzles are operated so that they can pass by each other on their return stroke, except that nozzles sharing a rail cannot pass each other.

Abstract: A bucket used in association with a loader provides both top and lateral discharge. The bucket is defined by a frame with front and rear walls, as well as a pair of side walls, and an endless loop of conveyor belt that serves as a bottom to the bucket. Lateral discharge provided through a gap between the endless loop and each of the side walls. A slide at a bottom of each side wall at least partially fills the gap between the side wall and the endless loop.

Abstract: A wear resistant, heat resistant conveyor chain comprising a series of links, each having a heat resistant roller rotatably fitted onto a bush between inner plates. The links are interconnected in the longitudinal direction of the chain by outer plates, and connecting pins rotatably inserted into the bush. A wear resistant, heat resistant sleeve-shaped spacer protrudes beyond the end surfaces of the heat resistant rollers toward the right and left inner plates to eliminate any sliding contact between the end surface of the heat resistant roller and the inner side surface of the inner plate.

Abstract: A modular belt having a first belt module and a second belt module intercalated and locked into position by a pivot rod having a head at one end and a retaining ring disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the head along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A switch for switching between two electrical circuits is disclosed. The switch has a first connector that is electrically couplable to a first electrical circuit and a second connector that is electrically couplable to a second electrical circuit. The switch also has a first contact point adapted for electrically coupling the first connector to the first electrical circuit and a second contact point for electrically coupling the second connector to the second electrical circuit.

Abstract: An actuator usable in a support frame for use in a lift chair.

Abstract: A switch device that adjusts tactile sensation of a switch knob without control delay. The switch device includes a knob operated to switch an actuation state of an apparatus. A click mechanism is connected to the knob and includes a recess and a projection. Engagement of the projection and the recess provides a tactile sensation to a person operating the knob when the knob is operated. An adjustment mechanism generates a magnetic field to adjust tactile sensation of the click mechanism.

Abstract: A push button assembly has a light transmitting button (1) which is movable against a spring (3) within a housing. A switch (16) and lamp (15) are provided in an integrated unit (4) and mounted at an open bottom end of the housing. The housing (2) has a peripheral flange (10) at an upper open end from which a peripheral skirt part (18) projects downwardly, the skirt part (18) defining a boundary. The lamp provides the first illumination means to illuminate the button (1). A second illumination means is provided to illuminate the boundary defined by said skirt (18) to create a ‘halo’ around the button. This second illumination means is provided by an arrangement of LEDs (19a) on a circuit board (19) which are independently controllable from each other and from said lamp (15) to provide a greater variety of lighting arrangements and therefore possible button status indicators.

Abstract: A control element is provided with fully integrated control elements with integrated illumination, switching element, and contact set. The functional assignment of the individual control elements in the control panel is accomplished by means of software through a bus system. A universal control panel with complete control elements is thus made available. Along with a drastic reduction in the number of variations, and thus the logistical expenses, later functional expansion of the relevant control panel is possible.

Abstract: A composite switch is provided to output corresponding default signals through two different operation actions. The composite switch includes a housing, a pressing member, a sensor, a first pin, an electrical connection portion, and a metal spring leaf. The sensor is disposed in an accommodation portion of the pressing member to sense external changes and output a first signal through the first pin. The metal spring leaf selectively electrically contacts the electrical connection portion through pressing the pressing member and outputs a second signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a key sheet in which adjacent key tops are prevented from moving in conjunction with each other even when intervals between the key tops are designed to be narrow, and which facilitates a depressing operation by eliminating interference between the adjacent key tops. Further, the present invention provides a pushbutton switch using the above-mentioned key sheet. When a central key top is depressed, a portion of a soft sheet positioned between the key top and the key tops therearound is deformed to a large degree. On the other hand, a hard sheet is flexed entirely to a portion extending to a portion directly below the key tops. As a result, a clearance portion between the soft sheet and the hard sheet is formed. Therefore, the left and right key tops do not move in conjunction with each other, thereby making it possible to prevent erroneous input.

Abstract: Provided is a key sheet in which fixation members such as key tops can be firmly fixed to a base sheet. The back surfaces of the key tops are fixed to a film sheet without involving any gaps by means of adhesion layers 11 stacked on the entire back surfaces of the key tops. Thus, fingernails or the like are not easily allowed to get between the key tops and the film sheet, making it possible to prevent the key tops from being unstuck from the film sheet. Further, in the key sheet, the film sheet and a base sheet are integrated with each other, so the key tops can be firmly fixed to the base sheet through an intermediation of the film sheet, making it possible to prevent the key tops from being detached by fingernails or the like at the time of depressing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically coupling a plurality of target together is disclosed. Individually powered targets allow greater control over depositing during a sputtering process. By individually powering the targets, different power levels may be applied to different targets. The targets may additionally be coupled together with a resistor. The resistor allows the targets to have a more controlled power level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for galvanically depositing an electrically conductive layer onto a carrier on which, at least in some regions, a starter layer suitable for electroplating is disposed. The apparatus has an electroplating bath in which an electrolyte for depositing conductive material is provided, at least two contact rollers which are disposed outside of the electroplating bath and which can be connected as cathode and/or anodes, and at least one deflection roller which is connected between the contact rollers, the position of the deflection roller being changeable between two contact rollers such that by changing the position of the deflection roller a distance to be covered by the carrier and which is formed between two contact points of two adjacent contact rollers corresponds to the extension of the starter layer to be coated.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for bonding a sputtering target to a backing plate. In one embodiment, a sputtering target is vacuum bonded to a backing plate using an elastomeric adhesive and a metal mesh. The vacuum pulls the backing plate and sputtering target together while also removing air pockets that inevitably form within the adhesive during adhesive deposition and backing plate attachment.

Abstract: The present claimed invention is to provide a reference electrode wherein variations of a potential difference at a liquid junction can be removed almost completely, contamination of a sample solution can be minimized, a frequency to supply and replace an internal solution is lessened, the liquid junction is prevented from being clogged, high durability for a long term can be maintained and a measurement with high accuracy can be conducted, and comprises an internal electrode 21, an internal solution 22 that makes a contact with the internal electrode 21 and a liquid junction 23 that continues into the internal solution 22, wherein the liquid junction 23 is made by the use of a gelled hydrophobic ionic liquid.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and apparatuses comprising the same, for efficient pumping and/or mixing of relatively small volumes of fluid. Such devices utilize nonlinear electrokinetics as a primary mechanism for driving fluid flow. Methods of cellular analysis and high-throughput, multi-step product formation using devices of this invention are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nano-tube tip comprising an AC/DC voltage supply, a metallic or semiconductor tip, an amperemeter, and a metallic vessel connected to the tip and the amperemter, wherein the metallic vessel is used as the electrode and define a groove therein filled with a carbon nano-tube solution. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a carbon nano-tube tip wherein carbon nano-tubes dispersed in a solvent are attached by electrophoresis to the end of a metal tip or semiconductor tip by using as an electrode a metallic vessel having a groove therein.

Abstract: A method of carrying out a chemical reaction on a microfluidic device in which a first reactant at a first concentration is delivered into a reaction channel; within the reaction channel the concentration of the first reactant is changed from the first concentration to a second concentration; and while at the second concentration the first reactant is exposed to a second reactant.

Abstract: A system and process for treating ballast water within an ocean going vessel by generating hypochlorite for treating the ballast water. The system comprises one or more hypochlorite electrolytic cells in fluid communication with ballast water. The total organic carbon content of the ballast water is ascertained and the amount of hypochlorite generated is modulated in response to the total organic carbon content of the ballast water. In one embodiment the system comprises a total organic carbon analyzer for measuring total organic carbon content. In one embodiment of the process of the invention, hypochlorite production is modulated so that the residual halogen-containing oxidizing agent is maintained in the ballast water. In another embodiment of the process, hypochlorite production is modulated to maintain a weight ratio of hypochlorite to total organic carbon in the ballast water ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.0.

Abstract: A substrate processing method can securely form a metal film by electroless plating on an exposed surface of a base metal, such as interconnects, with increased throughput and without the formation of voids in the base metal. The substrate processing method includes: cleaning a surface of a substrate having a base metal formed in the surface with a cleaning solution comprising an aqueous solution of a carboxyl group-containing organic acid or its salt and a surfactant as an additive; bringing the surface of the substrate after the cleaning into contact with a processing solution comprising a mixture of the cleaning solution and a solution containing a catalyst metal ion, thereby applying the catalyst to the surface of the substrate; and forming a metal film by electroless plating on the catalyst-applied surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for plating a workpiece. The apparatus comprises, generally, an anode, a cathode, and a selective anode shield/material flow assembly. In use, both the anode and the cathode are immersed in a solution, and the cathode is used to support the workpiece. During an electroplating process, the anode and the cathode generate an electric field emanating from the anode towards the cathode, to generate a corresponding current to deposit an electroplating material on the workpiece. The selective shield/material flow assembly is located between the anode and the cathode, and forms a multitude of adjustable openings. These opening have sizes that are adjustable during the electroplating process for selectively and controllably adjusting the amount of electric flux passing through the selective shield/material flow assembly and the distribution of the electroplating material on the workpiece. The selective shield/material flow assembly can also be used with an electroless plating system.

Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. The anode body is formed, by pressing together finely divided powder, flakes or fibers of a sacrificial anode material such as zinc to define a porous body having pores therein. The sacrificial anode material of the anode member is directly in contact with the covering material by being buried or inserted as a tight fit into a drilled hole so that any expansion forces therefrom would be applied to the concrete with the potential of causing cracking. The pores are arranged however such that corrosion products from corrosion of the anode body are received into the pores sufficiently to prevent expansion of the anode body to an extent which would cause cracking of the covering material.

Abstract: A method and system that enables a user to maintain a sensor in real time. The present invention involves performing a diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure to measure sensor impedance value in order to determine if the sensor is operating at an optimal level. If the sensor is not operating at an optimal level, the present invention may further involve performing a sensor remedial action. The sensor remedial action involves reversing the DC voltage being applied between the working electrode and the reference electrode. The reversed DC voltage may be coupled with an AC voltage to extend its reach.

Abstract: The present the invention provides methods, devices and systems for rapidly measuring analytes within a biological sample.

Abstract: A container for ammunition of the type comprising a case inside which an inner casing receiving the ammunition is able to slide between two axial positions, one in which it blocks the ammunition and the other in which it unblocks the ammunition, the inner casing incorporating a front sleeve having flexible fingers, such sleeve cooperating in its blocking position with a fixed limit stop integral with the case and ensuring the retention of the fingers on a zone of the projectile to limit its translation, such container wherein it incorporates means ensuring the radial spacing of the flexible fingers at a distance from the projectile in the unblocking position of the inner casing.

Abstract: A paint roller storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing having an open top end and a closed bottom end. The housing has dimensions to closely accommodate a paint roller. The apparatus also includes a spiral embossment on the inside surface of the housing. A paint roller is received by the housing. A paint roller storage system is also disclosed. The system includes an apparatus and a disposable lining. Also, a method of storing a wet paint roller. The method includes pushing the paint roller into a storage apparatus and removing entrapped the air in the wet paint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is included for retaining a grouping of floral water tubes in a vertical level manner. The retaining mechanism comprises a thin semi-rigid foam sheet with a plurality (e.g. twelve) holes for retaining the floral water tubes. The individual foam sheets can come in large collections of sheets or rolls and may be individually separated (perforations) into sections of twelve. The foam sheets are loaded with floral water tubes and then filled together as a group. The tube covers are added and then the foam sheets with filled tubes are stacked together. The twelve tube sections may also be interconnected by male/female geometric shapes located on each end/side.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes a rollover panel assemblies formed by spaced apart fold lines that forms bearing surfaces for vertically stacked containers. The container includes a inside taper that functions to prevent telescoping of vertically stacked container, and to hold the various corner panels in their proper location. The blank is configured to form a container that includes corners having multiple thicknesses for strength and stability. The container is self locking, easy us manufacture yet high strength.

Abstract: The carrier has beverage cup-holding receptacles on opposite sides of a vertical support panel, and a third much larger receptacle formed from the same blank. The carrier is stored flat and is unfolded for use at a usage location such as a motion picture theater concession stand, where it can be used to carry beverage cups in the smaller receptacles and popcorn in the large receptacle. An auxiliary tray can be mounted on an upright handle structure through a slot in the bottom, and can be used to carry other food item such as candy, hot dogs, etc. The carrier can be used to carry out fast foods such as fried chicken, french fries and beverages. Solid, bulky foods such as popcorn and fried chicken can be carried in the larger receptacle directly, without the use of a bucket or other separate container.

Abstract: A combination package for both an ingestible product, such as a medication, and a beverage, such as water, is of a unitary, single-use design. The medication and the beverage, of which only a small amount is provided, can be stored in separate sealed cavities defined by the package. The combination package can be designed so as to be easily and conveniently hung from a display rack in a store. A consumer can open the package to gain access to each cavity and can then orally consume the medication and then wash it down with the beverage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to hold a stack of discs are disclosed. An illustrated example disc stack holder is used to hold, move and/or store a stack of annular aircraft brake discs.

Abstract: A bow case with removable legs giving the archer a table to work on equipment during practice and not be bending over working in the dirt. With the table like bow case the archer will have better access to their accessories and a cleaner situation for all their equipment including the bow case.

Abstract: A paperboard includes a rectangular main portion, and first and second foldable extension parts respectively extending from four sides of the main portion. The main portion is divided by fold lines to form a first region and two second regions on two sides of the first region. The paperboard is foldable to form a first packaging configuration in which a four-sided surrounding wall extends upright from the first region, or a second packaging configuration in which one side of the four-sided surrounding wall is unfolded. A plurality of soft plates are respectively provided on the first region, and four sides of the surrounding wall for cushioning purposes.

Abstract: During a visit to the Grand Canyon, my wife and I wanted to purchase a small sculpture of what the Paiutes call Kaibab, or “Mountain Lying Down.” Not finding one available, I was inspired to create this evocative piece of memorabilia for all those who come to experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a food storage container comprising a body with a mechanism for denoting a time in which a food item was placed in the storage container for storage. In one embodiment, the time designation mechanism comprises a plurality of rings where each ring comprises at least one marker. Time is denoted by aligning the marker with a label located proximate to said ring.

Abstract: A bottle includes an indictor and a listing of times and/or days for administering pills. The indicator may be disposed on a cap or on the bottle. The strip is disposed opposite the indicator; on the bottle or the cap, respectively. The indicator and strip indicate a next prescribed time to take a pill or the last time a pill was taken.

Abstract: A package for household articles provided with a holistic coding system. The coding system allows consumers to select the articles required for their needs without confusion. The coding system includes first coding elements on the dispensing means of package and second coding elements on the articles contained in the package.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable blister package assembly for accommodating center-filled gum pieces. The package assembly includes a blister tray having an open face and a blister cavity for supporting the gum pieces. The blister tray includes a plurality of ribs within the blister cavity for separating the gum pieces. A cover overlies the blister tray and covers the open face of the tray.

Abstract: A set of stackable containers includes first and second containers each featuring a body having a base and an open top and a lid removably covering the open top of the body. The lid of the first container features a recess while the lid of the second container features a circumferential ridge having an inner edge defining a center recess and an outer edge. The base of the first container body is sized to be received in the recess of the first container lid and in the center recess of the second container lid while the outer edge of the circumferential ridge of the second container lid sized to engage the base of the second container body.

Abstract: A packaging device has a container provided with a shock-absorbing unit that includes a bottom pad, and a plurality of side pads extending upward from opposite sides of the bottom pad. Each of the bottom and side pads includes a plate member that has a corrugated base plate region and a peripheral flange surrounding the corrugated base plate region. The corrugated base plate region projects from an inner surface of the container to absorb shock when the peripheral flange abuts against the inner surface. Partition pads are provided to span opposite side pads when an object to be packaged is small.

Abstract: A sachet or food container is formed of two plastics sheets joined to one another around the edges of an internal pocket of the sachet or container by welded seals. The compositions of the two plastics sheets differ one from the other and are selected such that the strength of the seals is controllable by varying at least one welding parameter selected from temperature, pressure and dwell time. The two sheets are welded to one another using a first set of welding parameters to produce strong seals in some of the seam regions bounding the internal pocket, while other seam regions bounding the pocket are welded using a second set of welding parameters to produce weak seals at which the sachet will burst open preferentially when the pocket is pressurised.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a dose packaging system for the administration of a liquid formulation to a patient requiring load-dose titration therapy of a pharmaceutically active drug, such as steroid therapy. More particularly, the invention relates to a dose packaging system for administering titration therapy of liquid formulations to a patient which eliminates the disadvantages that are associated with cups, dosing spoons, calibrated oral syringes and bottles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for solids or liquids, comprising a hollow body which holds the content, a closure which cooperates with the body to close the container and a compliance aid device arranged on the container for indicating the time at which the last dose was taken or when the next dose is due. The compliance aid comprises a movable first part and a fixed second part provided on the hollow body, wherein the first part is automatically moved to a new indicating position in relation to the second part upon moving the closure in relation the hollow body.

Abstract: An assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for supporting a plurality of loose items includes any plurality of trays, each exhibiting a substantially planar surface across which are interspersed a plurality of recess defining pockets. A height defining spacer insert is engaged between succeeding trays, the insert having a three-dimensional shape with a top and bottom. A first selected tray exhibits upper projecting cylindrical supports for locating and securing bottom perimeter locations associated with the insert. A second of the trays exhibiting at least one downward three-dimensional projection nestingly engaging a recessed top location of the insert, in a height adjustable fashion, and in order to define a specified distance between the recess defining pockets in the trays and in order to support items of different size and configuration.