Abstract: An electric caulking gun is provided with a clutch. The clutch is connected to a button of the electric caulking gun. When the button is free, the clutch is idle so that power cannot be transmitted from a motor to a pusher. Therefore, the pusher is idle, i.e., it cannot extrude water proofing material from a package. When the button is pressed, the clutch is active so that power can be transmitted from the motor to the pusher. Therefore, the pusher is active, i.e., it extrudes the water proofing material from the package.

Abstract: There are provided a pumping device for dispensing the contents contained in a container body by pressing a pressurizing button. The pumping device comprises a nozzle which is pivotable by a hinge installed at the nozzle and the pressurizing button. The pressurizing button comprises: a pressing plate, a wall extended downward from the pressing plate, and a nozzle receiving groove formed on the wall and for receiving the nozzle when it is in a closed position. In accordance with the present invention, since the nozzle is foldable, the pumping device is conveniently transported and distributed, and since the nozzle is inserted into the nozzle receiving groove and is not exposed outside, the nozzle is prevented from being unintentionally in an open position by an unnecessary external force.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments of a handling apparatus for plant growth substrates and associated methods of use. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus for separately and automatically dispensing plant growth media includes a media guide and a media guide regulator. The media guide can define a channel through which media is movable. The media regulator can include a media penetrating member that is positionable within the channel at a first location and a media stopping member that is positionable within the channel at a second location spaced-apart from the first location. The media regulator can be operable to reciprocate between a media penetrating position in which the media penetrating member is positioned within the channel to penetrate media and a media stopping position in which the media stopping member is positioned within the channel to restrict media from movement in at least one direction along the channel.

Abstract: Containers for aromatic additions to clothes hangers and towel hooks. Perforated pocket on the hanger that is openable to insert replacement aroma pads. Perforated sides of a double walled towel hook to insert aroma pad between the walls.

Abstract: The sock donning system enables persons of limited mobility to don socks, stockings, and similar footwear without need for excessive bending at the waist and/or knee. The system includes a pair of identical grasping poles or extensions with remotely operable clasps at their distal ends. Triggers are located adjacent the handles to allow the user to operate the clasps. Socks or stockings are provided with two opposed loops extending from their upper edges or apertures formed near the upper edges. The user secures the clasp of each extension to one of the loops or apertures of a single lo stocking, and uses the two extensions simultaneously to pull the sock over the foot, ankle, and lower leg as applicable. The triggers are operated to open the clasps and release them from the sock, once the sock has been donned. The system may also be of assistance in removing socks.

Abstract: Support legs and handles mounted onto a pack frame or backpack with the ability to be extended and locked so as to allow the pack to be laid on the ground, loaded, then lifted and pushed into a standing position to shoulder height and allow the user to easily and safely harness the pack to the shoulders and waist. When in the extended position the handles have become stabilizer feet for the legs. The support legs are now unlocked and retracted allowing the full weight of the pack onto the user shoulders. In the retracted position the attached handles are used to hold onto and lift the weight of the pack off the user shoulders and hips. When it become necessary to rest the user can unlock the retracted legs, release the retracting mechanism and lower the support legs to the ground, and employ the locking mechanism. The user can now safely and easily remove the pack from the users back and lay the pack on the ground.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, apparatuses for supporting a video camera. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a harness adapted for wearing on a user's upper body, the harness including a front section which, in use, covers at least a portion of at least one of the user's chest and abdomen, and a rear section which, in use, covers at least a portion of the user's back; and a flexible rod having a proximal end secured to the rear section of the harness and a distal end that extends up above the harness when the flexible rod is unweighted.

Abstract: Fastening method and device for detachably fixing a load carrier to a vehicle that includes a bracket configured to be affixed to a roof of the vehicle. The bracket has at least one elongate recess or hole for detachably clamping a load carrier foot. The load carrier foot includes an axially movable hooked member or bolt with a hooked portion having an elongated shape, which is configured to be moved through the elongated recess. The hooked member is twistable in the recess to axially lock the hooked member against the bracket. The elongate recess or hole may have longitudinally elongate or arched longitudinal edges, and corresponding ledge surfaces, whereby the hooked portion of the hooked member, for example a head of the bolt, may longitudinally slide along the longitudinally elongate or arched ledge surfaces and tilt forward in the event of a sudden slowing or stopping of the vehicle, for instance, in a crash.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article of luggage which is convertible between a backpack configuration and a handbag configuration by turning the bag inside out, article including a flexible bag having opposed, rectangular front and back panels; opposed rectangular side panels; opposed rectangular top and bottom panels; and a liner which is securable to the inside of the bag.

Abstract: A hands free case for mobile personal computers provides a mobile worker a stable platform for laptops, Tablet PCs, Ultra Mobile PCs and accessories. One embodiment comprises a platform insert (22), fabric shell (24), shoulder harness (28), waist/torso harness(30) and an articulated flap (26). Shoulder harness (28) and waist/torso harness (30) is attached to fabric shell (24) via two or more rings and hooks allowing multiple configurations of straps and computer display orientations. Mobile personal computer is secured to platform insert (22) by impact-resistant cordage. When shoulder harness (28) and waist/torso harness (30) is placed around the body a mobile personal computer is carried without being held. The case can be positioned vertically along the body and tilted to improve viewing by adjusting the length of shoulder harness (28) and waist/torso harness (30). When articulated flap (26) is buckled to top of fabric shell (24) mobile personal computer is enclosed in a protective case.

Abstract: A bow holder and carrier provides an adjustable holster coupled to a support member which can be symmetrically aligned with the center line of the human body that partially encircles and lies against the waist of a user. The adjustable holster is adaptively configured to accommodate differently sized compound bow types by the reconfiguring of adjustable rests, stops, supports and guides mounted within the holster. A slide track assembly provides a means to frictionally insert the adjustable holster onto and to remove the holster from the support member for ease of storage.

Abstract: A paintball pod harness having a central body having a concealable pouch to allow for expanded capacity off of the paintball field with a compacted arrangement for play on the field. The central body supports exterior pod sleeves for carrying paintball pods and has an internal core accessible by a body opening for concealing the expanding capacity pouch.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus in a rotary stapling machine (10) which, with a stapling module (12) placed in a stapling cylinder (11), applies staples through a plurality of layers in a material web (16) running through the rotary stapling machine (10), at an interval corresponding to a predetermined cutting length (?) along the material web (16), the staples being formed by means of a stapling fork (21) in the stapling module (12) in that wire (23) is advanced to a collection position at a forming wheel (22), the wire (23) being cut off whereafter the stapling fork (21) is urged against the forming wheel (22) in order to form the staple which is thereafter collected by the stapling fork (21) and conveyed for application in the material web (16), as well as final forming against a die (15) in a die cylinder (14), wherein the stapling cylinder (11) rotates two revolutions for each cutting length (?).

Abstract: A stapler (1) using staples for stapling together a workpiece (5), particularly a sheaf of papers, which stapler comprises a base part (3) against which the workpiece is placed, a magazine part (4) in which the staples are stored and a built-in staple remover arrangement (7) comprising a staple remover (8) which is movable between a non-operational first position where it is re-tracted in the stapler body (2) and locked by a locking device (9) and an operational second position where it is partly extended from the stapler body, the staple remover (8) being acted upon by a first elastic means (10) which is tensioned when the staple remover is in a non-operational position and which pushes the staple remover to the extended position when the locking device (9) is released in the non-operational position.

Abstract: A nail gun includes a fastener drive track capable of receiving fasteners having different length. A faster positioning assembly includes at least one swinging member and a stop portion. The swinging member is elastically and pivotably disposed at a side of the fastener drive track. The stop portion is formed at an end of the swinging member and received in the fastener drive track. The stop portion is configured for positioning fasteners prior to the fasteners are hit, and the stop portion retractably exits from the fastener drive track when a long fastener is received in the fastener drive track. The fastener positioning assembly enables the nail gun to drive fasteners having different length, as such, it is very convenient to use such nail gun to join different workpiece having different thickness on an object.

Abstract: A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding apparatus for manufacturing an electronic device that includes a substrate, an electronic component, and an underfill filled between the electronic component and the substrate includes a head that includes a tool surface configured to mount the electronic component, a wiping unit configured to wipe out pre-cured underfill that has adhered to the tool surface of the head, by using a wiping member on a wiping table, an ultrasonic bonding unit configured to ultrasonically bond the electronic component with the substrate and to press the head against the wiping member on the wiping table, a detector configured to detect a first pressure applied between the wiping member on the wiping table and the tool surface when the wiping unit provides wiping, and a controller configured to control a second pressure applied by the ultrasonic bonding unit, based on a detection result by the detector.

Abstract: A friction stir welding device operable to weld a joint formed between a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The friction stir welding device includes a clamping device coupled to a tool body of the welding device for movement with the tool body along the joint. The clamping device includes a first guide member and a second guide member. The first guide member includes a clamping face configured to engage the first workpiece and the second guide member includes a clamping face configured to engage the second workpiece. The clamping face of the first guide member is directly opposed to the clamping face of the second guide member to resist separation of the joint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package with a solder standoff on lead pads that reach to the edge of the package (non-pullback leads). It includes encapsulating a plurality of die on a lead frame strip. The lead frame strip comprises a plurality of package sites, which further comprises a plurality of lead pads and a die pad. The method also includes forming a channel between the lead pads of nearby package sites without singulating the packages. Another step in the method includes disposing solder on the lead pads, the die pad, or the lead pads and the die pads without substantially covering the channel with solder. The manufacturing method further includes singulating the packages.

Abstract: Along with miniaturization of a solder connection portion in a bump repair or a local reflow, a void generated at the time of soldering remains in a solder to remarkably reduce connection strength, and there occurs a non-connection phenomenon in which the solder connection portion and a solder paste are melted, but are not fused with each other. During melting of a solder, a target component is clamped, ultrasonic oscillation is directly applied only to the target component. Further, start of solidification of the solder connection portion is detected by change of an electric impedance of a transducer while applying the ultrasonic oscillation, and the clamp is released before a substrate is warped.

Abstract: Provided are a composition for an anisotropic conductive adhesive, a method of forming a solder bump and a method of forming a flip chip using the same. The composition for an anisotropic conductive adhesive includes a low melting point solder particle and a thermo-curable polymer resin. The anisotropic conductive adhesive includes forming a mixture by mixing a polymer resin and a curing agent, and mixing a deforming agent, a catalyst or a reductant with the mixture.

Abstract: A composite structural support which may be utilized as a beam or assembled with similar supports to form a building floor or a bridge deck utilizes an open core element, made preferably of suitably treated fluted paper, upper and lower thin steel skins, and a layer of concrete poured over the top skin. Modules comprising the hollow core element and the upper and lower steel skins are fabricated to lengths required for building floor and bridge spans and, when joined by welding the upper and lower skins of adjacent elements along their full lengths, provide a floor or deck structure of a large span. The open core paper elements may be alternately fabricated from single face corrugated webs or open face double wall webs that are slit to form narrow equal width strips stacked and glued face-to-face.

Abstract: A welding bug (1) comprising a welding torch (3) for welding in a groove (19). The welding torch (3) is mounted for rotational movement about an axis (21) that is substantially horizontal, relative to the welding bug, (typically tangential to a pipe during use) so that the torch is moveable, during use of the welding bug (1) when arranged to enable the torch to weld in a groove, between (i) an operating position, and (ii) a disengaged position in which the welding torch is positioned away from the groove (19). The welding bug may be less cumbersome and more compact than some known arrangements.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a retail box and a method of making a retail box. Retail boxes in accordance with the present disclosure are manufactured beginning with paper, which is rolled on a core. Two halves of the box, or “half-boxes,” are first produced, and then brought together to form a complete box.

Abstract: A container assembly is disclosed. The container assembly includes a tube portion including a plurality of sides. The container assembly further includes a base portion including a bottom panel and a plurality of flaps extending from the bottom panel. The plurality of flaps overlap a portion of the plurality of sides.

Abstract: A thermal insulating liner for a container lid has a top sheet and a bottom sheet spaced by a core. The bottom sheet has an exterior metal foil layer. A side edge-to-side edge transverse cut line extends through the bottom sheet proximate each of two opposed ends of the liner. The liner has reduced thickness end margins extending between each said side edge-to-side edge transverse cut line and each of the opposed ends. A die to make the lid liner has a central well and, proximate each end of the die, an upward step to a land with an inside edge of the step having a ramp surface. A first cutting blade protrudes upwardly from the land and a second cutting blade protrudes upwardly above the land at each end of the die and above the level of the first cutting blade.

Abstract: An article of packaging in the form of a carton having an information-bearing insert enclosed within a substantially closed chamber defined by at least one side wall portion of the carton and a further panel facing an inner face of said at least one side wall portion, said side wall portion having a plurality of pre-cut tear lines or perforations defining an openable tab or flap for gaining access to said chamber and to the insert located therein, wherein said chamber is not accessible from a loading opening of the carton such that the chamber does not interfere with the loading of a product into the carton.

Abstract: A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect, one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel (B) or panels, in which the fold erect feature allows the base of the box to be held erected in a set up position by the folded incorporated integral internal panels whether or not the attached lid is open or closed, without the use of additional glue, adhesives, tape, clip, or other fastener.

Abstract: A carton fitment (2) for use in fresh packaging has a base flange (4) with an upstanding pour spout (6) adapted to be inserted through an opening in a carton such that the base flange seats inside the carton. A ring of induction heat sealing foil (10) is bonded to an exterior surface of the flange so that the fitment can be induction welded to a paperboard carton. The use of such fitments allows a carton erection and filling machine to be manufactured without the need for expensive ultrasonics welding equipment.

Abstract: A sheet of foldable material and a receptacle assembled from the sheet of foldable material are provided. The sheet includes a pair of side wall panels and a pair of end wall panels disposed opposite to each other across a bottom panel. The sheet further comprises a pair of collapsible corner flap panels that are collapsible and foldable along a fold line. The corner flaps define a fold edge along the fold line after collapsing. A folding flap has a first end attached to the end wall panel and is folded over the corner flaps with the corner flaps disposed between the folding flap and the end wall after folding. The folding flap includes a locking tab on a portion thereof adjacent to the fold edge of at least one of the resulting corner flaps. The locking tab is insertable around the fold edge and between the corner flap and the end wall.

Abstract: A carton for holding a dispensable material. The carton has a dispenser panel including a spout for dispensing the material. An outer spout panel overlaps the spout in the dispenser panel and is at least partially detachable from the dispenser panel to facilitate opening the spout.

Abstract: There is provided a collecting container. An exemplary collecting container comprises an insertion opening on the front of the collecting container that is adapted to receive objects that are dropped in and a removal opening, inside the insertion opening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for detecting at least one object in a package, in which at least one object is provided with an optical code and is disposed in a package. The method includes the steps of first irradiating the code through the package by electromagnetic excitation radiation. The code on being irradiated with the electromagnetic excitation radiation emits electromagnetic radiation, which is of higher or lower energy compared to the excitation radiation. Then the electromagnetic radiation is evaluated for whether the object is located in the package.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a two-sided, separable photography form for printing a prefatory photograph thereto and for subsequently retaining a prefatory photograph therefrom, the form having an upper portion; a middle portion; and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising an envelope. Additionally, the present disclosure provides for a photography method including capturing a prefatory photograph with a capture device; manipulating a digital representation of the prefatory photograph; manipulating a digital representation of an ordering information template; manipulating a digital representation of at least one identification code; manipulating postage payment information; and printing at least one prefatory photograph, at least one ordering instruction template, at least one identification code, and postage payment information to a two-sided, separable photography form.

Abstract: A system for managing token image replacement is provided. The system includes a remote server, a token acceptance device, such as a personal computer (PC), connected to the remote server, a token, such as a phone, that can be read by the PC, and a token image server. Using application logic and rules, the remote server is able to read the token image on the token and determine if the image on the phone needs to be updated. The remote server forwards a backup token image to the PC which, in turn, writes the backup token image including transaction information to the phone. Once the backup token image is written onto the phone, subsequent interactions with the system would not initiate an update.

Abstract: In the processing of mass-produced items that include a three-dimensional code formed therein, a system is provided for automating certain post-manufacturing processing steps. The system includes a printing mechanism that applies ink to the three-dimensional code to form an optically-readable code; a code-reading mechanism that reads the optically readable code and transmits a signal indicative of the code to a database that may be employed for tracking the processed items; and a transport mechanism that moves the items from the printing mechanism to the code-reading mechanism. In one embodiment, the system also includes a liquid agent application mechanism that applies a liquid agent to the items after the optically-readable code is formed. The transport mechanism includes a plurality of pallets on which the items are placed for processing, and that is operable to move the pallets sequentially to the several processing mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a means for verifying that a person using a bank card at a point-of-sale merchant location is in fact a person authorized to use the bank card. In one embodiment of the invention, verification may involve communicating with the mobile device 103 associated with the person authorized to use the bank card. The person authorized to use the bank card may be required to send verification data to the bank card verification system via the mobile device to confirm a purchase. The bank card verification system may not authorize the purchase if the proper verification data is not received from the mobile device. In another embodiment, the bank card verification system may be configured to determine a proximity of the mobile device to the merchant point-of-sale location to verify the purchase.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a means for verifying that a person using a bank card at a point-of-sale merchant location is in fact a person authorized to use the bank card. In one embodiment of the invention, verification may involve communicating with the mobile device 103 associated with the person authorized to use the bank card. The person authorized to use the bank card may be required to send verification data to the bank card verification system via the mobile device to confirm a purchase. The bank card verification system may not authorize the purchase if the proper verification data is not received from the mobile device. In another embodiment, the bank card verification system may be configured to determine a proximity of the mobile device to the merchant point-of-sale location to verify the purchase.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for the verification of a cashier's check. The method and system involves a verification machine-readable code that can be verified online for authenticity and status. It can further be used to authorize payment.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records such as user cards. The exemplary machine includes a lockable first fascia portion (20) which when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device (104), inputs to which enable opening a chest door (18) of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator (116) which enables moving a second fascia portion (22) for conducting service activities. A controller (72) in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. The read card data can also be associated with a server address, where a record is located. The machine operates prior to a transaction to determine whether the record can be fully downloaded from the server address. Based on a successful determination, the machine can then fully download the record from the address during a transaction that needs the record. The pre-check arrangement reduces transaction time outs that may occur as a result of futile attempts by the machine to access an unavailable record during a transaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for maintaining household inventories of items. The invention relates to placing RFID tags to items with a shopper possessing a personal RFID reader. The reader can synchronize with a computer such as a store computer, a personal computer or the computer can be part of the reader. An internet site capable of analyzing information on the computer then can provide a wide range of products and services based on the item inventory analysis back to the computer.

Abstract: The system includes a first receiver that, when information has been printed on the medium using a printing apparatus, receives, from the printing apparatus, an electronic tag ID of an electronic tag in the printed medium and a plurality of recipient IDs specified by a user, a second receiver that, when the printed medium has been stored in a repository, receives, from the repository, an electronic tag ID of an electronic tag in the stored medium and an ID in association with the repository (hereinafter called the repository ID), and an associating unit that, when the electronic tag ID sent from the printing apparatus agrees with the electronic tag ID sent from the repository, associates a recipient ID corresponding to the repository ID sent from the repository, out of the plurality of recipient IDs sent from the printing apparatus, with the agreed electronic tag ID.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack,is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.

Abstract: A secure ballot box includes a main compartment for receiving ballots, a case including a base and a cover supported by the main compartment, and a scanner supported within the base. The cover is coupled with the base and is moveable between a closed position enclosing the scanner and an open position exposing at least a portion of the scanner. The case and scanner are removable from the main compartment for easy transport. A sensor, operable to detect the height of the ballots collected within the main compartment, is coupled with the scanner to switch the scanner to an off mode such that additional ballots will not be accepted when the height of ballots within the main compartment reaches a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a high speed machine for personalizing portable objects, incorporating an integrated circuit comprising at least one memory, the machine comprising a transfer device (3) for the portable objects to be personalized and a compact rotating drum (20) containing a plurality of interface electronic circuits, called couplers, each of these couplers being connected to at least one personalization station (22i) comprising at least one linking device with the integrated circuit of a portable object, characterized firstly in that each of these couplers is removably mounted so that it can be adapted to the type of programming used for the personalization data, and secondly in that the personalization stations (22i) are also removable for their adaptation to the type of portable objects (4) to be personalized and/or to the couplers used, the rotating drum (20) comprising grooved sections containing a plurality of grooves for latching of the personalization stations (22i).

Abstract: A card reading device for a transaction system is configured with a first reading unit and a second reading unit respectively reading a contact card and a contactless card, converting read analog signals to digital signals with the same preset format, and then transmitting them to a transaction terminal to carry out a transaction, thereby not only allowing a user to select the use of the contact card or contactless card freely but also increasing purchasing convenience effectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for business marketing and client management and in particular to, a client welcome pack which provides a complete customer relationship management/marketing system that is designed to assist a business owner in meeting the basic business objectives that need to be achieved on a daily basis to drive and grow the business.

Abstract: A system comprises a chip (71) and a substrate (78). The chip (71) comprises a circuitry and a mounting surface (83) with first and second contacts (73, 74, 75, 76). The substrate (78) comprises a surface (90) with first and second contact pads (79, 80) and an electrically conductive pad (91) connected to the first contact pad (79) by a low-resistive connection (93). The chip (71) is attached to the substrate (78) so that the mounting surface (83) is spaced apart from the first contact pad (75) and the electrically conductive pad (91). The mounting surface (83) overlaps partly the first contact pad (79) with a first overlapping area (B1) resulting in a first stray capacitor (C1) and the electrically conductive pad (91) with a second overlapping area (B3) resulting in a second stray capacitor (C3).

Abstract: An identification token having a label recess in at least one surface thereof, a label adhered to the token within said recess an electronic identification and data device located between said label and the surface of said token recess the improvement comprising the provision of tamper evident lines of weakness in the antenna such that any attempt to remove the antenna and electronic device is easily seen and renders the device unusable.