Abstract: Steam from a steam supply source is heated in a heating device, supplied to a nozzle through a secondary steam supply passage and injected from a spout. The temperature of steam at the outlet of the heating device is measured by a first sensor, and a cartridge heater constituting the heating device is controlled on the basis of the difference between the measured temperature and a target value. Steam temperature at the nozzle spout is measured by a second sensor, and a difference between the measured temperature and a target value is obtained. The target value of steam temperature at the heating device outlet is changed to a set value predetermined according to the magnitude of the difference obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for providing salary data to a self designated survey group comprises the step of establishing a salary survey service on a server for storing and accessing salary data. Once established, the salary survey service accepts membership from a plurality of members through the salary survey service. At least a portion of the members then store salary data on a database that is associated with the server. The members are grouped into a survey group designated by a portion of the plurality of members. Salary surveys are generated for the survey group using the stored salary data provided by members of the survey group. The generated surveys may then be accessed via the Internet.

Abstract: Methods of the present invention are designed to offer insurance to lessees of vehicles to cover up front, out-of-pocket lease expenses in the event of a total loss, e.g., theft, and preferably include steps performed by a vehicle leasing dealer as well as steps performed by one or more participating insurers. The steps are preferably performed with the aid of computing devices which are in communication. When the lease is prepared, the relevant information about the lease and the lessee is submitted by the lease dealer to the participating insurers. The insurers determine the cost of supplemental insurance based on this information and, if the cost is acceptable, offer insurance coverage to the lessee.

Abstract: A trifold display device comprising panel opening mechanism(s) which open the device, in a damped motion, from a closed position wherein display surfaces are concealed from view to an open configuration wherein three display surfaces are exposed. The panel operating mechanisms exert forces on two panels, thereby urging the panels toward an open position. Upon actuation of a release latch, the opening mechanisms move a support panel around to the back of the mirror, thereby raising the device into a tilted position (if the device is resting on a surface). Preferably simultaneously, the two movable display panels are also moved to an open configuration wherein they are exposed.

Abstract: Items such as writing implements comprise a housing which moves from a first configuration wherein a writing portion is at least partially disposed within a housing to a second configuration wherein more of the writing portion is disposed outside of the housing. In one version, upon the selective actuation of a release, at least two housing portions initially move away from each other while the writing portion moves from the first configuration toward the second configuration, the housing portions then move back toward each other, all in a damped motion. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the writing portion is further away from the hinge-type connection than in the first configuration.

Abstract: Gaming devices and methods of playing games wherein an indication of the cards which have already been discarded or dealt is displayed for a player to view prior to making a decision. One embodiment is directed to a gaming device comprising a video display which is designed for the play of Blackjack. Other embodiments are directed to table versions of the present invention wherein physical playing cards are actually dealt to one or more players. At the conclusion of each hand, an indication of the cards dealt is displayed for viewing by all of the players.

Abstract: A backpack for back-mounting a compressed-air cylinder, fastened to the backpack by a cylinder fastening belt, when a user wears harnesses and a waist belt. The backpack inlcudes a backboard (100) having support hooks (105) to support the compressed-air cylinder (50); a harness support (130) for the harnesses (30) coupled to the backboard (100) so as to rotate upwards and downwards around the center; a waist protector (120) coupled to the backboard (100) in the back of the harness support (130) so as to cover and protect the back of the user's waist; and a rotary unit for rotatably supporting both the harness support (130) and the waist protector (120) on the backboard (100). The waist protector and the harness support move separately from the backboard by the rotary unit, thus allowing the user to work without stressed by the waist belt or the harnesses.

Abstract: A ball point pen has a elongate shank 10 that supports a ball point element inside. A handle 11 can pivot and fold over and be held closed against the shank 10. This allows the pen to be maintained in a folded-up configuration and easily carried in a breast pocket or purse. The pen is biassed towards a writing configuration with the shank and handle connected end-to-end.