Abstract: Stabilizer members for bicycle carriers often utilize a spool or hourglass shape that cannot accommodate different cross-sectional sizes of seat tube. This can often result in difficulties in adequately securing the bicycle to the bicycle carrier, and, therefore may result in damage to the bicycle, bicycle carrier, or even the vehicle. Accordingly, the bicycle carrier disclosed herein comprises a support member, a bracket attached to the support member, and a stabilizer member rotatably attached to the bracket, the stabilizer member including first and second faces, the first and second faces each including a channel having a radius of curvature wherein the radius of curvature of the first face is different than the radius of curvature of the second face.

Abstract: A carrier for a portable device having a shoulder strap having a padded region and a cord region. The padded region is adapted to rest on a superior portion of a person's shoulder. A shoulder strap catch is adapted to be coupled at an end thereof to a portable device; and the shoulder strap catch defines an opening through which the cord region of the shoulder strap is slidably retained. The portable device may be moved from a carry to a use position, along the shoulder strap, without dislodging the padded region. In addition or alternatively, the carrying apparatus is a hand strap coupled at a first end to side of a portable device at substantially a center portion thereof. The second end of the hand strap is removably coupled to a strap attachment bracket positioned proximate the opposite side of the portable device, and having a bracket attachment area that can be reversed to support a right or left-handed orientation.

Abstract: Staple magazine (7) for mounting to a stapler (1) used to staple together a workpiece (6), primarily a sheaf of papers, the said staple magazine comprising a container (8), in which elongated staple blanks (10) in the form of a strip (11) are stored, and a staple forming arrangement (9) comprising a forming punch (19), which bends the elongated staple blanks into the shape of a staple over a forming block (48), and a drive punch (20) with which the staple blanks which have been bent into staple shape for stapling the workpiece are driven into the said workpiece, the staple blanks stored in strip form being fed by a feeder plate (51) to a forming block (48) along a feed path (44) incorporated in the container, and the forming punch and drive punch being driven in a reciprocating bending and drive movement (P) by a drive arrangement (13-16) incorporated in the stapler, the container (8) and the staple forming arrangement (9) being connected to each other by means of releasable connecting devices (22, 23, 34, 35

Abstract: An electric driving machine has a motor for rotating a flywheel, power transmission for converting rotational drive force of the flywheel into rectilinear drive force and transmitting the rectilinear drive force to an actuator which fires a fastener, and engagement/disengagement arrangement which transmits the rotational drive force of the flywheel to a driver blade of interrupts transmission of the rotational drive force. The electric driving machine is provided with a second switching element connected in series with the engagement/disengagement arrangement and a third switching element connected in shunt with the engagement/disengagement arrangement. When a push lever switch is in an OFF position where driving of a fastener is not ready, the third switching element is held in an ON state.

Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus includes a heat block (121) and a heat plate (122) provided on the heat block (121). A recess (1221) is provided in the heat plate (122) to receive the first semiconductor chip (41) and wires (51) without contact therewith when the lead frame (50) is provided on the heat plate (122) such that the first main surface (501) of the lead frame (50) faces toward heat plate. A duct (13) is provided in the heat plate (122) to connect the recess (1221) to the outside of the heat plate (122). A gas supplied through the duct (13) is heated by a heater (14) and discharged into the recess (1221).

Abstract: Device for joining faces of parts having great longitudinal extension by friction welding. The device includes first and second clamping arrangements structured and arranged to position ends of the parts against one another. At least one of the first and second clamping arrangements are axially movable with respect to another of the first and second clamping arrangements. At least one of the first and second clamping arrangements are movable along a direction that is parallel to a part cross-sectional plane, whereby the part cross-sectional plane is define by an end face of one of the parts. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a display container. When formed, the display container is a single piece display container with sufficient structural integrity to withstand considerable weight stacked thereon. The blank is configured to form a display container that includes a pedestal portion that includes a double thickness central support and a cover portion that provides a stacking surface. The cover portion may be included or it may be substantially horizontal. Also, the display container includes a substantially vertical back portion to provide additional support for items placed upon the stacking surface. The container is easy us manufacture and assemble, yet of relatively high strength.

Abstract: A corrugated paperboard container (10) has a bottom (11), opposite side walls (12, 13) and opposite end walls (14, 15). The end walls include an end panel (18) that is foldably connected to the bottom, and end flap panels (16, 17) that are foldably connected to the side walls. A roll-over flap (23) is connected to the end wall by a web (24), and a notch (20) is in the top edge of the end flap panels. The end wall panel and end flap panels are folded into overlying relationship, and the roll-over flap is folded over an upper edge of the end wall panel, with the web lying in the notch. A projection or hook (41) extends into one side of the notch to engage an edge of the web to retain the web in the notch. A blank for making the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mailer primarily composed of three layers, or sheets, that are fastened on top of one-another. A back sheet forms the back of both the outgoing and return mail pieces. The back sheet includes the reclosable flap and further includes an opening to allow external viewing of an identification code marked on a media sleeve that is placed in the finished mailer. A second sheet is a middle sheet fastened on top of the back sheet. The middle sheet also has an opening, and is attached to the back sheet such that the middle sheets opening aligns with the back sheet opening. A disk receiving slot is formed between the back sheet and the middle sheet. The aligned openings in the back and middle sheets are located in a center of the disk receiving slot. A third top sheet is removably attached on top of the middle sheet. The top sheet includes delivery markings for original mailing portion of the mailer.

Abstract: A low cost fare collection system includes a removable farebox having an integral collection box. The farebox can be installed in a temporary installation at a fare collection location for the collection of fares and can be removed to a secure location for emptying and reconciliation. The farebox can include an integral collection box for receiving fares deposited in the farebox. The farebox can be configured such that the collected fares can be emptied only when the farebox is removed from the temporary installation to reduce tampering and theft. A fare validator can be used to verify the amount and value of a fare deposited in the farebox to eliminate human validation of fares. Electronic monitors can collect data relating to fares deposited, total revenue collected, time of fare collection, and other data items that can be retrieved when the farebox is removed and emptied.

Abstract: A banknote acceptor includes a validator, a removable banknote stacker and a removable non locked banknote cassette. The removable banknote stacker, when secured in the banknote acceptor, is operable by a drive member of the acceptor that remains with the acceptor when the removable banknote stacker is removed. With this arrangement, any operation problems of the removable stacker are easily overcome by replacement of the stacker. Preferably, the banknote acceptor, with the stacker removed, is able to receive and function with a locked banknote cassette having a stacker mechanism internal to the cassette.

Abstract: Coded data for disposal on or in a surface that includes a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion encodes an identity of an object or the like associated with the surface. In addition, each coded data portion encodes at least part of a signature that is a digital signature of at least part of the identity and at least part of predetermined padding. This allows the coded data to be used to both identify and authenticate the object.

Abstract: An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the doctor to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated vending machine, a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus which displays display information regarding product liability, which is read out from a storage medium of a processing unit, the image forming apparatus carrying out judgment as to whether or not the processing unit is a genuine/recommended product based on the information read out from the storage medium. The image forming apparatus carries out a series of image forming process when the processing unit is a genuine or a recommended product. On the other hand, when the processing unit is an unauthorized product, the image forming apparatus displays the display information and/or the comparison result. On this account, the user can easily and securely confirm display information regarding product liability of the processing unit, and/or information regarding compatibility of the processing unit with the image forming apparatus, while ensuring superior security and reliability.

Abstract: A machine for the storage of banknotes comprises means (11, 22) for conveying banknotes in sequence from an input (13) of the machine to an internal compartment (14) that comprises in turn a winding drum (15) of a couple of support tapes (16, 17) with the interposed banknotes conveyed to the compartment. Overlapping means (23) are present between the input (13) of the machine and the winding drum (15) that receive the banknotes in nonoverlapped sequence from the input (13) and send them partially overlapped towards the drum (15). Further spacing means (23) are provided for re-spacing the banknotes at the output from the compartment. The overlapping means and the spacing means can be made with the same device (23) suitably actuated.

Abstract: An ATM (10) includes a housing (46) including a generally L-shaped chest portion (48) and an upper housing portion (54). The ATM includes a fascia (12) which extends on the outside of a wall (14) and includes a user interface (15). Responsive to inputs of a user through the user interface the machine is operative to accept a stack of sheets (84) which are evaluated through operation of a sheet validator device (88) and which enables acceptable sheets to be stored within the chest portion. Unacceptable sheets are routed to a storage area (100). Provisions are made for reducing the risk of attack on the ATM by criminals and to facilitate servicing by authorized personnel.

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: A self-service terminal (22) that includes an optical system (28) for detecting a terminal overlay or artifact.

Abstract: A combined in-store and fuel center point-of-sale system having a first point-of-sale system, having a checkout manager and one or more checkout terminals, and a second point-of-sale system, having a fuel center and one or more fuel pumps, in communication with each other and with one or more primary databases containing marketing data, consumer data, customer data, master sales data, discount data, and merchandise product data, for generating a fuel discount at the second point-of-sale system based on first purchasing activity at the first point-of-sale system and/or second purchasing activity at said second point-of-sale system. The fuel discount is maintained for each customer in one of said primary databases and is based on a total purchase of products, a total purchase of product units, a total purchase amount of a product type, time period for total purchase of products, or a tiered spending amount.

Abstract: In some of the embodiments described herein, a vehicle information system may be used to generate route map information, schedule information, estimated time of arrival information, or the like based upon location information received from passenger-carried or cargo-carried wireless devices, such as passengers' cellular phones. In such circumstances, a remote device (e.g., a display device at a vehicle station, a network-connected personal computer, or a cellular phone of a person who might board a mass transit vehicle) may access the route map information, schedule information, and other information related to one or more mass transit vehicles.

Abstract: An authentication method includes reading a covert identifier associated with a product, reading an overt identifier associated with the product, and matching a covert identifier with an overt identifier to authenticate the product.

Abstract: A system for printing video information on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the video information on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing computer-based operations includes a computer system which includes at least one computer. A printer is connected to the computer system and is capable of printing with visible ink and invisible ink to generate a sheet of media printed with visible information and invisible depictions of coded data on receipt of initial print instructions from the computer system. The computer system is programmed to generate the invisible depictions such that the coded data represents instructions capable of being executed by the computer. A sensor is capable of detecting the invisible depictions and is configured to generate a signal carrying said coded data. The sensor is connected to the computer system, which is configured to decode the coded data and to execute the instructions.

Abstract: A laser-based method and system for processing targeted surface material and article produced thereby are provided. The system processes the targeted surface material within a region of a workpiece while avoiding undesirable changes to adjacent non-targeted material. The system includes a primary laser subsystem including a primary laser source for generating a pulsed laser output including at least one pulse having a wavelength and a pulse width less than 1 ns. A delivery subsystem irradiates the targeted surface material of the workpiece with the pulsed laser output including the at least one pulse to texture the targeted surface material. The pulsed laser output has sufficient total fluence to initiate ablation within at least a portion of the targeted surface material and the pulse width is short enough such that the region and the non-targeted material surrounding the material are substantially free of slag.

Abstract: A lens for illumination purposes is disclosed, in particular a lens for a headlamp for projecting the light emitted by a light source and reflected by a reflector in order to produce a pre-defined illumination pattern. Each lens is provided with an individualized code. For the purpose of coding, a laser is used, by means of which extremely small micro cracks are produced on the surface of the lens and can be read by means of a suitable reading device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for creating and using documents with machine-readable codes. A computer program receives user data provided for one or more fields in an electronic document, generates input data containing the user data and metadata that provides a self-contained description of the user data, encodes the input data into a machine-readable code, and generates a final representation of the electronic document with a display of the machine-readable code. Upon reading the machine-readable code, the metadata can be used to identify a set of fields in a target system to which to assign the user data. In some embodiments, the metadata and the user data can be transformed and sent to a target system. The use of metadata in this manner enables machine-readable codes to maintain a physical representation of data that facilitates transfer of the data back into an electronic environment.

Abstract: A scanner for providing a possibility of detecting a surface relief of an object includes a projector configured to guide a light beam in an illumination line over the surface relief to obtain an illuminated location on the surface relief, the projector being further configured to output a projection signal from which a position of the light beam in the illumination line is derivable.

Abstract: Digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture and supporting automatic operating system login and loading of a bar code symbol reading application.

Abstract: A laser scanning device for scanning an interface surface of a product item is provided. The interface surface has visible information relating to the product item and a plurality of tags disposed thereon. Each tag contains coded data indicative of an identity of the product item and a plurality of locations on the interface surface. At least some of the tags are coincident with the visible information. The scanning device comprises: (a) a housing; (b) a laser for emitting a scanning beam from the housing; (c) a sensor for sensing the coded data contained a tag exposed by the scanning beam; and (d) a processor for determining, using the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item and location data indicative of a location of the exposed tag on the interface surface.

Abstract: In a memory card including an IC card chip which can store and execute an application program, a flash memory chip which can store confidential data relating to the application program, and a controller chip which is connected to the chips, the IC card chip performs verification of a host apparatus, and the controller chip permits transmission of the confidential data between the flash memory chip and the host apparatus when the host apparatus is authenticated through the verification.

Abstract: A detectable component has a first inductive coupler (L;M) adapted to couple inductively to a second inductive coupler (L1) of a detection apparatus when the detectable component is in range of or coupled to the detection apparatus. The first inductive coupler has a resistive component (M) with a resistance that varies with magnetic field to cause modulation of a carrier signal supplied to the second inductive coupler of the detection apparatus, the detectable component having a characteristic signature that enables the detectable component to be distinguished by the detection apparatus from other such detectable components having different characteristic signatures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical encoder includes a code member, a light source, and a detector array. The code member has a plurality of reflectors thereon; and the light source is positioned to illuminate an area of the code member that includes at least one of the reflectors. The detector array includes at least one detector set, each of which includes a plurality of detector elements. The code member and the detector array are moveable with respect to one another along a displacement direction, and as the code member moves with respect to the detector array, the reflectors on the code member reflect light emitted by the light source to produce circular or elliptical light spots that travel across the detector array.

Abstract: A controller is provided for controlling the operation of a gas-fired water heating appliance. In one embodiment of the present invention, a controller is provided that comprises a switching means for connecting an electrical power source to an igniter for igniting gas, a voltage sensing means for sensing the voltage value of the electrical power source, and a processor that is capable of determining whether the power source is of a first rated voltage level or a second rated voltage level. The processor is capable of responsively selecting an appropriate switching sequence from a look-up table having a plurality of switching sequences corresponding to a plurality of voltage values for either the first rated voltage or the second rated voltage, where the processor controls the switching means based on the selected switching sequence to effect switching of power to supply an average predetermined voltage to the igniter that will heat the igniter to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A self-contained thermal actuator positions the piston return member inside the actuator cup. The inventive configuration eliminates the guide and diaphragm seal that closed the open end of the wax filled cup in the typical thermal actuator configuration. The piston and an O-ring seal seated in an annular recess defined by the piston contain the thermally responsive wax. A return member within the cup and engaged between axially spaced, radially overlapping shoulders on the cup and piston biases the piston toward its pre-actuation position. The return member may be a spring or an elastomeric O-ring that also seals the thermal actuator against intrusion of contaminants from the use environment. The piston is closely received in the cup for guided axial reciprocation therein.

Abstract: A volatile dispenser is provided, including a reservoir containing a quantity of volatile liquid having a viscosity of no greater than 3.9 centipoises. Each of its individual components has a vapor pressure of no less than 0.008 mm Hg. The dispenser also includes an emanator fluidly coupled to the reservoir (either directly or through a wick) that is comprised of elongated oriented bonded fibers, the fibers being impermeable to the volatile material.

Abstract: A control servo valve (8) is housed inside the casing (2) of an internal combustion engine fuel injector (1), and has a piezoelectric actuator (40), and a control chamber (13) having a fuel outlet passage (21); the outlet passage (21) comes out inside an annular chamber (34) defined by a fixed tubular portion (25) and by a shutter (32), which engages the tubular portion (25) in substantially fluidtight manner and is slid axially by the piezoelectric actuator (40) from a closed position, in which it closes the annular chamber (34) and is subjected to a zero axial resultant force by the fuel pressure, to an open position, in which the outlet passage (21) communicates with a discharge conduit.

Abstract: A diffusion device comprises a bottom portion having a bottom cover disposed thereon. The device further includes a top portion having a top cover disposed atop the bottom portion and a pump assembly disposed between the top cover and the bottom cover. First, second, and third arm portions extend from the pump assembly, wherein the first, second, and third arm portions include first, second, and third piezoelectric devices, respectively, attached thereto.

Abstract: A fuel injector is described. The fuel injector includes an inlet, outlet, seat, closure member, and a metering orifice disc. The metering orifice disc is disposed between the seat and the outlet. The metering orifice disc includes: a generally planar surface, a plurality of metering orifices that extends through the generally planar surface, the metering orifices being located radially outward of the seat orifice; and at least one flow channel having a cross-sectional area that decreases in magnitude starting at a location spaced from the longitudinal axis to proximate a perimeter of a metering orifice. A seat subassembly and a metering orifice disc are described. And a method of atomizing fuel is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the wet-mechanical treatment of a substance mixture, particularly of refuse of all types, comprised of inert substances, water and of organic substances having a water-soluble and bioconvertible portion, whereby water is used as a solvent, washing agent and separating agent.

Abstract: Efficient process control of a rotary breaker is dependent upon the rate at which aggregate material is delivered to the rotary breaker. An improved pre-screening apparatus provides enhanced control of the amount of undersized material allowed to bypass the rotary breaker, thus allows some control of feed rate other than the upstream mining conditions. Further, a variable speed drive mechanism allows for enhanced control of the breaking process occurring within the rotary breaker. These improvements allow for the increase in maximum feed rate to an existing rotary breaker or allows for the installation of smaller and more economical original equipment. In addition, an improved discharge mechanism is provided to increase the discharge rates of a breaker without varying size or speed of rotation. These improvements allow for advanced automated process control.

Abstract: A grater for cutting, slicing and grating food. The grater including a housing having a peripheral wall structure and a base cooperating to define a receptacle. The housing including a skirt portion extending away from the receptacle and being engageable by a user's hand to hold the housing in place on an underlying support surface. The grater includes a blade carried by the housing. The skirt portion receives a user's hand in a grasping position to simultaneously engage the skirt portion and the underlying support surface.

Abstract: A new and novel split shredder bin includes a frame and an inner bin, wherein only the inner bin needs to be pulled out to remove shredded paper therein instead of removing the shedder as in the prior art.

Abstract: A comminuting apparatus having a compact, variable-speed drive unit with a high level of efficiency and high torque levels. The comminuting apparatus comprises a drive device having an electric motor operatively connected by way of a transmission device to a comminuting shaft that has comminuting tools at its periphery. The tools cooperate with a counterpart member to comminute the material to be processed. The electric motor is in the form of a high-pole three-phase synchronous motor that is electrically connected to the output of a frequency converter controlled by a control device, and the transmission device is in the form of an epicyclic transmission device. The motor surrounds the epicyclic transmission device at least in part, and the motor and the transmission device are arranged in a common housing.

Abstract: Described is an adjustable roll drive including a fixed drive cylinder having a fixed drive gear, a fixed intermediate gear rotated by the fixed drive gear, a movable intermediate gear rotated by the fixed intermediate gear, and a movable driven cylinder having a movable driven gear wherein the movable driven gear is rotated by the movable intermediate gear. A linkage system is employed to maintain a substantially constant distance between axes of successive gears and an adjustment mechanism to vary a distance between the fixed drive cylinder and the movable driven cylinder. The continuously adjustable roll drive may be adapted further for use in grain grinding operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disk section (1) for use in the construction of a grinding disk (10) such as may be used in wood hogging, chipping, or grinding apparatus. The disk section (1) is associated with a substantially wedge shaped retaining segment (30) which is positioned near the circumference of the assembled grinding disk(10), and preferentially overlaps at least part of two adjacent disk sections (1) thereon. The arrangement is such that tangential type impacts acting on a disk section (1) results in at least partial energy transmission to the retaining segment (30) and its connection (38, 39) to a hub (9).

Abstract: A retractor of a seatbelt apparatus to be installed in a vehicle is structured such that a motor is accommodated in a hollow cylinder portion of a spool and such that the correlation among the volume V1 of the motor housing of the motor, the volume of the cylinder portion of the spool, and the storage volume within the seatbelt retractor housing is set to achieve the equation V3<V1+V2.

Abstract: A cord organizer is provided. The cord organizer is used for storing, handling and transporting cords or the like, such as electrical extension cords. The cord organizer includes a base for coiling a cord around by forming successive loops of the cord about the base. A flexible strap is provide for securing the coiled cord onto the cord organizer and to secure the individual loops of the coil to prevent the loops from becoming entangled during transportation or storage. In alternate embodiments, the base of the organizer is telescopic to be adjustable in length, cord end clips are provided to restrain free movement of the cord ends, means to positively lock the base is provided and a latch to releasably secure the strap within the slot is provided. An extension cord can also be provided having an integrally molded cord adaptor for attachment to a cord end clip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a vertically oriented roll of web material is disclosed. The roll comprises a lower surface, an upper surface and a circumferential surface. The apparatus comprises: at least one drive element adapted to rotate the vertically oriented roll, a sensor adapted to measure a tension of the web, and a controller adapted to adjust a speed of the web according to the tension of the web. The method comprises steps of rotating the roll, determining a desired web tension, and adjusting the speed of the roll according to the desired web tension.

Abstract: A tissue paper winding and cutting machine includes a first winding roller, at least one core support plate arranged near the first winding roller to form a channel between them, and a pre-winding roller arranged near and below the first winding roller with a circumferential surface facing toward the first winding roller and protruding into the channel to form a narrowed passage in the channel. The pre-winding roller rotates about a shaft thereof in a direction opposite to a predetermined moving direction of a tissue paper to be wound around cores, and at a rotation speed slower than that of the first winding roller. With the rotation speed difference between the pre-winding roller and the first winding roller, a core moved into the channel is temporarily held at the narrowed passage, so that the tissue paper fed into the channel is wound around the core before being pulled broken.

Abstract: An differential expansion system and method for balloon buoyancy control which includes a zero-pressure envelope and a superpressure envelope. A gas transfer device is positioned between the envelopes to facilitate the transfer of lift gases that are lighter than air between the envelopes. The superpressure envelope and the gas transfer device can be located inside the zero-pressure envelope. Alternatively, the zero-pressure envelope, the superpressure envelope, and the gas transfer device can be located inside a zero-pressure envelope.