Patents Issued in June 24, 2008
  • Patent number: 7389900
    Abstract: A wire guide, for a drive assembly of a wire feeding assembly, of a welding system, has an elongate body which has with an outer surface, a length, and first and second ends. An elongate bore extends along the length of, and through, the elongate body. An aperture extends through the elongate body, generally transverse to, and intersecting, the elongate bore. In some embodiments, the elongate body includes first and second body portions which can axially, laterally, and/or rotationally move with respect to each other. A generally arcuate recess can extend transversely into the outer surface of the elongate body, and can communicate with the aperture which extends through the elongate body, in a direction transverse to the elongate bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Matiash
  • Patent number: 7389901
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nailer having an improved safety device. With the improved safety device, a movable plate, which is adapted to slidably move along a lower surface of a guiding unit, is formed, at a certain location thereof, with an insertion hole for the insertion of a protrusion formed at a trigger. Thereby, if the trigger is pulled in a pressed state of the movable plate, a nailing operation is accomplished. Also, in the course of pulling the trigger, the movable plate can be further inserted rearward by a predetermined distance under interaction of the insertion hole and protrusion. This has the effect of eliminating the risk of causing scratches on a nailing surface of a target structure even if the movable plate is moved while coming into close contact, at a front end thereof, with the nailing surface, resulting in several advantages, such as for example, easy nailing operation, operator's convenient working posture, and rapid and safe nailing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Jeil Tacker Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Bo-Seob Cho, Jong-Yeol Han, Jin-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 7389902
    Abstract: A stapler that requires exertion of less effort comprising a body, an electric motor, a power supply, a power supply switch, a motion transmission mechanism having a gear cluster driven by the electric motor, a staple driving mechanism having a driving blade and a staple magazine driven by the motion transmission mechanism. The motion transmission mechanism comprises a rocking arm, and the rocking arm is a crank which is composed of a connecting shaft and a rocking shaft. The end of the connecting shaft connects to the top of the driving blade. The end of the rocking shaft is a gear, and the gear of the rocking arm has teeth which mesh with teeth of at least one gear of the gear cluster. The motion transmission mechanism comprises a double pole changeover switch and a micro switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Cosimex (H.K.) Limited
    Inventor: Victor Co
  • Patent number: 7389903
    Abstract: A device for soldering contacts on semiconductor chips. A chip is held on a chip mount by a chuck and is heated from a side facing away from the wafer by means of a radiation source, so that a solder applied to a side facing the wafer is melted. A flushing device, having a plate with a window, a gas channel, and a gas outlet opening for a forming gas, is arranged at the window, is fitted parallel to the wafer. The chip is moved vertically in relation to the wafer, pressed onto the wafer through the window, and soldered on by means of isothermal solidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Robert Bergmann, Holger Hubner
  • Patent number: 7389905
    Abstract: A flip chip bonding tool tip comprising a dissipative material with a resistance low enough to prevent a discharge of a charge to a device being bonded and high enough to avoid current flow large enough to damage the device being bonded is disclosed. Methods for manufacturing a dissipative material for use in a flip chip bonding tool tip are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Steven F. Reiber
  • Patent number: 7389906
    Abstract: A confidential envelope/bag is composed of a face and a back. The face and the back are linked with each other and formed with an edge at circumference; a sealing print is formed across the edges either at the back or on both the face and the back. The sealing print includes patterns, marks, graphics, texts or numbers made of paint, coating, ink, fluorescent dye, or even concaves, or extrusions. The circumference of the face and the back are adhered to each other with a suitable region to form a sealing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Yung-Chah Sih
  • Patent number: 7389907
    Abstract: The present invention includes a unique tri-fold blister card and resulting tri-fold blister card package for packing, shipping and displaying a product at a point-of-purchase. The tri-fold blank improves the visual impact of the product package by providing a printable area in the reveal area of the tri-fold blister card. The tri-fold design allows for single surface printing at little or no additional cost. The tri-fold blister card preferably includes features that allow a consumer to more easily open the tri-fold blister car package. These easy opening features include pre-defined glue patterns and an opening mechanism that is easy to operate. Further, the tri-fold blister card package can include a handle that preferably provides for easier handling by a consumer without distracting from the visual impact of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7389908
    Abstract: A blank for constructing a three-dimensional form is provided. The blank includes a rhomboid panel with three edges and two fold lines, which define a pair of triangular panels. Another rhomboid panel connected to the first rhomboid panel along the common fold line, the other rhomboid panel having three edges and a fold line, which together with the common fold line define another pair of triangular panels. At least one securing flap is connected to one rhomboid edge, the rhomboid panels being foldable towards each other about the common fold line. The pairs of triangles are foldable towards each other and the securing flap is foldable over and connectable to one of the second rhomboid panel edges. A three-dimensional form is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Patrice Cohen
  • Patent number: 7389909
    Abstract: A bag-in-box beverage container and dispenser is provided, incorporating an outer shell fabricated preferably from corrugated paperboard material, and an inner liquid containing bag, fabricated from a suitable material. The carton includes ready assembly features, as well as an air cell structure for creating an air space for insulating hot liquids contained within the container. An easy opening feature is provided, to permit direct access to the inner liquid containing bag, and a recessed handle structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: R. James Crosland, Karen M. Chiera
  • Patent number: 7389910
    Abstract: A collection canister system having a front panel and a rear panel. The rear panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and forwardly extending sides. The front panel has top and bottom edges and side edges there between and rearwardly extending sides rotatably coupled to the sides of the rear panel. An opening is adjacent to the top of the front and rear panels for deposition of charitable contributions. A plurality of locks facilitate the securement of the contributions within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne Spencer
  • Patent number: 7389911
    Abstract: A mailbox mounting apparatus comprises three elongated members, a mounting bracket and a mailbox attachment bracket. A first one of the elongated members is movably attached to a second one of the elongated members for enabling the first and second elongated members to be moved between a respective stacked configuration and a respective extended configuration. The second one of the elongated members is movably attached to a third one of the elongated members for enabling the second and third elongated members to be moved between a respective stacked configuration and a respective extended configuration. The mounting bracket is attached to the first one of the elongated members. The mounting bracket is specifically configured for being attached to a mailbox support structure. The mailbox attachment bracket is attached to a third one of the elongated members. The mailbox attachment bracket is specifically configured for mating with a base portion of a mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Francis Ruocco
  • Patent number: 7389912
    Abstract: A system for providing credit card sub-accounts with varying credit limits is useful to consolidate many accounts into one account. The present invention allows a user to add others to an existing account with the safety of setting credit limits for each sub-account to prevent sub-account holders from abusing the user's account features, funds, credit limits, and the like. Credit limits for sub-accounts can be configured by an exact amount, a percentage of the total credit limit, a percentage of the credit available, or a combination of these methods, and can also be per transaction, type of establishment where transaction takes place, or types of products or services attempting to be purchased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Pierre Carlson, Herman Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7389913
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing an online payment for an item. In one implementation, the method includes receiving information from a user corresponding to online payment for an item. The information from the user is received through a graphical user interface, and includes an authorization to pay for the item using an electronic check. The method further includes creating an electronic image of an authorized demand draft based on the authorization received from the user. The electronic image of the authorized demand draft is created directly from the information provided by the user through the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Ed Starrs
  • Patent number: 7389914
    Abstract: A system and method is carried out in connection with a card actuated automated banking machine. The automated banking machine is operative to receive checks and dispense cash to users. The automated banking machine is operative to capture images of users and received checks. The automated banking machine operates to produce markup language documents including data corresponding to indicia included on the received checks. The markup language documents are correlated with the user and check images. The markup language documents and the images of the checks and customers are communicated to a remote check analysis terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffery M. Enright, Kevin F. Martin, Brad L. Stephenson, Roy Hathaway, Tom Kehner, Christopher J. Knouff, Kenneth C. Varn, Jeffrey R. Thomas, Jay Paul Drummond, John Kortis, David A. Crane, Evan F. Goldring, Robert Novitskey, Michael Russell, Michael Mott, Chris DiVita, Doug Williams
  • Patent number: 7389915
    Abstract: A financial management system includes a client terminal having a financial management application and a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is configured to display transaction data, enable user modification of the transaction data, and transmit modified transaction data to the financial management application. The financial management system additionally includes a commercial web server capable of conducting online financial transactions. The financial management application receives transaction data regarding an online financial transaction upon completion of the financial transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Elizabeth R. Dyor
  • Patent number: 7389916
    Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to the renting, leasing and/or loaning of electronic equipment operable and/or controllable by a computer, wherein one entity not in physical possession and/or control of the equipment desires control over another entity which has physical possession and/or control of the equipment. Such equipment may comprise a washing machine, medical, office or industrial equipment, a vending machine, etc. A central computer system includes software which enables management and execution of financial transactions between the entities, such as debiting or crediting of accounts held by these or other entities, or creating an invoice for one entity to present to another entity. Information used in making these financial transactions can be determined by analysis of information which may be communicated to the central computer system from at least one other source. Such source may include the control system of the controlled equipment, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Munroe Chirnomas
  • Patent number: 7389917
    Abstract: A computerized method that provides a Web page having control structures for gathering behavioral biometrics. The method can receive behavioral biometric data in accordance with the control structures and in accordance with interactions of a user with the Web page. Additionally, the method can compare the received behavioral biometric data with at least one set of previously established values. The user can be profiled based upon comparison results. This profiling can affect the manner in which Web pages are provided to the user as well as the content contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Subil M. Abraham, Jason A. Gonzalez, Hung Tack Kwan, Mathews Thomas
  • Patent number: 7389918
    Abstract: A self checkout system/terminal includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The EAS system includes an EAS detector and an EAS deactivator. EAS tag detection is associated with a purchase transaction event, such as scanning or bagging of an item. After EAS tag detection, the customer is directed to deactivate the EAS tag. Some of the self-service checkout terminal (SCOT) operation/functionality may be paused during an EAS tag deactivation period. The subject EAS system and/or process eliminates the need to deactivate every item, thereby streamlining the self checkout process when EAS is used in a store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Charles K. Wike, Jr., Robert L. Snyder, Alfred John Hutcheon, Daniel F. James, Paul F. Nugent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7389919
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for promoting multiple transactions at a retail establishment are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, products and processes are disclosed for receiving, via a point-of-sale terminal that is not a vending machine, an indication of a set of products which a customer desires to purchase. At least one product is offered to the customer via the point-of-sale terminal, and an acceptance of the offer is received. Thereafter a request to receive the product is received. A unit of the product is dispensed via the vending machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Jonathan Otto, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7389920
    Abstract: A system and method for determining when a component supply reel for an automated assembly machine is close to depletion. The supply reel tape has indications such as marks that can be optically or magnetically read by a reader through which the tape passes as it is fed into the automated assembly machine, such as a surface mount technology (SMT) pick and place machine. Or, an RF tag may be used. The reader activates a transmitter, which transmits a signal to a local computer. The computer generates a message such as an e-mail for a supply facility computer to notify a worker to deliver a replacement reel. The marks are provided at a desired location along the length of the tape. In another approach, a message is generated when depletion of the reel is detected by a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7389921
    Abstract: An auto-identification system is described that includes a plurality of distributed auto-id nodes that are operable to track physical objects as they move through an operation of an enterprise, such as, for example, a supply chain network or a sales network. The auto-id nodes are distributed across sites of the network, and are in communication with enterprise application systems and/or data acquisition systems such as RFID readers or sensor devices. By focusing on their respective sites, the auto-id nodes minimize the amount of data tracked by their respective enterprise applications. The auto-id node may include a component manager that dynamically loads components for use in the auto-id node, without disrupting an operation of the auto-id node. For example, the component manager may be operable to add a new adaptor component that communicates with a new type of device, without needing to stop and restart the auto-id node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tao Lin, Steffen Goebel
  • Patent number: 7389922
    Abstract: The system for managing materials comprises: a material yard which has a material carry-in port and a material carry-out port, the material yard being divided into a plurality of yard sections which store materials; a plurality of first tags which record data of the materials to be read in a non-contact manner, the first tags being attached to the materials managed in the material yard; a second tag which stores and sends data of an identification ID issued for each of lots into which the materials are classified to check a current position of each of the lots via a position sensing signal transmitted to the material yard, the second tag being attached to each of the lots; a reading device which reads the data recorded in the first tags, the reading device being provided in at least one of the material carry-in port and the material carry-out port within the material yard; a plurality of receiving devices which receive a data signal of the identification ID transmitted from the second tag, the receiving devic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yoshimura, Tetsuya Tsubokura, Gou Yoshimura, Shinichi Ebata
  • Patent number: 7389923
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable medium, and apparatus for tracking the direction of a moving item by laser bar code scanners are disclosed. In particular, the method includes the following steps at a first sample in time. Those steps include sensing video transitions reflected off packaging graphics of the moving item by a pair of scan planes, counting the number of video transitions sensed by each scan plane of the pair of scan planes, and determining if the moving item intersects each of the scan planes by comparing the counted number of video transitions for each scan plane of the pair with a predetermined threshold at the first sample. At a second sample in time, the above steps are repeated and the method includes the additional step of evaluating the direction of movement of the moving item from changes observed from the first sample and the second sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Denis M. Blanford
  • Patent number: 7389924
    Abstract: An electronic card connector including a plastic main body having a carrier board section. An electronic card receiving region is defined between two electronic card receiving channels. An entrance of the electronic card receiving region is formed at front end of the plastic main body. A circuit board is mounted between the sidewalls of the plastic main body. The circuit board includes multiple contact terminals extending into the electronic card receiving region for contacting with a corresponding contact of the chip of an electronic card inserted in the electronic card receiving region. The circuit board further includes multiple adaptive terminals. A first end of each adaptive terminal is connected to a corresponding contact terminal via a printed circuit. A second end of the adaptive terminal is connected with a circuit board of the card reader or plugged in a socket of the circuit board of the card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Super Link Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ipson Lee, Joey Chang
  • Patent number: 7389925
    Abstract: A scanner includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a photoelectric sensor for scanning a medium to produce an image, a movable carriage positioned on the first shaft for carrying the photoelectric sensor, a movable light source module positioned on the second shaft for generating a light beam for the medium, a driving module coupled to the carriage for driving the carriage to move a first offset along the first shaft, and a locking module coupled to the light source module and the carriage. As the carriage moves with the first offset, the carriage ensures the light source module moves a second offset along the second shaft through the locking module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsien Wei
  • Patent number: 7389926
    Abstract: An image capture device and method of assembling same is disclosed which provides an improved technique of mounting a CMOS detector and also isolates the optics for image capture from the optics for illumination, thereby simplifying the adjustment process. An exemplary arrangement using the camera module is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Optoelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Aoki, Ikuo Kikuchi, Shigeki Horiguchi, Kazukuni Hosoi
  • Patent number: 7389927
    Abstract: An automatically marking, reading and distinguishing apparatus, which programmingly controls a conveyance of a printed circuit board, includes a table, an information label generator, at least one flipping device, and an image reading and distinguishing device. The table includes a first area and a second area. The information label generator is disposed corresponding to the first area for generating and labeling an information label on the printed circuit board. The image reading and distinguishing device is disposed corresponding to the second area to determine whether the information label is readable. The flipping device is located under the table and has a rotating part and at least one set of jigs for flipping the labeled or readable printed circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: All Fine Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien Yueh Shiang
  • Patent number: 7389928
    Abstract: The method and system include marking a surgery site (e.g., location of surgical incision) or a site of other medical action with a machine-readable medical marking (e.g., bar code or a dot pattern), which may be used in conjunction with (1) a scanner for reading the machine-readable medical marking and (2) a controller for controlling medical actions in response to the read machine-readable medical marking. The system and method ensure the validation of the surgical procedure, the patient awaiting the surgical procedure, and the site or location on the patient where the surgery is to be performed. Utilizing a scanning device for reading machine-readable medical markings, and a controller, there are additional means to check and double check the medical action before the actual medical action (e.g., surgery) is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Barcode Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Lubow
  • Patent number: 7389929
    Abstract: An indicia decoding device can have an image sensor and a laser diode assembly configured to project laser light onto a substrate. When a trigger signal is received by the indicia decoding device, the device can calculate a delay and enable the laser diode assembly if a delay threshold is satisfied. The indicia decoding device, in one embodiment, can include a hand held housing and an imaging module carrying the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Robert J. Hennick, John Izzo, Michael D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7389930
    Abstract: A mask management and bar code reading apparatus thereof are disclosed. The mask management method comprises providing a bar code reading apparatus, scanning a mask bar code on the mask by the bar code reading apparatus, transferring scanned information to a mask management system, producing a box bar code, moving the mask to a mask pod from a mask protective case, sticking the box bar code on the mask pod, inputting the data recorded in the box bar code into an exposure equipment, and exposing the mask by the exposure equipment. The bar code reading apparatus includes at least a clamping element to clamp the mask protective case, at least a reading head disposed on the clamping element to read a mask bar code, and a first light source providing a first light to irradiate the mask protective case to increase reading accuracy of the reading head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chung Liu, Wen-Jui Tseng
  • Patent number: 7389931
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes: a laser source is provided that producing a laser beam that diverges in a first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a lens positioned to receive the laser beam from the laser source and provide a magnified laser beam; and an opaque screen having an elongated aperture having a longitudinal axis aligned substantially parallel to the first direction, the aperture being positioned to intercept the magnified laser beam such that a projected laser beam from the aperture is focused into an elongated illumination spot, the elongated illumination spot having a longitudinal axis aligned substantially parallel to the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Printronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Lihu M. Chiu
  • Patent number: 7389932
    Abstract: A barcode scanner with a tool free tower housing assembly. The barcode scanner includes a base, a tower section coupled to the base, and a tower housing assembly over the tower section including a tower housing and a bezel that are installable and removable without hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Roquemore, III, John R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7389933
    Abstract: A software-programmed controller supported by a mobile electro-optical reader is operative for sensing when the mobile reader is supported in a steady state by the operator for a predetermined time period, and for automatically actuating the mobile reader in response to sensing the steady state to initiate reading of indicia while the mobile reader is supported in the steady state by the operator for the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dayou Wang
  • Patent number: 7389934
    Abstract: Associating and/or disassociating a mobile point-of-sale scanner device with a particular shopper. Shoppers may be identified, for example, using biometrics or by scanning a loyalty card. As an example of using biometrics, the shopper's fingerprint may be scanned as a trigger of the scanner is activated to scan an item's barcode. The fingerprint is preferably transmitted, along with the scanned barcode, to a server or other device for comparison to previously-stored information. The scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the fingerprint corresponds. In another embodiment, scanned loyalty card information is preferably transmitted (optionally, along with a scanned barcode), such that the scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the loyalty card corresponds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Phuc K. Do, Justin M. Pierce
  • Patent number: 7389935
    Abstract: An automated system for preparing cards for further processing includes an envelope feed hopper configured to receive a plurality of envelopes, each having contents including a card carrier and one or more cards attached thereto. The systems also includes an envelope opener configured to receive envelopes from the hopper and create an opening into each envelope. The system further includes a contents parser configured to separate a card carrier and card attached thereto from an envelope. The system also includes a card carrier alignment device configured to unfold a card carrier and align the carrier for further processing and a separation mechanism configured to receive card carriers from the alignment device and separate the card from the carrier. The system also includes a controller programmed to control operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Scott J. Smith, Corey D. Tunink, Timothy J. Walpus, Jeffery G. Nowlin, Jay E. Greene
  • Patent number: 7389936
    Abstract: A card housing device of flat construction is disclosed. The device allows for the complete insertion of a card through a narrow housing opening which may be sealed by a seal. The seal includes a sealing element which may be displaced in a direction normal to a displacement plane of the card. Conventional devices of this type are unsuitable for application in a tachograph due to installation requirements. The sealing element on the card housing device is spring-mounted by at least one elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Hug, Torsten Wahler
  • Patent number: 7389937
    Abstract: A card-shaped memory device includes first to third chips which are stacked together on a first surface of a substrate. The first chip has a control function, the second chip has a memory function, and the third chip has an IC card function. The third chip is located in a position other than the lowest one of the positions of the first to third chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takafumi Ito
  • Patent number: 7389938
    Abstract: It is to provide a radio communication system capable of performing highly reliable reading/writing communication even though the RFID tags face in the random directions. The radio communication system comprises an RFID tag used for identification, a reader/writer for performing transmission and reception of information between the RFID tag by radio waves, and a plurality of reflecting plates in a space where a plurality of RFID tags are accumulated. The reflecting plates direct traveling direction of the radio wave irradiated from the reader/writer towards the RFID tags. A part of the radio waves irradiated from an antenna of the reader/writer is directed to travel three-dimensionally towards the space by the effect of the reflecting plates. Moreover, the radio waves traveling in the same direction among the reflected radio waves by the plurality of reflecting plates together allow attenuation caused due to distance to be reduced extremely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Hatakeyama, Shigeru Yamazaki, Hiroki Murayama, Kouichi Hirano
  • Patent number: 7389939
    Abstract: The invention relates to security feature for identification documents, and in particular to A security feature, comprising a first covert layer comprising a first covert material that is not visible to a human eye under except under a first condition, the first covert layer further comprising a material constructed and arranged to produce, upon an attempted intrusion into any part of the security feature, a first effect that is visible at least under the first condition; an optically variable layer having first and second sides, the first side being disposed adjacent the first covert layer, the optically varying layer being constructed and arranged to cover at least a portion of the first covert layer; and a second covert layer disposed adjacent to the second side of the optically variable layer, the second covert layer being constructed and arranged to cover at least a portion of the optically variable layer, the second covert layer comprising a second covert material that is visible to the human eye only a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Jones, Daoshen Bi
  • Patent number: 7389940
    Abstract: A method and a device for attaching an elevator guide rail to a substrate via a floating mount. The floating mount includes at least one of a base support, a side support, and a backside support. Each of the supports has a moveable part, a stop and a flexible element floatingly supporting the moveable part. Deforming forces cause the guide rail and the moveable part to move in a deforming direction deforming the flexible element until the deforming force exceeds a predetermined limit whereupon the stop limits further movement of the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Yvan Kurzo
  • Patent number: 7389941
    Abstract: The present invention includes a nozzle device and method for forming a composite fluid. The nozzle device generally comprises a nozzle portion connected to a main body. The main body includes an inner axial bore extending therethrough. An annular wall extends radially therefore and an annulus extends from an outer perimeter of the annular wall. The annulus and the annular wall define an annular chamber at least partially open to the atmosphere. A portal fluidly communicates the bore with the annular chamber. The nozzle portion includes a converging nose section also having an internal axial bore extending therethrough. An annular collar extends from the nose section and disposes at least partially within the annular chamber. A first tube for transporting a first fluid disposes within the axial bore of the main body and nose section, terminating at an exit port of the nozzle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Cool Clean Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7389942
    Abstract: A pop-up bubbler assembly for drinking fountains or other appliances that includes a head with a dispensing spout that rises upward out of a housing to dispense an arc of clean water when activated. The bubbler head then drops back down into the housing after water flow stops such that the dispensing spout is covered when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick Kenyon, Tu Hung-Chieh
  • Patent number: 7389943
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a volatile substance includes an electromechanical dispenser attached to a pivot arm, and a cartridge for holding a plurality of reservoirs each containing a volatile substance. The cartridge is rotatable such that any one of the reservoirs can be positioned in an engagement position, in which the volatile substance can be dispensed. The cartridge has a cam feature consisting of a contoured circumferential surface that alternately rises and falls. The pivot arm operates in tandem with the cam feature such that, when the cartridge is rotated, the dispenser alternately engages and disengages from successive reservoirs, and remains out of the path of motion traversed by the reservoirs as the cartridge rotates from one engagement position to a subsequent engagement position. The electromechanical dispenser may be a piezoelectrically actuated vibratory type liquid atomization apparatus, and the volatile substance may be a fragrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Jaworski
  • Patent number: 7389944
    Abstract: A gas sprayer mounted on an edge removing robotic arm is disclosed, wherein the edge removing robotic arm circles around along the edges of a substrate and sprays a chemical solvent over the edge surface of the substrate to dissolve photoresist materials attached to the edges of the substrate; the edge removing robotic arm has a pumping conduit for sucking out the chemical solvent sprayed over the surface of the substrate and dissolved photoresist particles; the gas sprayer is mounted on the top of the edge removing robotic arm and comprises a hooked nozzle extending forward around the front end of the edge removing robotic arm and facing an opening of the pumping conduit to spray gas out so as to prevent the chemical solvent sprayed out from the edge removing robotic arm from splashing onto the interior of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chao-Min Wu
  • Patent number: 7389945
    Abstract: A spray paint gun structure having a coaxial control of fluid and atomization includes an atomization control air passage connected to a pressurized air passage in the rear section of a housing. An atomization control adjustment valve includes a sleeve, an atomization adjustment nut, a locking nut, and an elastic member. A rod extending from a fluid control adjustment valve penetrates through the sleeve. The middle section of the sleeve is provided with an external thread to engage with the atomization adjustment nut and the locking nut. The elastic member is accommodated in the rear section of the sleeve. The rear section of the sleeve is provided with an internal thread to relatively engage with a fluid adjustment nut. The atomization adjustment nut is provided with an external thread to engage with a thread relatively disposed at the rear section of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Kuan Chang Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tiao-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 7389946
    Abstract: A fluid spray device having a body (10) provided with a spray orifice (15), a reservoir (20) containing the fluid to be sprayed, a spray device (30) that sprays one or more doses of the fluid contained in the reservoir (20); and an actuator (40) that actuates the spray device (30). The reservoir (20) is closed in a sealed manner before the spray device is actuated for the first time, the body (10) including reservoir opening device (11) adapted to open the reservoir (20) while the device is being actuated. The reservoir (20) forms a sealed unit that is separate from the body (10), filled with fluid and hermetically sealed before it is assembled in the body (10). The body (10) includes a receiver device (13) that receives the reservoir, and a lateral access device that enables the filled reservoir (20) to be assembled sideways into the body (10) and to be secured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventors: Pascal Bruna, Matthieu Savalle
  • Patent number: 7389947
    Abstract: A fluid atomizer that can include an orientable extension conduit between a pump bottle and an atomizing nozzle. A brace element between the bottle and the conduit limits movement of the nozzle during actuation of the pump mechanism. A resilient enlargement to engage the bottle may be included to permit suspending the bottle in commercially available storage racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Wolfe Tory Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall T. Denton
  • Patent number: 7389948
    Abstract: An airbrush spraying device particularly adapted for the application of beauty products includes a tubular main body that is attached to a pressurized air supply. A control switch is situated on a top side of the airbrush. The control switch is connected to a mechanism that controls an air valve and a position of a makeup flow control mechanism. The air valve is an on/off mechanism, but the makeup flow control mechanism includes adjusting means so that the flow rate of makeup through the airbrush can be controlled by the user. The makeup is supplied to the airbrush from one of a plurality of makeup collars that are affixed to the main body of the airbrush. In order to enable the user to accurately apply the makeup, a mirror and a standoff marker are affixed to a forward end of the airbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: George Robert Lampman
  • Patent number: 7389949
    Abstract: A pressure washer wand is connectable to a source of fluid. The pressure washer wand includes a housing that defines an interior and a flow path disposed substantially within the interior. The flow path includes an inlet in fluid communication with the source and an outlet. A valve at least partially defines a portion of the flow path and is movable between a closed position and an open position in which fluid travels from the inlet to the outlet. A user interface is movable between an actuated position in which the valve is open and a non-actuated position in which the valve is closed. A lock member is substantially disposed within the interior and is movable between a locked position in which the lock assembly inhibits movement of the user interface, and an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Marchand, Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Patent number: 7389950
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes hollow tube with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of nozzles are respectively inserted through the apertures. Each nozzle is connected to a bellow which is engaged with the aperture. A guide member is rotatably mounted to the hollow tube and includes a plurality of inclined slots in which the nozzles are movably engaged. The positions of the nozzles are adjusted by rotating the guide member so as to have different patters of watering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Sun-Nan Lo