Abstract: Dispensing cap for bottles, including a lower mounting part fixed onto a neck of bottle, an upper covering part containing the dispensing parts, such as valve and opening members, sealing elements between the cap and the bottle for gas-proof sealing, an outlet for pouring liquid, a tube support for holding the tube of siphon structure. The dispensing cap is characterized by containing an irreversibly removable fixing member (27). The fixing member is used to prevent push-down of the valve while the cap is intact. It thus prevents dispensing liquid from the bottle. After it is torn off from the upper covering part, however, to permit the dispensing of liquid from the bottle, the fixing member can be readily removed from the cap without opening the cap.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir (10) serving to contain fluid; and a dispenser head (2) mounted on the reservoir (10) to take fluid from the reservoir, said head (2) defining a dispensing chamber (26) communicating with the reservoir via an inlet valve (25, 215) and communicating with the outside at a dispensing orifice via an outlet valve (237, 222); said dispenser being characterized in that the chamber (26) comprises at least one elastically deformable actuating wall (231) that is depressed in order to generate a pressure inside the chamber that is high enough to close the inlet valve and to open the outlet valve.

Abstract: A chemical liquid supply device applies chemical liquid from a nozzle to a processed object. The nozzle is provided in a moving head, which reciprocates between an applying position and a waiting position and includes an application valve operating so as to take an applying state of applying the liquid from the nozzle and a stopped state of stopping the application. Chemical liquid is pumped from a tank through a filter to a valve chamber of the application valve via a supply tube. The valve chamber is connected to a buffer tank through a circulation tube. The circulation tube is provided with a circulation valve for opening/closing its flow path.

Abstract: A device is provided for holding dispensing and conveying substances such as dry foods such as, for example, flour, breakfast cereal or granola. The device may include a stand holding a possibly hermetically sealed container which may include a conveyor, having a flexible paddle belt mounted on at least two axles and possibly at least one connector. The conveyor is connected to a handle which when rotated may cause the conveyor to rotate and dispense the dry substances such as food from the container into, for example, an outside bowl.

Abstract: A plunger for a syringe of a liquid dispenser comprises a tapered front end section 12 having at its rear end 16 an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the syringe, a cylindrical drum section 14 continued to the rear end 16 of the tapered front end section 12, having a maximum outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the syringe and opening there, and a collar member 24 (30, 32) slidably formed by coupling with an outer circumferential surface in the vicinity of an opening 22 of the drum section 14 and maintaining the close contact with an inner wall surface 26 of the syringe 18, thereby inclination toward the syringe is eliminated and action within the syringe is constantly made smooth.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle that is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.

Abstract: A clothes hanging device in the form of an arcuate hook with a ball at one end thereof. The ball is sufficient in diameter and texture such that clothing draped upon it will remain in place and will not be deformed in shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable carrying device, arrangement, and method for carrying at least one object such as a bag. The device 100 includes a housing 101 having a channel 105 defined therethrough. The channel 105 is further defined by a first and a second frusto-shaped internal cavity 107, 109, each having linearly tapered sides 110. An elongated flexible strap 103 defining a continuous loop 103 is threaded through the channel 105. Portions of the elongated flexible strap 103 defining the continuous loop extend from first and second end openings 117, 115 of the channel 105 to define first and a second loop portions 119, 121. When the continuous loop is pulled taut through the housing 101, the first loop portion 119 is configured for receiving and grasping a handle portion 201 of the one or more bags 203. The second loop portion 121 can be extended over and around a user's shoulder for carrying the device 100 and the one or more bags 203.

Abstract: A plate material cutting unit is equipped with: support devices for supporting the lower edge of an upright plate material; fluid guides for applying fluid pressure on a surface of the plate material which is held upright on the support devices, to support the plate material in a non-contact manner; a scribe forming device, equipped with a scribing blade for forming a scribe for cutting on the plate material, by moving along the surface of the plate material, which is supported by the fluid guides; a clamp, for gripping a portion of the plate material adjacent to the movement trajectory of the scribing blade along the plate material; and a cutting device, equipped with a pressing member for pressing a portion of the plate material opposite the scribe in a planar direction with respect to the portion of the plate material which is gripped by the clamp.

Abstract: A wire feed station of a wire processing system draws a supply of wire into the system. The wire feed station includes first and second feed wheels that create a nip to pull the wire through the feed station. A drive assembly is coupled to the first and second feed wheels to cause rotation of the feed wheels. The drive assembly includes first and second drive shafts that are coupled to the first and second feed wheels through a pair of flexible couplings. The flexible couplings allow the first and second feed wheels to move relative to each other to adjust the feed nip. The flexible couplings allow a single drive motor to rotate the first and second feed wheels through a pair of drive shafts without the use of a complex belt or gear assembly.

Abstract: A tool for driving a floor staple including an outer tubular body and a rod insertable into the tubular body. The tubular body has an end tip having angled surfaces and an inner bore. The rod is biased with the inner bore. The inner bore has a staple slot allowing an exposed end a staple to fit within the outer tubular body. The rod has a hammering head, which when struck, drives staple into a flooring plank.

Abstract: An ultrasound welding device for welding metallic conductors for producing a junction point includes two welding surfaces, which are located on opposite sides, and two lateral delimiting surfaces, which extend transverse to the working surfaces and which, together, define a compression space. In order to eliminate longitudinal movement of the conductors during welding, at least one of the lateral delimitation surfaces is additionally structured next to the structured welding surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of invention are directed to the formation of microprobes (i.e. compliant electrical or electronic contact elements) on a temporary substrate, dicing individual probe arrays, and then transferring the arrays to space transformers or other permanent substrates. Some embodiments of the invention transfer probes to permanent substrates prior to separating the probes from a temporary substrate on which the probes were formed while other embodiments do the opposite. Some embodiments, remove sacrificial material prior to transfer while other embodiments remove sacrificial material after transfer. Some embodiments are directed to the bonding of first and second electric components together using one or more solder bumps with enhanced aspect ratios (i.e. height to width ratios) obtained as a result of surrounding the bumps at least in part with rings of a retention material. The retention material may act be a solder mask material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device (10) for the temperature treatment of workpieces (19) or components, in particular for producing a solder connection between a solder material and at least one component or workpiece used as a solder material carrier by means of melting the solder material arranged on the solder material carrier, where a heating and, in a subsequent method step, a cooling of at least one component is carried out in a process chamber (13, 14) which is sealed from the surrounding area, wherein the heating and the cooling of the component (19) are carried out in two chamber regions (13, 14) of the process chamber (12), which can be separated from one another by means of a condensation device (15).

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a high melting temperature fastening material may be prepared containing magnetic particles that is used to fasten two or more parts substrates together to form an integrated part.

Abstract: The invention is a postcard in the form of a lightweight flip-flop sandal. This postcard is an efficient and unique way to memorialize and to convey the leisure experiences of the sender to an addressee. The three-dimensional flip-flop postcard can actually be worn, albeit without a mate unless two are sent, either before or after a message and appropriate address information is written in applicable marking areas and it is mailed with sufficient postage or otherwise delivered to the intended recipient.

Abstract: The invention provides a closure (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116 and 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116 and 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (e.g. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (e.g. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: Relatively ranking items based on subjective attributes of the items, and for discovering these relatively ranked items. A voting server as described may include a voting application that receives an indication of an item of interest to a customer. Based on preferences indicated by customers, the voting application may rank the item and one or more other items for the subjective attribute. The voting application may also send data representing a user interface to a client system, with the user interface including representations of the item and the other item. The user interface may arrange the representations of the items along an axis corresponding to the subjective attribute.

Abstract: A device and related method for counting objects, such as eggs or the like includes a plurality of first detectors, each of which has a locally delimited detection area, which can detect electromagnetic radiation, in particular light in the visible or infrared range, from the detection area, and which are arranged next to one another in a first line. An evaluation unit is coupled to the first detectors and is designed or configured to process the signals of the detectors and on the basis of the signals, to establish the presence of an object in the detection area.

Abstract: A method of performing debris clean-up following a disaster event can include creating an electronic load ticket for a pre-registered debris transporter to transport a load of debris from a site of debris origin to a site where the load of debris is to be emptied from the transporter; following transport of the load of debris to the second site, reading, from the electronic information storage device and to a portable computing device, the information uniquely identifying the debris transporter and the electronic load ticket; and upon verification that no alteration has been made to the transporter, receiving at the portable computing device information describing the load of debris that has been transported. In some implementations, the electronic load ticket includes information identifying the geographic location of debris origin, and is electronically stored on a portable electronic information storage device that contains information uniquely identifying the debris transporter.

Abstract: A method of performing money transfer send transactions begins with receiving registration information from a customer, including customer identification and qualification information and payment source identification and performing verification of at least a portion of the identification and qualification information and the payment source identification and upon sufficient verification building a distribution profile. The method proceeds by receiving from the customer and storing in the distribution profile send transaction specifications for staging each of one or more proposed send transactions, and receiving a send initiation instruction with associated customer authentication data and responsive thereto identifying a distribution profile and at least one send transaction specification to be executed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for managing transaction card accounts involves enabling a transaction card account by a card issuer for use with pre-defined categories of providers of goods/services and goods/services sold and issuing a transaction card and establishing an associated pre-qualified category card account. Upon receiving data for a transaction with the transaction card at a transaction terminal by a processing platform of the card issuer via a card association processing network, the category of the provider and goods/services is interrogated to determine whether or not the transaction can be posted on the pre-qualified category card account of the cardholder, and the transaction is approved and posted to the pre-qualified category card account if the transaction falls within the pre-qualified category of the cardholder.

Abstract: A wireless device may alert a wireless smart card reader that communication of data between the wireless device and the wireless smart card reader is probably imminent by sending an activation alert. Upon receipt of the activation alert, if the wireless smart card reader is in a low-power state, the wireless smart card reader may enter a higher-power state. If the wireless smart card reader is in the higher-power state upon receipt of the activation alert, the wireless smart card reader may remain in the higher-power state until a timeout period has expired. The wireless device may instruct the wireless smart card reader to enter the low-power state by sending a deactivation alert if the wireless device identifies that communication of data between the wireless device and the wireless smart card reader is not likely to occur within a specified period of time.

Abstract: An application for a method for tracking produce delivered to a consumer includes providing a field box and a plurality of containers for holding produce, the containers fitting within the field box. A master label that has a master label barcode and a plurality of sub-labels is provided. The master label barcode has a sequence of digital values; the sequence of digital values uniquely distinguishes each master label. Each sub label has a sub-label identifier related to or equivalent to the master label bar-code. The master label is affixed to the field box and each of the sub-labels from the master label is affixed to one of the containers. The containers are then filled with produce and placed into the field box. The master label barcode is captured with a scanner and either now or at a later time, the captured master label barcode and an identification of the origin of the produce are transferred to a server where they are storing in a barcode tracking database.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader including a magnetic head, located in a non-secured region, at least one signal path including at least first and second electrical conductors extending from the magnetic head in the non-secured region to a secured region, circuitry located within the secured region and receiving at least one signal output along at least one signal path, the circuitry located within the secured region including functionality ensuring that a voltage difference along the at least first and second electrical conductors is virtually zero, thereby obviating illicit information retrieval via tapping of the at least first and second conductors and analysis of voltage differences therebetween.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to enable utilization of randomly-occurring features of a label (whether embedded or naturally inherent) to provide counterfeit-resistant and/or tamper-resistant labels. More specifically, labels including randomly-occurring features are scanned to determine the labels' features. The information from the scan is utilized to provide identifying indicia which uniquely identifies each label and may be later verified against the label features that are present to determine whether the label is genuine. In a described implementation, the identifying indicia may be cryptographically signed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a device for facilitating the acquisition of media assets. In some embodiments, the device includes: a housing; a USB connector projecting outwardly from an end of the housing; a card reader housed in the housing; non-volatile memory housed in the housing and coupled to the USB connector and the card reader; and a barcode disposed on a major surface of the housing, said barcode encoding an identifier that is associated with customer information.

Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of decoding a first barcode and a second barcode, different from the first barcode. The barcodes have typically been printed on a page and are derived from image scanning. The first barcode comprises a plurality of marks modulated about a first grid to redundantly encode data and the second barcode comprising a plurality of marks modulated about a second grid. The method estimates (810) the first grid from a bitmap representation (805) of at least a portion of the page, using modulated marks contained therein. The method determines (820) a first barcode region from the first grid, the first barcode region being a portion of the first barcode, followed by estimating a second grid from the bitmap representation, using modulated marks contained therein.

Abstract: A method is provided for reading distorted optical symbols using known locating and decoding methods, without requiring a separate and elaborate camera calibration procedure, without excessive computational complexity, and without compromised burst noise handling. The invention exploits a distortion-tolerant method for locating and decoding 2D code symbols to provide a correspondence between a set of points in an acquired image and a set of points in the symbol. A coordinate transformation is then constructed using the correspondence, and run-time images are corrected using the coordinate transformation. Each corrected run-time image provides a distortion-free representation of a symbol that can be read by traditional code readers that normally cannot read distorted symbols. The method can handle both optical distortion and printing distortion. The method is applicable to “portable” readers when an incident angle with the surface is maintained, the reader being disposed at any distance from the surface.

Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.

Abstract: A method of recovering a waveform representing a linear bar code, the method including the steps of: moving a sensing device relative to the barcode, said sensing device having a two-dimensional image sensor; capturing, using the image sensor, a plurality of two-dimensional partial images of said bar code during said movement; determining, from at least one of the images, a direction substantially perpendicular to the bars of the bar code; determining, substantially along the direction, a waveform fragment corresponding to each captured image; determining an alignment between each pair of successive waveform fragments; and recovering, from the aligned waveform fragments, the waveform.

Abstract: A dual laser targeting system is described. At least one pair of lasers is arranged symmetrically about an objective lens in a symbology reader. The lasers project a beam along their respective axis, which, when an optical element is placed in front of the laser, produces multiple beams concentric about each laser axis. These multiple beams produce a composite pattern that appears to be symmetrical about the optical axis of the objective lens. The resulting targeting pattern includes laser beam spots that frame the field of view (FOV) of the symbology reader, and the laser beam spots on the laser axes frame the optical center of the target.

Abstract: An optical reader comprises: a first illumination source for projecting a first illumination field on a target; a second illumination source for projecting a second illumination field on a target; an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof; and, a processor for decoding information from information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals; and, wherein the illuminance of the first illumination field on the target at a distance D from the first illumination source is greater than the illuminance of the second illumination field on the target at the distance D from the second illumination source.

Abstract: A POS-based digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an area-type illumination and imaging station for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The area-type illumination and imaging station includes an illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible LEDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) LEDs. wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and are substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array.

Abstract: A reading device for reading an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data. The reading device includes: a harness which is configured to tight fittingly receive at least a portion of a user's hand; a housing coupled to the harness, the housing including a void configured to tight fittingly receive therewithin a finger tip portion of a finger of the user's hand received within the harness, the housing including an aperture in a wall of the housing which is located, in use, adjacent the underside of the finger tip portion of the finger; a sensor provided in the housing for sensing at least some of the coded data through the aperture; and a processor for decoding at least some of the sensed coded data.

Abstract: A hand-held barcode scanner includes a fingerprint reader for reading fingerprint data from a digit of an operator of the barcode scanner. Preferably, an operator's digit can be comfortably placed on the fingerprint reader while the operator is scanning barcodes. This type of barcode scanner may be used with a system or method for verifying identity during data entry. A system includes the barcode scanner with fingerprint reader; a database storing identification data and fingerprint data for users; and a controller, which is in communication with the scanning element, the fingerprint reader and the database, that compares fingerprint data from a digit placed on the fingerprint reader with the database to obtain an identity of a user and then associates the identity of the user with barcodes scanned by the barcode scanner. The system may activate an alarm if the identity of the operator is not an authorized user.

Abstract: In one aspect, a label (1) preferably intended for packages for goods, is provided which has, on one hand, a coloring substance of capacity of producing a print by effect of heat, the color of which print contrasts with the base color of the label, and on the other hand, an agent having the purpose of, at least partially, destroying the contrast between the colors, if the label is exposed to a temperature above a predetermined maximum value, the label having a surface field for a print in the form of a bar-code (3). The label is manufactured from a porous, capillary-suctioning material, in addition to which the agent is included in a loading of a substance (7) that is solid at temperatures up to the maximum value, but becomes liquid above the maximum value, the substance loading being located beside the surface field of the bar-code (3). A package for goods provided with a label, as well as a method and equipment for the application of labels to packages for goods, are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a wheel support bearing device, in which the status of actual use is detected and stored as a history, an IC tag (9) capable of a contactless communication is affixed to the wheel support bearing device. This IC tag (9) is rendered to be a sensor incorporated IC tag integrated with or electrically connected with a sensor for detecting an object to be detected of the wheel support bearing device and a detection of the sensor is inputted through an input channel separate from a channel for the contactless communication. The sensor referred to above may be, for example, a coil and a magnet (10) capable of passing in the vicinity of the sensor incorporated IC tag (9) by the effect of a relative rotation.

Abstract: An identification verification system includes a combination of indicia that represent measurable characteristics mapped into a characteristic signature, and an indicia detector for detecting the characteristic signature and verifying authenticity of the characteristic signature.

Abstract: DOTEM is an information-coding method which is used to represent same on physical media with the aid of dots and in a computerised format, in memory and on networks with bits. Said method is based on the broad concept of characters grouped into alphabets. The characters comprise dots on documents, for example, and bits in machine format. The physical characters have specific dots that are not represented in machine format in order to enable same to be located on media, such as the foot of a character and the head of a character. Each character can represent at least the 256 values of an octet. The character concept is extended such that it can be identified by the value thereof and, such that it can be identified by the value thereof and, taken together, can represent one or more variables having any dimension but determined in the structure of the character.

Abstract: A graphic representation of symbols encoding data, the graphic representation including a reference symbol having a top and a bottom, the reference symbol top and bottom defining opposing limits of a code line, at least one graphic symbol, representing encoded information regarding a static road condition for processing by a vehicle moving along the road, disposed between the opposing limits of the code line, wherein the information is represented by a ratio of a height of each graphic symbol to the height of the reference symbol and by each symbol's position relative to the opposing limits of the code line, and wherein the reference symbol indicates a beginning of encoded information and a direction for decoding the encoded information.

Abstract: A segmented circular bar code is made-up of inner and outer locator rings, one or more data rings, two large orientation cells, an even number of radially-extending gaps dividing the bar code into a corresponding number of segments, and gap locator cells straddling each radially-extending gap. Each of the locator rings and the data rings is circular and has a finite width. All rings are concentric and there is no circumferential space between the rings.

Abstract: A method of registering a product item is disclosed. The product item has disposed thereon coded data portions at respective positions on a surface of the product item. Each coded data portion encodes a product item identity and the respective position of the coded data portion. The method starts by a sensing device sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity and the position of the sensed coded data portion, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system receives the indicating data, identifies that the position relates to a registration request, obtain owner data associated with the sensing device, determines an entity associated with the product item identity, and register the owner data with the entity.

Abstract: A multifunctional restrictive valve for controlling the flow of water therethrough. The valve has a main body with a flow channel through the main body. The main body receives water upstream thereof through an inlet port and passes it out through an outlet port at the downstream end of the body. A flow control assembly is located in the flow channel and includes a temperature sensor/actuator acting on a piston to move, when the temperature sensor heats up the piston, to block water flow control ports. The flow control assembly also includes an override feature wherein the piston is located within a slide and the flow control ports are located in the slide. By moving the slide away from the piston when the piston is blocking the flow control ports, the temperature sensor and piston may be overridden and flow may resume through the main body.

Abstract: An atomizer provides a control of duty cycle or a motor driving a diaphragm pump. By providing precise, high-speed flow through an eductor nozzle, improved atomization occurs. However, to control the total volume of atomized liquid discharged, the delay time between operational time periods may also be controlled. Thus, a very effective atomizer provides economical use of essential oils by control duty cycle. Precision modeling provides highly integrated subsystems providing superior performance and reliability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a spray head including a housing having a facetted front face with a plurality of intersecting surfaces. The spray head can include a nozzle in each one of the plurality of intersecting surfaces. The nozzle can be positioned within a first recess of the housing so that an outer end of the nozzle does not extend past an outer surface of the housing. The nozzle can generate and dispense a fog-like mist. The spray head can include a cover that substantially prevents an orifice of the nozzle from becoming blocked with debris. The cover can be installed within a second recess of the nozzle so that the cover is substantially flush with the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: Purge arrangement for powder coating system includes a gun manifold (40) that is selectively assembled for fluid communication with either a purge manifold (36) or a hopper manifold (34). This allows purging of multiple hoses and guns at the same time and simplified color change operations.

Abstract: A wash system for window glasses and/or headlamps of a vehicle, with a fluid line through which a fluid is conducted from a fluid reservoir into a nozzle and with a heating cable which is laid in the fluid line is disclosed. The heating cable is laid so as to enter the nozzle or to pass through the nozzle and to heat not only the fluid line but also the nozzle. One obtains a wash system that can be manufactured at low cost and ensures freeze protection at reduced energy expense by the fact that the heating cable is laid in a meander pattern in the nozzle.

Abstract: A variable rate suspension system for a boom sprayer including a lift assembly and chassis. The suspension system includes a needle valve fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator and a first and second lift arm cylinder. A control block provides hydraulic fluid to the system and lift arm cylinders. Dampening of vertical accelerations encountered by the chassis and transmitted to the boom sprayer through the lift assembly is controlled by adjusting the rate hydraulic fluid flows from the cylinders into the accumulator using the needle valve.