Abstract: A chemical product dispenser that controls dispensation of a chemical product based on a change in weight of the chemical product remaining in the dispenser includes an isolation mechanism. The dispenser includes a weight measurement instrument, such as one or more load cells, that measure the weight of the chemical product remaining the dispenser. The isolation mechanism is configured to lift the chemical product from a lowered position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the load cell(s) to a raised position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the isolation mechanism. When in the raised position, the dispenser may be loaded with a supply of chemical product with a reduced risk of damage to the weight measurement instrument.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where each chamber includes an inlet port configured to receive a flowable material and an outlet port configured to dispense the flowable material. The system also includes a first displacement rod slidably disposed in the first chamber. The system also includes a second displacement rod slidably disposed in the second chamber, wherein the first displacement rod is rigidly connected to the second displacement rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pumping device of a fluid vessel that discharges a predetermined amount of contents, and more particularly, to a push button of a pumping device of a fluid vessel including a push panel having a push part capable of being pushed by applying force on an upper front surface; and a connection rod formed at a lower end of the push panel and including a pump pressing part pushed as the push part is pushed and a rotation part serving as a central axis of an operation of the pump pressing part as the push part is pushed, a distance between the push part and the rotation part being longer than that between the pump pressing part and the rotation part, and a pumping device of a fluid vessel using the same.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body, a reservoir, a dispenser head, and a dispenser member. The dispenser member includes a dispenser-member body and a movable member that moves axially in the dispenser-member body during actuation. The device includes a lateral actuator system secured to the body and having an actuator element that co-operates with the reservoir, with the dispenser member, or with an element secured to the reservoir and/or the dispenser member. The actuator element is movable between a rest position and an actuated position. The body includes a guide surface for guiding the actuator element, the guide surface is stationary relative to the dispenser head, and substantially parallel to the movement axis of the movable member in the dispenser-member body during actuation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for hygienically reconstituting and delivering food preparations, such as drinks, comprising a metering and mixing device (3) connected to a container (4) containing a base liquid, in the form of a package (2) configured to be connected to a base station (5). The metering and mixing device comprises a pump for metering the liquid, a diluent intake and a mixing chamber. Coupling means (51) are provided for providing the diluent supply and the means for driving the liquid pump.

Abstract: A protective sleeve placed within the cylinder of a syringe, the sleeve protects a piston and a computer controlled device or human operator pushing the piston from material leaking past a piston assembly. The sleeve has lips or ridges at either end, one that is attached to the piston assembly at the output end of the syringe and a second lip that is attached with a retention plate at the far end of the syringe. The sleeve may have a bellows or accordion configuration that slides along the inner surface of the syringe cylinder without appreciably loading the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A volumetric doser (10) for batching liquid or pasty pharmaceutical substances is disclosed which comprises: a cylinder (1); a piston (2), mobile along internal walls (49) of the cylinder (1) for displacing liquid or pasty pharmaceutical substances; a stem (3) exiting from the cylinder (1) for moving the piston (2); and a coupling member (9) to which the stem (3) is fixable. The coupling member (9) has a substantially U-shaped form and comprises: a base (11) and two facing lateral walls (12, 13) which originate from the base (11). The piston (2) and the coupling member (9) are reciprocally conformed such that the coupling member (9) can embrace a part (17) of the piston (2) and can perform limited oscillations with respect to the piston (2) axis.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a pet pantry having storage containers for pet-related equipment, accessories, medication, or other items, and also pet food storage and dispensing. The food dispensing mechanism allows for measured food dispensing, providing volume adjustment mechanisms to dispense a desired quantity of pet food. The food dispensing mechanism is a single movement handle or button dispensing the desired quantity of food. The pet pantry is also modular allowing for adjustments to a pet owner's specification.

Abstract: A fluent material dispensing system comprising: a bottle, a plunger engaged inside the bottle, and a dispensing mechanism having a lever for operation of the plunger for fluid expulsion. The plunger may frictionally engage the bottle to a degree sufficient for holding the plunger in place against a force applied due to return motion of the lever. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a cap for attachment to an end of the bottle opposite a fluid outlet and a handle attached to the cap, the lever pivotally coupled to the cap, the lever and the handle aligned with the bottle. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a portioning mechanism configured to limit distance travelled by the lever from the rest position to the engaged position to a defined amount, thereby limiting expulsion of the fluid to a corresponding defined portion.

Abstract: An improved valve member, aerosol dispenser valve containing the valve member, aerosol container for dispensing moisture-curable foams, and moisture-curable foam and dispenser, in which the valve member is made of a glass filled polyolefin. The polyolefin is preferably a polyethylene. The glass content is between about 2% and about 40%, more preferably between about 10% and about 30%; and most preferably between about 15% and about 25%.

Abstract: A valve having a sleeve comprising a sleeve wall including an inner surface; and a plug positioned within the sleeve, the plug comprising at least one portion that is elastically deformable. The plug forms a blind hole extending into the plug from one end thereof to define a plug side wall, and a flow passage that extends through the plug side wall that is either open or openable. The plug defines a valve closed position in an unstressed state, yet is capable of elastically deforming to define a flow channel between the plug and the sleeve in a valve open position. A dispenser containing such a valve is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aid for putting on an elastic stocking in particular. The aid comprises a substantially flat and flexible sheet body manufactured from a smooth material, which is provided with removal means to remove the aid from between a foot and a stocking arranged around it, and with connecting means arranged on opposite edges of the body, which when in use interact to interconnect the opposite edges, resulting in a tube-like body having a insertion side for the foot and an opposite foot section, whereby each connecting means comprises magnets which are attracted by corresponding magnets in the other connecting means. The aid is simpler and more convenient in use than the known aid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a golfer's aid includes a bracket configured to be attached to a score card holder on the steering wheel of a golf cart. The bracket includes a main body and a leg extending from the main body. A recess near the distal end of the leg is sized to be received over an edge portion of the score card holder, and a fastener associated with the recess can be adjusted to clamp the bracket to the score card holder. The golfer's aid further includes a magnifying viewer coupled to the main body of the bracket whereby the user can view a score card on the score card holder through the magnifying viewer.

Abstract: A ladder rack incorporating one or more roller assemblies clamped or otherwise affixed to the side rails of the ladder rack that are made to serve as a fulcrum for facilitating the loading and unloading of ladders onto and from a roof rack mounted atop a cargo van or similar work vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting platform attached to a vehicle through an existing opening. A base portion having a clamp is placed through a brake light assembly opening, after the brake light assembly has been removed, and is securely held to the roof of a vehicle. A platform portion is attached to the base portion. The mounting platform is used to mount accessories such as light bars, emergency lights, antennas, or any other accessory desired to be mounted to the vehicle. The mounting platform may be easily installed and removed from the vehicle without any damage or modification to the vehicle and without drilling any additional holes in the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual safety combustion powered tool device includes a push member disposed to be pressed against a targeted surface to bring a lever to turn to be closer to an actuating unit. A trigger body is pulled to move the actuating unit so as to permit an actuating region to abut against the lever and to turn the actuating unit to an orientation where an actuating region is engageable with an ignition switch. Subsequently, a further movement of the trigger body to a final-stage position permits the actuating region to switch on the ignition switch so as to ignite combustion for initiation of a stroke movement of a driver blade. With such construction, undesired firing of the combustion powered tool device can be avoided.

Abstract: A technique for improving the cooling performance of a combustion chamber in a combustion power tool is provided. The combustion power tool includes first and second combustion chambers, a partition that separates the first combustion chamber from the second combustion chamber, openings, formed in the partition and communicate the first combustion chamber with the second combustion chamber, and a drive section that moves toward a front end by combustion pressure. The combustion pressure is generated when a flow of flammable gas, which is produced by combustion of the flammable gas in the first combustion chamber propagates to the second combustion chamber through the openings, and burns flammable gas in the second combustion chamber. The combustion gas flows from the first combustion chamber to the second combustion chamber in a direction around a central axis of the second combustion chamber while flowing along an inner wall of the second combustion chamber.

Abstract: An oscillation reducing suspension device for a fan motor of a combustion-powered tool includes a holding web member mounted on a cylinder head and having a central opening to be sleeved on the motor, first and second retaining members disposed to hoop around the motor, and first and second damping members each disposed between the holding web member and a respective one of the first and second retaining members so as to counteract an axial vibration force, thereby minimizing the impact of the axial vibration force.

Abstract: A stapler includes an enclosing portion that encloses staples, a clinch portion that bends a staple, and a projecting portion that projects the staple from the enclosing portion, inserts the staple to a sheet bundle, and bends the staple in cooperation with the clinch portion to bind the sheet bundle. In addition, a guide portion guides the staple projected by the projecting portion toward the sheet bundle. The guide portion has guide surfaces for guiding the staple from an inlet adapted to receive the inserting ends of the staple to an outlet that is formed narrower than the inlet such that the staple is projected by the projecting portion toward the sheet bundle side, and the projecting portion projects the staple to the guide portion, moves the staple along the guide surfaces to deform the staple in a horseshoe shape, inserts the pair of inserting ends to the sheet bundle, and bends the staple in cooperation with the clinch portion to bind the sheet bundle.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a fastening device such as, for example, a forward acting stapler, is provided that includes a manually operable latch in order to store the built up potential energy that results from depressing the handle of the fastening device. Upon actuation of the latch, the plunger within the fastening device is released, thereby converting the stored energy of an internal compression spring into kinetic energy and ejecting a fastener (such as, for example, staples, nails or other types of fasteners) from the staple chamber to fasten an object.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a flywheel rotated by a drive unit and having a wheel rim formed with teeth, an impact member having a mating toothed unit movable with a carrier frame to engage the teeth so as to be swept thereby to an end-stroke position to enable a striking rod to drive a fastener into a targeted workpiece, and an actuating unit configured to actuate the carrier frame to move from an upper position to a lower position in response to a triggering action of a trigger so as to move the mating toothed unit from an disengaging position to an engaging position.

Abstract: An assembly for joining tissue is provided and includes an anvil assembly and a body portion juxtaposed with respect to one another along a shaft and arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another; and an applicator supported on the anvil assembly and configured for retaining a wound treatment material therein and for dispensing the wound treatment material therefrom. A method for joining tissue is provided and includes the steps of dispensing the wound treatment material from the applicator so as to distribute wound treatment material onto at least one of a first tissue section and a second tissue section; and approximating the anvil assembly and the body portion to one another so that the first tissue section and the second tissue section are in contact with one another with the dispensed wound treatment material interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An ultrasonic horn used in, for instance, a wire bonding apparatus and formed with mounting flanges, including a slit and a cross-sectional shape varying portion; the slit being on the central axis in the horn's longitudinal direction and extending fore and aft relative to the center of the mounting flanges, the length of the slit(s) being equal to or greater than the width direction of a flange region that is between the opposing flanges, and at least a part of the cross-sectional shape varying portion being on the outer surface of the horn at a slit region in which the slit is formed. The stress center point in the cross-section of the ultrasonic horn at the flange region is positioned more to the inside than a straight line joining the stress center points in the cross-sections of the ultrasonic horn at the front and rear end portions of the slit.

Abstract: A superior braze material, along with a method of producing the braze material and a method of sealing, joining or bonding materials through brazing is disclosed. The braze material is based on a metal oxide-noble metal mixture, typically Ag—CuO, with the addition of a small amount of metal oxide and/or metal such as TiO2, Al2O3, YSZ, Al, and Pd that will further improve wettability and joint strength. Braze filer materials, typically either in the form of paste or thin foil, may be prepared by a high-energy cryogenic ball milling process. This process allows the braze material to form at a finer size, thereby allowing more evenly dispersed braze particles in the resultant braze layer between on the surface of the ceramic substrate and metallic parts.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The ultrasonic bonding system includes a bond head assembly and a bonding tool supported by the bond head assembly. The system further includes a pressing member adapted to press against a bonding material bonded using the bonding tool. The pressing member is supported by the bond head assembly and is movable with respect to the bond head assembly independent of the bonding tool. The ultrasonic bonding system may also be an ultrasonic ribbon bonding system or a solar cell ribbon bonding system for bonding a ribbon material to portions of a solar cell.

Abstract: A container for food or other items of interest has a bus-like configuration provided by semi-rigid material having fold lines defining front, rear and sides formed upon assembly of the carton to present a bus-like configuration to maximize the space for holding food or other items of interest and also provide an external display surface for decorative and advertising material.

Abstract: A container is disclosed. The container may include a fillable bladder in an interior of an enclosure of the container. The container may be used for packaging a pourable product into a fillable bladder while the fillable bladder is positioned inside the container. The container may include an enclosure having a blind depth recess bottom handle. The container may include an enclosure having a bottom flap having a flap perimeter which generally matches a lower perimeter of a plurality of sides of the enclosure.

Abstract: Pay-by-Space and Pay-and-Display are two well-known systems for metered parking for multiple spaces. The present invention allows multi-space meters to separately manage and control electric vehicle charging located in conjunction with parking spaces. Control is implemented by the meters printing indicia on a parking pass or receipt for the parking patron to present to an electric vehicle charging system able to read the indicia. Each such ticket may initiate a predetermined interval of charging, or an interval of charging selected by the patron during a transaction with the meter. The indicia may be either human-readable (e.g., text) or machine-readable (e.g., a barcode), or both, and may be encrypted to resist fraud. Data representative of the indicia may also be made available from an online server and delivered to a parking patron's smartphone or other portable device, whereby the display of the smartphone may present the indicia for reading by the electric vehicle charging system.

Abstract: A content receiver receives an update to a memory unit contained therein utilizing data stored in a data card inserted or incorporated into the content receiver. The content receiver dynamically generates a matrix code based on the updates received in the memory and on information uniquely identifying the content receiver. The matrix code is transmitted to a content display device for display, and a matrix code reader detects the displayed matrix code and transmits information contained within the matrix code to a content provider for updating a user's account associated with the updated content receiver. The content provider may transmit a message to the content receiver for display on the content display device indicating the update to the user's account. The content provider may transit a similar message to the matrix code reader.

Abstract: In order to improve a handling efficiency of a deposit operation and a dispense operation as a whole, a money handling system of the present invention includes: a reception unit configured to receive moneys; a recognition unit configured to recognize denominations of the moneys and to count the number of the moneys for each denomination; a storing and feeding unit configured to store and feed the moneys; a dispense unit configured to dispense the moneys such that the moneys can be taken out from outside; a transport unit configured to transport the moneys to the storing and feeding unit or the dispense unit; a storage unit configured to store change information showing the number of the change funds for each denomination; and a control unit configured to control the transport unit such that, based on the change information stored in the storage unit and a recognition result of the recognition unit, the transport unit transports the moneys received by the reception unit to the storing and feeding unit or the d

Abstract: A voice prompt method includes obtaining an image of a user and storing the obtained image as a characteristic image when users successfully log onto an automated teller machine; taking photographs of the location surrounding the automated teller machine at predetermined time intervals to obtain real-time images; judging whether the person of the characteristic image is the same as the person in the real-time image; detecting whether the distance between the user and the automated teller machine is larger than a predetermined value if the person in the two images is judged to be the same; and generating a voice prompt to remind the user not to forget to remove his/her bank card if the distance between the user and the automated teller machine becomes larger than a predetermined value. An automated teller machine is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. The value of the gift card is determined from an issuer of the gift card. The value of the gift card is stored in a digital payment account in a storage device. The digital payment account stores values of gift cards from issuers. A financial transaction corresponding to the issuer of the gift card is performed on the digital payment account. The value of a first gift card from a first issuer of a first digital payment account is exchanged with the value of a second gift card from a second issuer of a second digital payment account.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The machine is operative to cause a computer determination to be made that the card data corresponds to an authorized machine user. The automated banking machine may also include a storage device that is operative to unlock a secured area including information thereon that is used by the automated banking machine to carry out financial transfers.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for automatically filling in external account information on a new account application. The method and system capture account-identifying information for an external account from electronic transactions involving the external account. The captured external account information may be used to automatically pre-fill new account information fields that require information about the external account. Account-identifying information for internal accounts may also be used to automatically pre-fill the new account application. Such an arrangement greatly simplifies the process of filling out new account applications.

Abstract: Generating authentication data for use in a transaction by providing a contactless payment device or smart card configured to communicate with a mobile device, placing the contactless chip card in a proximity to the mobile device to instantiate communication between the contactless chip card and the mobile device, inputting a first input value into the mobile device, communicating data derived from the first input value from the mobile device to the contactless chip card, the contactless chip card converting a set of conversion data, including the first input value, into at least one dynamic value based at least in part on a secret value, communicating the dynamic value from the contactless chip card to the mobile device, and communicating authentication data based at least in part on the dynamic value to a user. In some embodiments the first input value is a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a challenge, or both a PIN and a challenge.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that performs card-based transactions. During operation, the system displays a set of magnetic-stripe cards to a user through a user interface of a portable device and obtains a user selection of a magnetic-stripe card from the set of magnetic stripe cards. Next, the system writes magnetic-stripe data associated with the magnetic-stripe card to a rewritable magnetic stripe on the portable device. Finally, the system uses the rewritable magnetic stripe in the card-based transaction in place of the magnetic-stripe card.

Abstract: An analysis system for analyzing biological samples, such as body fluids, methods implemented by the analysis system, and a computer program product for implementing the analysis system are disclosed. The system may include first and second lab devices, at least one of the lab devices may have a user identification component for identifying a user, a device identification component for identifying the lab device, and an interface component for sending a user identifier of the identified user and a device identifier of the lab device. The system may include a server computer having a server interface component for receiving the user identifier and the device identifier, and a processing component for determining a step of a workflow to be executed by the identified user, wherein the server interface component is operable to send a signal being indicative of a determined workflow to the lab device identified by the device identifier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a graphical user interface includes a conversion option to convert at least a subset of non-negotiable credits earned from one into entity independent funds in accordance with a conversion ratio. The entity independent funds are accepted by a commerce partner as at least partial payment for goods or services provided by the commerce partner. In absence of converting the non-negotiable credits into entity independent funds, the commerce partner does not accept the non-negotiable credits as payment for goods or services. Responsive to a received selection of the conversion option, the computer presents within the graphical user interface a quantity of available entity independent funds for use as payment for the goods or services provided by the commerce partner. The quantity of available entity independent funds results from converting the subset of non-negotiable credits into the quantity of available entity independent funds in accordance with the conversion ratio.

Abstract: A personal information access card has a PDF417 barcode with an image of the card user encoded therein. The image can be decoded and displayed at the time of presentation of the card to prevent card user misidentification. The barcode has an x-dimension, row height, data columns and a quiet zone which facilitates the use of a scanner to identify and read the barcode to decode the image.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method for providing access to a secure facility includes authenticating the user; generating a card credential, transmitting the card credential to an access card carried by of the user, and transmitting the card key to the access card in a form that is usable by the access card. The generating the card credential includes encrypting the card key using a server encryption key. The card key is usable for a challenge-response interaction during subsequent access requests by the user.

Abstract: A method and processes for a secure real-time processing of purchase validation award requests is described. The method includes processes to submit purchase information on a real-time basis and to check on the status of the processing of the submitted purchase validation award system request also on a real-time basis. The method uses a computer information network to perform the required processes.

Abstract: A display device which includes a housing, a plurality of separately movable indicators in the housing, each indicator including a plurality of symbols, an electrically operable actuator and a controller for controlling operation of the actuator whereby each indicator is independently movable to a selected position to display a selected symbol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system for supply chain management. The system permits an application server to collect information such as, for example, the spatial and temporal relationship between tags associated with a supply chain item by using a wireless communications device. Embodiments of the present invention may be used throughout any or all locations of a supply chain. For example, when the invention is applied to a retail setting, the retailer can track inventory in an establishment with minimal human involvement. In various embodiments of the present invention, two-way communication between tags and/or an application server allow data to be transmitted and/or received between one or more tags and/or one or more application servers.

Abstract: A card reader may include a reader-side non-contact communication antenna, a transfer path through which a card is transferred, a transfer mechanism to transfer the card, a controller to control the transfer mechanism, and a regulator to regulate transfer of the card. The reader-side antenna may be provided proximate to the transfer path. The regulator may be positioned such that the reader-side antenna can communicate with a card-side antenna on the card. The controller may control the transfer mechanism to move the card closer to the regulator or away from the regulator after the card has stopped once, so as to enable communication between the reader-side antenna and the card-side antenna.

Abstract: A system for encoding energy peaks of an identifier comprises an encoder. The encoder is configured to define a readable spectral range of an identifier. The identifier comprises a rugate microtag. The encoder is configured to divide the readable spectral range into a plurality of bins. The encoder is configured to encode in a center of a bin near one end of the readable spectral range a reference peak. The encoder is configured to encode in a center of each of a set of bins a set of peaks of a data pattern within the readable spectral range.

Abstract: Portable smartcard devices, methods of operating smartcard devices, systems including a smartcard device and a terminal, and computer readable storage media including instructions for smartcard devices are provided. According to some embodiments, the smartcard includes a controller for executing commands received from a terminal, where execution of at least one command affects a power consumption of the smartcard device during subsequent execution of at least one other command. Optionally, the command which modifies smartcard power consumption is issued by the terminal in accordance with a power consumption decision.

Abstract: Targets associated with transactions to be processed at a workstation are read by capturing return light from the targets with an array of light sensors of a solid-state imager having a field of view that extends through a workstation window to the targets. A controller controls the imager to operate at a frame rate to acquire images of the targets over successive frames in either a batch mode or a free-running mode. A memory stores the acquired images. The controller processes all of the stored images, and processes at least one of the stored images over an extended time period greater than one of the frames.

Abstract: Scanning apparatuses for scanning bar codes applied to documents have a reflector arrangement having either a variable reflection element or a light guide system. The reflection element or light guide system serves to deflect the beam path of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radiation source or an illumination device in the document plane along a line substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the document, or to capture it, and to relay it to a detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a layered two-dimensional code which can be considerably improved in the data capacity thereof without increasing the area thereof by integrating a plurality of two-dimensional codes by a predetermined correlation and expressing it as one two-dimensional code, a method of creating the layered two-dimensional code, and a method of reading the layered two-dimensional code. The layered two-dimensional code is formed as a surface layer by layering a plurality of code layers (for example, code layers 1, 2, and 3) each having information cells (1a?, 1a?, and the like) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and by integrating the plurality of code layers. An index information code 1c essentially including the information of an RGB value of each code layer is included at one part of the surface layer. When the information cells (1a? and 1a?) of the code layers 1 and 2 are superposed.

Abstract: A system includes, but is not limited to one or more conformation sensor modules configured to direct acquisition of first information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of a flexible interface containing electronic device and one or more display control modules configured to direct control of display of one or more portions of the flexible interface 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 changes in the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the flexible interface 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.