Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure tank made from fiber-reinforced plastic for, in particular, gaseous media, wherein, on its inner wall, the tank is equipped completely or partially with a substantially permeation-tight foil made of metal, wherein the metal has a high elastic range and a low thermal expansion coefficient, and the foil has a thickness of ?0.5 mm. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing tanks of this type.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a beverage temperature is disclosed herein. Specifically, a beverage container holder is disclosed. Such beverage container holder can comprise an inner layer that is substantially cylindrical, said inner layer having a substantially cylindrical aperture about its axis, such that said inner layer has an inner radius and an outer radius. Additionally, such beverage container holder can comprise a temperature retention material layer that at least partially surrounds said inner layer. Further, said beverage container holder can comprise an insulation layer that is substantially cylindrical and surrounds said temperature retention material. In one embodiment, said beverage container holder can further comprise an outer layer that is substantially cylindrical and surrounds said temperature said temperature retention material layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for molding a vessel, such as a bottle, with a high quality sealing surface are described herein. In one embodiment, a stepped blow pin can be used to form the sealing surface of a bottle. A stepped blow pin can include a body with a distal end and a proximal end. The blow pin can include a first region that includes a first diameter and a first engagement surface. The blow pin can further include a second region that includes a second diameter. The second region can be positioned between the first region and the distal end. A transition section can be positioned between the first region and second region. The blow pin can also include a top surface position at the proximal end, and a bottom surface positioned at the distal end.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior space within the housing. At least one merchandise support module is mounted in the housing and includes an electro-mechanical ejector located adjacent a front end of the at least one module. The ejector includes an electrical motor with an output shaft, along with an ejector plate movably mounted in relation to the housing. A gear train connects the output shaft of the motor to the ejector plate. A relay selectively provides electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft has at least one merchandise support module which includes a covering defining an interior space within the module. A support member and a dispensing member are mounted to the module, the dispensing member being mounted adjacent to the support member. A lockout device is also mounted to each module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device includes a housing with a user input member accessible from outside the housing. The user input member communicates with the dispensing member. A controller, which includes a memory and a processor, electrically communicates with the user input member. A sensor electrically communicates with the controller and senses the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. A signaling device electrically communicates with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item.

Abstract: A system for the controlled tapping of liquid from a container comprising: a main body adapted to be connected to the container and equipped with a connection flange to the container, and a mouth equipped with a first opening interposing at least one valve means arranged through the first opening; at least one tapping tap equipped with at least one first connection end to the mouth, the mouth being integral with at least one closing plug of the opening, the plug being equipped with at least one second opening placed next to the first opening when the plug is placed in a closing position of the mouth and the connection end to the tap being adapted to open the valve means when the tap is connected to the mouth through the first and second openings to communicate the inside of the container with the outside through the tap.

Abstract: A tote bag beverage dispensing apparatus includes a housing having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes bottom and upstanding side walls that define an interior area for carrying articles and an open top for access thereto. The lower portion includes insulated bottom and upstanding side walls defining a compartment and defining a slot for access thereto. The compartment is configured to receive a bladder of liquid having a dispensing nozzle and is insulated for maintaining a temperature of a bladder of liquid, such as a beverage, placed therein. One side wall of the lower portion defines an aperture configured to receive the dispensing nozzle of the bladder of liquid therethrough. The slot transitions between a closed configuration blocking access to the compartment and an open configuration allowing access to the compartment. A flap coupled to the lower portion conceals the opening and the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A mobile beverage cart is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the mobile beverage cart may include a water chiller system and a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system may include a manifold, at least one product line in communication with the manifold, at least one product container in communication with the at least one product line, an electric pump in communication with the at least one product line, a water line in communication with the water chiller system and the manifold, and a dispensing device in communication with the manifold.

Abstract: A dry ingredient dispensing unit includes a plurality of containers affixed to a sliding rail mountable to a structure such as a cupboard. Each container is configured into a hopper. A volume of a dry ingredient is loaded through a top portion of each hopper. Each hopper is provided with a plurality of sliding dispensing plates stacked on top of each other. Each dispensing plate is provided with a calibrated aperture to dispense a specific volume of dry ingredient when the plate is slid outward from the hopper. Further, the hoppers are interconnected to provide an assembly of multiple compartments.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: A spring mechanism comprising a spring element having a pair of arms separated by a gap, a tapered flexible tongue with an enlarged tip, and a tapered slot extending longitudinally through the tongue, wherein the tapered flexible tongue is operatively arranged to bend such that the tip enters the gap and engages the pair of arms. A case for a canister capable of dispelling material is also disclosed using the spring mechanism to bias a lid in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for housing and dispensing hand sanitizers and other dispensable products in proximity to computers and other user technology. One embodiment of the device is a dispenser for hand sanitizer or other dispensable products that can be attached to a standard computer keyboard. In one embodiment, the device is a housing structure of similar size, appearance and feel as the standard “Enter” key.

Abstract: A bonding material applying apparatus includes a syringe in which a bonding material is filled. The syringe includes a discharge nozzle disposed at a tip thereof to discharge the bonding material filled in the syringe. A compressed air supply mechanism supplies compressed air to the syringe and discharges the bonding material from the discharge nozzle. When a discharge interval from the end of discharge to the start of discharge of the bonding material lasts for a certain time or longer, the compressed air supply mechanism supplies the compressed air for a time, which is shorter than a discharge time necessary to discharge the bonding material, to such an extent that the bonding material is substantially not discharged.

Abstract: A sport bottle defining a cavity with top open end to contain a liquid. A cap closes the cavity, said cap having a body with a spout. A conduit extends transversely through the cap and opened on opposed sides of a circumference of the body of the cap, the conduit being in fluid communication with the spout and having a passage in fluid communication with the cavity. A valve is formed of two pistons disposed onto a shaft, the pistons being sized to sealingly define with the conduit an interstitial space, the valve is displaceable by pressing the ends between a closed configuration in which the pistons block liquid from the cavity from entering the interstitial space, and a dispensing configuration in which the interstitial space is aligned with the passage and the spout to allow liquid from the cavity to reach the spout.

Abstract: An attachment device secures attaching a handheld device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. The device has a first connecting element connecting it to the handheld device and a second connecting element for securing it, e.g. to a beltloop, handbag or user's wrist. A tether cord is stored in a housing, may be withdrawn from the housing, and has a free end connected to one of the first and second connecting elements with the other connected to the housing. A retraction device, such as a spring, in the housing retracts the tether cord into the housing, A locking element may be provided for locking the tether relative to the housing. The spring can be strong enough to take the full weight of the device with the phone, while preventing the tether cord from being pulled from the housing, to prevent the handheld device from being dropped, lost or misplaced.

Abstract: A protective case for receiving and retaining a portable electronic device is provided. The case comprises dampening features disposed in at least two corners of the case to protect the electronic device from inadvertent impact and the resultant forces. Various embodiments of the case comprise multi-materials designs and features that allow utilize of various controls and features of the electronic device.

Abstract: The article carrier includes a removable wristband having a normally closed clasp installed along one side thereof. The wristband is secured about the lower forearm and wrist of the user immediately above the hand, and may be secured using any of a number of different fastener configurations. The clasp is pivotally attached to the wristband by a lateral pin, and a coil spring is installed on the pin to bias the clasp to a normally closed position. A mechanical latch may be installed to provide positive closure for the clasp. The clasp has a width and length substantially equal to the diameter and length of the wristband.

Abstract: A belt clip assembly for inside-the-waistband holster/firearm system that is readily adjustable for different angles as desired by users and is adjustable in length in the vertical position. The assembly includes a clip and a base mountable to a holster. The elongated clip is positioned outwardly of the waistband and beneath the belt of a user with a lower tab that hooks the lower belt edge to prevent the same from moving upward when a firearm is withdrawn from a holster, and a spaced pair of prongs hook over the top of the waistband and prevent movement downwardly. A series of vertical fastener apertures extend through the clip so that the holster may be vertically adjusted. Two spaced pegs extend from the base and inserted into peg recesses on either side of each fastener aperture to permit angular mounting between a holster and clip.

Abstract: The “Tire Table” is a foldable, durable and compactable table with a foldable swing arm that attaches to a vehicle tire for it's main support. This foldable swing arm allows the table to be cantilevered, needing no legs, tools or special attachments for installation and use. It is one piece and can be easily removed, folded and stored.

Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes a bracket configured for adhesive attachment at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. The bracket includes an attaching portion having an aperture therethrough and includes a pair of attaching arms extending from the attaching portion. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mounting base that is attached at the attaching portion of the bracket with the bracket adhesively attached at the windshield. With the mounting base attached at the attaching portion, a rain sensor is disposed at the in-cabin surface of the windshield and the aperture of the attaching portion circumscribes the rain sensor. With the bracket adhesively attached at the windshield, a forward camera module is attached at the attaching arms of the bracket and generally at the in-cabin surface of the windshield so that an imager of the forward camera module has a field of view through the windshield.

Abstract: Provided is a transport device including a first transport member that transports a sheet-shaped medium in a transport direction, a transport path that is formed by a first guiding member which guides the medium in the transport direction and a second guiding member which guides the medium in the transport direction, at least one of the first guiding member and the second guiding member including a widened part on a downstream side of a processing position and on an upstream side of a second transport member, a pressing member that presses the medium to the first guiding member, a processing unit that performs a processing on the medium which is transported in the transport path, and a second transport member that transports the medium, which is guided by the first guiding member and the second guiding member, in the transport direction.

Abstract: A nail gun includes a body, a valve unit, a nail striking member and a detector. The body has a nail path, an air chamber, and an intake chamber guiding flow of air into the air chamber. The nail striking member is drivable by air pressure in the air chamber for striking a nail in the nail path. The valve unit is operable to switch between unblocking and blocking states to respectively permit and prevent fluid communication between the intake chamber and the air chamber. The detector is connected pivotally to the body, and is contactable with the valve unit such that, when there is no nail in the nail path, the valve unit is controlled by the detector to be in the blocking state.

Abstract: An improved tool for installing an explosively driven fastener as well as an improved explosively driven fastener for use therewith are disclosed. The fastener includes a nail having a head with an explosive load attached thereto in a plastic cap that includes a buffer. The tool has a plurality of concentric cylinders and springs including a muzzle for receiving the fastener head and explosive load. A spring actuated firing pin ignites the load causing it to explode and drive the nail out of the tool. The explosion also automatically resets the tool. The tool and the fastener provide many advantages over existing explosively driven fasteners and the tools used to install them.

Abstract: A surgical fastening instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, an end effector and a clamp is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector includes a pair of jaws having a tissue contacting surface disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion, and at least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The clamp has a clamping surface extending substantially transversely from an elongated member and has a height exceeding a height of the elongated member to extend adjacent a side surface of the jaw containing the plurality of fasteners. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body, a plurality of staples disposed within the cartridge body, a tissue contacting surface on the cartridge body defining staple retaining slots dimensioned to releasably retain a staple, and a buttress material including at least one weld joining the buttress material to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The at least one weld is positioned to at least partially overlie a staple retaining slot.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge housing and a cartridge. The cartridge housing has a plurality of biasing members thereon. The cartridge is configured for reception at least partially within the cartridge housing. The cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners at least partially therein. The cartridge has a plurality of pockets. Each fastener is ejectable from a corresponding pocket. The cartridge has a plurality of chambers, and each chamber is adjacent a pocket and configured to store at least one fastener at least partially therein. At least one fastener is movable from the chamber to the pocket. The cartridge includes a plurality of pushers, where each pusher is configured to engage at least one corresponding fastener. At least one pusher includes at least one cam surface thereon. Each biasing member urges at least one corresponding fastener toward the corresponding pocket.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying a work piece surface of high melting temperature materials such as Advanced High Strength Steels, wherein a friction stir welding tool may include cutting elements located on the outside diameter of a collar assembly, wherein the collar assembly may be retrofitted for existing friction stir welding tools, or may be designed as a custom attachment for a new hybrid friction stir welding tool, wherein the surface of the work piece may be modified by removing detrimental flash and burr created during operation of the friction stir welding tool.

Abstract: Support device (20) meant to bear in supporting fashion on one or more work pieces in connection with friction stir welding, comprising: A holder unit (30), a first support wheel (40) which can be rotated relative to the holder unit about a first rotational axis (R1), and a second support wheel (50) which can be rotated relative to the holder unit around a second rotational axis (R2) which is parallel to the said first rotational axis, a support body (60) connected with the holder unit which is situated between support wheels and exhibits a support surface (61) turned outward, and an endless flexible metal belt (21), which runs in a loop over the outer peripheral surfaces (41, 51) of the support wheels, and is in sliding contact with the support surface of the support device, wherein the support devices are shaped to provide support as they bear on one or more work pieces with the outer peripheral surfaces of the support wheel, and with the support surface of the support body resting against the work piece

Abstract: Method of assembly of a first element (I) and a second element (II) each having an assembly surface, at least one of the assembly surfaces comprising recessed metal portions (6, 106) surrounded by dielectric materials (4, 104) comprising: A) a step to bring the two assembly surfaces into contact without application of pressure such that direct bonding is obtained between the assembly surfaces, said first and second assemblies (I, II) forming a stack with a given thickness (e), B) a heat treatment step of said stack during which the back faces (10, 110) of the first (I) and the second (II) elements are held in position so that they are held at a fixed distance (E) between the given stack thickness+/?2 nm.

Abstract: A process for joining two parts by braze-welding, including forming a joint, between two surfaces to be joined, and a fillet. The composition of the filler metal used to form the fillet is different from that used to form the joint, to provide the joint with a higher ductility. The method can, for example, be applied to production of high-pressure compressor guide-vane sectors for a turbomachine.

Abstract: An electrode forming device has a pressing unit that presses a substrate on a printing table from above, a suction unit that sucks the substrate on the printing table, a mask member integrally formed with a first mask section used for applying flux on the substrate and a second mask section used for filling a conductive ball on the substrate applied with the flux, a squeegee head that applies the flux via the first mask section, an air cylinder that moves the mask member, and a filling head that fills a conductive ball via the second mask section.

Abstract: An electrode forming device has a flux application unit that applies flux on a substrate; a plurality of ball filling units that are arranged in series at a downstream side of the flux application unit and fill conductive balls on the substrate applied with the flux to form electrodes; and a first conveying device, a second conveying device, a first bypass conveyor and a second bypass conveyor that convey the substrate to one of the ball filling units and conveys the substrate in such a way as to bypass the other ball filling unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (1) comprising a wall (2) having a closed base (4) at one end and a generally circular or oval rim (5) of at an opposite end, the rim defining a top opening (6) of the container. The container (1) further comprises an arrangement of flaps (70, 80) whereby the counteracting forces between a rim of a first flap (70) and the inner face of a second flap (80) are sufficient to push the respective rim and the inner face together into a tight contact. A closure arrangement (300a, 300b) is provided to restrict flap openings (100a, 100b) formed at or below the rim (5) of the container between the flaps (70, 80) to prevent splashing and reduce the rate of spillage if the container is knocked over. The present invention thus improves the spill-resistant properties for the container (1), whilst, if required for drinking or pouring, permitting the container to allow the passage of a liquid when tilted for drinking and pouring.

Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein for processing a sheet of sheet material include a plurality of processes. The methods and systems include a process of receiving the sheet in a sheet-accepting device. The methods and systems include detecting, by a first sensor mechanism of the sheet-accepting device, first information of the sheet. The first information of the sheet includes a value of the sheet and a serial number of the sheet. The methods and systems include disposing the sheet in a removable container coupled to the sheet-accepting device. The methods and systems include storing the first information of the sheet in a memory coupled to the removable container.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for promotions processing, including a point-of-sale (POS) device having a barcode scanner interface device; a user device having a wireless communications interface device; and a barcode inserter device having a wireless communications interface device. The barcode inserter device is configured to receive via the communications interface device of the barcode inserter device a barcode transmitted from the user device via the communications interface of the user device. The barcode inserter device is configured insert the received barcode into a transaction at the POS device via the barcode scanner interface device of the POS device.

Abstract: The present invention is transactional device having element for identifying wireless sensing, having an element for identifying wireless sensing having the light emission element, capable of determining whether or not the financial transaction card is at a correct position, as such, when the magnetic stripe reader of the financial transaction device reads data, the wireless data reader does not read data, such that no duplicate data reading occurs.

Abstract: A near field communication tag (101), comprises a first tag interface (107) for wireless near field communication with a first device (105), a second tag interface (113) for wired communication with a second device (103), a field detection section (119) for detecting a near field (109) for the wireless near field communication, a pin (121) connectable to the second device (103), wherein an output signal (127) is determined based on a result of the detecting of a near field (109) and the output signal (127) is provided to the pin (121), and an electronic storage (125) storing pin configuration information specifying the output signal.

Abstract: A transmission leakage signal offset apparatus of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is disclosed. The transmission leakage signal offset apparatus may include a signal divider to divide a received signal of the RFID reader, the received signal including a transmission leakage signal, and to transmit the divided received signal to a signal combiner and an injection locked oscillator (ILO); a signal synchronizer to synchronize a phase of the ILO with a phase of the transmission leakage signal; a phase controller to control a phase difference between the received signal of the RFID reader and an output signal of the ILO; and a signal combiner to combine the received signal of the RFID reader and the output signal of the ILO, between which the phase difference is controlled.

Abstract: A scanning system for data reading, and related methods of use, the scanning system including a portal scanner and a conveyor for transporting items. The scanner includes a generally U-shaped scanner housing and a plurality of data readers arranged within the scanner housing for reading data on various surfaces of an item being transported through the portal scanner. The scanning system may also include a bottom scanner positioned beneath the conveyor, the bottom scanner having a view volume directed through a gap in the conveyor for reading a bottom surface of the item through the gap as the item passes over the gap. In some embodiments, the scanning system may further include one or more light curtains configured for determining a height dimension of the item and/or a position of the item.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe reading device including a magnetic head assembly including a mounting element defining a circumferential anti-tampering enclosure and at least one information reading sensor having output contacts, a protective layer including at least one protective grid and at least one anti-tampering contact array including at least two electrical contacts, at least one resiliently deformable conductive element arranged to selectably provide a galvanic interconnection between the electrical contacts, a closure element fixed to the assembly in a secure orientation to displace the deformable conductive element into galvanic interconnection contact with the electrical contacts, whereby tampering with the closure element causes the deformable conductive element to break the galvanic interconnection contact and a flat cable coupled to the output contacts, to the protective layer and to the electrical contacts and carrying electrical signals useful for providing a tampering alarm indication when the electrical

Abstract: In a barcode reader, a sensor controller sets time of one frame of a line image sensor based on output time necessary for data output of one frame from the line image sensor and lighting time of an LED. A light source controller performs first lighting control to turn on the LED only for the lighting time after termination of the data output within the time of one frame, and second lighting control to turn on the LED only for the lighting time so as to include the entire period of the data output within the time of one frame.

Abstract: A barcode reader, as an optical information reader which reads information indicated with a symbol having a light reflectance different from an ambient light reflectance, is provided with a linear sensor as a light receiving sensor, an image pickup lens to image-form light on the linear sensor, an LED as a light emitting device, a projection lens to project light emitted from the LED, a parting portion to regulate a light projection range of the light emitted from the LED, having a first opening and a second opening to shield light out of a predetermined range, a central position of the predetermined range being shifted from position of an optical axis of the projection lens to a side of an optical axis of the image pickup lens.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a camera; and a processing circuitry configured to: capture an image of a scanning device by using the camera; and output a first scannable item based on the captured image of the scanning device.

Abstract: A secure transaction card does not interact with an interrogating radio frequency field without user interaction. The user interaction may include pressing on the card to cause a smartcard chip to connect to a coil on the card. The user interaction may also include exposing the card to light, motion, touch, or the like. Control of the secure transaction card may be active or passive.

Abstract: A secure transaction card does not interact with an interrogating radio frequency field without user interaction. The user interaction may include pressing on the card to cause a smartcard chip to connect to a coil on the card. The user interaction may also include exposing the card to light, motion, touch, or the like. Control of the secure transaction card may be active or passive.

Abstract: A secure transaction card does not interact with an interrogating radio frequency field without user interaction. The user interaction may include pressing on the card to cause a smartcard chip to connect to a coil on the card. The user interaction may also include exposing the card to light, motion, touch, or the like. Control of the secure transaction card may be active or passive.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a booster antenna structure is provided, comprising a chip coupling region; a coil having a conductor forming multiple windings, wherein the coil encloses the chip coupling region substantially completely, wherein the conductor is arranged around the chip coupling region in a crossover-free manner.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an air conditioning apparatus for heating inside of a passenger compartment using electric power of an external power supply or of the vehicle, the apparatus being configured to be capable of executing a foot mode to blow air toward feet and a moisture prevention mode to blow air also through a defroster unit while the foot mode is selected, and a control unit that causes the air conditioning apparatus to execute remote air conditioning in which air conditioning is performed while a user is not in the vehicle, and operated air conditioning in which air conditioning is performed by the user's operation while the user is in the vehicle. The control unit limits the execution of the moisture prevention mode in the remote air conditioning more than the execution of the moisture prevention mode in the operated air conditioning.

Abstract: A playset including a track is provided. The track may include a main section and a pivotal section. In a first mode, the pivotal section may be triggered to disconnect from the main portion to cause an object travelling on the track to be launched or disconnected from the track. In a second mode, the pivotal section may be triggered to disconnect from the main portion to cause a projection extending from the pivotal portion to pin the object to the track.

Abstract: A toy racetrack is disclosed having an obstacle that is moved into and out of the path of a toy vehicle travelling along the racetrack. The racetrack comprises a closed loop track and may include a booster mechanism for propelling a toy vehicle along the track. The obstacle may comprise a movable web or net with an opening that can be used to catch a toy vehicle traveling along the track. A support tower is located adjacent the track, and an obstacle carrier, optionally including an action figure, is movably mounted to the support tower. The figure holds the net, and the figure and net are movable between a raised position and a lowered position. When the net is in its lowered position, a toy vehicle traveling along the track is captured by the net when the net is manually positioned in a capture position.