Abstract: A shoehorn having a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion. The shoehorn may have a length which may be between eighteen and thirty-two inches. The substantially curved portion may have a radius of curvature which is about one quarter of the length of the shoehorn. The shoehorn may have a foam pad wrapped around the substantially straight portion and which is adapted to be used to pick up the shoehorn. A method is provided including grabbing a shoehorn by a first end of the shoehorn, inserting a second end of the shoehorn into an inner chamber of a shoe, and picking up the shoe using the shoehorn.

Abstract: My invention is a caddy to enable a child to discreetly and sanitarily store, retrieve for use, and conveniently carry a child's potty seat, comprising a rectangular receptacle, with interior angled ledges to keep the seat out of the drip tray and to secure the seat when not in use, a detachable bottom portion for ease of cleaning, a snugly fitted, removable top for access to the seat, a handle for carrying and at least one fastening device on the back for attachment to walls, toilet flush tank or bathtub surfaces.

Abstract: A scorecard holder (1) that is mountable to a steering wheel (19) of a golf cart. Said scorecard holder (1) having a clip (3) and a board portion (4) that provides a flat surface upon which to write. A pencil sharpener (2) may be integrated into the scorecard holder or removably attachable to the scorecard holder by placing the pencil sharpener in a recessed area 11 or other holder located in the clip or on the board portion.

Abstract: An improved carrier system is provided for easy attachment and detachment of the carrier from a wheeled conveyance such as a bicycle or motorcycle. When not attached to the conveyance, the carrier can also be used in a fashion similar to roller luggage.

Abstract: A portable storage bag comprising a specially designed receptacle bag assembly configured specifically to be removably secured to the underside of stadium style seating; the device providing storage for personal goods which can be neatly stored and easily accessed. The portable storage bag system comprising: a receptacle bag assembly having a first receptacle, a second receptacle, two adjustable securing bands with adjustable strap fasteners; and flexible beverage container holders. The first receptacle is removable from the second receptacle in certain embodiments. Additionally, the storage bag assembly comprises a bifurcated totebag made of reinforced canvas material. The adjustable securing bands comprise hook and loop fasteners and are removably attachable about the chair seat to secure the receptacle bag assembly to the chair seat.

Abstract: A process produces web sections from a flexible web material. The flexible web material is provided with tear-off lines at the distance of the length (L) of the web sections to be formed, which tear-off lines weaken the web material but do not bring about a complete separation of the web sections from the web material. The web sections are separated from the web material along the tear-off lines by tearing. The web material comprises a fabric made of small stretched plastic bands, and the tear-off lines are produced by laser beam processing.

Abstract: In a web conveyor, a boundary between a belt conveyer and a belt conveyer provided between an end portion in upstream and an end portion in downstream of a holding conveyer. In other words, the holding conveyor that presses on the top surface of the web is disposed at the boundary between the belt conveyor and the belt conveyor.

Abstract: A gas combustion type driving tool is provided with a fuel container storing portion, a lid that covers an opening of the fuel container storing portion, a connecting section which is formed in the fuel container storing portion and to which a nozzle of a fuel container is connected; and a cover member that covers the connecting section. The fuel container storing portion is adapted so that the fuel container stored within the fuel container storing portion is attachable and detachable by opening the lid. The connecting section is adapted to be exposed to an outside of the tool by opening the cover member.

Abstract: A driving tool is provided with a driver for driving out a fastener from a nozzle, a balancer, and a balancer biasing member for biasing the balancer in a direction away from the nozzle. The balancer moves in the direction away from the nozzle by a biasing force of the balancer biasing member when the driver moves toward the nozzle.

Abstract: An adjustable depth-of-drive assembly for use with a fastener-driving tool upper probe includes a workpiece contact element carried on the upper probe and having a contact end and an adjustment end, a stop configured for being secured to the upper probe and being moveable between an adjusting position in which the workpiece contact element is movable relative to the upper probe, and a locked position wherein the adjustment end is secured against movement relative to the upper probe, a biasing element associated with the stop and configured for urging the stop and the adjustment end into a selected locked position relative to the upper probe with a biasing force, and at least one camming element carried on the stop for selective camming engagement between the upper probe and the stop by means of a user's manual force to urge the stop into the adjusting position against the biasing element force.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided including an end effector configured to clamp, staple or cut tissue tissue, a motor configured to drive the end effector and a control system. The control system is configured to receive information about at least one tissue property and select a tissue management mode based on the at least one tissue property. The control system controls the motor based on the selected tissue management mode.

Abstract: A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue. The device includes a fastener push rod including a first portion, a second portion and a force limiting mechanism operably coupled between the first portion and the second portion. A fastener is carried by the second portion of the fastener push rod. The force limiting mechanism transmits longitudinal movement of the first portion to the second portion while the forces applied to the fastener by the fastener push rod are less than a predetermined value such that longitudinal movement of the first portion of the fastener push rod causes substantially equivalent longitudinal movement of the second portion. The force limiting mechanism allows relative longitudinal motion between the first and second portions while the forces applied to the fastener are equal to or greater than the predetermined value such that the application of undue forces to the fastener is prevented.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed, the instrument having a handle assembly, a body portion having a staple cartridge assembly, and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head, an anvil member, an anvil shaft, and a biasing member. The anvil shaft defines a longitudinal axis and the anvil member is pivotally secured to the anvil head. The biasing member is supported on the anvil assembly to urge the anvil member from a first position to a second position defining an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler; and a sleeve moveable relative to the chambers between a first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers in the straightened configuration, and a second position, whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed configuration, wherein the sleeve is adapted to move between the first and second positions by rotating relative to the chambers.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A flux dipping apparatus includes a flux plate having a top surface; and a dipping cavity in the flux plate and recessed from the top surface. A flux leveler is disposed over the flux plate and configured to move parallel to the top surface. A piezoelectric actuator is configured to adjust a distance between the flux leveler and the top surface in response to a controlling voltage applied to electrodes of the first piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A method of repairing a component comprising: removing a damaged portion of the component to expose a region of the component; providing a patch having a rim exceeding the dimensions of the exposed region; placing the patch on the exposed region of the component such that the exposed region is covered by the patch and the rim is spaced apart from the exposed region; joining the patch to the component around the rim of the patch; and diffusion bonding the patch and the component together. The rim may be spaced apart from the exposed region such that the step of joining the patch to the component does not affect the exposed region. The method may further comprise machining a recess in the damaged region of the component.

Abstract: An electro-conductive bonding material includes: metal components of a high-melting-point metal particle that have a first melting point or higher; a middle-melting-point metal particle that has a second melting point which is first temperature or higher, and second temperature or lower, the second temperature is lower than the first melting point and higher than the first temperature; and a low-melting-point metal particle that has a third melting point or lower, the third melting point is lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: A wrapper has a band element, particularly a strip-shaped and/or punch pressed band element that can be wrapped around a product to be labeled. The band element has two ends that can be fastened to one another such that a closed ring can be formed that encompasses the product. One side, particularly the underside, of at least one of the two ends is embodied as adhesive.

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: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a bottom panel. End flaps can be respectively foldably connected to respective panels and at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A dispenser panel can be at least partially defined by a dispenser tear line extending in at least the top panel and at least one of the end flaps. An opening section can be at least partially defined by the dispenser tear line and can be foldably connected to one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The dispenser panel is at least partially removable from the carton to create a dispenser opening, and the opening section is positionable relative the first side panel to expand the dispenser opening.

Abstract: A process for applying an energy-curable primer and a brilliant metallic ink to a paperboard or paper substrate is provided. The primer may be cured using an energy curing system such as a UV or EB curing system. The curable primer facilitates the orientation of the metallic pigment particles to provide a coherent reflectance of light and optimal reflectance. Advantageously, the primer-cured paper may be “spot-coated” with the metallic ink at pre-designated areas, which minimizes the amount of metallic ink used. In exemplary embodiments, the metallic paper is over-coated with one or more transparent or opaque inks. Additionally, the cured, primer coated paper may be subjected to corona discharge to remove excess solvent and compounds in the liquid phase within the matrix of the cured primer and/or to increase the surface tension of the primer. In certain circumstances, the metallic paper and the end product are recyclable and repulpable.

Abstract: A metering infrastructure having smart devices that utilize smart cards. An infrastructure having a plurality of smart devices is disclosed wherein each smart device is adapted to be controlled by a removable smart card, and wherein each removable smart card includes a computational platform capable of storing and executing program code and a set of application programs capable of being executed on the computational platform, wherein each of the set of application programs is implemented to control an aspect of an associated smart device into which the removable smart card is inserted.

Abstract: A variety of forms of machine-readable symbols are disclosed, as well as methods and systems of constructing machine-readable symbols, methods and systems of acquiring machine-readable symbols, and methods and systems of decoding machine-readable symbols.

Abstract: An arrangement for recognizing bar-coded information on a carrier object, with registration means designed to register bar-coded information in a registration zone, the arrangement exhibiting adaptation means designed to change the registration zone, an arrangement for recognizing bar-coded information on a spray can, a process for recognizing information on a spray can, a medical maintenance appliance, and a process for maintaining medical appliances.

Abstract: Codes that can be used to cause automatic connections with a friend on a social network. In one embodiment, the code can be created by the social network, including information representing the social networks address, and information about the user with whom the connection is desired. In one embodiment, that connection information can create an automatic connection with the user, without requiring the user to accept the “friend request”. The code can be a barcode such as a QR code.

Abstract: Systems and methods for binding a smartcard and a smartcard reader are provided. A smartcard is provision to store a first set of credentials for use in traditional transactions such as at a brick and mortar retail store and a second set of credentials for use when performing a transaction using a smartcard reader associated with a user such as an on-line transaction. The user smartcard reader registers with a smartcard issuer server by cryptographically authenticating a secure processor associated with the smartcard reader. As a result of the registration, the secure processor obtains a set of private keys associated with the second set of credentials. When a request for a authorizing a transaction via the user's smartcard reader is received, the smartcard reader cryptographically authenticates itself to the smartcard using a private key associated with a credential to be used to authorize the transaction.

Abstract: A system for setting a connection between information processing devices, according to the present invention includes: a server apparatus which is arranged on a network, collectively manages setting information necessary for a connection between other devices, and distributes requested setting information according to a request from another apparatus; and a communication apparatus which transmits information to the server apparatus.

Abstract: An ordering system using radio frequency identification. is interactive and can track the processing status in real time, the system at least includes a menu having a RFID tag, a customer display device, a kitchen display device, a service display device, and a host display device. The menu having a RFID tag includes items each disposed with a RFID tag switch for a customer to select the item by pressing the RFID tag switch.

Abstract: Tax data, e.g., Form W2 data, is encoded as a two-dimensional machine readable representation, such as a QR CODE. Certain tax data is encoded as segments of a QR CODE, and a tax form generated by an employer or payroll processing service and provided to an employee or user includes the QR CODE representing certain W-2 or other tax data. An image of the QR CODE is acquired using a camera of a mobile communication device or computer or other image capture device. When using a Smartphone, a tax preparation application executing on the Smartphone decodes the QR CODE image to determine the tax data, and populates fields of an electronic tax return with decoded data, thus allowing a consumer to prepare an electronic tax return using a mobile communication device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for firing a projectile in response to a threat according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a computer coupled to a launch system for the projectile. The computer may be configured to select the projectile from multiple available projectiles and calculate a fire control solution according to a characteristic of the selected projectile. Calculating the fire control solution may comprise deriving the fire control solution from a look-up table according to a predicted intercept point. The computer may initiate a launch of the selected projectile and provide the fire control solution to the selected projectile.

Abstract: An indicia reader system including: an indicia reader to read information bearing indicia (IBI); an actuator for activating the indicia reader; a first device for wirelessly sending audio data; a headphone for wear by the operator, the headphone having a second device for accepting the audio data and at least one audio feedback device provided therein for utilizing the audio data to provide audio feedback to the operator.

Abstract: Optical identification and/or authentication of a document or item with the help of a marking comprising a random distribution of circular polarized light reflecting particles, the marking being applied to the document or item through an ink, and the reading device exploiting circular polarization to discriminate the flakes from the background.

Abstract: A system for collecting data is provided that includes a presentation scanning apparatus comprising a first presentation scan window formed into a housing. A first laser source within the housing is operable to emit a first beam through the first presentation scan window along a first axis and illuminate a target comprising an encoded symbol character. A first scanning mirror is disposed intermediate the first laser source and the first presentation scan window. The first scanning mirror is operable to deflect the first beam emitted from the first laser source so that the first beam scans across the presentation scan window according to a baseline scan pattern.

Abstract: A medical instrument for carrying out at least one medical function is proposed, more particularly a medical instrument embodied as a hand-held instrument. The medical instrument is designed to interact with at least one medical consumable in order to carry out the medical function. The medical instrument has at least one code reader for reading out at least one item of information from an optical code of the medical consumable. The code reader comprises at least one image sensor. The code reader furthermore comprises at least one areal light source, which is designed to illuminate the optical code in a transmissive fashion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc. An optical layer such as a lenticular lens may be used to affect display of different barcodes at different viewing angles.

Abstract: A multi-pole switch comprising a conducting substrate; at least three field electrodes mounted above, and electrically isolated from, each other and from said conducting substrate; a conductive cantilever element having a first end portion secured to said conducting substrate, an opposite second free end portion positioned in spaced relation to said field electrodes and operable in response to an electrostatic or electrodynamic charge established between said cantilever element and said field electrodes to deflect in a direction towards said field electrodes; and a plurality of contact electrode poles mounted above, and electrically isolated from, said conducting substrate below the top of said cantilever element second free end portion and above said field electrodes and positioned to contact said cantilever element as said cantilever element is deflected in a direction defined by the net field applied by said field electrodes.

Abstract: A smart battery label having an RFID or UHF antenna, sensors to monitor battery environmental data and a bi-state display for displaying battery data.

Abstract: A label for tracking and tracing baggage in a baggage handling system is disclosed. The label includes resonators doped into the label. The resonators providing the label with a unique signature and are capable of being read from approximately 2 meters. A baggage handling system incorporating a resonator based label system is also disclosed. The system includes at least one piece of baggage, a label for tracking and tracing baggage in the baggage handling system, at least one reader for reading the label in order to properly direct the attached at least one piece of baggage, and at least one baggage mover suitable for moving the at least one piece of baggage within the baggage handling system. The label includes resonators doped into the label that provide the label with a unique signature, the label being attached to and referenced with said at least one piece of baggage.

Abstract: A rail fastening system is provided. The rail fastening system includes a fastener including a baseplate and at least one of clamp. The at least one clamp mounts with the baseplate and extends under a rail of a railroad to abut against a flange of the rail opposite a flange adjacent to the baseplate. Certain embodiments of the fastener include adjustment teeth to finely adjust the positioning of the clamps relative to the baseplate. Certain other embodiments of the fastener include slotted clamps that receive a baseplate.

Abstract: A spray system detects the pressure differential across a plurality of spray section filters and determines whether the resulting values meet predetermined criteria. A sensor may be provided at each boom spray section to determine a differential pressure across an associated filter. A pressure evaluator module may receive the pressure values and determine whether to trigger an alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fragrance dispenser for botanical products and methods of use thereof. The fragrance dispenser includes a holding member having a surface for holding a botanical product such as potpourri; a support member for supporting the holding member and for receiving a supply of liquid fragrance; and a plurality of wicking members extending from the supply of liquid fragrance to and upon the holding member surface for transferring the liquid fragrance from the supply to the surface for diffusing the fragrance therefrom.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The method may include programming the operation of the appliance according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance, the rate of decay of the liquid within the space to be treated and the level of concentration of the liquid desired within the space.

Abstract: A diffuser combined with a beer dispensing nozzle to diffuse the beer as it is being dispensed from the nozzle. In use, this device is beneficial when making multi-layered drinks such as Black and Tans to help prevent the top layer of beer from mixing with the lower layer of beer as the top layer is being poured from the nozzle into the glass.

Abstract: A pulverizer includes a cutting rotor with a multiplicity of cutting blades, a cutting stator surrounding the cutting rotor with a plurality of stator blades, a milling stock inlet for the milling stock feed and a discharge screen in direction of rotation of the cutting rotor located after the milling stock inlet, wherein all stator blades in direction of rotation of the cutting rotor are arranged between the milling stock inlet and the discharge screen. Furthermore, an operating method for a pulverizer as described above is also contemplated.

Abstract: A food cutting machine including a base housing a motor, a cover for the base housing a cutting disk, a feeder part joined to the cover, and a feeder mouth which houses a presser to push the food. The presser and food feeder parts are easily removable. Additionally, the presser (4) incorporates a safety lever (15) which activates the power supply switch of the motor (32).

Abstract: A tensioning device (10) for a seat belt, in particular in a motor vehicle, having a gas generator (17) and a piston (21) guided in a tube (16) that closes a pressure space (20) in the tube (16), whereas the pressure space (20) can be pressurized by the gas generator (17), as a result of which the piston (21) can be driven to perform a tensioning operation which can be transmitted to the seat belt by means of the force transmission means. The piston (21) having a closed or constricted opening (1, 1a), and the opening (1, 1a) can be enlarged and/or opened by the material erosion caused by the pressure and/or pressure conditions in the pressure space (20).

Abstract: A clutch includes a clutch housing that rotates with a spindle and has inner teeth; a pair of pawls that can engage with the inner teeth; a gear wheel that is joined to a motor and has a pair of sliding grooves that hold the pawls such that the pawls can move in the sliding grooves between a first position when the motor is not operating, a second position at which the pawls engage with the inner teeth of the clutch housing through operation of the motor, and a third position at which the pawls become positioned on the opposite side to that of the second position across the first position upon operation of the pretensioner; and a return prevention mechanism that prevents the pawls from returning to the first position and the second position after having moved to the third position.

Abstract: A pipe inspection system may include a cable storage drum and a length of resilient flexible push-cable. An asymmetric bearing device supports the cable storage drum for rotation about the rotational axis in a pay-out direction and an opposite pay-in direction. In one embodiment, the asymmetric bearing device automatically decreases, without the for manual adjustment, an amount of friction exerted against rotation of the cable storage drum upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the cable storage drum from the pay-out direction to the pay-in direction.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for web tension setting in a processing machine for processing a material web, in particular a shaftless printing press. In order to set the web tension in a first web tension section with a length L which is delimited upstream by a first clamping point and downstream by a second clamping point, the first clamping point is loaded with a first manipulated variable which is produced using a first element with a first transfer function G1(s) (G3), and the second clamping point is loaded with a second manipulated variable which is produced using a second element with a second transfer function G2(s) (G4), wherein c1G1(s)=?c2G2(s). Thus, it is possible to keep the speed constant even during the regulation at a fixed or variable point x within the web tension section, wherein x=|c1/(c1+c2)|L lies behind the first clamping point.