Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. In one configuration, a data reader such as a bar code scanner is equipped with an EAS deactivation module disposed behind the scanner surface preferably downstream and/or upstream of the scanner window. The system may be configured such that the EAS deactivation module is interchangeable from the right side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for left-to-right scanning motion) to the left side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for right-to-left scanning motion). In other configurations, the deactivation module may be disposed in the housing adjacent to the window and oriented longitudinally and parallel to the sweep direction of the item. The EAS deactivation modules have various configurations such as simple planar coils, a magnetically active core with coil windings, or two part L-shape construction.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system at a point of sale (POS) station, that generates and projects a first plurality of laser scanning planes through a horizontal-scanning window, and a second plurality of laser scanning planes through a vertical-scanning window. The first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined between the horizontal-scanning and vertical-scanning windows, and generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within the 3-D scanning volume.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly and method for forming a transaction card assembly. The transaction card assembly may include one or more transaction cards that is separably attached to an envelope. The envelope may be fully formed and ready for use and attached at its outer surface to the transaction card assembly. The envelope pocket may be sized to accommodate all or a portion of the transaction card assembly, e.g., a single CR-80 size transaction card. The envelope may support the attached card, e.g., from hanger at a point-of-sale display. A message portion may be removably attached to the envelope and be arranged for placement in the envelope pocket.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a backscatter tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a backscatter reader. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data and a transmitter. The tag transmits tag data to a reader automatically on a periodic basis or when interrogated. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper. This data is processed by a computer to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: In a data carrier (1) that is arranged to receive a signal (S) in a non-contacting manner, there is provided a circuit (2) that is arranged, by using the signal (S), to generate a supply voltage (V) for parts of the circuit (2), the circuit (2) having a storage stage (5) that is arranged to store information capacitively, the information being represented by a value of an information voltage (UI) arising at the storage stage (5), and the circuit (2) having an information-voltage generating stage (6) that is arranged to receive a control signal (CS), which control signal (CS) is of a voltage value that is at most equal to the value of the supply voltage (V), and that is arranged to generate the information voltage (UI) by using the control signal (CS), wherein the information-voltage generating stage (6) has a voltage-raising stage (8) that is arranged to raise the value of the voltage of the control signal (CS).

Abstract: The chip card comprises a card body (10) and a chip module (12) embedded in the card body and incorporating an integrated circuit. The card body includes at least one security feature (20, 22) incorporated in a layer, or applied on a surface, of the card body. An additional tamper-detection layer (26) is provided including a conductive pattern (28) forming an electrical loop connected between terminals of the integrated circuit, said conductive pattern having at least one region located beneath or above said security feature (20, 22). The integrated circuit is adapted to perform an integrity check of said conductive pattern for conditionally performing further operations only in case said integrity is recognized.

Abstract: An application identifier (AID) for an application installed on a smart card comprises a registered application provider identifier (RID). The AID may be processed by determining the RID for an application from the AID of the application, generating an identifier for a network resource from the RID, transmitting a request to the network resource using the identifier, and receiving a response to the request. The response comprises material for use in handling the application on the smart card.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile terminal equipped with a smart card coupled with an RFID tag and a method for performing an RFID function in the mobile terminal. The smart card includes a user information processing section for storing user information and generating a user information signal including user information, an RFID information processing section for storing RFID data and generating an RFID signal including the RFID data, and a main calculating section connected to the user information processing section in order to control a generation and a transmission of the user information signal and connected to the RFID information processing section order to command a generation and a transmission of the RFID signal. When the RFID tag detects an approach of an RFID interrogator, the RFID tag requests a CPU of the smart card to perform the RFID function. Thus, the CPU of the smart card transmits a mode transition signal to a processor of the mobile terminal in order to indicate a mode transition into an RFID mode.

Abstract: An adapter panel has an adapter where a connector including a wireless IC tag in a side surface is inserted or removed. The adapter panel includes a booster antenna placed in a position facing the wireless IC tag of the adapter when the connector is inserted to the adapter, and an equipment antenna placed in a surface of the adapter panel which is a reverse side of the surface where the connector is inserted or removed in a position corresponding to the booster antenna. The adapter panel is applicable to electronic equipment and a cable connector identification system.

Abstract: The present invention includes improved RFID antennae and tags and methods of manufacturing the RFID antennas. The RFID tags of the present invention include a substrate that comprises an antenna assembly. A radiofrequency integrated circuit is in electrical communication with a portion of the antenna assembly. The RFID tag may include a structure, such as a lid element, that clamps and/or compresses the radiofrequency integrated circuit into contact with the antenna assembly, without the need for a conductive adhesive. In some embodiments, the antenna assembly is vacuum metallized or otherwise applied onto the substrate through patterned openings in a mask, such as a patterned masking cliché or a patterned polymer layer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for object localization includes providing a plurality of tags having fixed positions within an environment and known identifications, and providing a reader, for detecting the tags and reading the identifications, wherein the reader detects a plurality of tags within a scanning volume having a known shape. The method further includes determining positions for the plurality of tags within the scanning volume, and determining a position of the reader according to the positions for the plurality of tags within the scanning volume and the known shape of the scanning volume.

Abstract: In a memory card with a newly-added module for performing data communication, data communication is stably performed without receiving a noise effect. As an embodiment of the present invention, a memory card 100 has a thin-plate-shaped holding member 20, a memory section 24 provided as buried in the holding member 20, plural first connection pieces 2-10 connected to the memory section 24, a data communication section 26 provided as buried in the holding member 20, and two connection pieces 11, 12 connected to the data communication section 26. The two second connection pieces 11, 12 are disposed at the end of a row part R1 on which only the plural first connection pieces 2-10 are aligned. One first connection piece 10 positioned at the end of the row part R1 is a ground terminal. That is to say, in the plural first connection pieces 2-10, the first connection piece 10 adjacent to the second connection piece 11 is a ground terminal.

Abstract: An RFID tag having an rfid integrated circuit and an antenna is combined with a first passive antenna circuit to provide an extended operating range. The first passive antenna circuit has a first coil and a first capacitor to tune the passive antenna circuit to a resonant frequency the same as the operating frequency of the RFID tag. The first coil has a central opening larger than the size of the antenna. The passive antenna circuit is arranged with the antenna located in the central opening of the coil, preferably in a co-planar manner, to promote inductive interaction therebetween. A second passive antenna circuit essentially identical to the first, but having larger dimensions, is positioned with the coil of the second passive antenna circuit surrounding the first coil to extend the operating range even further.

Abstract: Tags that are associated with an item such as a person or vehicle are caused to optically flicker out an identifying pattern when triggered by a user or a device at an access point (gate, computer, card reader, or the like). The association of the tag and item can include a physical attachment. The flickering light is analyzed and access is permitted if the data key encoded in the flickers is an authorizing code. A lamp such as a laser or LED is used to create the flickers.

Abstract: A method for producing a contactless card having a support for the functional elements of the card. The support is provided with lower and upper covering layers, and the functional elements borne thereon are formed by means of extrusion, directly in contact with the support.

Abstract: A low cost data storage and communication system is disclosed. The low cost data storage and communication system has a host and at least one card connected to the host. A voltage negotiator located in the system for determining a common operating voltage range that is a common denominator of all independent operating voltage ranges of all of the cards connected to the system. In addition, a novel feature of partitioning the memory storages of the card is also disclosed. This feature provides the host the ability to simultaneously erase any combination of sectors in a single erase group, or any combination of the entire erase groups. Another feature provided by this novel method of partitioning the memory storages is the ability to write protect any combination of memory groups in the card.

Abstract: A rail cushion assembly including a resilient rail pad for placement against the lower surface of a railroad rail, and an underlying abrasion plate for placement against a railroad tie. The rail pad includes a pair of slots that extend through opposite end sloping edge panels that are adjacent to the lower surface of the rail pad. The abrasion plate is a flat, sheet-like component that has a generally similar shape as that of the rail pad but includes a pair of outwardly-extending connection tabs, one at each of a pair of opposite edge surfaces. The connection tabs of the abrasion plate are received in respective slots of the rail pad to provide the rail cushion assembly in ready-to-use form and without requiring on-site assembly of the components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolator particularly adapted for use with a rail anchor utilized in an application where railroad rail is installed on concrete ties. The isolator protects the concrete tie from contact with the rail anchor caused by longitudinal movement of the rail due to train acceleration of deceleration or expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. In one embodiment, the isolator is comprised of a structural plastic material and includes a front face section and a rear face section. The front face section and rear face section each comprise a generally rectangular structure, having a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges. A center section joins the front face section and rear face section and forms part of the top of the isolator. In another embodiment, the front face section includes a top section and bottom section, with the top section having a lower edge projecting laterally at an acute angle from the bottom section.

Abstract: A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13).

Abstract: A multi-function showerhead has at least a first set of nozzles forming first curves and a second set of nozzles forming second curves. The showerhead discharges water through the first curves when a first water delivery function is selected and through the second curves when a second water delivery function is selected. The first curves and the second curves are interleaved so that a coherent and balanced spray pattern is provided resulting in a pleasant showering experience, regardless of the selected water delivery function.

Abstract: A venturi receives incoming material through an inlet tube and subjects the material to pulverization. The material, as it undergoes pulverization, is further subject to moisture extraction and drying. An airflow generator, coupled to the venturi, generates a high speed airflow to pull the material through the venturi and into an inlet aperture in the airflow generator. The airflow generator directs the received pulverized material to an outlet where the material may be subsequently separated from the air.

Abstract: A device for the destruction of disc media is provided. The device includes an engagement member disposed within a housing portion, and a support member on which the disc media rests against. An actuating force is applied to move the engagement member and support member together, thereby pressing the disc media between the engagement member and support member, and causing the disc media to break into pieces. The data stored on the resultant broken pieces of disc media are now not easily readable, and may be discarded.

Abstract: A ball mill is provided with an agitator and comprises a grinding chamber containing grinding medium, a stator and a rotor which are arranged in said grinding chamber, an input opening for material to be ground and an output opening for ground material which are used for bringing the material to be ground to the grinding chamber and for evacuating the ground material therefrom. The mill also comprises a device for separating the grinding medium arranged in the grinding chamber above the output opening. The rotor is embodied in the form of a rotational symmetry body, and the stator is formed by an internal surface which is complementary to the grinding chamber. The inventive rotor and the stator are provided with pins which are distributed through all surface thereof and projected to the grinding chamber.

Abstract: A circulation type media agitator mill includes a cylindrical vessel, and an agitating member arranged rotatably in the cylindrical vessel. A grinding media is contained in a grinding chamber defined between a cylindrical wall of the agitating member and a surrounding cylindrical wall of the vessel. A media-separating member is arranged coaxial with the agitating member in the inner space of the agitating member. An inlet is provided for leading material to be ground to the grinding chamber, and an outlet leads the material separated from the grinding media to the outside of the mill via the media separating member. The vessel may have a length to diameter ratio smaller than one. The cylindrical wall and hub of the agitatihg member have openings to allow the grinding chamber to communicate with the media separating chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a container of the blender. It can prevent the inner wall of the container from abrasions and blemishes. Further, the time-consuming for fibers of the fruit and vegetable being grated and chopped can be reduced. The container of the blender includes a cup, a lining mounted inside the cup characterized in that the lining as a shield screen on the inner wall of the cup, the inner wall of the lining has a number of teeth projected thereof for grating the fibers of the vegetable and fruit.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes: a reel body attachable to a fishing rod; a spool rotatably supported by the reel body; a handle disposed at a side portion of the reel body for rotating the spool to winding a fishing line on the spool; and an auxiliary operating member for auxiliary winding the fishing line on the spool provided at a position in which the auxiliary operating member can be operated by a finger of an angler's hand holding the fishing rod to which the reel body is attached.

Abstract: A handle assembly has a handle arm, a knob shaft and a handle knob that includes a tubular portion and a substantially spherical knob portion. The tubular portion is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the knob shaft. The knob portion is unitarily formed with the tubular portion. The knob portion has a first knob with a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface and a second knob that is disposed on a side of the first knob opposite the handle arm. The second knob has a substantially spherically shaped outer peripheral surface with a diameter larger than a diameter of the first knob. The second knob is unitarily linked with the first knob at a junction a distance from the outermost radial portion at a region of the knob portion opposite the tubular portion.

Abstract: Provided is an anti-backlash apparatus for a bait reel. The apparatus includes a brake shoe holder, a plurality of brake shoes, a stopper, a stopper holder, and locking parts. The brake shoe holder connects to a shaft of a spool. The plurality of brake shoes are radially fitted to the brake shoe holder, move outside, and get friction with a brake ring. The stopper is provided at one side of the brake shoe holder, and restricts movements of the brake shoes. The stopper holder connects to the stopper, and elastically reciprocates and moves left/right by a tension force of the spring. The locking parts are vertically bent at one-side ends of the brake shoes, and are locked at an inner circumference surface of the stopper, and restrict the movement of the brake shoe.

Abstract: A fishing reel component includes a boss, a spring member, a lid member, a push button and spring arrangement member. The boss forms a boss through hole and a mounting space. The spring member is mounted in the mounting space. The spring member includes first and second engagement portions arranged to oppose each other. The lid member is fixed to the boss to retain the spring member and cover the mounting space. The push button includes a plurality of tapered portions. The tapered portions protrude from the push operation portion in the axial direction. The spring arrangement member arranges the spring member between the lid member and the spring arrangement member. The spring arrangement member includes a plurality of first through holes with each of the first through holes being configured for one of the tapered portions to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a rotating spool for retraction or pay-out of seat belt webbing. A locking ring is attached to one end of the spool. The locking ring is locked against rotation when a crash is sensed. A force limiting means allows further pay-out of the seat belt webbing after the locking ring has locked. Coupled in the force path between the spool and the locking ring, the force limiting means has a primary force limiting means; and a secondary force limiting means. The force limiting means include an elongate deformable member, arranged such that relative rotation between the spool and the locking ring causes a predetermined length of the deformable member to be deformed during a first stage of load limiting. The cross-sectional area of the deformable member is uniform over a major portion of the predetermined length and is reduced over at least one minor portion located a distance from the end of the member.

Abstract: A mechanism for rewinding flexible members onto a spool is described. The inventive rewind mechanism permits a flexible member to be pulled outside its housing and remain outside the housing without a rewind force on the flexible member simply by pulling on the flexible member and releasing it. The flexible member is rewound into the housing simply by pulling and releasing it again.

Abstract: A portable, hand held winding apparatus, a kit, and a method of using the winding apparatus, for rolling up or winding elongate bandages and the like, are disclosed. The winding apparatus includes a hand held rotary drive device having a motor-driven rotatable connector that is adapted to operatively engage a connecting member, the rotatable connector defining an axis of rotation. The winding apparatus also includes a tensioning member supportable on the rotary drive device, the tensioning member including a tensioning arm extending in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotatable connector of the rotary drive device, the tensioning arm defining a slot therein. The tensioning member may further be configured to include a tensioning mechanism. The winding apparatus further includes a winding peg configured to receive a bandage thereabout and including a connecting member extending axially therefrom.

Abstract: A tape measure of the present invention includes a mounted wheel, a pivot portion, rotation members, transmission wheel and a blade container wherein the rotation members include a first gear and a second gear. The mounted wheel has a serrated portion being arranged around inner sides thereof. The pivot portion being fitted into the opening has an axis and a plurality of posts on a side thereof and a driving bar on another side thereof. The transmission wheel has an operation gear. By the first gear and the second gear respectively and cooperatively operate with the mounted wheel and the transmission wheel, the transmission wheel is therefore rotated four circles as the pivot portion is rotated one circle, so duration of reeling the measuring blade becomes less.

Abstract: A cable guide of a cable winch, such as a cable hoisting winch, includes a cable drum having at least one cable groove and a cable guide having at least two base segments expanding into a ring. The two base segments are guided in the cable groove by at least one engaging element and are supported against the cable winch by at least one torque support. Elements for guiding and holding down a cable are arranged on the base segments. To create a simplified and optionally modular design of a cable guide, the base segments may be configured such that at least one torque support and at least one add-on element for guiding and holding down a cable can be secured in a desired arrangement on the base segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping material onto and around a pipe, the apparatus including a shaft, the shaft rotatable by a driving apparatus, a payout core containing material to be wrapped onto a pipe, the payout core releasably mounted on the shaft, a deflection arm assembly secured to the shaft for rotation by the shaft, rotation of the shaft rotating the deflection arm assembly with respect to the payout core so that the deflection arm assembly takes material from the payout core and wraps the material onto a pipe adjacent the deflection arm assembly, each of the shaft and deflection arm assembly having a central opening through which is movable the pipe as the pipe is being wrapped.

Abstract: A toilet paper dispenser that is configured to retain and subsequently dispense a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The toilet paper dispenser further includes a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls that are configured to create a container that is generally rectangular in shape having an interior volume. Contiguously mounted to the front wall proximate the upper portion of the container is a door hingedly mounted to allow access to the interior volume for loading of toilet paper rolls. An access flap is mounted generally beneath the door contiguous with the front wall and is hingedly mounted to provide access to the interior volume for retrieval of depleted toilet paper rolls. The access flap further includes a slot that is configured to dispense sheets of toilet paper from the adjacent toilet paper roll substantially disposed within the interior volume of the container.

Abstract: A device is provided for the management of multiple lines attached to a bar, of the type used in power kites for kiteboarding. The device is formed of an elongate body having a shaft region, a spool region adjacent the shaft region and distal thereto, and a line retaining region distal to the spool region. The shaft region has a hollow body having a longitudinal groove running from a proximal opening to a distal end point, and a bar retaining means for retaining a bar against rotational or axial movement. The spool region has a spool shaft defined by proximal and distal containment means for retaining spooled lines wound about the spool shaft. A line retaining region has a means for separately retaining one or more lines of a plurality of lines.

Abstract: An integrated propulsion and guidance system for an aircraft or other vehicle includes an engine coupled to a propeller via a driveshaft to produce propulsive force. One or more of the propeller blades are pivotably mounted with respect to the hub of the propeller. A control signal is provided to adjust the blade pitch of the pivotable blades as the blades rotate about the hub. The change in blade pitch as the blade rotates produces a torque imbalance that can be used to control the heading of the vehicle. By varying the magnitude and phase of the control signal provided to the propeller, the torque can be applied in a multitude of distinct reference planes, thereby allowing the orientation of the vehicle to be adjusted through action of the pivotable propeller blade(s).

Abstract: A support device of cabin elements in an airplane. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a support device is provided into which a threaded bushing (7) can be screwed into a fastening element (6) in order to adjust the distance in z-direction of the airplane. Thus, a stepless adjustment is made possible in an advantageous way.

Abstract: An acoustical and thermal insulation product suitable for use in an aircraft is provided, comprising an insulation layer formed from a sheet of insulation material, wherein the sheet of insulation material is arranged to form a series of undulations defining a series of alternating upper ridges and lower ridges of the sheet.

Abstract: The wing (10) having a negative dihedron for towing a load comprises a flexible canopy (12) which is defined between two lateral ends (14A, 14B) which are connected to each other, at the front, by a leading edge (20) and, at the rear, by a trailing edge (22). The canopy (12) has, between those two lateral ends (14A, 14B), a propulsive central region (16) which is bordered at one side and the other by two control regions (18A, 18B). The wing comprises at least a member (30A, 30B) for suspending the load adjacent to each lateral end (14A, 14B) and auxiliary maintenance means (32) which are capable of flattening the propulsive central region (16) adjacent to the leading edge (20) during flight. The trailing edge (22) of the wing is generally concave.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assembling spacecraft in space are provided. A modular spacecraft comprises a plurality of spacecraft modules, wherein each spacecraft module includes one or more of bonding posts and receiving plates mounted to an exterior surface each spacecraft module, wherein the one or more bonding posts and receiving plates are adapted to form one or more of, an electro-weld bond and an adhesive bond, with the one or more receiving plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting leaves and other yard debris supports a flexible bag in an open configuration. The apparatus has a frame for supporting the flexible bag, and a retaining element for securing the flexible bag to the frame. A handle can be attached to the frame. The apparatus can be used as a tool to collect leaves or other yard debris directly. The frame can have a shape that defines an opening through which the flexible bag is draped. The shape of the frame can have at least one substantially straight side.

Abstract: An assembly includes a base that has a planar top surface, an outer edge and decorative members conjoined to the top surface that have a solid core for stabilizing the assembly. An anchor rod is provided with tapered ends, has a bore formed therein, is conjoined to the base top surface, has an outwardly flanging shoulder, and has a hollow interior. First and second connector rods have a greater length than the anchor rod, and are telescopically adaptable with each other. The second rod has slots randomly formed in an outer surface thereof and has a hollow interior. Each slot has an inverted U-shape and has a central tab formed with the second rod outer surface. Arms have a first end positioned through the slots and anchored to the second rod interior. The first ends are provided with a groove interfitted with the tabs.

Abstract: A directional support structure for use with solar panels, flat satellite antennas, and the like items that are directed toward a point in space. The support structure includes a mounting plate with an extension tube extending outwardly therefrom, pivotally secured to a mounting bracket permitting rotational azimuth alignment of the mounting plate. At least one locking turnbuckle is attached between the extension tube and the mounting bracket to provide locking and vertical adjustable alignment of the mounting plate. The base member includes an attached first flange positioned along an upper end of the base member, an attached flaring positioned on the lower end of the mounting bracket, and an unattached second flange positioned over the flaring, securable to the first flange with fasteners.

Abstract: The ceiling fan display comprises a stand having a vertical support with a horizontal support base extending from the bottom of the vertical support, and a horizontal support arm extending from the top of the vertical support. The ceiling fan is disposed at the distal end of the horizontal support arm. The horizontal support base is comprised of structural members that extend outward from the vertical support to form a “T” shaped outline. Boxes of the displayed ceiling fans may be stacked on the horizontal support base as a part of the sales display.

Abstract: A retractable support arm structure, which is applied between a base and a steering mechanism of a LCD stand includes an upright arm having a hollow part, an telescopic arm having one end inserted into the hollow part, and a spring member located between the upright arm and the telescopic arm to store a upwardly extending potential energy and several friction members therebetween are used to maintain the balance. The upright arm and the telescopic arm are constituted by square tube made by seamless corner bar.

Abstract: A leg for use in supporting geometric equipment includes a first leg section and a second leg section for telescoping receiving the first leg section. A locking device includes an actuator and an engagement portion. The locking device is operable in a lock position in which the engagement portion bears against the second leg section on the interior thereof with a force selected to lock the first and second leg sections with respect to each other, and an unlock position in which the engagement portion is spaced from the second leg section such that the leg sections are free to move in telescoping relation with respect to each other.

Abstract: A clip including two plates that preferably are substantially parallel, a spacer that connects the plates and that holds the plates apart by a gap, and at least one part of a hook-and-loop fastener attached to at least one of the plates opposite the other of the plates. Also, a clip including a plate, one or more structures for fastening the plate to an object, and at least one part of a hook-and-loop fastener attached to the plate. In addition, a method of using such clips.