Abstract: A vehicle transfer apparatus (1), which transfers a vehicle body (M) in an up-and-down direction, is composed of a pair of stanchions (2), a lift-unit (3), a tire supporter (6) (7), a lift-unit driver (4), and a tire supporter driver (53). In this apparatus (1), a lift-unit (3) is provided to respective stanchions (2), which are disposed on both sides of the vehicle body (M), and is allowed to slide in an up-and-down direction along the stanchion (2) in compliance with the operation by the lift-unit driver (4). In this apparatus (1), the tire supporter (6), which supports the tire (T) in the condition that the lower part of the tire (T) is exposed under the tire supporter (6) is provided to each lift-unit (3), is adapted to control a linear motion between a tire support position and a passing position by the tire supporter driver (4).

Abstract: The switcher comprises a support frame (2), a guide channel (13) rotatably mobile about a fixed axis (8) and a telescopic channel (15) located at an end (14) of the guide channel (13) and being slidable with respect thereto. The switcher (1) comprises a support element (6), connected to the guide channel (13), having a first end (7) hinged to a first transversal portion (4) of the frame (2) at the fixed axis (8), a first cursor (16) slidable on the support element (6) and connected to the telescopic channel (15), a second cursor (17) slidable on the support element (6) and a con rod (21) having a first end (22) hinged to the first transversal portion (4) of the frame (2) and a second end (24) hinged to the second cursor (17). The invention also relates to a machine for separating or grouping products provided with the switcher (1).

Abstract: A support structure for a receiver (18) which is provided on a hanger arm for supporting an object to be conveyed and the position of which can be switched is simplified. A suspension conveyance apparatus has a long hole (31) provided at a shaft support section for a parallel link (24) that laterally movably supports a receiver (18) and permitting vertical movement of the receiver (18), a spring (28a) for urging the receiver (18) to a direction to pull down the receiver (18) on to a receiver support member (21a), an engagement member (33) provided on the receiver supporting member (21a) side, and two inner and outer engagement recesses (32a, 32b) arranged on the receiver (18) side so as to engage with the engagement member (33) when the receiver (18) is at both inner and outer positions (P1, P2), at a level at which the receiver (18) is supported by the receiver support member (21a).

Abstract: A method for forming a one-piece integral multi-durometer scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner. The scraper blade includes a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and extending transversely between a base and a tip. The body includes a first body portion comprising a first elastomeric material having a first durometer of hardness, and a second body portion comprising a second elastomeric material having a second durometer of hardness.

Abstract: Replaceable intake section (14) of grain auger (10) includes fixed metal elongate support (22) secured to tubular casing (11) and extending beneath flexible intake end flight portion (17) which is connected by a clutch to the main flight of auger (10). Pliable, soft, rubber, safety guard or collar (27) is part-circular in section and extends around flight portion (17). Longitudinal edges on guard (27) normally engage with edges (34) of support (22). If an obstruction, such as an operator's foot, engages the auger intake, free end portions of guard (27) can disengage from edges (34) of elongate support (22) to minimise jamming or injury. Collar (27) may be attached to adjustable slide (25) to vary the length of flighting (17) exposed and thereby alter the rate of feed.

Abstract: A reciprocating slat conveyor includes a plurality of side-by-side support beams (12) and conveyor slats (14) which fit onto the support beam (12). The support beams (12) are constructed from metal. The conveyor slats (14) are constructed from plastic. In one embodiment (FIGS. 1-4) the plastic slats (12) are snapped fit onto the support beams (12). In some other embodiments (FIGS. 6 and 7) the conveyor slats (110, 112) are slid lengthwise onto the support beams (102).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to divert objects on the conveyor belt, and a drive mechanism that engages the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being configured to drive the conveyor belt rollers, the drive mechanism being adjustable such that the conveyor belt rollers can be selectively driven in a first angular direction and a second, opposite angular direction so that objects can be selectively diverted to either side of the conveyor belt at a desired diverting angle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a contact lens package containing a contact lens in a compressed state. In one exemplary embodiment, the overall internal depth of the package is less than the natural sagittal depth of the contact lens. Different single-use contact lens package shapes and configurations may be used. In some embodiments, a spring disc is included in the packages to help present the contact lens to the user when the package is opened. The contact lens packages may be adhered or clipped to a card or other carrier sheet, and may be housed in a number of different secondary packages.

Abstract: Packaging for an elongated medical device. The packaging may include a packaging structure that is adapted to be self interfacing and/or self mating such that the packaging structure can selectively maintain itself in a coiled, semi-coiled, and/or hoop like configuration without the use of additional structures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for packaging multiple articles of manufacture for display at a point of sale. The packaging allows the articles of manufacture to be grasped and felt by a consumer prior to purchase, while reducing the chance of unintended or illegal removal of the articles of manufacture from the packaging. The packaging also allows the articles of manufacture to be connected to a host device and tested prior to purchase without damaging the packaging. The articles of manufacture can be made of multiple components which can be attached to the packaging during the assembly of the components.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a nail grooming structure on the container. For example, a nail polish cap includes an integral nail file. For example, the nail file may be made from a flexible sheet having a roughened surface on one side and an adhesive backing on the other. The nail polish cap may include a recessed portion with the flexible nail file affixed thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating fibers from reject material produced in the manufacture of recycled pulp. The apparatus comprises a rotating reject cylinder provided with openings, to one end of which the reject material is fed and from the other end of which it is discharged, water nozzles for feeding water to the reject material in the cylinder to separate fibers from it, a collecting basin for recovering water and the fibers separated with it, and discharge channels connected with the collecting basin, and means for discharging fibrous water and light and heavy particles from the collecting basin. The collecting basin is formed of two basin structures at least partly within each other and connected with each other.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of non-sulfur containing compounds as collectors in the froth flotation of certain mineral sulfide and metallic compounds. These non-sulfur-containing compounds may be from natural sources, such as vegetable oils, or synthesized commercial sources. These non-sulfide collectors can be used singularly, in combinations, and in mixtures with known commercial sulfur containing collectors. These non-sulfur-containing collectors are compatible with common frothers.

Abstract: A portable screening and washing assembly includes a frame, and in addition, a scrubbing mill, a vibratory screen assembly and a fine material washer, all of which are mounted on the frame. Both the scrubbing mill and the fine material washer are adapted to move between a transport configuration and an operational configuration.

Abstract: A machine for the orderly storage and delivery of banknotes comprises an input of banknotes (11), an output of banknotes (19), a path (12, 14, 15, 18) of sequential flow of banknotes between the input and the output, devices (13) for detecting the characteristics of the banknotes along said path and a plurality of compartments (20) for the internal storage of the banknotes. Each compartment (20) of the plurality is a sequential drum compartment and winding belts and the compartments of the plurality are divided into two series of compartments (16, 17). The internal path of the banknotes between input and output comprises a sorting section (15) along which the inputs/outputs of the two series of compartments of the plurality face each other alternately on two opposite sides, each input/output being associated to sorting means (25) that can be commanded for the deviation of the banknotes between the sorting path (15) and the compartment (20) associated.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely storing at least one firearm includes a firearm shackle having a mounting bracket for secure attachment to a fixed structure. A secure extension has a secured portion secured to the mounting bracket and a distant portion movable relative to said mounting bracket. A clasp has a closed state and an open state with the clasp sized to securely engage a grip end of a firearm when in the closed state and to release the grip end when in the open state. The clasp is connected to the distant portion of the extension for movement therewith. A releasable lock permits selective shifting of the clasp from the closed state to the open state. As an additional component, the apparatus may include a barrel retainer for releasably engaging a barrel end of said firearm. The secured portion and the distant portion of the extension may be separated by either a rigid or a flexible separation.

Abstract: A load-bearing chair support for shipping or transporting objects, such as chairs. The chair support is constructed entirely from a one-piece blank of corrugated material, which is foldable into an upright tubular structure for positioning between a pair of seats of two chairs, with an upper one of the chairs being inverted relative to the opposite lower chair.

Abstract: A universal storage system that includes a magnetic holding means and a universal storage device. The magnetic holding means is applied to or incorporated into an office stamp, tool, or other article, which is then stored on the universal storage device. The universal storage device includes a mounting surface of magnetically attractive material and securely holds the office stamp, tool, etc. in place, yet readily releases it when it is needed. The magnetic holding means is well-suited for mounting all types of conventional self-inking, flash inked, pre-inked, as well as wood-handled stamps, of any size, weight and shape, as well as other office and household articles and tools.

Abstract: An instrument stand for supportingly receiving surgical instruments is provided. The instrument stand includes at least one of an instrument support and a stabilization support, a first stand section and a second stand section. The second stand section is positionally coupled to the first stand section by at least one of the instrument support and the stabilization support. Also, a surgical instrument organizer assembly for supportingly receiving surgical instruments is provided, and includes an instrument stand and at least one clamp positionably coupled to the instrument stand. Further, a method of using a surgical instrument organizer assembly is provided.

Abstract: A foldable article support rack has a shelf-board and a plurality of bearing legs joined to the shelf-board at spaced locations to support the shelf-board steadily. The shelf-board includes two daughter boards that are connected in a manner to be foldable along a line. The foldable article support rack further includes telescopic link mechanisms connected to the daughter boards and the bearing legs. The telescopic link mechanisms are operable to selectively fold the daughter boards and the bearing legs into a plane for storage or stretch the daughter boards and the bearing legs for use. Therefore, manufacturers or merchants could assembly all components of the rack into finished product and fold it into a package for easy storage and transport and, in turn, consumers purchased the rack may immediately stretch it for use without troublesome assembling operation, while not in use, the consumers can fold it for sparing space.

Abstract: A practical intelligent assist device is provided that eliminates the complex use of force sensing weigh cells and vector interpreting software. By simplifying the input to a series of traditional voltage inputs, i.e. 1-4 volt signals, the use of standard available control componentry becomes available. Utilizing a series of such simplified inputs, including a load angle feedback, the processing of the vector math can be accomplished within a programmable logic controller (PLC). Outputs can then be simply generated to control a series of 0-60 Hz digital signals to drive direct drive motors.

Abstract: There is provided a gasket element having at least one first inner layer and at least one first outer layer. Each of the at least two layers have differing material properties. The gasket element is well suited to cooperate with an ingress/egress opening of a container that in turn is well suited to retain an active pressure and/or temperature sensitive substance. The gasket element may be operatively connected to a cap element that is suitable to selectively close the at least one ingress/egress opening of the container. The cap element may be a stand alone sealing cap or may be operatively associated with a spray nozzle or the like.

Abstract: A moisture-tight safety closure and a container wherein a depending, circumferentially extending sealing lip on the closure engages a flexible wall portion on the neck of the container. A plurality of circumferentially extending lugs on the closure cooperate with a plurality of circumferentially spaced hooks on the container neck for releasably securing the closure to the container.

Abstract: A plastic blow molded container having at least six downwardly projecting legs and a plurality of curved ribs, with each rib located between two downwardly projecting legs. Each rib has an inner portion that extends outwardly from the central axis and an outer portion that extends upwardly from the inner portion, wherein the outer portion of each rib has a circumferential width equal to or greater than the circumferential width of the inner portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a straw and beverage container combination wherein the straw has retention means such as a convoluted portion adjacent one end that resists removal of the straw from the central aperture of the container lid when a lid is attached to the container. The means also serve to maintain the straw inside the container in an upright position.

Abstract: A dispenser for wet and dry paper includes a housing supporting a first canister for wet paper and a second canister for dry paper, the first and second canisters being separate and provided with their respective papers in isolation from one another for being removed in use from the respective canister through a dispensing opening therein. The canisters are detachably and interchangeably connected to the housing to define a generally cylindrical shape simulating that of a conventional roll of toilet paper. The housing receives a telescoping rod, such as a conventional toilet paper holder, which is supported in conventional brackets. The back of the housing is secured to a support, such as a wall.

Abstract: A medicament storage and dispensing system (10) operable for storing and dispensing products (12) such as pre-packaged pharmaceutical boxes and/or bottles and broadly includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product shelves (16) mounted within the cabinet; an infeed conveyor (18) for transporting products into the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for transporting products out of the cabinet; a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the shelves and the infeed and outfeed conveyors; and a control system (24) for controlling operation of the conveyors and the transporter in response to prescriptions received from a host computer (26). The shelves having a plurality of vertical walls (56) upon which the products rest and between which tines (130) of the transporter slide in order to retrieve products from and place products upon the shelves.

Abstract: A battery dispenser and a refill for a battery dispenser are provided. In one embodiment the battery dispenser includes a disk that supports a plurality of batteries, a cover that has an opening, a grip ring that rotates the disk to align the batteries with the opening of the cover, and a push element capable of advancing batteries from inside the cover to a landing external to the cover. The disk rotates relative to the grip ring between a load position and a dispensing position, and the disk is removable from the grip ring when the disk is in the load position.

Abstract: A harness for suspending a container having a product dispensing valve, such as a laundry detergent container, generally includes a sling for holding the container therein in an orientation that permits dispensing of a product from the container and at least one strap attached to the sling for suspending the sling from above. The sling further has a valve opening for allowing the product dispensing valve of the container to protrude out of the sling.

Abstract: Certain pump dispensers, for example foam dispensers, are specially adapted for inverted use. One feature, especially useful in a foam dispenser having both an air cylinder and a liquid cylinder with respective pistons is an intake conduit arrangement to increase the clearance of liquid from the container. An intermediate shell fits over the upright liquid cylinder body and carries an inlet valve positively urged upwardly to the closed position to prevent leaking. A conduit shell fits over the intermediate shell and creates an intake conduit extending down the side of the liquid cylinder to an intake opening lower down the pump body.

Abstract: A dispenser for solid flowable material such as breakfast cereal having a storage hopper positioned above a rotatable auger dispenser. The storage hopper being provided with off-set baffles to prevent bridging of the flowable material in the hopper and to support the flowable material to reduce the weight of the flowable material resting on the auger. One of the off-set baffles extending to the top center of the auger such that the flowable material flows directly downward on only one side of the auger. Still another baffle in the hopper extends downwardly and inwardly from discharge end of the auger to prevent discharge of the flowable material without rotation of the auger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hat accessory for engaging the visor or bill of a baseball cap or other hat with a forward extending visor or bill, the hat accessory comprising an indicia that may bear information, images, messages or the like related to sports teams, advertising, or any communication or expression desired.

Abstract: A security hood assembly for a holster includes a hood that is movably supported in association with a holster body so that the hood extends over a portion of a holstered handgun or other service item when the hood in a closed position, to prevent unauthorized removal of the service item. A lever may be operably coupled to the hood for driving the hood toward an open position, to allow the service item to be removed from the holster. In some embodiments, a latch mechanism releasably engages when the hood is in the closed position to prevent the hood from being opened through direct manipulation of the hood. The hood is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, such as injection molded plastic. Holsters including the security hood assembly may also include internal retention devices, hood biasing mechanisms, and electronic devices responsive to opening of the hood.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a combustion power tool having a rational construction. A representative combustion power tool according to the invention may include a combustion chamber, a fuel supplier to supply fuel into the combustion chamber, an igniter disposed in the combustion chamber, a driving mechanism actuated to perform a predetermined operation by utilizing a combustion pressure generated when the fuel is burned in the combustion chamber and an actuator that operates the fuel supplier and the igniter in one operation. Based on the operation of the actuator, fuel is supplied into the combustion chamber via the fuel supplier and the igniter performs ignition in relation to the pressure of the fuel supplied into the combustion chamber changes. According to the invention, because the fuel supplying and ignition can be done by the actuator in one operation, ignition can be performed in constant timing after fuel is supplied via the fuel supplying means.

Abstract: A surgical stapler has a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a trigger. The stapler also has a drive assembly with a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end. The cam member is positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the stapler. The trigger is operatively connected to a power cell. The power cell is operably connected to a motor of the drive assembly. The manipulation of the trigger actuates the power cell such that the power cell powers the drive assembly to effect translation of the cam member relative to the anvil. The stapler also has a channel for supporting the staple cartridge and the motor of the drive assembly controls the actuation sled supported within the cartridge. The actuation sled urges the plurality of staples from the cartridge when the anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method which is used to carry out adjusting operations on a bond head, wherein a bond head element is positioned in relation to a reference element, especially an ultrasonic tool. According to the invention, at least the surrounding area of the reference element, especially the tip of the ultrasonic tool, is optically detected by means of a camera and is displayed in an image on a display device. A marking is superimposed in the display in order to facilitate positioning. The invention also relates to an ultrasonic bonder comprising a camera which is used to support the positioning of a bond head element. Said camera can optically detect at least the area surrounding the reference element, especially the tip of the ultrasonic tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for forming a friction stir weld joint in a workpiece. According to one embodiment, the tool includes a rotatable pin having first and second ends and defining a stirring portion therebetween structured to frictionally engage the workpiece so as to at least partially form the friction stir weld joint. The tool includes a rotatable first shoulder defining an aperture therethrough structured to slidably receive the first end of the pin. The tool also includes a second shoulder defining an aperture structured to receive the second end of the pin such that the pin extends between the first and second shoulders and such that the second shoulder is in rotatable communication with the pin. The first shoulder is structured to rotate independently of the pin and the second shoulder.

Abstract: The invention proposes a brazing alloy, which can be produced in particular as a homogenous, ductile, amorphous brazing foil and consists of 2 to 20 atom % of nickel, 2 to 12 atom % of tin, 0.5 to 5.0 atom % of zinc, 6 to 16 atom % of phosphorus, remainder copper and incidental impurities. The total amount of copper, nickel, tin and zinc is between 80 and 95 atom %. The addition of more than 0.5 atom % of zinc produces excellent resistance to surface oxidation in air and/or atmospheric humidity. These brazing alloys can be used to produce excellent brazed joints.

Abstract: A method of treating a via connected with a substrate and a method of probing the via are disclosed. A pattern of a lead-free solder paste is applied around a hole of the via without completely covering a pad of the via. The paste is reflowed to form a pattern of a lead-free solder on a pad that covers only a portion of a surface area of the pad and is positioned around the hole. The solder may be substantially symmetrically positioned around the hole. A flux generated during reflow is insufficient to plug the hole. The lead-free solder can be probed by a blade probe including colinear first and second edges and having a preferred orientation relative to the pattern of the lead-free solder.

Abstract: A brazing material including about 20 to about 60 percent by weight silver, about 1 to about 4 percent by weight aluminum, about 20 to about 65 percent by weight copper, about 3 to about 18 percent by weight titanium and about 1 to about 4 percent by weight nickel.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based check depositing terminal in response to a fault condition. The method comprises the steps of receiving a non-customer identification card from an individual who is other than a customer conducting a check deposit transaction at the check depositing terminal, reading from the card data which is associated with a financial institution, receiving from the individual a check which has been recovered from the terminal by the individual while clearing the fault condition, capturing an image of the check received from the individual, transporting the check to a check storage bin after the image of the check has been captured, and transmitting to the financial institution the captured image of the check together with the data which is associated with the financial institution. The method may further comprise the step of returning the non-customer identification card to the individual after the check has been transported to the check storage bin.

Abstract: A customer interaction process may include conducting various activities at customer interaction console in addition to banking transactions. The customer interaction process may include retrieving customer account information associated with the customer and conducting a customer service activity with the customer at the console using the account information. The customer interaction process may also include retrieving banking product information associated with a banking product and conducting at least one sales activity using the banking product information. The customer interaction process may also include providing marketing information to customers at the customer interaction console. A customer interaction system includes various office and electronic components used to implement the customer interaction process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for processing check data, such as data stored using magnetic indicia. In one embodiment, a check transaction processing system receives an indication that a first check transaction from a first payor failed to clear because at least a portion of first MICR or other account data associated with the first check transaction is incorrect. The check transaction processing system reads a personal identifier associated with the first payor, wherein the personal identifier was provided in association with the first check transaction. MICR data or other account data associated with a previously processed check transaction associated with the personal identifier is located.

Abstract: A method of performing a money transfer send transaction comprises receiving information at a call center from a sender for a send transaction, including a proposed send amount, and responsive to the information from the sender received at the call center, building a staging record for the send transaction. The staging record includes compliance data responsive to the proposed send amount and to compliance rules. A data center receives information from an agent provided by the sender to the agent, with the information including a retrieval key to identify the staging record, a requested send amount and agent location information. Responsive to the requested send amount and the agent location information, the data center identifies in the compliance rules at least one applicable compliance window and tests the requested send transaction and compliance data in the staging record for consistency with the at least one applicable compliance window.

Abstract: An exemplary ATM (10) includes a fascia (12) which extends on the outside of a wall (14) and includes a user interface (15). Responsive to user inputs through the user interface, the ATM is operative to receive a stack of currency notes (84) from a user. A currency note stack can be evaluated through operation of a currency note validator device (88). Acceptable currency notes can be stored in the ATM for recycling. Unacceptable currency notes can be routed to a bulk storage area (100). The ATM also includes an exemplary note picking arrangement to pick currency notes from a received stack, including use of contact and non-contact stripping rollers.

Abstract: A method of determining a counterfeit security document which includes a number of coded data portions indicative of an identity of the security document; 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 and generate indicating data. The indicating data is used by a processor to obtain a determined identity and at least one determined signature part, which are then used to determine if the security document is a counterfeit document.

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

Abstract: A method for conducting a checkless cash advance settlement is provided, including the following steps: (1) a customer initiates a Debit or Credit POS transaction via a gaming machine; (2) the customer receives authorization or denial; (3) the customer provides his identification and the credit/debit card to a cashier/attendant at the gaming station; (4) the cashier or attendant validates the customer's identity, retrieves the transaction information, and completes the cash advance application; (5) the application prints a non-negotiable instrument, such as a transaction receipt; (6) the customer signs the receipt confirming the transaction with a physical receipt or electronic capture; (7) the receipt image is stored electronically for subsequent transmittal to a central server; (8) the transaction information, including the receipt image if applicable, is recorded on the central server; and (9) the central server generates an ACH file and electronically transmits the ACH file to the casino's designated fina

Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.

Abstract: An electronic label showing information about a product related to this electronic label on a display (9; 31), said electronic label being updated from a central control unit. According to the invention the electronic label comprises a replaceable front shell (5; 21) and a stationary communication part (3; 23) to which the front shell should be attached.