Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a container and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing various materials into an apparatus such as a laundry machine. The container comprises a dispensing cap that has a static portion and a rotating portion. A relative rotation between the static and rotating portions can be created once the dispensing cap is inserted into a hopper of the dispensing mechanism. This relative rotation discharges the material inside the container into the hopper that in turn discharges the material into a conveyor. The conveyor feeds the material into the apparatus.

Abstract: A tap suitable for dispensing a gaseous beverage comprising a body, a horizontal inlet, and primary and secondary downwardly-extending spouts, the tap having primary and secondary flow paths. The primary flow path is adapted to dispense a bulk portion of beverage and comprises a horizontally oriented primary valve, the primary valve comprising a primary valve stem which is axially-slidable relative to the horizontal inlet, between closed and open positions and a primary valve seal, the primary downwardly-extending spout being positioned downstream of the primary valve, such that, in a closed position of the primary valve, beverage entering the horizontal inlet is prevented from flowing through to the primary downwardly-extending spout.

Abstract: A dispensing cap for a beverage container constitutes a one-piece moulding of plastic material including a first circular section tubular portion (2) with first radius for connection to the mouth of the container and a second circular section tubular portion (6) with a second smaller radius. One end of the first tubular portion is connected to one end of the second tubular portion by a resilient annular integral web (4), in which one or more flow openings (18) are formed. The width of the web is equal to or greater than the difference between the first and second radius. The other end of the second tubular portion (6) is closed. One of the web (4) and the internal surface of the first tubular portion adjacent the said one end thereof is connected to a projecting annular first sealing flange (20).

Abstract: In order to be able to carry out a multiplicity of continuosly recurring activities at a continuous casting plant having at least one multifunction robot for implementing a plurality of different process-controlled or automated interventions at the continuous casting plant, at least one working region at the continuous casting plant and at least one multifunction robot assigned to each working region. The multifunction robot is arranged on a pivotable arm at a rotary column fastened to the pouring platform of the continuous casting plant and the robot can be pivoted with the pivot arm between a retraction position and a working position. The robot is also movable with respect to its arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing and tying a necktie, shawl, scarf or the like, comprising a clip device, particularly a fixing clip (3) and a tube-like element (5), wherein the clip device includes a folding aid around which at least one end of a necktie, shawl, scarf or the like can be wound, the tube-like element being able to be freely fixed relative to the folding aid in a number of positions at least in areas.

Abstract: A baby carrier that is made of water resistant materials and its design suits the materials the carrier is made of and the purpose it is intended to fulfill. The carrier comprises a sheet that envelops the baby's body, a harness and belts that attach the sheet to the adult's body, and standard plastic connectors. The connectors are made of plastic, whereas the carrier's sheet, harnesses and belts are made of a water resistant material such as the material used in the manufacture of scuba diving or surfing suits, namely neoprene.

Abstract: A dual function clip device for use with an electronic device having a screen has a mount for receiving the electronic device; a clip mechanism constructed and arranged to clip onto a peripheral edge of a clothing article of a user; and an arm movable relative to the mount between a closed position and at least one open position. A securement device is also provided for locking the arm in the at least one open position. When the arm is in an open position, the clip device is positioned to engage an upwardly facing flat surface, and the mount is oriented to support the electronic device in a viewing position to display the screen on the electronic device.

Abstract: A shoulder strap for carrying a bag such as a golf bag consists of a central portion formed into a substantially V-shaped shoulder pad with end portions formed into substantially inverted V-shaped panels. The ergonomic shape of the multiple V-shaped shoulder pad moves the line of action of the shoulder strap closer to the center line of a person's body. The shoulder pad may also include a plurality of elongate bearing pads that vary in height to accommodate the slope of a person's shoulder for greater comfort.

Abstract: The pennant wristband has a laminar flexible band having a tapered head, a neck, a tapered tail, and a buckle to be assembled on the band at the neck. The head has a large end tapering to a small end. Extending from the large end is the neck. The tail has a big end tapering to a little end away from the head. The big end extends from the neck. The buckle has Apertures through which the band is pulled so the neck rests on the buckle's center bar. The wristband is manufactured by printing images on a static cling layer, applying adhesive to that layer, embossing a separate lenticular layer with a lens pattern, laminating it to the static cling layer, and cutting the layers into desired shapes.

Abstract: An assembly for fixing and connecting a polygonal LED light bar lamp includes a fixing seat, a covering plug, and an electrical connector. The fixing seat has a bottom with both edges thereof extending to form two bevels and parallel plates. The bottom and bevels have a penetrating hole, respectively. The covering plug has a cover having an insertion hole. Two electrode pins are disposed in the interior of the insertion hole. The electrical connector has a partitioning block. Both sides of the partitioning block have a protruding pillar, respectively. The protruding pillar is provided with a hollow pillar having electrodes for contacting with electrode pins. With the fixing seat being fixed on a carrier, the light bar can be held in the fixing seat with adjustable irradiating direction. Further, two light bars can be connected in series by the electrical connector.

Abstract: A collapsible cargo carrier (A) is installed on the bed (B) of a pickup truck. A pair of posts (3, 13) each have one end hingedly connected to one end of respective base rails (1, 11) for raising and lowering the posts. A pair of second posts (4, 14) each have one end slidably received in a slot (C) formed in the respective first posts. The slots extend substantially the length of the first posts for the second posts to be moved relative thereto. A pair of top rails (8, 18) each have one end connected to the other end of the respective first posts. The other end of each second post is slidably received in a slot in the respective top rails. Movable load clamps (9, 30) extend between the top rails to accommodate cargo of different sizes and clamp the cargo in place on the top of the carrier. The carrier construction allows different sizes and shapes of cargo to be conveniently and safely transported from one place to another.

Abstract: Tail Gator Grills/Carrier is the first tail gate grilling unit that is a combination tail gate grill and a luggage carrier, that can be used as a table when grilling and where the grills can be removed so the base can be used as a luggage carrier.

Abstract: Emergency responders, such as ski patrollers and search and rescue emergency medical technicians, need to be able to carry all gear for immediate medical response for injured skiers, people injured on cliffs, etc. This backpack invention will allow the emergency responders to comfortably carry oxygen tank, bandages, drugs, water, blanket, cell phone, radio, gloves, and additional paraphernalia for quick access, and then to work out of the backpack either when the backpack is opened up and lying flat on the ground or when it is held upright. The heavy weight of an oxygen tank in the loaded backpack will be carried in this pack close against the responder's body, towards the middle (best for balance), with the medical gear and various other needed items quickly accessible in an unstable personal situation.

Abstract: A theft deterrent backpack including at least two panels forming a main compartment. The at least two panels include a back panel and a second panel, other than the back panel. The backpack also includes a releasable securing device for accessing the main compartment; the releasable securing device, for example, a zipper, having a beginning end and a terminating end. Preferably, the terminating end of the releasable securing device is disposed on the back panel and the beginning end is disposed on the second panel such as the front panel, side panel or bottom panel. When the backpack is worn, positioning of the releasable securing device in such a configuration deters access to the terminating end of the releasable securing device and hence access to the main compartment.

Abstract: A bit-carrying device includes an axle and a plurality of sleeves each including a longitudinal through-hole mounted around an outer periphery of the axle. Each sleeve includes at least one coupling portion on an outer circumference thereof for coupling with a bit. A handle is mounted to an upper end of the axle for easy carriage. The longitudinal through-hole of each sleeve includes an inner periphery in frictional contact with the outer periphery of the axle to prevent relative rotation therebetween. Each sleeve can be forcibly turned relative to the axle to a desired position.

Abstract: A reversible nip roller drive system for delivering an elongated band, tape, strap or the like in both a forward and reverse direction as required, with one nip roller of each set of paired nip rollers being translatable between an open and closed position, the nip rollers being connected to associated nip pulleys. The nip pulleys are driven by an interconnected drive belt, preferably toothed, mounted on pulleys or sheaves. The system has a drive pulley, two pairs of nip pulleys connected to the nip rollers, each pair having a fixed pulley and a linearly translatable pulley, and a linearly translatable idler pulley.

Abstract: In a gas combustion type striking tool which strikes a fastener supplied in a nose portion into a member to be fastened by burning mixed gas inside a combustion chamber above a striking cylinder in accordance with a pulling operation of a trigger lever to drive a striking piston and a driver by a pressure of the combustion gas thus generated, a topper is disposed so as to be able to protrude into a path of a feed pawl or a feed piston, and a stopper engaging member, which extends downward from the striking cylinder and is movable in a vertical direction, engages with the stopper when the stopper engaging member moves downward, thereby retracting the stopper from the path.

Abstract: A gas nailer is provided with a driving cylinder 7, a driving piston 10, a combustion chamber 8, a gas fuel cartridge 2, and a supercharging device 3. The driving piston 10 is operated in the driving cylinder 7 by a combustion pressure generated when a mixture of gas fuel and air is burned in the combustion chamber 8, and a driver hammers a fastener by an operation of the driving piston. A locking device 15 for locking the driving piston 10 is provided in the driving cylinder 7 so as not to move the driving piston 10 in accordance with a pressure increase in the combustion chamber 8 during a supercharging operation in which compressed air is supplied by the supercharging device 3.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a power source including a reciprocating driver blade, a tool nose associated with the power source for receiving the driver blade for driving fasteners fed into the nose, a magazine constructed and arranged to house a supply of the fasteners, a magazine feeder mechanism associated with the magazine for sequentially feeding fasteners into the nose, the feeder mechanism including, operating between a retracted position and an advanced position and an electromechanical retention device that is operationally associated with the feeder mechanism and configured for retaining the mechanism in the retracted position until the driver blade is positioned to allow fastener advancement into the nose.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to selectively advance a firing member and/or cutting member relative to an end effector and, in addition, a reversing drive configured to selectively retract the firing member and/or cutting member relative to the end effector. The firing drive can include a pawl which can be selectively engaged with the firing member in order to advance the firing member, wherein the pawl can be disengaged from the firing member when the reversing drive is engaged with the firing member. The reversing drive can include a gear train having a first gear operably engaged with the firing member and, in addition, a second gear operably engaged with the first gear, wherein the second gear can be selectively operable with the trigger such that an actuation of the trigger can retract the firing member and/or cutting element via the first and second gears.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector movable relative to the shaft, a locking mechanism configured to engage the shaft and/or end effector to fix the relative relationship between the shaft and end effector, and a closure system configured to close the end effector and engage the locking mechanism to prevent it from becoming unlocked. The instrument can further include a firing drive comprising a trigger, a firing member, and a pawl, where the pawl is rotatable between a first position in which the pawl is disengaged from the firing member and a second position in which the trigger can advance the pawl and firing member toward the end effector. The instrument can also include a reel, a band, where the band can be wound around the reel to retract the firing member, and a return mechanism for selectively engaging the trigger with the firing member and the reel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft assembly and an end effector, where the end effector can be moved relative to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly can include a lock member selectively engageable with the end effector to limit, or prevent, relative movement therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the end effector can include a lock member having a plurality of teeth and/or a plurality of recesses, where the shaft assembly lock member can engage the teeth and/or recesses to fix the relative position between the end effector and shaft assembly. In various embodiments, the teeth can be positioned between first and second surfaces of the end effector lock member to reduce the possibility that the teeth can impinge on soft tissue surrounding the lock member. In other embodiments, the teeth can be beveled in order to allow the teeth to slide relative to the soft tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to selectively advance a firing member and/or cutting member relative to an end effector and, in addition, a reversing drive configured to selectively retract the firing member and/or cutting member relative to the end effector. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can further include a switch including relatively movable first and second portions, wherein the first portion can be configured to operably disengage the firing drive from the firing member and, in addition, operably engage the reversing drive with the firing member. In at least one embodiment, the second portion can include a handle extending therefrom which can be motivated by the surgeon in order to engage the second portion with the first portion and move the first portion into position.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.

Abstract: Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a closure system configured to move an anvil of an end effector between an open position, a partially closed position, and a closed position. The surgical instrument can further include a lock member configured to selectively engage and lock the closure system when the anvil is positioned in at least one of its partially closed and closed positions. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument can include a trigger configured to pivot the anvil, the lock member can include a follower portion, and the closure drive can include a lock spring configured to bias the follower portion against a cam surface of the trigger such that the follower portion can engage a notch in the cam surface when the anvil is pivoted into its partially closed position, or closed position, and prevent the anvil from being pivoted into its open position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to advance a cutting member and/or staple driver within an end effector, and a brake configured to prevent, or at least partially inhibit, the relative movement of the cutting member and/or staple driver. The surgical instrument can further include a firing member operably engaged with the cutting member, for example, a band connected to the firing member, and a reel, where the band can be configured to be wound around the reel. In various embodiments, the brake can be selectively engageable with the reel and/or band to prevent, or limit, the movement of the band. The brake can include a brake surface where relative movement between the band and the brake surface can generate a friction force therebetween which can hold the firing member in position until a sufficient force is applied to the firing member to overcome the friction force.

Abstract: A bonding tool includes a body portion terminating at a tip portion. The tip portion is formed from a material, wherein a grain structure of the material is exposed for at least a portion of the tip portion.

Abstract: A wire bonding machine includes (1) a support structure for supporting a work piece and (2) a pre-heat structure for supporting the work piece during a pre-heat operation. The pre-heat structure is moveable with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: An improved system and method for authentication of engineering notebook support information is provided. An authentication label having a first part and a second part can employ any of various approaches used to determine that the two parts go together. The first part of the authentication label is used to identify an engineering notebook page and is affixed to a container such as a tamperproof envelope in which engineering notebook support information is stored. The second part of the authentication label is used to identify the container in which the engineering notebook support is stored and is affixed on a page of an engineering notebook.

Abstract: A container is provided for use in storing evidence while reducing exposure of the evidence to airborne contaminants. The container includes an inner lidded box to enclose the evidence, and an outer lidded box to enclose the inner box. Each box includes at least one wall with a ventilation opening, with the walls with ventilation openings being separated by a given distance. An air filter is positioned between the walls with ventilation openings, so that air entering the inner box must pass through the ventilation openings and the filter, thereby minimizing the entry of airborne contaminants into the inner box.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure impact damage to a mail box and an associated support column can be prevented or at least minimized. In addition, adverse weather related affects can be minimized by the provision of a device comprising a shield having an arcuate form in a mounted position for shielding the mail box and at least a portion of the associated supporting column extending therefrom. The device includes a first leg extending along one side of the supporting column and the mail box and a second leg extending along another opposing side of the column and the mail box. A connecting member is provided and includes an arcuate portion connecting the first leg and the second leg for absorbing and deflecting the impact of collisional objects. The arcuate portion extends over and above at least a top side of the mail box.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically registering individuals in a entity such as a school district is disclosed. The disclosed system provides the entity with the ability to provide each potential registrant with an account. The system includes hardware and software for receiving documents and information directly from the registrant and for storing same for later access. Methods and systems for allowing an individual to create and modify documents and forms used by the system are also disclosed. Additionally, the electronic registration system provides methods and systems for verifying the authenticity of information within a user's account.

Abstract: A health care service (HCS) network comprising a hand held optical reader for reading a target having information bearing indicia provided thereon and generating therefrom a decoded out indicia data message to a base unit which receives the message and transmits the message to a workstation in communication with a network server for storing the decoded out indicia data messages. The network is configured so that the server communicates non indicia data messages with the base unit which is passed to the optical reader, wherein the optical reader display is configured to display the non indicia data messages. The network is configured so that the hand held indicia reader and the base unit have a linking mode wherein a request to link is sent from the optical reader to the server through the base unit by way of wireless communication to associate the optical reader with the server.

Abstract: A keypad system and method includes a keypad disposable in a position accessible by a user and a supply of security devices disposable proximate the keypad and accessible by the user. Each of the security devices includes a card having a finger opening sized for receiving a user's finger therethrough.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile subscriber unit for a financial transaction token. The subscriber unit interfaces with a financial token or card that is in communication with the subscriber unit. The financial token or card has an onboard energy source so that the card token may operate away from proximity to a merchant terminal (e.g.; a POS terminal). In one implementation, the onboard power storage device includes a rechargeable battery or capacitor such as a thin-film capacitor that stores sufficient energy to power the subscriber unit's onboard electronics and/or the electronics of a financial token in communication with the subscriber unit. The subscriber unit may be a component of another consumer device such as a computing device, communications device, an item of clothing, an item of jewelry, a cell phone, a PDA, an identification card, a money holder, a wallet, a purse, a briefcase, or a personal organizer.

Abstract: A banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes an automated banking machine which includes a deposit accepting device. Data read from a user card through operation of a card reader in the machine is used to determine if the data on the card corresponds to an account of an authorized machine user. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine. The machine operates to identify malfunctions of the deposit accepting device.

Abstract: In one embodiment a medical device comprising an interface, a portable component and a controller is provided. The interface is configured for receiving identification data of a user, the portable component is configured for storing configuration data and the controller is configured for retrieving the configuration data based on the identification data and for configuring the medical device based on the configuration data.

Abstract: Data storage and access systems are described for downloading and paying for data such as audio and video data, text, software, games and other types of data. A portable data carrier has an interface for sending and receiving data, non-volatile data memory for storing received content data and non-volatile payment validation memory for providing payment validation data to an external device. The carrier may also store a record of access made to the stored content, and content use rules for controlling access to the stored content. Preferred embodiments store further access control data and supplementary data such as hot links to web sites and/or advertising data. A complementary data access terminal, data supply computer system and data access device are also described. The combination of payment data and stored content data and, in preferred embodiments, use rule data, helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to data such as compressed music and video data, especially over the Internet.

Abstract: In a proximity card function content distribution system of the invention, an IP-side apparatus 5 adds identification information of a user to simplified data of contents for the proximity card function, a mobile terminal 1A acquires the simplified data from the IP-side apparatus 5, and distributes the simplified data to another mobile terminal 1B, and when the another mobile terminal 1B performs proximity card communication with a R/W of the IP-side apparatus 5, the another mobile terminal 1B checks whether the terminal 1B has the specific simplified data, and communicates the checking information.

Abstract: A transaction card system includes a transaction cared with a display tag for displaying short term information, the character display having optical states that are stable without power and viewable from one side of the display tag and an array of electrical contacts for electrically addressing the character display from the other side of the tag, a contact window through which the contacts are accessible, machine readable data on the card, and long term information printed on the transaction card; a transaction card writer having a reader for reading the machine readable data and having means for updating the short term information displayed on the transaction card; and a central computer connected to the transaction card writer having a data base and a central processor for receiving the information read by the magnetic card reader and generating display commands for the transaction card writer.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program to reduce incorrectly declined transactions and improve risk calculation accuracy by reducing error probability during fraud detection. The tool first receives at least one postal address as well as transaction account data and/or financial transaction instrument data. Then a customer is determined from a first customer record associated with the transaction account data and/or financial transaction instrument data. A record search is performed to identify at least one additional customer record associated with the customer. Finally, the postal address is compared to the information contained in the additional record to create a comparison result that verifies the submitted postal address. The comparison result may be used as an input to transaction risk calculations. The comparison result may also be provided to a merchant system and/or merchant for use in a decision-making process, for example, to verify customer identity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for tracking drugs during a transfer and administering process to reduce labeling errors that can occur during that process. The system includes a storage container reader that is configured to read a set of one or more storage-container-associated machine-readable indicia positioned on a container containing a drug. The set of one or more storage-container-associated machine-readable indicia identifies the drug. The system further includes an indicia-generating device that is configured to generate a drug-delivery-container-associated indicia identifying the drug based on the storage-container-associated machine-readable indicia. The set of one or more drug-delivery-container-associated indicia includes a set of one or more drug-delivery-container-associated machine-readable indicia.

Abstract: In order to monitoring connectivity of cabling in a system comprising chassis components and cables interconnecting the chassis components, machine readable labels are applied to cable connectors and chassis component connectors, the machine readable labels on a cable connector and a chassis component to which the cable connector is connected are scanned, and the scanned connectivity information is recorded.

Abstract: The rack (100) comprises: on at least one wall (105), at least one antenna (110) comprising at least two coplanar loops through at least one of which current flows in the clockwise direction and, simultaneously, through at least one other loop, the current flows in the anticlockwise direction, a signal generation circuit (115) to generate signals transmitted by each said antenna, to generate an electromagnetic field, and a circuit (115) for reception of signals modulating said magnetic field. Preferably, the rack comprises products equipped with electronic tags and paper labels, said electronic tags positioned on one side of the product opposite another side of the product bearing a paper label. Preferably, the rack comprises at least one opening, the circuit for generation of signals transmitted by the antennae being slaved to closure of said opening to read the electronic tags after at least one time interval predetermined according to the time of said closure.

Abstract: A system by which a central hub and transport means, listing means, matching engine, and operating method will capture overstock and understock information from participating retailer or distributor nodes and create congruent matches, with subsequent shipments of one to the other to improve the inventory of both nodes.

Abstract: A card data storage device with detector plate is described. The detector plate consists of a chip and a coupling loop inductively linked with the chip, wherein the coupling loop completely or partially surrounds an electrically non-conducting region of the card data storage device.

Abstract: A transaction card system includes a transaction cared with a display tag for displaying short term information, the character display having optical states that are stable without power and viewable from one side of the display tag and an array of electrical contacts for electrically addressing the character display from the other side of the tag, a contact window through which the contacts are accessible, machine readable data on the card, and long term information printed on the transaction card; a transaction card writer having a reader for reading the machine readable data and having means for updating the short term information displayed on the transaction card; and a central computer connected to the transaction card writer having a data base and a central processor for receiving the information read by the magnetic card reader and generating display commands for the transaction card writer.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for reading a magnetic tag (10), which is formed by an array of elongated magnetic elements arranged in a spaced-apart parallel relationship in accordance with a pattern of coded information. The tag (10) is located within an interrogating zone where an interrogating field is created. The interrogating field has an alternating traveling magnetic field (102) component with a space phase shift distribution along an axis perpendicular to a direction of force lines of the alternating traveling magnetic field component (102).