Abstract: Holders and cases for supporting portable handheld electronic devices, such as but not limited to iPhones®, IPODS®, IPADS™, cellular phones, smart phones and the like. The holders and cases protect a portable handheld electronics device holder with a built on bottle opener fixed to a rear face of the holders and cases.

Abstract: A holder for a handheld electronic device, the holder including a container defining a space for receiving the handheld electronic device and an inner surface facing inwardly towards the space. At least a portion of the inner surface includes an infrared-neutral material or coating operative for interacting with infrared light emitted from the handheld electronic device and received by the infrared-neutral material. The interaction is such that, while the handheld electronic device is being received by the container, any reflected infrared signal effected by the interaction is inoperative for effecting activation of a functionality of the handheld electronic device when the reflected infrared signal is sensed by the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A method and related device for machining a workpiece is provided, wherein material of the workpiece is removed in a machining region by a non-contact removal process. The workpiece is excited by means of an excitation oscillation having a natural resonant frequency of the workpiece, or a composite comprising the workpiece and a coupling element that is rigidly coupled to the workpiece is excited by means of an excitation oscillation having a joint natural resonant frequency of the workpiece and the coupling element. The natural resonant frequency is selected such that in the machining region an oscillation occurs that has a maximum oscillation amplitude in relation to the excitation amplitude of the excitation oscillation.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance roller pair that has a roller with a uniform diameter in a sheet width direction and that is configured to pinch and convey a sheet, and a guide unit that is provided on an upstream side of the conveyance roller pair and that is configured to regulate a position of an edge of the sheet, wherein the conveyance roller pair conveys the sheet in a state in which the sheet is bended by the guide unit so that on a roller side with a uniform diameter in a sheet width direction, the sheet convexly bends.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a spontaneous joining unit and a deformative joining unit. The spontaneous joining unit overlaps a first substrate and a second substrate and spontaneously joins mutual center portions of respective joint faces of the first substrate and the second substrate. The deformative joining unit deforms at least one peripheral portion of the respective joint faces of the first substrate and second substrate joined by the spontaneous joining unit toward the other peripheral portion and joins the mutual peripheral portions of the respective joint faces.

Abstract: A compressible fluid powered device includes a dose chamber. An inlet supplies pressurized fluid to the dose chamber. An outlet for releases pressurized fluid from the dose chamber. A moveable divider divides the dose chamber into a primary space and a secondary space, movement of the divider expanding one space at the expense of the other. At least one flow pathway from one space to the other, which collectively allow gas to flow in both directions past the divider and pressure to equalize across the divider, the flow pathway being much more limited than the outlet.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt lying substantially in a single plane; and staples fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt. A cartridge may hold at least one feeder belt, where that cartridge may be detachably held by a receiver. The cartridge itself may be reloadable. A surgical method may include providing a surgical instrument including a detachable cartridge holding a feeder belt, where staples are fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; deforming at least one staple to a deformed state; frangibly separating at least one deformed staple from the feeder belt; and removing the cartridge from the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a welded steel pipe having excellent buckling resistance. The method for producing a welded steel pipe according to the present embodiment includes steps of: preparing a welded pipe, and expanding the welded pipe over the entire length thereof by using a pipe expanding head such that an undulation wavelength ratio D defined by Formula (1) is not more than 0.8, or not less than 1.8: D=p/???(1), where p is an undulation wavelength in the axial direction of the welded steel pipe, and ? is a Timoshenko's buckling wavelength as defined by Formula (2): ?=3.44×(r×t)1/2 ??(2), where r is an inner radius of the welded steel pipe and t is a wall thickness of the welded steel pipe.

Abstract: Hot-rolled high-strength steel elongated structural members and method of making same are disclosed by hot-rolling high-strength steel having a specific chemical composition to provide structural units. The units are then welded together to provide structural members of desired geometrical configuration including a thin web with opposed thicker flanges extending therefrom to increase the load bearing capacity of the members.

Abstract: In a reflow soldering apparatus, air heated by heaters is blown by fans onto a printed circuit board. Temperature controllers that control temperature of the heaters supply operation amount thereof to a calculation unit that calculates consumed electric energy of soldering apparatus. Inverters that control revolution of fans supply a value of current to the calculation unit. A control unit supplies a coefficient of the consumed electric energy to the calculation unit. The calculation unit calculates a total amount of consumed electric energy of the reflow soldering apparatus based on the operation amount, value of current and coefficient of the consumed electric energy thus obtained. A display unit displays on an operation screen the total amount of consumed electric energy of the reflow soldering apparatus, which has been calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: Security packages are disclosed having features that give increased resistance against theft by preventing or slowing opening of the package.

Abstract: The mailer is made from a single blank. In one embodiment, the side flaps are folded over a front panel followed by folding over and securing of a back panel to the said flaps to form the mailer. The closure panel is folded over the front panel to close the mailer. In another embodiment, a back panel is folded over a front panel followed by folding over and securing of the side flaps to the back panel to form the mailer. The closure flap is folded over the back panel to close the mailer. In another embodiment, a blank forms a center seam mailer. Each embodiment has an improved corner construction.

Abstract: A delivery receptacle for receiving objects, such as parcels, has a housing having an input opening, a delivery door rotatably coupled to the housing for opening and closing the input opening, and a drum rotatably coupled to the housing and having a drum access opening accessible through the input opening. The delivery door is mechanically coupled to the drum such that rotation of the delivery door in a first rotational direction causes rotation of the drum in the opposite rotational direction. The delivery door is rotatable between an open position in which the drum is oriented with the drum access opening aligned with the input opening such that a parcel can be inserted into the drum, and a closed position in which the drum is oriented with the drum access opening aligned with a drop area such that a parcel will exit the drum and enter the drop area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying stack size are disclosed wherein measured length and width dimensions of a stack of paperboard sheets are compared with length and width values of a label associated with the stack. The dimensions are typically measured as the stack travels along a conveyor. A no-match indicator is produced if there is not a match between the dimensions and values, and may include an alarm or a display on a video screen. The stack may be diverted to allow application of a correct label whereby the stack will be shipped to the correct customer.

Abstract: High speed document mailing comprises receiving package tracking data electronically from a courier for a document to be shipped via the courier, digitally placing the package tracking data onto a page within the document, printing out the document, and automatically inserting the document into an envelope such that the package tracking data on the page is visible through a window of the envelope.

Abstract: An IC card and an IC card system are disclosed in which command processing performance is improved by storing current state data related to a first command upon interruption of an execution cycle for the first command by a second command. Upon completion of the second command, the current state information is reloaded and execution of the first command is resumed.

Abstract: A money handling apparatus for performing at least depositing includes: a casing; a depositing unit; a recognition unit configured to at least count or recognize money fed from the depositing unit; an inner storage unit from which the money stored therein is unremovable directly from the outside of the casing; an outer stacking unit from which the money stacked therein is removable directly from the outside of the casing; a transport unit configured to transport the money among the above-described units; and a controller configured to allow selective transport of the money handled by the recognition unit to the inner storage unit, or the outer stacking unit. The controller transfers the money to the inner storage unit when a first deposit mode is selected by a selection signal, or transfers the money to the outer stacking unit when a second deposit mode is selected.

Abstract: A computerized method for generating a time-limited number for use in a payment card transaction involving a payment card issued by a financial institution. The payment card comprises an original payment card number. A first plurality of digits of the original payment card number is provided to a processor. The first plurality of digits are predetermined digits associated to the financial institution. A desired expiration date through which the time-limited number is valid for acceptance in the payment card transaction is provided to the processor. A program is executed by the processor to set a first plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first plurality of digits in the original payment card number, generate a first number corresponding to the desired expiration date, set a second plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first number, and output the time-limited number.

Abstract: A deposit management system is operable responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is associated with financial funds depositories. Each depository can accept items, such as deposit bags. Each depository includes a bar code reader that can read data from a bar code label that is located on a deposit bag. The system allows merchants to preregister a deposit before performing the deposit. A preregistered deposit is linked with a deposit identifier in a data store. The deposit identifier can be represented in a bar code. If the system determines that a depository read a bar code having a deposit identifier that corresponds in the data store to a preregistered deposit, then that depository is operated to automatically unlock its deposit entry door to permit the deposit. The system also allows merchants to review their deposit history.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operated at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The machine is operative to carry out a financial transfer responsive at least in part to a determination that data read through a card reader of the machine corresponds to a financial account that is authorized to conduct a transaction through operation of the machine. The machine also includes a check acceptor operative to receive checks from machine users. The check acceptor is operative image checks and data resolved from check images is used in operation of the machine to cause financial transfers.

Abstract: A machine-readable code rendering device may include an electronic paper display and a machine-readable code rendering module that dynamically renders machine-readable codes on the electronic paper display. The electronic paper display may be configured so that the machine-readable codes are read by a light-based code reader off of the electronic paper display.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing the setting of reservations and the pre-authorization of credit to purchase a desired service for which a reservation is made. A customer accesses a reservation system that is integrated with a credit authorization system. The customer may make a reservation and substantially simultaneously become pre-authorized to pay for services to be provided at the reservation by one of any number of credit providers. Pre-authorized credit and reservation information is then supplied to the service provider in advance of services being provided, expediting the overall transaction time and allowing for a secure and cardless transaction procedure. The reservation and preauthorization information are typically stored upon the reservation system and then passed to the point-of-sale systems, but other types of input/output storage devices could be used to perform this function.

Abstract: A read head system has a housing and a read positioned in the housing with a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card with the slot utilized to enable a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head includes an output jack configured to be coupled to at least one of a audio jack or microphone port of a mobile device. The read head provides the signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention is a headset holder coupled with indicia of stored value. The indicia of stored value may be printed or painted on, or otherwise permanently coupled to, the holder itself, or may be included in a stored value or gift card that is attached to the holder. The headset holder and the stored value card may be constructed from a single sheet of plastic; in such embodiments, separation of the stored value card from the headset holder may be supported by a scoreline in the plastic material. The headset holder may have a spool and two grips. One grip may be configured to secure earphones and the other grip may be configured to secure a jack of the headset. The spool may be configured for winding headset wire. The holder may be configured to hold primarily an earbud headset. The grips may extend or protrude from a central portion, or body of the holder. The spool may also extend from the body. The holder may display an image, such as the image of a creature or plant.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards providing a system, device and method for calculating comprehensive ballistic solutions, or portions thereof, via a varying magnification optical range determining and ballistic trajectory calculating apparatus referred to as a ballistic solutions device. Advantageously, embodiments of a ballistic solutions device may drastically reduce marksman error in milling targets by employing a measurement component configured to measure angular movement of a projectile launching device, such as a rifle, thus delivering consistently accurate distance to target estimations. Additionally, embodiments of a ballistic solutions device may also comprise features and aspects that enable a user to leverage available real-time field data such that error associated with the measurement of those variables is minimized prior to calculating and rendering a comprehensive ballistic solution derived from stored DOPE.

Abstract: A data reading system including one or more imagers, the data reading system having a lower main housing structure with a horizontal surface, across which items to be read are passed, and an upper reader module, such as pole-mounted top down reader (TDR) including an imager configured to provide a top down viewing angle from above the horizontal surface of the item in a read region. In one configuration, the pole-mounted upper reader module includes a one-piece post housing section mounted to the main housing structure and extending therefrom and containing imaging electronics and optics of the upper reader.

Abstract: A contactless communication device including an energy interface configured to activate the contactless communication device or a contactless communication partner based on a first carrier signal; and a contactless high speed data interface configured to enable data communication between the contactless communication device and the contactless communication partner based on a second carrier signal having a frequency greater than a high frequency (HF).

Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention uses three-dimensional printing techniques to lay down a three-dimensional black and white grid (or “4-dimensional” grid, if color is used). To read and decode a three-dimensional bar-code, a light-field camera is used to capture the whole three-dimensional structure and the focus levels are then determined for a predetermined number of vertical levels. Adding color adds another degree of freedom (dimension) in the number and difficulty of encoding and decoding the three-dimensional bar-codes. These bar-codes cannot be simply made or copied, providing a level of security thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a diffusive plate that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of an imaging lens arrangement and covers a side face of a solid rectangular defining a volume space within which parts of a scan engine are deposited. The parts of the scan engine including at least the illumination light source, the imaging lens arrangement, an imaging sensor, and a controller for controlling both the illumination light source and the imaging sensor. The diffusive plate includes a first opening to allow light enter the imaging lens arrangement through the first opening. The area enclosed by the boundary of the diffusive plate substantially equal to the area of the side face of the solid rectangular.

Abstract: An illuminating, indicia-reading device includes a hand-held indicia reader and a charging-and-communication base. The charging-and-communication base's communication button places the hand-held indicia reader in presentation mode when the hand-held indicia reader is seated in the charging-and-communication base, thereby facilitating hands-free scanning and providing work lamp functionality via activation of the hand-held indicia reader's light source. When the hand-held indicia reader is not seated, the communication button pages the hand-held-indicia reader.

Abstract: A card for use in secure transactions includes a card body having a first major surface and a second major surface; one or more groupings of a plurality of individual distinct symbols viewable from the first major surface, each individual distinct symbol comprising a single segment defining the individual distinct symbol that upon activation illuminates the respective individual distinct symbol; and a controller coupled to the plurality of individual distinct symbols. The controller is operable to produce a one-time password value and to selectively activate individual ones of individual distinct symbols to identify a sub-combination of the plurality of individual distinct symbols, thereby displaying an illuminated one-time password token for use in a secure transaction.

Abstract: Printed integrated circuitry and attached antenna and/or inductor for sensors, electronic article surveillance (EAS), radio frequency (RF) and/or RF identification (RFID) tags and devices, and methods for its manufacture. The tag generally includes printed integrated circuitry on one carrier and an antenna and/or inductor on another carrier, the integrated circuitry being electrically coupled to the antenna and/or inductor. The method of manufacture generally includes of printing an integrated circuit having a plurality of first pads on a carrier, forming an antenna and/or inductor having a plurality of second pads on a substrate, and attaching at least two of the first pads of the printed integrated circuit to corresponding second pads of the antenna and/or inductor.

Abstract: In relation to a security function of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag and a method of updating a key of the RFID tag that may manage a key to be used for an access to a reader by storing the key in a memory having a duplex structure, thereby minimizing an update error occurring during a process of updating the key are provided.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Such a magnetic emulator may comprise non-magnetostrictive material such that the magnetic emulator may be fabricated in a wide variety of fabrication processes. Additionally, magnets may be added to amplify the signal of a magnetic emulator. In doing so, a magnetic emulator may provide a large amount of signal while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy when compared to a magnetic emulator that does not include the presence of one or more magnets.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer.

Abstract: A method of increasing the efficiency of a boiler includes determining a proportional time period reflecting how long a thermostat is requesting heat from the boiler within a predetermined time period, determining a cycle frequency reflecting the number of times the thermostat is requesting heat from the boiler within the predetermined time period, and adjusting an energy input provided to the boiler in dependence upon the proportional time period and the cycle frequency.

Abstract: Systems and related methods involving isolation tubs are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: an isolation tub formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic resin, the tub defining a reservoir; concrete positioned within the reservoir; and rails extending across the tub and being supported by the concrete, the rails being spaced from each other to form a special trackwork (STW) assembly.

Abstract: A bonded, direct fixation fastener as supportive structure for a rail on a railroad tie or bed comprising: a rail plate, wherein the rail plate has a generally horizontal center portion having a lower face and an upper face and defining a rail plate horizontal plane, and wherein the rail plate center portion extends at a first angle from opposing sides as rail plate tongues above the rail plate horizontal plane, the rail plate having a rail securing device; a bed plate comprising a generally horizontal center portion, an upper bed plate face defining a bed plate horizontal plane, and a pair of opposing bed plate tongues extending from opposing sides of the bed plate horizontal center portion disposed at a second angle above the bed plate horizontal plane; a horizontal elastomeric portion of relatively lower durometer hardness encapsulating at least a portion of the bed plate and at least a portion of the rail plate; and vertical elastomeric portions of relatively higher durometer hardness encapsulating at lea

Abstract: A headlight washer assembly includes a bracket secured to a rear surface of a component of a vehicle adjacent an opening therein through which a headlight washer device is configured to extend and retract. The bracket provides a recessed mounting surface for securing the headlight washer device to the component of the vehicle such that, unlike prior art approaches, the fasteners do not protrude from the front surface of the component of the vehicle. A cap concealing the opening in the component is received within the opening flush with the front surface of the component. In one embodiment, the component is a body panel of a vehicle.

Abstract: The steps of the irrigation method include: flowing a stream of water having input and output and intermediate location; interposing a feeding device into the stream of water at the intermediate location, the feeding device having input and output ends; inserting a quantity of nutrient fertilizer into the feeding device; converting the nutrient fertilizer from the viscous state to the less viscous state through the flow of water through the feeding device; and intermixing the viscous nutrient fertilizer with the water entering the feeding device whereby the water leaving the device to plants and soil will include a fertilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for generating a mist comprising a conduit having a mixing chamber and an exit; a working fluid inlet in fluid communication with said conduit; a transport nozzle in fluid communication with the said conduit, the transport nozzle adapted to introduce a transport fluid into the mixing chamber; the transport nozzle having an angular orientation and internal geometry such that in use the transport fluid interacts with the working fluid introduced into the mixing chamber through the working fluid inlet to atomize and form a dispersed vapor/droplet flow regime, which is discharged as a mist comprising working fluid droplets, a substantial portion of the droplets having a size less than 20 ?m.

Abstract: A nozzle for use in dispensing a fluid, such as water or a foaming agent to extinguish a fire, comprises a longitudinal body that comprises a plurality of helical shaped cam paths. The cam paths allow the operator of the nozzle to adjust a flow setting for the nozzle by moving a flow adjustment mechanism that is operatively associated with the cam paths.

Abstract: A scent producing vase assembly holds artificial flowers and produces a scent to fully simulate the presence of real flowers in the vase. The assembly includes a vase having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall. An upper edge of the perimeter wall defines an opening into an interior space of the vase. A housing is coupled to and extends through the bottom wall of the vase. A scent producing element is positioned in the housing. A channel has a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is in environmental communication with the scent producing element in the housing. An opening extends through the upper end of the channel wherein the scent producing element delivers a scent to ambient air around the upper end of the channel.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automated control of application of fluid to a surface. A surface map is annotated with shapes designating zones for spraying, and excluding others. A control system in a vehicle uses the annotated map and GPS to assist the operator of the vehicle avoid spraying on excluded zones, and provides a record of the spraying operation including locations sprayed and fluid spray rates. The control system operates valves to control spraying from a container on the vehicle, based on several parameters, so as to avoid spraying excluded zones and steep slopes, to avoid overlaps, and to limit fluid spray rates below pre-determined maximums. The system further assists the operator by providing a visual guide on a display. A kit can be provided to retrofit a vehicle for landspraying.

Abstract: A paint container assembly includes: a container body; a cover detachably mounted to the container body and having a peripheral end and a central recessed portion which defines a cylindrical recess; and a vent conduit having a cylindrical plug portion and an extension portion. The plug portion is rotatably inserted into the recess. The extension portion has a free open end, and defines a fluid channel extending from an upper end of the plug portion to the free open end. The free open end of the extension portion is disposed adjacent to the peripheral end of the cover and distal from the central recessed portion of the cover for preventing paint material from flowing out of the container body through the fluid channel.

Abstract: A shower head includes a shower head body, a water diversion plate with water diversion outlets, a water outflow member with nozzles, and a water outlet panel with water outlets. The nozzles of the water outflow member extend out of the respective water outlets of the water outlet panel. A gap is defined between each nozzle of the water outflow member and each water outlet of the water outlet panel. A water mix mechanism is provided between the water outflow member and the water diversion plate. The water mix mechanism is that the water outflow member has an air inlet and that the water diversion plate is formed with a water diversion lid at a lower surface thereof to cover the exterior of the air inlet. The water diversion outlets of the water diversion plate are aligned with the position between the air inlet and the water diversion lid.

Abstract: A grinder pump basin system is provided which includes a basin; a cover plate; a bracket secured to the cover plate; and a grinder pump with cutter plate with openings and a cutter blade secured to the bracket above a bottom surface of the basin. The bracket includes a front portion, which prevents waste water from interacting adversely with the grinder pump when it enters the basin. A discharge system for the grinder pump is secured to an outlet of the grinder pump and includes a discharge pipe and a flexible discharge coupling. Flow directional jets are also provided in an elbow of the pump discharge system to direct waste water and solids away from the grinder pump.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing wool. A shredding chamber is positioned downstream from the chute and configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured for rotation. Each shredder includes a plurality of paddle assemblies mounted to a shredder shaft. Each paddle assembly has a plurality of paddles. The paddles have a hardness within the range of 60 A to 70 A Durometer to better grip the blowing wool for shredding and prevent jamming of the blowing wool within the shredder.