ic Flying roller coaster with vertical load and launch By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A ride system for giving passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that each has a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station. Full Article
ic Transport device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A closed transport track, includes two tubular or rod-shaped guide rails (12, 14), which are arranged parallel to and substantially vertically on top of each other. At least one transport module (10) is connected to each guide rail (12, 14) via at least one support roll pair (46, 48), wherein the rolls of each support roll pair (46, 48) can be rotated about roll axes (a) which are substantially perpendicular to a guide rail axis (x) and include an angle of less than 180° and the rolls are seated against one of the guide rails (12, 14) in a detent position. The support roll pairs (46, 48) are non-positively seated against the guide rails (12, 14) via at least one force element (40), which acts on the support roll pairs (46, 48). Full Article
ic Monorail vehicle apparatus with gravity-controlled roll attitude and loading By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Monorail vehicle that travels on a non-featured rail with substantial profile variation and controls roll attitude, lateral location, and loading through judicious placement of the vehicle's center of gravity without using springs or suspensions. The vehicle has a bogie for engaging the non-featured rail so the center of gravity has a lateral offset r1 from the rail centerline to produce a roll moment Nr determined by vehicle's mass and value of r1. The center of gravity also has a vertical offset r2. The bogie uses first and second assemblies for engaging the rail to produce a pair of surface normal reaction forces to thus control roll attitude and loading by the placement of the center of gravity, thereby enabling accurate alignment of the monorail vehicle. Full Article
ic Vehicle with wheelchair positioning mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The vehicle with wheelchair positioning mechanism includes an automotive vehicle that is modified to assist a disabled person to enter, operate and exit the vehicle. The modification includes a wheelchair lift adjacent the rear of the vehicle. An internal rail system extends from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle adjacent the vehicle's driving controls. A remotely controlled platform is rotatably mounted on a carriage for movement on the rail system. The platform is adapted to support a wheelchair thereon. The platform can be rotated 360° so that the wheelchair moves forward when entering and exiting the vehicle. Full Article
ic Vehicle control device and vehicle control system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A vehicle control system and a vehicle control device can switch control of a supporting device for support a drive of a vehicle between an ordinary travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that a power source for causing the vehicle to travel is operated and an inertia travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that an operation of the power source is stopped. Accordingly, since the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device switch the control of the supporting device between the ordinary travel and the inertia travel, the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device achieve an effect that the vehicle can be caused to appropriately travel by inertia. Full Article
ic Dynamic loading system for a ride vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A ride vehicle loading interface system to allow guests in wheelchairs to access a ride vehicle and enjoy a ride attraction. The loading interface system includes a plurality of associated ride vehicles moving on a track. At least one ride vehicle including a tray extendable from and retractable into the ride vehicle through an opening, the tray for receiving a wheelchair and for allowing the wheelchair to be positioned in the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle loading interface system including a loading platform moving at about the same rate as the ride vehicle during loading and unloading. Full Article
ic Model motor vehicle highway system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST An elongated flexible open coil spring with spaced apart coils adapted to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars are positioned with their depending pins engaging the open coil spring to be carried around the track by a powered car held by and moving the open coil spring along the slot. Full Article
ic Train platform safety device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed herein is a train platform safety device. The train platform safety device is installed at a position corresponding to a safety line on a subway or railway platform and is configured such that wire ropes are moved upwards or downwards depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus preventing a passenger from intentionally or unintentionally falling onto the train track. Particularly, the distances that the wire ropes move upwards or downwards are determined by rotating a rotating unit including rotating members having different diameters, whereby the wire ropes overlap each other or spread from each other. In this way, the wire ropes allow or block access of passengers depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus fundamentally preventing a safety accident. Full Article
ic Bogie for guide rail type vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a bogie for a guide rail type vehicle that runs along a predetermined guideway. The bogie includes a turn frame connected to a vehicle body; an axle turnably mounted to the turn frame via bearings and; a guide frame mounted to the axle; a first pair of guide wheels rotatably provided at a vehicle body end side portion of the guide frame; a second pair of guide wheels rotatably provided at a vehicle body center side portion of the guide frame; a stopper provided so as to project from an upper surface on a vehicle body side of the axle toward the vehicle body; and a pair of stopper receivers arranged facing each other at intervals from the stopper in a vehicle lateral direction. Full Article
ic Rail guided vehicle system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rail guided vehicle system includes a rail that includes a first main rail, a second main rail, and a connection rail, and vehicles. Each vehicle includes a diverging roller supporting member that supports a pair of first and second diverging rollers such that the first and second diverging rollers shift, and a position stabilizing roller supporting member that supports position stabilizing rollers such that the position stabilizing rollers do not shift. The rail includes a first diverging guide configured to guide the first diverging roller, a second diverging guide configured to guide the second diverging roller, and a position stabilizing roller guide configured to guide the position stabilizing rollers in the no-guide zone where the diverging guide is absent. Full Article
ic Stratosphere tethered photovoltaic power platform By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large utility scale photovoltaic array in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. This is accomplished using a large light-weight, rigid, buoyant structure to support the large photovoltaic array. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground and hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from the photovoltaic array is then coupled to high voltage transmission lines which connect from the platform to the earth's surface. The electricity is then transmitted through the high voltage transmission lines to the earth's surface where it is connected to the electrical supply grid and provides lower cost, more reliable electricity. Full Article
ic Hybrid working vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hybrid working vehicle comprises an engine, a drive wheel, a power take-off (PTO) shaft, and a power transmission system for transmitting power from the engine to the drive wheel and the PTO shaft. The power transmission system is bifurcated at a bifurcating point into a traveling drive train for driving the drive wheel and a PTO drive train for driving the PTO shaft. A continuously variable transmission is provided on the traveling drive train, and a motor generator is provided on the power transmission system between the engine and the bifurcating point. The motor generator functions as a generator by power of the engine and functions as an electric motor for driving the power transmission system. The hybrid working vehicle includes a controller for controlling an output rotary speed of the motor generator functioning as the electric motor. Full Article
ic Vehicle sling bag rail system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle having a cargo area that includes an internal surface. A longitudinally extending bar is located within the cargo area of the vehicle. A bag configured to hang onto and slide along the longitudinally extending bar. A movable rail assembly is attached to the internal surface and includes: a rail moveable between extend and retract positions with respect to the cargo area; a bearing engageable with the rail to assist moving the rail between the extend and retract positions; and a bracket attachable to the bearing to suspend the bearing and the rail in the cargo area and away from the internal surface. Full Article
ic Service cart By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device 202 for servicing and/or inspection of a material handling system 204 is disclosed, which device provides safer, less time consuming and less difficult service and/or inspection of the material handling system 204 than other devices. The device 202 is adapted to be moved along a track 214 of the material handling system and adapted for servicing and/or inspection of the material handling system or components thereof positioned on or adjacent to the track 214. The device includes at least one section, such as a hatch and/or a sliding bearing surface 216, 602, 706, 708, 710, 902, 1002, displaceable between a first and a second position, where the section positioned in the second position is enabling a person of accessing parts of the material handling system which are moving relatively to the device during movement of the device or during operation of the material handling system. Full Article
ic Insecticide sprayer and rotary spray head assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rotary spray head assembly includes a motor having an output shaft and a housing through which the output shaft at least partially extends. The housing includes an inlet communicable with a source of fluid. The rotary spray head assembly also includes an annular skirt extending from the housing, a passageway through the skirt having a first end in fluid communication with the inlet and a second end, and a hub coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft. The hub includes an annular groove into which the annular skirt at least partially extends, a circumferential interior surface at least partially defining the groove, and an aperture through the circumferential interior surface. Fluid introduced into the annular groove through the second end of the passageway is discharged outwardly through the aperture. Full Article
ic Constant quantity control nebulization device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a constant quantity control nebulization device including a main body, a nebulization module, a fixing plate and a rotary ring, and the device is installed to a container that contains a liquid to be nebulized. A first liquid storage space with a predetermined volume is defined at the top of the main body, and the nebulization module is installed in the main body and interconnected to the first liquid storage space, and the fixing plate is fixed onto the main body and has a first through hole, the rotary ring is sheathed on the top of the main body and axially coupled to the fixing plate, and the rotary ring has a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole. The consumption of the liquid to be nebulized can be controlled by rotating the rotary ring to improve the convenience of operation significantly. Full Article
ic Two-component spray device and use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention is directed to a spray device for spraying two or more components. The two or more components are maintained separated in the spray device and are mixed post atomization. This invention is also directed to a gravity fed spray gun and a system for spraying two or more components. This invention is further directed to a kit for converting an existing conventional single-component spray gun typically used for spraying a single component to a two-component spray gun for spraying two components. Full Article
ic Aroma-diffusing heating device using a replaceable aroma capsule and the aroma capsule By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An aroma-diffusing heating device includes a heating base, an aroma capsule detachably accommodated in the heating base and heatable by the heating base to give off fragrance, and a cap capped on the heating base over the aroma capsule. The aroma capsule includes a heat-transfer container defining a top opening, an aromatic substance held in the heat-transfer container, and a sealing film bonded to the heat-transfer container to seal the aromatic substance in the heat-transfer container. Full Article
ic Device for coating substrates by means of high-velocity flame spraying By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Proposed is a device for coating substrates by means of high-velocity flame spraying. The device comprises a combustion chamber (4), a first fuel feeder (L1) for feeding a liquid or gaseous fuel as well as at least one gas feeder for feeding an oxidative gas. The devise comprises furthermore a second fuel feeder (L5) for feeding a liquid or gaseous fuel as well as at least one further gas feeder for feeding a gas. Both the first gas feeder and the two fuel feeders (L1, L5) port into a common combustion chamber (4). In addition, means 24, 28 are provided for independent control of the fuel feed into the two fuel feeders (L1, L5). Full Article
ic Method and apparatus for communicating irrigation data By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and systems control an irrigation system that includes an irrigation controller, a valve actuator, and at least one irrigation sensor connected by a communication circuit. A sensor charging pulse having a temporal duration less than a solenoid actuation time threshold for a solenoid is provided over the communication circuit. The sensor charging pulse charges a charge storage device in at least one irrigation sensor. A series of addressing pulses is also generated over the communication circuit, which indicate a device identifier of at least one irrigation sensor. The series of addressing pulses activate at least one irrigation sensor having the device identifier indicated by the series of addressing pulses such that the activated irrigation sensor provides a sensor signal indicative of an irrigation condition to the irrigation controller via the communication network. Full Article
ic Movable discharge device for use in particle/bulk material storage silo and particle/bulk material storage silo By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A movable discharge device for use in a particle/bulk material storage silo includes: a travel body configured to travel along a groove provided at a lower portion of a storage silo; a scrape-out unit configured to move integrally with the travel body and including a blade configured to rotate above the groove to rake coals in the storage silo and scrape out the coals to the groove; and a groove closing mechanism configured to close a predetermined region of the groove within a rotation trajectory region of the blade. The discharge device is configured to be able to suppress the change in the discharge amount of coals discharged by the blade from the particle/bulk material storage silo. Full Article
ic Catalytic coating to prevent carbon deposits on gasoline direct injector tips By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fuel injector (10) has an inlet (12), an outlet (14), and a passageway (16) providing a fuel flow conduit from the inlet to the outlet. A valve structure (22, 24) is movable in the passageway between first and second positions. A seat (26) is provided at the outlet and has at least one seat passage (28) in communication with the passageway. Movement of the valve structure between the first and second positions controls the flow of fuel through the seat passages. The seat includes an outer tip surface (30) through which the least one seat passage extends. A catalytic coating (32) is provided on at least a portion of the outer tip surface. The coating causes oxidation of fuel on the coating to occur at a temperature lower than if the coating was not provided. Full Article
ic Apparatus for supplying washer liquid of vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus that supplies washer liquid of a vehicle, in which a washer liquid hose is inserted into a lower end of a pivot shaft by applying a check valve to the lower end of the pivot shaft. In addition, the washer liquid hose is inserted into the pivot shaft and a pipe, to secure a hose route during wiper operation. Full Article
ic Liquid deflection device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A liquid deflection device for the nozzle of an existing spray head wherein the device is rotatably mounted on the nozzle. The device has an attaching end which clips to an existing nozzle. The attaching end is opposite a handle end which a user grasps to rotate the device to block a portion of liquid being released from the exit port of a nozzle. A deflecting end extends beyond the top of the nozzle and has a shape and size sufficient enough to deflect liquid released from the exit port. A securing portion has an opening great enough in diameter to allow a fastener of sufficient size to secure the nozzle. An additional opening on the securing portion allows a user access to a set screw on the nozzle. Full Article
ic Fuel injection nozzle with film-type fuel application By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fuel injection nozzle for a gas turbine combustion chamber with a film applicator (1) is provided with several fuel openings (2). Center axes (5) of the fuel openings (2) through the film applicator (1), with regard to their radial orientation, are essentially parallel to the main flow direction (6) of the air. Full Article
ic Material spreader utilizing vehicle power and having operational wireless control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A material spreader assembly for the broadcast spreading of particulate material from the trailer hitch of a vehicle. A hopper for storing the particulate material is supported by a frame having a trailer hitch coupler for connection to the vehicle. A spreader including a spinner driven by an electric motor receives and disperses the particulate material. A control circuit receives electric current from the vehicle via a plug interface and a wiring harness and controls the operation of the spreader. A remote communicates user commands to the control circuit. The control circuit includes a motor control processor that controls a motor power relay and a motor driver to gradually ramp up the current supplied to the spreader for start up the spreader while preventing a high transient current draw spike. Component feedback sensors enable the motor control processor to provide an emergency shut off feature and warning signals. Full Article
ic Application tips including a dispensing nozzle with one or more dispensing passages extending along a length thereof and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An application tip and method for dispensing a fluid into a hole, the tip having a hollow housing or body with an open end and a closed end, the open end configured to be removably attached to and in fluid communication with a fluid source, the closed end including a nozzle having at least one passage or fluid outlet opening. Full Article
ic Formation and control of fluidic species By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention generally relates to systems and methods for the formation and/or control of fluidic species, and articles produced by such systems and methods. In some cases, the invention involves unique fluid channels, systems, controls, and/or restrictions, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention allows fluidic streams (which can be continuous or discontinuous, i.e., droplets) to be formed and/or combined, at a variety of scales, including microfluidic scales. In one set of embodiments, a fluidic stream may be produced from a channel, where a cross-sectional dimension of the fluidic stream is smaller than that of the channel, for example, through the use of structural elements, other fluids, and/or applied external fields, etc. In some cases, a Taylor cone may be produced. In another set of embodiments, a fluidic stream may be manipulated in some fashion, for example, to create tubes (which may be hollow or solid), droplets, nested tubes or droplets, arrays of tubes or droplets, meshes of tubes, etc. In some cases, droplets produced using certain embodiments of the invention may be charged or substantially charged, which may allow their further manipulation, for instance, using applied external fields. Non-limiting examples of such manipulations include producing charged droplets, coalescing droplets (especially at the microscale), synchronizing droplet formation, aligning molecules within the droplet, etc. In some cases, the droplets and/or the fluidic streams may include colloids, cells, therapeutic agents, and the like. Full Article
ic Systems and methods for electro-hydrodynamic wind energy conversion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electro-hydrodynamic wind energy conversion system is presented. The system includes a wind passage allowing wind flow. Further, the system includes a reservoir having an opening in communication with the wind passage and configured to hold a liquid. The system also includes an agitator coupled to the reservoir and configured to convert the liquid into droplets. Additionally, the system includes a charging system disposed substantially opposite the reservoir opening and configured to deposit an electrostatic charge on the droplets and draw the droplets into the wind passage. Moreover, the system includes a charge collector disposed at a distal end of the wind passage and configured to collect the electrostatic charge from the droplets. Full Article
ic Spray containment device and methods of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A spray containment device comprising: a threaded adapter, a conical body having a threaded aperture wherein the threaded aperture is adapted to cooperate with said threaded adapter, and (c) at least one threaded nut adapted to thread onto the threaded adapter above the conical body so as to secure the conical body to the threaded adapter. Also included is a sprayer device comprising a liquid container and a spray wand to which the spray containment device may be attached. The threaded adapter and nut system could be utilized to attach threads to other types of pipes, rods or similarly shaped pieces. Full Article
ic Fluid level indicator in an airless fluid sprayer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure generally relates to systems and devices for spraying fluid materials such as paints, stains, and the like, and more specifically, but not by limitation, to a fluid level indicator for an airless fluid sprayer. In one example, an airless fluid sprayer is provided and includes a fluid container, a controller, and a fluid level indication module implemented by the controller to generate an indication of a level of fluid material in the fluid container. Full Article
ic Attachment to improve transfer efficiency for a spraying device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An attachment to be employed with any spray device is disclosed. The attachment includes four vanes which are radially attached to an air hub with a central aperture, the central aperture adapted to receive the front portion of the spray device therethrough which when activated dispenses an atomizable substance in a pattern toward a workpiece. At the distal end of each of the four vanes, the vane is angled forward such that it generally points toward the workpiece. At the terminal end of each vane is a plurality of compressed air exit apertures. A compressed air source is attached to the air hub which guides the air through air conduits interiorly disposed within each of the vanes, where the compressed air is forced to exit each of the compressed air exit apertures forming an a second pattern which surrounds the atomizable substance pattern, and further boosts or pushes the atomizable substance onto the workpiece. The second pattern reduces overspray, bounce-back, and errant particles, and improves the transfer efficiency. Full Article
ic Plumbing spout device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A plumbing spout device which has a jet regulating device is provided, which is situated on an outflow side from an upstream attachment screen in a direction of flow. The jet regulating device is provided in the form of a perforated plate having at least a perforated field in at least a partial area thereof. The spout device has a mounting sleeve that supports the jet regulating device on an outflow side sleeve end area thereof, and the mounting sleeve is joined to the water spout of the plumbing spout fitment via a screwed, clip, detent, adhesive or welded connection. The spout device has a comparatively low installation height that does not significantly limit design possibilities when designing associated spout fitments. The spout device also makes it possible to achieve a high jet quality and a good jet pattern. Full Article
ic Fuel injection device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a fuel injection device, a pressing surface of a pressing member presses an opening wall surface to interrupt communication between an inflow port and a pressure control chamber when communication between an outflow port and a return channel is made by a pressure control valve, and the pressing surface of the pressing member is displaced and separated from the opening wall surface to open the inflow port of the opening wall surface to the pressure control chamber when the communication between the outflow port and the return channel is interrupted by the pressure control valve. One of the pressing surface of the pressing member and the opening wall surface of the control body is provided with an inflow depressed portion and an outflow depressed portion partitioned from each other, and a depressed dimension of the inflow depressed portion is larger than a depressed dimension of the outflow depressed portion. Full Article
ic Method and device for coating components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for spraying a coating and a cold gas spray nozzle is disclosed. The method includes spraying a coating by the cold gas spray nozzle. A rinsing gas is fed to the cold gas spray nozzle during an interruption of the spraying or at an end of the spraying. Deposits in the cold gas spray nozzle are cooled and detached by the rinsing gas. Full Article
ic Banknote processing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A banknote processing device includes a differentiating section that differentiates banknotes, a temporary holding section that temporarily stores the differentiated banknotes, banknote storage containers that store the banknotes, and a conveyance route that connects the differentiating section, the temporary holding section, and the banknote storage containers. The processing device is constructed so that when the banknotes stored in the temporary holding section are sent out and stored in the banknote storage containers based on differentiation results of the banknotes by the differentiating section, the banknotes are conveyed from the temporary holding section via the differentiating section, and are stored in any one of the banknote storage containers, or the banknotes are conveyed from the temporary holding section, via a route that does not go through the differentiating section, and are stored in a specific one of the banknote storage containers. Full Article
ic Drawer device and medium transaction device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A banknote deposit and withdrawal machine uses an interlock switch to detect whether or not a lower unit has been pulled out from a safe housing, uses a lock sensor to detect at least two states among a locked state, a half-locked state, and a pulled-out state, and uses a banknote control unit to distinguish between the three states of the locked state, the half-locked state, and the pulled-out state on the basis of the result of detection by the interlock switch and the result of detection by the lock sensor. Full Article
ic Device for handling notes of value, comprising two intermediate storage units for the intermediate storage of notes of value By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising a sensor unit (300) for detection of at least one feature of each note of value, and a control unit (28) which classifies the notes of value into accepted notes of value and sheet-shaped media to be returned, dependent on the feature to be detected by the sensor unit (300). A sorting gate (400) is arranged downstream the sensor unit (300), wherein the control unit (28) controls the sorting gate (400) to supply notes of value classified as accepted notes of value to a first intermediate storage (32), and notes of value classified as sheet-shaped media to be returned to a second intermediate storage (500). Full Article
ic Device for handling notes of value, comprising a stack merging unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising two intermediate storages (32, 500) for intermediate storage of notes of value and a stack combining unit (802). The stack combining unit (802) combines a first stack formed by notes of value intermediately stored in the first intermediate storage (32) and a second stack formed by notes of value intermediately stored in the second intermediate storage (500) to a single combined stack. Full Article
ic Device for handling value documents By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising an input unit (20) for input of at least one note of value, and a transport unit (24, 26, 248, 302, 304) for transport of the note of value into a transport direction (P1) along a transport path (218). A control unit (28) determines the note of value type of the note of value dependent on an image comprising a representation of the input note of value that is captured by means of an image detection unit (306), and dependent on the note of value type determined controls at least one processing unit (400, 600) for further processing the note of value that is located downstream the image detection unit (306). Full Article
ic Media processing device, check processing device, and method of controlling a media processing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium. Full Article
ic Media processing device for accepting insertable media By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A media processing device enables reading second media that do not bend easily from the device front with the same ease of use as processing first media that bend easily. The media processing device has a media conveyance path that guides first media inserted from a media insertion opening toward the back and then again toward the front on the front-back axis to the media exit. A straight conveyance path that angles to the inside on the device width axis is formed at a part connected to the media exit, and a second media insertion path that extends straight to the front from the straight conveyance path is connected to the media exit. Full Article
ic Financial device, method of controlling the same, and medium processing apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Provided is a financial device, which comprises a medium entrance, a medium processing apparatus, and a control unit. A medium is deposited or withdrawn through the medium entrance. The medium processing apparatus processes the medium. The control unit controls the medium processing apparatus. The medium processing apparatus comprises a front guider, a rear guider behind the front guider, a pushing member pushing a medium disposed in a medium processing space, and a supporting guider supporting the medium in the medium processing space. The control unit controls an operation of the medium processing apparatus such that states of the front guider, the rear guider, the pushing member, and the supporting guider when moving of a medium is completed in the medium processing space to deposit the medium are the same as states of the front guider, the rear guider, the pushing member, and the supporting guider when moving of a medium is completed in the medium processing space to withdraw or return the medium. Full Article
ic Device for processing banknote and method for detecting the conveyance of banknote By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The disclosure provides a method for detecting the conveyance status of a banknote, comprising; detecting whether the banknote reaches a first position in a banknote passage within a first predetermined time; detecting whether the banknote reaches a second position in the banknote passage within a second predetermined time when it is determined that the banknote has reached the first position (S14); determining whether the status of the banknote at the first position is changed from Banknote Detected to Banknote Undetected when it is determined that the banknote is withdrawn when it is determined that the status of the banknote at the first position has changed from Banknote Detected to Banknote Undetected (S18). This application can increase the possibility of the banknote processing device in detecting whether the banknote is withdrawn. Meanwhile, the disclosure provides a device for processing a banknote. Full Article
ic Bezel assembly comprising biometric authentication for use with an automated transaction device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The bezel assembly for data reception, for use with a bill validator in a financial transactional device, includes a bezel housing and a data reception assembly. The bezel housing includes a customer-facing front portion and a back plate connectable to the bill validator that is mounted within the transactional device cabinet. The front portion includes an insertion/dispensing slot for receiving currency and a projecting protrusion forward of the casing. The forward-extending protrusion accommodates at least a portion of the data reception assembly. The bezel assembly can include a wireless communication function that is communicably connectable with a mobile device via a wireless communication method, a manual entry function, a biometric reader, one or more cameras for scanning and decrypting 2D barcodes and the like, thus enhancing the overall functionality of the financial transactional device. Full Article
ic Bezel assembly comprising image recognition for use with an automated transaction device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The bezel assembly for data reception, for use with a bill validator in a financial transactional device, includes a bezel housing and a data reception assembly. The bezel housing includes a customer-facing front portion and a back plate connectable to the bill validator that is mounted within the transactional device cabinet. The front portion includes an insertion/dispensing slot for receiving currency and a projecting protrusion forward of the casing. The forward-extending protrusion accommodates at least a portion of the data reception assembly. The bezel assembly can include a wireless communication function that is communicably connectable with a mobile device via a wireless communication method, a manual entry function, a biometric reader, one or more cameras for scanning and decrypting 2D barcodes and the like, thus enhancing the overall functionality of the financial transactional device. Full Article
ic Apparatus, method, software and graphical interface for flexible dispensing of coins in a coin handling apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A coin dispensing apparatus has a cabinet serving as an apparatus housing for the apparatus. The apparatus has a control means for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus further has a module for receiving, optionally validating and optionally sorting coins of different types and at least one dispenser for coins to be dispensed. The apparatus also comprises a filling compartment comprising a plurality of dispense locations. Each dispense location is adapted for receiving a portable coin receptacle for collecting dispensed coins from a specific dispenser. The apparatus is adapted to dispense a specific amount of coins under control of said control means to at least one portable coin receptacle at a specific dispense location in said filling compartment. The control means is adapted to only start the dispense operation at said specific dispense location if a portable coin receptacle is present at the location. Full Article
ic Apparatus, method, and system for loading currency bills into a currency processing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for feeding a plurality of stacked currency bills into a currency handling device. The apparatus may comprise an input receptacle being configured to receive a plurality of stacked currency bills, the receptacle having a first side and a second opposing side, a front end, and an opposing back end. The apparatus further may comprise a first paddle rail disposed adjacent the first side and a first paddle assembly slidably coupled to the first paddle rail, the first paddle assembly having a portion configured to contact a stack of a plurality of bills residing in the input receptacle. The apparatus further may comprise a first resilient member coupled to the first paddle assembly, the first resilient member being configured to bias the first paddle assembly towards the front end of the receptacle, the first resilient member being configured to cause the first paddle assembly to move in a direction toward the front end of the input receptacle at a first average rate of speed when unrestrained and undamped. The apparatus further may comprise a first damping mechanism configured to slow the unrestrained, average rate of speed the first paddle assembly from the first average rate of speed to a second average rate of speed which is less the first average rate of speed. Full Article
ic Currency processing device, method and system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT According to one embodiment of the present invention, a currency processing device for receiving and processing a stack of currency bills is described. The currency processing device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be processed, a plurality of output receptacles for receiving bills after the bills have been processed, a transport mechanism for transporting the bills from the input receptacle to the output receptacles, and a discriminating unit for examining the bills. The output receptacles are arranged such that a center of at least one output receptacle is laterally offset from a center of the input receptacle. The discriminating unit includes a detector positioned between the input receptacle and the output receptacles and is adapted to determine the denomination of bills. Full Article
ic Paper sheet handling device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a paper sheet handling device with which paper currency having an optimal property can be deposited and disbursed without reducing the number of denominations than can be handled, and without changing the higher-level system. This paper sheet handling device is equipped with: multiple cassettes provide respectively for each classification based on the value of a paper sheet, with each of the multiple cassettes having multiple housing units a storage unit that associates and stores a housing unit housing status, and a main control unit, which executes paper sheet deposit/disbursement processes on the basis of the housing unit housing status and the cassette housing status stored by the storage unit. Full Article