Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a join between two strands (10, 20). The method comprises cutting each of the two strands at an angle relative to its longitudinal axis so as to obtain a cut surface (13, 23) on each strand. The cut surfaces of the two strands are joined by mirror welding.

Abstract: A ball forming device and method used in a bonding apparatus, including a bonding arm, a capillary attached to the bonding arm, an electronic flame off probe for forming a ball at the tip of a wire passing through the capillary, and a gas atmosphere forming unit for bringing the vicinity of the tip end of the wire into a gas atmosphere. The gas atmosphere forming unit is made of an inner wall element and an outer wall element with a hollow space section in between. The bonding arm side of the inner wall element has an inside open space which is wider than the portion of the bonding arm where the capillary is attached, and gas ejection ports are formed in the inner wall element. A gas supply pipe is connected to the outer wall element to supply, for instance, a reducing gas into the hollow space section.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] [Solution] A solder composition 10 is for forming a solder layer on an electrode 21 provided on a substrate 20. The solder composition 10 includes solder powder composed of a plurality of solder particles 12 coated with organic films 11, and a medium 13 having a boiling point not lower than the melting point of the solder powder. The solder layer on the electrode 21 grows by coalescence of the solder particles 12 with the solder layer. Therefore, when the coalescence of the solder particles proceeds and the amount of the organic film per unit surface area of the solder layer reaches a certain level, the growth of the solder layer stops. Namely, the final solder amount of the solder layer is determined depending on the initial size of the solder particle 12 and amount of the organic film 11. Thereby, it is possible to inhibit coalescence of the solder particles 12 on the electrode 21 beyond necessity, so a short-circuit failure of the electrode 21 can be prevented.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus, e.g. a refrigerator or a freezer, comprises an insulated chiller or freezer box, accessible by a door, and means for cooling the interior of the box, said means comprising a heat exchanger including a tube evaporator system, wherein a first part of the system is located inside of the box and a second part of which is located outside of the box, wherein said system comprises a plurality of tubes connected to provide a pathway for a refrigerant which in use is circulated between said first part and said second part of said system. The metal tubes of the system which in use contact refrigerant which is at a temperature of 0° C. or less are connected by lap joints sealed in a gas tight manner by a solder which a) has a melting temperature of from 180 to 300° C. and/or b) is a tin solder.

Abstract: A container comprises a container wall (3) and a lower bottom member which is surrounded by the container wall and connected to said wall in fluid tight fashion. A discharge opening, which is optionally closeable by cover member, is surrounded by the container wall at a location opposite to the bottom member. A corresponding blank (1) for such a container, especially the container wall, comprises an upper (4) and lower (5) peripheral edge and first and second connection edges (6, 7) laterally connecting said peripheral edges, each of said connection edges extending along overlap regions (8, 9) which are interconnectable for shaping the container.

Abstract: A single-use container having a foldable writing surface with self-sealing adhesive and corresponding methods of fabrication and use involving at least one planar polygonal member having an outer surface, an inner surface, a plurality of vertices, and a plurality of edges, each edge of the plurality of edges including a peripheral portion, the planar member being foldable, and the planar member being conducive to accepting a writing material, and an adhesive disposed on the peripheral portion on at least one of the surfaces. The present invention also involves an additional adhesive disposed on the peripheral portion at an intermediate location between each vertex of the plurality of vertices.

Abstract: A small container comprising as major components a generally rectangular frontside sheet A and a generally rectangular backside sheet B, both consisting of thermoplastic polymer material and each having an inner face and an outer face, wherein A and B are joined to each other at three edges (1,2,3) either directly or through connecting pieces of sheet material, while at least a part of a fourth edge (4A) and a corresponding part of an edge (4B) are not joined so as to serve as a mouthpiece characterised in that A and B are each a laminate consisting of at least two film layers wherein the film layer (5) which forms the inner face of the laminate has a corrugated waved shape with the waves extending generally parallel to an edge of the sheet, the other film layer(s) (6) are flat; and the direction (7) in which the waves in the film layer which forms the inner face of the sheet A extend is generally perpendicular to the direction (8) in which the waves in the film layer which forms the inner face of sheet B ext

Abstract: A collapsible container for stackable items can comprise a hollow cylinder of a resilient material. The cylinder can be open at both ends and can include a retainer at each end. The cylinder can have a plurality of lines of weakness extending along at least a portion of the length of the cylinder such that the container can be collapsed by application of a nominal force.

Abstract: A cardboard blank for constructing a first larger size food storage box and also constructing a smaller size food storage box is provided. The blank includes a first plurality of panels foldably connected to one another along a plurality of primary fold lines in order to foldably construct the larger box, and further includes a series of tearable line elements for defining removable portions of the blank and a second smaller blank. The second smaller blank includes a second plurality of panels foldably connected to one another along a plurality of secondary fold lines in order to foldably construct the smaller box.

Abstract: A lid for a collapsible container includes a body that is adapted to cover an opening in a collapsible container. The collapsible container includes a plurality of wall panels hingedly connected to articulate between a collapsed position and an expanded position that defines an upper lip, and the upper lip further defines the opening. The lid includes a peripheral groove disposed in a side of the body and the groove is configured to receive the upper lip of the collapsible container in the expanded position. A recess in the side of the body is disposed inwardly from the peripheral groove and the recess is formed to receive the collapsible container in a substantially parallel orientation with the body when the collapsible container is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A sealed envelope that has line of perforations, along one side,’ with the distance between such perforations as to provide a line of least resistance to tearing, and situated close to a convenient edge; will permit the opening of the envelope by tearing, along such line of perforations and will enable access to the content. The minor part created by the line of perforations, will be torn off, leaving greater part intact for its use for storage/filing of the content for future use .

Abstract: This invention is a drive up mailbox that incorporates a front door and a right side door to allow a mail patron to retrieve the mail from the vehicle from the side door while in a driveway without getting out of the vehicle. The box can be manufactured using plastic, metal or wood allowing for ease of manufacture and allows the doors to open downward and operate as catchalls to prevent mail from falling onto the ground.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a theft resistant mailbox includes a door assembly. A door is affixed to a frame by at least one pivot point. A cam includes a lever rotatably engaged to a fixed surface at a mounting point and defines a cutout oriented to be removably engaged to a striker attached to a separate surface abutting the fixed surface to form a lock for the door upon urging of the cam along an angle of rotation defined about the mounting point. An anti-pry plate is attached to the fixed surface and juxtapositioned about the cam throughout the angle of rotation by which the lock is effected. The fixed surface includes one of the frame and the door. The separate surface includes an other one of the frame and the door. The fixed surface and the separate surface are provided independent of the at least one pivot point.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus for a receptacle comprises a first indicator means and a second indicator means, the first indicator means and the second indicator means mounted to the receptacle in an adjacent relationship. Each one of the indicator means is rotatable between an up position and a down position. At least one of the indicator means comprises means for urging one or both of the indicator means between the respective positions.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and device for return of lost articles, comprising a label affixed on the article/item, an instant registration of the user, and a central registry identified upon the label having contact information associated with the user. Lost and found locations will be made aware of the device and system of the present invention and will offer it to consumers upon purchase of a product, rental of an item or service, hotel/rental counter check-in or rental counter. The labels of the invention contain a centralized database telephone number or web address, and an anonymous owner number. The centralized database and return center then communicates with the owner informing them of their found item.

Abstract: One method involves payment of money to a recipient traveling to one or more foreign countries by entering into a remote computer money transfer information from a sender. The money transfer information comprises recipient identification information, at least one country where the money is to be received, and a payment amount in an originating currency. The money transfer information is transmitted to a host computer system. When ready to receive payment in the designated country, recipient identification information along with a request to withdraw a portion of a possible payment amount is entered into a payout computer. The recipient identification information and the request to withdraw is transmitted to a host computer system, and the requested withdrawal is provided to the recipient in the local currency.

Abstract: A managed service may include first logic to provide authentication information to a device on behalf of a mobile terminal to identify the mobile terminal for a near field transaction with the device, and receive transaction information from the device, where the transaction information is produced by the device on behalf of the mobile terminal. The first logic may further receive user information via the mobile terminal, the user information identifying characteristics of a user of the mobile terminal. The managed service may include second logic to produce a result that comprises information mined from the transaction information or user information, where the result identifies characteristics of the transaction or the user.

Abstract: A method for reducing fraudulent usage of credit cards/debit cards, the method comprising: allowing a user owning the credit cards/debit cards to register the credit cards/debit cards to a GPS (Global Positioning System) enabled device, the GPS enabled device connected to a network; allowing the user to define a range at which the credit cards/debit cards are out of range with respect to the GPS enabled device; authorizing use of the credit cards/debit cards owned by the user after it is determined that the credit cards/debit cards and the GPS enabled device are within the user defined range; and denying the authorization of the credit cards/debit cards owned by the user after it is determined that the credit cards/debit cards and the GPS enabled device are outside the user defined range.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes a disk unit configured to store data, a communication unit configured to perform short-distance radio frequency identification with an external reader/writer, and a control unit configured to stop the operation of the disk unit in accordance with a radio wave transmitted from the reader/writer and detected by the communication unit.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking, storing, and distributing inventory of welding-type consumables within an industrial facility includes conveyors for moving and storing welding-type consumables on pallets or other shipment units to the proper work zones. Various sensors or detectors are employed at the loading and unloading ends of the conveyors to provide data for determining quantity, type, and/or location information for monitoring inventory or even automated reordering. Therefore, such a system and method provides robust, reliable, and inexpensive inventory management that can be adaptable and compatible with multiple brands, types, and shipment varieties of inventory materials.

Abstract: In a transparent election system that protects voter privacy, the actual votes cast are published as a public record, with individual voter information redacted, allowing verification of the election results. A voter may verify that his votes were properly read and counted, to a high degree of certainty. The voter retains a receipt, including a unique voterID, from his ballot. During verification, using the voterID, the voter receives a plurality of non-matching sets of votes, one of which is his, without any indication of which one that is. If a voter does not recognize his set of votes, his marked ballot may be physically audited by voterID. A third party may verify the election results using these verification and auditing procedures on randomly selected ballots or sets of votes from a database.

Abstract: A multiple card reading modules apparatus includes a first card reading module and a second card reading module. The first card reading module includes a card receiving structure. The first card reading module reads a first card signal based on a control signal through the card receiving structure. The second card reading module is combined with the first card reading module through a combination device for sharing the card receiving structure to read a second card signal and generate the control signal based on the content of the second card signal.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional symbology codes that use plural characteristic features encoded in a data cell and related methods. Such methods include methods of encoding, methods of creating and methods of reading multi-dimensional symbology codes that use such plural characteristic features. The features, for example, include colors, grey scale levels, cell shape, patterns within a cell or any grouping discernable by an area array camera or similar device.

Abstract: Described is an image capture device with an adjustable range and related methods. The device comprises an illumination element, an array imager and a microcontroller. The illumination element is initialized to a first illumination intensity and a first illumination pulse duration. The array imager utilizes a first exposure time. The array imager achieves a first imaging range based on the first illumination intensity, the first illumination pulse duration and the first exposure time. The microcontroller changes at least one of (i) the first illumination intensity to a second illumination intensity (ii) the first illumination pulse duration to a second illumination pulse duration and (iii) the first exposure time to a second exposure time. The array imager achieves a second imaging range as a function of at least one of the second illumination intensity, the second illumination pulse duration and the second exposure time.

Abstract: A target is uniformly illuminated with illumination light without specular reflections from a window and/or from the target in a field of view of a solid-state imager of an imaging reader to improve reader performance.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with illumination light without creating hot spots in a field of view of a solid-state imager of an imaging reader to improve reader performance.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating the reliable communication of information to bar code scanners from mobile digital devices, thereby enabling mobile digital devices to easily access the current commercial infrastructure. These techniques may be used to access many other goods and services in addition to conventional commercial services. The core enabling technology is the use of various elements commonly found on mobile digital devices to provide light that simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static bar code image, and to confirm completion of the scan. The control system may interpret the light provided by the mobile digital device as merely a conventional identification type bar code, although the control system may be enhanced to identify and receive other types of information, including identity and credit information.

Abstract: The identification device disclosed in the present invention is comprised of: a carrier; and a plurality of pseudo-pixels; wherein each of the plural pseudo-pixels is formed on the carrier and is further comprised of at least a light grating composed of a plurality of light grids. In a preferred aspect, each of the plural light grids is formed on the carrier while spacing from each other by a pitch ranged between 50nm and 900nm. As the aforesaid identification device can present specific colors and patterns while it is being viewed by naked eye with respect to a specific viewing angle, the identification device is preferred for security and anti-counterfeit applications since the specific colors and patterns will become invisible when it is viewed while deviating from the specific viewing angle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security document comprising a flexible carrier and a multi-layer flexible film body which is applied to the flexible carrier and which provides one or more optical security features. The flexible multi-layer film body has an electrically controller display element for generating an optical security feature with associated electrical current source for operation of the display element in combination with an optically active diffractive structure.

Abstract: A method for an entity different than a manufacturer of an integrated circuit (IC) card to perform a secure personalization phase of the semi-finished IC card is provided. The semi-finished IC card includes a non-volatile memory storing an algorithm for processing data as a finite-state machine, and enabling the entity different from the IC card manufacturer to access the algorithm for storing personalization data and information in the non-volatile memory. The method includes performing a security authentication before enabling the algorithm to receive the personalization data and information, enabling the algorithm to receive the personalization data and information, and storing the personalization data and information in secret memory locations in the non-volatile memory according to a data structure and an access procedure hidden to the entity different from the manufacturer of the integrated circuit card.

Abstract: A dynamic credit card is provided in which a secure credit card number (e.g., a secret/hidden credit card number) is encoded based on a timing signal (e.g., an internal counter) to provide a dynamic credit card number. This dynamic number may be displayed to a user via a display (e.g., so that online purchases can be made) or written onto a magnetic stripe such that the number may be processed by traditional credit card merchants (e.g., swiped). At a remote facility, the dynamic number may be decoded based on time (and/or a counter/key number/equation) or the facility may have the secure number and perform the same function as the dynamic credit card (e.g., encode using time data as a parameter to the encoding equation) and compare the resultant dynamic number to the dynamic number received. Thus, a dynamic credit card number may change continually or periodically (e.g., every sixty seconds) such that credit card numbers may not be copied by thieves and used at later times.

Abstract: A label with RFID to be stuck on a product to be formed in a mold includes a glue film layer and a protective layer. The glue film layer is provided with a radio frequency identification device, and the protective layer is coated with glue or a glue film for not only protecting the RFID but also functioning as a combining medium to permit a label with a RFID stick on a product to be formed in a mold by injecting molding process so that the product can be identified by radio frequency, with the applicable scope of a plastic product widened.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) module for an identification token includes a module body and an RFID integrated circuit (IC) mounted on or in the module body. The RFID module also includes a pressure-sensitive switching device mounted on or in the module body. An identification token may be manufactured using the RFID module as a component of the identification token, so that the proximity payment device includes a user-actuatable switch without requiring separate operations to incorporate the switch during assembly of the identification token.

Abstract: A first inlet is formed by patterning a first antenna mounting a first IC chip in a loop shape near in an external periphery area of an IC card, the card being structured by laminated both planes of the first inlet with outer package material such as PET. A compact inlet including a second antenna, a second IC chip and a matching circuit is attached to a top or bottom surface of the card, crossing at a right angle a portion of the first loop antenna. With this antenna layout, the second antenna can be made compact to 0.2 ? or shorter by using the first antenna as an auxiliary antenna, and the card can operate without interference between the first antenna and second antenna.

Abstract: In the present publication, a method is described of transferring information from a plant for the production of packaging material to a filling machine, comprising the steps of: producing a web of the packaging material, measuring, on the production of the web, a predetermined magnitude in a first portion of the web, the portion being intended to form a first package in a filling machine, providing, on the production of the web, a second portion which is intended to form a second package in a filling machine, with information as to said measured magnitude, reading-off said information in a filling machine and controlling a second predetermined magnitude in the filling machine on the basis of said information.

Abstract: A two-dimensional (2D) tag for reading with an optical reader. The tag has a plurality of dot positions, a locator component used to locate the tag by the reader, an orientation component used to sense an orientation of the reader relative to the tag, and a data area to be read by the reader. The tag is represented by a tag format structure that contains an entry for each of the plurality of dot positions. An entry in the tag format structure can specify whether the dot position is part of the locator component or whether the dot position is part of the data area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic cartridge for the regulation of hot and cold fluids to be mixed, and to a mixer tap comprising one such cartridge. The inventive cartridge comprises two disks which are used to adjust the flow of hot and cold fluids and which each comprise a passage for hot fluid, a passage for cold fluid and a passage for a mixture of both, said disks being movably joined to one another. One of said disks is connected in rotation to a member for controlling the flow of the mixture, while the other is fixed. In order to do without a turbulator in the cartridge, the flow section for the mixture through the disks, which is defined by stacking passages for the mixture in the joining plane of the disks, varies according to the configuration of the control member. The majority of the thermosensitive part of a thermostatic regulation element is positioned upstream of the disk joining plane in the direction of flow of the mixture.

Abstract: A linking device has a connecting member for connecting a first rotation member and a second rotation member. The connecting member is connected to the first rotation member at a first connecting point and to the second rotation member at a second connecting point. The connecting member includes a thermal deformation absorbing part between the first connecting point and the second connecting point, and is adapted to absorb a change of distance between the first connecting point and the second connecting point due to thermal deformation.

Abstract: A radiant heating system including at least two heating legs, each leg including at least one burner firing into a radiant tube and at least one damper for controlling the thermal output of the heating leg; each radiant tube communicating hot exhaust gases along its length and interconnected with connector tubes. The radiant tubes in communication with at least one exhaust blower for urging exhaust gases along the length of each radiant tube and communicating exhaust gases to the atmosphere. There is at least one controller in communication with at least one temperature measuring device and in communication with the at Least one damper for controlling the position of the damper thereby controlling the firing rate of the burner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wholly wrapped railroad crosstie. It comprises an inner core and an outer casing that is made of deformable composite materials. The outer casing is molted and integrally united with and attached to the inner core as a whole when it is formed. The outer casing completely covers the inner core. There is no seam on the crosstie to prevent the separation and friction of the crosstie which greatly increases the reliability and service life of the crosstie, and reduces the cost of maintenance.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided which allows the track to be bent without creasing. The track is provided with a plurality of rails and side ribs which strengthen the track against deformation even when the track is provided with loops for play or coiled for transport. Stiffener bars are releasably secured to the track to form and support loops. A connector pad and suction cup are provided to allow releasable securement of the track or window or similar flat surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at an improved device for joining together abutting railway rails between two railway ties. The rails to be joined together have a head portion, a web portion and a toe portion. The joining device includes first and second elongated metal joint bars for holding the abutting ends of the rails together. The joint bars span the ends of the rails and hold the rails together by mounting to the rails. The joint bars are mounted to each rail on opposite sides of the web portions of each rail. The joint bars are configured to mount to the web portions of the rail between the head and toe portion of each rail.

Abstract: The damage from cyclonic winds is reduced by (1) providing another source of air for the center of the cyclonic wind from outside the system, the air desirably being cooler and denser to minimize the tendency of the air to flow upward; (2) by “plugging” the center of the cyclonic wind to prevent the upward flow of air in the center or the downward flow of air around the inside wall of the cyclonic wind, e.g., by countering the upward flow in the center or by countering the downward flow around the inside of the cyclonic wind flow; and/or (3) by slowing the cyclonic wind directly thus diminishing the flow of air and the ability of the cyclonic wind to form a wind wall.

Abstract: The nozzle for introducing and for metered addition of a treatment medium into the exhaust gas stream in combustion processes comprises a nozzle tube (2) and an inner displacement body (1) having a round cross section to form a nozzle ring gap (14). The displacement body (1) borders a mixing chamber (18) inside the nozzle tube (2) and on this end has a tapered area (3) with which it is held exclusively on a feed tube (5) for the treatment medium. The feed tube (5) crosses through a pressure chamber (6.1), which has two axial bordering walls (4, 7). The feed tube is held in these bordering walls, with a holder (12) being provided in the bordering wall (4), allowing the carrier medium from the pressure chamber (6.1) to flow through to the nozzle gap (14).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a length of pipe having a passageway for communicating a liquid under pressure therethrough, and at least one nozzle in communication with the passageway. The at least one nozzle is configured to discharge a liquid, a portion of which is discharged in a stream, and a portion of which is discharged in a volume of aspirated spray. The aspirated spray effectively shields the pipe and the at least one nozzle from heat radiating within the enclosure. The apparatus further includes a displacement device for controllably displacing the length of pipe. The length of pipe and at least one nozzle are configured to be extended through an opening in the enclosure for discharging a stream of liquid for cleaning a surface within the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for irrigating a plant, the method including the step of placing an end of a fibrous wick (50) in communication with a source of water (21) with the wick (50) delivering the water to a moisture zone proximal to a subterranean root structure of the plant. The deliver of this water is controlled by constricting the wick (50) to a predetermined degree by means of a constriction member (30) in order that the irrigation of the plant is substantially self regulating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating an object, comprising a section for positioning an object on which the object to be treated is positioned under a predetermined atmosphere; a nozzle section for spraying the object with supplied vapor and water in mixture; means for moving the section for positioning an object and/or the nozzle section for allowing the nozzle section to spray the object on the section for positioning an object; means for controlling positional relationship between the section for positioning an object and the nozzle section to control relative rate (scan rate); and means for controlling, during the spraying, each of parameters of pressure of the vapor supplied to the nozzle section, flowrate of the water supplied to the nozzle section, area of an outlet of the nozzle section, spray time, scan rate and gap between the outlet of the nozzle section and the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor nozzle, in particular for high pressure cleaning devices, having a nozzle housing which has a swirl chamber between an inflow opening for a fluid, in particular water, and a discharge opening, with a rotor inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis during operation being supported at its front end at a bearing, in particular at a cup-shaped bearing, in said swirl chamber and with the rotor being able to be driven to make a rotating movement around the longitudinal axis by fluid flowing into the swirl chamber, wherein an adjustment device is positioned in front of the swirl chamber for the speed regulation of the rotor and forces the inflowing fluid to make a rotary movement around the longitudinal axis for the generation of a rotating fluid field before the transition into the swirl chamber, and wherein the rotating fluid field is disrupted more or less pronouncedly on the transition into the swirl chamber in dependence on the position of the adjustment device.

Abstract: A spray head and a device for delivery of a liquid which enables the liquid to be delivered from a container to which the spray is connected both as a spray mist and as a jet. A first feature is that the delivery tube is shorter than the container diameter or the inside diameter of a protective cap for the container. A second feature is that the spray head—especially with the delivery tube which is and/or is not connected to the nozzle—does not project laterally beyond the perimeter of the container and/or fits under the protective cap. A third feature is that the delivery tube can be pivoted up away from the nozzle. A fourth feature is that the spray head has a groove-shaped top recess for holding the delivery tube. These features are usable singly or in combination.

Abstract: A spray nozzle (10) has a nozzle body (20) with an inlet (24) and an outlet (26). The inlet (24) is attachable to a hose (2). The outlet (26) is configured to receive a chemically-containing cartridge (70). A forwardly-disposed trigger (30) is finger-actuated and operates the valve (52) of a first valve assembly (50) to control water flow through the nozzle (10). An inlet conduit (56) connects the first valve assembly (50) to a second valve assembly (60). The second valve assembly (60) is thumb-actuated by a toggle (40) to pass water through the nozzle (10) as clean water supplied to the nozzle (10) via the hose (2) or through the nozzle (10) as chemical-added water that is created by a venturi-induced assembly (80) contained within the cartridge (70).