Abstract: A quick connection and release assembly for releasably mounting a bicycle rack on the bumper of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a bumper plate structure adapted to be fixedly secured to the bumper by fasteners and defining at least one tongue extending upwardly from an upper edge thereof and a bicycle rack plate structure adapted to be fixedly secured to a rear face of the bike rack base plate by fasteners and including an aperture proximate an upper edge thereof sized to receive the tongue and retractable pins proximate lower side edges thereof for positioning behind a lower edge portion of the bumper plate structure.

Abstract: A strap for securement to a load carrier extends from the carrier and is adapted for contact with a wearer. The strap comprises cushioning material to enhance comfort of the wearer, the cushioning material including granules. A strap accessory having granules is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tape dispenser, useful for storing, dispensing, and cutting a roll of duct tape, or similar wide, heavy, hard-to-tear tape. The dispenser is formed in two axially-registered and rotationally-mated halves. The dispenser can also include a mating wall-mounted or shelf-mounted receptacle that releasably mounts the dispenser on a convenient surface, and that allows tape to be dispensed and torn with one hand from the receptacle-mounted dispenser.

Abstract: A magazine has a nail groove for receiving nails and a nail gate being inserted into the nail groove or being disposed at one end of the nail groove. The nail gate has an elastic piece, a stopping plate extending from the elastic piece, and a tongue extending from the elastic piece. The nail gate opens when the nail firstly touches the tongue, and the nail gate closes when the nail firstly touches the stopping plate.

Abstract: Even when a transient decrease has arisen in a battery voltage VBAT of a battery pack at startup of a motor that drives a flywheel, a power terminal Vcc and a reset terminal RES (or an input terminal IN of a reset IC) of a microcomputer are replenished with a normal voltage by the voltage accumulated by a capacitor of the backup power circuit, and hence a controller can maintain normal operation without involvement of faulty operation. As a result, even the battery pack whose battery has a smaller amount of remaining energy can be effectively utilized as the power source of an electric driving machine.

Abstract: A tube joint (16) for joining dissimilar metal sections (12, 14) of a superheater or reheater tube (10) is formed using a hot isostatic press process applied to at least two different metals. A first end of the tube joint (16) is formed from a first metal which has substantially the same chemical composition as a metal used to form one section (12) of the superheater or reheater tube (10), and a second end of the tube joint is formed from a second metal which has substantially the same chemical composition as a metal used to form the other section (14) of the superheater or reheater tube (10). Because the ends of the tube joint (16) are made of substantially the same metal as the respective tube sections (12, 14) to which they attach, the welds (18) may be performed using a standard fusion welding process, such as arc welding, and the need for dissimilar metal welding (DMW) is eliminated.

Abstract: A plurality of steel plates including at least one first non-coated steel plate and at least one metal-coated steel plate are prepared. The plurality of steel plates are overlaid in such a fashion that at least one of the two steel plates located on the respective sides in the overlaying direction is the first non-coated steel plate. A rotary tool is rotated and allowed to press a to-be-joined part of the plurality of overlaid steel plates from the first non-coated steel plate side to friction-spot-join the to-be-joined part in a solid state by causing plastic flow at the to-be-joined part by generated frictional heat. Whereby, both elongation of time required for joining and lowering of the corrosion resistance of the metal-coated steel plate are suppressed.

Abstract: A bonding structure for a container member is disclosed. The container member has an opening and a covering member for covering the opening. The container member and covering member are abutted with each other and bonded by a friction stir welding operation. The bonding structure for the container and covering members comprises a bonding portion and a backing member. The bonding portion of the container member and the covering member is formed by inserting a friction stir welding tool into an abutting portion of the container member and the covering member. The backing member is provided for obstructing a plastic flow of materials for the container member and the covering member when the friction stir welding operation is performed. The backing member is disposed adjacent to the bonding portion, at a side of the abutting portion that is opposite to an inserting side of the friction stir welding tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection of a rotationally symmetrical steel fastening element to a flat aluminium component. The fastening element is provided with an electroplated aluminum coating and, at its end facing the component, forms a cone with a cone angle of at least ?=174°, wherein, through rotation and pressing against the component, said cone is superficially connected thereto by means of a friction-welding zone.

Abstract: Method for assembling a micro-, sub-micro- or nano-scale structure includes the steps of providing a set of cells (1A-5A) designed to assemble into a cell structure (C) in a predetermined order. The set of cells (1A-5A) are brought into contact with at least one seed so that a cell structure (C) grows from the seed(s). Before bringing the set of cells into contact with at least one seed, the method includes the step of mixing the set of cells (1A-5A) with at least one set of size-control-units (1B-11B) designed to assemble into a size-control-structure (U) in the vicinity of the cell(s) structure (C) in a predetermined order. The first set of cells (1A-5A) are also mixed with stop blocks (S) designed to prevent further growth of a cell structure (C) when a particular cell in the cell structure (C) becomes substantially adjacently located to a particular size-control-unit in the size-control-structure (U) by attaching to that particular cell and size-control-unit.-.

Abstract: A device and method for wave soldering work pieces is disclosed which moves the workpiece to undergo soldering along a specific path across at least one wave of solder created by a solder reservoir. An inert gas atmosphere is located above the solder reservoir, with oxygen largely excluded, where the path runs such that at least one part of the workpiece comes into contact with the wave of solder. A hood and tubes to supply the inert gas below the workpiece are provided. To prevent flooding, two or more tubes are provided with upwardly directed holes or slits which are covered by U-shaped protective housings which are open in a substantially downward direction.

Abstract: A welded component includes at least one high temperature segment of a high alloy Cr steel with high creep strength and a low temperature segment of a low alloy steel with high toughness and/or a high yield strength which are connected materially to one another via a weld joint. In one such component a gradual transition of chemical, physical and mechanical properties in the joining area is achieved in that between the weld joint and the high temperature segment there are at least two successive clad layers of at least two lower alloy weld metals with a total content of elements which increase the creep strength, such as for example Cr, Mo, W and V, which total content decreases toward the weld joint, and/or an increasing total content of elements which increase the toughness and/or yield strength, such as for example Ni and Mn, which total content increases toward the weld joint.

Abstract: A container configured to be selectively moved between a substantially flat position and a deployed position is provided. The container includes a first blank of sheet material for forming side walls of the container, and a second blank of sheet material for forming a bottom wall of the container. The first blank having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface, a top edge and a bottom edge. The first blank includes a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a fifth side panel, and a sixth side panel wherein each of the side panels are coupled across a fold line. The first blank also includes end flaps extending from the bottom edge of each of the side panels wherein at least two of the end flaps includes a tab joint. The second blank having a plurality of side edges equal to a number of side panels of the first blank, each side edge having a width substantially equal to a width of the side panels of the first blank.

Abstract: A packing case is provided preferably manufactured from a material on which weakening lines can be formed, such as cardboard or plastic. The packaging case includes a straight side weakening line in a center of each of two opposite folding walls of the case. The side weakening lines are vertically arranged along an entire extension of the opposite folding walls. A straight bottom weakening line is formed in a center of the bottom of the packing case, the straight bottom weakening line joining the side weakening lines together. Symmetrical sets of angled bottom weakening lines are provided, each set being arranged at each end region of the bottom of the packing case adjacent to each opposite folding wall. The weakening lines from each set are arranged parallel to one another with their vertex at the central bottom weakening line and the legs of each set ending at the base of a respective one of the opposite folding walls.

Abstract: A carton for containing cans which has a handle strap (H) by which the carton can be carried. The handle strap is formed integral with the carton and is moveable with respect to the top wall (20) to enable the handle to be raised into a position of use. One end (86) of the handle can engage a top wall of the carton to restrict the extent of deployment of the handle strap above the top wall.

Abstract: Containers of the wraparound and tray style are provided, having enhanced stacking strength and general robustness, through the provision of internal and external reinforcing panels and flanges. Variations of the basic invention are provided with closure flaps of varying configuration and placement; end walls and minor flaps with angled side edges to provide for containers having inclined sides; regions of weakness, removable portions of panels and/or preformed apertures to permit conversion of the containers to display/merchandising modes; gusseted corner structures to provide for containment of fluent materials; and enhanced transverse support structures.

Abstract: A container or container blank (100) comprises a base portion (2) having a pair of opposed side wall portions (3B,5B) and an opposed front wall portion (4B) and rear wall portion (6B), each wall portion (3B,4B,5B,6B) being connected to the base portion (2) at a fold line (3,4,5,6). Each side wall portion (3B,5B) has inner and outer sections (3B,7;5B,7) separated by a fold land, the sections being adapted for folding about the fold land to assume a position overlying one another, the outer section (7) including locking means (7A,7B) engagable in the base portion (2) to secure said overlying position. The front and rear wall portions (4B,6B) each have a riser section and a lid section (11,10). The base at least has attached thereto a web of material (12) adapted to retain an article within a container formed from the blank (100).

Abstract: A bank assembly comprising a bank storage unit, a bank holder and a closed bottom portion is provided. The bank storage unit defines a cavity therein for storing money. The bank holder is capable of being mounted to a vertical surface. The closed bottom portion is coupled to the bank holder and extends away from the bank holder. The closed bottom portion and the bank holder coact with each other to support the bank storage unit.

Abstract: A package deposit enclosure designed for public use is powered by an efficient storage battery and photovoltaic cell array. These unique features allow the package deposit enclosure to be placed in locations where no power is available, but where there is frequent human traffic. Sensing and wireless data communication features allow the unit to be emptied less often than typical package delivery enclosures. Wireless communication also allows users' access to real-time information. On board power enables other functions, such as lighting and audio, to enhance device functionality.

Abstract: A quality control system of concrete and cement products is provided in which the manufacturing information on cement products of mortar or concrete can be checked at any time, the reliability is so high that there is no possibility of the recorded information being lost or falsified, there is no possibility of damage in concrete, and the directivity of the sensitivity of an antenna can be broadened. A quality control system of concrete and cement products writes into a wireless IC tag 1 equipped with an antenna section mixed in the manufacturing process of cement products kneading with cement, aggregate and water and measures the characteristic value, and an IC tag writer 7 coupled to the automatic measuring device automatically writes the characteristic value of the products measured by the automatic measuring device and the manufacturing information consisting of the dates of manufacture.

Abstract: A validity assurance system of the present invention includes a terminal apparatus that generates a slip based on slip item data representing a slip item and slip content data representing a slip content corresponding to the slip item, a slip management apparatus including a slip management database that stores the slip content data representing the slip content of the slip generated by the terminal apparatus, and an invoice issuing apparatus that generates an invoice based on the slip content data stored in the slip management database, wherein in a case where a slip identification code generated by a slip identification code generating part of the terminal apparatus is matched with an invoice identification code generated by an invoice identification code generating part of the invoice issuing apparatus, validity of the voucher is assured.

Abstract: A system is provided for verifying the validity status and/or authenticity information of a secure document. The secure document has user discernable information and a plurality of tags printed thereon. Each tag contains coded data encoding an identity of the document and a location of that tag on the document. The system has memory for recording a correspondence between the identity of the secure document and validity status and/or authenticity information relating to the secure document, a receiver for receiving data from a sensing device, and a processor for verifying the validity status and/or authenticity information of the secure document using the received data and the recorded correspondence. The data received from the sensing device identifies the document identity and a position of the sensing device relative to the document, and is generated by the sensing device sensing coded data contained in at least one tag.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio content with text including a book holder and a book. The book holder identifies which book of a plurality is placed in the holder by detecting magnetic indicators in specific locations and arrangements which are unique to each book. The page of the book which a user views at any given time is identified by detection of ambient light, by detection of a number of circuit elements in parallel, by detection of progressively stacked magnetic sensors, or by microwave reflection.

Abstract: A method of validating machine components in a self-service terminal is disclosed which comprises providing at least one machine component with a machine readable identifier and reading identity data from the machine readable identifier using a processing unit. The identity data is compared with identity data stored in the memory of the processing unit to determine if the identity of a component has changed. If the identity has changed, the processing unit compares the identity data with source data to determine if the component is from a trusted source. In one embodiment, the self service terminal is an ATM and the components are an encrypting Personal Identification Number (PIN) pad, a cash dispenser unit and a card reader.

Abstract: Controlling electronic withdrawals by a withdrawal device including creating in the withdrawal device a data structure representing a withdrawal request, where the data structure includes fields for a withdrawal device identifier, a drawer identifier, a drawee identifier, and a withdrawal amount; transmitting from the withdrawal device to a drawee a request for limitations on electronic withdrawals for the drawer, where the limitations include a limitation on drawer location; receiving in the withdrawal device from storage in computer memory of the drawee data representing the limitations on electronic withdrawals for the drawer, including the limitation on drawer location; and authorizing, by the withdrawal device, an electronic withdrawal in dependence upon the limitations, including the limitation on drawer location.

Abstract: An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.

Abstract: An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.

Abstract: An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.

Abstract: An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.

Abstract: An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.

Abstract: An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc.

Abstract: An electronic money usage system is capable of preventing dishonest use of electronic money recorded on a recording medium. A memory card 300 acquires signature-type electronic data from a bank server apparatus 100, and generates a first authenticator using the received first authenticator, and an identification flag, an electronic money ID and an amount included in the electronic money. When a user uses the signature-type electronic money, the memory card 300 generates a second authenticator with use of a second password received from the user, and the identification flag, electronic money ID and amount included in the electronic money. The memory card 300 outputs the electronic money if the first authenticator and the second authenticator match.

Abstract: A presentation instrument package includes a presentation instrument and a negotiable instrument. The package is configured for display at a point-of-sale, and the presentation instrument and negotiable instrument are configured for activation at the point-of-sale.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for facilitating biometric security in a smartcard-reader transaction system by proffering a biometric. The biometric may be proffered to a biometric sensor communicating with the smartcard-reader system. Proffering the biometric initiates verification of the biometric sample and facilitates authorization of a transaction.

Abstract: In a settlement transaction system or settlement transaction method using the system, the system includes a content providing server conducting a digital broadcast, for example, for a CS broadcast, a BS broadcast, a CATV, or a broadcast using ground waves; a settlement server to execute settlement transaction or settlement transaction, an order placement managing server to execute order placement processing, and an order managing server which receives an order of a request from a user to purchase articles and which sends an associated indication to the settlement server and the order placement managing server according to information of the order. The user operates a terminal in which an IC card communication application to communicate with an IC card is only installed. It then becomes possible to reduce a load imposed onto the system in association with a change to an existing digital broadcast system.

Abstract: An automated counting and tracking system for counting the number of individuals, objects or animals having certain common demographics or attributes, located within a defined physical location, which includes a means of determining the composition of persons, items or animals located in such physical location. A method for counting and tracking the number of individuals, objects or animals having certain common demographics or attributes, located within a defined physical location, which includes a method of determining the composition of persons, items or animals located in such physical location.

Abstract: A tag for identifying a component or a basket used in a manufacturing facility. The tag is made from a stainless steel plate and has a plurality of thru-holes formed therein. The holes are arranged in a pattern that defines a two-dimensional (2-D) bar code. The 2-D bar code can be read from a front side or a rear side of the plate using a bright-field or dark-field vision system. The tag may further include indicia such as letters, numbers, or symbols that are recognizable by humans.

Abstract: The invention provides for a card reader, and a self-service terminal employing the same. The reader comprises a card receiving means (14) for receiving a card having stored data to be read and card reading means (12) for reading the stored data. The reader is arranged to deliver a card received at the card receiving means (14) to the card reading means via a delivery path. The path (30) is arranged to maintain the card in a predetermined plane during transportation. A signal source (28) is arranged to produce an output signal (26) which is projected across the delivery path (30) in the plane which a card passes when in use. Detecting means (32) are also arranged to receive the output signal (26) and to detect the presence of an object in the path (30) in response to the object interfering with the signal.

Abstract: A credit card size authentication card is manufactured using innovative sensor technology, processor technology, power generation and storage, panel display and integration technology. The front of the card has a data display and an exposed, biometric sensor. Internally the card has one or more flex boards that carry low profile, surface-mounted electronic components including a processor that provides the control functions and mathematical calculations to generate a series of random personal identification numbers (PINs) in the display. The random PINs are derived from a biometric seed number obtained during initialization of the card by a discrete user. The electronic circuitry controlling and interconnecting the processor, the sensor and the display is powered by a power system including a thin film battery, a thin film power generator and a low profile power regulator. The thin film power generator preferably comprises a thin film solar collector or RF antenna circuit for energy harvesting.

Abstract: A dual-personality card reader system supports both USB and micro-SD devices using a card reader and an extended 9-pin USB socket. The card reader includes a PCBA having four standard USB metal contact pads and several extended purpose contact pads disposed on an upper side, components and IC chips covered by a molded case on a lower side, a molded lead-frame connector mounted on the PCBA and including five forward-facing extended purpose pins and eight rear-facing micro-SD connector pins that communicate with the PCBA through the extended purpose contact pads, and a housing including a slot for receiving a micro-SD card such that it communicates with the PCBA through the micro-SD connector pins. The extended 9-pin USB socket includes standard USB contacts and extended use contacts that communicate with the PCBA through the standard USB metal contacts and forward-facing extended purpose pins. The PCBA includes dual-personality electronics for SD/USB communications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a data communications system configured to execute data communication between three parties of a reader/writer, an integrated circuit card wirelessly communicable with the reader/writer in a non-contact manner, and an information processing terminal connected to the intergraded circuit card via a wired interface, the data communications system including: the reader/writer having a read/write wireless control block; the integrated circuit card having an integrated circuit card wireless control block; and the information processing terminal having a request acceptance block, a data storage block, and a data transmission block.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with light for image capture by a solid-state imager and an imaging lens of an imaging reader over a wide field of view which is narrowed by a curved folding mirror that enables far-out and close-in targets to be imaged and read.

Abstract: Laser processing data based on which a laser processing system scans a work with a laser beam adjustable in focal distance in two dimensions is generate by specifying a two-dimensional pattern in an X-Y coordinate plane and a shift pitch at which the two-dimensional pattern is shifted in a Z-axis direction and repeatedly shifting the two-dimensional pattern at the shift pitch in the Z-axis direction in synchronism with the scan with the two-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: An optical scanner including an optics engine that is easily replaced. The scanner includes a scanner housing including a scanner housing aperture, pattern mirrors in the housing, and an optics engine including an engine housing insertable into the scanner housing aperture, a mirrored spinner in the engine housing for directing a laser beam at the pattern mirrors and for receiving light reflected from an item from the pattern mirrors, a motor in the engine housing for rotating the mirrored spinner, a laser in the engine housing for producing the laser beam, a collector in the engine housing between the laser and the mirrored spinner including an aperture through which the laser beam passes, wherein the collector receives the light reflected from the item from the mirrored spinner, and a detector in the engine housing for receiving the light from the collector and converting the light into electrical signals.

Abstract: A label on an electronic product may be written electronically and maintains the last display state when power is removed from the label. There are many different types of digital paper and electronic paper known in the art that would be suitable for use as such labels. The label includes multiple defined regions that may be independently written, with one of the regions defined to display failure information for the electronic product. In one implementation, the failure information is available on the electronic product itself. In another implementation, the failure information includes information received from a source external to the electronic product. The display of failure information on the label may be in human-readable and/or machine-readable form. The result is a label on an electronic product that provides reliable information regarding a failure of the electronic product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plastic card for a special member for providing a financial transaction function, which is decorated with noble metals and jewels and has a beautiful three-dimensional pattern formed on the surface thereof, thereby providing a user with refinement. The plastic card is manufactured by performing the steps of thermally bonding thin synthetic resin layer sheets to form a card sheet, die-cutting the card sheet into a number of rectangular finished cards, and attaching a magnetic tape for recording information on the finished cards or having an IC chip embedded in the finished cards. The plastic card includes: a coupling hole 11 formed on the surface of the plastic card 10; and a rivet 20 made of noble metal and inserted into the coupling hole 11, the rivet 20 having a head 20a formed and fixed to the coupling hole 11 by pressing the lower portion thereof in a state where the rivet 20 is inserted into the coupling hole 11 and a jewel 21 firmly fixed on the upper portion of the rivet 20.

Abstract: A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.

Abstract: A personalized credit card is provided that includes information traditionally found on the face of a credit card (i.e. card holder's name, credit card number, issuing bank name, credit card network logo, etc.) as well as design artwork that is personalized to the card holder and an identifier identifying the personal relationship of the personalized artwork to the card holder. A method of promoting credit cards is provided in which a cardholder is offered the ability to apply for a personalized card at the time the card holder purchases a motorcycle from the motorcycle dealer, and in which the motorcycle dealer is offered an incentive by an issuing bank for offering the card holder the ability to apply for the card.

Abstract: An electrode for use in industrial processes is provided with a mark. The marking apparatus comprises an information unit for providing a mark (110) representing some form of information relating to the electrode (100). The mark is arranged as a part of the electrode. A corresponding electrode mark reading apparatus for providing information related to an electrode includes a radiation unit for directing radiation towards the electrode, a detection unit for detecting radiation reflected by or transmitted through at least a part of the electrode, and for converting the detected radiation into a converted signal. A decoding unit is adapted to transform the converted signal into a decoded signal. A part of the decoded signal is related to a mark on the electrode. Conversion elements for converting the decoded signal into an electrode code is provided for obtaining code representing a feature related to the electrode.

Abstract: A tag printed on a print medium that comprises a substantially circular locator component used to represent a location of a tag reading device with respect to the tag. The tag also includes an orientation component, positioned within the circumference of the locator component, and used to represent an orientation of the tag reading device with respect to the tag. The tag also includes a data component comprising a plurality of data segments that are positioned both within and outside of the circumference of the locator component, the data component used to represent data to be read by the tag reading device.