Abstract: A belt-carrying tool holder for supporting and conveniently carrying a staple hammer, staples and cutting knife. The belt-carrying tool holder includes a container assembly including a container having an opening and also including a lid being hingedly attached to the container and being closeable and fastenable over the opening of the container; and also includes a belt-receiving member being attached to the container; and further includes a tool-holding pocket being attached to the container; and also includes a tool-hanging assembly being pivotally attached to the container.

Abstract: The invention is an accessory facilitating manual, sanitary dispensing of toilet paper from a dispenser rotatably holding a toilet paper roll, the accessory including front and back guide-members defining a paper-movement channel therebetween and having access openings allowing manual engagement of paper in the channel, a paper-detaching edge at the lower end of the guide members, and a dispenser-attaching device at the upper end of the guide-members. In another form, the invention is a complete dispenser incorporating similar apparatus.

Abstract: In a tape feeder to feed electronic parts with a carrier tape, a lower support member 23 with magnet supporting the carrier tape from its lower side and stabilizing positions of the electronic parts contained in part pockets on the carrier tape by a magnetic force is constituted by a horizontal base 24 mounted on the frame member, an elongated leaf spring member 25 having an upward convex shape in a middle part thereof so as to be supported by the base 24 at opposite ends thereof, and a magnet member 26 attached on an upper face of the middle part of the leaf spring member 25. A fitting hole 24b to which the magnet member 26 can be fitted is formed in the base 24.

Abstract: An electric stapler includes a stapler main body and a driver assembly which is attachable and detachable with respect to the stapler main body. The driver assembly includes a forming portion having a forming plate for forming a staple into a U shape, a driver portion having a driver plate for striking the U-shaped staple into papers, a slide block portion which slidably guides the driver portion, and a slide guide case portion. The slide block portion, the driver portion and the forming portion are integrally incorporated in the slide guide case portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use includes a proximal portion that is manipulated external to a patient to position an attached elongate shaft and end effector to a desired surgical site inside of the patient. An articulation joint pivotally attaches the end effector to the elongate shaft to give further clinical flexibility in reaching tissue at a desired angle. A closure tube assembly includes a single pivoting portion that overrides the articulation joint in order to distally translate to the end effector to close, yet pass over an articulated shaft by having a multiple pivot frame ground encompassed therein to accommodate the longitudinal change in closure sleeve pivot. Thereby, additional clinical flexibility in positioning the end effector is achieved without losing the ability for separate closure and firing motions transferred by the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for being endoscopically or laparoscopically inserted into a surgical site for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue includes load sensing pressure transducers strategically placed for closed loop control and monitoring. Load sensing within a staple applying assembly (end effector) may provide feedback for preventing firing with insufficient or too much tissue, or to sense appropriate presence buttress material, to deploy buttress material after firing is sensed.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for injection molding conductive bonding material into a plurality of cavities in a surface are disclosed. The method comprises aligning a fill head with a surface. The mold includes a plurality of cavities. The method further includes placing the fill head in substantial contact with the surface. At least a first gas is channeled about a first region of the fill head. The at least first gas has a temperature above a melting point of conductive bonding material residing in a reservoir thereby maintaining the conductive bonding material in a molten state. The conductive bonding material is forced out of the fill head toward the surface. The conductive bonding material is provided into at least one cavity of the plurality of cavities contemporaneous with the at least one cavity being in proximity to the fill head.

Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt.

Abstract: Plate members 17 are respectively rested on first and second tables 1A and 1B relatively movable toward and away from each other. The plate members 17 are caused to abut against reference positioning members 16a and 16b of reference positioning devices protruded ahead of and over opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B so that opposing ends of the plate members 17 are positioned ahead of the opposing ends 1? of the tables 1A and 1B, and the plate members 17 are positioned laterally. Then, the positioned plate members 17 are locked on the tables 1A and 1B. After the reference positioning devices are retracted, the tables 1A and 1B are relatively moved toward each other to cause the opposing ends of the plate members 17 to abut together for formation of weld line X.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction stir welding apparatus operable for welding one or more metals, metal alloys, or other materials, and a method for friction stir welding. The friction stir welding apparatus includes a pin tool holder, a shoulder having a surface coupled to the pin tool holder, and a pin tool coupled to the pin tool holder, the pin tool at least partially protruding from the surface of the shoulder, wherein the pin tool is made of a consumable pin tool material. The method includes introducing the pin tool into a workpiece; traversing the pin tool along a joint to be welded on the workpiece; and substantially continuously feeding the pin tool into the weld joint as it is traversed along the joint, thereby incorporating at least a portion of the consumable pin tool material into the volume of the joint to be welded.

Abstract: A repair method of propagating epitaxial crystalline structures is provided. The repair method broadly comprises the steps of providing a substrate to be repaired, placing an additive material as a preformed shape onto an area of the substrate to be repaired, utilizing a heat source to heat an entire volume of the additive material and an area adjacent to the additive material to within 0-100° F. of their solidus temperatures, holding at the fusion temperature for a time sufficient to allow grain growth and orientation to occur, and ramping down the heat source at a predetermined controlled rate until solidification is complete.

Abstract: Briefly, a novel material process is disclosed wherein one or more nucleation modifiers are added, in trace amounts, to a lead-free tin-rich solder alloy to produce a solder composition with reduce or suppressed undercooling temperature characteristics. The modifier being a substance which facilitates the reduction of extreme anisotropic properties associated with body-centered-tetragonal tin based lead-free solder. The addition of the nucleation modifiers to the solder alloy does not materially effect the solder composition's melting point. As such, balls of solder with the nucleated composition freeze while other solder balls within the array remain in the melt. This effectively enables one substrate to be pinned to another substrate by one or more predetermined solder balls to secure the package while the remaining solder joints are in the liquid state.

Abstract: A practical bonding technique is provided for solid-phase room-temperature bonding which does not require a profile irregularity of the order of several nanometers, in which a high-vacuum energy wave treatment and continuous high-vacuum bonding are not required. Since an adhering substance layer is thin immediately after a surface activating treatment using an energy wave, a bonding interface is spread by crushing the adhering substance layer to perform bonding, so that a new surface appears on a bonding surface, and objects to be bonded are bonded together. In order to crush the adhering substance layer more easily, a bonding metal of a bonding portion of the object to be bonded needs to have a low hardness. According to the results of various experiments conducted by the present inventors, it was found that the hardness of the bonding portion which is a Vickers hardness of 200 Hv or less is particularly effective for room-temperature bonding.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a magnet which is incorporated in the stage and is movable in parallel with a lower surface of the placed and fixed substrate so as to cause a magnetic force to act in an upward direction of the stage; and a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided. An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage; and a magnetic generator which is movable above the mask frame and causes a magnetic force to act on the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for brazing a heat exchanger, in particular a flat-tube heat exchanger, comprising a block of flat tubes and corrugated fins. The apparatus comprises a brazing frame that accommodates a tube-fin block within itself and which has two brazing bars arranged parallel to each other which are connected by tie rods. The brazing bars have a plurality of openings that are open toward one side, e.g., notches.

Abstract: A system and method for injection molding conductive bonding material into a plurality of cavities in a non-rectangular mold is disclosed. The method comprises aligning a fill head with a non-rectangular mold. The non-rectangular mold includes a plurality of cavities. The fill head is placed in substantial contact with the non-rectangular mold. Rotational motion is provided to at least one of the non-rectangular mold and the fill head while the fill head is in substantial contact with the non-rectangular mold. Conductive bonding material is forced out of the fill head toward the non-rectangular mold. The conductive bonding material is provided into at least one cavity of the plurality of cavities contemporaneous with the at least one cavity being in proximity to the fill head.

Abstract: A bulk materials container having a first wall-forming blank of corrugated paperboard sheets made of at least a flute member and a liner sheet, and scored to provide a series of main panels foldably joined together at opposing edges with each main panel having opposing top and bottom flaps foldably joined to respective edge portions and laminated to a second wall-forming blank having at least a flute member attached to a liner sheet scored to provide a series of main panels each having opposing top and bottom flaps foldably joined to respective edge portions, and a liner sheet and one of the first or second blanks extending beyond a distal edge of the respective top and bottom flaps, and folded over the distal edge and attached adhesively to the opposing surface so that the open channels of the flutes at the distal edge are covered.

Abstract: A carton can be placed in a dispensing configuration by separating the carton into dispenser sections. The dispenser sections may be connected by a hinge that allows the sections to stand side-by-side.

Abstract: A carton is provided that may be used for multiple packages of various products, such as food snack items, and includes a tear-away feature that allows ready access to and display of the products. The carton in its open/display configuration still has sufficient strength to allow other cartons to be stacked on top of each other. The carton may be formed from a blank of paperboard or corrugated board.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing energy consumption in an unoccupied room having a keycard actuated card and a plurality of appliance control units interposed between electrical appliances and their power sources such that the card reader wirelessly transmits signals to the appliance control units upon insertion and removal of the keycard and the appliance control units energize the appliances only when the keycard is present in the card reader.

Abstract: A detecting strip reader with a removable firmware device, comprising a detecting strip reader and a firmware device. The firmware device comprises a first electrical connecting end, a database module, and an operation module, the firmware device being removably electrically connected to a second electrical connecting end in the detecting strip reader via the first electrical connecting end, wherein the characteristic of detecting strip reader is in that: a plurality of light reaction equations of detecting strips are saved in the database module, and when the first electrical connecting end of the firmware device receives an input signal from the second connecting end, the operation module selects one specific light reaction equation from the plurality of light reaction equations saved in the database module and performs the operation of the specific light reaction equation.

Abstract: A point of sale advertising device that includes a display mechanism with a first screen and a second screen and the screens are facing in substantially different directions. The device also includes a display controller in communication with the screens, the display controller adapted to receive a price message and a timing instruction, to store the price message and timing instruction, and to transfer the price message to the first screen and second screen for display on the first screen and the second screen for a time period indicated by the stored timing instruction. The device also includes a price control switch in communication with the display controller, the price control switch being adapted to be actuated manually, and when actuated, prevents the price message from being displayed on the first screen and the second screen.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) determines consecutive receipt jam event indications, involving at least two receipts, prior to generating a receipt jam signal. The machine, upon determining a jam event involving a first receipt, implements a jam annunciation delay routine. The routine delays generation of a receipt jam signal until at least the next receipt is also determined to be involved in a receipt jam event indication. The delay provides the opportunity for a user to clear the indicated receipt jam prior to generation of a receipt jam signal.

Abstract: A method of tracking a security document having disposed thereon or therein a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the security document. The method includes having a computer system receive indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of the coded data to generate indicating data indicative of the identity of the product item. The computer system uses the indicating data to update tracking data stored in a data store, the tracking data being indicative of the identity of the security document and tracking information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of attracting and retaining customers of a Banking institution through an incentive program is disclosed, comprising: operating a promotional program, comprising the dispensing of a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and operating a rewards program, wherein upon a customer completing a triggering behavior, a specified reward is granted to the customer. Systems and methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises dispensing a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated checking machine (ATM).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing automated benefit verification and application are described. The apparatus may include a receiving module to receive a transaction, a transaction processing module to process the transaction and parse a unique identifier, a verification module to verify eligibility for a benefit and a data store to store a plurality of unique identifiers. The method may comprise receiving a credit card transaction, determining if a unique identifier contained within the transaction matches one of a stored listing and prompting a user to accept a benefit if the unique identifier matches one of the stored listing. The method may, alternatively, comprise processing a payment device, determining if the user is entitled to a benefit based on information contained within the payment device, prompting the user to accept or decline the benefit and providing the benefit if accepted.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a secure transaction server (STS); provide an authentic point of sale (POS) device, according to a first authentication parameter of the STS; provide an authentic mobile purchasing device, according to a second authentication parameter of the STS; provide a short-range communication method between the POS device and the mobile purchasing device; correlate by the STS a personal identification entry (PIE) and the authentic mobile purchasing device; transmit, by the POS device, a time dependent transformed secure POS authenticable POS purchase action to the STS; input the PIE to the mobile purchasing device to transmit a time dependent transformed secure user authenticable POS purchase action to the POS device via the short-range communication method; and approve, by the STS, the POS purchase action for the POS device and for the mobile purchasing device, according to the authentic POS device, and according to the authentic mobile purchasing device and the STS correlating of the PIE a

Abstract: Systems and methods for monetary cards are described. The cards are free from personally identifiable data, e.g., no name or embossment. In an example, the card includes a first number that activates the card and a second number written to the card at activation away from the card manufacturer. This helps prevent theft at the manufacturer. This second account is a bearer account where anyone who knows the account number can withdraw the funds from the account. The account may be funded with either the account number or the authentication number.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a chambered member, a cover substrate and an account identifier. The chambered member defines a rear surface, a front surface and a chamber extending from the front surface toward the rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface are sized similarly to each other. The cover substrate defines a first surface, which is securely coupled to the front surface to enclose the chamber, and a window aligned with the chamber. The window is one of translucent and transparent such that at least a portion of the chamber is viewable through the window. The account identifier is connected to the chambered member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Other embodiments, stored-value cards and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other card or device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. User interfaces are provided in a number of different configurations in order to achieve a number of different functionalities.

Abstract: A management system for tracking elements through steps and stages of a chain employing fixed tags permanently attached to elements that progress through the steps and stages. The elements are tracked by the fixed tags from an initial stage, through multiple work-in-process stages to a final stage of the chain. The fixed tags include radio-frequency (RF) communication units that have wireless communication with RF communicators in one or more of the stages of the supply chain. The wireless communications between the RF tags and the RF communicators operate with a tag communication protocol that defines the operations and sequences for storing information into and retrieval of information from tags. The hierarchy of data storage in RF tags, in RF communicators and otherwise in storage locations in the system is controlled to operate within the memory hierarchy.

Abstract: A method and system for vending products from a defined area, such as a micro-warehouse with a door. The method includes fitting each product with a radio frequency identification tag, positioning the plurality of products in a micro-warehouse, sensing opening and closing of the micro-warehouse door, scanning the plurality of products in the micro-warehouse upon sensing closing of the door to determine the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, generating a message based on the number and type of products in the micro-warehouse, transmitting the message to a remote processor or server, and maintaining an inventory in the remote processor based on the message. The system is designed to be accessed by authorized individuals possessing some type of code or identifying mechanism. The micro-warehouses may be cabinets, refrigerators, secured rooms, or similar storage units or areas.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for maintaining the location of a removable data medium once that removable data medium has been taken off-line is provided. Such a capability is provided by a mobile device that includes a data transmission mechanism configured to transmit the identity of a data medium and an identity of the location of that data medium. The transmission from the mobile device is received by a web service module that provides the data medium identity and the identity of the location of the data medium to a data store. In one embodiment, the data store comprises an identification of each of a plurality of data media, the status of each of the data media indicating whether that data medium is on or off-line, and if off-line the identity of the location of the off-line data medium.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader including a magnetic head, located in a non-secured region, at least one signal path extending from the magnetic head in the non-secured region to a secured region, signal processing circuitry located within the secured region, an obscuring signal injector located within the secured region and an obscuring signal remover located within the secured region, for receiving a combination of at least one signal output and an obscuring signal and for providing an unobscured signal output, corresponding to the at least one signal output, to the signal processing circuitry.

Abstract: The described embodiments contemplate a system, method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for accessing multiple accounts. The apparatus may be an interactive access card and/or portable electronic device that includes a memory component for storing data associated with multiple accounts, an input component for selecting an account, and a processing component for retrieving data associated with the selected account. The apparatus also may be an access card that includes a rectangular shaped substrate and an interface component for storing data associated with multiple accounts.

Abstract: A subscriber identity module (SIM) card includes: a printed circuit board; a circuit provided on the printed circuit board and capable of executing SIM and RFID functions; a set of circuit contacts provided on the printed circuit board, electrically connected to the circuit via conductive paths, and conforming to a SIM specification; a set of antenna contacts provided on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit via conductive paths; and a protective plate fixed to the printed circuit board and conforming to standard dimensions of the SIM card. An assembly of the SIM card and a RFID antenna is also disclosed.

Abstract: An encoder that includes a code strip and an emitter-detector module is disclosed. The code strip has alternating reflective and opaque stripes and an imaging element in contact with a surface of the code strip. The optical element directs light incident thereon to the code strip. The emitter-detector module includes a light source that generates light and directs a portion of the generated light to the imaging element. The emitter-detector module also includes a photodetector that generates a signal representing an intensity of light received by the photodetector. The imaging element images light reflected from the code strip onto the photodetector. The imaging element can include a lens having a planar surface in contact with the surface of the code strip. The imaging element can be structured such that the imaging element collimates light from the light source such that collimated light is incident on one of the reflective stripes.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination module (PLIM) including: (i) a laser illumination source driven preferably by high frequency modulated (HFM) diode current drive circuitry; (ii) a beam collimating optics disposed beyond the laser illumination source; (ii) an optical beam multiplexer (OMUX) device disposed beyond the collimating optics; and (iv) a planarizing-type illumination lens array disposed beyond the OMUX device, and arranged for generating a plurality of substantially planar coherence-reduced laser illumination beams (PLIBs) that form a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) having substantially reduced spatial/temporal coherence.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading apparatus with enhanced functionality which can filter image data prior to the capture of image data into an image frame memory for further processing. In one aspect the indicia reading apparatus can have an image sensing and processing circuit that can contemporaneously output, on respective first and second interfaces, both filtered and raw pixel values so that both filtered and raw frames of image data can be captured contemporaneously for further processing. Filtered and raw frames of image data or pixel values can also be serially output through a single interface in an interleaved manner. An image sensing and processing circuit which outputs either or both raw and filtered pixel values can be provided on a single integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for scanning an illumination spot over a target area. The present invention removes stored energy from a scanning element to stop the scanning element from vibrating and to substantially return the scanning element to its starting position so as to enable high frame rates.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system including a system housing having an imaging window; illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting illumination and imaging planes or zones through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for digital imaging an object passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generating digital linear images of the object as the object intersects the illumination and imaging planes or zones during system operation. A digital image processor processes the digital images and automatically recognizes graphical intelligence (e.g. bar code symbols, alphanumeric characters etc) graphically represented in the digital images.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor outputs a temperature signal corresponding to a detected temperature. An identification unit connected to the temperature sensor generates and outputs an identification signal based on the temperature signal. A plurality of such data storage devices can therefore be identified by their relative position to an interrogator which outputs heat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for de-bowing personalized cards which includes a first contact member. The first contact member can be positioned for contacting a personalized card received by the apparatus and for displacing the personalized card against a bow occurring therein. The first contact member contacts and displaces a portion of the personalized card on one side of the personalized card and at an area that is generally centered horizontally and vertically. A second contact member can be supported by the frame for contacting the personalized card on a side opposite the first contact member. The second contact member being arranged and configured to contact an opposite side of the personalized card at a plurality of positions proximate the perimeter of the personalized card. In this manner, the first and second contact members cooperate to bend substantially the entire surface area of the personalized card against the occurring bow.

Abstract: An electronic product price display system for installation in a retail environment. The system includes a plurality of electronic-ink display labels, associated with a plurality of consumer products stored in the retail environment. One or more activation modules are provided within the retail environment, for providing instructions employed in the determination of graphical indicia to be displayed on the electronic-ink display labels. Each electronic-ink display label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic-ink display label includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the activation module, using the antenna structure.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, systems and data structures for generating a bar code are described. The bar code may include a first bar code and a second bar code. The first bar code includes a first number system character, a GS1 company prefix, a family code, a value code and a check digit, and the second bar code includes a second number system character and an application identifier. The family code of the first bar code, in some implementations, may be generated based on brand and/or sub-brand of associated products.

Abstract: A two-dimensional printed data tag for detection by an optical tag reader has a position detection pattern configured so that an optical tag reader can locate the tag. Data areas are located within the confines of the position detection pattern, the data areas containing encoded data.

Abstract: A hybrid manual/programmable thermostat for a furnace or air conditioner offers the simplicity of a manual thermostat while providing the convenience and versatility of a programmable one. Initially, the hybrid thermostat appears to function as an ordinary manual thermostat; however, it privately observes and learns a user's manual temperature setting habits and eventually programs itself accordingly. If users begin changing their preferred temperature settings due to seasonal changes or other reasons, the thermostat continues learning and will adapt to those changes as well. For ease of use, the thermostat does not require an onscreen menu as a user interface. In some embodiments, the thermostat can effectively program itself for temperature settings that are set to occur at particular times daily or just on weekends, yet the user is not required to enter the time of day or the day of the week.

Abstract: An electronic device such as an HVAC controller that accounts for internal heating in determining an environmental condition such as temperature or humidity in the space surrounding the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller may calculate a transient heat rise value that is based upon a powered time period and a first order time lag, especially during a time period before which the HVAC controller reaches a steady state temperature condition.

Abstract: A facility working apparatus includes objects (1), a management apparatus (2), and an exterior information source (3) such as a weather company, a power company or the like. Each object (1) and the management apparatus (2), the exterior information source (3) and the management apparatus (2) are connected via a network. Each object (1) includes a facility (1a) such as a heat storage air conditioner, power storage air conditioner or the like, and a controlling apparatus (1b) for working and controlling the facility (1a) and for extracting facility information of the facility (1a) and user determination information. The management apparatus (2) includes a database (2a) and a data processing section (2b). The data processing section (2b) in the management apparatus (2) carries out processing based upon facility information, user determination data, and exterior information, and generates working and controlling information. The information is transferred to corresponding controlling apparatus (1b).

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a device including an environmental condition sensor, a light sensor; and a control module. The control module associates a light intensity above a defined threshold with an open-door status of a container. In another embodiment, a device includes an environmental condition sensor, a rewriteable memory that stores environmental condition data from the environmental condition sensor, and a wireless communication module that transmits stored environmental condition data. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to provide techniques for monitoring environmental conditions within a container, such as a refrigerated trailer.