Abstract: The Invention relates to a drawn polymer film, comprising (A) a polymer or polymer blend and at least (B) one additional component with an average particle diameter of between 0.1 and 15 ?m, which by means of (C) one or several secondary treatment steps is processed to form a membrane after being drawn. The average particle diameter of component (B) ranges between 0.1 and 15 ?m, preferably 0.5-8.0 ?m, with the range between 1.0 and 7.0 ?m being particularly preferred. The membranes are used for alkene-alkane separation, electrodialysis, the desalinisation of seawater, in fuel cell applications and other membrane applications.

Abstract: A cabinet assembly is provided that can be quickly assembled and disassembled inside side racks used for the purpose of housing computer systems. The assembly comprises a plurality of side plates that can be secured to inside rack sides, preferably through flexible flanges, a plurality of top and bottom plates that can be secured to the side plates, and a mid-plate is disposed substantially horizontally between the top and bottom plates. Alternately, the assembly can also comprise at least one rear plate that can be secured to the side plates to provide a third side for the assembly. The rear plates having openings designed to allow for front to back air flow ventilation. The assembly can also have at least one divider plate, and preferably a plurality of divider plates, that can be secured to the top and bottom and/or mid-plate(s). In such a case, the divider plates are disposed above and/or below the mid-plate and preferably each have an upper divider plate and a lower divider plate.

Abstract: A teat for connection to a receiving unit of a drink container has a main body and, adjoining the main body and tapered relative to the main body, a mouthpiece with at least one suction opening. The teat has a first connector element for connection to the receiving unit, a second connector element for connection to the receiving unit, and a suction channel. The suction channel extends within the mouthpiece, extends and opens via a first end into the suction opening and is directed via a second end towards the main body. This second end forms the first connector element for leaktight connection to the receiving unit. The main body is designed such that it is adapted to be turned back towards the suction opening of the mouthpiece. This teat is adapted to be connected to the feeding bottle in a simple and hygienic manner and is easy to clean.

Abstract: A closure having a stopping mechanism whereby a stop lug is positionable between a flexed and unflexed position relative to a spring gap. The stop lug may project from a skirt of the closure top wall. The spring gap is positioned adjacent the stop lug to provide an area for the stop lug to travel when outside forces are applied to the stop lug and subsequently return back to the unflexed position. The stop lug may have a substantially vertical support rib in combination with a plurality of annularly spaced ribs.

Abstract: A combination of bottle and cap for dispensing a liquid. The bottle includes a narrow neck and a hollow handle. The hollow interior of the handle communicates at its upper and lower end with the interior of the body, to permit a flow of air through the neck opening, via the interior of the handle, to a lower region within the interior of the container so as to minimize glugging during pouring. The cap comprises a cap body attachable to the neck of the bottle. The cap includes on its crown first and second openings, for dispensing liquid and intake of air, respectively. The cap is configured to attach to the container body so as to position the second opening generally facing the handle, while the first opening is opposed to the handle.

Abstract: A closure for sealing a container, in particular a container that, prior to first use by a consumer, includes an opening or aperture covered by a seal, wherein the closure is equipped with a perforating member adapted to open or break the seal, thereby enabling the consumer to access the contents of the container.

Abstract: A lock member L1 including an operation portion L1a and a lock bar L1b is disposed on each of first opposite side walls 2 to be brought down firstly toward a bottom portion 1, and a pivotal shaft 13 formed in the operation portion is pivotally supported in a bearing hole 2g2 formed in each of the first opposite side walls to be brought down firstly toward the bottom portion. To allow cancellation of a lock state between the lock member and each of second opposite side walls to be brought down secondly toward the bottom portion, the operation portion is pivotally moved downward. During an unlocking operation, even when an operator pivotally moves the operation portion included in the lock member, the operation portion is prevented from being tilted. Thus, the lock bar of the lock member can be used to reliably perform the unlocking operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an individual packaging case for objects with fracture risk wherein the individual packaging case comprises a base with an open, upward-pointing receiving bore, into which the shank of the object with fracture risk is inserted and self-containedly protrudes from the upward-open receiving bore in the base and wherein the part with fracture risk of the object is protected by means of a protective cap pushed onto the base from above. The invention is characterized in that the novel packaging case can be folded over an axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and that due to the folding, the object to be protected becomes at least partially freely accessible.

Abstract: A lid for use with a jar having an opening includes a closure member configured to cover the jar opening when the closure member is fastened to the jar. The lid includes an attachment member coupled to the closure member to selectively fasten the closure member to the jar. A catch is coupled to the closure member that extends toward the jar when the closure member is fastened to the jar. The lid includes a utensil having a use end and an opposed attachment end. A hook extends from the utensil attachment end so as to rotatably couple the utensil to the catch, each hook being removable from the catch only when the utensil is generally parallel to the closure member. The utensil has a length that prevents the utensil from being generally parallel to the closure member when the closure member is fastened to the jar.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for improved trash containers with liners and a vented divider is described. The vented divider is installed in one corner of the container to facilitate air inlet such that the bag is easier to retrieve even when full. For reasons of utility and aesthetics the divider has plurality of inlets at the bottom instead of a single inlet. The divider also includes an access member, a pair of parallel flexible hinges also known as living hinges as well as a holder for a prior art air freshener. Means for easy installation and removal and reinstallation in a new trash container are also provided.

Abstract: A dunnage structure comprising a partition matrix made up of folded partitions, each of the partitions having two plies fused together in select locations. The partitions may be made by folding a partition blank and securing a portion of the folded partition blank to itself in predetermined locations. Passages extend through portions of the partitions to allow multiple partitions to be secured together using connectors.

Abstract: A crate system for transport of items. The system includes a set of U shaped tubes that are mounted in an upright position on beams. A second set of U shaped tubes are also mounted in an upright position on beams. Each assembled set are then mounted on top of one another to form a crate system. The crate system can safely secure and even stack heavy items on top of one another. These crate systems can then be disassembled for packing and shipping back to the original shipper.

Abstract: A polyhedron disposable container formed from flexible weldable plastic film and a method of forming the same are provided. The container has opposite ends and an openings that accommodates a port at the center of at least one of such ends. The container also has multiple sides and an opening on at least one such side located midway between the edges of such side.

Abstract: A lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions.

Abstract: A product delivery system for delivering a product from a storage area to a dispensing area, such as for use in a vending machine. The product delivery system may include a vacuum holding device, a robotic positioning system, a reel and cable system, and a controller. A feature is the provision of a picker head with a built-in vacuum generating source that may be carried by a robotically movable arm system.

Abstract: A dispensing head is removably attached to a beverage dispensing system base without additional fasteners, wherein beverage forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head are independently accountable to regulate the dispensing of the beverage. In one version of the invention, four liquids are supplied to the dispensing head through the conduits, namely two liquid concentrates; carbonated water; and noncarbonated water. By selective opening of the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more of the liquids.

Abstract: Combination of a dispenser (1) and container (7) for carbonated drink, the container being provided at the top with an outflow channel (10), extending in the direction of the central axis of the container, and a dispensing valve (11), closed under spring tension, for dispensing carbonated drink via a dispensing line (12, 13) connected to the outflow channel (10), the dispenser (1) being provided with a chill chamber (4) for accommodating the container (7) and with a dispensing head (15) with a handle (17) whereby the handle (17) is connected to an operating member (18, 20) that, during use, engages on the dispensing valve (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing unit, particularly suitable for a liquid container, comprising an air pump with an air cylinder and an air piston (31), wherein an air chamber (32) is defined between the air cylinder and the air piston, a liquid pump with a liquid cylinder and a liquid piston (24), wherein a liquid chamber (30) is defined between the liquid cylinder and the liquid piston. An axially displaceable activating element (36) for activating the pumps, and upper edge (50) of air piston (31) for closing air supply to the air pump, and an oblique wall (51) of activating element (36) for closing air discharge from the air pump. The air piston and the liquid piston are movable in axial direction relative to the activating element in order to close air supply to the air pump and close air discharge from the air pump.

Abstract: A sleeve (10) for a material container (14), the sleeve being adapted to receive a material container (14) therein, the sleeve also being adapted to be received in an opening of a corresponding material ejection device chassis (12) operable to control ejection of material from the material container (14), wherein the sleeve (10) includes a magnet (42) operable to activate an electromagnetic switch of the material ejection device chassis (12).

Abstract: A jar or bottle container for dispensing food items or other products that may have a liquid component and a solid component has a platform that is supported on a threaded post on the interior of the jar. A base seated at an open bottom of the jar body is turned to rotate the post and elevate the platform to push the food item upward. The platform has a ring seal and radial lip or tooth structure that rides in vertical channels formed in the inner wall of the jar body. A weight or ballast may be present in the base.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid from a container, includes an intake pipe to receive liquid from the container, an outlet to dispense liquid, a pressure supply mechanism to supply pressurized fluid to the container at a first pressure, and a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism is operable to dispense liquid from the container by reducing the pressure in the container to a second pressure, connecting the intake pipe to the outlet to dispense fluid from the container, and subsequently increasing the pressure in the container to the first pressure.

Abstract: A configurable wrist or arm worn camera harness (1a) that facilitates convenient carry, access, and secure use of a camera during participation in a physical activity. Camera harness (1a) is comprised of an adjustable strap system for attaching harness (1a) to operator wrist or arm and a coupling system for attaching, one at a time, cameras of various shapes and sizes to aforementioned harness (1a) in a either a manner that allows camera to be moved pivotably while attached to harness (1a) and operator or in a manner that secures camera in a fixed, non-pivoting position. A clasping system is incorporated to harness (1a) to secure camera in a first secure flat carry position on operator wrist or arm. Clasping system can be released by operator to allow camera to be pivotably moved upright into a second secure position for the purpose of taking a photograph.

Abstract: A sack for compressing compressible material contained therein, the sack including: a pliable body portion (20) for receiving the material, the body portion having a lower base portion (22), wall means (21) and an upper opening (23) for introducing the material into the sack and removing it therefrom; cover means (28) exterior to the body portion and fixed thereto proximate the opening and having cover fastening means (29, 30, 31, 32) for releasably fastening to the body portion proximate the base whereby the cover means covers the opening, and a plurality of straps (25, 26) and/or connectors exterior to the body portion and attached thereto; wherein the cover fastening means and the plurality of straps and/or connectors are operable to compress material in the body portion.

Abstract: A coupling member for removably attaching an accessory to a carrier, wherein the coupling member includes an elongate portion of material having a first end portion, an intermediate portion, and a second end portion. At least one hook is formed from a portion of the first end portion, wherein the hook formed from the first end portion allows the first end portion of the coupling member to be removably secured to an accessory webbing or a carrier webbing when the coupling member has been interwoven between aligned carrier tunnel segments and accessory tunnel segments of an accessory and carrier. The coupling member may optionally include a hook formed from a portion of the second end portion.

Abstract: A fastener driving apparatus includes a power source, a control circuit, a motor, a first cylinder, a first piston, a linear motion converter, a second cylinder, a second piston, an anvil, a retention element retaining a component of the apparatus, and at least one sensor. During a compression stroke, the first piston compresses gas in a first cylinder to a predetermined pressure. Compressed gas is communicated to the second cylinder and the retention force of the retention element is overcome, to release the retained component of the apparatus, thereby causing the second piston to move linearly and enabling the anvil to drive the fastener into the workpiece. During a return stroke of the first piston, a vacuum created in the first cylinder is communicated to the second cylinder, causing the second piston and the anvil to retract to their initial positions.

Abstract: A stapler comprises an upper assembly for driving a staple through a stack of papers to be bound, and a lower assembly with a staple anvil for clinching the staples only after the staples are completely driven through the papers. The staple anvil is kept clear of the effort to drive in the staples by a risen table that is allowed to drop around the staple anvil in a second stage of operation. The upper assembly and a handle for the user are provided that are arranged to give the user a 2:1 mechanical advantage with a lever arrangement.

Abstract: A stud welding apparatus comprises a feeder to receive a plurality of studs and feed the stud one by one with the stud being fed in advance of a weld portion thereof from an outlet of the feeder; and a welding gun to receive the stud as fed from the feeder through a feeding pipe to hold the stud and to weld the stud to a workpiece. The outlet of the feeder is provided with a shuttle loader wherein a hollow shuttle is loaded to a rod body of the stud to extend the length of a short stud, so that the shuttle loaded stud is lengthened as a whole to prevent the shuttle loaded stud from tumbling in the feeding pipe and/or a stud path in the welding gun.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) apparatus has an FSW tool adapted for joining work pieces supportable against a backing anvil. The FSW apparatus comprises a pair of clamping rollers maintained in substantially perpendicular relationship to the backing anvil as the FSW tool moves along the tool path. A roller pivot joint of the FSW apparatus maintains a cylindrical roller outer surface of each clamping roller in substantially parallel relationship to the top sides of the work pieces. The roller pivot joint may include a gimballing roller bearing to which the clamping roller is mounted. The roller bearing is universally movable in a variety of directions to maintain the perpendicular relationship of the clamping rollers relative to the backing anvil.

Abstract: A brazed aluminum counter-flow heat exchanger particularly suited for use in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is produced by assembling and welding subassemblies of corrugated fins that were previously vacuumed brazed in a stacked group. After the brazing operation, the stacked group of subassemblies are later separated and rearranged to create a subsequent stack of alternating layers of corrugated layers and layers having wide open saltwater passageways. To complete the unit, a friction stir welding process provides final exterior weld seams that penetrate to the internal saltwater passageways in the heat exchanger. The full weld penetration eliminates corrosion-conducive crevices at the welded joints, thus making the aluminum heat exchanger suitable for saltwater use.

Abstract: A laminate aluminum block for forming an article includes a series of aluminum laminate plates to collectively form a tool body for forming an article in a forming operation. A series of aluminum brazing layers are formed for brazing together adjacent aluminum laminate plates. The series of aluminum laminate plates and the series of aluminum brazing layers are deoxidized. Draining apertures are formed through a plurality of the series of aluminum laminate plates. The series of aluminum laminate plates are stacked alternating with the aluminum brazing layers between adjacent aluminum laminate plates without a flux. The stacked series of alternating aluminum plates and aluminum brazing layers are pressed. The stacked series of alternating aluminum plates and aluminum brazing layers are heated in a vacuum furnace to a temperature wherein the aluminum brazing layers braze the aluminum laminate plates together and excess braze material drains from the draining apertures.

Abstract: A printing apparatus using a consumable providing at least one of an image receiving tape, the consumable carrying a tag holding parameter information identifying the width of the tape and status information including the amount of tape remaining in the consumable, the printing apparatus comprising: printing means for printing an image; a tag reader arranged to receive said information from the tag via a contactless link in the form of electromagnetic waves; and a processor arranged to (i) receive said information and to control operation of the printing apparatus in dependence thereon including selecting a printing operation based on the identified width, and (ii) update the status information based on usage of the tape via the contactless link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an online method for associating an image with an indicator. The method involves a computer system storing a captured image in the clipboard of a server. The computer system determines the selection of an association operator from a number of association operators of a printed toolbar made with a selection tool. The computer system further determines the selection of an indicator on a printed page made with the selection tool and associates the captured image in the clipboard with the selected indicator in accordance with the selected association operator.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to carry out transactions using data read from user cards through operation of a card reader. The automated banking machine includes a chest portion, with a moveable door. A cash dispenser extends in the chest portion. The chest door is mounted to the chest portion through hinge assemblies having respective hinge pins. A bolt work is operative to selectively hold the chest door closed. A security module portion on at least one of the hinge assemblies and the bolt work includes at least one hard freely rotatable body in a bore. The security module portion is resistant to attack by a saw. The security module portion at least partially spans at least one critical component of the hinge assemblies or the bolt work to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the chest portion.

Abstract: Customized transactional cards are created in one of various ways. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card already having an encoded account number, create a customized design, and then apply the customized design to the blank transaction card such as by printing the design onto a label to be applied to the blank transactional card or directly onto the card. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card which has not yet been authorized with an account number, create a customized design, apply the customized design to the transactional card, and at some point send the transactional card to the card issuer where it can be authorized by having an account number applied to it and then returned to the card holder. The card holder may access a web site to create a customized design and then the card issuer creates the transactional card according to the customized design and sends the transactional card having an encoded account number to the card holder.

Abstract: Metal-containing transaction cards, useful for the purchase of goods and/or services are disclosed. The metal-containing transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3? inches by about 2 14 inches) or any other size yet still usable as a transaction card. Moreover, the metal-containing transaction card may include a pocket having characters embossed therein. Further, the metal-containing transaction card may include a fill panel disposed within the pocket. The metal may be titanium or stainless steel.

Abstract: An access control gate with a mechanical guide forms one or more access lanes for patrons. A contactless access reader which is connected to a software controlled verification system identifies access right of patrons shortly before the person approaches a gate threshold formed by two motor driven flaps which when closed protrude into the access lane from left and right of the lateral lane boundaries a verification system activates the flaps when an access right has been granted. Two or more photoelectric barriers detect the passage of patrons through the gate threshold, wherein the detecting beams are spaced apart by between 1 and 10 inches and directed to the lane zone behind the gate threshold. The flaps are closed after the patron has passed through.

Abstract: Method for tracking a sales channel of a merchandise item, comprising: storing an item identifier of said merchandise item on a data carrier; storing in a data base said item identifier together with an associated sales channel identifier; selling said merchandise item together with said data carrier to a customer; reading at a customer's location said item identifier from said data carrier; transmitting said item identifier together with a location identifier to said registration data base; identifying said item identifier in said data base; and comparing said location identifier with said associated sales channel identifier.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The method further includes, in the computer system, receiving the indicating data, determining the product item identity, determining a current product item status from the product status information stored in the data store, and updating the product status information in accordance with the indicating data.

Abstract: A tag for tracking inventory levels and uses of an implant. The tag has a first component having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a second component having a proximal portion and distal portion. Additionally, the tag has an implant receiving cavity formed by the distal portion of the first component and the distal portion of the second component. Furthermore, the tag has a planar surface formed by the proximal portion of the first component and the proximal portion of the second component. The planar surface extending from the implant receiving cavity such that the planar surface is substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the implant received within the implant receiving cavity. In addition, the tag has a tamper evident locking mechanism configured for locking the first component to the second component. Additionally, at least a portion of the first and second components is radiopaque.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a structure for making a security document and/or a document of value, or for making an article secure, the structure comprising at least one electronic device and at least one at least partially fibrous layer having a window arranged to receive the electronic device, at least in part, the method comprising the following steps: placing at least part of the electronic device in the window in the layer; and then depositing a resin in the window so as to encapsulate the electronic device, at least in part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing RF interference inside a dual-interface card reader and a dual-interface card reader, which relate to dual-interface card reader field. The method includes: adjusting RF power by the dual-interface card reader to reach a specified maximum value; determining the type of an IC card which is operating currently by the dual-interface card reader; if the IC card is a contactless IC card, responding to the contactless card and not responding to any contact IC card before the operation of the contactless IC card is completed by the dual-interface card reader; if the IC card is a contact IC card, adjusting the RF power so as to make the RF power to be lower and responding to the contact IC card by the dual-interface card reader, and if a contactless IC is operating before the operation of the contact IC card is completed, responding to the contactless IC card simultaneously by the dual-interface card reader.

Abstract: A method of improving the performance of an imaging reader includes (1) illuminating a symbol by projecting illuminating light on the symbol from the imaging reader, (2) capturing return light form the symbol as pixel data over a two-dimensional field of view of a solid-state imager having a matrix of image sensors, (3) reducing the number of pixels to generate reduced pixel data, (4) transmitting the reduced pixel data to a decoding circuit.

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: The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and image documents. The bar code reader includes a housing including a vertical and a horizontal transparent window H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. Cameras C1-C6 have image capture sensor arrays positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of an object within a camera field of view. Two specific cameras can capture the front and back images from a document such as a check 100 placed on the horizontal transparent window.

Abstract: A method utilizing an imaging-based bar code reader to identify a desired acquisition area within a captured image frame, the desired acquisition area including a target bar code and an extent of the desired acquisition area bounded by a border featuring: identifying a region of the captured image frame corresponding to an image of the target bar code; determining a reference point within the imaged target bar code; determining a reference point within an image of the desired acquisition area; searching for an image of the border of the desired acquisition area; identifying the imaged border of the desired acquisition area; and saving in memory a portion of the captured image frame corresponding to an image within the imaged border.

Abstract: A computing device and method for reading a barcode captured with a color image sensor is disclosed. The barcode can have features and background that have equal brightness such that the barcode could not be decoded with known greyscale decoding techniques. The method for reading the barcode includes receiving color image values for each pixel of a captured image of a target barcode from a color image sensor, determining chrominance values for each pixel from the color image values, detecting edges based on the chrominance values to generate an edge-detected image that is provided to a greyscale barcode decoder to decode the information in the target barcode. The chrominance values can be based on the blue and red difference components from the YUV image format, and the U and V values can be combined using color temperature information.

Abstract: An imaging module or reader for electro-optically reading both far-out and close-in, one-dimensional symbols located at variable working distances from the module or reader, includes a solid-state imager having a linear array of image sensors arranged in a single row for capturing return light from the symbols, and an imaging lens assembly for adjustably focusing the return light onto the linear array of image sensors to enable the symbols to be read.

Abstract: The fabrication method comprises a step of exposing at least one organic diode to a gas, before packaging of the device, to form a plurality of randomly distributed black spots by impairment. Increasing the exposure time enables the size of the black spots to be increased, also randomly. The surface distribution of the black spots, visible by electroluminescence, enables an object associated with this distribution to be identified in reliable manner.

Abstract: A chip for a smart card including a plurality of electrical contacts for communication of data with a smart card reader is disclosed. In one embodiment, a chip for a smart card includes a core circuit and a plurality of input/output pads corresponding to said set of electrical contacts, wherein said input/output pads are divided into at least a first column and a second column placed immediately adjacent to the first column, such that the first and second columns form a cluster. In another embodiment, eight input/output pads are divided into two columns, placed immediately adjacent to each other. The cluster may be partially surrounded by the core circuit. The chip may further comprise an ESD network, comprising VDD and GND buses for improved ESD protection while reducing the size of the chip.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for making and using EMF signature enabled portable consumer devices are disclosed. EMF signature enabled portable consumer devices, such as credit cards, can include a conductive or semiconductive brittle material layer with an intentionally created random crack or fissure pattern. The intentionally created unique random crack patterns can be created by cost effective and highly scalable standardized processes. When an input signal is applied to the portable consumer device, an EMF signature based on the unique random crack pattern can be induced. The resulting EMF signature can be detected, processed and used as the basis for various encryption, security or authentication protocols.