Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing fluid in preselected volumetric quantities.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The actuator comprises an actuator button being rotatable relative to a base for movement between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The actuator button is tiltable relative to the base for actuating the aerosol valve to dispense the aerosol product when the actuator button is rotated into the unlocked rotational position. The actuator button is inhibited from tilting relative to the base when the actuator button is moved into the locked rotational position.

Abstract: A dual dispenser for dispensing both air freshener and soap. A method of facilitating replacement of a supply of air freshener every time a supply of soap is replaced, including the steps of providing a supply of air freshener, providing a supply of soap and joining the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener. A method of packaging a supply unit including providing a supply of soap and a supply of air freshener and connecting the supply of soap and the supply of air freshener in a manner such that when the supply of soap is removed from a dispenser, the supply of air freshener is removed from the dispenser as well. A supply unit for the dual dispenser including a receptacle, a supply of soap within the receptacle, and a supply of air freshener connected to or secured within the receptacle.

Abstract: A bottle formed of a food-grade plastic material, such as clear polyethylene terephthalate, may include a frustoconical neck portion, a shoulder region, a base region, and a sidewall portion have opposed grip-enhancing surfaces, and elastically deformable pressure panels. A cap for the container may include a valve to control product leakage, and may be sized to allow inversion of the bottle. A generally trapezoidal tab of the cap may be moveable between a closed position covering a cap orifice and an open position outside the plane of the cap.

Abstract: A dispenser system for flowable material includes several interchangeable cartridge assemblies for retaining flowable material, each cartridge assembly including a dispensing piston sealingly and slidably retained within a cylinder, the cylinder having a distal cylinder dispensing end to which a material passing attachment can be sealingly mounted and having a proximal cylinder mounting end, and the piston including a piston head for creating the slidable seal within the cylinder and a piston drive mechanism connected to the piston; a drive structure for engaging and mounting the cartridge assembly and for progressively driving the flowable material out of the cartridge assembly and onto a target surface, the drive structure including a cartridge assembly engagement structure and having a piston drive mechanism which drivably and releasibly engages the piston drive mechanism upon fitting the cylinder to the engagement structure.

Abstract: A pouring nozzle for a device for nozzle insertion and/or removal has a shape that is adapted so as to better resist the stresses imposed by their use and notably the stresses linked to the maintenance of the nozzle in the device. The pouring nozzle is provided with two exposed bearing faces forming with the pouring channel an angle ? of 20° to 80°. A pushing device applies thrust force to the nozzle. A casting installation embodies the nozzle and the pushing device.

Abstract: A multi-channel separation mechanism assembly for a lottery or other ticket dispensing machine includes a separate detachable feed mechanism associated with each separate feed channel, such that the feed mechanism for a single channel can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire assembly. Each such detachable feed mechanism includes a compact transmission wherein drive is efficiently transferred from a vertically-oriented feed motor to horizontally-oriented feed rollers. Each feed channel is additionally equipped with a bidirectional mechanical flag which triggers an optical sensor to detect presence of a ticket strip in the channel while still allowing appropriate reverse motion of the ticket strip within the associated channel.

Abstract: The new invention is a portable tool, specifically directed electric motor driven nail gun. It has a nail push system, also a motor. The motor uses a flywheel as a speed reduction mechanism, the main characteristic is that the drive unit of the driving mechanism is connected to a pitman by a pin axis on one end, and the other end is connected to the pin axis which does the arc movement. The end of the drive unit props up the long slot by a spring and enclosed by the long slot in a sliding movement. The rectilinear reciprocating drive unit is governed by a clutching mechanism mounted on the speed reduction mechanism. The new invention can provide a powerful impacting force. The clutch bar of the driving mechanism has an outer bulge and inner bulge, it controls the tension spring which makes the drive unit impact nails and recover after impacting nails, without any memory of the rotating state.

Abstract: A staple drive assembly includes an actuation sled and at least one staple pusher. The staple drive assembly is adapted to fit within a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a corresponding number of retention slots. The at least one staple pusher includes at least one pusher plate for releasably engaging a backspan of a staple. The staple pusher may include a plurality of pusher plates that may be laterally and longitudinally spaced apart. An actuation member has at least one angled camming surface for engaging a complimentary angled surface of the at least one staple pusher. Camming engagement between the actuation member and the at least one staple pusher causes vertical movement of the at least one staple pusher. Lateral and longitudinal offset of the actuation member camming surfaces and the corresponding staple pusher following surfaces improves stability and control of the staple pusher during firing.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an endoscopic portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a first longitudinal axis. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The end effector includes a cartridge channel configured and dimensioned to securely receive a cartridge therein.

Abstract: A welding apparatus is provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The apparatus heats the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding mixer, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during heating.

Abstract: A swelling element packer is made with internal rings that are either split or scrolled. After the swelling element is built on a temporary mandrel a longitudinal seam of a variety of designs is cut through the element. This allows the rapid deployment of the element on the tubular that will be a part of a string and will serve as the final mandrel. The assembly is then magnetic pulse welded or crimped so as to urge the open ends of the rings to move toward each other and become secured to each other and further opening the possibility of attaching parts on the ring itself to the underlying tubular by displacing or otherwise removing the swelling material that was between the ring and the final mandrel when the magnetic pulse process began. The rings can be embedded wholly within the element or can extend beyond the opposed ends or combinations of the two.

Abstract: Electronic assemblies including coreless substrates and their manufacture using electrolytic plating, are described. One method includes providing a core comprising a metal, and forming a dielectric material on the core. The method also includes forming vias in the dielectric material, the vias positioned to expose metal regions. The method also performing an electrolytic plating of metal into the vias and on the metal regions, wherein the core is electrically coupled to a power supply during the electrolytic plating of metal into the vias and delivers current to the metal regions. The method also includes removing the metal core after the electrolytic plating of metal into the vias. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A package comprises a carton and a divider. The carton has a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The divider has a divider panel that at least partially divides the interior of the carton and a securing flap that is connected to the divider panel. The securing flap is positioned between the overlapping end flaps of the carton, whereby the divider is at least partially secured to the closed end of the carton.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The machine includes a housing, a card reader in operatively-supported connection with the housing and operative to read indicia on user cards corresponding to financial accounts, a display in operatively-supported connection with the housing, and a cash dispenser in operatively-supported connection with the housing. The machine further includes a fascia movably mounted in operatively-supported connection with the housing and a journal printer assembly mounted to the fascia. The journal printer assembly includes a vertically arranged print head, a paper supply, and a paper take-up.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for establishing financial transaction rules to control one or more subsidiary financial accounts. In one embodiment, a financial account management application stored on a processor-based device may provide an interface for defining financial transaction rules to be applied to a subsidiary account. The financial transaction rules may be based upon transaction amounts, aggregate spending amounts over a period, merchant categories, specific merchants, geographic locations, or the like. The device may update the financial transaction rules associated with a subsidiary account by communicating the rules to an appropriate financial server. Accordingly, transactions made using the subsidiary account by a subsidiary account holder may be evaluated against the defined rules, wherein an appropriate control action is carried out if a financial transaction rule is violated.

Abstract: Automated banking machines include a Global Positioning System (GPS). The machines can transmit their GPS location reading to a service center. The service center can receive through a customer's cell phone, a customer request for directions to the nearest cash dispensing machine that does not have a transaction fee. The customer request can include account data and GPS location of the cell phone. The service center can determine from the account data which financial networks would not cause the customer to be assessed a transaction fee for a cash withdrawal. The service center can then determine from the GPS locations of the machines in these financial networks, which machine is geographically closest to the cell phone's GPS location. Directions to this nearest automated banking machine are then sent to the cell phone.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is equipped with hardware and/or software components to enable the device to output a data in a form of a radio frequency signal, emulating outputting of the data by either an active or a passive RFID transponder. The data may be a security key or an identifier. Emulation of an active RFID transponder includes facilitating selection of the data and instruction to output by a user. Emulation of a passive RFID transponder includes detecting for proximal presence of a RFID reader. Either case, provision of the data to the mobile communication device may include provision of associated signal attribute(s).

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The machine operates to carry out financial transactions for authorized users responsive to data corresponding to financial accounts included on user cards. The banking machine includes a housing bounding an interior area, and an opening into the interior area. The machine includes a card reader, a display, and a cash dispenser. The machine further includes at least one module moveable between an operative position within the housing and a service position. A plurality of position sensors is operative to sense disposed portions of the module and at least one indicator is operative to provide a visual output indicative that the module is in the operative position.

Abstract: A card registry system is configured to automatically identify financial card information in one or more credit files associated with a consumer and populate a card registry account of the consumer with the identified financial card information. Once the financial card information has been obtained from the credit file(s), the card registry system may transmit cancellation and/or reissuance requests to the respective card issuers in the instance that one or more cards are compromised, so that the financial cards may be easily and efficiently cancelled and/or reissued at the request of the consumer.

Abstract: A system and method for disputing individual items that are the subject of a transaction includes storing, in a database, a record of a transaction in which a plurality of goods or services were sold to an individual that owns a transaction card through which access to monetary funds may be obtained, so that the transaction is identified by a transaction identifier. Also, information identifying each good or service that is a subject of the transaction is associated with said transaction identifier. A cost associated with one of the goods or services associated with the transaction identifier is disputed, without subjecting costs of all goods or services that are associated with said transaction identifier to dispute.

Abstract: A method for transferring a signal between a calculator device having a USB connector and a remote device is described. The method includes: connecting the calculator device with the remote device using the USB connector; transmitting a signal from the remote device to the calculator device using the USB connector; and receiving the transmitted signal from the remote device. A calculator device having a USB connector is described. The calculator device includes a processor for executing one or more instructions, a memory connected with the processor and storing data and instructions for execution by the processor, and a USB connector connected with the processor and connectable to a remote device for transferring a signal between the calculator device and the remote device. The calculator device is responsive to a signal received over the USB connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of automating arrival and departure procedures in an airport, by which the forgery of a passport, the identity of a passport bearer, the arrival or departure permission according to a result of arrival and departure examinations, and the carry-on of prohibited items on the plane are automatically checked. The apparatus for automating arrival and departure procedures according to the present invention includes an exit gate, a departure automation apparatus, and may further include an entrance gate and a scanner. In the apparatus for automating arrival and departure procedures according to the present invention, a departure area entry procedure, a security screening procedure, and a departure examination procedure for departure passengers, which are conventionally performed separately in different areas, may be incorporated in the same area and performed therein.

Abstract: A post-consumption item that has a Radio Frequency (RF) tag associated therewith is disposed of by reading the RF tag to obtain information stored thereon and selecting a manner to dispose of the post-consumption item based on the obtained information. An inventory of post-consumption items that have RF tags associated therewith, respectively, is maintained by reading the RF tags to obtain categorization information stored thereon and maintaining the inventory of the post-consumption items based on the obtained categorization information.

Abstract: A removable spindle for use in a thermal transfer printer houses dual RFID reader antennas that are used to read an RFID tag attached to the core of the print media. The information provided by the RFID tag enables the printer to self-calibrate based on the type of media loaded. The antenna design eliminates “null” areas at which the tag cannot be read, and enables the tag to be read around and across the entire length of the printer spindle. The design also allows the media holder to be easily removed from the printer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a sensor array having rows of pixels which are exposed to symbol indicia, wherein the sensor array generates a sync signal; an aiming pattern generator for producing an aiming pattern superimposed on the symbol indicia; a processor which utilizes the sync signal to control the aiming pattern generator to: turn on the aiming pattern during exposure of a first predetermined row of pixels; turn off the aiming pattern during exposure of a second predetermined row of pixels; turn on the aiming pattern during exposure of a third predetermined row of pixels; and, a housing for housing the sensor array, aiming pattern generator and processor for hand held operation.

Abstract: A reflection type encoder, which receives a plurality of light-receiving signals from a single scale, includes a light source, a scale having a plurality of patterns formed thereon to which light is irradiated from the light source, and a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected from each of the plurality of patterns, wherein a plurality of patterns each having different thicknesses are formed on a single track of the scale by using a dielectric substance, light of a plurality of wavelengths each having different brightnesses in accordance with differences in the thickness of the dielectric substance is irradiated from the light source, and a light-receiving signal is obtained for the respective thicknesses of the dielectric substance. Therefore, the scale can be downsized by overlapping a plurality of patterns on the same track.

Abstract: An improved contactless sensing device comprises a cover plate, a case, a base, a light-guiding module, a printed circuit board, and two lateral plates. When the sensing device senses a credit card containing a specific tag, a plurality of second light-emitting elements on the two lateral plates emit light of specific colors. The light is displayed on a light-permeable sensing element of the cover plate through the light-guiding module and a second opening of the housing.

Abstract: A filter-free projector includes a light source unit to generate light beam with different color and a color control module couple to the light source unit for switching the light source unit to emit one color light at a time. A digital mirror device panel having a plurality of mirror elements is provided so as to reflect light fed from the light source unit. Projection lens is positioned in the reflected light path from the digital mirror device panel to project image.

Abstract: A customizable, portable identification and memory device includes a housing having a front sleeve housing member with a sleeve that receives a slideable printable card member and an electronic memory device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, pivoted to the housing that is rotatable between a stored position of the memory device within a recess of the housing and one or more deployed positions of the memory device, for example, at 90 degrees and 180 degrees, in which a connector portion of the memory device is exposed for connection to a port of a computing device. The slideable printable card member can be imprinted with text and/or graphics, such as personal identification information and/or insurance information for a user and/or can be imprinted with allergies, medications, and emergency contact information for the user, and the memory device can store voluminous information, such as a personal health record (PHR) for a user.

Abstract: This invention proposes a manufacturing process for a transponder in the form of a card or a label able to resist to flexions or twisting without interrupting the connections of the electronic components. The process of assembling at least one electronic component including sensibly flat conductive areas that are connected to conductive tracks placed on the surface of a generally flat substrate comprises the steps of placing the substrate on a work surface, the face including conductive tracks being oriented upwards, placing the electronic component into a cavity of the substrate situated in a zone including the conductive tracks, the conductive areas of the component coming into contact with the corresponding tracks of the substrate and applying a layer of insulating material which extends at once on the electronic component and at least on a substrate zone surrounding said component.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided, which includes an antenna, a first circuit (a boosting circuit), a second circuit (a reference voltage supply circuit), and a third circuit (a voltage comparison circuit). The first circuit is electrically connected to the antenna, and includes at least a first charge pump, a second charge pump, and a first switch disposed between the first charge pump and the second charge pump. The second circuit is configured to generate a reference voltage in accordance with a first output voltage supplied from the first charge pump. The third circuit is configured to compare the reference voltage, the first output voltage, and a second output voltage supplied from the second charge pump.

Abstract: A wireless mobile communications apparatus reads removable cards and can communicate an account corresponding to the removable card in order to conduct a wireless transaction with a merchant on the account with the wireless mobile communications apparatus. A total currency amount for the transaction, and remaining balance in the account after the transaction, can be displayed on a display screen of the wireless mobile communications apparatus. The removable card can be a gift card bearing a magnetic strip having an identifier for the account encoded thereto that will be read when inserted into the wireless mobile communications apparatus which can be a cellular telephone or Web enabled portable device. The magnetic strip gift card can be substantially composed of paper so as to be intended for disposable after use.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for manufacturing radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. An RFID device can be formed with a substrate, a conductor and a laminate or coating. The RFID device can be such that an antenna can be formed on the conductor and the laminate can be applied to insulate or protect the antenna.

Abstract: A method for producing a RFID label comprises conveying a first label base material which is transparent from a first holding portion holding the first label base material, forming an image on a surface of the first label base material, conveying a second label base material including at least one of a RFID antenna conductor and an IC chip from a second holding portion holding the second label base material and joining the second label base material and the first label base material on which an image has been formed together, wherein, when an image is formed on the first label base material, the image is formed on a surface of the first label base material, the surface being joined to the second label base material.

Abstract: A computerized device has an open communication session with a smart card via a smart card reader. The smart card reader and the computerized device cooperate to enable another computerized device to communicate with the smart card over the open communication session. Communication between the other computerized device and the smart card is routed via the computerized device that has the open communication session.

Abstract: The invention concerns a burner, particularly an auxiliary burner in a motor vehicle and most especially a burner to rapidly heat up a three way catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with a fuel supply mechanism to deliver fuel to the burner, an air supply mechanism to deliver air to the burner, as well as with an open-loop or closed-loop control mechanism to set a desired fuel-air-ratio in the burner. The invention additionally concerns a procedure to operate such a burner. Provision is made, that the open-loop or closed-loop mechanism adjusts the fuel mass delivered from the fuel supply mechanism to the burner to the air mass delivered from the air supply mechanism to the burner.

Abstract: In order to operate an injection valve, a freewheeling operating state is controlled as the nozzle needle moves to its closing position, and a current through the coil is detected as a freewheeling current during freewheeling. As the nozzle needle moves to its closing position, a braking current pulse (I_BR) is generated on the basis of a time derivative (DI_DT_FW) of the freewheeling current and is impressed on the coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector comprising an injector housing having a pressure chamber from which fuel subjected to a high pressure is injected into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine when the pressure in a control chamber expands into a pressure relief chamber by a control valve device. The aim of the invention is to create a fuel injector which has a long service life even though subjected to high pressures. To this end, the injector includes a low-pressure supply line which is connected to a low-pressure return line by a purge path extending through the pressure relief chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a flavoring substance into a consumable beverage by a dispensing device consisting of a tubular body having a substantially hollow interior and formed with valves provided at distal and proximal ends thereof. Upon positioning of the tubular body into the container, the distal end of the body is pressed against interior of the container, so as to activate the distal valve. The proximal valve is activated to break a vacuum in the interior chamber and to enable the flavoring substance to pass through the open distal valve into the consumable beverage.

Abstract: An air-blast fuel injector is disclosed which includes an outer air circuit having an exit portion, an inner air circuit having an outlet configured to direct air toward the exit portion of the outer air circuit, and a fuel circuit radially outboard of the inner air circuit and having an exit communicating with the outer air circuit upstream from the exit portion of the outer air circuit.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser nozzle comprising: a rigid support; a fluid passageway; and an annular sealing element that is made of elastomer, that surrounds the rigid support, and that is provided with a lip adapted to close off the passageway so long as the fluid is not arriving under pressure from said passageway. The fluid dispenser nozzle being wherein the rigid support comprises a side wall which internally defines the passageway, the side wall extending along a central axis, and wherein the rigid support further comprises an end wall which closes off the fluid passageway at the second end of the side wall, said end wall being provided with at least one hole that is covered by the lip of the sealing element.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to realize the structure, of a fuel injection valve, in which bouncing of the needle can be suppressed and the armature position can be fixed while the valve is closed, without increasing the number of components and the number of processes. In a fuel injection valve including an armature that is repelled or attracted by a core, by de-energizing or energizing a coil; a needle that opens or closes a valve seat in accordance with a reciprocal travel of the armature; and a valve-closing spring that biases the needle so as to close the valve, when the coil is de-energized, the needle and the armature are fixed in such a way that the armature can travel in an axis direction by a predetermined amount with respect to the needle, and the coil is preliminarily energized while the fuel injection valve is closed by the needle.

Abstract: In a waste toner cartridge processing equipment (100) including a crushing means (303) for crushing a waste toner cartridge (101) and extracting various materials (106 to 108) constituting the waste toner cartridge, the crushing means (303) performs crushing while spraying water (104).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for comminuting material to be ground having a roller mill which has a mill platen, at least one mill roller and at least two drives for driving the roller mill, with there being provided a power compensation control system for the drives which controls the power of the drives at a predetermined ratio relative to each other by the speed of at least one drive being controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for the reclamation of molding sand by which the quality of the reclaimed molding sand is enhanced. The apparatus for reclamation of molding sand includes a part for feeding the molding sand 1, which part has a sand falling port at its bottom, a rotary drum 2 disposed below the part for feeding the molding sand 1 and being rotatable horizontally, a motor driving means 4 for rotating the rotary drum 2 by an electric motor 3, a roller 5 disposed in the rotary drum 2 and spaced apart therefrom, and a cylinder 6 connected to the roller 5 that presses the roller 5 toward the rotary drum 2.

Abstract: The present invention is a shredder-granulator comprised of a plurality of rotary shear blades and a plurality of stationary bed knives fixedly attached to two counter-rotating shafts. The stationary bed knives are also secured to a frame. The shredder-granulator is capable of shredding and granulating materials in a single pass.

Abstract: A pulp lifter for installation in a rotary grinding mill has a leading edge wall and a trailing edge wall with respect to rotation of the mill. The leading edge wall and the trailing edge wall define a pulp lifter chamber, and a grate allows slurry to pass to a radially outward collecting region of the pulp lifter chamber for removal from the mill by way of a radially inward discharge region of the pulp lifter chamber. In one embodiment, a gate is positioned between the collecting region and the discharge region, the gate being movable between an open position, in which the gate permits solid material to pass from the collecting region to the discharge region, and a closed position, in which the gate prevents return movement of solid material from the discharge region to the collecting region.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for a rotary, shear-type shredder including a cutting-tool carrier having a body possessing a rotational axis, a shear cutting tool, and a generally radial, sliding-friction-type, heat-cycle, binding interface removably anchoring the tool to the carrier body. This assembly is made by (a) forming a projection on one of the tool and the carrier, (b) forming a generally complementary, projection-receiving void space in the other of the tool and the carrier, whereby the projection and the void space nominally have an interference-fit relationship relative to one another, (c) creating a temperature differential between the tool and the carrier to an extent producing a clearance-fit relationship therebetween, (d) following that creating, fitting the projection snugly inside the void space, (e) reducing the created temperature differential toward zero, and (f) thereby establishing a robust, linear-sliding-friction anchoring interface between the tool and the carrier.

Abstract: Provided is a torsion bar support structure of a seat belt retractor capable of smoothly rotating a rotary torsion bar and preventing deformation of the torsion bar due to moment applied to the torsion bar by coupling support members to both ends of the torsion bar. The torsion bar support structure of a seat belt retractor includes a housing constituting a main body of the seat belt retractor, a guide drum rotatably coupled to the housing, a torsion bar inserted into the guide drum, a base member fixed to one side of the housing, a locking member fixed to the other side of the housing, and a cylinder accommodating a piston therein to rotate a gear member fixed to the base member, the structure including: a bearing member coupled to the gear member, and a cap surrounding a cover fixing shaft projecting from the locking member, wherein the bearing member and the cap rotatably support the torsion bar when rotation moment is applied in a circumferential direction and an axial direction of the torsion bar.