Abstract: A wire bonding machine is disclosed for bonding a wire to a semiconductor device. The wire bonding machine includes a wire bonding head having a bonding tool mounted to it. The bonding tool is adapted to attach a wire end to a semiconductor device. At least a portion of the bonding head is pivotable about a first horizontal axis so as to provide vertical displacement of the bonding tool. The bonding head is also rotatably mounted to the bonding machine so as to permit rotation of the bonding tool about a vertically oriented rotational axis. The machine also includes a work table for supporting at least one semiconductor device to be wire bonded. A conveyance system is used to translate the work table in a direction relative to the bonding head and in a substantially orthogonal direction to the horizontal pivot axis of the bonding head.

Abstract: A wire bonding machine for bonding a wire to a semiconductor device. The wire bonding machine includes a wire bonding head having a bonding tool mounted to it. The bonding tool is adapted to attach a wire end to a semiconductor device. A bonding head conveyance system translates the bonding tool in a vertical direction and translates the bonding tool along a first horizontal axis. A work table supports at least one semiconductor device to be wire bonded. A work table conveyance system translates the semiconductor device along a second horizontal axis.

Abstract: A wire bonding tool includes a first cylindrical portion having a first outside diameter and a second cylindrical portion adjacent the first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion has a second outside diameter, the second outside diameter being less than the first outside diameter. The wire bonding tool also includes a tapered portion adjacent the second cylindrical portion. The tapered portion has a third outside diameter at an end adjacent the second cylindrical portion, the third outside diameter being less than the first outside diameter.

Abstract: A presently-preferred embodiment of a cover for a ball-grid array connector comprises a top member and a first and a second side member adjoining opposing ends of the top member. The first and the second side members each have a mating feature formed thereon for engaging a housing of the ball-grid array connector by way of a respective complementary mating feature formed in the housing so that the cover is movable between a first and a second position in relation to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a security mailbox utilizing a combination package rest and security panel. A mail slot in the security panel prevents easy access to contents of the mailbox. The present invention may be utilized in situations other than mail delivery where security for contents is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a credit card holder awards system and method. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system that monitors customer activity at regular intervals, selects an award winner from among the customers based on a predetermined criteria, and determines an award amount based on a percentage of the net transaction revenue from the customer's portfolio for a specific interval.

Abstract: A specific-item-information storing unit stores information on a specific item that can be contained in one container together with other item. A specific-item judging unit judges, when the registration for the purchased-item is received, whether the purchased-item is a specific item based on the information stored. A reception control unit controls, when the specific-item judging unit judges that the purchased-item is a specific item, a self-scanning system to continue to receive a registration for other purchased-item and to perform a weight determination according to an instruction for completing the registration from a customer.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: A digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading system which comprises: an automatic object presence and range detection subsystem; an image formation and detection subsystem having an area-type image sensing array with a field of view (FOV); a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having LED illumination arrays for producing fields of narrow-band illumination in near and far portions of the FOV; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; an image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem for controlling the subsystems. The LED illumination arrays are automatically driven by the automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem in response to the generation of control activation signals by the automatic object presence and range detection subsystem.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) featuring an optical reader (12) for printed codes capable of transforming the information of a code printed on an object such as a label into digital data, the object being equipped with a radiofrequency system featuring an antenna (27) and a chip (28) connected together. According to a main characteristic of the invention, the device features a radiofrequency dialog unit (15) designed to encode the chip (28) with digital data read from the printed code and to compare the digital data encoded in the chip with information from the printed code.

Abstract: A coded marker in a magnetomechanical resonant electronic article identification system, includes a plurality of ductile magnetostrictive elements or strips based on an amorphous magnetic alloy ribbon with improved magnetomechanical resonance performance. The coded marker takes full advantage of the improved magnetomechanical properties, and an electronic article identification system utilizes the coded marker. The improved encodable and decodable marker/identification system is capable of identifying considerably larger number of articles than conventional systems.

Abstract: An electronically controlled thermostat control method is obtained which makes it possible to eliminate the response delay from the time that the required cooling water temperature is set to the time that the actual cooling water temperature reaches the set water temperature by controlling the flow rate, and to realize high cooling water temperature tracking characteristics with a high degree of precision at a low cost.

Abstract: A model toy train track segment in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate roadbed having a first and a second end and a first and a second side. The said first and second ends of the track segment are configured for attachment to adjacent track segments. A track segment in accordance with the present invention further includes a side member configured to be detachably coupled to at least one of the first and second sides of the roadbed. A track segment in accordance with the present invention still further includes a first and a second elongate rail segment connected to the roadbed. Each of the first and second rail segments having a first end proximate to the first roadbed end and a second end proximate to the second roadbed end.

Abstract: A method for applying lotion to a surface of an absorbent article. The method includes the steps of: placing the surface of the absorbent article in the proximity of a spraying apparatus having a spray head with an orifice; pushing the lotion through the spray head orifice; and propelling the lotion to the surface as a continuous fiberised string. The invention also pertains to an absorbent article having a surface with an application of lotion.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser (100) primarily for use in dispensing liquid drench to animals. The dispenser (100) is electronic in operation and has the ability to control the speed of its pump (5) according to environmental conditions including the viscosity of the liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inlet conduit that has a threaded coupling removably attachable to the water supply source. A housing is connected to the inlet conduit and includes spaced compartments for storing bathing gels. Each compartment includes an inlet port that is provided with an end cap positional thereon. Each compartment further includes a plurality of seals attached therein for limiting leakage of the bathing gels. An outlet conduit is attached to a lower portion of the housing and is pliable. The outlet conduit receives a mixed solution of water and bathing gels. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for regulating a quantity of the bathing gels that is dispensed and a mechanism for displaying a remaining quantity of the bathing gels.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of dispensing a chemical agent whose function is to detract or alternatively attract and destroy, insects, in particular, flying insects. The apparatus consists of a chemical source, a connection to a fluid source, usually water, a reservoir for chemical mixing and a pump for mixing and creating pressure. Mixing reservoir is of such size to eliminate any chance of chemical mixture separation and where the chemical mixture is agitated prior to each dispensing cycle. Fluid is disbursed under pressure through a series of atomizing devices, interconnected to the apparatus through a flexible plastic delivery conduit. The Apparatus functions are controlled through the use of an electronic interface. Preferred agent used is pyrethrum based, naturally occurring or synthesized, which possesses an antagonistic effect toward targeted pests but apparatus is designed to be adaptable to a wide range chemicals.

Abstract: A spray device, useful for example as a fuel nozzle for gas turbine engines, comprises a body having a bore and a cap member having an orifice, the body and cap member in combination defining a chamber. Fluid passages introduce pressurized liquid into the chamber and direct a flow into the bore, thereby causing a spinning flow to be forced out through the orifice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection nozzle (1) for an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle. A first nozzle needle (3) controls at least one first injection opening (5). A second nozzle needle (4) controls at least one second injection opening (6). A control chamber (32) is connected via a throttle line (35) to a pressure chamber (34) in which it is possible to adjust the injection pressure. A first control piston (41) cooperates with a first needle unit (17) that includes the first nozzle needle (3) and the first control surface (43) of this first control piston (41) can be acted on by the control pressure prevailing in the control chamber (32). In the closed position of the first nozzle needle (3), there is an axial play (44) between the first control piston (41) and the first needle unit (17).

Abstract: An on-off shower head, comprising an outer enclosure and a jet opening and closing device, further comprising water conveyance means arranged within the enclosure and adapted to prevent any contact of the water with the enclosure.

Abstract: An airless atomizing nozzle comprises a tubular body including a bore having an inlet and an outlet; a cylindrical member including a face and a cylindrical delivery channel secured at the outlet, the delivery channel having substantially uniform diameter; and a pin including a target area spaced from and directly over the delivery channel outlet. The delivery channel includes a tapered inlet and an outlet terminating at the face. A method for aligning a target on a pin over an orifice in an airless atomizing nozzle body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A recording tape cartridge including at least a door opening and closing an opening by rotating around a supporting shaft provided at a front wall side; an allowing portion formed in the door, which allows avoidance of contact between the door and a distal end surface of a leader tape when the door closes the opening; and a guide portion formed at the allowing portion, and abutting the distal end portion of the leader tape, and formed to be thick-walled in a direction of making the distal end portion of the leader tape move away from the side wall. When the door closes the opening of the recording tape cartridge, a predetermined clearance is ensured between the distal end surface of the leader tape and a deepest surface of the allowing portion.

Abstract: An electrician's caddy useful for conveyance and dispensing of wire wound on wire spools.

Abstract: This layout shows a set or assembly of aircraft seats to outfit an aircraft cabin, comprising at least two columns of neighboring seats. The seats are arranged one behind the other in each of the columns of seats. Moreover, each seat can be converted into a sleeper so as to present a considerably stretched out sleeping surface. Each seat when converted into a sleeper, has a first sleeping portion and at least a second sleeping portion that is narrower than the first. In two neighboring columns, the seats are staggered, in such a way that the first part of a seat of a column is facing a second portion of a seat of the second column that is narrower in width.

Abstract: A hose guide includes a base plate that has top and bottom surfaces. The top surface includes a fastening member. The bottom surface includes guides extending downward therefrom. One guide has an eyelet adjacent to a base plate end portion. The bottom surface has a protrusion extending downwardly therefrom that has an aperture with a lip extending inwardly thereabout. An annular hose support has an aperture for receiving hoses therethrough, a concave outer surface, and fingers for connecting to the protrusion. The fingers engage the lip. The hose support further includes a permanently connected inner layer. The hose guide includes a tether and an annular stop member. The stop member has flanges. One flange has an aperture that receives the tether therethrough. The stop member is spaced from the attaching mechanism. A mechanism is included for attaching the hose guide to a support surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe clip 1 for mounting pipes and the like, comprising a suspendable upper part 2 and a U-shaped lower part 3, the ends of which can be connected to upper part 2 by means of fastening elements and in which a pipe is mounted. Lower part 3 is manufactured in one piece by deformation of a creep-resistant flat steel bar or strip of sheet metal, where lower part 3 displays a cross-section with at least one wider, plane lateral surface 12, which is located on the inside and on which the pipe to be mounted rests, and upper part 2 displays a holding-down device 4 for holding down the pipe mounted in lower part 3.

Abstract: A holding device for a musical instrument stand has a lower retainer, a turning retainer, an upper retainer, a pivotal pin, a first screw member and a second screw member, and provide a capability of adjustable in length and at angle and retractable to the musical instrument stand.

Abstract: A multiply configurable mounting apparatus having an elongated permanently bendable support leg with a support base coupled to a first end of the support leg, the support base being structured for securing the mounting apparatus relative to an external surface; and a mounting platform coupled to a second end of the support leg opposite from the first end, the mounting platform is structured for mounting an external device to the second end portion of the permanently bendable support leg.

Abstract: In a stand of liquid crystal display, a holding member may include a slider, a lower cover, a leaf spring that abuts against a side of the slider, a push-force adjusting member. The push-force adjusting member includes a push member, which has a tapered portion and pushes the leaf spring, and a screw member, which adjusts a height of the tapered portion of the push member relative to the leaf spring. The push-force adjusting member serves to adjust a push force of the leaf spring on the side of the slider. The lower cover has an adjustment hole, through which the screw member can be adjusted from outside. The slider may have a rectangular-shaped. The lower cover may have a first stopper, against which an upper end surface of the slider abuts, and a second stopper, against which a lower end surface of the slider abuts.

Abstract: An adjustable rail-hanging apparatus comprises a main body and a limit device, wherein a hooking part for hooking an aluminum extrusion hanging board is mounted on the upper end of the main body. First screw holes to be inserted by first locking devices are formed on both sides of the main body and guiding grooves are oppositely formed on both sides of the lower end of the main body respectively for movably holding the limit device. A hooking notch is formed on each holding part of the limit device. The adjustable limit device is movably shifted up and down by disposing second locking devices in the guiding grooves and holding the aluminum extrusion hanging board by the hooking notch and the hooking part on the upper end of the main body cooperatively. Consequently, the movable limit device is suitable for aluminum extrusion hanging board with various rail gauges.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention (referred to also as the “suspension system”) is incorporated in a system for suspending an HVAC unit from one or more wood truss members through the use of one or more top lock plates connected to the wood truss, one or more bottom lock plates connected to the HVAC unit, and one or more suspension chains connected between the top lock plates and the bottom lock plates. The suspension system provides a system for suspending HVAC equipment in residential and light commercial applications that is safer, quicker, cheaper, more reliable and more accurate than systems currently in use.

Abstract: A display supporting apparatus includes an upper engaging part mounted on a ceiling, a swivel adjusting part rotatably combined with bottom of the upper engaging part, a flange member combined with the upper engaging part to support the swivel adjusting part, a first engaging pipe extended downward from the swivel adjusting part, and a display mounting part combined with a bottom of the first engaging pipe to mount a display thereon. Accordingly, the present invention includes a display supporting apparatus to support a large-sized display in a stable manner without a separate casing for the display, and further provides swiveling, tilting and height adjustment of a display with the use of engaging pipes.

Abstract: A platform that includes a vibration sensor located within an inner core of a table. The table may have a first plate that supports a vibration-sensitive payload. The first plate may be separated from a second plate by the inner core. The sensor can be located within the core directly below the device. The sensor can be connected to an electrical connector attached to an external surface of the table. A monitor can be readily plugged into the electrical connector to obtain vibration data from the sensor. The platform may also include a damper located within the inner core to reduce vibration of the table. The damper may be an active device that is connected to control circuits located within, or outside, the inner core.

Abstract: A valve element for opening and closing a flow path can be reliably set to an opening position and a closing position. The valve element for opening and closing a communication opening portion communicating with an inflow hole and an outflow hole is provided in a valve receiving chamber formed in a valve block, and a valve magnet is provided in the valve element. A driving magnet can be moved to approach to and separate from the valve element by a pneumatic cylinder. When the driving magnet approaches to the valve element, the valve element moves to a closing position where the communication opening portion is closed. When the driving magnet separates from the valve element, the valve magnet provided in the valve element is attracted to a magnetic member, so that the valve element is kept at an opening position where the communication opening portion is opened.

Abstract: The invention describes devices for controlling fluid flow, such as valves. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where the deflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to change a characteristic of the fluid. Some of the characteristic of the fluid that may be changed include but are not limited to 1) a flow rate, 2) a flow direction, 3) a flow vorticity, 4) a flow momentum, 5) a flow mixing rate, 6) a flow turbulence rate, 7) a flow energy, 8) a flow thermodynamic property. The electroactive polymer may be a portion of a surface of a structure that is immersed in an external fluid flow, such as the surface of an airplane wing or the electroactive polymer may be a portion of a surface of a structure used in an internal flow, such as a bounding surface of a fluid conduit.

Abstract: A method for heating a fluid using a heating tower. The method includes the steps of drawing an air stream into the heating tower through an inlet and passing the air stream over a series of coils. The method for heating a fluid also includes discharging the air stream from the heating tower through an outlet and isolating the inlet air stream from the outlet air stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a vapor of a liquid into a ventilation system includes a vessel for holding the liquid, a heater for heating the liquid in the vessel to form a vapor, and means for delivering the vapor into the air flow passing through a passageway of the ventilation system. The liquid may be an essential oil or other liquid. An aerator may be used to deliver the vapor into the air flow. The apparatus may also include one or more additional liquid reservoirs, a controller which regulates the operation of the heater in response to user control, an air flow detector, and data stored in a controller memory.

Abstract: This is stand that holds the rear end to an automobile. This stand allows you to turn the rear axle in any angle and hold that position to freely work on it. You can set up gears, clean the rear axle, weld it, drain oil from it, etc. This stand prevents you from having to chase the rear axle around on the garage floor and prevents you from having to keep hunched over.

Abstract: A flexible media integration system (10) includes a multifunction flexible media interface system (12). The interface system includes a plurality of flexible media input areas (22, 24, 26) for receiving flexible media (14), such as sheets of paper, from a plurality of associated input processors (16, 18, 20), such as printers or paper feeders. A plurality of flexible media output areas (32, 34) provide outputs to different associated flexible media output processors (36, 38), such as printers or finishers. The interface system also includes a sheet position sensing system (52) and a sheet transporting system (42). The transporting system provides selectable flexible media translation for selectably transporting flexible media from selected ones of the plurality of flexible media input areas to selected ones of the plurality of flexible media output areas so as to provide selectable flexible media feeding from selected flexible media input processors to selected flexible media output processors.

Abstract: An automatic document transportation device includes a shutter, a stopper and a shutter releasing mechanism. The shutter is provided at upstream of a document feed roller and suspended from a cover under a freely swinging state. The stopper is provided on a pickup arm, stops a swing of the shutter so that the shutter restricts a position of a leading edge of an original document on a document tray when the pickup arm is under a standby state, and releases the stop of the shutter when the pickup arm operates in a direction to make contact with the original document. The shutter releasing mechanism moves the pickup arm under the standby state in the direction to make contact with the original document.

Abstract: A device for feeding a processing section with printed products includes a magazine and a feeding mechanism that includes a gripping mechanism and a conveying mechanism for removing the printed products from the magazine and feeding them to the processing section. The gripping mechanism and the conveying mechanism are driven so that the gripping mechanism can be accelerated in an angular region for a catch-up operation while the speed of the conveying mechanism remains constant.

Abstract: An original reading device includes a registration roller located upstream of an original reading position in an original transport path for adjusting the timing of feeding an original to the original reading position. There is at least one original feed roller for transporting the original which has been fed from an original loading tray into the original transport path toward the registration roller. A rotary motion controller is also provided, and it causes the original feed roller closest to the registration roller to rotate when a rear part of the original close to a trailing edge thereof passes over the original feed roller closest to the registration roller.

Abstract: A paper feeding unit of an image forming apparatus, which includes: a pickup roller; a first feed roller to feed the paper in a required direction; and a reverse roller to prevent a plurality of sheets of paper from being fed by rotating in an opposite direction to the first feed roller and to separate the paper into individual sheets, wherein the first feed roller has a contact section in contact with the reverse roller and a non-contact section where the first feed roller is apart from the reverse roller and the first feed roller feeds the paper by making a one-time rotation and stops rotating with the non-contact section facing the reverse roller. Since the feed roller and the reverse roller are put apart from each other in a waiting mode, the rollers can be protected from abrasion and paper can be fed smoothly.

Abstract: A method of playing a board game comprising the steps: providing players each given money and starting at a first rank; providing dice; providing a game board having a plurality of playing spaces, that are either owned or available businesses, arranged around the outside of five connected boroughs of New York City; performing alternating player turns comprising the steps of: rolling dice; moving the player around spaces in a number corresponding to the roll; determining the ownership status of the space. If the space is owned and the owner of the space is of a higher rank the player must pay the owner, if the owner is of the same or less rank the player pays nothing. The owner may also offer the space for sale. If available, the player may purchase the space. The purpose is to purchase spaces or properties to move up to the highest rank.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to narrating games and methods of playing narrating games. In some embodiments, the game includes a plurality of playing cards and a plurality of game boards. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting a first playing piece; telling a first part of a story; selecting a second playing piece; telling a second part of the story; hiding at least one indicium of the first and second playing pieces; and recalling the at least one hidden indicium of at least one of the first and second playing pieces. In some embodiments, the method includes a first player selecting a first playing piece; the first playing telling a first part of a story; a second player selecting a second playing piece; the second player retelling the first part of the story; and the second player telling a second part of the story.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for sealing a leakage gap between relatively moveable parts in a flow path between a region of high fluid pressure and a region of low fluid pressure comprises a sealing member having an upstream surface, a downstream surface, a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface, the sealing member being in communication with a housing via a resilient element. The resilient element is fixedly joined to the upstream surface of the sealing member such that during operation both the radial force induced on the sealing member by fluid flowing axially into and circumferentially over the radially inner surface and the axial force induced on the sealing member because of a pressure difference across the sealing member is resisted by the resilient element.

Abstract: A trailer suspension system includes first and second axles with a walking beam interconnecting the first and second axles. An intermediate portion of the walking beam provides a fulcrum for the first and second axles. Air bags are arranged on the first and second axles. A ride height control valve is interconnected to the intermediate portion by a linkage. The ride height control valve regulates a pressure in the air bags in response to vertical movement of the intermediate portion. The linkage includes a flexible wishbone assembly that transmits vertical movement of the intermediate portion to the ride height control valve by rotating a lever on the ride height control valve.

Abstract: A beach cart for carrying equipment along a beach. The beach cart has a frame and two wheels that support the frame. This allows the beach cart to roll freely along a beach. The beach cart has at least one fishing pole tube coupled to the frame so that the frame can hold fishing poles during fishing. Since the frame is supported upon two wheels, it is unstable. A stabilizing leg is therefore provided that has is coupled to the frame at a pivot connection. The stabilizing leg can be selectively rotated about the pivot connection between a raised position and a lowered position. The stabilizing leg and the two wheels combine to form a tripod support for the frame when the stabilizing leg is in its lowered position. The beach cart can therefore be made highly stable when unattended.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a toddler seat to a pram or stroller having a framework is disclosed. The mounting arrangement includes a first support element that is pivotably attached to the framework and a second support element connected to the first support element. Also included is a mounting portion to attach the toddler seat. The second support element in a first deployed configuration is attachable to the framework to configure the mounting arrangement for the seating of a toddler and the second support element is further releasable from the framework to allow the mounting arrangement to fold or collapse to a compact folded configuration.

Abstract: A cart is described that has a wheeled base and an upright frame extending upwardly from the base. A side frame extends upwardly from the base and abuts the upright frame. The upper face of the base, the front face of the upright frame and the inside face of the side frame together form an open cargo bay. A horizontal work surface projects outward from the rear face of the upright frame. A storage compartment is attached to the rear face of the upright frame below the work surface.