Abstract: An ice dispenser including an ice supply container; a shaft extending into the supply container; a stirrer rotatable about the shaft which extends into the supply container, the stirrer being connectable to a rotation drive device that rotates the stirrer; an output chamber communicated with the supply container, the output chamber having an ice outlet opening; a slider rotatable in the output chamber, a rotation of the slider in a predetermined manner operating to bring the slider into moving engagement with ice located in the output chamber; and a coupling selectively disposable between an active coupling disposition in which the coupling operatively interconnects the stirrer and the slider to one another such that the slider rotates in correspondence with a rotation of the stirrer and a decoupling disposition in which the coupling does not operatively interconnect the stirrer and the slider to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding viscous materials is provided. A dispenser comprises a control mechanism(s), a material containing structure and ports adapted to be coupled to a portable high-pressure gas source. A user controls a flow of the high-pressure gas with a control mechanism such as a trigger. The gas moves a piston inside the material containing structure and displaces viscous materials, such as an explosive, out of the structure through an output port or an output port coupled to a nozzle. A transparent materials tube may be provided to facilitate visual monitoring of the material flow. Localized and system wide pressure is controlled by structural design, material application on a structural component or control mechanisms to mitigate or eliminate a possibility of unintended effects from extrusion of the material including explosion due to overly high pressures between components of the extruder system.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a fluid includes a rigid vial that has a main fluid chamber containing a fluid, and a pump assembly that is in fluid communication with the main fluid chamber and is configured to dispense a predetermined quantity of fluid from the main fluid chamber. A flexible bladder is provided which is located within the main fluid chamber and is configured to expand to fill the ullage created within the main fluid chamber during dispensing of fluid by the pump assembly. The resilient bladder tends to force itself outwardly toward the rigid vial and, in turn, increases the pressure within the main fluid chamber in comparison to the interior of the bladder to thereby prevent the ingress of air or vapors through the bladder or otherwise into the main fluid chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing head incorporates multiple constant flow valves for controlling the flow of multiple liquids, e.g., syrup and carbonated water fed to a dispensing nozzle. The valves are normally closed and are opened by inlet pressures above selected threshold levels. Once open, the valves maintain the liquid flows at substantially constant flow rates and pressures, irrespective of variations of liquid input pressures and viscosities. A closure mechanism serves to close the valves at inlet pressures both above and below the threshold levels. The closure mechanism may be deactivated to simultaneously allow the valves to assume their modulating functions at inlet pressures above the threshold levels.

Abstract: A cap for an aerosol can is provided comprising a recessed portion configured to retain a sprayer for the can wherein the sprayer is contained in the recessed portion when stored in the cap. The sprayer comprises a button actuator to attach to the valve of the can and a spray nozzle extension for the button to provide additional control. The button includes a sleeve for fitting over a protruding post in the recessed portion to align the sprayer in the recessed portion. The recessed portion may also include a support with a notch for aligning the nozzle in the channel provided by the recessed portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to creating a less-energy loss or smooth (constant) molten steel flow with a focus on a configuration of a bore of an upper nozzle, so as to provide an upper nozzle formed with a bore having a configuration capable of to suppress deposit formation. For this purpose, in an upper nozzle 10 for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, a radius of an upper end of a bore 11 is set to be equal to or greater than 1.5 times a radius of a lower end of the bore 11, and a bore surface 14 is formed in a vertical cross-sectional configuration represented by log(r(z))=(1/n)×log((H+L)/(H+z))+log(r(L))(n=1.5 to 6).

Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1) to carry a bottle (5) including an attachment portion (10) to be secured to a user (15). A clip (20) has an aperture (25) through which a part (30) of the bottle (5) to be secured by the user may pass. A connecting means (35) extends between the attachment portion (10) and clip (20) and is operable to permit the bottle (15) in use to assume a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A roof side bar is configured for prevention of noise for an automobile. The roof side bar includes a cross bar mounting hole to which a cross bar may be mounted, and/or an interior space having a specific volume located behind the cross bar mounting hole, wherein a partitioning wall may be provided to divide the interior space into a plurality of subspaces so as to vary a resonant frequency in the interior space.

Abstract: An extendable tool box includes a tool box, a table top and support legs. The tool box may be slidably reciprocated along a first horizontal travel path aligned parallel with the truck bed. The table top may be contiguously oriented parallel with the tool box and slidably reciprocated along a second horizontal travel path registered parallel to the first horizontal travel path. The tool box may include a bottom surface having a cavity whereby the table top may be stowed. A sliding mechanism may be connected to the bottom surface of the tool box and may permit the tool box to freely reciprocate along the first horizontal travel path. The support legs may be telescopically adjustable between extended and retracted positions. The tool box may include a plurality of storage compartments arranged on left and right longitudinal sides and equidistantly offset along a central longitudinal length of the tool box.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique and novel universal vehicle accessory mounting device which attaches to either a left hand or right hand control body of a vehicle handlebar, and permits various orientations for attachment of multiple accessories.

Abstract: A cargo carrier removably attaches to a square hitch receiver on the back of a vehicle. The cargo carrier is collapsible when not in use. A base plate has a series of first arms pivotally attached thereto each first arm extending outwardly for use and secured thereat and folding upwardly for storage. A removable plate secures the first arms in the extended position. A second arm is attached to an outer end of a first arm and pivots between an extended position extending upwardly from the first arm and a collapsed position flush against the first arm. Each second arm is lockable in its extended position. A flexible cable is attached to the distal end of each second arm to help retain cargo within the device.

Abstract: An electronic accessory carrier for a portable data terminal provides a shell sized to hold and maintain a portable data terminal in a predetermined position with respect to the shell, at least one attachment component affixed to the shell at a predetermined location and adapted to provide support to the shell and a held portable data terminal in a predetermined orientation, and a strap having an attachment mechanism for connection to the at least one attachment component and adapted to encircle a wearer and to support the shell and a portable data terminal in the predetermined orientation and at a location on the wearer adapted to enable use of the portable data terminal in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of backpack technology, and more particularly to a backpack with an intelligent automatic adjusting inflation aircushion and a pneumatic shock absorber system, which comprising: a backpack main body and a shoulder strap and back cushion; the backside of said backpack main body is installed with a back frame; said shoulder strap and back cushion is provided with said adjustable inflation aircushion; the backside of said shoulder strap and back cushion is provided with said pneumatic shock absorber system; said pneumatic shock absorber system can be movably connected with said back frame.

Abstract: A concealed magazine slot arrangement includes a magazine holder, a gear carrier, and a fastening device for fastening the magazine holder on the user's body. The magazine holder includes an inner panel, an outer panel, having a front operation side, overlapped thereon, and a plurality of slot dividers affixed between the inner and outer panels to form a plurality of magazine slots concealed within the inner panel, the outer panel, and the slot dividers for receiving the magazine. A gear carrier is provided on the front operation side of the magazine holder for carrying a gear thereon. Quick accessing fasteners facilitate securing magazines in magazine slots. Means for adjusting the depth of the magazine slots are provided.

Abstract: A transfer and dispensing apparatus is disclosed for the conveying and separation of packaging material, cushions or pillows when needed by the operator. When a packer working over a conveyor receives a box that requires void fill, an operating switch such as a foot pedal is depressed to dispense pillows from the apparatus and into the box in a connected strip. When the operating switch is released, the apparatus stops dispensing pillows, separates the continuous strip of pillows along a transverse perforation in the strip, and ejects the end of the separated segment. The packer can then complete packing the box by placing the severed end of the pillows into the box, advance to the next box, and repeat the process. The transfer and dispensing apparatus may be positioned in any convenient location including adjacent to, above or attached to the inflation device.

Abstract: An object of the application is to improve power transmission to a movable element in a driving tool. The driving tool for driving a material to be driven into a workpiece includes rotationally driven first and second rotating elements, the movable element that can move in a direction that strikes the material to be driven, V-shaped first and second contact surfaces formed on the movable element, and a pressing member that applies a force to the movable element such that the first and second contact surfaces are pressed against the first and second rotating elements. The driving tool further includes a first motor for driving the first rotating element and a second motor for driving the second rotating element.

Abstract: A staple gun tacker includes a wire guide mechanism in its forward end which includes a wire guide plate having a recessed lower end for engaging a wire when the plate is in an extended position and a rotatable cam for moving the plate between extended and retracted positions which includes a circular slot formed therein having one end thereof located closer to the axis of rotation of the cam then the other receiving and engaged with a projection on the cam plate so that rotation of the cam is translated into linear movement of the wire guide plate.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle.

Abstract: The surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism for articulating a tool assembly. The articulation mechanism includes a first gear rotatably mounted on a transmission shaft and configured to engage a second gear, a clutch interconnecting the second gear and a main shaft; and a yoke shaft coupled to the main shaft and adapted to linearly advance a J-channel, the J-channel operatively connected to an articulation link. A motor assembly may rotate the transmission shaft of the articulation mechanism. Alternatively, the articulation mechanism may include an articulation knob. Users may manually rotate the articulation knob to articulate the tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus.

Abstract: One example of a surgical stapler may include a first staple holder, a second staple holder opposed to the first staple holder; a first feeder belt extending into the first staple holder, a second feeder belt extending into the second staple holder; and staples affixed to and frangibly separable from each feeder belt. Another example of a surgical stapler may include an anvilless end effector that in turn includes two opposed staple holders; at least one feeder belt extending into each staple holder, and staples frangibly affixed to each feeder belt.

Abstract: The joining apparatus includes a suction nozzle for holding an electronic component, a board stage for holding a circuit board in opposition to the electronic component, and an excimer ultraviolet lamp placed at an irradiation position between the positioned electronic component and circuit board. In such a joining apparatus, ultraviolet irradiation to Au bumps of the electronic component and ultraviolet irradiation to board electrodes of the circuit board are performed concurrently by the excimer ultraviolet lamp to execute a cleaning process of the two metallic portions. Thereafter, ultrasonic vibrations are imparted to the two metallic portions while those metallic portions are kept in contact with each other, by which metal joining between the two metallic portions is fulfilled.

Abstract: Provided is a structure for joining members applicable even to different members. Included are first and second plate-like members 1 and 2 to be joined which are stacked one on the other for face-to-face contact and formed with respective, mutually contiguous holes 3 and 4, a fastening member 5 formed with a threaded hole 20 contiguous with the holes 3 and 4 of the members 1 and 2 and abutting on the member 1 on a side away from the member 2 and an auxiliary member 7 inserted into the holes 20, 3 and 4 of the members 5, 1 and 2. Due to frictional heat and plastic flow, material derived from the member 7 is adapted to enter into a threaded groove on an inner periphery of the hole 20 of the member 5 and cover a circumference of the hole 4 of the member 2 so as to join the members 1 and 2 together.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for mounting a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip mounting apparatus includes a flux reservoir, a flux reservoir moving unit, a wafer support part, a wiring board support part, a transfer head, and a mounting head. The flux reservoir includes an accommodation recess in an upper surface to accommodate flux. The flux reservoir moving unit linearly moves the flux reservoir. The wafer support part is adjacent to a moving path of the flux reservoir and supports a wafer including a semiconductor chip. The wiring board support part is adjacent to the moving path and supports a wiring board. The transfer head picks up and places the semiconductor chip in the accommodation recess. The mounting head picks up the semiconductor chip from the accommodation recess and mounts the semiconductor chip on the wiring board through a surface mount process.

Abstract: A first roller is arranged on one side of a transfer path for transferring flux cored wire solder, and a second roller is arranged on the other side. The first roller has on its outer circumference a guide groove in which the wire solder is fitted. The second roller is provided, with a grooving blade and a feed blade closely contacted to each other. The grooving blade comprises a continuous blade edge on the outer circumference, and the feed blade has on its outer circumference a plurality of engaging claws intermittently formed at a constant pitch. The second roller is driven and rotated to thereby advance and retract the wire solder by means of the feed blade, and thus the wire solder is grooved by the grooving blade.

Abstract: Regarding electronic component mounting in which an electronic component having plural solder bumps for external connection on its lower surface is mounted on a board, in an electronic component mounting operation of previously measuring the height position of solder paste on the board on which the solder paste has been printed, and mounting the electronic component on the board on which the solder paste has been printed by a loading head, whether the transfer of the solder paste to the solder bumps is necessary or not is judged on the basis of the measurement result of the height of the solder paste. In case that it is judged that the transfer is necessary, the transfer of the solder paste is executed, and thereafter the electronic component is mounted on the board. Hereby, it is possible to prevent the poor joint in case that a thin-sized semiconductor package which causes easily warp deformation is mounted on the board by soldering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining objects made of metal, plastic or ceramic by means of heat input such as soldering or welding, wherein materials such as particles, in particular nanoparticles, elements, atoms, molecules or ions are introduced into the joint. It is proposed according to the invention that a gas stream brings gaseous compounds to the joint which decompose at elevated temperature and deposit particles.

Abstract: Methods for minimizing component shift during soldering are described. One such method includes forming a pedestal pad having a preselected shape on a substrate, forming at least one intervening layer on the substrate, the at least one intervening layer including a layer including a solidifying accelerant, and a layer including a solder, the solder layer having a preselected shape about the same as the preselected shape of the pedestal pad, positioning the component on the at least one intervening layer, and heating the solder to a predetermined process temperature, wherein the pedestal pad is configured to remain a solid during the heating the solder to the predetermined process temperature, and wherein the solidifying accelerant is configured to accelerate a solidification of the solder after the heating the solder to the predetermined process temperature.

Abstract: Flow-wrap packaging having a longitudinal sealed seam and two transverse sealed seams, at least the longitudinal sealed seam being spaced apart from the associated longitudinal edge of the packaging, wherein a device for indicating whether the packaging has already been opened (seal guarantee) is arranged at at least one point between the longitudinal sealed seam and the longitudinal edge ,that is to say at at least one point on the longitudinal edge strips of the packaging defined by the longitudinal sealed seam and the longitudinal edge.

Abstract: Octagonal container assemblies to package and display of products, particularly toys with moving wheels, appendages or the like to demonstrate movement of the same in the container, include a tubular body and at least two octagonal end covers removable or at least pivotal away from opposing ends of the tubular body. The container assemblies include a beam extended between the end covers and a rigid support member extended transversely from the beam so as to support the toy for at least limited operation or the wheels or the like within the container. The beam may be inserted in the container or extend along its exterior.

Abstract: A system includes, but is not limited to one and one or more display control modules configured to direct control of display of one or more portions of the flexible display containing electronic device regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the flexible display containing electronic device. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A carrier tray as described herein includes a container having pockets for holding electrical components such as integrated circuits during manufacturing, and a device coupled to the container for tracking usage of the carrier tray into and out of process chambers used for performing particular processes on the electrical components carried therein. Stations and methods of using the carrier tray are also described herein.

Abstract: A system is described for managing administration of medical care. The system can include a patient record system that contains electronic records for patients in a hospital. The electronic records may include scheduling information for medicine administration to the patient. A display terminal can be connected to the patient record system and be configured to read an RFID tag on the patient. The display terminal can then identify the patient and display the patient's medicine schedule.

Abstract: The accuracy of reading a barcode embedded in a printed document is maintained, and at the same time, the amount of toner and the like consumed is reduced. When document information read by scanning is analyzed and the density of the document information is higher than a predetermined threshold vale, that is, when the printed document has a space enough to contain the barcode, the density of the barcode is set such that the density of the barcode is decreased as compared with a case where the density of the document information is lower than the predetermined threshold value. By changing the size of dots and the distance between the dots and thus decreasing the density of the barcode, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner and the like consumed. Then, the set barcode is synthesized with the document information, and the synthesized image is output.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for measuring traffic quality in distribution using test mail into which a radio frequency identity tag is inserted. The system accepts at least one test distribution piece including a tag, and collects information of test distribution by sensing a tag included with the test distribution piece at measuring points for measuring a time from acceptance to delivery of a general distribution piece. The system generates a processing rate and a delivery rate of distribution based on information of the test distribution pieces collected from the measuring points.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing electronic data associated with an item to a user, the apparatus comprising a memory tag scanner arranged to communicate with a memory tag associated with an item, a user profile memory arranged to store user profile data therein, an output interface arranged to provided data to a user, and a data processor arranged to cause data to be selectively read from the memory tag associated with an item and the data to be selectively provided to a user via the output interface in accordance with the stored user profile data.

Abstract: A method and system for processing financial instruments in order to detect the presence of duplicate instruments. The method may include the steps of receiving discrete items of identifying information, each for a plurality of financial instruments, grouping the items into cycles and appending discrete cycle and time dependent information to each of the items to form coded items, storing each of the coded items in a database, comparing the stored, coded items to each other to find items having duplicate identifying information, marking items having duplicate identifying information for subsequent deletion and printing a report listing all items having duplicate identifying information. The system may include a mainframe, data repository and item processing applications, all interconnected by a network. The system may receive discrete items of identifying information over a network, such as the Internet or private network, such as SVPCO.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive to the card data. The automated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device and a terminal processor. The terminal processor is operative to cause the deposit accepting device to process sheets in carrying out transactions involving financial transfers. The terminal processor controls operation of the deposit accepting device in response to stored device operation instructions, which can be modified through communication with a remote computer.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is operative to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader. A user is enabled to perform at least one banking operation responsive to account indicia read from the card. Such banking operations may include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. A user is also enabled to perform at least one banking operation responsive to financial account data communicated to the automated banking machine from a mobile phone.

Abstract: Techniques for negotiation techniques for mobile personal trusted device financial transactions are provided. A user of a mobile personal trusted device sets user preferences that define the user's preferred parameters for conducting financial transactions. A merchant sets merchant preferences that define the merchant's preferred parameters for conducting financial transactions. When a financial transaction is initiated, a user preference and a merchant preferences are accessed. A negotiated preference is generated that accommodates both the user preference and the merchant preference. If the user preference and the merchant preference are not mutually exclusive, the negotiated preference attempts to satisfy both preferences. If the user preference and the merchant preference are mutually exclusive, the negotiated preference satisfies at least one of the two preferences based on which of the two preferences has a higher priority. The financial transaction is conducted based on the negotiated preference.

Abstract: A method of processing a user data card comprising: determining that a user data card comprising a non-compatible smart card has been entered into a card reader; obtaining a user identifier from a magnetic stripe of the user data card; and processing the user identifier to obtain data from a user record to enable further processing in respect of the user data card.

Abstract: The card ejection unit of an improved IC card device has a base, a reading unit and a card ejection unit. The base has a horizontal slide track, a vertical slide track, a positioning member, an axle and an elastic element. The reading unit has a reading portion, a soft circuit and calculation portion. The card ejection unit has a motor, a rotation bar, a horizontal buckle and a vertical elastic unit. The motor pushes the rotation bar, and when the rotation bar rotates, the push portion of the rotation bar pushes the horizontal buckle to release the vertical elastic element to eject out the IC card.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the authentication of contactless payments attempted by a device having embedded contactless payment functionality. In particular, the disclosure is directed to systems and methods that utilize authentication schemes that already exist on a device in which the contactless payment functionality is embedded. One example of such authentication schemes is the use of password protection to lock or unlock the device in which the contactless payment functionality is embedded. Using the password protection functionality may provide varying levels of authentication protection based on the desires of the user. A number of exemplary uses of such a method and apparatus are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Techniques for authenticating a contactless smartcard in a card processing system are disclosed. A card reader measures an impulse response associated with the contactless smartcard during outbound modulation of an RF carrier and compares measured impulse data to reference impulse data. The reference impulse data can be stored at the card reader or obtained from the contactless smartcard in an encrypted form. Optionally, the card reader issues one or more challenges to the contactless smartcard in connection with a card transaction and verifies a response to the one or more challenges using calibration data. The card reader can determine the card's authenticity based on the impulse data, the response to one or more challenges, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A communication apparatus has a first communication section which makes contactless communication by means of magnetic field coupling and a second communication section which makes contactless communication by means of electric field coupling, and the second communication section generates an electric field which oscillates to a direction approximately parallel with an oscillation direction of a magnetic field on a position where the magnetic field crosses the second communication section.

Abstract: A self-check-out stand has a flat belt on which items that have been scanned can be placed. This belt abuts a declining belt, with both belts preferably having abutting ends with upper corners in which a fixed non-rotating nose rod is located with the rod extending across the width of the belt, the rods hold the abutting ends tightly together with only a small crack between the belts. The check-out stand has two sets of unpowered transition rollers to turn the items at an obtuse angle to the conveyer belts. The stand has a declining set of rollers to bring the items to the proper height for the customer to bag. The accumulation area rises from front to back to slow the items being conveyed. A scanner module with a monitor and pay station can be placed at the front end of the stand.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.

Abstract: An information transmitting device 7 with a light source 3 provided on each container 2 which can be arranged and placed so that a surface having the light source can be hidden. Each information transmitting device judges whether or not in a condition where an own container 2 can be monitored from an imaging direction of an external imaging device and placed so as to hide the light source installed on other containers 2. When judged as affirmative, location information about the other containers is transmitted from the information transmitting device installed on the other containers, and location information about the own container is added to the received location information. This information is transmitted to a storage space which is imaged in an information receiving device 4 by controlling the light source to modulate the received information and to repeatedly flash in terms of time based on the modulated information.

Abstract: A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe or EMV® card reader, such as readers on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), point of sale (POS) machine, or gas station pump. The blocking device securely attaches to the transaction machine such that unauthorized removal of the blocking device is difficult and likely will attract attention. The blocking device surrounds exposed portions of a magnetic-stripe card reader housing such that a skimming mold that fits over both the housing and the blocking device will stand out and be obvious to a user of the transaction machine. Also, a skimming mold fitting over the blocking device may prevent a card holder from properly inserting a magnetic-stripe card into the card reader. The difficulty of placing a skimming mold under or over the blocking device likely will deter a potential criminal skimmer from attempting to attach a skimming device in the first place.

Abstract: To authenticate etc. an IC card upon execution of an IC locking function by utilizing a privacy function. A communication management device has an IC, an IC card lock setting part, and a main control part. The IC includes an IC card function part for providing various kinds of services and a privacy function setting part for storing information for controlling the services provided by the IC card function part. The IC card lock setting part manages setting for locking the operation of the IC card function part. When locking managed by the IC card lock setting part is unlocked, the main control part forcibly stops the services provided by the IC card function part according to privacy information set by the privacy function setting part.

Abstract: Information communication includes communicating with an information storage medium having a data communication function determined by a physical communication layer. The information storage medium is accessed by determining the physical communication layer of the information storage medium, from among a plurality of potential physical communication layers. Service data describing attribute information for at least one stored application service is read from the information storage medium, attribute information regarding a desired one of the application services is acquired to confirm that the desired one of the application services is stored on the information storage medium.