Patents Issued in June 26, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080149661
    Abstract: Containers for contents in a liquid bath, which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container. The lift engages both a feature on the operator and a feature on the container. A slope differential exists between the operator feature and the container feature. Rotation of the operator relative to the container results in longitudinal movement of the lift within the container. The lift can be moved toward an upper position to raise at least a portion of the contents out of the liquid bath to facilitate dispensing of the contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Randy D. Sines
  • Publication number: 20080149662
    Abstract: A system and method that portably stores, refrigerates, and dispenses a viscous, semi-solid food product. Cannoli cream is held in a hopper that is removably received inside an insulated and cooled portion of the portable dispenser housing. The portion that receives the hopper is lined with evaporator coils from a refrigeration unit or cold packs. A piston driven mechanism is housed in the dispenser, the piston drive functioning to pump cannoli cream from the hopper through a dispenser nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Scardino
  • Publication number: 20080149663
    Abstract: A dispensing measuring device. The device correlates the relative proximity between a Hall effect sensor and a magnet. One is held stationary, while the other is movable in response to ordinary actuation which occurs during dispensing. Detection of changes in the proximity are correlated to the amount of material dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan Livingston Joyce, Kelly Stewart Teegarden
  • Publication number: 20080149664
    Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
  • Publication number: 20080149665
    Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device is described that comprises a pressurizable vessel with at least one opening equipped with a pressure-responsive valve that controllably releases vapor in bursts when the vessel is heated through a controlled heating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin Hafer, John Billman
  • Publication number: 20080149666
    Abstract: The stand-up fluid dispensing device (10, 100) includes a container (42) with an outer surface, opening, interior fluid storage region (44) therein and an exterior outer region. A support structure (60) is affixed to the container (42) to maintain the container (42) in an upright condition at all times. Throughout the life of the product and regardless of amount of media (12) in the device (10, 100), it will remain standing upright to better display the package at all times. The support structure (60) is preferably a jacket filled with a gas, such as air. The jacket (60) can include a plurality of pockets (62), such as tubes filled with air. The stand-up fluid dispensing device (10, 100) may also include a metering pump (64) that can include a leakage control mechanism to control the dispensing of media (12) from the device (10, 100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Daniel M. Wyner, Richard B. Fox, Robert J. Mileti
  • Publication number: 20080149667
    Abstract: A viscous material dispenser comprises a container having at least two opposing sidewalls; a first closure end; and a second closure end; the sidewalls and closure ends defining an enclosure, and at least one closure end comprising an expressing shape and at least one sidewall comprising a crease running from the expressing shaped closure end to the other closure end to permit folding the container at the crease to express a content from an interior of the container through the expressing shaped closure end to an exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Phillip Neal Sharp, Sven Newman, David C. Thomsen, Jessica W. Wolma, Anita G. Mooy, Jeffrey J. Davis
  • Publication number: 20080149668
    Abstract: A collapsible container having at least two opposed flexible walls, an opening through which liquid can be removed, and a flange around the opening. The inner surface of each of the two sidewalls and the internal surface of the spout flange preferably have depressions and raised areas between the depressions. Typically, the depressions are not continuous and the raised areas are continuous. The depressions of one wall or flange cooperate with the depressions on the opposed wall to form liquid flow pathways when the wall or flange contacts the opposed wall. The liquid flow pathways allow liquid to pass therethrough instead of being blocked by the contact between a wall or flange and the opposed wall. A method of use and a method of making the bag are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Lars S. Johnson, James D. Ryndak
  • Publication number: 20080149669
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing a post-mix beverage is characterized by a disposable concentrate beverage unit and a disposable pump unit that are housed in a refrigerated area of the beverage dispenser. The pump unit is operable to dispense metered volumes of concentrate for mixing with a regulated flow of diluent to dispense a required ratiometric mixture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Nicholson, Leonard Switzer, Stephen J. Czeck, John Hunter
  • Publication number: 20080149670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of supplying a portion of warm food product, consisting at least of one food component, for example selected among typical components of the dressing of a pizza, and used for filling an edible container, for example a wafer, creating a ready-to-eat single-dose warm food product. The apparatus provides a heating chamber (20) comprising a recess having an inner heated surface (82), in which a piston (84) slides sweeping the surface (82) and pushing towards an outlet (83) at least one food component (33) heated in said heating chamber (20) and coming from a magazine (30). The magazine (30) may be refrigerated (32), and a liquid food component (40) may be added. The heating chamber (20) is heated by an electrical resistance (81). The apparatus, furthermore, comprises a system (50) for applying a dressing on the upper surface of the product and a carousel (60) for positioning automatically an edible container (71) in different operative stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Marco Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20080149671
    Abstract: A sprayer includes a discharge valve assembly and includes an integrated poppet valve, spring and volume reducer. The spring includes more than omega-shaped form, each with relatively flat sides. The spring can have sides with portions sufficiently wide to substantially extend across the valve chamber to provide stability to the spring and prevent buckling. The flat sided omega-form construct is relatively easy to manufacture via molding and the ends of such construction provide suitable locations for integrated molding with the valve and the volume reducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Steve L. Sweeton, David DeJong
  • Publication number: 20080149672
    Abstract: A tether for securing a baby bottle or toy to a structure such as a highchair or car seat for the baby. The tether has an elongated member with a flexible portion and having opposed ends with a securing device at each of the opposed ends. Both of the securing devices are straps that have a fastening system such as a hook and loop system such that the securing devices can form a loop of a desired size to encircle an item, such as a baby bottle or a toy and structure to secure the tether to both the item and the structure. As such, the baby bottle or toy can be secured to a structure such as a highchair or car seat and if dropped, the item will be restrained so as to not contact the floor and become contaminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Frauhiger
  • Publication number: 20080149673
    Abstract: A carrying device for carrying small animals incorporates a pouch. The pouch may be closed by a drawstring or a zipper. A harness assembly secures the device around the carrier's shoulders. A zipper unit may be included to fold the pet pocket into a smaller waist pack. Another zipper unit may be included with an expansion panel to provide an expandable pet pocket by elongating the pouch. A comfort pocket is provided to provide comfort to a pet enclosed within the pouch and who may become frightened by the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Owen Slater
  • Publication number: 20080149674
    Abstract: An infant carrier includes a plurality of sections to wrap around a wearer's torso, in order to hold an infant against a chest of a wearer. The sections include a front panel, to enclose the chest, and a back section, extending from the front panel, to traverse across a back of the wearer. An inner seat for the infant is attached to an interior surface of the front panel. The front panel may include a layer of insulation and be waterproofed so that the infant carrier may function as an incubator. The carrier may be held around the torso by an attachment element having first and second mating parts, located along a width of the front panel and along the back section, respectively. The sections may also include a sash to wrap across the front panel from beneath a first shoulder to over a second shoulder of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Prasanga D. Hiniduma-Lokuge
  • Publication number: 20080149675
    Abstract: A load carrying basket for attachment to a vehicle roof is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The stowed position facilitates entry of the vehicle into garages, parking lots and the like, having limited overhead clearance. The load carrier includes a plurality of pivotally mounted support members which are pivotally attached to an upper frame and a lower frame. At least one of the support members is a clamping member to clamp the carrier in the deployed position. Advantageously, the clamping member also clamps the load carrier in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventors: Serge Moreau, Robert Virtu
  • Publication number: 20080149676
    Abstract: A backpack which includes a frame and a cover. The frame has a first frame element which is connected with a first portion of the cover and a second frame element which is connected to a second portion of the cover. The second frame element is pivotably arranged on the first frame element at a region lying between an upper region and a lower region of the first frame element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: adidas International Marketing B.V.
    Inventor: Kaja Inga Anita BARTEL
  • Publication number: 20080149677
    Abstract: A backpack frame has a front side and a back side and comprises generally parallel base and top sections that extend transversely across and are spaces one from the other along a center line of the frame. Side rails connect the base section to the top section. The side rails are arranged on opposite sides of the frame center line, and a stabilizing rib interconnects the side rails and extends transversely across the center line at an intermediate location between the base and top sections. The side rails converge inwardly from the base section towards the frame center line to the stabilizing rib, and diverge outwardly from the stabilizing rib and away from the center line to the top section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20080149678
    Abstract: A liftable tool box for a waist belt includes an upper cover and a bottom box. The liftable tool box worn on the waist belt using an elastic hook can be directly opened so that tools may be taken out of or inserted into the tool box. The bottom box may be opened to a horizontal state perpendicular to the upper cover so that the tools in the bottom box may be conveniently accessed. Thus, the tool box can be conveniently carried on the waist belt while the tools in the tool box can be arbitrarily accessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Yung-Hsu Huang
  • Publication number: 20080149679
    Abstract: A carrying case apparatus has a first pocket for carrying an object, a flap, and an elastic strap. The first pocket has an open top. The flap is configured to cover the open top of the first pocket. The elastic strap has a first and second end. The first end is attached to the top of the outer portion of the flap and the second end is attached to the outer portion of the first pocket, such that the elastic strap remains taut against the first pocket and flap, and may be pulled by a user in order to create space for inserting an item. The item is held between the first pocket and flap combination and the elastic strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Case, Dennis Balchunas
  • Publication number: 20080149680
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a rotationally driven pressure roller (4) onto a rotationally driven goods guiding roller (3), especially in a stretching equipment for thermoplastic films, whereby the pressure roller (4) is advanced in the direction of the goods guiding roller (3) by at least one first pressurizable piston-cylinder unit (7) in such a manner so that after the advancement an axis-parallel remaining stroke exists between the pressure roller (4) and the goods guiding roller (3), whereby thereupon at least one second pressurizable piston-cylinder unit (8) operatively connected with the first piston-cylinder unit (7) carries out the remaining stroke, while maintaining the axis-parallelism, until a touching contact exists between the pressure roller (4) and the goods guiding roller (3), and whereby thereupon the pressure roller (4) becomes effective with a nominal pressing force onto the goods guiding roller (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Ernst Meyer
  • Publication number: 20080149681
    Abstract: A miniature spring-actuated stapler includes a tapered, flat power spring to store energy and eject staples. The power spring pivots at a rear of the stapler housing and includes three co-extensive arms terminating near the striker. As the L-shaped handle of the stapler is pressed, it acts on the center arm of the power spring to deflect it downward while the outer arms deflect upward. The arms are integral at a rear end and the outer arms are linked to the striker at the front. A tapered, flat reset spring disposed generally parallel to the power spring is used to reset the internal action. The housing includes open top and rear areas with the handle providing the enclosure thereof. A base assembly is slidably attached at a bottom of the stapler with an open position exposing a staple-loading chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: WORKTOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Publication number: 20080149682
    Abstract: The present invention uses the principle in which staples made of iron are attracted in a direction in which magnetic attraction force is generated. Using this principle, a permanent magnet is provided on a front wall of a staple magazine, so that a staple cartridge is attracted towards an ejection slot of the staple magazine by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet. When a handle having a punching blade is pushed, the frontmost staple in the staple cartridge, which is aligned with the ejection slot, is ejected by the punching blade to staple paper sheets. After the frontmost staple is ejected, the staple cartridge is automatically moved to and brought into close contact with the front wall of the staple magazine such that a subsequent staple, which is in a frontmost position, is aligned with the ejection slot to prepare for a subsequent stapling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Hyun Duk Uhm
  • Publication number: 20080149683
    Abstract: A miniature spring-actuated stapler includes a tapered, flat power spring to store energy and eject staples. The power spring pivots at a rear of the stapler housing and includes three co-extensive arms terminating near the striker. As the L-shaped handle of the stapler is pressed, it acts on the center arm of the power spring to deflect it downward while the outer arms deflect upward. The arms are integral at a rear end and the outer arms are linked to the striker at the front. A tapered, flat reset spring disposed generally parallel to the power spring is used to reset the internal action. The housing includes open top and rear areas with the handle providing the enclosure thereof. A base assembly is slidably attached at a bottom of the stapler with an open position exposing a staple-loading chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: WORKTOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Publication number: 20080149684
    Abstract: An articulating surgical instrument is provided including a handle, an articulating portion extending distally of the handle and an end effector positioned on a distal end of the articulating portion. A flexible drive band is provided for movement through the articulating portion and end effector. The flexible drive band includes a first portion having a first height and the second portion having a second height greater than the first height. The difference in heights being sufficient to eject staples from a body portion of the end effector into an anvil member of the end effector. An actuation mechanism is provided for drawing the flexible drive band through the articulating surgical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Publication number: 20080149685
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a clevis and first and second jaws mutually rotatable between open and closed positions. The jaws are proximally directed and laterally displaced relative to an axis of a control shaft of the instrument. The jaws hold first and second parts of a fastener, respectively. The first part includes a base having tissue-piercing posts, and the second part includes a second base defining apertures receiving the posts and a portion movable relative thereto between first and second orientations. When the posts are inserted into the apertures, the movable portion can be moved from the first unlocked orientation into the second configuration to lock the fastener parts together in an implanting position determined by various alignment measures, including markings or flags on the jaws or at the housing. The instrument is adapted to move the second part into the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Juergen A. Kortenbach, Robert Sixto
  • Publication number: 20080149686
    Abstract: A semi-automatic welding work cell, including a welding job sequencer that automatically selects a welding schedule for use by an operator in the semi-automatic welding work cell. The automatic selection may be by way of elapsed time, a detection of welding operations, a detection of the amount of welding wire supplied for the welding operation, or a detection of the amount of energy supplied for the welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Daniel, Dmitry Brant
  • Publication number: 20080149687
    Abstract: A method for inspecting welds comprising sorting a plurality of welds to be inspected according to a weld device that made the welds. After sorting the welds according to the weld device that made the welds, the welds are sorted according to a plurality of weld schedules at which the weld devices made the welds. Then, the welds are sorted according to a weld number. Subsequently, at least one weld made by each weld device is inspected, and the process is repeated until every weld made by each weld device at each weld setting is inspected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Mark D. Garnett, James R. Norman, Aimee E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080149688
    Abstract: A system and method of forming a continuous strip from a plurality of strips, each strip having a leading end and a trailing end. Embodiments can include a forming apparatus that chamfers at least one of the leading and trailing ends of each strip. The chamfered trailing ends may then be positioned against chamfered leading ends of successive ones of the plurality of strips. Once a leading end and a trailing end are positioned against one another, a first welding apparatus may weld on a first side, from above, the trailing and leading ends positioned against each other to form weld joints. Once at least two strips have been welded together, the strips can constitute the continuous strip. An inverting apparatus can then invert the continuous strip and weld joints. The inversion of the weld joints can be done so as not to create a reverse bend in the continuous strip. A second welding apparatus can then weld on a second side opposite the first side, from above, the inverted weld joints to form weld junctions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: B.K. Goenka, Braja Mishra, Prasantakumar Mukherjee
  • Publication number: 20080149689
    Abstract: A friction stir welding tool is used in welding structures. The tool comprises a shoulder and a probe extending from the shoulder. The probe has at least three sections equiangularly arranged around the longitudinal axis of the probe, each section comprising at least three contiguously arranged flats arranged about the axis of the probe. The flats are so arranged that the normal axes of the flats converge in a direction towards the axis of the probe thereby resulting in the sections each having a generally convex shape. The probe also includes a threaded portion disposed between each pair of adjacent generally convexly shaped unthreaded sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Jan Maziarz
  • Publication number: 20080149690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface. In one particular embodiment, the method comprises: providing a substrate, a first, and a second electrode that reside within a target area; passing a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas through the target area; supplying an amount of energy to the first and/or the second electrode to generate electrons within the target area wherein at least a portion of the electrons attach to a portion of the reducing gas and form a negatively charged reducing gas; and contacting the substrate with the negatively charged reducing gas to reduce the metal oxides on the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Chun Christine Dong, Wayne Thomas McDermott, Alexander Schwarz, Gregory Khosrov Arslanian, Richard E. Patrick
  • Publication number: 20080149691
    Abstract: A system (10), valve and method for intermittent jetting of viscous materials, such as solder paste includes a valve (12) with a valve body having a supply passage (50). A valve stem (26) is mounted for reciprocating movement in the valve body between open and closed positions and includes a tapered end (28). A valve seat (30) is positioned adjacent the end of the valve stem (26) and includes a through passage (36) communicating with an outlet passage (40) of the valve body. The end of the valve stem (26) extends into the through passage (36) in the closed position. A positioner device (20) may carry the valve (12) and can move the valve (12) in multiple directions relative to a substrate (18) during a jetting operation. The amount of material jetted from the outlet passage (40) during a stroke of the valve stem (26) can be less than about 25% of the total combined volumes of the through passage (36) and the outlet passage (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyo Fujii
  • Publication number: 20080149692
    Abstract: A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Harikrishnan Ramanan, Nitin Deshpande, Sabina J. Houle
  • Publication number: 20080149693
    Abstract: A cardboard sidewall has a volume of greater than or equal to one and half gallons. A cardboard bottom includes a polyethylene coating on an inside of the bottom. An inside of the sidewall also includes a polyethylene coating. The bottom is heat sealed onto a bottom portion of the sidewall to form a seal. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a plastic ring is affixed to an inside of a top portion of the sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: John Clifford Whitaker, Klaus Michael Koessendrup
  • Publication number: 20080149694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing paper box, in which a piece of packing paper is folded, first and second connecting sections are combined, and third and fourth connecting sections are combined, whereby a user can easily make without cutting packing paper. To this end, a packing paper box comprises a body portion having an accommodation space defined therein and including first and second connecting sections; a cover portion, the body portion being covered with the cover portion; and a connection portion including third and fourth connecting sections formed to each other between the body portion and the cover portion, wherein the first and second connecting sections are combined with each other, and the third and fourth connecting sections are combined with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: PUNGNYUNPACK COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hun Lee, Jong Guen Lee, Zee Heon Kim
  • Publication number: 20080149695
    Abstract: A folded food carton is formed from a matable, lay flat blank for retaining, transporting and serving hot food such as pizza. The blank includes an arrangement of end panels, side panels and cover panels foldable relative to a bottom panel such that, in the erected carton, the cover panels overlap and are interlocked with the side panels by means of offset locking tabs. The end panels slant upwardly and inwardly from the bottom panel to add rigidity and save material for the carton. The side panels flare upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel and extend above the cover panels to enhance stackability and prevent shifting of stacked cartons one on top of the other. Several methods of packaging pizza in the folded carton are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Wayne H. Kuhn, Frank Pizzitola
  • Publication number: 20080149696
    Abstract: A folded food carton is formed from a matable, lay flat blank for retaining, transporting and serving hot food such as pizza. The blank includes an arrangement of end panels, side panels and cover panels foldable relative to a bottom panel such that, in the erected carton, the cover panels overlap and are interlocked with the side panels by means of offset locking tabs. The end panels slant upwardly and inwardly from the bottom panel to add rigidity and save material for the carton. The side panels flare upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel and extend above the cover panels to enhance stackability and prevent shifting of stacked cartons one on top of the other. Several methods of packaging pizza in the folded carton are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Wayne H. Kuhn, Frank Pizzitola
  • Publication number: 20080149697
    Abstract: A mailbox arrangement is provided for mounting a mailbox to a mounting post, featuring a mailbox for receiving mail; a mounting base coupled to the mailbox; a mounting bracket for suitably coupling the mailbox arrangement to a mounting post; and a spring assembly for flexibly and rotationally coupling the mounting base to the mounting bracket in a predetermined relationship, the spring assembly being responsive to a force, for pivoting the mounting base in relation to the mounting bracket in one direction so as to resist and absorb a torque being applied as a result of the force, and for pivoting the mounting base in relation to the mounting bracket in the opposite direction as a result of the torque being stored in the spring assembly so as to return the mounting base and the mounting bracket back to the predetermined relationship when the force is no longer applied, so that when the mailbox is mounted on the mounting post, the mailbox is oriented in a desired position for receiving mail, and so that when th
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Webber
  • Publication number: 20080149698
    Abstract: A device for the intake and output of paper currencies comprises an arrangement for examining the value and authenticity of the currency, which thereafter is fed to a transport system of a currency stacking bank via a currency storage module, wherein the storage module, which is exchangeable located below the currency stacking bank is constructed as a revolving magazine and comprises a series of roller magazines, whereby the intake and output opening of each of the roller magazines is pivoted by means of an actuator into a d position of the transport system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: adp Gauselmann GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Gauselmann
  • Publication number: 20080149699
    Abstract: A handheld counter is provided having a housing forming an opening, and inner sheath, an engagement member, and a sensor. The inner sheath is located in said opening and movable relative to the housing. The inner sheath forms a cylindrical cavity for receiving a writing instrument. The engagement member is connected with the inner sheath and frictionally engages said writing instrument upon insertion of said writing instrument into said cavity. The sensor is positioned to detect movement of said inner sheath and generate a signal in response to movement of said inner sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Nicole M. Smokowicz, Michael F. De Rossi, Christopher Stvartak
  • Publication number: 20080149700
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising an information carrier 11 having an optical identifier 12, and an apparatus 10, wherein the apparatus prior to accessing the information carrier verifies if the optical behavior of the optical identifier is consistent with authentication information 17 present in the information carrier. The authentication is performed by challenging the optical identifier with a least one light beam 14, detecting a resulting speckle pattern 16 on a detector 15 as a corresponding response, and comparing it with the authentication information 17. Access to the information carrier can be made conditional to a successful authentication, in particular by encrypting user-information 20 present in the information carrier, and thereby providing a strong copy protection scheme. The invention can be applied for example to optical disks or smart cards. The invention further relates to the information carrier, the apparatus, a method for the authentication and a computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Pim Theo Tuyls, Robert Frans Maria Hendriks
  • Publication number: 20080149701
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an apparatus and method for producing and displaying a dynamic barcode that permits authorized medical personnel to obtain confidential medical information while preventing unauthorized personnel from viewing the same. Any suitable dynamic medical information may be so displayed including blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, heart rate, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: John A. Lane
  • Publication number: 20080149702
    Abstract: Object codes such as for example bar codes and other codes from objects such as for example tagged retail goods and other products define first, non-individualized information such as for example audio and/or video commercials etc. to be supplied to destinations (24). To increase a number of possibilities, in response to the object codes, second, individualized information such as for example personal pictures and/or movies etc. is supplied to the destinations (24) in case of being authorized to receive this second, individualized information and otherwise the first, non-individualized information is supplied. Authorized destinations (24) receive the individualized information possibly mixed with some or all non-individualized information, where non-authorized destinations (24) will only receive the non-individualized information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Lieven Trappeniers, Michael Frederik Francois Albert Brackx, Zhe Lou, Sigurd Van Broeck, Marc Bruno Frieda Godon, Johan Georges Prosper Criel
  • Publication number: 20080149703
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Nancy J. Rabenold, James A. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20080149704
    Abstract: A system for enabling competition entry is provided using a printed product label provided on a product item. The system has a sensing device, computer system and display device. The sensing device senses coded data from the label attached to the product item and generates interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data. The coded data is uniquely indicative of the product item and the label has regions including information fields, buttons and/or entry fields. The computer system receives the interaction data and correlates the interaction data with a competition. Interaction with at least one of the buttons using the sensing device causes the computer system to display information on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Jacqueline Anne Lapstun, Paul Quentin Scott
  • Publication number: 20080149705
    Abstract: A system and method provides efficient and highly reliable customer tracking. A Personal Digital Key (PDK) is associated with and carried by a user. The PDK wirelessly communicates with a receiver/decoder circuit (RDC) that can be coupled to a variety of electronic devices. The RDC authenticates the PDK based on received data and stores information to track customers and provide improved service. A PDK can be assigned to one more groups of PDKs based on the received data. Specific functions can then be executed based on the group assignments. In a casino environment, the system enables functions such as group gaming, back betting, event tracking, and notification services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Giobbi, Bryan Kelly, David L. Brown, Fred S. Hirt
  • Publication number: 20080149706
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for an end-to-end currency handling, and servicing apparatus. The apparatus may be used in any cash-centric business or enterprise for cash register till set up and balancing, back office reconciliation, and other cash payment handling activities. Further aspects of the invention provide real-time access to cash receipts for enterprise use in making financial and planning decisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Bank of America
    Inventors: Brian Duane Brown, Anthony B. Calderone, Henry W. Debnam, Shane Anthony Johnson, Bethann Johnston, Michelle Davis Nichols, John Daniel Shaver, John N. Venzon, John Scott Walbert, Margaret Morgan Weichert
  • Publication number: 20080149707
    Abstract: A bank card management system includes software for real time tracking of card usage and real time reporting and allocation of commission payments to third parties based upon such usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Alfred Urcuyo
  • Publication number: 20080149708
    Abstract: A banking machine system controlled by data bearing records includes an automated banking machine which includes a deposit accepting device. Data read from a user card through operation of a card reader in the machine is used to determine if the data on the card corresponds to an authorized machine user. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: William D. Beskitt, Damon J. Blackford, Thomas A. VanKirk, Mike R. Ryan, Jasen J. Smolk, Songtao Ma, David A. Peters, Stephen Stone, H. Thomas Graef
  • Publication number: 20080149709
    Abstract: A financial transaction card includes an account identifier, a panel, and a plurality of pop-up members. The account identifier links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record and is readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The plurality of pop-up members are each coupled with one of the panel and another one of the plurality of pop-up members. Each of the plurality of pop-up members is configured to transition between a collapsed position and an extended position. The financial transaction card is substantially flat when the plurality of pop-up members are each in the collapsed position, and the plurality of pop-up members each extend outwardly from the panel in the extended position. Stored-value cards, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Shawn P. Boyd, Charissa J. Peterson, Erin M. Borkowski, Timothy P. Clegg, Primoz Samardzija
  • Publication number: 20080149710
    Abstract: A shopping cart system includes a shopping cart. The shopping cart includes a receptacle to hold shopping items bearing coded data tags. A scanning device is mounted to the shopping receptacle and is configured to scan the data tags of the shopping items to thereby determine the identity of the shopping items. A computer system is configured to calculate the total cost of the scanned shopping items using the determined identity of the shopping items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun