Abstract: An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An aerosol fluid dispenser includes a movable actuator for controlling dispensing of the liquid or fluid product from the dispenser and a locking mechanism for locking the actuator.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a nozzle shield to a dispenser housing using interacting hook members and axle members. One of the hook members and axle members is carried by the housing. The member which is carried by the housing is preferably movable between a forward and a rear position as by being slidable relative to the housing and spring biased as to a rear position. In moving the cover from a closed position to a forward position, the hook member and axle member are in engagement with the member which is movable relative to the housing, preferably moved against the spring bias. For removal of the cover, with the cover approximate the closed position, the member which is carried by the housing is moved relative the housing against the spring bias to a forward position in which the hook member may be disengaged from the axle member.

Abstract: A spring mechanism comprising an elongate cantilevered spring member extending along a longitudinal coupled at a first end to a first member and with a distal, second end of the spring member engaging a second member such that the spring member biases the first and second members relative to each other. The spring member has an unbiased condition and being resiliently deflectable generally normal to its longitudinal to assume deflected conditions from which the spring member inherently attempts to return to its unbiased condition. The longitudinal of the spring member preferably remains disposed in a flat plane in deflecting of the spring member between the unbiased condition and the deflected conditions. The spring member preferably has, in cross-section normal to its longitudinal, a shape including two legs disposed to lie in planes parallel the flat plane and joined by a bight normal to the flat plane.

Abstract: A screw type material feeding apparatus in which a screw rotary driving axis with a spiral material supply blade is rotatably contained in a material feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a material divider with plural vanes provided at the distal end of the rotary driving axis, the plural vanes radially project from the screw rotary driving axis.

Abstract: A pump assembly with a pressable head includes a push tube, an inner tube, a stop valve, and an outer tube; a top of the push tube passing through the outer tube; the push tube communicates with the inner tube; a bottom of the inner tube is formed with an annular plug; the annular plug of the inner tube has a plurality of via holes defined therein. The via holes have inclined inner walls. A top of the inner tube has a stop valve; the stop valve is a flat structure; an elastic structure is formed on a periphery of the stop valve; by elastic deformation of the elastic structure, the stop valve tightly adheres to an inner wall of the outer tube; an interior of the outer tube has a stepped structure with a greater diameter at an upper side and a smaller diameter at a lower side.

Abstract: The cartridge piston has an outer wall, an inner support body and radial connection webs between the outer wall and the inner support body. In order to ensure a good sealing behavior under unilateral strain or asymmetric strain by a pressing plunger, a stiffening body connected to the connection webs is provided between the outer wall and the inner support body. The connection webs have a gap that extends at least up to half the height of the cartridge piston at the lower side of the cartridge piston between the outer wall and the stiffening body.

Abstract: A pressure control device for maintaining a constant predetermined pressure in a container which is arranged for dispensing a fluid contained in the container from the container at said pressure, the pressure control device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, as well as at least one closing member movable relative to the second chamber for releasing and closing a fluid connection between the first chamber and the container depending on the position of the closing member relative to the second chamber. The first chamber is filled with a gas which, in use, has a higher pressure than the pressure in the container. The second chamber is located outside the first chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) includes a container unit (100) and a measuring unit (200) coupled to be angularly displaceable one relative to the other between at least open and closed positions. The container unit (100) includes a base (110) and a first partition (122) substantially enclosing a storage compartment (1100). The first partition (122) is formed with an access opening (1220) communicating with the storage compartment (1100). The measuring unit (200) includes a capsule (210) and a second partition (220) substantially enclosing a metering compartment (2100). The second partition (220) is formed with an access opening (2220) at least partially aligning with the access opening (1220) of the first partition (122) in the open position, whereby a predetermined quantity of material may be displaced into the metering compartment (2100) for subsequent dispensation.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser head for associating with a fluid reservoir (1), the head having: a stationary base (2) formed by, or for mounting on, the reservoir; a rotary actuator element (3) mounted in rotary manner on the base (2) so as to turn about an axis of rotation between two extreme abutment positions; and a dispenser orifice (30) that can be closed selectively by turning the element on the base. The two extreme abutment positions define two open positions of the dispenser orifice separated by at least one position in which the dispenser orifice is closed. The dispenser orifice (30) is situated on the axis of rotation of the element on the base.

Abstract: A three-dimensional collar shape retaining hanger prevents collars of a plurality of garments from being crushed and is capable of being stacked in a large number. The hanger has a hook portion and a hanger body. Between the hook portion and the hanger body, a connecting plate part which is a central collar supporting portion body is provided to connect the hook portion and the hanger body. A pair of first curved parts which protrudes toward a rear side of the hanger so as to abut on a rear neck portion of a collar is connected to right and left sides of the connecting plate part. To end portions of the first curved parts, a pair of second curved parts is connected at each distal end thereof. Each base end of the second curved parts is connected to the hanger body. A portion between the distal end and the base end of each of the second curved parts protrudes toward the front side of the hanger so as to abut on an inside of a front portion of the collar.

Abstract: A combination blanket and seat article is disclosed. The blanket portion comprises a king-size terry cloth sheet with two removable seat cushions installed in pockets. Straps attaché the seat back to the seat cushion and secure the seat for comfort. Weights around the periphery of the blanket secure it in place. The blanket portion can be used separately from the seat portion. When the seat is inserted, the back portion can be rolled to form a pillow. A strap is provided to hold the rolled back in position. Handles are provided for carrying the article. Shoulder straps are also provided to enable carrying the article as a backpack.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for an article holder 26 having opposing pliable arms forming means 32 for attaching the holder to an article of clothing or mounting to a structure using the fastener mounting aperture 36. Depending from the closed distal end of the pliable arms is a cantilevered ring serving as the article holder 26 having a divergent tongue 28 extending therefrom adjacent to the pliable arms with one of the arms having a protrusion forming a support element 42 for the tongue terminus. Once an article, such as a handheld blow dryer 12, is placed therein, the tongue 28 directs the nozzle of the blower away from the user 14.

Abstract: An accessory holder for a lawn mower having accessory pockets on one side of the holder and a large pocket on the other side of the holder. Each of the accessory pockets has an upper opening for insertion of an accessory and a gathered lower opening that is smaller than the upper opening. The accessory holder may also be hung on a wall.

Abstract: An automatic sensing and outputting device for an object mainly includes a housing, a control portion and an output unit. The housing has a surface on which a fixing rod is disposed, and accommodates a driving mechanism. The control portion is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing. A control circuit board in the control portion includes a sensor and a zeroing sensor for object output sensing. The output unit includes a reel, which engages with and moved by the driving mechanism in the housing, and a pressing plate, which normally and slightly presses against the reel through an elastic member.

Abstract: A driving tool in a form of a combustion type nail driving machine 1 for injecting a nail by combustion gas is provided. The driving tool includes a lower pusher which is arranged at a distal end in a projecting direction of a nose through which the nail passes, formed with an elongated hole, and adapted to come into contact with a wood, an upper pusher which is urged by the lower pusher, and an extending-contracting mechanism interposed between the lower pusher and the upper pusher. The extending-contracting mechanism includes a bush which is in contact with the upper pusher and formed with a threaded hole, and a screwing part which can be screwed into the threaded hole after passing through the elongated hole. The screwing part includes a bolt which connects the lower pusher and the bush, and a lever.

Abstract: A refill for staples, which can not be removed from a cartridge unless all sheet-type connected staples in a stapler body are delivered. A refill for staples is installed in a detachable manner in a stapler body, and includes a refill body which holds the sheet-type connected staples, and a pressing member which presses the sheet-type connected staples. A delivery port delivering the sheet-type connected staples and a locking plate provided with a locking section which locks a locked section in the stapler body are formed in the refill body. When the sheet-type connected staples are pressed, the pressing member is engaged with the locking plate not to allow rotation of the locking plate, and, when the sheet-type connected staples are not pressed, the pressing member is disengaged from the locking plate to allow rotation of the locking plate. Thereby, the locking section of the locking plate can be removed from the locked section in the stapler body.

Abstract: A magazine includes guide portions formed at a pair of side walls to be opposed to each other for introducing to guide a portion of a nail shaft portion, an opening portion formed on a base end side of a nose portion relative to the guide portion of one of the side walls, a first attaching portion formed on a front end side of the nose portion relative to the guide portion of the one side wall, a second attaching portion formed on the base end side of the nose portion relative to the guide portion of the other side wall, and a notched portion formed on the front end side of the nose portion relative to the guide portion of the other side wall.

Abstract: A desktop stapler uses a spring to store energy to install staples by impact blow. The force required to fasten papers together is reduced. A very compact mechanism is used, including a dual coil power spring with a nested lever. A multi-function base provides a sloped front all the way to down to a desk top surface to guide paper sheets atop the base, easy access for lifting the stapler off a desk, horizontal or vertical resting positions, and integrated soft grip under-surface. The base surrounds the rear of the stapler body to provide a smooth exterior so that the device is natural to use both horizontally and vertically. A simple re-set spring provides a smooth re-set action as the handle is raised. A staple track includes enlargement features to fit a larger staple pusher spring.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding apparatus having an extractable sonotrode. The sonotrode having a non-threaded outer peripheral surface and a tapered mating surface that meets with a correspondingly tapered aperture formed in the end of the reed of the ultrasonic welding apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the ultrasonic welding apparatus includes a sonotrode removal mechanism for extracting the sonotrode from the reed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for clamping and controlling flash around a manufacturing tool engaging a workpiece and preventing fill within the workpiece. In one embodiment, a clamp for securing a workpiece during a manufacturing operation includes a housing and a foot biased away from the housing, the foot defining an opening through which a manufacturing tool may pass to engage the workpiece. In another embodiment, the manufacturing tool is a rotating or counter-rotating shoulder friction stir spot welding tool. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the foot defines at least one recess for holding flashing.

Abstract: A friction stir welding device for welding an article by means of a welding tool, includes: a tool holding section configured to hold the welding tool and rotate round a predetermined reference axial line; rotation driving unit configured to drive the tool holding section to rotate round the reference axial line; movement driving unit configured to drive the tool holding section to move along the reference axial line; and a car body loaded with the tool holding section, the rotation driving unit and the movement driving unit, the car body being configured to travel above or below the article.

Abstract: A friction stir welding apparatus and a method of operating the friction stir welding apparatus are disclosed. The friction stir welding apparatus includes a rotary tool whose extremity constitutes a probe, a retaining arm which supports the rotary tool, and a roller provided at a position of the retaining arm opposite the rotary tool. The method includes adjusting the retaining arm so as to position workpieces between the rotary tool and the roller while adjusting the roller to turn in a direction where a joint line of the workpieces extends, rotating the rotary tool and lowering the probe until the probe presses the workpieces, gradually inserting the probe into the joint line, and moving the probe along the joint line.

Abstract: A solder repairing apparatus includes a stage designed to place the surface of at least a specific part of an object along a reference plane within a specific spot defined on the stage. A heating unit applies a thermal energy to the specific spot. A dividing plate is designed to move into the specific spot in a vertical attitude perpendicular to the reference plane. The dividing plate exhibits a low solder wettability. The solder melts in response to the application of the thermal energy. When the dividing plate in the vertical attitude enters the specific spot, the dividing plate gets into the solder. Since the dividing plate exhibits a low solder wettability, the dividing plate repels the solder. The solder is divided into two parts. The division of the solder reliably eliminates a short circuit in the electronic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for hot bonding metal plates having advantages that removing an oxidation film of the metal plates and bonding the metal plates are simultaneously accomplished and a bonding force between the metal plates is enhanced by applying a strong bonding pressure to the metal plates. The present invention has advantages that overlapped metal plates are compressed vertically and a shaving blade is formed at a shaving mold. Therefore, as the metal plates move, an oxidation film coated on the overlapped surfaces of the metal plates is removed. In addition, a home is formed at the shaving mold so that excess metal together with an oxidation film coated on front portions of the metal plates are removed and simultaneously the metal plates are bonded with a strong pressure.

Abstract: A welding method for manufacturing welded structures having excellent properties to prevent the propagation of brittle fracture occurring in welded joints, characterized by the step of forming a repair weld having a greater toughness than that of a butt weld and an outer edge whose angle ? with respect to the longitudinal direction of the butt weld is not less than 10 degrees and not more than 60 degrees, by applying repair welding to a region to arrest a brittle crack in a butt-welded joint where a brittle crack is likely to propagate after removing part of the butt-welded joint, in said region, by gouging or machining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for production of a tube (2) with a polygonal, preferably rectangular cross-section, comprising a tube welding unit (3), in which the tube (2) is formed from a sheet metal strip and welded at the resulting jointing position and a rolling unit (4), connected to the tube welding unit (3) in the transport direction (R) of the tube (2), which essentially rolls the tube (2) into the desired polygonal cross-sectional contour. According to the invention, right-angled tubes may be produced with the optimal geometry, whereby a camber rolling unit (5) is arranged in series with the rolling unit (4) in the transport direction (R) of the tube (2), by means of which at least two opposing tube sides (6, 7) may be rolled with a pair of crowned convex rollers (8, 9).

Abstract: A method for joining clad metal plates having a protective layer (27), e.g. titanium, and a substrate layer (28), e.g. carbon steel, includes firstly removing margins (29) of protective layer along edges of the clad metal plates to be joined. The substrate layers are then welded together to form an exposed substrate weld (31). Covering material (38) of the same type as the protective layer (27) is then located along the exposed substrate weld (31) to a level substantially flush with an outer surface of the protective layer (27). The substrate layer (28) is heated prior to welding the covering material so that the covering material is pre-stressed when cooled. The method may be used to fabricate reaction vessels having seams that do not stand proud of the remainder of the interior surface of the vessel. The low profile seams are less susceptible to erosion than has been the case in the past so that longer-life vessels can be produced.

Abstract: The invention provides a wire bonding method which enables formation of a low loop having a height not exceeding two times the wire diameter and secures sufficient pull strength of the wire even with the low loop shape. After having formed a contact-bonded ball at a first bonding point, a capillary moves upward and then toward a second bonding point to press a side surface of an upper portion of the contact-bonded ball, so that a protruded portion is formed on a top portion of the contact-bonded ball on the side of the second bonding point. After having formed the protruded portion of the contact-bonded ball, the capillary moves upward, and then downward while moving toward the second bonding point to press the protruded portion, so that a wire drawing portion for drawing the wire from the top portion of the contact-bonded ball horizontally is formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for soldering in the vapor phase in which after the solder has melted onto the item to be soldered a vacuum is generated around the item to be soldered in the vapor phase. Also provided is a device for soldering in the vapor phase comprising a first chamber containing the vapor phase and, inside the first chamber within the vapor phase, a second chamber in which a vacuum can be generated and into which the item to be soldered can be introduced. A third chamber communicates with the first chamber to allow the item to be soldered to be transferred into the first chamber by means of a transporting system. The process and device according to the invention are advantageous in that they ensure soldered joints having a higher quality than those of the prior art.

Abstract: A brazing assembly includes a tungsten/carbide/cobalt substrate (e.g., wear pad), a second substrate including titanium or titanium alloy (e.g., a midspan shroud of a fan or compressor blade) and a brazing material including gold, nickel, and copper present in respective amounts to improve the ductility of the braze joint. A brazed article includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a braze joint having a post-braze hardness of between 450 and 600 KHN. A method to improve the impact resistance of a braze joint between a tungsten/carbide/cobalt substrate and a substrate including titanium or alloy thereof includes utilizing a brazing material including gold, nickel, and copper and brazing at temperatures less than about 1900° F. (1038° C.).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a form for a postcard mailer are disclosed. An example form includes a substrate sheet having top and bottom edges, first and second side edges, and first and second faces. The form also includes at least first and second fold lines dividing the sheet into at least first, second, and third panels with a hang tag removably coupled to at least a portion of one of the first, second or third panels. Finally, the form has a first adhesive area provided on the first face of at least one of the second or third panels and a second adhesive area provided on the second face of at least one of the first and second panels, wherein the first and second adhesive areas adhere the third panel to the first face of the second panel and the first panel to the second face of the second panel when the substrate sheet is folded about the fold lines.

Abstract: A carton has a handle that allows a user to carry the carton when closed, and that extends to allow a user to carry the carton when the carton is in an open configuration. The carton includes gusseted end panels that create a partially closed bottom receptacle in the opened carton.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank foldable material that may be configured to form a container. When formed, the container is self-locking and includes air cell structure that allows for a container with a constant outside volume to have a variable inside volume. The air cell structure container functions to prevent telescoping of vertically stacked container and for strength and stability. The container may be partially assembled for shipping and hand set into final assembly as needed.

Abstract: A cigarette urn and method of assembly of same that defines an interior passage for smoking debris to travel when multiple components of the urn are assembled into a self-standing, upright assembly condition. A top one of the multiple components has a sidewall opening. The multiple components may be disassembled from the self-standing, upright assembly condition into an overlapping assembly condition with the multiple components overlapping and taking up less overall volume that in the self-standing, upright assembly condition. A fire retardant or heat resistant material may be lining an interior contour of a base of the multiple components. The top one of the multiple components may be of substantially uniform diameter along a majority of its length.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a housing, a tray, one or more articles and an account identifier. The tray is selectively maintained within and readily removable from the housing. The one or more articles are selectively maintained by the tray, and each of the one more articles are readily removable from the tray. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services. Other products, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An identification token includes a body and an RFID IC embedded in the body. An antenna is also embedded in the body and is coupled to the RFID IC. A switch is embedded in the body and coupled to at least one of the RFID IC and the antenna. The switch is located at a switch location in the body. The switch is actuatable by being pressed by a user's finger. The identification token also includes a printed indication on the body for indicating the switch location to the user of the identification token.

Abstract: A client-side application extension executable on a host computer from within a web-browser having the capability of executing at least one web-browser add-on to provide a user access to a smart card, connected to the host computer having a smart card resource manager, via the web-browser. The web-browser extension has instructions to direct the central processing unit to access data on the smart card via a web-browser and platform independent interface module and a web-browser and platform dependent wrapper module connected to the web-browser and platform independent interface module and to the smart card resource manager having a function processing module operable to receive a call to the at least one function for accessing data on the smart card and for transforming the function call into a corresponding call to the smart card resource manager.

Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging device (1) for packaging a stack of sheet objects that have an attributable monetary value in a container (4), the device (1) comprising means (34, 35) for determining value data relating to the monetary value attributed to a sheet object to be stacked in the container (4), and an RF reader/writer (52) for writing said value data to an RFID device (21) associated with the container (4).

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.

Abstract: An ATM apparatus including a selectively removable sheet storage container supported within the secure chest portion. The sheet storage container is carried on a movable frame for movement into an operational position. The movable frame is movable from an out/down position to enable removal and replacement of the container, to an in/up position to place the container in the operative position. The frame is operatively supported through pivoting arm members for coordinated movement therewith. As the sheet storage container is moved into the operative position, a locking pin of a catch automatically slides into a locking recess to lock the storage container in the operative position and prevent movement of the frame. Upon operation of a lever, the locking pin is released and the frame moves toward the out/down position so that the sheet storage container can be removed and accessed.

Abstract: A money management network including a money management network, a bank web site hosted by a bank, and a vendor web site hosted by a vendor. The bank web site is accessible by a bank/vendor customer. The vendor web site is accessible by the bank/vendor customer. The bank web site has means for accepting authorization for a purchase transaction from the bank/vendor customer such that the authorization verifies the bank/vendor customer's identification for the vendor. In one preferred embodiment the vendor receives authorization for a purchase without the vendor receiving customer account information from the bank/vendor customer, the bank, or the money management network.

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 check. The ATMs are also operated to read particular data from deposited currency bills in order to determine counterfeit bills. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: A method for implementing an anonymous face to face or Mail Order Telephone Order credit card transaction by a user who has established a user account associated with a fictitious name. The user generates a valid personal charge number by executing an algorithm in a computer affixed to the electronic credit card that uses a user key and a card number as input variables. A merchant is provided with the valid personal charge number and the fictitious name that is submitted for approval to a credit approval center. The electronic credit card is sized such that a standard magnetic stripe reader can read it.

Abstract: An electronic identification system comprising a system server and a plurality of mobile devices, the system server and the mobile devices being electronically connectable, where the system server contains references to a plurality of subscribers to the system. The system server receives an electronic request message from a remote location to verify an identity, where the request message contains a reference to the requesting remote location and a reference to an identity to be verified. The system server identified the received referenced identity with one of the plurality of mobile devices (the identified mobile platform), and the system server transmits a confirmation message to the identified mobile device, where the confirmation message contains a reference to the requesting remote location and the identity to be verified.

Abstract: A managed service for a near field transaction that may include a server to register a wireless device with the managed service, provide authentication information to the wireless device for use in establishing an identity of the wireless device. The server may provide authorization information to a register on behalf of the wireless device to establish the identity to the register, where the identity, when valid, allows the wireless device to participate in the near field transaction via a secure near field communication session with the register, receive transaction information from the register or the wireless device, and store the transaction information with a transaction identifier, where the transaction identifier is used to recall the transaction information on behalf of the register or the wireless device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, other cards, and/or other items from kiosks and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least a first card hopper and a card transport assembly. The first card hopper is configured to hold a stack of cards that includes at least a first card stacked on a second card. The card transport assembly includes a card carrier moveable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position spaced apart from the first card hopper. The card carrier is configured to lift the first card off the second card when the card carrier is in the first position. The card carrier is further configured to release the first card toward an outlet when the card carrier is in the second position.

Abstract: A transaction terminal includes a housing, a touch screen, a card reader, an imaging module, and a decode circuit coupled to the imaging module. The imaging module in one embodiment is disposed in the housing so that an imaging axis extends rearward of the housing. In a typical use of the terminal a store clerk can easily move objects into a field of view of the terminal. The transaction terminal can be coupled to a POS network which remotely sends a trigger signal actuating the imaging module when an age-proof-require product is being purchased.