Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device by means of which, in use, an object is attached to a roof rack which is or at least can be connected to roof rails of a car, comprising a housing, at least two movable jaws extending to outside the housing, which jaws engage round a roof rack in use, and actuating means provided with an operating element for moving said at least two jaws together, wherein the actuating means are designed to translate the jaws and comprise at least one rack, which rack is engaged when the operating element is operated. The invention further relates to a combination of a roof rack and such an attachment device and to a combination of an object to be attached to a roof rack and such an attachment device.

Abstract: A bicycle accessory mounting structure is provided with a base member and a first stem member. The first stem member includes a mounting opening. The base member includes an accessory attachment portion and a mounting portion. The base member extends through the mounting opening. The base member is slidably supported on the first stem member within the mounting opening.

Abstract: A cargo management assembly for a vehicle having a support structure having a utility wall and side supports. A cabinet assembly is operably connected with the support structure. A barrier partition is disposed above the utility wall. A floor member is disposed below the cabinet assembly and the barrier partition. The floor member includes a spare tire access panel.

Abstract: A holster for a portable device is described. The holster includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaning a surface of a portable device while it is in the holster. The cleaning mechanism comprises a cleaning head movably coupled to a housing of the holster and positioned adjacent an interior surface of the holster; and an actuator coupled to the cleaning head and positioned on an exterior portion of the holster. Movement of the actuator moves the cleaning head, cleaning a portion of a surface of the portable device.

Abstract: A utility bag having shoulder straps which allows the bag to be used as a backpack to carry clothing, shoes, wet items, personal grooming items, etc. to a gym. At the gym the utility bag can be hung up on one or more of the locker hooks and, when the front panel of the utility bag is opened, all items in the utility bag can be easily accessed without removing the bag from the locker. The bag has a number of separate internally located compartments where each compartment can have a see thru mesh front panel which allows a user to see the contents of the compartment and allows air to circulate. The bag has pockets which are accessible from the outside of the bag which allow a user to quickly access a desired item such as a cell phone, wallet, etc. without opening the utility bag.

Abstract: An ultrasonic ribbon bonding system is provided. The ultrasonic ribbon bonding system includes a workholder for supporting a workpiece during a ribbon bonding operation. The workholder defines a first plurality of standoffs extending above a surface of the workholder, the first plurality of standoffs configured to contact the workpiece during the ribbon bonding operation. The ultrasonic ribbon bonding system also includes a bond head assembly carrying a ribbon bonding tool, the ribbon bonding tool being configured to bond a ribbon to the workpiece during the ribbon bonding operation.

Abstract: To provide a bonding apparatus capable of bonding at a high speed without performing a height measurement of a bonding point before a searching operation and the bonding. A confocal optical system mounted on a bonding arm pivotable upward and downward and configured to perform detection of a focus of a bonding point located on a surface of a bonded part, a bonding tool configured to be movable integrally with the bonding arm and perform bonding, and position detecting means configured to detect the position of the bonding tool, wherein the bonding tool is configured to move downward by a predetermined distance from a position of the bonding tool detected by the position detecting means by focus detection by the confocal optical system to a preset bonding point (amount of downward movement from a focus) during the downward movement of the bonding tool to the bonding point and stop on the bonding point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solder bump forming apparatus performing a soldering process on a substrate, the solder bump forming apparatus including: a solder bath receiving a solder therein; an agitator agitating the solder in the solder bath; a driver driving the agitator; and a suction pressure provider providing suction pressure to the substrate.

Abstract: An embodiment of a robotic welding apparatus comprises a robot having a welding torch and a base, where the base rotates about an axis of rotation. The embodiment further comprises an indexing table including a plurality of workpiece holding positions, where the indexing table is fixedly connected to the base substantially at a center position of the indexing table, and where the indexing table rotates about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A palletized framing system for a motor vehicle body assembly system in which the pallet with a body structure positioned thereon is positioned at the framing station on balls to establish the vertical Z dimension with the pallet free to float on the balls in longitudinal X and lateral Y dimensions, whereafter positioners carried by one of the gates of the framing station engage and lock onto the pallet to precisely position the pallet and the body structure at the framing station at X and Y dimensions corresponding to the precisely attainable X and Y positioning of the gate.

Abstract: A low thermal conductivity material layer covers a peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the conductive plate of a chip bonder head. The center portion of the conductive plate is exposed or covered with another conductive plate laterally surrounded by the low thermal conductivity material layer. During bonding, the chip bonder head holds a first substrate upside down and heats the first substrate through the conductive plate. Heating of a fillet, i.e., the laterally extruding portion, of a pre-applied underfill material is reduced because the temperature at the exposed surfaces of the low thermal conductivity material layer is lower than the temperature at the bottom surface of the conductive plate. The longer curing time and the more uniform shape of the fillet in the bonded structure enhance the structural reliability of the bonded substrates.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The system includes: a) a bond head assembly carrying an ultrasonic bonding tool; b) a conductive material supply; c) a conductive material feeding system for guiding a length of the conductive material supply to a position proximate the ultrasonic bonding tool; and d) a vapor generation system for supplying a vapor proximate the ultrasonic bonding tool, the vapor including a carrier gas and a lubricating vapor.

Abstract: A method of friction welding a workpiece and a component part is disclosed. The workpiece has a weld surface that is coextensive with at least a portion of a virtual surface, which is symmetric about an axis, and the component part includes a complementary surface that conforms to the weld surface. The method includes angularly oscillating the workpiece about the axis; urging the weld surface and the complementary surface together with a first predetermined force to create a plasticized region between the workpiece and the component part; urging the weld surface and the complementary surface together with a second predetermined force; discontinuing angularly oscillating the workpiece; urging the weld surface and the complementary surface together with a third predetermined force; and discontinuing to urge the weld surface and the complementary surface together when the workpiece and the component part coalesce.

Abstract: A braze joint is made between two workpieces by first forming a thermal shrink fit region between the two workpieces adjacent to, or around, a braze or filler region in which a filler metal is located adjacent to, or within. The filler metal is suitably heated so that it flows in the braze or filler region to form the braze joint of the two workpieces. Cutouts may be formed in the thermal shrink fit region adjacent to the braze or filler region to extend the braze joint region or provide paths for gas byproducts in the brazing process.

Abstract: A practical bonding technique is provided for solid-phase room-temperature bonding not requiring a profile irregularity of the order of several nanometers, in which a high-vacuum energy wave treatment and continuous high-vacuum bonding are not required. Since an adhering substance layer is thin immediately after a surface activating treatment using an energy wave, a bonding interface is spread by crushing the adhering substance layer to perform bonding, so that a new surface appears on a bonding surface, and objects to be bonded are bonded together. In order to crush the adhering substance layer more easily, a bonding metal of a bonding portion of the object to be bonded requires a low hardness. According to the results of various experiments conducted by the present inventors, it was found that the hardness of the bonding portion which is a Vickers hardness of 200 Hv or less is particularly effective for room-temperature bonding.

Abstract: A strip-shaped or plate-shaped composite metal object and a method for the production thereof. The composite metal object has at least two layers of the same metal. The layers have been brought by a heat pretreatment to a temperature such that a mutual diffusion bond has resulted through subsequent pressing of the layers against one another, while reducing the thickness by 5 to 25% and preferably 8 to 15%. A layer, which on the side thereof facing an adjacent layer has strip-shaped recesses, which are closed by the adjacent layer to form channels when the layers are pressed together, is used as one of the layers. The channels in the composite metal object allow the inclusion of additional elements before processed further to form an implement. The channels remain extensively preserved during the production and further processing of the composite model object.

Abstract: A cover for a box containing a fluid includes a top panel with a tuck flap. A perforated end of the tuck flap is coupled to a detachable attachment along a perforated line. The attachment includes instructions for forming the cover and also includes user-fillable labels. When the cover is in an assembled state, the perforated line forms a perforated edge that is tucked between panels of the cover and therefore hidden from view. A front panel of the cover includes an opening having edges. At least portions of the edges are inserted into a peripheral slot of a spigot that is coupled to a bladder contained in the box to provide additional support to the spigot and secure the cover to the box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rigid-buckling-resistant-fluted containers with an arcuate outer rim. The container such as a pressformed paperboard plate of overall diameter “D” including a generally planar bottom region, an upwardly extending fluted region surrounding the generally planar bottom region, and an outwardly and downwardly extending peripheral region having an arcuate radial profile. The containers being produced of a lightweight board but exhibiting high strength and rigidity relative to the low weight board.

Abstract: A charitable collection canister comprising, in combination a container having a money recess therein. There is next a lid having an inside surface. The lid is removably coupled to the container. The lid has a money slot, with the money slot having an inwardly and rearwardly oriented tab. The canister has an internal light emitting diode, with a battery electronically coupled thereto. Lastly, there is a window panel, with the window panel being coupled to the inside surface of the lid. The light emitting diode is visible through the window panel.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic device for use with a docking station is disclosed. The method includes detecting a coupling of the electronic device with the docking station, obtaining an image of an identifier associated with the docking station in response to detecting the coupling, and performing a predefined operation by the electronic device based on the image of the identifier in response to obtaining the image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling a portable electronic device to retrieve information about an object when the object's symbology, e.g., a barcode, is detected. According to one embodiment a method is providing in which symbology associated with an object is detected and decoded to obtain a decode string. The decode string is sent to one or more visual detection applications for processing, wherein the one or more visual detection applications reside on the portable electronic device, and receiving a first amount of information about the object from the one or more visual detection applications. The method also includes sending the decode string to a remote server for processing and receiving a second amount of information about the object from the remote server. The first amount of information is combined with the second amount of information to obtain cumulative information which is displayed on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The inventive technology disclosed herein relates to techniques, systems, methods and apparatus for providing coded souvenirs linked to web-based personalized content related to individual consumer identifiers, locality identifiers and/or both as well as to methods and apparatus for providing and servicing a coded personalized souvenir program. Additional embodiments also include laser engraved coded souvenirs.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read data from user cards. Read card data enables an authorized machine user to select between receiving currency bills that include a programmable tracking device or currency bills that do not include a programmable tracking device. The automated banking machine can dispense the form of currency bills that corresponds to the user's selection. Prior to dispensing a currency bill that has a programmable tracking device, the automated banking machine stores information related to the read card data in the currency bill.

Abstract: A self-service terminal includes a first cabinet, a cover rotatably secured on the first cabinet, and an adjustment device received in the first cabinet. A card slot for inputting/outputting a cash card is defined in the cover, and a positioning member is attached to the user interface cover. The adjustment device includes a positioning tray and a mounting member slidably secured to the positioning tray. A reader is attached to the positioning tray and includes an interface. The mounting member includes a slanted side plate abutting the positioning tray; wherein the positioning member is engaged with the positioning tray, for aligning with the interface of the reader and the card slot of the cover.

Abstract: An automated banking machine allows an authorized user to carry out transactions such as withdrawing cash, making a deposit, cashing a check, and transferring funds between accounts. The machine provides a transaction selection screen through a touch screen display. The transaction selection screen includes a plurality of visually different icons. Each icon represents a different transaction that is available to the current machine user. The user can select a particular transaction by dragging its representative icon with a contacting finger. Upon selection of the particular transaction, a display screen unique to that particular transaction is then provided through the touch screen display.

Abstract: A system and method replaces credit card numbers in systems that are customer facing with token Ids to thereby reduce exposure to credit card number theft.

Abstract: A system comprising a referral acceptor; a referral coordinator coupled to the referral acceptor; a referral calculator coupled to the referral calculator; and an input/output (I/O) device coupled to the referral coordinator. The referral acceptor is configured to accept a referral card. The referral card has a referrer identifier which identifiers a referrer of a holder of the referral card.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) device, an authentication system using the NFC device and an authentication method thereof are provided. The NFC device includes a RFID tag, a loop antenna, a flexible fabric packaging material and an EMI shielding material. The device can be easily adhered to objects including most handsets for mobile phone services. By adopting the authentication system and the authentication method, the device can be paired with a typical mobile phone and used to authenticate the user, thereby enabling mobile payment and mobile banking activities using mobile phones.

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: A system for monitoring a validator that assesses a token includes an input device for receiving messages from a machine including a validator. The messages contain data indicative of validator events such as an assessment of a token resulting in acceptance of the token and an assessment of a token resulting in rejection of the token. The system further includes a processor for deriving timing information for the validator events and for comparing the data and timing information with predetermined criteria. Personnel alerts are raised when predetermined criteria are satisfied, and maintenance of validators may be scheduled in dependence upon criteria related to assessments of tokens resulting in rejection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switchgear cabinet or rack comprising a mounting unit, the front of which has vertical mounting profiles that laterally delimit an installation space for installed user-side units, said profiles having fixing sections for attaching mounting sections of the installed units, and comprising components of a detection device for determining the presence of an installed unit in an installation position of the installation space. he components of the detection device have a vertical detector strip that is attached to a mounting profile and contains detector elements associated with the installed positions and arranged on or in said strip and code carriers that are provided on the installed units, the information from said carriers being transmitted for evaluation via the detector elements to a monitoring and control unit, either wirelessly or by wire.

Abstract: A system for processing folded documents is disclosed. The system includes an input hopper configured to receive a stack of folded documents and an imaging area in which each of the documents is imaged. A pick-up mechanism is configured to transport each of the folded documents from the input hopper to the imaging area. The pick-up mechanism includes first and second barriers that are spaced apart to define a gap through which each of the folded documents is passed, wherein the gap is dimensioned to prevent passage of more than one of the folded documents. Preferably, the system also includes a detection system that is operable to detect the passage of more than one of the folded documents through a detection zone.

Abstract: A sighting apparatus for a firearm includes a video camera capable of capturing and tracking the path of a projectile The captured images are taken generally concurrently with the firing of the first projectile, and with the projectile reaching the target. A video display includes a reticle positioned at the center of the display to permit the user to aim the firearm by positioning the reticle over the target. A processor receives captured images from the camera. An output interface delivers information to the video display to enable the video display to display images of the target area. Software and a processor determine the flight path of the projectile and the point where the projectile impacts or passes by the intended target and adjusts for the variance between the two points by moving the image on the display.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code reading device 20 is provided with image pickup device 22 which receives light reflected from either of a first inclined portion 12 and a second inclined portion 13 in a direction forming an angle ? satisfying expression (1) with respect to the normal-line direction R, and light source 21 which irradiates either of the inclined portions from a direction forming an angle ? satisfying expression (2) with respect to the normal-line direction R: 30°???35°??(1) ??=??180°+?+2???(2) where ? is less than 90°, ?? is not less than ?10° but not more than 10°, and ? and ? are angles in a turn direction reverse to a turn direction at which either of the inclined portions forms the angle ? with respect to the normal-line direction R.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for transmitting information from a handheld device to a terminal. The information is encoded as a barcode pattern. The barcode pattern is generated on a display of the handheld device. A size of the barcode pattern is periodically modulated on the display while maintaining internal relative dimensions within the barcode pattern. The periodically modulating barcode pattern is displayed to an optical reader of the terminal.

Abstract: A code reading apparatus includes: a storage section storing an applied voltage table showing a relationship between a focal distance of a liquid lens and an applied voltage to the liquid lens; a laser focus section performing laser focus adjustment; a contrast focus section performing contrast focus adjustment; and a correction section correcting a content of the applied voltage table based on a distance from the liquid lens to a subject found by the laser focus section and a corresponding applied voltage with which the subject is brought into focus by the contrast focus section.

Abstract: An assembly and method for tracking implant devices within a sterile field, the assembly comprising a reader that includes a housing structure with a base and a cover, a scanner having a scanner housing, where the scanner housing is at least partially positioned in a cavity provided in the base; and an aperture provided in the cover, where the cover is configured to receive a transparent sterile sheath to at least partially encase the cover.

Abstract: An electronic card and a method for processing data stored in the electronic card. The electronic card includes a memory containing data to be read by a card reader. The electronic card may include a programmable field source containing wire structures geometrically configured and energized in a manner that drives an electric current through only two wire structures at a time for generating a time varying magnetic field that induces a readback signal in the card reader as the electronic card is being swiped through the card reader. An electrical current in at least one wire in the electronic card generates a time varying magnetic field and may include a finite time derivative of electrical current whose magnitude does not exceed a specified maximum time derivative of electrical current corresponding to a peak voltage threshold (Vth) and an overshoot ratio (f) of the card reader.

Abstract: A multi-application contactless smart card system and method. The user may select application using selection mechanism located on the smart card or at the contactless reader. The selection means may be connected to the contact I/O pin of the processor of the smart card. In some embodiments, the processor of the smart card may read the user selection through the contact I/O pin during a simulated contact transaction, evoke the desired application and perform the contactless transaction. During the simulated contact transaction power up sequence is preserved by extracting power signals to the contact VDD pin from the RF signal. Alternatively, the state of the selection mechanism may be sampled continuously or at convenient time intervals, enabling further switching between applications during a single contactless session.

Abstract: A method for reading a code displayed on printed matter is disclosed. The present invention is implemented by reading a segment code referring to predetermined data, which is displayed, extracting direction information of the read segment code, and interpreting the data which the read segment code refers to on the basis of the extracted direction information. According to the present invention, the code printed on the printed matter is read without using a bar code to output text, voice, image, moving picture information, and the like corresponding to the read code.

Abstract: A method for designing identity plates which are placed on corresponding shopping carts is provided. A unique identity data is represented on each identity plate using an identification code. The unique identity data is encoded employing symbols having distinct physical characteristics. The association between the symbols and the identification code is predetermined. The method enables identifying shopping carts by capturing images of the shopping carts using video sensors and decoding identity data on each identity plate placed on each shopping cart. The identity data is decoded by recognizing symbols based on physical characteristics and translating recognized symbols to corresponding identity data referring to the predetermined association between the symbols and identification code. Identity data of shopping carts, identity data of video sensors and timestamp information is used for identifying location of video sensors using which path taken by shopping carts in the retail store is tracked.

Abstract: Embodiments of a printed security mark and a process are disclosed.

Abstract: An energy saving air quality control system modulates supply fan speed by use of controlled, variable-frequency drive controls for automatic dampers or suction pressure to maintain adequate air flow across the evaporator coil at partial cooling loads. Indexing the fan speed to maintain the suction pressure of the energized coil controls the maximum relative humidity of the conditioned space. Demand ventilation in the system balances air quality and energy consumption by controlling the outdoor air damper in response to indoor CO2 and humidity levels.

Abstract: A thermo-element having an excellent response and durability is provided. The thermo-element includes a casing having a bottom, a thermally expandable material filled in the casing and capable of expanding and contracting due to temperature changes, a piston movable in an axial direction thereof, a guide member for slidably holding the piston, and a liquid chamber defined between the thermally expandable material and the piston to receive therein a deformable, incompressible fluid. A bellows is fixed between an upper portion of the piston and an upper portion of the guide member to define a liquid space between an outer periphery of the upper portion of the piston and the bellows. The fluid in the liquid chamber can flow in and out of the liquid space via a through-hole and a radial hole.

Abstract: A rail repair insert enables repair of rails and rail-like structures. A rail defect is initially identified and removed as contained within a volumetric material portion so as to form a contoured void while maintaining continuity of the rail opposite the void. A pre-formed insert is then placed into the void thereby effecting a rail-to-insert interface. Current is driven through the interface as force directs the insert against the rail. Resistance heat and pressure weld the insert to the rail. The flash welding aspects remove oxides and other impurities from the interface, and the forge welding aspects create a robust solid state weld. Excess material, whether flash, rail, or insert-based, is removed during the finishing processes to provide a virtually seamless rail repair. The solid state weld repair insert may be used to repair any number of targeted metallic rail-like structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Laval nozzle for thermal spraying and kinetic spraying, especially for cold gas spraying, with a convergent section and a divergent section. To achieve a better degree of application effect, at least a portion of the divergent section, according to the invention, has a bell-shaped contour.

Abstract: Systems and devices for emitting volatile materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment of a device, the device has a housing, and the housing is supported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joined to the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and a second volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition. In one embodiment of the device, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted during periods that are each greater than 15 minutes to about 24 hours in length.

Abstract: A personal defense device is provided that includes an irritant. The personal defense device may have an irritant dispensing member that is carried on the back of a user. The irritant dispensing member may be configured for dispensing the irritant such that the irritant is dispensed behind the user.

Abstract: A paint sprayer includes a frame, a motor supported by the frame, a pump operably coupled to the motor to draw paint from a paint source and pressurize the paint, and a blower supported by the frame and operable to discharge pressurized air into the pressurized paint discharged by the pump.

Abstract: The central bar for spraying and/or distributing products in powder, liquid and granulate formulations refers to a central bar (1) to be fixed on the chassis (2a), between the front (2b) and the back (2c) wheels of a propeller vehicle (2), which is composed of a central frame set (3) and two side bars (4), where the central frame set (3) is composed of two brackets (3a) fixed to the chassis (2a) of said propeller vehicle (2); a horizontal pantograph subset (3b); two vertical pantograph subsets (3c), linked between them by the top side arms (3f) through an alternator axis (3i); two top articulation subsets (3e) formed from the extensions of the top side arms (3f); a shock absorption system, through bearings (3u) fixed to the inner walls of the brackets (3m) which are fixed to the side bars (4), wherein the internal braces (3n) are the end of the course; two bottom side subsets (3d) which are formed from the extensions of the bottom side arms (3h) driven by the hydraulic actuators (3t).