Abstract: The welding process includes in a single pass heating and melting a filler wire of gamma-prime strengthened nickel-based superalloy along a major portion of the weld followed by a weld using a solid solution strengthened nickel-based superalloy for the remaining portion of the weld pass. Both filler materials are particularly useful for welding a single crystal gamma-prime strengthened nickel-based superalloy based metals.

Abstract: The three dimensional mailer has multiple stacked layers forming a pocket to accept and transport a sample to an intended recipient. The middle layer has the overall dimensions of the mailer in a generally rectangular shape with a rectangular opening die cut to admit a sample. The thickness of the middle layer is determined by the thickness of the sample. The top layer attaches above the middle layer and has a die cut tab for accessing the opening in the middle layer. The bottom layer opposite the top layer provides a backing to the opening. Preferably, the top layer, middle layer, and bottom layer are separate pieces laminated together. Alternatively, the top layer and the bottom layer are contiguous and joined with a spine whereupon the top layer and bottom layer fold upon the spine to contain the middle layer.

Abstract: A packing box comprising four top boards and a case body is provided. Two top boards respectively have a slot and a gripping board. Another two top boards respectively have a plugging board and a slit. The case body has an opening and four upper edges that are sequentially connected to the four top boards. The two top boards that respectively have the slot and the gripping board are firstly folded to cover the opening. Next, the other two top boards are folded for being disposed upon the original two top boards. Then, the gripping boards can pass through the slits and are protruded above the top boards. Afterwards, the plugging boards can be inserted into the slots for fixing the handle.

Abstract: A gable top container for storing an item is provided. The gable top container has a bottom made from at least one bottom forming panel. A side is formed from at least one side forming panel that extends from the bottom. A pair of gusset panels and a pair of gable panels extend from the side. The gable panels are arranged with respect to the gusset panels to form a gable top. Each of the gable panels has a fin that defines perforations that allow for the removal of at least a portion of the fin in order to effect opening of the container from one end of the gable panels to an opposite end of the gable panels. The container may be opened in order for a fork or spoon to be used in order to remove contents therefrom.

Abstract: A carton (200) includes a composite wall (108/152) with an article dispenser (140/174) formed in the composite wall (108/152). The article dispenser (140/174) includes a pair of composite tear flaps (F1/F2) that are separable from the composite wall (108/152). The composite tear flaps (F1/F2) are defined by frangible lines in the layers of the composite wall. The frangible lines in the layers are strategically misaligned at least in part so as to be arranged to cooperate to facilitate separation of the composite tear flaps from the composite wall and to prevent inadvertent operation of the article dispenser.

Abstract: A cup made of paper material comprises a fillable interior, which is formed by a conical sleeve and a bottom. The bottom is attached with a bottom skirt and essentially liquid-tight to the sleeve at the lower end of the interior. The sleeve comprises at its upper end an outwardly formed lip. The height of the lip is greater than the height of the bottom over the standing surface of the cup at the lower edge of the bottom skirt.

Abstract: A cup made of a paper material having a fillable interior is described, which cup is formed by a conical sleeve and a bottom. The bottom is attached to the sleeve at the lower end of the interior with a bottom skirt in an essentially liquid-tight way. The sleeve and/or the bottom in the area of the bottom skirt and/or the bottom skirt itself comprises, at least in one area along the periphery, an outwardly projecting widening. A lower edge of the widening forms a standing surface for the cup. The widening can form means for holding another cup of the same type, which means can act together with a similar cup during stacking. The cup can comprise a heat-insulating outer sleeve.

Abstract: A storage container includes a receptacle having a circumferential sidewall and a sleeve fixedly attached to the receptacle having a circumferential sidewall with a left edge, a right edge, and marginal portions adjacent the left and right edges wherein the edges meet to form a butt seam. The receptacle sidewall and the sleeve sidewall define an insulating layer therebetween. The insulating layer includes a first edge and a second edge wherein the first and second edges do not extend under the marginal portions such that the insulating layer has a smaller circumference than that of the sleeve sidewall. A method for forming a storage container is also provided.

Abstract: An automated banking-machine that is actuated responsive to data read from user cards, accepts checks and dispenses cash to users. The banking machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the automated banking machine in exchange for a deposited check. The automated banking machine dispenses cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for enabling multiple payment options for members in a loyalty program. The method according to the present invention includes the steps of receiving a request for a loyalty service and capturing service information and payment options of interest from the members, and processing the service information and payment options and displaying a set of feasible payment options to the members. The present invention enables members to exercise any payment option of choice, which includes loyalty units, monetary currencies and a combination of loyalty units and monetary currencies.

Abstract: A loyalty program business model includes entering into an agreement with loyalty program partners and agreeing on exchange rates between a variety of loyalty unit types. Partner accrual records (PAR's) are accepted from said loyalty program partners related to the business activity of related loyalty program members. Loyalty units credits are calculated for a member from data obtained in the step of accepting. A partner loyalty account balance is updated according to said standardized loyalty unit debit obtained in the step of calculating. Then an invoice can be billed to a partner according to said partner loyalty account balance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for accrual transaction processing in loyalty programs. The method according to the present invention includes the steps of setting up an accrual template, and validating accrual transactions received from loyalty partners against transaction attributes in the accrual template. The present invention imparts accrual transaction process an ability to accurately calculate rewards for loyalty member activities of different types undertaken with loyalty partners from diverse industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a highly reliable personal verification system and associated method and device for recording biometric data and identifying and monitoring individuals as part of groups sought to be monitored. The system and method for identifying individuals is based on an individual's communicated biometric data selected from (among others) photo, fingerprint and voice print data to achieve a desired level of positive identification. An individual's location can also be verified and communication established with a second population of persons or agencies authorized to access identification verification. The system is particularly useful for identifying and monitoring aliens admitted to a country on visas.

Abstract: An information processing system comprises an identifying information reading portion that reads out identifying information from a recording medium storing the identifying information capable of identifying an individual, an information managing portion that in advance manages and keeps information available for information providing, an information extracting portion that extracts information from the information managing portion, based on the identifying information read out by the identifying information reading portion, and an information output portion that outputs the information extracted by the information extracting portion. The information extracting portion selects and extracts the information to be provided out of the prearranged information, based on the identifying information read out by the identifying information reading portion and acquiring conditions of the identifying information.

Abstract: A lens module (200) includes a barrel (20), at least one lens (30) and an image sensing module (40). The lens received in the barrel. The image sensing module is mounted on a mounting end of the barrel and includes an image sensor (41), a top board (42), a carrier with a base board (43), and a filtering film (44). The image sensor is mounted on the base board. The top board is mounted on the carrier to enclose the image sensor. The filtering film is mounted on a surface of the top board.

Abstract: A barcode-embedding area is obtained in a color image based on expression possibility by the juxtaposed additive color mixture and possibility of reading of pixels separately by a barcode reader (S11), a color image in the barcode-embedding area is expressed by the juxtaposed additive color mixture, and color images for the code area and the background area, which are readable by the barcode reader, are created (S12, S13), a color-image-superimposed barcode image is created by using the color images for the code area and the background area, and the same color-image-superimposed barcode image is embedded in the barcode-embedding area (S14), and the color-image-superimposed barcode image and the original color image are corrected if necessary (S15, S16).

Abstract: An alternator and starter tester system having a bar code reader. The bar code can contain information regarding the component being tested and can direct the tester to conduct the appropriate test. The bar code can also encode the results of the test on a second bar code. The second bar code can then be coupled to the tested component.

Abstract: An adjustable imaging lens assembly focuses light from indicia along an optical path onto a solid-state imager of an imaging reader. The lens assembly includes a plurality of lenses and an aperture stop spaced apart along the optical path, at least one of lenses being mounted with multiple freedoms of movement relative to the optical path.

Abstract: An imaging lens assembly focuses light from indicia in a working range of distances along an optical path onto a solid-state imager of an imaging reader. The lens assembly includes an axicon and an aperture stop that together are operative for extending the working range.

Abstract: A light-transmissive window on a housing of an electro-optical reader is curved to reflect reflections of an outgoing scanning light beam incident on the curved window away from a photodetector in the housing. The curved window minimizes the space between itself and a light assembly in the housing.

Abstract: An omnidirectional scanning system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The omnidirectional scanning system includes at least one processor for operating the scanning system in at least two modes including a first mode which is a non-restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in any orientation of the set of multiple orientations, and a second mode which is a restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in an orientation of a selectable reduced set of the set of multiple orientations. The method includes the steps of operating the system in a mode selected from the at least two modes including the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: An automatic data collection device, such as a scanner-type device, is provided with an afocal optical element, such as an afocal lens, that operates in conjunction with a scanning mirror to scan a target machine-readable symbol using a scanning beam. The scanning mirror deflects a light beam into the afocal lens. The afocal lens operates to change a resolution or width of the scanning beam for far-field scanning, for example, where resolution is increased by the afocal lens. The afocal lens can also operate to change the resolution or width of the scanning beam for near-field scanning, for example, where resolution is decreased by the afocal lens.

Abstract: An optical reader is provided for reading an image provided on a surface. The optical reader has at least one light source and a first lens configured to focus and diffuse light from the at least one light source onto an image. The optical reader also has at least one sensor, and a second lens configured to receive a reflection of the focused and diffused light from the image and direct it to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A compact imaging lens assembly focuses light from indicia along an optical path onto a solid-state imager of an imaging reader. The lens assembly includes a pair of end focusing lenses of substantially a same size and spaced apart along the optical path, an intermediate lens between the end lenses, and an aperture stop between the end lenses.

Abstract: An aperture stop focuses light from indicia onto a solid-state imager of an imaging reader. The aperture stop has an open aperture with a scan dimension sized to resolve symbol elements, and with a height dimension to allow sufficient light to be captured. A cylindrical lens can be used to collect additional light. The aperture stop provides a large depth of focus and enables symbols to be read over a wide field of view. The need to use an expensive multiple lens assembly with the imager is eliminated.

Abstract: An illuminator illuminates a symbol with a low level of illumination in a detection mode of operation to enable an imager to detect the symbol in a working range and in a field of view of the imager in an imaging reader, and also illuminates the symbol with a high level of illumination in a reading mode of operation to enable the imager to read the symbol.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with illumination light along a direct optical path that has no optical surface areas shared with a folded optical path along which light is captured by an imager in an imaging reader.

Abstract: Digital image capturing and processing network for use in a retail POS environment, comprising a plurality of digital image capturing systems, and a remote image processing server. Each digital image capturing system is installed at a POS station and includes a system housing having an imaging window and containing a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations, for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, and producing digital images of objects passed through the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: An omni-directional digital image capturing and processing system for use in a POS environment, comprising a system housing having an imaging window, and a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations, disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through said imaging window. At least one area-type illumination and imaging station is also disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting an area-type illumination and imaging zone through the imaging window, which intersects with the complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes within a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for omni-directional digital imaging of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: An imaging scan engine includes both a solid-state camera and an illumination source in the same package. The scan engine unit simplifies the integration of swipe imaging components into new and existing scanners.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading optical information including a photosensitive system oriented to capture optical information. Also included is an optical system focusing optical information onto the photosensitive system, and a display oriented to display optical information captured by the photosensitive system. The apparatus also includes a portable, hand-held housing.

Abstract: An IC card capable of reinforcing the prevention of the electrostatic damage without causing a rise in the cost of a semiconductor integrated circuit chip. The semiconductor integrated circuit chip (2) is mounted on a card substrate (1), and plural connection terminals (3) are exposed. The connection terminals are connected to predetermined external terminals (4) of the semiconductor integrated circuit chip, first overvoltage protection elements (7, 8, 9) connected to the external terminals are integrated in the semiconductor integrated circuit chip, and second overvoltage protection elements such as surface-mount type varistors (11) connected to the connection terminals are mounted on the card substrate. The varistors are variable resistor elements having a current tolerating ability greater than that of the first overvoltage protection elements.

Abstract: A method of controlling an air conditioner includes a step of controlling an opening degree of the expansion valve and/or the number of rotations of an outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger such that the difference Tx (=Te?Ti) between the temperature Te of the outdoor heat exchanger and the temperature Ti of the indoor heat exchanger is within a predetermined range, in a cooling mode in a low outside air temperature environment. Specifically, the opening degree of the expansion valve is adjusted, with the number of rotations of the outdoor fan being reduced to be smaller than that in a normal cooling mode, and then, the number of rotations of the outdoor fan is adjusted with the opening degree of the expansion valve being fixed, thereby controlling the difference Tx to be substantially constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrally controlling a hybrid furnace, heater, and boiler system installation which increases the operational cost efficiency of the hybrid installation by computing the operational efficiency and fuel costs of the individual furnace(s), heater(s), and boiler(s) and signaling the most advantageous choice. The apparatus may further embody thermostatic control functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot water supply system using at least two water heaters having versatility to realize switching between a single hot water supply operation mode and a connected hot water supply operation mode of the water heaters and connected operation control after switching to the connected hot water supply operation mode with a simple configuration. Two water heaters D1, D2 each includes a dip switch operated when setting the connected hot water supply operation mode of the two water heaters. When each dip switch is in the ON state to set the connected hot water supply operation mode, hot water supply control by the connected operation is performed under the mutual communication via a communication cable L in the two water heaters D1, D2.

Abstract: A method and device for suppressing the destructive force of a tropical cyclone, wherein the ascendant speed of wind in the eyewall of a cyclone is reduced by sea water pumped on-site from under the sea surface to above the surface, and then dispensed in the wind at the bottom of the cyclone in/near its eyewall.

Abstract: A regulating component to regulate fluid flow through the axial passage communicating between the intake end, and mouth engageable distal end, of a drinking straw. The component has an upper wall separated from a lower wall by an engaged sidewall all defining a restriction chamber. When engaged in the axial passage of a drinking straw, fluid traversing the straw all traverses through apertures in the lower and upper wall and thereby through the restriction chamber. Force of the moving fluid on a ball in the restriction chamber acts to raise the ball to seal the aperture in the upper wall. If the fluid reaches too high a speed or continues long enough at a lower speed to move the ball upward it seals the restriction chamber from the exit end of the straw.

Abstract: Assembly (1) of a body (5) including an agent that is in liquid or solid condition discharging an active gaseous substance, and a first holder (2) for the body, the first holder (2) having an accomodation space for accomodation therein of the body (5) and having a first wall which is part of the boundary of the accomodation space and which in a portion bounding the accomodation space is at least partially made of transparent or translucent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to air freshener devices comprising water-based liquid compositions, preferably clear liquids, that provide an improved rate of emanation of perfume ingredients from the air freshener emanating surface and allow the use of fragrance materials with a wide range of characteristics, namely a wide range of c log P values. The air fresheners contain liquid perfume compositions which comprise: i) 0.5 to 40% w/w of a perfume; ii) an oil-solubilising system containing one or more surfactants of the non-ionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric type, or a mixture thereof; iii) a solubilizing-aid; and iv) at least 40% weight of water; weight percentages being relative to the total weight of liquid composition.

Abstract: A micro sprinkle-nozzle and a sprinkling cap made therewith, wherein the sprinkle-nozzle includes a conducting vibrator and a water container. The conducting vibrator is composed of a vibrating ring in the form of a hollow ring made of a conductive material, and a metal membrane made of a conductive film, the specific portion of which has sprinkling holes distributed in a manner of dot matrix. While the vibrating ring is adhered to the metal membrane, the vibrator is installed to a pipe top of a water container to accomplish a sprinkle-nozzle. The sprinkle-nozzle is installed to the front end of the peak with one end thereof connected to a water pouch which can be electrified to spray mist, thereby obtaining a sprinkling cap.

Abstract: A paint delivery and application apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a source of paint, a paint applicator, a supply line interconnecting the source of paint and the applicator and at least one pig in the supply line, wherein the paint pushes the pig from adjacent the source of paint to the paint applicator and a source of purging solvent delivering a small volume of purging solvent to the supply line when the pig is adjacent the source of paint adjacent to and upstream of the pig acting as a lubricant, reducing chattering and skipping of the pig and extending the life of the pig. Where the apparatus includes two pigs, purging solvent is delivered between the pigs adjacent the applicator, the pigs are delivered to adjacent the source of paint and a small volume of solvent is then delivered from between the pigs upstream of the pigs.

Abstract: A method according to the invention of producing a porous plate in which micro openings with a predetermined size are arranged at a predetermined interval, includes a step of forming a UV curable resin layer on a substrate; a step of performing UV exposure to the UV curable resin layer to form a pattern corresponding to the micro openings; a step of performing development; and a step of peeling off the UV curable resin layer from the substrate to obtain the porous plate.

Abstract: A liquid de-icer applicator which is specifically designed for convenient de-icer application, as opposed to simple agricultural spray. The unit has a horizontal frame chassis with an attached push handle, a tank detachably mounted on the chassis for holding and dispensing liquid de-icer, a pair of foldable wing spray bars mounted to the front of the chassis which can move from folded or closed transport position to operational positions. The foldable wing spray bars are fluidly connected to a spray system which can be selectively operated at the spray bars or by use of a wand. The applicator has a pair of spaced apart wheels mounted near the rear end of the chassis, behind and below the tank in order to allow convenient and balanced mobility. Finally, there is an associated power supply (battery) for operation of the spray system and it is all housed under a protective housing. Preferably the unit includes a control panel mounted on the push handle.

Abstract: An adjustable friction grip sprinkler riser includes a body defining a chamber, at least one port for introducing water into the chamber and a riser tube axially slidable relative to the chamber with an upper end thereof being adapted to carry a sprinkler head. The riser tube passes through a member for frictionally gripping an exterior surface thereof to frictionally lock the riser tube at any position of selective adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a personal body spray applicator having a rectangular shaped body defining a reservoir for containing a liquid. The body has a front face, an opposing back face, and an edge surface adjoining the front face and the back face. A nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir is provided along the edge surface of the body. An actuator is also positioned along the edge surface of the body and is operable to cause fluid present within the reservoir to be discharged through the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shower comprising a housing (2) that forms a head (K) in which a switchable valve is disposed. Said valve is provided with a sealing member (16) which can be displaced from a first valve seat (12) to a second valve seat (20) in order to switch the type of jet. Actuating means (15) are connected to the sealing member (16). A shower insert (24) encompasses first and second means (26, 27) for forming jets. A shaft (32) in which a duct (10) is located for delivering water to the valve is fixed to the head (K). A sleeve (5) removably slides onto the shaft (32) from a free end. Said sleeve (5) can be interlocked with the housing (2) in the area of the head (K), for example.

Abstract: A shower head includes a main body formed with a chamber communicating with a water inlet at the upper end. The main body has its lower end formed with central water outlets and peripheral water outlets and has its interior installed with a water-separating unit with a pivot having a sealing member fixed thereon. When the pivot together with the sealing member is moved up and down vertically in the chamber, the sealing member can carry out sealing to control the water flowing in the chamber through the central water outlets or the peripheral water outlets. The main body has one circumferential side installed with a press unit formed with two pushing slopes actuated to move horizontally and push the pivot of the water-separating unit to shift up and down vertically for controlling the shower head to send out water through the center or the periphery.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an injection valve has a valve body including a central longitudinal axis and a cavity with a fluid inlet portion and a fluid outlet portion, a valve needle axially movable in the cavity, the valve needle preventing a fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion in a closing position and releasing the fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion in further positions, and a fluid flow directing element arranged in the cavity and having a recess to direct the fluid flow to the fluid outlet portion, the recess having a recess fluid inlet portion and a channel portion arranged between the recess fluid inlet portion and the fluid outlet portion, the channel portion having an upstream end and a downstream end. The cross section of the downstream end of the channel portion being smaller than the cross section of the upstream end of the channel portion.

Abstract: A modular reel assembly for winding, dispensing, transporting, or storing hose, cord, or cable, is provided. Such a reel comprises of a pair of substantially similar polymeric support endplates and a pair of substantially similar polymeric spool endplates. The substantially similar support endplates are connected by at least one support endplate connecting member defining a predetermined support assembly width. The substantially similar spool endplates are connected by at least one spool endplate connecting member defining a predetermined spool assembly width. The modular reel assembly can thus be adjusted to particular discrete spool assembly and support assembly widths through appropriately selected interchangeable spool endplate and support endplate connecting members.

Abstract: A tool for removing the fishing line wound around the spool of a fishing reel including a reel de-lining tool including a first flexible arm, a second flexible arm, the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm accepting the line to be wound, a flange to mount the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm and a shank to rotate the flange.