Abstract: A fixed-amount discharge squeeze container (10) which discharges a specific amount of content liquid from a discharge port by squeeze deformation of a container body (11) includes a squeeze-deformable plastic-made container body (11) and a squeeze operating portion (14) to perform squeeze operation is arranged at a barrel portion (13) of the container body (11). The squeeze operating portion (14) has a cross-sectional shape formed with a compression face portion (16) having a mountain-like section including a pair of inclined face portions (15) arranged along two faces intersecting obtusely and a compression support portion (18) having an arc-shaped section which is jointed integrally with foot parts (19b) of the compression face portion (16) respectively via an edge line portion (17). The compression face portion (16) is restricted so as not to be flipped into a valley-like shape after the inclined face portions (15) deforms until force to expand the distance between the bilateral foot parts (19b) vanishes.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus includes a dosing unit having a piston movable along a first axis in a cavity of a casing and a joint for removably connecting a first end portion of the piston t to a movement mechanism arranged for moving the piston. The first end portion includes a seat that is suitable for receiving a clutch portion of the joint, that is connectable in and detachable from the seat along a coupling direction that is almost parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus includes a dosing unit provided with a casing for supporting or containing a dosing device and a support device that are associated in particular with a filling machine, for supporting and locking the dosing unit in a mounting configuration. The apparatus further includes a coupling device associated with a casing and slidingly insertable into or disconnectable from a guide of the support device along a first direction. The support device further includes a fixing device for reversibly locking the coupling device to the guide in the mounting configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dosing unit for a powder dispenser comprising two dosing chambers (2,3) each chamber comprising: one upstream inlet (21, 31) and one downstream outlet (22, 32), an upstream means (23, 33) for opening and closing the inlet, a downstream means (24, 34) for opening and closing the outlet, the upstream means (23, 33) closing the inlet (21, 31) when the downstream means (24, 34) opens the outlet (22, 32) and reciprocally, wherein the upstream means (23) of the first chamber closes the first chamber (2) when the upstream means (33) of the second chamber opens the second chamber (3) and reciprocally.

Abstract: A mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.

Abstract: A device to assist in the feeding of an infant from a bottle comprising a shoulder support pad shaped like a figure eight comprised of a washable material including a nonskid on the underside having ridges and valleys. A baby bottle holder is rotatably attached near one end of said shoulder support band. The caregiver can hold and support an infant in one arm and hand greatly reducing the effort required to feed an infant milk from a baby bottle.

Abstract: A system is described that includes a base adapted to hold a device which is removable therefrom, the system including a retractor mechanism coupled to the base and having a retractable cord wound thereon with both ends extending therefrom through at least one opening as a line part of the retractable cord for access by a wearer of the base, and setting means providing adjustability of a perch position on the wearer for the base.

Abstract: A rotary support apparatus is provided that includes a rotation mechanism, a support mechanism, an object detector and a controller. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotatably support a supported body between a first position and a second position. The support mechanism is configured to support the supported body with at least a two stage support force at the first position. The object detector is configured to detect a person or an object. The controller is configured to control the support mechanism so as to switch the support force based on the results detected by the object detector.

Abstract: Utility rack attachments for rack systems used with automobiles, trailers, or stationary objects are used to conveniently transport or store the same. The invented rack system is basically comprised of an easily mountable and slidable assembly unit designed for quick locking to a rail mounted to a vehicle or trailer that is in tow by a vehicle. In a typical setup a quick locking and unlocking assembly unit is mounted to each of two rails that are separated by a distance that is spanned by the load it is carrying or by a platform which carries the load. The slidable and fixable nature of a complete assembly enables a person to quickly mount and dismount it to a rail and position and reposition a load at any location along the rail thus making it very versatile to accommodate a range of objects to be transported.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The cup holder assembly includes a panel and cup holder. The panel includes a top surface. The top surface includes at least one beverage container opening configured to receive a cup holder. A pocket is formed on the top surface of the panel and a cushion is disposed within the pocket. The panel may be covered with a skin such as a synthetic leather so as to cover the panel.

Abstract: A device for opening an ampoule (3) comprises a hollow cylindrical housing (11) having an interior for accommodating the ampoule (3) and a rotary element (12) having a proximal section (121), to which a break-off section (124) extending in a distal direction is connected to. The break-off section (124) is flexible in a radial direction and is pivotably connected to the proximal section (121) in the radial direction. The rotary element (12) is rotatable relative to the housing (11) about the longitudinal axis. The housing (11) has a first guiding structure (119) for pressing the break-off section (124) inward during a rotation of the rotary element so that the break-off section (124) exerts a radial shear force on an ampoule head (33) of an ampoule (3) to break the ampoule head (33) off of the ampoule body (31).

Abstract: A fastener actuation system for driving fasteners into a work surface separated a significant distance from a user, the system comprising a fastener actuation tool coupled to a pole assembly, the assembly including a lockout mechanism disposed within the tool. The tool may have a firing pin assembly configured such that depression of the barrel assembly against the work surface loads a firing pin into a ready-to-fire position. In addition, the tool may have a trigger sleeve slidable within the tool housing and having a ramp surface such that forward motion of the trigger sleeve may cause a trigger sear to move along the ramp surface until a point where the sear disengages and the firing pin fires. The lockout mechanism may include a ball and a receptacle, where the receptacle receives the ball if the tool is in an acceptable orientation and does not receive the ball otherwise.

Abstract: In a gas combustion type striking machine, a combustion chamber is opened and closed by moving a movable sleeve in a vertical direction. A safety lever is attached to a trigger, and a switch is switched by being pressed by a switch lever arranged to be engageable with the safety lever. A hold member which is engageable with the movable sleeve is rotatably connected to the trigger. A shaft supporting a base end of the hold member positions between a shaft supporting the switch lever and a cylinder in a right-left direction which is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Abstract: A nail guiding device for nailers includes a guide plate located between the opening of the casing of the nailer and the magazine. The guide plate has a guide slot and two flanges on two sides of the guide slot. The end of the cover contacts the flanges and the strike plate is movable within the guide slot. The guide plate has at least one guide block on a face facing the opening. An adjustment plate is located in the casing and has at least one adjustment block. A resilient member located in the casing and biases the guide plate to make the at least one guide block contact the at least one adjustment block or move over the at least one guide block to adjust the distance between the guide plate and the magazine, such that the nails of different sizes can be used in the nailer.

Abstract: Tooling intended for fixing hooks connecting the ends of belt conveyors including a fixed lower part forming an anvil linked to a movable upper part by positioning and centering fingers, a main punch, and a complementary punch. The main punch includes a head provided with enlarged parts and can slide in a vertical channel. The complementary punch can slide in a vertical channel. A vertical guiding groove staple is arranged on the side of the complementary punch. A pneumatic hammer provided with a head hammers the main punch which drives the staple in and drives, or hammers, the complementary punch which simultaneously hammers the upper of the hook.

Abstract: The present invention ensures a good bonding state between the electrode terminals of electronic components and the electrodes of a substrate, and achieves an increase in productivity and a downsizing of the substrate. The present invention includes: an applying step of applying a metal fine powder paste on each of multiple electrodes that are provided on a substrate; a component placing step of placing multiple electronic components with different heights, on the multiple electrodes, respectively; an organic film placing step of placing an organic film on the multiple electronic components; an organic film compressing step of applying a first pressure to the electronic component side with a pressing member and equalizing the height of the organic film; and a bonding step of applying a second pressure to the electronic component side with a compressing member on heating for a predetermined time and sintering the metal fine powder paste.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for surface-treating a printed circuit board and a printed circuit board including a surface treatment layer. The method includes: plasma-treating a surface of a printed circuit board; treating the plasma-treated substrate with an organic solderability preserve; performing heat treatment on the substrate treated with the organic solderability preserve; printing a solder paste on the substrate subjected to the heat treatment; reflowing the solder paste printed substrate to fix the solder paste; and deflux washing the resulting substrate. According to the present invention, the discoloration problem due to oxidation of copper can be solved by performing heat treatment under predetermined conditions after treatment with an organic solderability preserve. Therefore, the present invention can meet various multi-reflow processes, as compared with products of the related art.

Abstract: The wardrobe box is formed with a lid, a bottom and side walls. A door is provided at one of the sidewalls. The lid comprises two hinge sectors engageable to each other. The hinge sectors of the lid comprise complimentary flaps engageable to each other, whereas the door is formed with a detachable closing element. Such structure requires no additional elements to close the lid and to keep the door closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the process method of transferring/linking/binding specimen tube label barcode information (such as unique accession number along with other useful laboratory information such as test code information, testing department, specimen temperature) using an RFID Specimen Transport Puck moving continuously on a continuously moving conveyor belt and an RFID Reader/Writer that writes the information onto the RFID chip on the RFID Specimen Transport Puck.

Abstract: An apparatus that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, includes a processor that is in operative connection with a card reader and a touch screen display. The processor can cause the card reader to read card data from a user card, and can determine whether the read card data corresponds to an authorized financial account. Without the touch screen display surface visibly providing indicia that corresponds to a desired character, the user can still input the character through user contact with the touch screen display surface. The processor can resolve the desired character from the user contact.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method, for verifying an individual's authorization to enter into a country's borders using an electronic data card with at least one biometric identifier stored thereon for identifying the card holder. The system and method includes biometric verification means for validating at least one biometric sample that is compared with the at least one biometric identifier stored on the electronic data card when the electronic data card is within a predetermined spatial proximity to the card reader. Upon validation of the biometric sample, the electronic data card releases the card holder's information to the card reader, which receives and transmits the information to a computer processor for determining the card holder's travel authorization.

Abstract: A planar sheet comprising, on a first surface of the sheet, at least one printed mark, and on a second surface of the sheet, opposite the first surface, at least one invisible printed mark vertically adjacent to the mark printed on the first surface. In at least one pair of vertically adjacent marks formed on the opposite surfaces, at least one of the marks of the pair has unique content. At least one invisible mark can be a two-dimensional barcode and/or at least one invisible mark can be a copy-protection mark. The content of at least one mark can be representative of the position of an invisible mark on the sheet.

Abstract: A method of identifying a plurality of items, the method comprising: performing a CT scan of a plurality of items, at least some of said items bearing information tags; reconstructing an image based on the CT scan; and identifying an information tag associated with the items based on the reconstructed image.

Abstract: A self-service terminal comprises a media dispenser coupled to a control board; a cryptographic memory coupled to the control board; a network connection; a contact token reader; and a user interface comprising a plurality of lights. The control board includes a processor executing firmware. The firmware is operable to (i) read a token presented to the token reader each time the token contacts the token reader, (ii) ascertain a number of times a token reader is presented as part of a single transaction, (iii) create a transaction request including (a) an identifier read from the presented token and (b) an amount of cash requested based on the number of times the token was presented, (iv) encrypt the transaction request using data read from the cryptographic memory, and (v) transmit the encrypted transaction request to a remote authorization server using the network connection.

Abstract: A method for controlling a cycle of notes of value, wherein by a security transport company a cash box is removed from and/or inserted into a device for handling notes of value. The removal and/or the supplying of the cash box are detected by means of a sensor. After removal of a cash box from the device the total value of all notes of value received in the cash box is read out from the memory region of a memory element and is subtracted from a value stored in an account memory element assigned to the security transport company. After insertion of a cash box the total value is added to the value of the account memory element.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for pairing a card reader and a computing device, including: determining, by the computing device, that an output connector of the card reader is connected to the computing device through a physical connector of the computing device; in response to determining, by the computing device, that the output connector of the card reader is connected to the computing device through the physical connector located on the computing device, sending, from the computing device and through the physical connector, data for establishing a wireless communication link between the card reader and the computing device; and pairing, using the data sent from the computing device through the physical connector, the card reader with the computing device, wherein, upon pairing, subsequent communications between the card reader and the computing device are performed over the wireless communication link.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a produce weighing scale having a weighing platform. The method comprises prompting a customer to scan a barcode containing barcode data which identifies the produce weighing scale, receiving the barcode data which identifies the produce weighing scale, and after the barcode data has been received, prompting the customer to place produce items one-by-one onto the weighing platform of the produce weighing scale. Another method is provided of operating a mobile device of a customer shopping for produce items in aisles of a produce section of a retail grocery store. Still another method is provided of operating a self-checkout station to enable a customer in a retail grocery store to check out grocery items including produce items.

Abstract: A system for identifying different types of products on a display hanger and determining a quantity of each of the different types of products includes a plurality of electrically conductive segments coupled to the display hanger, an electrically conductive rail coupled to the display hanger, and a sensor device electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electrically conductive segments and to the electrically conductive rail. The sensor device is configured to identify the different types of products on the display hanger and to determine the quantity of each of the different types of products based on a unique electrical signature associated with each of the different types of products.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for enabling effective use of a contactless payment device in a transit system. The invention may be implemented in a manner that separates the authentication process from the pre-authorization process, thereby permitting a transit system patron to access and begin use of the transit system prior to authorization of the transaction by the issuer of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus concerned about global environment, which enables its user to be convinced of his/her commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions accompanying power consumption by letting the user purchase a consumable goods/replacement part to lead the user to join greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The electronic apparatus is configured as a printer, etc. that operates with attached a refill cartridge (consumable goods), which is replaceable in the apparatus body and affixed with information by which a greenhouse gas emission right accordance is identified.

Abstract: In various disclosed examples, an identifier is selected from a first set of identifiers, the selected identifier having a representation of at least two different characters. An indication of a difference between the representation of the selected identifier and representations of one or more identifiers from a second set of identifiers is calculated, and the selected identifier is determined to be an eligible identifier if the indication of the difference satisfies a threshold criteria.

Abstract: A card reader guide for use in a fascia of a self-service terminal is described. The card reader guide defines a card reader aperture extending in a first direction through which a customer may insert a data card. The card reader guide also comprises: a first protrusion extending (i) along part of the card reader aperture through which a magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer, wherein the first protrusion defines a stripe path in registration with the magnetic stripe of the card as the card is inserted by the customer; a second protrusion, opposite to, and aligned with, the first protrusion, and extending (i) along the part of the card reader aperture through which the magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer; and a magnetic reader detector located in the first protrusion at the stripe path.

Abstract: Color chart characterization and techniques related therewith are described herein. In an example, an image including a reproduction of a color chart may be received by a computing system. Data associated with the color chart may be received. The data is encoded in an encoding element located in a substrate including the color chart. The color chart may be automatically characterized based on the received data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel type of information carrier, on which information is stored in the form of diffraction structures. The information carrier according to the invention can be read by being drawn manually through a reading device. The present invention also relates to a device with which an information carrier according to the invention can be read.

Abstract: A technique detects counterfeit products having appearances similar to authentic products with high accuracy. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer in which hologram is processed and circularly polarized light of primary rotating direction having specific central wavelength can be selectively reflected and a code forming layer in which code printed pattern that is an objective of reading is formed, are arranged in this order seen from a side from which reading is performed. The hologram image that inhibits reading of information of the code while an optical reading device reads it together with the code, and it is formed by the hologram processing.

Abstract: Differences in the output of the printed barcode caused by differences interpreting the barcode generating code of an application program are absorbed so that the barcode desired by the user can be printed. The printer driver 32 of the host computer 11 extracts the character data contained in plural blocks of input barcode generation data, combines the extracted character data to generate a character data array, and based on the generated character data array generates and outputs a single barcode generation command CMB to the printer 12.

Abstract: Laser scanning module employing a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.

Abstract: A method for encoding and decoding color barcodes to increase their data capacity. The encoding steps include determining a shape, a foreground color and a background color for each data cell, wherein a combination of the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell is chosen from a plurality of such combinations in accordance with a value of the digital data to be encoded; and coloring some pixels in the data cell with a foreground color and other pixels with a background color, in accordance with the shape, foreground and background colors for the data cell determined above. The decoding steps include segmenting the data cells, recognizing a shape, a foreground color of the shape and a background color of the data cell, and obtaining digital data from a combination of the shape and foreground and background colors in each data cell.

Abstract: Methods and tangible computer-readable media for synchronizing a mobile device to a display via a communication network are disclosed. For example, a method receives an identification code from a display and sends a request to the communication network to establish a communication session between a mobile device and the display. The request comprises the identification code. Thereafter, the communication session is established via the communication network. Another method receives a request to establish a communication session between the mobile device and the display. The request comprises an identification code of the display that was received by the mobile device from the display. The method then establishes the communication session.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, enhancing performance of an imaging reader for imaging symbols to be read, include a solid-state imager supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from a symbol as pixel data over a field of view, and a controller operatively connected to the imager, for mapping a virtual scan line in the field of view, for determining whether the virtual scan line extends entirely over the symbol, for remapping the virtual scan line as a remapped virtual scan line that extends entirely over the symbol upon determining that the virtual scan line extends partially over the symbol, and for decoding the pixel data that lies on the remapped virtual scan line.

Abstract: A barcode decoding method includes obtaining a plurality of scanning lines defining a second set of scanning lines which also comprises a predetermined scanning line. Each scanning line has a first set of pixels, each identified by a first and by a second index. The pixels that are part of the second set of scanning lines define a third set of pixels and, from the pixels of the third set of pixels, it is possible to select a fourth set of pixels to construct an oversampled profile of the barcode, ordering intensity values calculated from the intensity values of the pixels of the fourth set. The pixels of the fourth set include pixels of the predetermined scanning line and further pixels of the third set that do not belong to the predetermined scanning line, to obtain a subpixel resolution that is able to decode the barcode.

Abstract: An imaging module for data collection devices, such as bar code scanners. The module includes an aiming or illumination light source or sources, seated on a support is mounted in a housing. The support is fixed in the housing to provide for its precise placement therein, in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A signal is provided in response to moving contact of a device with an object. Electronic circuitry transitions from an inactive state to an active state in response to the signal and scans a machine-readable code borne by the object. A data signal including or encoding the machine-readable code is provided. The electronic circuitry may transition from the active state back to the inactive state after the data signal has been provided and the present code scanning operation is complete. Power consumption by code scanner devices, user input stylus, or other apparatus is reduced accordingly.

Abstract: Various apparatus having removable member and carrier for same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a card with carrier includes a sheet of material having a central area, a bottom area, and another area. The bottom area is lowerly adjacent and foldable relative to the central area, and the another area is adjacent and foldable relative to the central area. The central area, the another area, and the bottom area are initially of a unitary construction. A card is coupled to or formed by the another area and is separable from the central area. Folding the bottom area inwards towards the central area forms a pocket configured to retain the card.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for amplifying Radio Frequency (RF) signals. In some implementations, a system includes a first interface, a second interface, secure memory, a user-interface module, a processing module, and am amplification module. The first interface connects to a microSD slot of a mobile host device. The second interface includes an internal antenna for wirelessly communicating with retail terminals. The secure memory stores user credentials and a payment application used to execute financial transactions with the retail terminals. The processing module executes the payment application using the user credentials in response to at least a transaction request received by the RF module and transmits at least one transaction response to the retail terminal based, at least in part, on the executed payment application. The amplification module connected to a lead of the antenna and is configured to amplify at least received RF signals.

Abstract: An antenna device is arranged to transmit or receive a radio frequency communication signal to or from an external device such as a reader/writer, and is arranged such that an antenna resonance circuit including an antenna coil and a capacitor is connected to an additional resonance circuit including an inductor and a capacitor. A radio frequency IC device preferably includes the antenna device and a radio frequency IC. The antenna device is constructed such that a change in characteristics thereof caused by a change in the distance between a radio frequency IC device and a reader/writer is minimized, and the radio frequency IC device performs communication with high reliability.

Abstract: A Non-transferable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) assembly for attachment to an article comprises a RFID module; and a antenna module coupled with the RFID module, the antenna module comprising a conductive layer, a substrate, and an adhesive modification layer between the conductive layer and the substrate, the adhesive modification layer configured such that when the assembly is attached to the article and attempt to remove the assembly will cause the substrate to release and leave the conductive layer intact.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a dual deterrent information object (IIO) are provided. A method includes analyzing a dual deterrent IIO to determine a first code, wherein the dual deterrent IIO comprises an IIO comprising a plurality of tiles and an associated mark, wherein each tile in the plurality of tiles represents a data element encoded by color, intensity, or both, and the associated mark comprises information related to the IIO. The first code is confirmed, and, if the first code passes the confirmation a new code comprising a bitstream is generated. The bitstream is overwritten on the plurality of tiles, wherein the dual deterrent IIO is the same size after writing of the bitstream. A new associated mark related to the dual deterrent IIO is generated and the associated mark is overwritten with the new associated mark.

Abstract: When a humidity adjustment device starts up, an outside air temperature To and an room air temperature Tr are compared to determine which air temperature is higher. By mutually changing the flow of the outside air and the flow of the room air by means of an air circulation switching device, the air having the higher temperature of the outside air and the room air is circulated to a heat exchanger that operates as an evaporator.

Abstract: A joint between connected ends of two rails of different height is provided with a connector/juncture bar member which is configured to fit with and engage corresponding surfaces formed on the rails when the rails are connected together. The joint so formed is one with increased strength, with ease and accuracy of alignment during assembly.