Abstract: A finger trigger spray cap actuator for use in conjunction with a mounting cup (11) on an aerosol container including a base (5) having an integral collar (8), a finger trigger support (22); a finger trigger (3) hingedly connected to the trigger support (22), and a finger grip (39) depending from the finger trigger (3) and extending radially beyond the outer circumference of the collar (8). The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the finger trigger spray cap assembly including integrally molding a base portion (5) and finger trigger portion (3) as a single unit about a living hinge (10).

Abstract: A vented automatic dispending cap for use with a flexible container may generally include a body and a retainer cap attached to the body. A pressure chamber is formed between the body and retainer cap. A set of resilient spring members spaced around the body holds the retainer cap against the body, which seats a valve within a dispensing hole extending through the cap. When the container is squeezed, product in the container may be forced into the pressure chamber expanding the pressure chamber and unseating the valve, thereby allowing product to exit the dispensing opening. A lip seal around the upper circumferential edge of the body prevents fluid from leaking out of the sides of the chamber but allows air to enter the chamber for venting the flexible container.

Abstract: A quick-release arrangement for a hand-held device (30) comprising a belt clip (10) and an engagement element (20), wherein the belt clip is adapted to fit on a user's belt or waistband, the engagement element is attachable to a hand-held device, and the belt clip has a retaining portion (17, 18) shaped to slidably accept the engagement element to a limit point and to form an interference fit with the engagement element at said limit point.

Abstract: A strap has an extension element and a support element. The extension element joins with an article, such as a bag, backpack, or purse. The support element is secured to the extension element and has a plurality of sipes that enhance the flexibility of the strap. In another configuration, the support element has a central area formed from a foam that is more compressible than a foam forming end areas. In yet another configuration, the support element has a wedge-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A vehicle roof rack assembly comprises a pair of rails defining retention channels therein. A locking slot is disposed on an inboard surface of the rails and is in communication with the retention channels. The rook rack assembly further comprises a crossbar having a rotatable locking cam with retention tabs. The locking cam is designed to frictionally engage the locking slot during rotation and the retention tabs are adapted to extend into the retention channels, thereby securing the crossbar to the rails.

Abstract: A motorcycle mounted helmet carrier device includes a pair of linear support members each having first and second ends, each support member with a helmet receiving support plate member at the first end thereof. A linear connecting rod member is secured at each end to one linear support member to maintain the pair of support members in parallel register. The second end of each linear support member attaches to a motorcycle. Each linear support member includes at least one aperture adjacent the helmet receiving support plate at the first end thereof. Each linear support member with aperture therein is adapted for locking a helmet supported upright upon the support plate to the linear support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilized belt mounted fish landing net holster for anglers. The holster includes a belt-mounted base to which a cylindrical sleeve, which holds the handle of a landing net, is mounted in a vertical plane when the holster is worn on the belt of an angler or mounted to other gear such as back packs. The holster keeps the landing net secure, out of the way while fishing or walking and is easily withdrawn for use.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the application, a device for driving a fastening element into a substrate has an energy-transfer element for transferring energy to the fastening element. The energy-transfer element can move preferably between a starting position and a setting position, wherein the energy-transfer element is located, before a driving-in procedure, in the starting position and, after the driving-in procedure, in the setting position. According to another aspect of the application, the device comprises a mechanical-energy storage device for storing mechanical energy. The energy-transfer element is then suitable preferably for transferring energy from the mechanical-energy storage device to the fastening element.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the compression of tissue include clamping tissue between a first clamping member and a second clamping member by driving at least one of the clamping members with an electric motor toward a predetermined tissue gap between the clamping members and, during the clamping, monitoring a parameter of the electric motor indicative of a clamping force exerted to the tissue by the clamping members. The method and device include, during the clamping, controlling the electric motor, based on the monitored parameter, to limit the clamping force to a predetermined maximum limit.

Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge housing having a longitudinal axis, the cartridge having a knife channel disposed along the longitudinal axis dividing the cartridge into a first side and a second side, a first, a second and a third row of staple pockets located on the first side of the cartridge housing having staples therein, wherein the first, the second and the third row of staple pockets are aligned parallel to the knife channel, a first fastener driver oriented to drive at least three fasteners out of the staple pockets in the first, the second and the third row of staple pockets, respectively, and a second fastener driver oriented to drive at least four fasteners out of the staple pockets in at least the second and third row of staple pockets, respectively.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as a surgical stapling instrument (1), comprises a tissue manipulating portion (2) which is intended to be introduced in the body of a patient, a handle portion (3) with an actuating mechanism (7) adapted to generate actuating movements for the actuation of the tissue manipulating portion (2) and comprising at least a pair of rotary output members (33; 40) and an actuating transmission device (5, 5?; 6, 6?) connecting the actuating mechanism (7) of the handle portion (3) to the tissue manipulating portion (2) and comprising at least one pair of rotary rods (17, 17?; 19, 19?) for transmitting rotational actuating movements from the pair of rotary output members (33; 40) to the tissue manipulating portion (2). The actuating mechanism (7) comprises synchronization means (31, 32, 32?; 38, 20 39, 39?) which link the movements of the two rotary output members (33; 40) of the pair of rotary output members such that they counter-rotate at substantially the same speed.

Abstract: A metal joining system having a first burner assembly configured to selectively heat a first zone and an assembly support at least partially vertically lower than at least a portion of the first heat zone and a first hood vertically above at least a portion of the assembly support.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining flux material residues remaining on a heat exchanger after a preceding soldering process is provided. To this end, a fluid is applied to the heat exchanger, wherein the remaining quantity of flux material on the heat exchanger after the preceding soldering process is derived from the concentration of soldering agent in the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides assembly for use with a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen and a method for bonding metals with the cartridge. The cartridge includes a case, an igniter, and a structural component. The case defines an interior cavity and the igniter is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is also positioned within the cavity and is formed of a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes a metallic material. An oxidizing agent is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is configured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent. The cartridge is positioned within the assembly relative to a metal flyer such that when the cartridge is discharged, the flyer is bonded to a metal anvil.

Abstract: A core layer has on its front surface a pair of connecting electrodes forming a wiring pattern and a resist formed between the pair of electrodes; an electronic component having a pair of connecting terminals; a solder part joining between electrodes and connecting terminals; and a sealing resin part filling a gap between the bottom surface of the electronic component and the front surface of the core layer and covering the resist and the solder part, to prevent a defect of a component built-in printed circuit substrate.

Abstract: A folding box for the storage and presentation of products is provided, which includes an outer packaging body with a front wall, a rear wall, at least two side walls, a top element, and a bottom element, and which also includes a hollow inner chamber with a polygonal cross section in the interior of the outer packaging body. The inner chamber is formed by a front wall element, a rear wall element, and two side wall elements, and holds a product securely in the folded-open state of the folding box. The folding box is formed from a one-piece blank, and the outer packaging body and the inner chamber are glued to each other, providing the width of the inner chamber being less than the width of the outer packaging body, such that, between at least one side wall in the interior of the outer packaging body and at least one side wall element of the inner chamber, an empty space is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locking and unlocking the roller shutter (12, 15) of a container (10) that can be inserted into a rack (11) and removed therefrom. The roller shutter (12, 15) is pulled open by a stationary pin engaging therewith during insertion of the container (10), it is pulled shut by the same engagement of the pin (14) when the container (10) is pulled out of the rack (11). In the closed position, the roller shutter (12, 15) shall be locked reliably and accurately. Two locking pins (21, 22) that can be actuated by cam tracks (35, 36) extending in longitudinal direction of the rack (11) and provided at the rack (11) serve for this purpose. The first locking pin (21) serves to lock the roller shutter (12, 15), the second locking pin (22) keeps the roller shutter (12, 15) in its exactly defined closed position during the locking by the first locking pin (21). As a result thereof, position errors of the roller shutter (12, 15) during locking and unlocking are prevented.

Abstract: A barcode recognition method is provided for recognizing a barcode to derive effective barcode information thereof. The barcode includes a plurality of segments. In the method, every time the barcode is scanned and recognized, any segment, in which a barcode information fragment carried therein is able to be derived, is recorded as an effective segment. And then the effective segments are selected and combined to generate a plurality of segment combinations. The information carried by the segment combinations is respectively verified by the checksum thereof, so as to find out the segment combination, which is successfully verified by the checksum thereof, to be the effective combination. Every time the barcode is scanned and recognized, only part of the segments of the barcode has to be successfully recognized, and the effective segments derived are combined and verified, so as to quickly recognize the barcode.

Abstract: A system includes, but is not limited to: one or more conformation sensor modules configured to direct obtaining information associated with one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of a bendable display containing electronic device and one or more display control modules configured to direct controlling display of one or more portions of the bendable display containing electronic device regarding display of second information in response to the information associated with the one or more sequences of two or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the bendable 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 method for reading analogue and/or digital data, which are stored in fields on a microform, includes using a device for accessing the microform, which device is connected to a data processing system via a hardware interface. In order to make it possible to further process the data acquired by the device in a conventional personal computer, the analogue and/or digital data stored on the microform are represented by a control unit of the device of the data processing system as if the microform were a conventional replaceable data storage medium. Finally, the microform has a structure that allows the data stored thereon to be read quickly and is also suitable for the long-term and secure archiving of digital data.

Abstract: In a method for obtaining a resource to read a symbol, an image containing at least one of the symbol and an indicator of the symbol is obtained. At least a portion of the obtained image is sent to a symbol identification service and the resource from the symbol identification service is received, wherein the resource enables the symbol to be read.

Abstract: A method of surveying includes detecting an RFID tag associated with a position of interest and decoding information stored in the RFID tag to extract data associated with the position of interest. The method also includes presenting the data associated with the position of interest to an operator of a surveying tool.

Abstract: In a disclosed embodiment, a bill pay system presents a bill payment interface having an area for presenting bill payment details. The bill payment interface includes the display of one or more offers for purchase of gift cards. The one or more offers for purchase of gift cards may be determined based on merchants identified in the bill payment details. The bill payment details may be updated to reflect a purchase of an offered gift card.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for tracking a secondary gift card marketplace. A system configured to practice the method collects data related to a secondary market, which includes a transaction associated with a gift card, the transaction not involving an issuer of the gift card, processes the collected data, and presents at least a portion of the processed collected data to a merchant in a user interface. Gift cards can include at least one of gift cards and gift codes. The collected data can further include a plurality of transactions associated with gift cards. In one aspect, each gift card transaction in the plurality of gift card transaction does not involve an original issuing merchant of a gift card. The collected data can further include at least one of pricing, demographic, geographic, and other information related to the gift card transactions.

Abstract: A method of electronic payment transaction is characterized by the fact that during processing of one payment transaction, a communication link (3) between the card (1) and the terminal (2) is interrupted and the ARPC answering file is received to the card (1) after the original communication link (5) is interrupted. Two phases are separated by a reset of the card (1) where in the second phase initial payment data (ARQC) are used. Electronically signed ARQC payment file is stored in the card's (1) memory for at least until the corresponding time ARPC answering file is of received and processed. The solution enables to place the mobile phone with a payment card (1) near to the terminal's (2) reader twice. The first time, a request for on-line authorization is generated and during the second touch the information from the payment processor (5) is recorded into the payment application.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium containing instructions for a computer to perform a method for tracking visitors at bar or night club establishments having scanners capable of scanning the driver's license of each visitor entering the establishment. After scanning, the validity of the license is verified, as is whether the visitor is above the legal drinking age, and an identification code is associated with each such visitor. The time that the scan took place is recorded and the gender of the visitor is ascertained. The information is sent to and stored on the system server. The system server tallies the gender information for visitors associated with an identification code at each establishment. The population, tallied gender ratio and a calculated gender rate ratio for each establishment are displayed on a system website. System subscribers are permitted to access the displayed information on the system website.

Abstract: A card reader for use with a mobile device includes a rotatable face that can be rotated over a portion of the mobile device so that when the user slides a card through the card reader, the overlapping portion of the rotatable face prevents the card reader from spinning or rotating. A foot and/or a housing for a jack on the bottom of the card reader prevents the card reader from accidently turning off the mobile device during use.

Abstract: A computerized method and apparatus are established to identify a subject of common interest among multiple parties without releasing the true identity of any subject. Furthermore, a computerized network provides different parties at different locations with a mechanism to conduct cooperative activities concerning such a subject of common interest without exposing that subject to possible identity theft.

Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for accessing charging capabilities of electric vehicle charging stations. According to one embodiment of the invention, a system can be provided. The system can include a computer processor. The system can also include a memory operable to store computer-executable instructions operable to receive a readable code associated with an electric vehicle charging station, and further receive a unique identifier associated with a mobile device; and based at least in part on the readable code and unique identifier, authorize a consumer associated with the mobile device to access charging capabilities associated with the electric vehicle charging station.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcoded quality indicators each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, a barcode indicator reader operative to read the barcoded quality indicators and to provide output indications, the barcoded quality indicators being readable by the barcode indicator reader at all times after first becoming readable, including times prior to, during and immediately following exceedance of the at least one threshold by the at least one product quality affecting parameter, and a product type responsive indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product quality status outputs.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating goods and thereby detecting and deterring counterfeits are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a client utilizes data received from a host to generate a plurality of security codes and to direct a printing device to print the plurality of security codes on a plurality of products, without retaining the plurality of security codes after the printing device has printed the plurality of security codes on the plurality of products. After the security codes have been printed, a person can communicate the security code to the host, which can verify its authenticity.

Abstract: An analog ballistic system calculator for long range shooting is constructed of a pair of rugged, waterproof rotatable transparent discs superimposed over a base member on one side and a single transparent rotatable disc on the opposite side of the base. The hand held calculator device provides a wind speed and direction and air temperature adjusted calculator device for long distance rifles.

Abstract: An optical scanner comprising a weigh scale is presented with a self-centering top plate. The design of the top plate creates a horizontal gravitation vector on objects placed on and away from the center of the top plate. The force vector is directed toward the center of the top plate and diminishes to zero as the object approaches the center of the top plate.

Abstract: A financial transaction card reader device includes a housing having a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. A read head is in the housing, reads data stored on the magnetic stripe and for produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a seller's mobile device for providing the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device. The signal is decoded in the mobile device.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a magnetic stripe reader which has a magnetic read head by activating the electronic apparatus from an off state to a reduced power mode, then detecting the magnetic stripe reader, then activating the electronic apparatus from the reduced power mode to a full power mode after detection of the magnetic read head, and then broadcasting a signal that contains a transaction specific data packet that is read by the magnetic read head. The signal is broadcast without using a static magnetic stripe and it is a time varying and spatial varying magnetic field that is interpreted by the magnetic read head as originating from a standard magnetic stripe. A monitoring system can be used to identify what type of point-of-transaction terminal is being used to read the electronic apparatus and choose a timing of the magnetic stripe broadcaster to accommodate it.

Abstract: The present invention allows setting information into a support (paper, cardboard, plastics, etc.) by printing process or different kinds of chromatic settings (like chemical reactions),which could be read and decoded in controlled and repetitive conditions, matching with a known code. The process makes it possible the production of a low cost and high security level data support, due to the impossibility of visual access to the information. At the time, the system presents strong barrier for going through the information by means of other technological resources (of optical nature, for example) due to the impossibility of knowing the chromatic parameters settings involved in the scanning procedure for each cluster, which can change from one bit to another one. At the same time, the physical access results also impossible because of the destruction of the support that would be done in the will of doing it.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, an interference suppressing unit includes a closed-loop coil that forms a suppression area disposed in a propagation area where at least either one of the electromagnetic wave for power supply and the electromagnetic wave for transmission and reception of the ID information is propagated, and suppresses a magnetic-flux change based on the magnetic-flux change in the propagation area. At least one of an image pickup device and a carrier cable is disposed in the suppression area, and consequently, interference of the electromagnetic wave for power supply or the electromagnetic wave for transmission end reception of ID information that would otherwise propagate to a reading unit with the carrier cable thereof is suppressed. Thus, even if pickup image data of the RFID card and the ID information of the electronic tag are simultaneously obtained, the obtained pickup image data can be of high quality.

Abstract: A packaging system uses marked, specially designed packaging to enable confidential purchasing of consumer goods. Products having a first configuration normally labeled for sale are convertible into a second configuration which conceals the identity of the goods, other than perhaps having a confidentiality brand. The confidentiality package is bar-coded for price and purchase scanning but does not identify the type of good(s) being purchased either at the cash register or on the customer's receipt. The confidentially packaged items are primarily sold at a retail location immediately next to a normally marked, identical (except for the outer packaging shell) item, and have a brief description of what the item is directly under it (Tampons for example) located in the shelf strip next to the re-order shelf tag.

Abstract: A barcode scanner device for reading a target barcode having a plurality of feature sections in a first color and a plurality of background sections in a second color. The device comprises: a light source for providing incident illumination onto the target barcode during reading of the target barcode, the light source having a plurality of independently selectable color wavelengths; a photodetector for receiving at least a portion of the incident illumination when reflected off the target barcode as reflected illumination, the reflected illumination used by the photodetector to capture a first color image of the target barcode when a first color wavelength is selected as the incident illumination and to capture a second color image of the target barcode when a second color wavelength is selected as the incident illumination.

Abstract: A data capture device is described. The data capture device includes an imager simultaneously capturing a barcode and an image associated with the barcode. A memory is coupled to the imager for storing the barcode and the image. A processor is coupled to the memory for decoding the barcode and processing the image. A notification system notifies a user that the image is being processed prior to the processor completing the processing of the image.

Abstract: A bar code scanner module is disclosed that may include a chassis housing an optical transmission system therein, the optical transmission system including a laser diode and a motor; a first circuit board coupled to the motor; and a second circuit board disposed within the chassis and in communication with the first circuit board. The module may further include a third circuit board disposed in proximity to the chassis and in communication with at least one of the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

Abstract: A grayscale two-dimensional barcode may be converted to a two-dimensional color barcode. The color barcode includes a set of sub-regions, and the cells in each sub-region exhibits a color pattern that corresponds to pattern of binary, grayscale cells. The two-dimensional color barcode may be decoded by comparing the pattern for each sub-region to a known grayscale pattern. The two-dimensional color barcode may be used for error correction by first decoding the barcode in grayscale form based on the luminance without reference to color, then decoding the barcode based on its color and comparing the results.

Abstract: In an optical code reader, at least a selected one of AGC processing and automatic focus control is performed in parallel with optical code decoding. Preferably, the selected process is initiated ahead of any signal which initiates decoding. Preferably, the selected process is performed periodically and independently of any signal which initiates decoding. In an embodiment, decoding and the selected processes are performed by different first and second processors, respectively, which operate in parallel, and the second processor performs the selected process without the first processor exercising any control over the performance of the selected process.

Abstract: Stored value products, their packages, packaging content, displays, and associated methods for providing the same, are described. The stored value products described herein include gift cards having one or more 3D images and 3D glasses. The stored value product packing described herein include gift card package having one or more 3D images. The packaging content described herein includes collapsible 3D glasses. The displays described herein include displays having one or more 3D images and sample 3D viewers. Methods for production and use of the stored products, their packages, packaging content, and displays are also described.

Abstract: They object of the present invention is an TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM that integrates a static barcode together with a TIME VARIABLE label referred as TIME VALUE BAR or TVB. The TVB is then linked via a database to product information that vary with time such as useful shelf life, remaining shelf life, price, identity, and expiration of the article. The information is input, stored, linked, output, and managed by a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it is also partially available to the public via the TVB. In one of the preferred embodiments of the invention the variable bar code system is compatible with the Universal Product Code (UPC) currently in use in most retail shops. In another embodiment the TIME VALUE BAR of the present invention relates a 3D barcode with a VARIABLE TIME label effectively adding a fourth dimension to the barcode thus becoming a 4D barcode system.

Abstract: The electronic circuit is intended to form with an antenna a responder that operates without resetting to zero when the power supply of the electronic circuit is switched on (without POR). To increase efficiency and reduce the costs of testing a plurality of such integrated circuits in a wafer, means are provided that allow the logic circuit (8) to be reset to zero during such a test by electrical contact with the pads (P1, P2) of each circuit by using two extractors (12 and 14) of clock signals (CL1 and CL2) connected to the inputs of a generator (20) of a zero reset signal (SR). The state of the generator is essentially given by the difference in pulses received from the two clock signal extractors. As soon as the state of the generator corresponds to a value equal to or greater than a predefined integer, the logic circuit is reset to zero, which never occurs with the responder receiving an interrogation signal of a reader.

Abstract: A wearable article is configured for providing payment information to a point of sale terminal during a transaction. The wearable article, in some embodiments, includes a band configured for wrapping around a body part of the customer and for carrying an electronic device. In some embodiments, the band has an attachment system for removably securing the band to the body part of the customer. The electronic device includes an energy storage element, a memory device, a communication device and a processing device. The processing device is configured for receiving a communication from the point of sale terminal requesting payment information for completion of the transaction. The processing device reads account information from the memory device and communicates payment information to the point of sale terminal. In some embodiments, the wearable article receives power from a field generated by the point of sale terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise protection device includes first and second portions. An EAS tag is contained in the first or second portion. The first and second portions are connected together to form a head at a first end of the merchandise protection device and a base at the other end of the merchandise protection device. An opening is formed between the head and the base. The head is placed in a first recess of a merchandise item to be protected and the base is placed in a second recess of the merchandise item to be protected. The opening is configured to receive a portion of the merchandise item between the first recess and second recess.

Abstract: A transponder for a radio frequency identification system, the transponder comprising a UHF antenna, an LF antenna, an HF antenna, a charge storing device and an electronic circuit comprising UHF, LF and HF antenna ports; a UHF RFID protocol engine; a DF RFID protocol engine; shared memory for the two protocol engines; a UHF receiver, rectifier and data extractor; an LF receiver, rectifier and data extractor; a UHF modulator; an HF modulator; a decision circuit for selecting either the UHF energy source or the LF energy source; and a digital controller capable of selecting either the UHF protocol engine or the DF protocol engine or both, depending on which energy source is present and the strength of that energy source.