Abstract: A tool box includes a housing having a number of orifices formed in an upper wall, and a carrier slidably received in the housing and having a number of socket openings for receiving tool members. The carrier is slidable relative to the housing for selectively moving the tool members in and out of the housing. A spring member may be engaged between the housing and the carrier, for biasing the carrier to move the tool members out of the housing. The carrier includes a bore for slidably receiving a guide post of the housing, and for guiding the carrier to move up and down relative to the housing. An anchoring device may anchor the carrier to the housing at the inwardly storing position.

Abstract: A carton with an improved dispenser facilitates access to articles enclosed within by providing expansive side recesses that expose at least one article on the lowermost row and the two end most articles in the uppermost row. The dispenser opening is defined by one or more severance lines extending at least partially across the top, end, and side walls, with a portion of the end wall remaining as an article stopper after the at least partially detachable portion of the dispenser is removed.

Abstract: A cushion structure comprises a first fixing element, a second fixing element, a first cushion element, and a second cushion element. The first fixing element comprises a first board. The second fixing element comprises a second board and faces the first fixing element. The first cushion element is fixed on the first board and the second board near a side thereof. The first cushion element comprises a plurality of first spacers and first grooves. The second cushion element is fixed on the first board and the second board near another side thereof facing the first cushion element. The second cushion element comprises a plurality of second spacers and second grooves. The second grooves face the first grooves.

Abstract: A disaster pack comprising a pillow, a blanket, and a mattress pad compressed to a volume of about five and on-half percent of their free state volume. A method for making the packaged product comprises the steps of placing the compressible dry good within a bag; placing the compressible dry good disposed within the bag on a platen; compressing the compressible dry good within the bag; sealing the open end of the bag to form a sealed bag; and removing the dry good within the sealed bag from the platen.

Abstract: A disposable food delivery device is disclosed. The device includes a food utensil coupled to a food container. The food container can be pre-charged with food, such as a dehydrated food, such that a liquid can be added to the dehydrated food to result in a ready-to-eat food at any selected time. The food container illustratively can include a port for receiving the liquid. The food container also illustratively can include a security seal for assuring that the food has not been contaminated prior to consumption. Another illustrative embodiment of the invention includes a valve for retaining liquid in the food container prior to consumption of the food.

Abstract: An adjustable shipper display system includes a master shell having side walls with mounting positions. A plurality of tray-like shelves are supported at each end at the mounting positions. Fillers are insertable along the shelves to divide the shelves into compartment spaces and to provide dunnage where required. With minimum modification the shipper can be prepared for displaying articles to the consumer without requiring removal or other adjustment of the articles within the shipper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product package which includes a sleeve and at least on rigid end cap. The sleeve has longitudinally opposed first and second ends, the first end of the sleeve defining an opening and having at least two locking tabs extending therefrom. The first end of the sleeve also includes a tear strip positioned adjacent to the opening which has been formed using known techniques, such as, microperforation. Each locking tab includes a locking edge and is folded inwards into the opening. A rigid end cap is dimensioned to fit closely within the sleeve opening, the end cap including a rim that, when the end cap is inserted into the opening, engages the first end of the sleeve and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening. The end cap also includes at least one channel for receiving the pair of locking tabs, the at least one channel having a ledge that engages the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent the end cap from being removed from the sleeve opening.

Abstract: A screening plant having a main frame, a trammel drum mounted on the main frame to be rotatable about a rotational axis at a small angle to the horizontal, and having an input end and an opposite discharge end at a lower end than the input end, screening apertures provided in the wall of the drum, drive means coupled with the drum and operative to rotate the drum while screening takes place, an input hopper mounted on the main frame and arranged to supply bulk material to the input end of the drum, an inclined guide shoot which feeds material from the hopper laterally so as to enter the input end of the drum, and a cantilever type rotatable mounting assembly which rotatably mounts the input end of the drum on the main frame of the plant.

Abstract: A rotary drum filter has a plurality of longitudinally extending division grids mounted about the outer circumference of a drum. A plurality of corrugated sheets are provided, with the leading and trailing edges of each sheet mounted to circumferentially adjacent pairs of division grids to define filtrate compartments. An equivalent number of perforated filter plates are also provided. Each filter plate is attached to the top of a corrugated sheet and has a leading edge and a trailing edge that are set back from the leading edge and trailing edge of the corrugated sheet. A seal clip is positioned near the leading edge of each corrugated sheet. A seal member or seal members is/are held in place by the seal clip and is/are positioned at the face of the leading edge of each corrugated sheet or beneath and near the face or each corrugated sheet.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for displaying, storing and fixturing snowboards and glider type boards vertically either on the wall or supported from a floor stand. The device allows the quick and easy loading of a board and manipulating or adjusting the board's position. The device has multiple points or surfaces of contact, located on both sides of an elongated board placed in the device, which said points or surfaces may be cushioned, compliant and frictional so as to prevent board damage and to aid in supporting the edges of the board. The contact points provide frictional forces and horizontal vector forces which are the result of the downward gravitational vector force and slight downward movement developed by the weight of the board itself as it is transferred through the multiple contact surfaces.

Abstract: A support system for supporting a product for retail display comprises an accessory, a rear portion, a front portion, and a magnetic portion. The accessory is adapted to support the product for retail display. The front portion supports the accessory and is rigidly connected to the rear portion. The magnetic portion is adapted rigidly connected to the rear portion. When the rear portion extends at least partly along a top surface of a metal structure, the front portion extends at least partly along a display surface thereof. The rear portion is supported by the top surface of the metal structure to transfer to the metal structure downward loads on the front portion. The magnetic portion is magnetically attracted to the top surface of the metal structure to inhibit movement of the front portion away from the display surface.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating dispensing closure includes a closure body, and an associated flip-top lid pivotally connected to the closure body for movement between a closed position and an open position. The flip-top lid includes a tamper-indicating flange frangibly connected thereto, with the closure body including a pocket-like retention cavity within which the tamper-indicating flange is received during initial closing movement of the flip-top lid. During initial opening movement of the lid, the tamper-indicating flange is broken away from the flip-top lid, and thereafter permanently retained within the retention cavity to provide a clear, visual indication that the flip-top lid of the closure has been opened.

Abstract: A vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analyzed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic concentration of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: A plastic container having a first portion, a second portion, and a waist between the first portion and the second portion. The waist includes a first angled portion coupled to the first portion, a second angled portion coupled to the second portion, and a curved portion connecting the first angled portion to the second angled portion for forming a deformable region for preventing a catastrophic failure of the waist when the plastic container is filled and capped and subjected to an external force.

Abstract: A collapsible cargo carrying enclosure including a plurality of panels, each exhibiting a specified two-dimensional shape and thickness and which are interconnected along adjoining edges. Each of the panels exhibits a structural substrate, over which is molded a plasticized material. The structural substrate typically includes a network of elongated and interconnecting bamboo, steel or aluminum members, the plasticized material further including a powder impression material filling said mold within which an aggregate is entrained including at least one of glass, pebbles/rocks, ceramics, steel rerods and wood. The panels are interconnected together and collapsible in a stacked manner to provide the advantages of lightweight and ease of shipment. The assembled container further defines a waterproof and floatable/towable cargo holding enclosure, such as for use offshore offloading and transport of cargo shipments.

Abstract: A T-bar clip assembly that securely couples to T-bar structures that are used to construct suspended ceiling is disclosed. The T-bar assembly is configured to support one or more electrical fixtures and provide power feeds to the one or more electrical fixtures. The T-bar clip assembly comprises support brackets that secure to the T-bar structures and one or more housing structures that attach to a portion of the support brackets to form one or more corresponding junction box enclosures. The junction box enclosures provide the power feeds to the one or more electrical fixtures at locations that are substantially flush with support flanges of the T-bar structure, an outer surface of the removable ceiling tiles or both.

Abstract: An expandable while-in-use cover includes: a cap having a pair of cap side walls, a first cap end wall, a second cap end wall and a top wall, which define a cap opening and a cap interior; a base having a pair of base side walls, a first base end wall, a second base end wall and a back wall, which define a base opening and a base exterior, wherein the base side walls and base end walls correspond to the cap side walls and cap end walls and wherein the cover is adapted to slidably and/or telescopically receive the base; a first and second prong on the interior of each of the cap side walls near the first and second cap end walls; a first and second slotted track on the exterior of each of the base side walls near the base end walls, wherein the first slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the first prong of each cap side wall and the second slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the second prong of each cap side wall; and an aperture in the back wall for accessing an ele

Abstract: A covering system that includes a first membrane, a first flotation member coupled to the first membrane. The first flotation member includes a first float and a first float compartment membrane, and the first float compartment membrane is coupled to the first membrane. The covering system also includes a first plurality of gas-relief passageways positioned either within the first float compartment membrane, or within the first membrane and adjacent to the first flotation member. And at least one of the gas-relief passageways within the first plurality is structured so that gas flows unobstructed through it when the system is used. Gas-relief openings formed between overlapping membranes may also be utilized as avenues through which gas may escape to atmosphere from beneath the covers and covering systems. Venting methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the pedal and the lid, and a motion damper coupled to the link assembly for slowing the closing motion of the lid. The assembly also includes an inner liner that is retained inside the shell, with a support frame secured to the top end of the shell and having a ridge on which a peripheral lip of the inner liner rests. Two or more inner liners can be provided inside the shell. In addition, the lid can be pivotably connected to the upper edge of the outer shell by a connector which has a sleeve that is coupled to the upper edge of the outer shell, a non-metal tube that is positioned inside the sleeve, and a shaft received inside the bore of the tube.

Abstract: A sealing device (2, 2?, 2?) to be arranged between an opening in a drinking container (1?, 1?) and a drinking straw (20), and a method of making the sealing device (2, 2?, 2?). The sealing device (2, 2?, 2?) comprises a region of the drinking container (1?, 1?), or a part connected to the drinking container (1?, 1?), made from a material (14) subjected to a plastic deformation in a portion spanning said opening in the drinking container (1?, 1?). The deformation has the form of a bulge (2a) of thinned material (4). The bulge (2a) is folded upon itself to form a ring-shaped fold (12) on the inside of the drinking container (1?, 1?). The fold (12) encircles the plastically deformed and thinned wall material (4) of bulge (2a), said bulge material (4) forming an inner seal ring (19) around the drinking straw (20) when the bulge material (4) is perforated.

Abstract: A modular fluid containment system formed of a plurality of fluid containment units and interconnecting channels. The containment units and channels may be comprised of panel units made of flexible non-porous material. The system includes brace members along selected edges of the containment units and panel units which are operative between an operative position in which the edges of the flexible material forming the containment units and panel units are held in an upright position forming side walls defining a containment or channel area and an inoperative position in which the flexible material is allowed to lie along a single plane in flat or folded condition. Connectors are provided along selected edges of the panel units to interconnect the panel units into desired configurations forming the containment system of desired shape and size.

Abstract: An article includes walls defining an insulating space therebetween and a vent forming an exit for gas molecules during evacuation of the space. A distance separating the walls is variable in a portion adjacent the vent such that gas molecules are directed towards the vent imparting a greater probability of molecule egress than ingress such that deeper vacuum is developed without requiring getter material. The variable-distance portion may be formed by converging walls. Alternatively, a portion of one of the walls may be formed such that a normal line at any location within that portion is directed substantially towards a vent opening in the other wall.

Abstract: A stable waste receptacle has in the preferred embodiment, at least two foot pedals mounted on opposite sides of the receptacle, at the receptacle's base. Recessed housings are formed in the base and sides to permit the foot pedals to be withdrawn from the housings to stabilize the receptacle during trash bag removal or to be pressed back into the respective housings for telescopically stacking multiple receptacles. Detents are provided to retain the foot pedals releasably in the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing configured to hold the stack of sheets within an internal storage space. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position wherein access is provided to the storage space, and a closed position wherein the cover defines a front panel of the dispenser. A dispensing opening is provided through which the folded sheets are dispensed when the cover is in its closed position. An overfill prevention device is configured within the housing. This device includes a stop member that is movably configured with a back wall of the housing and is movable between a restricting position when the cover is in its open position, and a relief position when the cover is closed. A latch mechanism is disposed in the housing in a position so as latch the stop member in its restricting position when the cover is in the open position.

Abstract: A dispenser for a flowable product such as liquid soap is arranged to receive a can containing the liquid soap as well as two different propellants. Gaseous nitrogen under pressure acts as a primary propellant, while propane and/or butane in a liquid phase acts to foam the soap when it is released from the can. An electronically controlled valve is actuated when a sensor detects the presence of a user's hand adjacent an outlet, and a predetermined quantity of foamed soap is then dispensed.

Abstract: Handheld extruder welding device for welding thermoplastic synthetic materials, including an extruder screw, a drive system for the extruder screw in an axial extension of the extruder screw, and a hot air unit with a blower, where the blower and the drive system are integrated in a housing including several parts, and where a cooling body with air inlets is located on the housing on the screw side. This cooling body transfers the axial and radial forces between the drive system and the screw cylinder and supports the housing. In this handheld extruder welding device, all drive components are integrated in one housing which makes it suitable for robust use and a long service life. Its design with a cooling body as the support base for the entire device represents a special function.

Abstract: An aerosol texturing system for forming a textured surface on drywall material. The aerosol texturing system comprises an aerosol assembly defining a product chamber and acoustic texture material and propellant material disposed within the product chamber. The aerosol assembly is selectively operable in a first mode in which the product chamber is sealed and in a second mode in which fluid is allowed to flow out of the product chamber along a dispensing passageway. The acoustic texture material comprises a base portion and a particulate portion. The particulate portion comprises at least one particulate material selected from the group consisting of urethane foam and melamine foam. At least a portion of the propellant material exists in a gaseous state such that, when the aerosol assembly is in the second mode, the propellant material forces the acoustic texture material out of the aerosol assembly along the dispensing passageway.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a viscous, flowable food product such, for example, as a condiment, comprises an axially extending container that defines an opening and an interior chamber for receiving and storing the food product. A discharge assembly is coupled to the container, the discharge assembly being dimensioned and arranged to spin, relative to the container, as it receives the viscous food product from the interior chamber. The spinning motion of the discharge assembly, accompanied by a linear movement of the container itself relative to a target food item, allows the user to cleanly and evenly distribute the flowable food material onto the target item in an attractive, curvilinear deposit pattern. Optionally, the discharge assembly may be configured with a pivoting nozzle that can be moved from a position for obtaining a helical (curvilinear) deposit pattern to a position for obtaining a rectilinear deposit pattern.

Abstract: A hanger for a bra has a body section in a shape of a female torso. The body section has a front surface having a neck and a pair of concave members located below the neck. The concave members being formed in a predetermined cup size for retaining a shape of a bra positioned on the body section.

Abstract: In one embodiment the raingear is housed in a pocket located on the top of the backpack so as to allow the wearer to reach over his shoulders to grab hold of a portion of the raingear and lift it out of the pocket and allow it to drape over the entire body of the wearer and backpack. The raingear includes an attachment to the backpack so that it stays attached to the backpack to assure that the raingear will be returned to the pocket. The other embodiment houses the raingear in its own self-contained package that is attachable to the backpack or jacket of a fishing or hunting jacket and the like. The donning and the attachment of the raingear is substantially identical to the first embodiment.

Abstract: An assembly for ensuring a correct lateral positioning of an elongated material conveyed along a feeder system and prior to a forming operation. The elongated material is fed from such as an unreeling coil and includes first and second lateral edges. First and second bodies are located along the feeder system and in communication with at least one of the lateral edges associated with the elongated material. Each of the bodies includes a fixed component secured to a rail extending laterally above the feeder system. A laterally displaceable component is biasingly secured to the fixed component and includes a roller in communication with a selected lateral edge of the elongated material. The bodies are laterally displaced, upon misalignment of the elongated material relative to the biasingly engaged roller. A sensor associated with each of the bodies causes an alarm signal to be issued to a processor, indicating the misalignment condition.

Abstract: A feed apparatus for intermittently feeding band-shaped material to a press has two feed rollers for advancing the material. An upper feed roller is bearing-mounted in a rocker for swivel-movement with a pivot bearing on a unidirectionally hydraulic cylinder into a high-lifted position enabling introduction of the material between the rollers. For lowering of the upper roller, the cylinder is rendered pressureless and a press spring pressed onto the material between the rollers. In this position, the pivot bearing can be fixed for automatically adjusting the feed apparatus to the thickness of the material.

Abstract: A wire guide (16), for a drive assembly (56) of a wire feeding assembly (16), of a welding system (10), has an elongate body with an outer surface, a length, and first (296A) and second (296B) ends. An elongate bore (255) extends along the length of, and through, the elongate body. An aperture (265) extends through the elongate body, generally transverse to, and intersecting, the elongate bore (255). In preferred embodiments, at least one generally arcuate depression (260, 262) extends into the outer surface of the elongate body, communicating with the aperture (265) which extends through the elongate body, in a direction transverse to the elongate bore (255).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically feeding slider-zipper assemblies to a station where the slider-zipper assemblies can be attached to bag material, such as thermoplastic film. The apparatus includes a slider guide having a channel running the length thereof. The channel has a cross section that allows passage therethrough of sliders slidably mounted to a tape of connected slider-zipper assemblies. A tape drive mechanism is located at the outlet of the slider guide. The tape drive mechanism includes a pair of rollers that form a nip therebetween. The zipper flanges of the tape are threaded through the nip. The rollers have respective grooves that form a space for passage of the sliders as the tape is advanced by the rollers. The zipper tape with sliders exits the tape drive mechanism and is drawn into a zipper flange sealing position by a tape transfer assembly comprising a bank of drive rollers having silicone surfaces in contact with the zipper tape.

Abstract: A package has an article group of at least one row of substantially cylindrical articles and a carton disposed around the article group. The carton includes a plurality of walls including a top wall, a base wall, a pair of opposed side walls connected to side edges of the top wall and side edges of the base wall, and an end wall interconnecting the side walls, and an article dispenser opening formed at the region of intersection of planes of the top wall, the opposed side walls and the end wall. A portion of the article dispenser opening is defined by the end wall terminating along an end wall severance line having all points disposed at elevations at a distance as measured from the plane of the top wall no greater than the diameter of the substantially cylindrical articles that lie in an upper row of the group.

Abstract: A similar image search system includes an image database which stores a number of pieces of image data representing a number of images. Search image data representing the whole and/or a part of an image similar to which in feature is to be searched for is input and the image database is searched for similitude image data. A search report representing result of search is output.

Abstract: A system for managing token image replacement is provided. The system includes a remote server, a personal computer (PC) connected to the remote server, a smartcard that can be read by the PC, and a card image server. Using application logic and rules, the remote server is able to read the card image on the smartcard and determine if the card image on the smartcard needs to be updated. If an indicator on the smartcard is set to “update”, the remote server then retrieves a backup card image that corresponds to the card from the card image server. The remote server forwards the backup card image to the PC which, in turn, writes the backup card image including transaction information to the smartcard. Once the backup card image is written onto the smartcard, the indicator in the smartcard is then reset to ensure that subsequent interactions with the system would not initiate an update.

Abstract: A method of providing banking services by use of a mobile communication system having a removable built-in integrated circuit (IC) card chip in which personal identification number (PIN) information and related information on financial accounts of a user are stored. The method includes selecting an electronic bankbook service and selecting any one from financial transactions for the electronic bankbook service and comparing the PIN information input at the mobile communication system with the PIN information stored in the IC card chip, and authenticating access to data stored in the IC card chip on the mobile communication system.

Abstract: A system and method for securing the initialization of a Smartcard controller and a Smartcard terminal incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a firmware loader associated with a Smartcard controller and configured to receive and authenticate firmware and provide an associated Smartcard driver digital signature and (2) a Smartcard driver associated with the Smartcard controller and configured to be authenticated using the Smartcard driver digital signature and authenticate the firmware.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device includes an attachment means which is maintained in operative relationship with an object or individual by securement means. The attachment means is disposable and the securement means is easily separable therefrom for reuse, the securement means including a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit which can be reused after the attachment means has been disposed of. One form of the radio frequency identification device is an identification wristband which incorporates attachment means and securement means for said attachment means, the securement means incorporating an RFID such as a chip which is removed from operative relationship with the attachment means when the securement means is removed to permit reuse of the securement means and chip.

Abstract: Payment transactions using a payment infrastructure are efficiently combined with e-merchandise transactions using an e-merchandise infrastructure, while allowing each infrastructure to concentrate on its primary function. An electronic payment device configured according to the payment infrastructure is interrogated by a payment module (also configured according to the payment infrastructure) of a first terminal to obtain financial data. Electronic merchandise-related information is generated by an electronic merchandise module (configured according to the electronic merchandise infrastructure) of the first terminal, and such information is transferred to the electronic payment device within a transaction conducted in accordance with the financial data and the payment infrastructure.

Abstract: A business method for products and services. The business model provides for retail purchase of a product or service. The product or service is then transported from the retail point of purchase to a professional. The professional then activates the product or service for the consumer.

Abstract: An electronic key card lock has a card reader having both card reading electronics and a visual interface integrated into a single unit. Portions of the card reader are made from a light transmitting material that act as both a physical guide for the card and a lens that can distribute light toward the outside of the lock. The light transmitting material houses the card reading electronics and also surrounds a slot that accommodates the key card. A slot in a trim panel of the lock exposes a slot and the front edge of the card reader. When a key card is inserted into the slot of the card reader, one or more light sources in the card reader illuminate to reflect whether the inserted card can open the lock. The light transmitting material distributes the light from the light source so that the front edge of the card reader around the card reader slot is evenly illuminated.

Abstract: A product purchase system using a network comprises a server 2 connected to a network 1, a database 5 included in the server 2 for storing order sheet data for each user, means connected to the network 1 for updating the order sheet data via the network 1, means for inhibiting the updating of the order sheet data after a predetermined date, means for aggregating the order sheet data of all users by summing up the quantities of ordered products for each type of the ordered products to obtain aggregated data after the predetermined date, and means for fixing, as order data, the order sheet data for each user and the aggregated data after the predetermined date.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are described for detecting items within stores that are not intended for sale, so as to prevent a sale or re-sale of those items. The items are marked with identifiers, such as smart tags. Each of the items may be registered as being sold, perhaps within a data record associated with the item and the identifier, when the items are sold. As a result, the data record may later be checked, prior to a potential re-selling of the item, in order to prevent maliciously manipulated items from being sold or re-sold. Similarly, if there is no correspondence between an item's detected identifier, if any, and one of the data records, then the item may be prevented from being sold or re-sold. An alarm signal may be provided if such a prevented sale is detected.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention recite a method, apparatus and system for conveying cartridge notification. In one embodiment, a permanently encoded pattern of location information embedded on a printed medium is recognized using an electronic interactive device. Note that the encoded pattern identifies an application. A determination can be made as to whether the electronic interactive device has access to the application based on its memory and the memory of an attached cartridge. In response to the electronic interactive device not having access to the application, it is determined based on a cartridge lookup table of which cartridge includes the application. A message can be conveyed regarding the cartridge to the user. The cartridge lookup table may be populated with information regarding the application contents of various cartridges in response to these cartridges being inserted into the interactive device.

Abstract: A portable reader is arranged to read a card. The card is provided with a set of contact areas. The reader is provided with a connector. The connector is provided with a set of contact pads. The portable reader comprises a first and a second holding elements arranged to hold the card so that at least one contact pad of the set contact pads can be connected to at least one contact area of the set of contact areas. At least the one of the holding elements is arranged to be movable.

Abstract: A radio data communication apparatus includes first antennas, modulation circuits, an oscillating circuit, a switch circuit, a memory, and a control circuit. The first antennas perform a one-to-one radio communication with second antennas of IC tags having different communication frequencies. The one-to-one radio communication is carried out based on a resonance frequency uniquely assigned to each one of combinations between the first antennas and the second antennas. The memory stores communication information of each IC tag, including an assigned resonance frequency. The control circuit reads a resonance frequency assigned to a second antenna belonging to a target IC tag, generates the control signal such that the switch circuit selects a specific carrier wave having a frequency substantially equal to the resonance frequency read from the memory, and transmits the specific carrier wave and data to be transmitted in synchronism with each other to a corresponding modulating circuit.

Abstract: An optical encoder, including a light emitting section; a light receiving section; and a resinous code plate disposed movably relative to the light emitting section and the light receiving section. The resinous code plate includes, on the plate face thereof, a plurality of tracks respectively provided with molded code-pattern surfaces different from each other, and a local structured-surface area formed between the tracks arranged side-by-side relative to each other, the local structured-surface area possessing a surface configuration different from the molded code-pattern surfaces of the tracks. The molded code-pattern surface of each of the tracks includes a flat surface area and an irregular surface area, adjacent to each other as seen in the extending direction of the track.

Abstract: A scanning module includes a main body and a sensor module. The sensor module includes a circuit board, a sensing element, an image sensor adjustable mechanism and four adjustable rods. By means of the image sensor adjustable mechanism and these four adjustable rods, the positions of the sensing element can be controlled in seven degrees of freedom.