Abstract: Limited play optical discs (LPOD's) are optical discs readable by a reading device for a limited period of time. After removal from it's packaging, an LPOD becomes unusable after a relatively short period of time. LPOD's can be provided with a limited shelf life by storing the LPOD's in a special package. The packaging includes a portion that controls the environment inside the package until a preset period of time passes, at which point reading-inhibit action of a material in the optical disc is allowed to go forward, which causes the disc to become unreadable. Hence, once the product exceeds its shelf life, it becomes unusable regardless of whether or not the package has been opened.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tray having an integral latch that mates to a boss of an adjacent tray to form a stable stack. The latch may be incorporated into any type of tray, basket, or other container for storing articles. Multiple containers may be stacked together without the use of a detachable clip. Also disclosed is a tray that includes an array of posts extending downward to support the tray on a flat surface.

Abstract: The product display system includes one or more display containers, wherein each display container includes a plurality of panels that are adapted to form an area for holding product to be displayed. Each display container may include one or more container interconnection flaps and one or more apertures adapted to receive the interconnection flaps from another one of the display containers, enabling the plurality of display containers to be coupled together. The system may further include a floor stand adapted to hold the plurality of display containers and/or a tray adapted to receive the plurality of display containers. Each display container in the plurality of display containers may include a mounting mechanism enabling the display container to be hung.

Abstract: A magnetic separation apparatus for separating metallic material from a granulated stream of mixed metallic and nonmetallic material comprises a vibratory conveyor having a trough assembly mounted on a suspension system and coupled to a motor for causing the suspension system to vibrate. The trough assembly includes an upper trough having at least two sections aligned in a predetermined direction of material flow and a lower trough extending in the same direction as and beneath the upper. The upper trough includes one or more gaps of a predetermined width so as to permit material to fall onto the lower trough. Each trough is arranged so as to feed a different output collection point. At least one of the gaps between a downstream section of the upper trough and an upstream section of the upper trough includes the downstream section positioned at a height lower than the upstream section thereby forming a vertical drop between the two sections with the gap positioned therebetween.

Abstract: An aggregate material separating device includes a frame with a shaker mechanism. A trough is disposed on the frame and coupled to the shaker mechanism by a shaker spring. A hopper is disposed at an end of the trough and can receive a load of aggregate material. A hopper wash line is disposed adjacent the loading hopper to irrigate the aggregate material in the hopper forming a slurry. A brush and a backwash spigot form a standing wave in the trough to slow slurry movement from through the trough in order to provide additional settling time for the slurry. A mineral separation bed is disposed along a bottom and side of the trough. The mineral separation bed has a plurality of substantially longitudinal riffles that can be sized, shaped and oriented to capture minerals of a predetermined specific gravity from the slurry as the shaker shakes the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating bitumen from a bitumen froth output of a oil sands hot water extraction process comprises an inclined plate separator (IPS) for providing a first bitumen separation stage and a cyclone for providing a second bitumen separation stage. The cyclone overflow is recycled to the IPS inlet.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating non-magnetic mineral values from a source containing magnetic material and non magnetic material. The apparatus includes first and second conveyers in overlying relation which counter-rotate relative to one another. One of the conveyers includes a magnetic assembly which cooperates with paddles on the upper conveyer to progressively isolate values from magnetic material. Multiple stages are provided for intermittent magnetic interactions such that the non-magnetic materials are effectively isolated from the magnetic materials.

Abstract: A screen for use in distributing a fluid in a process flow system. The screen provides support, and provides for the ability to clean particulates from the screen. The screen includes profiled wires affixed to a support, where the support provides channels to distribute the fluid over the screen. The support includes spacing to improve the cleaning of particulates from the screen.

Abstract: A glassware inspection apparatus that includes an electronic control system and method for optimum control of indexing and inspecting glass containers. The control system generally includes a driver circuit for each servo motor of the apparatus, an electronic control unit, and an operator interface. Information about the apparatus and the particular containers being inspected is entered into the control system through the operator interface. The electronic control unit executes a recursive algorithm that utilizes the inputted information, as well as predetermined constraints of the apparatus, to develop an optimum motion profile for each servo motor. The optimum motion profiles provide the overall apparatus with coordinated control and increased container throughput speed, while efficiently distributing cycle time and thermal energy between the various servo motors.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane and a method of fabricating the same. The nanoporous membrane includes a support, and a separation layer including a plurality of nano-sized pores at a density of 1010/cm2 or greater and a matrix. The nanoporous membrane has a high flux and a high selectivity.

Abstract: An organizer is constructed to include a base panel, a plurality of top-open pockets located on the outer wall of the base panel for keeping things, Each top-open pocket has a top hem and a resilient metal wire rod hemmed in the top hem to support the respective top-open pocket in shape. A bottom-open pocket is provided at the inner wall of the base panel near the top, the bottom-open pocket having a plurality of through holes in the closed top side, and a hanger is fastened to the bottom-open pocket for hanging the base panel on a support. The hanger has a mounting board fitted into the bottom-open pocket and a plurality of hooks respectively extended out of the through holes of the bottom-open pocket for hanging.

Abstract: A shipping container for a motorized vehicle comprises a base frame and a top frame, each constructed of rigid tubing. The base frame has a plurality of tire rests on which respective wheels of the motorized vehicle will be placed. In addition, the base frame has a plurality of base sockets located at respective corners thereof. Each of the base sockets is oriented in an upward direction. The top frame of the shipping container includes a plurality of top sockets located at respective corners thereof. The top sockets are oriented in a downward direction so as to be opposed to the base sockets. A plurality of elongate posts respectively extend between each opposed pair of sockets such that the top frame will be supported in spaced apart relation from the base frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic container having a neck, shoulder, base and body portion. There are longitudinal base panel portions with rounded, longitudinal base panel edges separating each of said flattened portions from each other at a waist. The waist has a circumferential dimension less than the base and is positioned between the body portion and the base. The body portion is positioned between the waist and the circular shoulder and has flexible, substantially flat longitudinal body panels and rounded, longitudinal body panel edges separating adjacent body panels fern each other and merging with the longitudinal panel edges of said base The longitudinal body edges increase in width as the body longitudinally merges with the circular shoulder portion, and the circular shoulder portion has a rounded portion transitioning into and merging with the body panels, and a sloping portion of reducing diameter merging with the neck.

Abstract: In a combined module of a folding container, long-side bank portions 1a of a bottom 1 of a large folding container Cb are configured to be higher than short-side bank portions 1b of the bottom 1. Since the long-side bank portions of the bottom of the large folding container are configured to be higher than the short-side bank portions of the bottom 1, it is possible to improve the strength and rigidity of the bottom of the large folding container. Therefore, the large folding container can be prevented from being deformed or damaged by a load or twist.

Abstract: A container comprises a body portion, a lid portion and, mounted on one of the body portion and the lid portion, a locking member. The locking member is movable from an unlocking position to a locking position in which it engages the other of the body portion and the lid portion to hold the lid in engagement with the body portion. The container is provided with a sealing means including a sealing member which extends between the locking member and other of the body portion and the lid portion when the locking member is in its locking position. Movement of the locking member from the locking to the unlocking position is only possible if the sealing member is rendered ineffective for further sealing use.

Abstract: An open-topped, vacuum release trash container apparatus for use with trash container bags, the apparatus comprised of a hollow container comprising a continuous substantially vertical side wall, the side wall having an inner wall and an outer wall, a bottom joined to the side wall, a plurality of substantially vertical spaced apart support ribs, the ribs disposed within the side wall between the inner wall and the outer wall, the ribs thereby defining open columns between the ribs, a lipped rim around a top of the side wall, a plurality of vacuum release orifices in a top of the rim, a plurality of vacuum release orifices in the inner wall, the orifices proximal to the bottom of the container, the orifices in communication with the columns. The apparatus is provided with a variety of foot hold embodiments.

Abstract: A temperature-retaining food container includes an outer shell having an inner chamber that can be filled with a temperature storing medium. The shell is shaped to provide an expansion zone within the chamber to permit expansion of the medium. A support is formed to provide additional volume to the chamber and the expansion zone. The support structure can optionally be provided to automatically expand in response to an increase in pressure within the chamber. A lid is provided which covers the container and further operates as a serving platter. The shell of the container can optionally be formed from a plurality of separate portions, which interlock to form the complete serving container and disassemble for storage or use with smaller or crowded appliances.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely, detecting a tablet dropped in a last hopper so that packaging speed of tablets is increased and operation of a shutter and a sealer is precisely performed, is disclosed. The automatic medicine packaging machine includes a last hopper provided at the lower end of a hopper installed in a main frame, a shutter installed in the last hopper, and a shutter driving part for driving the shutter to open and close the last hopper, and the apparatus includes a dropping tablet detector installed in the last hopper to detect when the tablet is dropped into the last hopper and to input the detected information about the dropping tablet to the controller such that the moment when the shutter is opened is optimized.

Abstract: A hair removing apparatus has hair removing device (13) for at least partially removing hair projecting from a skin; a liquid channel (16) leading to a liquid outlet (12); a pump (5) for causing liquid displacement through the liquid channel to the liquid outlet; a motor (1) coupled to the hair removing device (13); a transmission coupled to the motor (1) and to the pump (5); and a control structure (4,7-9) operable between at least a first and a second operating condition for dispensing liquid at different rates. The control structure (4,7-9) is arranged for controlling amounts of movement transmitted by the transmission to the pump such that, in the first and second operating conditions, different amounts of movement are transmitted by the transmission to the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment or prophylaxis of a disease or condition in an animal comprising administering to a mucosal membrane of said animal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a drug delivery system comprising at least one physiologically active agent or prodrug thereof and at least one penetration enhancer selected from safe ester sunscreens.

Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container includes a first lid having a dispensing surface and a skirt depending from a periphery thereof. The dispensing surface is formed from at least one of a substantially transparent and translucent material and includes several apertures. A second lid has a second dispensing surface and a second skirt depending from a periphery thereof that is adapted to be inserted into and releasably held within the first lid. The second dispensing surface includes several orifices. The first and second lids are rotatable a full 360° relative to one another.

Abstract: A shirt finishing machine includes a torso 2 for putting on a shirt 1 and a pair of right and left supporting arms 3. The upper part of the supporting arm 3 is provided with a lower iron 9 for setting an extremity end 1b of a sleeve 1a, a fixing instrument 14 for fixing a cuff 1d of the sleeve 1a to the lower iron 9, and an upper iron 10 for pressing against an upper surface of the lower iron 9 and for press finishing the extremity end 1b of the sleeve 1a. A movable iron 9a presses a lower surface of the extremity end 1b of the sleeve 1a inserted into the lower iron 10 at the time of pressing with the upper iron 10.

Abstract: There is provided a stapler which can perform a stapling operation with smaller force. A connected staple assembly cassette eliminates a metallic feed spring pressing the connected staple assembly, and instead, a reverse movement stop feeder is mounted. A mount sensor for sensing the mounting of the connected staple assembly cassette is provided for the stapler. In addition, a pusher piece is provided in order to follow up the reverse movement stop feeder in the connected staple assembly cassette with the sensing of the mount sensor and to push forward the reverse movement feeder. A magazine support spring for returning the staple mount magazine to the original position is eliminated, and the staple mount magazine can be returned to the original position by the released operation handle. During the advancing of the front staple in the staple lowering slit, the next staple can be blocked from advance movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dust-removing structure for the nailer. The dust-removing structure, located at a preset position of the nailer, includes a release valve lever with a control unit for drive. The control unit is a lever-type control unit, having a pivot point, a drive portion and a laterally extended control portion. The drive portion is coupled with the release valve lever, and the control portion swings around the pivot point. An actuating arm is implemented through the control portion and the swinging behavior, making it possible to more easily operate using a single-hand. When the dust-removing structure is assembled at different heights with different shapes of nailers, the operator is only required to replace the lever-type control unit with different lengths to obtain the optimum pressing location.

Abstract: A septal stapling apparatus includes an instrument body having proximal and distal end portions. A handle at the distal end portion enables a user to hold and manipulate the instrument body. A pair of spaced apart arms are extending from the handle and include a staple arm and a tensioning arm. The body provides a trigger that moves between resting and firing positions. An actuator link moves between first and second positions, the actuator link being moved by the trigger, wherein the actuator link includes a staple moving member that is attached to the staple arm. The staple arm has a staple bank that includes multiple staples. The trigger, actuator link, staple bank, and staple moving member are configured to move a staple to a stapling position when the trigger is pulled. The staple arm and tensioning arm move together when the trigger is pulled.

Abstract: An anvil of a surgical stapler including releasable pocket elements that can capture ends of fired staples. In various embodiments, the pocket elements can be released from the anvil such that the pocket elements remain with the staples and stapled tissue after the stapler has been fired. When deployed, the ends of the staples may be turned, or bent, by the pocket elements and then contact a staple-end retaining surface of the pocket element that prevents the ends of the staples from re-puncturing or re-penetrating the tissue. In various embodiments, forces created during the stapling and/or cutting actions of the stapler can overcome a pressure-fit force retaining the pocket elements in the anvil such that the pocket elements are released upon firing. In various embodiments, the staples can have a dissolvable or bioabsorbable crown which can release pressure on the stapled tissue as it is dissolved or absorbed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welder includes a housing having an ultrasonic transducer, a horn mounted to one end of the housing, a motor having a shaft, and a mounting assembly having a fastener such as a threaded screw. One screw end is coupled to the motor shaft to rotate as the motor shaft is being driven. The other screw end extends into a threaded screw receiver running within the housing. Upon rotating in one direction, the screw engages more threads of the screw receiver such that the housing with the horn move upward. Upon rotating in the other direction, the screw engages less threads of the screw receiver such that the housing with the horn moves downward. A linear transducer extends from the mounting assembly into the housing to monitor the horn position. A pair of guide shafts extend from the mounting assembly into the housing to stabilize the horn positioning.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a paper container comprising an inner case and an outer case, wherein the inner case comprises upper and lower trapezoidal blocks and a connecting member formed between three edges of the upper and lower trapezoidal blocks to define a receiving space for storing at least one object. The upright outer case is of triangular section and comprises an internal space for receiving the inner case and a window facing the receiving space to allow viewing of the at least one object.

Abstract: A container, in particular for free-flowing substances, comprising a blank (16) made of sheet-like, flexible material in particular cardboard, which can be folded at least to form part of the container, a first wall (1) and a second, adjacent wall (4) of the container, the walls (1, 4) being angled in relation to one another and being connected integrally to one another in the region of a common edge (5), it being the case that a weakening line (7) runs over each of the walls (1, 4) and surrounds the region of a reclosable pouring element (6), which is formed essentially from the material of the walls (1, 4), and that a line of inflection (15) passes through the pouring element (6), crossing over the edge (5) in the process, and divides the pouring element (6) into a pouring portion (6a) and an operating portion (6b). A container in which a greater number of opening and closing actions is made possible is provided in that the operating portion (6b) has a reinforcing element (9) in the region of the edge (5).

Abstract: A return envelope for a ballot on which the voter's address is printed has a folding flap configured so as to eliminate the possibility that the return envelope with an enclosed ballot will be returned to the voter's address and assures that it will be returned to the organization of service providing or conducting the election. The envelope flap also is folded so as to provide verification information from the voter while maintaining the contents of the envelope secret.

Abstract: A mailbox bracket comprises a laminar plate that is generally coextensive with a lower surface of the mailbox and has a pair of flanges for securing the mailbox to the plate. A generally cylindrical sleeve is secured to the plate and extends downwardly therefrom. The sleeve is adapted to receive a generally cylindrical post and includes an aperture for use with a bolt or pin to secure the post within the sleeve. According to one embodiment of the invention, the bracket is formed of steel. According to another embodiment of the invention, the bracket is integrally formed of nylon polymer and includes a plurality of strengthening ribs extending radially outward from the sleeve.

Abstract: A system for printing location-based information on a print medium is provided which has a mobile telecommunications device. The mobile telecommunications device has a printer module to print the location-based information on the print medium and a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: A medical information access and processing system includes a plurality of different wireless tag reader devices and a plurality of interfaces for receiving tag information, derived from reading a plurality of corresponding identification tags, from the tag reader devices. At least one repository of map information associates tag information received from the reader devices with reader device specific actions to be performed by a medical information access and processing system. A data processor uses the map information to associate tag information received from a specific reader device via an interface with a corresponding action to be performed by the medical information access and processing system and automatically initiates performance of the corresponding action by the medical information access and processing system.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for configuring a computing device. The method comprises detecting a coupling of a computing device to a host device, receiving first configuration data from the computing device, displaying the first configuration data on a graphical user interface on a display of the host device, generating second configuration data as a function of at least one change to the first configuration data entered via the graphical user interface and inputting the second configuration data to the computing device so that the computing device replaces the first configuration data with the second configuration data.

Abstract: Systems, and methods for reimbursing prescription fulfillment that includes identifying a drug associated with a claim submitted by a pharmacy for reimbursement by a payer (e.g., insurance carrier) and identifying a change in a manufacturer set price associated with the drug. The invention includes monitoring reimbursed claims received from at least one payer, where one of the reimbursed claims received from the payer is associated with the drug and determining if the payer has updated its internal pricing value associated with the drug. The invention further includes generating a report that includes the payer's updated internal pricing value associated with the drug, and/or creating and submitting a reversal transaction to the at least one payer followed by a resubmission of the original claim, where the resubmitted claim value is based on the payer's updated internal pricing value associated with the drug.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited checks.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a card reader, a display device, a currency dispenser, and a deposit storage chest. The machine can receive user deposits for storage in the chest. The machine includes a card reader cooling device. The machine can also facilitate cooling of the display device.

Abstract: An ATM currency cassette includes an RFID tag. The tag includes information about the cassette, such as the cassette serial number and the currency denomination. An ATM includes a tag reader that can interrogate the tag to receive the information. The history of a particular cassette can be tracked via the cassette serial number. Problem cassettes can be identified.

Abstract: A card reader arrangement includes a robotic card handling device to enable reading of a user card during a card-based transaction. A card sensing device is located adjacent a card slot remotely located from a card reader. Responsive to the card sensing device sensing an inserted card, the robotic card handling device operates to grip the card in the slot and move it to a reading position in the card reader. The card reader can also operate in conjunction with a biometric reading device in a process of determining whether the card user is authorized to use the card. The robotic card handling device can also be operated to grip other transaction items.

Abstract: Enabling the providers of automated blood pressure readings, such as pharmacies, corporate work sites, health clubs and other customers, to charge a fee for the long-term use of a memory card to record non-invasive physiological test data and make the data available for health consultations. In an automated blood pressure system with one or more memory-card interface devices, a custom-formatted end-user memory card keeps track of the user's non-invasive physiological test data, and a recharge memory card controls the provider's recharging of the end-user memory card after the end-user memory card expires. The contents of the recharge memory card are updated in order to track its use by the provider of the readings.

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: The invention may be embodied as an identity authentication system or method. A system according to the invention may have a biometric sensor capable of providing static biometric indications, an adhesive capable of positioning the sensor on an organism, and a computer in communication with the sensor. The computer may have software running on the computer in order to (a) cause the computer to determine whether there is a match between a subsequent static biometric indication and an initial static biometric indication, and (b) cause the computer to send a signal indicating whether a match was determined in order to authenticate the identity of the organism.

Abstract: A fraudulent business transaction application (FBTA) is provided for monitoring application based fraud. When a consumer supplies account access information in order to carry out on Internet business transaction, the FBTA uses an online fraud mitigation engine to detect phishing intrusions and identity theft. Methods are also provided for calculating travel velocity and transaction frequency, which are useful for determining a fraudulent transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining the prices and order quantities that maximize a retailer's expected profit by using a multi-dimensional distribution of the highest prices that customers are willing to pay. This is novel, as well in the literature as in the patent database. Brand switching is dealt with, taking into account that consumers who come into the store with a-priori preferences for products build a-posteriori preferences at the point of purchase based on actual retail prices and availabilities in the store.

Abstract: A method for managing prescriptions includes receiving a patient assessment from a physician at an application server, receiving a prescription based on the patient assessment, determining drug interactions based on the received prescription, sending the prescription to a pharmacy based on the drug interaction determination and validating the prescription. Validating the prescription comprises a three-way match of prescription information stored on a centralized database with the filled medicine container and the bulk container. Prescriptions can be prescribed and patient records reviewed using remote devices linked to the prescription management application server and centralized database.

Abstract: A magnetic shield member for a device with a magnetic reader, the magnetic shield member includes a biasing member including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends, the first end configured to be attached within the device with a magnetic reader, the second end configured to face the magnetic reader and a shielding member including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end and an arched portion disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end of the shielding member extends integrally from the second end of the biasing member, the arched portion includes a concave portion which faces the magnetic reader, wherein the shielding member applies a force to conform a document against the magnetic reader and shields the magnetic reader from magnetic interference.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program are provided. The processing apparatus, method, and program relate to image processing executed in an AF camera, etc., and make clear a variation in an image displayed during focusing operation. The image processing apparatus includes an image-capturing element that puts out an image formed through an optical system, a focus controlling unit that controls the optical system to locate it at a focusing position, using the image obtained by the image-capturing element through the optical system, and an image processing unit that forms a pseudo-image during focusing operation of the optical system caused by the focus controlling unit, the pseudo-image showing a resolution variation enlarged to be greater than that of the image obtained by the image-capturing element.

Abstract: A method of printing a two-dimensional barcode by tilting the print head, which results in tilted barcode, and methods of detecting various types of attempts to forge the tilted barcode including: (i) a low level forgery that consists of a simple scan and reprint of the barcode, (ii) a low level forgery that consists of a reproduction (i.e., a read and regeneration) and subsequent printing of the barcode using a printer with a non-tilted print head by a fraudster that is not aware of the tilt in the original barcode, and (iii) a higher level forgery by a fraudster that is aware of the tilt in the original barcode and that digitally tilts/shears an image of the barcode and prints the digitally tilted/sheared image using a printer with a non-tilted print head in an effort to mimic the tilt present in the legitimate barcode.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code has an external shape which can be distinguished from the background by brightness or color, with an interior region, positioned a predetermined spacing away from the perimeter thereof, being divided into a plurality of smaller areas of a predetermined size, and information being represented by the brightness or color of each of the divided regions, wherein the size of each of the areas is greater than approximately twice the size of the spacing. This solves the problem that the outer square shape of two-dimensional code can be recognized but the inner bits cannot be read out with certainty.

Abstract: A system for transferring and updating sensitive data including at least one consolidator including a plurality of sensitive data records, a transaction processor for processing a transfer of data from one or more of the sensitive data records; software executing on the transaction processor for receiving a data request from a requester, software executing on the transaction processor for determining the at least one consolidator having the data, and software executing on the transaction processor for introducing the requester to the at least one consolidator, wherein the at least one consolidator transfers the data omitting data identifying the particular member.