Abstract: A mold fill head includes a solder delivery head and an interface portion having a compliant portion secured to the solder delivery head and a dispensing region associated with the compliant portion. The dispensing region is formed with at least one aperture configured to interface with cavities in a mold plate, the at least one aperture being in fluid communication with the solder delivery head. The compliant portion is configured and dimensioned to urge the dispensing region against the mold plate when held a predetermined distance therefrom and to substantially tolerate variations in flatness of the mold plate, variations in the predetermined distance, and/or variations in an angular orientation of the interface portion and the mold plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible liner and bag-in-box container system comprising a collapsible container having a liner attached to the collapsible container, such that when the container is expanded from a collapsed state, the attached liner similarly expands. When the collapsible container is expanded, the liner may expand to substantially conform to the shape of the collapsible container. The liner may further comprise a filler fitting for receiving contents for filling the liner. The filler fitting may comprise one or more annular rings adapted to secure the filler fitting of the liner to an opening in the collapsible container. The collapsible container may be made of corrugated fiberboard. The collapsible container may further include tape having two adhesive sides for securing the collapsible container in an expanded state.

Abstract: The invention concerns a generally parallelepiped corrugated box for packaging and transporting objects, the box comprising a lid formed by a lateral can-band carton including a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls and a top, and a tray forming a base including a central panel comprising four main sides each respectively provided with a first flap. The front and rear flaps are U-shaped and define each with the top a central recess enabling an object in the box to be gripped manually by a user from the side and/or from above. One or several partly precut portions and/or one or several bonding points enable the walls of the lid to be detached from the first flaps of the tray by manual separation resulting from a force applied perpendicularly to the walls.

Abstract: A blank capable of being formed into a carton for enclosing a plurality of containers that includes a first side panel, a top panel, a second side panel, a bottom panel, an adhesive flap, at least one first end flap extending along a first marginal area of the blank, and at least one second end flap extending along a second marginal area of the blank. A tear line is formed in the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel. In some embodiments, the tear line in each side panel extends perpendicular from the top panel and continues to at least one turn to proceed into side panel end flaps. One or more stair steps can be included in each side panel along the tear line. Separation of a detachable portion from the carton along the tear line creates an opening through which the containers can be removed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a functional module for storing and exchanging data, comprising a common portable support, at least one passive contactless integrated circuit in the form of a first semi-conductor chip, a contactless integrated circuit reader in the form of a second semi-conductor chip, the contactless integrated circuit and the reader being gathered on or in the common portable support, an antenna coil of the contactless integrated circuit, connected to the contactless integrated circuit, an antenna coil of the reader, connected to the reader, the antenna coil of the contactless integrated circuit being coupled to the antenna coil of the reader.

Abstract: A printer is provided having a print media supply, at least one pagewidth printhead arranged to print on print media as it travels therepast on a media path from the print media supply, and a binder arranged on the media path for binding the print media printed on by the printhead. The print media supply, the printhead and the binder are arranged so that the media path is substantially straight.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for determining packaging preference of a customer by identifying the customer using a customer identifier, and retrieving available packaging preference information using the customer identifier. In an embodiment, the customer's packaging preference information for a particular identified item is retrieved and graphically communicated. In another embodiment, customer packaging preference information based on a quantity of items is retrieved and graphically communicated. Customer packaging preference information based on both the identified items and the quantity of items may also be retrieved and graphically communicated.

Abstract: A device for aiding in the tracking and calculation of personal financial transactions is disclosed. The device is preferably pocket sized, portable and provides finger-tip access to allow the user to concentrate on managing the user's financial transactions and achieving financial goals with minimum effort. The device includes a central processing unit (CPU) that runs database software that stores information about the user's financial accounts, financial transaction histories, budgets, plans and goals. The CPU directs the device to visually present information about, including analytical information about, these financial categories. The present invention assists the user in tracking and recording their daily money inflows and outflows (e.g., via ATM or teller deposits and withdrawals, actual cash usage, debit card transactions, check writing activities).

Abstract: A control method and system provides coded access to a system by acquiring account identification data corresponding to a combination of a plurality of symbols. The account identification data is transmitted, for example to a remote server, to correlate the account identification data against an account database to evaluate corresponding account information. Based on the account information, access to the system may be controlled.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is associated with seeds of at least one type, where each of the seeds is configured for planting in a composition. The financial transaction card includes a substrate defining a first portion and a second portion attached to and readily separable from the first portion. The first portion includes an account identifier, which links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The second portion includes a pointed end and indicia identifying the at least one type of seeds. The second portion is configured for insertion into the composition to mark where the seeds are planted in the composition. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a substantially planar substrate and a cut formed through the substantially planar substrate. The substantially planar substrate includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record, and the account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The cut defines a boundary between a first portion and a second portion of the substantially planar substrate. The first portion of the substantially planar substrate is configured to flex relative to the second portion of the substantially planar substrate, and the first portion is biased toward the second portion to receive and secure one or more sheets of paper between the first portion and the second portion of the substantially planar substrate. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate, a plurality of adhesive dots, and a plurality of beads. The substrate includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record, and the account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The plurality of adhesive dots is applied to a surface of the substrate. The plurality of beads are each individually secured to the surface of the substrate with a separate one of the plurality of adhesive dots. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An information provision intermediation apparatus is disclosed. An information provision intermediation definition table has stored therein, in correspondence with each other, an address of the information providing site of an information providing unit and an information provision condition required for the traceability data at the time of providing the information of the information providing site. A CPU acquires a traceability data group corresponding to the individual commodity ID acquired from a terminal. Based on the acquired traceability data group and the information provision condition, the CPU acquires the address of the information providing site of the information-available information providing unit, and using the acquired address, acquires the information from the information providing site and transmits it to the terminal.

Abstract: A method for providing an application access to a smart card includes the steps of providing a card reader device for receiving the smart card, providing a computer for running the application, the computer being equipped with a first portion of smart card middleware for interfacing the card reader device, associating with the card reader device a processing unit incorporating a second portion of smart card middleware, and providing a network ensuring communication between the first portion and the second portion of the smart card middleware, thereby permitting access to the smart card by the application.

Abstract: A method and system provides coded access to a transactional or other type of system by acquiring account identification data corresponding to a combination of a plurality of colors. The account identification data is transmitted to, for example, a remote server to correlate the account identification data against an account database to evaluate corresponding account information. Based on the account information, access to the transactional or other type of system may be controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive marketing to consumers and, more particularly, to a system and method for marketing merchandise to consumers in an interactive retail environment. The method includes detecting a disturbance in an area and sending information related to the disturbance to a back end merchandising system. The method further includes retrieving relevant information related to the detected disturbance from the back end merchandising system and displaying the relevant information on a display surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a storefront shopping technique that enhances shopping by presenting information to a shopper about proximate for-sale items. Both the shopper and the for-sale items can be associated with location beacons. The presented information can be specific to the shopper, which requires that an identity of the shopper be determined. In the technique, shopper specific information can be obtained from a data store to determine at least one of the for-sale items likely to be of interest to the shopper. A shopper proximity to the for-sale items can be detected based upon a location of the item location beacon associated with the determined for-sale item and based upon a location of the shopper location beacon. When the shopper is proximate to the for-sale item, information can automatically be presented to the shopper via an electronic device about the determined for-sale item.

Abstract: In a semiconductor integrated circuit, a device identification-code-information circuit includes an internal circuit which can set device identification code information and which can selectively read the same. This structure enables reduction in size of an LSI chip and improvement in reliability.

Abstract: Multi-layer cards with aesthetic and/or functional features, e.g. banking, access, or identification cards, having a bearing layer that includes an effects layer disposed directly between two core layers are disclosed herein. Among other potential benefits, the layered structure of the bearing layer reduces overall manufacturing costs, as compared to methods known in the art, by facilitating a balanced card construction while minimizing the number of layers formed from relatively expensive materials, avoiding direct imaging of the effects layer and minimizing waste associated therewith, as well as providing for reliable incorporation of the effects layer into the multi-layered structure with minimal expenditure of resources and reduced possibility of waste.

Abstract: A device (30) for strengthening a card reader (10) including a slot (12) at least partly delimited by a base (34) and two lateral walls (17) and extending along a longitudinal direction, the slot being intended to receive a card moving along the longitudinal direction while bearing on the base, the device including a wire (30) of substantially circular cross-section arranged at the level of the base and on which the card is intended to slide.

Abstract: A reader such as a bar code or RFID reader includes a housing and at least one force sensor. A reading module located in the housing includes a processor connected to the at least one force sensor to activate a read cycle when the at least one force sensor senses an applied force above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for reading and using partial data from a portable data carrier includes reading data from a portable data carrier, determining if any data is missing, and if any data is missing, restructuring the data for use, such as for running an audio decoder and expander. A method for writing data to a portable data carrier having limited capacity includes receiving a data file and optimizing at least one encoding parameter to fit at least a portion of the data file into the portable data carrier.

Abstract: A 2D matrix symbol may be formed by dividing data into a plurality of segments, separately encoding the plurality of segments as corresponding arrays of cells, and arranging the arrays of cells in an abutting relationship. A segmented 2D symbol may be read by capturing a plurality of images of a 2D matrix bar code symbol that is not subtended by any of the images and reconstructing at least some of the plurality of images to a portion of the 2D symbol or 2D symbol data larger than any of the images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resourse locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bar-code reading apparatus including: a reading section to read a bar-code a plurality of times to obtain multiple pieces of bar-code image data; a storage section to store the pieces of bar-code image data; a detection section to detect a moving state of the reading section in a three-dimensional space during a reading operation of the bar-code; a correction section to correct the pieces of bar-code image data stored in the storage section into pieces of bar-code image data which are obtained if the bar-code is read when the reading section is at a preset reference position with respect to the bar-code, based on the moving state detected by the detection section; a synthesis section to synthesize the pieces of bar-code image data corrected by the correction section to produce synthesized image data; and a decode section to decode the synthesized image data.

Abstract: A scanner/reader for reading target objects, such as a barcode, that incorporates a variable focus liquid lens whose focal distance is constantly and continuously varied through the lens' predefined focal range provides an efficient way to scan or read a barcode. A driver circuit for the liquid lens continuously generates a lens driver signal that provides the liquid lens with a continuously varying voltage input to the liquid lens and thus varying the focal distance of the liquid lens cyclically through a predefined focal range.

Abstract: A parcel dimension measurement system includes image sensors oriented to image a parcel, an imaging subsystem configured to stitch together outputs of the image sensors to produce at least one two-dimensional image comprised of a plurality of pixels, and a general dimension subsystem including general parcel dimension information. A fine dimensioning subsystem is configured to determine dimension measurements of the parcel using the at least one two-dimensional image and the general parcel dimension information.

Abstract: To provide a card issuing device which can be manufactured smaller and at lower cost. The card issuing device includes the card storage in which a plurality of cards are stacked up, the card processing section to which the card is extracted from the card storage and at which information recorded on the card is read or information is recorded on the card, and the card extracting mechanism which extracts the card stored in the card storage toward the card processing section. At the card processing section, a card exposing section is formed so that a portion of the card extracted by the card extracting mechanism is exposed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an aromatic item, a housing, and an activation area. The housing substantially encloses the aromatic item, and the housing is configured to be selectively closed and opened to provide access to the aromatic item. The activation area links the housing to at least one of a stored-value account and a stored-value record such that value can be added to or deducted from the at least one of the stored-value account and the stored-value record using the activation area. Financial transaction cards, methods of encouraging purchase, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic data storage medium including a body (30) made from insulated plastic material which has two main parallel sides, a semiconductor component (34) and a number of external electrical contact pads flush with the first main side (30a) of the body. The body (30) includes a recess (32) opening out onto the first main side (30a). The storage medium also includes a number of conducting elements (28), each with a first end (a) flush with the first main side to form an external contact pad, a second end (b) arranged in the said recess and an intermediate part (c) buried in the body; and A number of connecting elements (38) to electrically connect the terminals of the semiconductor component to the second ends of the conducting elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device including built-in interface circuits whose operations are selected in response to initialization operation from a host apparatus coupled thereto. In the semiconductor device, a first synchronous interface circuit and a second asynchronous interface circuit using differential signals, share the external terminals of the differential signals (the external differential signal terminals). For example, the semiconductor device adopts an MMC interface circuit as the first interface circuit and a USB interface circuit as the second interface circuit, while keeping the IC card interface function. The semiconductor device selects operations of the adopted interface circuits exclusively. One selection method is to enable an interface operation of the first interface circuit, upon detection of a plurality of edge changes in a clock input from an external clock terminal, which is for initializing the first interface circuit when power supply to the semiconductor device is started.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic module (11) with double communication interface, in particular for a chip card, the said module comprising firstly a substrate (27) provided with an electrical contact terminal block (17) allowing functioning by contact with the contacts of a reader, and secondly comprising an antenna comprising at least one turn (13) and whose terminals are connected to the terminals of a microelectronic chip situated on one face of the module (11). This module (11) is characterised in that the antenna turns (13) are situated substantially outside the area covered by the electrical contacts (17), so that the electrical contacts of the terminal block do not constitute electromagnetic shielding for the signals intended for the antenna. The invention applies in particular to the production of chip cards with double communication interface with contact and without contact.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to suppress poor connection or increase in contact resistance even in the case where an antenna is formed over an integrated circuit portion. An integrated circuit portion having a first conductive film is formed over a substrate, an insulating film is formed over the integrated circuit portion, a second conductive film serving as an antenna is formed over the insulating film, an opening is formed in the insulating film and the second conductive film to expose the first conductive film, and a third conductive film is formed in the opening and over a top surface of the second conductive film by a plating process to electrically connect the first conductive film and the second conductive film.

Abstract: A valve comprising a body and a plug is disclosed. The body has a pair of ports and a tubular structure having a side wall and an open end and defining interiorly a first subchamber communicating with one port. The wall has an opening. The body defines a second subchamber communicating with the other port, extending around the wall and beyond the end to communicate with the end and the opening. The plug has an opening, is mounted to the structure and telescopes between first and second positions. At the second position, the plug is disposed at least partly in the second subchamber and the valve defines, between the ports: a first flow path through the wall opening; and a second flow path through the open end of the structure, via the plug opening. At the first position, the plug and structure restrict flow through the first and second paths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exemplary liquid heat generator including a housing and a rotor disposed within the housing. A flexible pressure relief diaphragm is attached to the rotor. The pressure relief diaphragm includes a seal ring that engages a seal seat attached to the housing.

Abstract: An insulated hose for a high voltage paint application apparatus comprising an inner hose containing a fluid or paint charged at a high voltage. The inner hose is arranged inside at least one second insulating layer. A system for applying paint or other fluid materials at a high voltage is also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a rotary body (1) made of a fibrous or porous material, means for rotating (3, 4) said body (1) and means for inputting liquid (10, 11) contacting said body (1), so as to subject said liquid to the dispersing action of forces at the liquid/solid interface, and to rotate the body (1) so as to subject the comminuted liquid to a centrifugal force.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for conveying a flow of particles of insulation material suspended in air to a substrate to form an insulation product on the substrate is provided, including: a nozzle body defining a flow path for accommodating the flow of particles of insulation material suspended in air, wherein the nozzle body comprises an inlet for receiving the flow of particles of insulation material suspended in air; an outlet for propelling the flow from the nozzle assembly; and at least one expansion section in which the cross-sectional area of the nozzle body expands in the direction of flow, the at least one expansion section being effective to reduce the velocity of the particles flowing therethrough; and at least one binder outlet for providing a binder to the flow of particles of insulation material propelled from the outlet.

Abstract: A method for producing and controlling an output flow from a convergent-divergent (C-D) nozzle from two or more pressurized flow streams of liquids, gases or other substances, the method having the steps of providing two or more pressurized flow streams as outputs from separate conduits or sources; positioning and arranging the output flow streams in a concentric manner; positioning and arranging the output flow streams and the entry end of a convergent-divergent (C-D) nozzle in a concentric manner; directing the flow streams into the entry end of the C-D nozzle; adjusting the location of one or more of the output flow streams relative to one another; adjusting the location of the entry end of the C-D nozzle relative to the output flow streams to control the flow from the exit end of the C-D nozzle from no atomization to full atomization. In addition, the method may include the step of adjusting the pressure and/or the flow rate of one or more of the pressurized flow streams.

Abstract: A viscous liquid fountain includes a fountain foundation (2) containing a motor (7) and a heater (5). The motor includes a drive shaft (6) extending upwardly from the fountain foundation. A viscous liquid reservoir (9) is mounted to the foundation and has one or more side walls extending a predetermined height above the base of the reservoir. The reservoir includes a sleeve (12) extending upwardly from the base of the reservoir to a height being half the side wall height to more than the side wall height. The fountain also includes an auger (14) configured for mounting over the sleeve and for engaging with the drive shaft to allow rotation of the auger. A viscous liquid reservoir is also provided. The reservoir includes a reservoir base, one or more side walls extending a predetermined height above the reservoir base and a sleeve extending upwardly from the reservoir base to about the height of the reservoir side walls.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sealed-type fountain with infinitely variable fluid jets controlled by the user or changes in sound inputs therein. It is ideally designed for wall hanging in order to minimize the space required for its use. The wall hanging music fountain includes a frame and sealed fluid containment structure, fluid tank, controllers, and fluid pump coupled to a fluid distribution manifold. Fluid nozzles and LEDs are mounted in an aesthetically pleasing pattern onto a fluid distribution manifold mounted in proximity to the base of the fluid containment structure, and coupled to the controllers and fluid pump. When activated by the user, variations in sound from an integrated audio playback device cause aesthetically pleasing changes in the patterns of fluid nozzle and LED activation in the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined dispensing container and air freshener comprising: (1) a container body comprising a detergent composition to be dispensed; (2) a container closure; and (3) an air freshening unit permanently attached to the container body and having a fixed volume above 45 ml; to provide detergent usage and improved passive air freshening performance and improved fragrance burst while shaking.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to containers and in particular to an air freshening or purifying device comprising a primary container comprising an inner section and outer section each having a circumferential side wall. One of the sections has retaining means which defines at least one vapour release aperture and the other having a base. The inner section side wall is dimensioned so as to fit inside the outer section side wall, the two sections being interlockable to form the primary container. A refill container has a gel receiving surface having at least one recess for receiving a gel composition, and is located and firmly held within the primary container, the base being provided with means for attachment of the device to a surface.

Abstract: In an injector, a first shaft portion of a needle is slidably supported by a first sleeves which is loosely received in a first internal chamber, and a second shaft portion of the needle is slidably supported in a body. Thereby, the first and second shaft portions are supported by the different members, and a relatively large clearance is formed on a radially outer side of the first sleeve.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a water storage tank for storing water, a working tank, a piezoelectric crystal, a filtering unit, and a heat dissipating board; the filtering unit is positioned in the storage tank for filtering water before water is sent from the water storage tank into the working tank; the piezoelectric crystal will vibrate so as to produce ultrasonic waves to break water contained in the working tank into molecules, which will dissolve in air immediately; the heat dissipating board is interposed between an upper side of the piezoelectric crystal and water contained in the working tank so as to be in touch with the water; the heat dissipating board has a decay-prevention stainless steel layer joined to an upper side thereof therefore it is prevented from decaying and rusting.

Abstract: A self-cleaning sprinkler is disclosed. The self-cleaning sprinkler includes a housing having an internal chamber. The internal chamber defines an interior scraping surface. A rotatable spool is disposed within the internal chamber. The spool includes external threads, defining a spiral passageway. A spacer extending from the spool that maintains the spool at a distance from a wall of the internal chamber to create an exit chamber is included. Pressurized fluid passing through the spiral passageway causes the spool to rotate. As the spool rotates, debris is compressed between the threads and the scraping surface, breaking the debris up into smaller pieces.

Abstract: A liquid spraying apparatus includes a chassis having a front, a rear, opposite sides and a handle generally at the rear of the chassis. Wheels are rotatably mounted on the chassis for moving the spraying apparatus in a path over a subjacent surface. A tank is mounted on the chassis for holding liquid to be sprayed. An elongated spray boom is mounted at least at one side of the chassis. The boom has an inner end pivotally mounted to the chassis for movement of an outer end in a generally horizontal plane between an outboard position projecting outwardly of the chassis and an inboard position generally alongside the chassis. At least one spray nozzle is provided on the boom. Conduits are provided for feeding liquid from the tank to the nozzle. Positioning detents are provided for holding the boom in at least one intermediate position between the outboard and inboard positions to vary the width of the spray pattern as the apparatus is moved in the path over the subjacent surface.

Abstract: A gas ejection device includes a bottle (5) having an opening part (13) closed by a lid (14), a needle (6) intruded into a pierced hole (14a) formed in the lid (14) for stopping up the lid. The gas ejection device also includes a holder (7) holding the needle (6) at its one end in a facing relation to the lid (14) of the bottle (5) and movable towards and away from the lid (14). The gas ejection device also includes a biasing member (8) for biasing the holder (7) towards the lid (14) of the bottle (5), and an actuating member (9) for actuating the holder (7) in a direction away from the lid (14) to extract the needle (6) from the pierced hole (14) to open the bottle (5). The gas ejection device also includes a housing (10) for accommodating the bottle (5) and the bolder (7). The bottle has been charged with a compressed gas in advance. The housing includes a gas duct (11) for forwarding the compressed gas, ejected via the pierced hole (14a) in the lid (14), to outside.

Abstract: A manually operated dispenser for flowable media, having a container which has a supply chamber, and a pump head which can be fastened thereto and has a dispensing section with a nozzle-shaped nasal adapter having an outlet opening designed as a spray diffuser, and gripping surfaces protruding laterally from the nasal adapter, and having a protective cap, which has two wings which can be unfolded and are matched in terms of shape, for the nasal adapter, the gripping surfaces having, on opposite sides, end edges which are connected as a single piece to a wing of the protective cap via a respective film hinge, and the wings have base surfaces which overlap the gripping surfaces.