Abstract: A filter element and assembly for fluid applications which require a purging of air, and particularly for applications where the filter element is horizontally oriented (side loaded), where the filter element is rotationally positioned relative to the housing such that a vent orifice is properly located for venting air from the filter element as the element fills with fluid. The housing includes a cylindrical body with a closed end a threaded open end, and a threaded, cup-shaped cover which is screwed down onto the housing. The filter element and housing include i) cooperating retaining devices which temporarily couple the filter element to the housing cover when the element is initially inserted into the housing and the cover is initially screwed onto the housing; and ii) cooperating orientation devices which rotationally orient the filter element in the housing as the housing cover is further and fully screwed down onto the housing.

Abstract: A bulletin board is provided by a backboard mounted within a frame, with a plurality of semicircular rods successively mounted in a desired spaced apart relationship on said board, the rods being concentric with one another and of successively decreased diameter, with a plurality of alligator-like clips being slideably hung from each of said rods. The spacing of the rods is adjustable.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively engaging and securing an array of shelf dividers to a mounting device which is securable to a display shelf. In the first form a divider is characterized by a divider structure having an elongated vertical wall and elongated horizontal base that operates to divide, organize and support the displayed merchandise. A resilient latch located on the underside of the base of the divider structure selectively engages and secures the divider structure onto a mounting device comprising a receiving member running longitudinally along the length of the surface of the mounting device which is securable along the front edge of a display shelf. The latch and the receiving member each comprise reciprocating (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention is a universal electric toothbrush carousel that stores one or more electric and/or standard toothbrushes in a convenient rotary dispenser that is seated inside a walled base unit. The rotary dispenser comprises a top-mounted knob atop a clover-shaped disc, the disc being connected to a rod in a spindle-type manner. The bottom of the rod is connected to a concave base. In some embodiments, the concavity of the base collects and contains runoff. In other embodiments, the base may be defined by one or more drain holes to allow drainage of the residue. The rod offsets the disc from the base. The disc is four-leaf-clover-shaped and defined by alternate apertures (for holding standard and electric toothbrushes) and U-shaped recesses for holding electric toothbrushes. The spindle-type holder revolves around and holds one or more electric toothbrushes as well as standard toothbrushes in queued positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of operating a crane whose safe working load depends on one or more changeable parameters, with the change of at least one of the parameters being made such that the speed of the parameter change is reduced continuously or step-wise before a parameter value is reached at which the safe working load corresponds to the actual working load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial nipple. More particularly, the present invention relates to an artificial nipple, which has durability enough not to be torn with fatigue load resulting from teeth contact since fiber nets are embedded within the thickness of the artificial nipple, eliminates a difficulty in breathing by facilitating the flow of air, and prevents obstruction of the airway of an infant by distributing milk suction pressure when the infant sucks milk. The artificial nipple according to the present invention has a nipple body including a root portion, a teat portion with a feeding hole, and a narrow neck portion for making a connection between the root portion and the teat portion.

Abstract: An improved wine bottle closure and vacuum pump apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved bulb structure to be used for pumping and storage purposes, the bulb remaining with a closure plug even after pumping is completed and the wine is to be stored for later consumption. The bulb structure can be collapsed in two different positions including a first position that maintains overall height of the bulb structure and a second position that enables the bulb structure to be shortened in height as an optional feature. The bulb structure provides an enlarged central section that is much larger in diameter than the lower end portion. The lower end portion provides a closure plug for fitting the opening of a wine bottle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container, such as a saucepan, pot, coffee pot or similar item, that is intended for keeping a content of the container (2) warm. The arrangement (1) has a container (2) that is enclosed by a heat insulating fabric part (3) that with the help of an adjustable band (18) is wrinkled at an upper part (5) around an area of an upper edge (6) of the container (2). This fixates the position of the fabric part (3) while at the same time providing a protection of the upper edge (6) of the container (2). An upper part (7) of the fabric part (3) is pivotably attachable to a heat insulating fabric part (9) that completely or partially encloses or covers a lid (8).

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus has a tablet case containing medicines, a roll of packing paper that is open at its upper end and folded at its lower end, a nozzle whose discharge end is inserted into the packing paper upper open end for projecting medicine discharged from the tablet case, and heat seal apparatus that seals the packing paper upper open end after medicines are discharged into it. A movable tension device of an elastic member is urged toward the packing paper which applies tension to the packing paper at a location past the point where said nozzle discharge end is inserted into its upper open end at a point before when the paper is to be heat sealed.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.

Abstract: A tablet cassette in which a tablet is not discharged during a mounting or dismounting operation of the tablet cassette. The tablet cassette (1) incorporates a rotor (6) having pocket portions (7) for holding tablets (T). When the tablet cassette 1 is mounted on a mount base (2), rotation of the rotor (6) causes the tablets (T) held in the pocket portions (7) to be discharged though a discharge port (8). The tablet cassette (1) includes a press member (16) which is pressed when the tablet cassette (1) is mounted on the mount base (2) and a rotor reversing member (19) for reversing the rotor (6) by a predetermined quantity in conjunction with pressing of the press member (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer at connecting devices which are adapted to connect discharge devices (2) to packages (3) with liquid products (4), preferably foodstuff products, for discharging the products (4) from the packages (3). The spacer (19) is provided on a connecting means (26) and is adapted to be located in the package (3) in order to, during emptying of the package, keep wall portions thereof at a distance from a connecting device (1) such that the wall portions do not prevent or substantially obstruct emptying of the package (3). The spacer (19) has resilient properties and can be pressed into a space (28) in a tube member (23) and spring back to a normal shape (NF).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for pumping of fluid by a single pump from a plurality of storage tanks in situations where some of the tanks should be pumped simultaneously at predefined, equal or unequal flow rates, and where some of the tanks should be pumped sequentially, in an orderly manner. The system needs no restrictors or valves to determine the flow rate or the sequence of pumping. In some embodiments, the rate of flow out of the pump does not change when one tank becomes empty before another.

Abstract: A volumetric displacement dispenser and method of using the dispenser is disclosed for dispensing liquid contents from an interior of a bottle with a bottle neck while preventing air from filling a void created within the interior of the bottle caused by the liquid contents being poured out of the bottle by gravity. The dispenser includes a stopper having first and second boreholes extending there through, the stopper being adapted to form an air-tight seal when it is seated into the bottle neck. An air pressure tube routed through the first of the boreholes has a first end open to atmospheric air and a second end open to the interior of the bottle. An expandable volumetric displacement balloon is attached to the second end of the air pressure tube and a one-way liquid valve is disposed in the outlet of the liquid flow channel in the stopper.

Abstract: A thread spool holder comprises an elongate shaft, for receiving a spool of thread, with a flange at one end for engaging one end of the spool. A thread cutter is provided at one end of the shaft allowing the user to cut thread easily. The shaft is hollow to form an elongate cavity and closed by a removable cap. When the cap is removed the user may have access to the cavity for storing needles.

Abstract: A device, method and system for facilitating placement of a sock, stocking, or other footwear are disclosed herein. An exemplary device may have a lower member, a handle, and a spreader. The lower member may have a first side and a second side. The first side and second side are sized to fit within footwear when the lower member is in a retracted position. The handle may be coupled to the lower member and allows a user to position the lower member. The spreader means moves the first side and the second side from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, the first side and second side are sized to receive a foot of the user.

Abstract: A wire feeding apparatus is disclosed. The wire feeding apparatus includes a rotable drive shaft, a servo motor in driving relationship with the drive shaft and one or more feed modules. Each feed module is selectively engaged with the drive shaft through the use of a linear actuator. When the linear actuator is engaged, each feed module is driven by the drive shaft such that wire is either fed or retracted.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes: a driver blade which is driven by compressed air so as to move in a vertical direction for striking a fastener such as a nail, an injection hole which guides said driver blade and forms a passage for the compressed air to be exhausted along with the movement of the driver blade, and a magazine for supplying the fastener to said injection hole, wherein an exhaust passage through which an interior of the injection hole is communicated with the atmosphere is provided between a lower end of the driver blade when the driver blade is positioned at a top dead center and a head part of the fastener which has been supplied into the injection hole.

Abstract: A pneumatic nail gun includes a gun body having an immovable cylinder therein; a hitting piston disposed in the cylinder; a main air housing collecting a compressed high pressure air with a constant pressure; and at least one main passage disposed at a peripheral portion of the cylinder or a side of the main air housing, the at least one main passage having a valve bolt therein to divide the main passage into a top passage, a middle valve chamber, and a bottom passage, the top passage and the middle valve chamber being connecting with the main air housing for introducing and gathering high pressure air therein, the middle valve chamber being connecting with the bottom passage via a main valve opening, the valve bolt being capable of controlling the opening and closing of the main valve opening for rapidly repositing the piston.

Abstract: A stapler includes a body and a strike plate movably mounted to the body between a rest position and a loaded position. The strike plate is adapted to drive a staple into a target object. The strike plate may be moved from the rest position to the loaded position by a loading mechanism against the bias of a power spring, whereupon the energy stored in the power spring is applied to the strike plate to drive the staple. A stapler may include a lockout which inhibits movement of the strike plate toward the loaded position unless a work piece is beneath the stapler body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ballot box comprising a base, a sidewall secured to the base and defining an interior volume therewith, a lid releasably secured to the sidewall and enclosing said interior volume, and a slot provided in the ballot box to enable posting of ballots into the interior volume, wherein the sidewall comprises a modular assembly of spaced apart elongate struts extending between the base and the lid and a plurality of panels each disposed between a pair of adjacent struts to enclose said interior volume.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a read unit for reading a data file stored in a storage medium which is removably loaded into an apparatus body, a determining unit for determining a file type of the data file read out of the storage medium, and a processing control unit for executing predetermined processing corresponding to the determined file type. When a data file to be processed is selected from the storage medium, a file type of the selected data file is determined and the predetermined processing corresponding to the determined file type is executed. Just by selecting the data file stored in the storage medium or the file type, the data file is automatically processed in the operation mode or the print mode corresponding to the file type. Operability in processing data files is improved.

Abstract: When a monetary transaction is made between a merchant and a customer, some or all of the change owed to the customer will be transferred to a data storage card carried by the customer. Instead of receiving the change in the form of coins, the customer instead would insert his/her data storage card into a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, and the change amount owed to the customer would be credited on the card (minus a service charge). The card can be repeatedly used at all participating merchants, so that credited change accumulates thereon, with a running credit balance being maintained on the card. Information pertaining to each transaction is automatically transferred from the POS terminal to a central data storage facility of the card issuer which maintains a record of the customer's credit balance. The customer can be reimbursed part or all of his/her balance (less a fee) in the form of cash, or the customer can use the card as a debit card.

Abstract: A method, system, and program provides for hands free contact database information entry at a communication device. A recording system at a communication device detects a user initiation to record. Responsive to detecting the user initiation to record, the recording system records the ongoing conversation supported between the communication device and a second remote communication device. The recording system converts the recording of the conversation into text. Next, the recording system extracts contact information from the text. Then, the recording system stores the extracted contact information in an entry of the contact database, such that contact information is added to the contact database of the communication device without manual entry of the contact information by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using the systems for delivering information related to a remote location to individuals at the remote location are disclosed. The system comprises a memory device affixed to a physical object at the remote location, the information related to the remote location residing on the memory device, and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the information from the memory device when positioned at the remote location and communicates the information to a party located at the remote location. The system may further comprise a database wherein the information residing on the memory device is replicated and the database can be accessed by a user of the system via a suitable communications medium or combination of mediums.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: Generally described, the invention provides for an indicia that is associated with a pick up notice left at a pick up location. This indicia is “linked” to the parcel(s) that were intended for pick up at the location, which may be done by a handheld portable data acquisition device that includes a scanning or reading means, allowing information to be acquired from the pick up notice as well as from the parcels, and stored on the handheld portable data acquisition device. Parcel's that do not comply with a carrier's business rules are left at the business location, along with the pick up notice. The indicia is then used to access information about the parcels that were left behind and arrange for re-pick up or alternate pick up instructions, including canceling pick up. The indicia may also be used to track parcels that were picked up as well as to make alternate delivery arrangements for the picked up parcels.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion. A processor then determines the identity at least one determined signature part, and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: Methods, systems and program products for securely voting by providing a secure voting module in communication with a voting device. A voter signs onto the voting device using a unique voter identification, and the voter's voting selections are written to the voting device. A scrambled voter identification is generated using the unique voter identification and a unique encryption value of the secure voting module, whereby the voting selections and the scrambled voter identification are stored in the secure voting module. Once voting has ended, first and second fuses are blown within the secure voting module for destroying the unique encryption value and for permanently storing the voting selections and scrambled voter identification in a read only secure voting module that maintains voter anonymity while preventing any further physically writing thereto. The voting results may then be counted, re-counted or validated.

Abstract: A free-standing bulk depositor includes wheels or other mechanical contrivances that enable the unit to be moved from place to place, for example to different tables on the floor of a casino, and includes various currency and/or document processing devices, including a transport mechanism that feeds a stack of documents past at least one sensing/imaging device, a logic unit that sends the documents to appropriate cassettes or drop boxes depending on the type of document and whether the document can be authenticated, and an escrow spool that holds suspect documents while images of the suspect documents are being reviewed in case the logic unit cannot determine whether a document is authentic. The documents may be banknotes, tickets, vouchers, coupons, or other documents having an identifiable value.

Abstract: A method for identifying objects including fixing tags to respective objects, each such tag comprising at least one optical emitter. The at least one optical emitter on each of the tags is driven to emit optical radiation of a respective color, selected from among the first plurality of colors emittable by the tags, during a respective time slot, selected from among a second plurality of time slots during which the tags may emit the optical radiation. A camera captures sequence of electronic images of an area containing the objects to which the tags are fixed. The electronic images in the sequence are processed in order to identify, responsively to the colors of the optical radiation emitted by the tags and the time slots in which the optical radiation is emitted, the objects to which the tags are fixed.

Abstract: Methods and system for counterbalancing accelerations and/or torques caused by actuation of an actuation element and a scanning element. A scanning beam device may comprise a counterbalance to generate forces and/or torques that are substantially equal and substantially opposite to the forces and/or torque generated by the scanning of the actuation element.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanner of ultra-compact design capable of reading bar and other types of graphical indicia within a large scanning volume using holographic optical elements and visible laser diodes. The holographic optical elements are arranged on the scanning disc in such a manner so that none of the laser scanning planes generated within the 3-D scanning volume of the system are spatially and temporally coincident with any other laser scanning plane within the 3-D scanning volume. This novel feature of the present invention ensures that there is substantially zero cross-talk at the plurality of photodetectors provided within the system, significantly improving the performance of the system.

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

Abstract: A bar code scanning system and method for reading and processing bar code symbology uses a scanning station installed above the check-out stand and a receiving station at some distance away from the scanning station. The scanning station projects light onto a surface of the check-out stand. The projected light can have a well defined border indicating where a user should place items to be scanned. Alternatively, a pattern coincident with the projected light can be projected onto the surface and which includes a target indicating where items should be placed for scanning. Light reflected by items in the target region is processed to decode optical symbology on the item and produce a signal that is representative of said sensed symbology. Information about the scanned item can be processed and displayed by the receiving station for use in, e.g., a point-of-sale transaction.

Abstract: A method of equalizing the illumination produced by a planar laser illumination array within a planar laser illumination and (electronic) imaging system, comprising the steps of: providing an image formation and detection module having imaging optics with a field of view (FOV) focused upon an image detecting array; providing a planar laser illumination array having a plurality of planar laser illumination modules, each planar laser illumination module producing a planar laser beam component during image formation and detection operations, which are combined to produce a composite planar laser illumination beam extending through a working range of said FOV, wherein said working range includes both near and far fields, if the near field illumination is brighter then the far field illumination: displacing a first portion of the planar illumination modules in a first direction perpendicular to said FOV and a second portion of the planar illumination modules in a second direction opposite to said first direction,

Abstract: An electrical or electronic data/document carrier as well as a method of communication, for the contactless transmission and/or for the contactless exchange of data and/or of energy, between at least one base/central station and at least one electrical or electronic data/document carrier in such a way that data and information cannot be read from the data/document carrier without the agreement, knowledge and/or assistance of the user or owner of the data/document carrier. The data/document carrier can be moved to and from between a first position defined as an unfolded or opened state and a second position defined as a folded or closed state, and the data/document carrier is coupled to the base/central station essentially only in the first position or essentially only in the second position or essentially only in a position between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A smart card is disclosed and it includes a processor; a first interface for use in communication with a terminal; a second interface for use in communication with another smart card; and RST generation device for generating a RST signal for the another smart card.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for analyzing biological specimens, including storing data relating to the analysis in a read/write data storage device attached to specimen carrier. The data storage device can be a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a magnetic device, or a an optical device.

Abstract: An SD memory card contains an RF circuit, a controller LSI and a flash memory. The RF circuit is connected to an antenna module attached to the SD memory card. The controller LSI executes radio interface control and interface control for the SD memory card. By running a protocol control program and an SD memory card interface control program stored in a ROM, using an MPU, the controller LSI executes upper-protocol control and SD memory card interface control (security data access control, flash memory access control).

Abstract: A solution spray apparatus includes a nozzle which sprays a droplet of a solution such as EL solution, a heater is provided on the nozzle to heat the solution in the nozzle to a temperature lower than a boiling point of the solution in the nozzle, so that the droplet of the heated solution is ejected from the spray to an object.

Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus 10 for providing more even coverage of a sprinkled area with water which is achieved by a different speed of rotation of a water deflector 13 relative to a water diffuser 12 in a wobbling sprinkler head. A diffuser head 11 is rotatably attached to a base 16 and has a water diffuser 12 for diffusing water passing therethrough. A water deflector 13 is rotatably attached to the rotatable diffuser head 11 for directing water emitting from the nozzle 21 through the water diffuser 12. A viscous fluid brake 15 couples the water deflector 13 to the water diffuser 12 to vary the speed of rotation of the water diffuser 12 relative to the water deflector 13 to obtain a more even coverage of the area being sprinkled.

Abstract: An automatic fertilizing apparatus (10) connected in series with a watering system (150) that includes a water source (152) and a sprinkler head(s) (158). The apparatus (10) consists of a liquid fertilizer container (12) having a water inlet port (20) and a water/fertilizer outlet port (24), and a fertilizing control assembly (50) having an outer fertilizer control tube (52) and an inner fertilizer control tube (82). The tube (52) which includes an outlet fertilizer entry slot (54) is inserted through the port (20) and the port (24) and is fixedly attached therethrough. The tube (82) is rotatably inserted into the tube (52) and includes an inner fertilizer entry slot (84), an inlet end (86) connected to the water source (152), an outlet end (88) connected to the sprinkler head(s) (158) and a vortex tube (87).

Abstract: Methods of modifying fibers, such as glass fibers, are disclosed. The modified fibers can be used, for example, in a lead acid battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating and transporting away raw materials once they have been ground, from cutting tools embodied as separating/cutting units and pertaining to machines for meat mincing, especially mincers. The inventive device is embodied as an adaptable tool and can be associated with separating and cutting units (1) of mincers. Said device is characterized by a transporting tube (4) and a discharge screw (3) arranged inside said tube and driven by external means. Furthermore, the adaptable tool and the discharge screw can be positioned and arranged in different positions for each separating and cutting unit (1).

Abstract: A plunger can for a roller assembly within a pulverizing mill has a body which contains a compression spring. A stub shaft transfers the force generated by the compression spring to the roller assembly. A bushing in cooperation with a locking guide in the fore end of the plunger can, along with the stub shaft in an aft end of the plunger can, contains the compression spring there between. The locking guide has an annular flange that fits within an annular channel within the plunger can body. A plurality of extensions spaced around an outside perimeter of the annular flange cooperates with a plurality of extensions around an inside perimeter of the plunger can body such that both sets of extensions clear each other when the locking guide is inserted into the plunger can body. When rotated, the sets of extensions are aligned with each, forming a mechanical lock.

Abstract: Described herein are centering systems, including cartridge reels, reel drivers, and methods of using them. Aspects of the invention may include cartridges, tape drives, and systems of using the cartridge reels and reel drivers. A centering system may comprise a cartridge reel having gear teeth and a guide channel. The guide channel may mate with an alignment ring on a reel driver to center the cartridge reel with respect to the reel driver so that gear teeth on the reel driver may properly engage the gear teeth on the cartridge reel. Thus, the centering system (or components of the centering system) may be used to prevent misalignment and slipping between a cartridge reel and a reel driver.

Abstract: A tape cartridge (54) for use in a tape drive (46) having a tape head (260) includes a cartridge housing (272), a cartridge reel (274) and a tape (278). The cartridge reel (274) is rotatably secured to the cartridge housing (272). The tape (278) is secured to the cartridge reel (274). The tape (278) can include a storage tape (278D) that stores data and a lapping tape (278L) that laps the tape head (260). In one embodiment, the storage tape (278D) and the lapping tape (278L) are spliced together. The ratio of storage tape (278D) to lapping tape (278L) can be at least approximately 0.01:1. The lapping tape (278L) can include a diamond material having a grit of between approximately 0.1 micron and 1.0 micron. In one embodiment, the tape (578) can include a first lapping tape (578L1) and a second lapping tape (578L2) that has a different grit than the first lapping tape (578L1). In another embodiment, the tape (678) also includes a cleaning tape (678CL) that cleans the tape head (260).

Abstract: A safety device for hand tools includes a casing having a first clasp secured to the casing for mounting to the tool. A second clasp is mounted to a retractable cable connected to a constant tension cable reel mounted within the casing: The cable is payed out of and retracted into the bottom of the housing in its normal use position, and the second clasp is attached to a fixed support or “lock point” located below the normal working height of the tool. In use, when the tool is held by a worker and the housing is upright, a lock plate is disengaged from a ratchet plate fixed to the retractable reel so the tool is freely moveable relative to the lock point and easily maneuvered. If the tool is dropped, the reel retracts the cable as the tool begins to fall. The device is inverted as it falls below the lock point.

Abstract: An adjustable length, releasable holder for rope, cord, and other flaccid materials, comprising a longitudinal member into which is inserted an insertion member. The length of insertion is adjustable and immediately releasable. Winding posts with right angles provide for winding the materials about the invention. A handle eases transport or hanging of the invention. Release of the wing screw allows for coiled materials to be instantly released from the invention, thereby saving time and dangerous situations that sometimes arise with ropes and the like.