Abstract: An automated ball mounting system is disclosed In which solder balls are tested by heating the solder balls to a temperature between the eutectic temperature of lead-tin and the melting temperature of a lead free solder ball. If the heated solder balls melt they are standard solder balls. If they do not melt they are lead free solder balls. Solder balls that are input into the automated ball mounting process are automatically tested to determine solder ball type. When the test indicates that the wrong type of solder ball is being used an error message is indicated and the solder ball mounting process stops.

Abstract: A handheld fluid cooled electric solder tweezers. A pair of soldering heads extend from a pair of tweezer members, respectively, and are operatively connected to a cooling apparatus. The cooling apparatus of each tweezer member includes a pair of heat dissipating tubes that travel in an associated tweezer member, with distal ends thereof in fluid communication with an associated soldering head, and with a proximal end of one thereof fluidly communicating with a fluid source. A crossover tube fluidly communicates the proximal end of one tube of one tweezer member with the proximal end of one tube of the other tweezer member.

Abstract: An electrically-controlled soldering pot apparatus with a timer control mechanism and a temperature control mechanism; a method of alerting a user when to exchange a solder bath of the apparatus before erosion to the solder bath occurs; and a method of varying the heating rate applied to a variety of lead-free solders in a solder bath housed in the apparatus.

Abstract: A combinatorial process for production of material libraries from a single sample, comprising forming a diffusion multiple in the single sample, wherein the diffusion multiple comprises a plurality of interdiffusion regions at interfacial locations of dissimilar metals, metal oxides, or alloys, and wherein the diffusion multiple comprises at least three layers of the metals, non-metals, metal oxides, or alloys; and evaluating properties of the diffusion multiple as a function of composition at about the interdiffusion regions.

Abstract: There is provided a method for welding together two metal components to form a large structure suitable for use as an aerospace component. The method comprises the steps of providing two metal components to be welded together, each component having a length, a width, a height and a surface to be welded, the surface to be welded of at least one of the metal components including a feature extending substantially the length of the component, the feature reducing the contact width of the surfaces to be welded of the two components to less than the width of each component; and welding together the components. There is also provided a large structure so created. There is also provided a method for welding together two metal components to form a part or a whole of a spar for a wing for an aircraft and a spar so created.

Abstract: A synthetic material is applied to a structure of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. Typically, the material assists in or at last does not interfere with manufacturing steps applied to the article of manufacture.

Abstract: Brazing filler metal compositions have excellent wettability to nickel/cobalt/iron-based base metals and produce braze joints with high strength and heat/corrosion resistance. The iron-based braze filler metal includes chromium in amounts between about 20 to 35 percent by weight, silicon in amounts between about 3 to 12 percent by weight, phosphorus in amounts between about 3 to 12 percent by weight; and 0 to about 0.2 weight percent of one or more of calcium, yttrium and misch metal, the balance being iron. These filler metals are suitable for the manufacture of several different types of heat exchangers and catalytic converters at a significantly lower cost compared to currently known braze filler metal compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a box that has a front wall, a right wall, a left wall, a rear wall, and a bottom in contact with the front, right, left, and rear walls for defining an open-top container. A corresponding lid is also included and where the lid extends from the right wall to the left wall and from the front wall to the rear wall for covering the opening top container. The lid is hingedly attached to the rear wall for opening and closing the box and a detaching mechanism is placed between the lid and rear wall for detaching the lid from the rear wall.

Abstract: A foldable tray having a single sheet of material having lines of reduced resistance to bending separating a central base area and first through fourth side areas encircling the base area, the lines of reduced resistance to bending separating the first and second side areas being curved away from each other adjacent a first corner of the base area to cause the base area adjacent the first corner to curve upward when the first and second side areas are bent upward along their respective lines of reduced resistance to bending, each side area having cooperatively disposed fasteners adjacent the adjacent side areas for retaining the side areas when folded upward about the lines of reduced resistance to bending. a tab with an opening may be provided integral with one of the side areas for hanging the tray for storage or display. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for interfacing an object identifier reader to at least one application involves receiving object identifier data from the object identifier reader. The object identifier data may include information and formatting characters. The method may then involve identifying the information in the object identifier data. At least one application may then be identified to receive the information. Finally, the information may be sent to the at least one application.

Abstract: Accounting data is classified to facilitate transaction processing and management. According to an example embodiment, data based rules are implemented for classifying transaction-related data into accounting categories. Accounting information is processed as a function of the data based rules and accordingly classified. This approach involves, for example, the identification of particular data based rules to apply to the accounting information, applying the rules and processing the information accordingly.

Abstract: A browser plug-in to drive a device for securely transmitting documents in real-time over the Internet into an enterprise's computing environment is provided. Leveraging the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, a system and method for providing a browser plug-in that allows a bank customer to scan checks using a personal computer and deposit the checks via the browser to a bank account is provided.

Abstract: A banking facility includes therein plural customer stations and a service provider (SP) station. A robotic device acts as an intermediate item handling device between a customer and service provider. The robotic device can access each customer station and a transport device. The transport device includes a pneumatic tube for transporting a carrier to and from the SP station. In an operation, the robotic device receives an item from a customer at a customer station, then places the item in the carrier. Next the transport device transports the carrier to the SP station. The service provider can use the item in carrying out a banking transaction. The operation can be reversed to send an item from the service provider to the customer. The robotic device can also grip a card sensed in a customer station card slot and move the card toward a card reader.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is located adjacent a vehicle drive-up lane. The machine includes a card reader device, a cash dispenser device, and a robotic item handling device having a gripper. An item transfer area is accessible to both a machine user and the robotic item handling device. The item transfer area includes a card slot. A card sensing device is located adjacent the card slot. A machine controller can cause the robotic handling device to grip a card inserted in the slot and move it to the card reader device, responsive to the card sensing device sensing the inserted card. The machine controller can also cause the robotic handling device to grip cash dispensed by the cash dispenser and move it to the item transfer area.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purchasing cash from an ATM. The ATM has a unique identifier visibly located thereon. A customer phone includes a camera and a programmable memory. The camera can be used to capture an image of the ATM's identifier. The memory includes customer account data. A customer uses their phone to establish wireless communication with a transaction host. The customer can transmit to the host a request for cash from the ATM. The request includes the account data and the image. The host can use the account data in payment for the requested cash. The host uses the image to identify the particular ATM associated with the request. After payment, the host causes the identified ATM to dispense the requested cash.

Abstract: A device for collecting biometric data, in particular fingerprints, the device having an optically active detector for recording the surfaces of body regions. In the beam path between the surface and the detector a mirror is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendor location (360), and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pair record (362). The method includes sending the transfer pair verification to the vendor location (368), receiving a money transfer request (370) associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, and authorizing a money transfer (372) to at least one of a first and second customers associated with the transfer pair. In this manner, a vendor location, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retail outlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used to facilitate a money transfer between two customers.

Abstract: A security monitor apparatus and method using a smart card are provided. The apparatus, which is connected to a system and displays a signal generated by the system, includes an interface that is used to communicate with the smart card containing personal identification information, a detector that detects a signal through the interface to determine insertion of the smart card into the monitor, and a controller that reads the personal identification information via the interface from the smart card and controls turning the display of the monitor on or off, when the insertion of the smart card is detected. The insertion of a smart card containing personal identification information into a monitor apparatus enables immediate screen protection and power savings.

Abstract: A system automatically determines authorization of a financial transaction occurring through the presentation of a check card such as a demand deposit account (DDA) card. For a proposed financial transaction of a customer from a merchant having a membership program, the system obtains an indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The system determines an indication of risk for the transaction, based at least in part on the indication that the customer is a member of the merchant's membership program. The financial transaction is authorized when the indication of risk is within at least one parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for uniquely identifying an entity includes a wireless identification device with a controller mechanism for wirelessly communicating and acquiring, processing and transmitting data. A reader device having a controller mechanism acquires, processes and transmits data and a sensing mechanism is in communication with the reader device for acquiring, processing and transmitting data from the wireless identification device. A wireless control device is included for communicating with the reader device and can communicate with and configure the reader device, the wireless identification device or subsequent wireless identification devices. A method of uniquely identifying an entity is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, at least one information control device manages the content displayed on multiple separate portable, content adjustable personal identification devices. The information control device automatically selects at least one content specification for transmission to any portable, content adjustable personal identification devices moving either into or out of a particular area delimited by a boundary secured by the information control device. The information control device then transmits the selected content specification for detection by portable, content adjustable personal identification devices, wherein the content specification directs display of identification content on each of the portable, content adjustable personal identification devices.

Abstract: A method for initiating and completing a commercial transaction to acquire an article of commerce (2502). The article of commerce (2502) has associated therewith a machine resolvable code (MRC) (2504). The MRC (2504) has encoded therein information relating to the article of commerce (2502). The encoded information in the MRC (2504) is extracted therefrom and unique identification information associated with a user is obtained. The encoded information from the MRC (2504) is stored in a temporary buffer. After the encoded information from the MRC (2504) is stored and the unique identification information associated with a user is obtained, it is transferred to a retail processing system (1612). In response to the retail processing system (1612) receiving the encoded information from the MRC (2504) and the transferred unique identification of the user, ownership of the article of commerce (2502) is transferred to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a media device (e.g., a memory card) reader configured to physically accept and electronically interface with plural form factor media devices. The media device reader may be part of an electronic equipment, such as a mobile telephone. The media device reader may include a connector assembly having a pattern of contacts. A controller may be used to determine a relationship of connector assembly contacts to contacts of a media device that is inserted into the media device reader.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a noncontact tag, comprising: a clock extraction unit for extracting a clock from a received carrier wave; a demodulation unit for outputting a demodulated signal comprising a logic signal whose logic state changes responding to each of a non-modulation period and modulation period of the carrier wave; a division unit for generating a division clock from the clock input from the clock extraction unit and also restraining the division clock from being output according to a logic state of the demodulated signal; and a decoding unit for decoding information included in the carrier wave by using a value of counter driven by the division clock.

Abstract: An electronic product identifier system is provided for use with a product storage area adapted to store more than one type of product. The electronic product identifier system has a display adapted to present product information for more than one product along a length of the storage area. Each product has an electronic product identifier. An electromagnetic sensing circuit is provided having at least one transmitter for transmitting polling electromagnetic fields so that the electronic product identifier associated with each product can generate a response. The electromagnetic sensing circuit further has at least one receiver for receiving each responsive electromagnetic signal at two separated sensing locations.

Abstract: A barcode reading apparatus provided in a transfer mechanism to transfer intermittently a test tube holder holding a test tube with a barcode on periphery, comprises a barcode reader which reads a barcode of the test tube during halt of intermittent transfer by the transfer mechanism, and a rotating mechanism which holds sides of the test tube, and rotates the test tube to face the barcode to the barcode reader during the halt of intermittent transfer.

Abstract: A print medium for use with a printer, the print medium comprising:a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces; first coded data in a first data format disposed in a first data region on the laminar substrate, the first coded data encoding first information; and second coded data in a second data format disposed in a second data region on the laminar substrate, the second coded data encoding second information; wherein the first information is indicative of the second information.

Abstract: A reader such as a barcode reader identifies at least one potential target such as a barcode symbol in its field-of-view, and projects or transmits an indicator toward or proximate the potential target containing information about the respective potential target. Such information may include which target is currently active, the symbology in which the target is encoded, the relative position of the reader with respect to the target, the ability of the reader to decode the target, and/or ranked or sorted order information regarding the target and neighboring targets. The reader may rank, sort, prioritize or otherwise determine order based on various parameters, including symbology, position in field-of-view, size, etc., and may base such on past history of the reader and/or user, and may weight such.

Abstract: A gift card system includes a gift card imprinted with indicia identifying the issuer, an adhesively coated security label permanently adhered to the card and imprinted on one surface with the value of the gift, and a gift record for recording information concerning the gift including the date of issuance and the value thereof. A recording sheet providing the gift record and the opposite surface of the substrate and the face of the recording sheet have cooperating interactive coatings thereon to imprint the recording sheet. A second security label is substantially permanently adhered on the first security label and imprinted with a reduced value to reflect a partial charge against the value on the first mentioned security label.

Abstract: A label for a product includes an electronic display for displaying label information. The digital label includes an operating system program with an applications interface to allow development of custom applications by manufacturers, retailers, and users of the product. The digital label also includes a communications interface enable communication with external devices, such as other computer systems. The processor in the digital label can process, display, and transmit information.

Abstract: A reduced pin count connection system for an insertable operational systems card having a plurality of input and output signals to a host device having operational circuits responsive to the input and output signals of the card includes a master serial data link in the card for communicating at least a portion of the plurality of input and output signals of the card. A slave serial data link is operably interconnected to the master serial data link through a connector having a second plurality contacts less than the plurality of input and output signals and communicates the input and output signals to the operational circuits in the host device.

Abstract: A valve assembly for providing hot water includes a hot water side with a hot water inlet and a cold water side. The valve assembly also includes a central channel for fluid communication between the cold water side and the hot water side and a bypass valve portion. The bypass valve portion includes a thermostatic valve adapted to substantially block the fluid communication through the central channel between the cold water side and the hot water side when a temperature of water flowing through the central channel increases above a threshold temperature. The bypass valve portion also includes a temperature adjustment portion adapted to selectively vary the threshold temperature.

Abstract: A rotary sprinkler having an adjustable arc segment whose angular extent and absolute direction relative to the ground are represented by an arc indicator, which arc indicator may comprise a band whose visible length represents the angular extent and whose position on the sprinkler points to the direction. The sprinkler may have the arc segment adjusted by a movable arc limit stop that is coupled to a toggle member only at drive reversal, and the sprinkler may be converted to full circle operation by raising the arc limit stop relative to a cooperating trip tab. A buckling spring assembly used to shift the drive comprises a compression spring held between two spaced pivot members, and the drive can be built in continuous and intermittent drive versions by replacing a few normal rotary gears with multilated gears. A friction clutch having asymmetric teeth for smooth operation prevents damage to the drive during forced nozzle rotation.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor system allowing optimization of energy absorbing characteristics, includes a spool for retracting a seatbelt; a torsion bar made of a twistable material; a locking mechanism for stopping the rotation of the spool at least in a seatbelt withdrawing direction; a substantially disk shaped ring disposed in the inner periphery of an axial end of the spool; and a plastically deformable energy absorbing member. The energy absorbing member may have a substantially circular cross section. A first end of the energy absorbing member may be fixed to an outer periphery of the substantially disc-shaped ring, while a second end of the energy absorbing member may be detachably engaged with an inner periphery of the spool.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a safety belt has a brake surface (38), a blocking mechanism (18), a brake element (24) which can prevent a steering in of the blocking mechanism (18), and a magnetic actuator (28). The brake element (24) is pressed against the brake surface (38) by means of the magnetic actuator (28).

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for winding a seat belt includes a spool for winding the seat belt, a motor connected to the spool for generating driving torque to rotate the spool, a driving torque transmission mechanism disposed between the motor and the spool and formed of a gear for transmitting the driving torque of the motor to the spool, and a torque limiter mechanism disposed in the driving torque transmission mechanism for preventing a load greater than a predetermined level from being transmitted to the driving torque transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a vertically oriented roll of web material is disclosed. The roll comprises a lower surface, an upper surface and a circumferential surface. The apparatus comprises: at least one drive element adapted to rotate the vertically oriented roll, a sensor adapted to measure a tension of the web, and a controller adapted to adjust a speed of the web according to the tension of the web. The method comprises steps of rotating the roll, determining a desired web tension, and adjusting the speed of the roll according to the desired web tension.

Abstract: A winder for winding continuous webs or interleaved web segments into rolls is disclosed. The winder comprises first and second rollers, each having a generally mutually parallel longitudinal axis. The winder also has a continuous belt. The continuous web is disposed upon at least a portion of the continuous belt. A rotatably driven winding spindle is adapted to receive the continuous web or interleaved web segments when the spindle is proximate to the continuous web or interleaved web segments disposed upon the continuous belt.

Abstract: A tape dispenser with a drawer includes a housing provided with a tape recess on an upper surface, at least a hollow space formed in a lower portion of the housing, and at least one drawer movably received in the hollow space. Two lengthwise sidewalls defining the hollow space are provided respectively with a first fitting member, and the drawer has a second fitting member formed in a rear end. The hollow space has its bottom provided with at least a first slide guiding member to fit with a second slide guiding member provided in the bottom of the drawer to slide thereon. A first stopper is provided at the front end of the first slide-guiding member and a second stopper is provided at the rear end of the second slide-guiding member. When the drawer is pulled out, the second stopper is stopped by the first stopper to prevent the drawer from falling off.

Abstract: A supersonic guided weapon has radiation sensitive apparatus carried behind a radiation transparent window the window being formed within an open recess in the weapon nose, the recess being such that at supersonic speeds it forms shock waves which trap air within the recess to provide a measure of kinetic heat insulation for the window and also a minimum of supersonic drag. An elongate nose region can be provided ahead of the recess to house further radiation sensitive or radiation emitting apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for a lifeboat of a space station in orbit to be docked with and used in combination with a separately launched logistics module having an upper stage propulsion capability as a space craft for human pilots and passengers to be flown to orbits and trajectories in deep space beyond low Earth orbit including the Moon, at the lowest practical cost.

Abstract: A monitor stand includes a base, a cylindrical housing located on the base, the housing having an opened top and bottom, and a packing assembly in the base for opening/closing the bottom of the housing. A piston is located in the housing, the piston being movable up/down. A first elastic member is located under the piston, for being compressed when the piston moves down. A bracket is located on a top of the piston, and a tilt/swivel adjusting device has one end fixedly secured to a front of the bracket, and the other end provided to a rear of the monitor. The tilt/swivel adjusting device permits the monitor to tilt forward/backward, or swivel left/right when an external force is applied.

Abstract: A leg of a billiard table includes a central tube, two outer hoods, an upper and a lower supporting cover. The central tube has its two ends respectively fitted in an engaging sleeve of the upper and the lower supporting cover. One of the supporting covers has two horizontal locking grooves dug on its surface. The leg also includes two outer hoods having a chamber respectively to contain the central tube and the supporting covers while combining them together. At least one of the outer hoods has an upper and a lower locking groove for fitting with the supporting covers. The lower locking groove has locking strips for fitting with the horizontal locking grooves. Finally, screws are inserted through the top and the bottom of each of the outer hoods to be fixed with the supporting covers.

Abstract: A clamp in one embodiment includes a flexible base; a bifurcation pivotal about one end of the base; a fastening member pivotal about the other end of the base and including pawls, an opposite projection, and a toothed section formed above; a universal member meshed with the toothed section; a seat rotatably secured to the universal member and adapted to releasably secure to a light; and a flexible ratchet pivotal about the other end of the base. Wrapping the ratchet around a seat post of bicycle by inserting it through the bifurcation and a space between the pawls and one end of the ratchet, pivoting the fastening member toward the seat until one pawl engages the ratchet and the fastening member presses on the base to urge against the seat post, and pivoting the bifurcation to press the bar onto the projection will fasten the seat post.

Abstract: A pedestal set for the vertical and horizontal oriented product includes a chassis, a cover element, and a magnetic element. The chassis has a concave portion and a first joint portion, which is disposed on a surface of the chassis opposite to the concave portion. The first joint portion is connected to an external apparatus. The cover element is disposed on the concave portion to form an accommodating space. The magnetic element is placed in the accommodating space.

Abstract: A height adjusting structure is adapted to support objects and adjust height of the objects, including a supporting body having at least one receiving portion, and at least one side of the receiving portion having a sliding groove with height difference; a shaft tube disposed in the receiving portion and having spiral trails on a surface thereof; a sliding base disposed in the receiving portion and sleeved on the shaft tube, a spiral connecting portion formed in an inner edge of the sliding base and corresponded to the spiral trails; and a torque unit sleeved on the shaft tube and two ends of the torque unit are separately fixed in the axis block and the shaft tube. Whereby the sliding base supports objects and the sliding base is slid along the sliding groove in the receiving portion to adjust height of the objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for molding a material such as plastic. The apparatus includes a mold body, a first plurality of ribs, and a second plurality of ribs. The mold body includes a molding skin of substantially uniform thickness having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to mold a part. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The first plurality of ribs extend from the second surface. A plurality of thermal conduction surfaces are defined on the second surface between the first plurality of ribs. The second plurality of ribs are interleaved with the first plurality of ribs. The second plurality of ribs include end surfaces displaced a substantially uniform distance from the plurality of thermal conduction surfaces to define a plurality of fluid flow conduits adapted to contain a coolant.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infinitely variable directional valve comprising a seat slide on which a valve cone is formed which is prestressed counter to a valve seat in the initial position of the directional valve. The directional valve is configured with a pilot control device wherefore a pilot control valve seat which interacts with a pilot control valve cone is provided inside the closing cone.

Abstract: The ceramic valve structure has a slow-descending device between the valve stick and the valve shaft base. The slow-descending device mentioned herein includes a piston, a piston slot and sealer, and the piston slot is placed on one side of the valve shaft base. A venthole is placed at the bottom of the piston slot, and the bottom of the piston is placed inside the piston slot. The joint of the top of the piston slot is connected to the swing end. The sealer is placed on top of the venthole of the piston. When the valve stick of the ceramic valve is being turned off, it creates a resistance by the slow-descending device, which slows the process of water being tuned off, in turn, slowing down the change in water pressure, reducing damage to the water channel and ceramic valve, and extending a shelf life of the ceramic valve structure.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a fastening strap comprises a base and a lever; a spindle pivotally connecting the lever to the base and adapted to permit the strap to be wound therearound, the spindle having a first spindle component and a second spindle component which together define therebetween a gap adapted for passage of a portion of the strap; and at least one ratchet wheel disposed around the spindle for rotating in concert with the spindle and driven by the lever to rotate the spindle, wherein the gap has a variable width that can be narrowed to cause the first and second spindle components to clamp the strap.