Abstract: An automatic continuous flow liquid dispensing device for dispensing liquid onto a receiving surface of an article includes an improved flow control mechanism comprising a threaded elongate shaft retained in threaded engagement by a base member securely attachable to the external housing, so as to be selectively rotatably movable to any one of a plurality of stop positions. The threaded shaft is positioned to be contactable by a valve of the dispensing device, thereby acting as a backstop to preclude the valve from reaching its full flow position, and thus defining a plurality of partial flow positions. An electric motor rotates the threaded shaft in first and second rotational directions, to selected stop positions. Electrical controls are connected in electrically conductive relation to the electric motor for selective control thereof.

Abstract: A laser light based image projection apparatus and method for projecting full color moving images comprising a plurality of color daub components onto a remote viewing screen comprises a source of digital image data in the form of inter-related color position co-ordinates and color intensity values at any instant in time, which digital image data are analyzed by a color value analyzer to derive therefrom specific red, blue, and green color intensity components and specific red, blue, and green color position co-ordinates. Time-based laser intensity control signals, time-based directional control signals, specific laser addresses, and projection timing parameters are calculated, and are used to produce laser actuation signals that control narrow diameter beam red, blue, and green lasers, to control optically adjusted wide diameter beam red, blue, and green lasers, and to control optically adjusted very wide diameter beam red, blue, and green lasers.

Abstract: An adjustable planter box hanger for hanging a planter box at a selected angular position from a support structure having front and rear faces adjoined by a top brim portion comprises left and right hanging support brackets, each having a support structure engaging top portion for engaging the top brim portion of a support structure, and terminating in a downwardly turned lip portion for engaging the rear face of a support structure. Each of the left and right hanging support brackets also has a main downwardly depending leg having top and bottom ends and depending from the support structure engaging top portion, and an outwardly projecting support arm for receiving a planter box thereon. The outwardly projecting support arm terminates in an upwardly turned lip portion.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted broom for sweeping floors having a sweeping member, preferably in the form of a plurality of stiff bristles, for bi-directional sweeping of the floor. The sweeping member is operatively mounted within a housing member, which housing member partially encloses the sweeping member within its hollow interior such that the bristles depend from the housing member through a first opening. A handle member is securely attached to the housing member and extends upwardly therefrom. The sweeping member is moveable between a first extended position the bristles are extended sufficiently that the broom may be used as a conventional broom, and a second retracted position where the sweeping member is substantially retracted into the housing member, with only a short end portion of the bristles extending outwardly from the housing member.

Abstract: A composite load bearing structure comprises a main body portion having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a dimension of thickness therebetween, first and second side surfaces defining a dimension of width therebetween, first and second end surfaces defining a dimension of length therebetween, and a first longitudinal axis oriented along the length of the main body portion. The thickness is significantly less than at least the length of the load bearing structure. The main body portion is made of a first composite material comprising a binding constituent in a proportion of about 10% to about 20% by volume, and an aggregate material in a proportion of about 80% to about 90% by volume. The binding constituent comprises polyethylene or a polyethylene blend having at least 10% polyethylene.

Abstract: A hair support structure for use in fashioning a hairstyle on a woman's head, comprises a substantially loop-shaped base portion comprising a thin elongate curved main body element, which is preferably an elongate wire. A plurality of rib members are secured at their bottom ends to the base portion and extend upwardly and generally inwardly therefrom so as to be structurally interconnected one to another, adjacent their top ends, at an elevated reinforcing cross-member. Each of the rib members is spaced apart from adjacent ribs by a distance of at least about one centimeter, and also is unattached along its length between its top end and its bottom end, so as to permit the ready passage of fingers therethrough, for the purpose of winding hair around the rib members. Each of the rib members exhibits stiffness so that the hair support structure is self supporting.

Abstract: A lid is provided for closing off the open end of one of respective first and second containers, each container a different diameter and having a peripherally disposed bead at its open end. An axially disposed annular inner wall projects downwardly from a central cover portion, and defines a generally circular first annular channel open towards the bottom face of the lid. The upper limit of insertion of the peripherally disposed bead of a first container is defined by a generally planar edge. The wall defining the first annular channel has a radially inwardly extending central portion that forms a first reduced waist portion, which is shaped and dimensioned to retain the peripherally disposed bead of the first container, and also defines the upper limit of insertion of the bead of a second container which has a larger diameter, into a second channel formed in the lid.

Abstract: A medical intravenous injection site is provided having a single piece elastomeric septum and valve combination element. The septum has a slit therein, through which a blunt cannula or a male luer slip or male luer taper can be inserted. A valve element is suspended below the septum by straps extending between the septum and valve element, and formed integrally with them as a single, one-piece elastomeric septum, valve, and strap structure. When the blunt cannula is inserted through the slit in the septum, the valve portion will be displaced away from the septum portion, and away from a valve seat formed in the interior of a substantially rigid housing in which the septum and valve structure is mounted. Fluid communication, in either direction past the valve seat, may therefore be established. Because the septum is mounted across the end of the rigid housing, it is wipeable.

Abstract: Anhydrous milk powder is prepared to have substantially the same constituent ingredients as dry whole milk powder that is manufactured using conventional processes, except that 100% of the fat constituent is available as fat. Whole milk is first separated into skim milk and anhydrous butter fat; the skim milk is dried by removing all of the available free water therefrom; and the resultant anhydrous skim milk powder solids are combined in a selected amount together with a further selected amount of the separated anhydrous butter fat constituent in a ribbon blender. The resultant blended product has the same constituent make-up as ordinary dry whole milk, but all of the fat constituent is recoverable as fat.

Abstract: A computer video monitor mask for removable attachment to a computer video monitor having a computer video monitor screen and a front face, comprises a generally planar substantially rigid panel portion having a generally planar front surface, a back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second opposed side edges. The computer video monitor mask is attached to the front face of the computer video monitor by way of a hook and loop fastener system such as VELCRO.TM.. A first generally centrally disposed cut-away portion in the back panel is shaped and dimensioned to permit viewing of the computer video monitor screen therethrough when the computer video monitor mask is in place on the computer video monitor. There is optionally provided a removable paper writing surface generally surrounding the computer video monitor screen, wherein a plurality of sheets of paper are secured together in overlying separable relation one over another so as to form at least one pad of paper.

Abstract: A long chain battery, particularly for an electric vehicle, comprises a plurality of series connected cells or battery modules. To control the operation of the electrical functions, including discharge while the vehicle is being driven, charging when it is at a charging station, or regenerative charging during braking, a main control module and a plurality of battery monitoring modules are provided. The electric motor and a traction controller therefor are connected in series across the long chain battery, and other vehicle electrical loads are in parallel with the motor and controller. Each battery monitoring module will monitor a number of batteries, and the current carrying wire between them, so that incipient problems may be detected before failure or significant damage occurs. A serial communications bus is provided between the main control module and the battery monitoring modules, and data transmitted over that bus is generally digitally encoded.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping device for receiving and selectively frictionally engaging an internally disposed inserted member, such as a rope or rod, is disclosed. The clamping device comprises a flexible and readily deformable gripping member of a hollow cylindrical shape, disposed about a generally centrally located first longitudinal axis. The gripping member may comprise a substantially solid sheet of flexible material, or may comprise a mesh material, or may comprise a plurality of flexible strand members. The material for the gripping member may be leather, rubber, synthetic rubber, neoprene, cloth, nylon, rayon, kevlar, or metal, as appropriate. The gripping member is twistably deformable between a straight neutral configuration and a plurality of helically twisted configurations whereat the gripping member reduces in diameter and encloses down onto the inserted member.

Abstract: A packaging tape applicator for automatically applying packaging tape to groups of juxtaposed containers travelling along a conveyor comprises a gate mechanism movable between a holding position and a delivery position, for apportioning a continuous supply of individual containers into consecutive groups. Indexing means move along the conveyor in synchronized relation to the gate mechanism such that the indexing means are disposed in separating relation one between each consecutive pair of groups of juxtaposed containers. First and second packaging tape applicator mechanisms are positioned on opposite sides of the packaging tape applicator to apply first and second lengths of packaging tape to the groups of juxtaposed containers. First and second cutting mechanisms move in synchronized relation to the indexing means to cut the packaging tape, thereby separating the taped groups of juxtaposed containers one from another.

Abstract: A supporting structure for positioning a product within an outer shipping container takes the form of a plastic bladder shaped on one side to provide a cavity having internal dimensions matching external dimensions of the product and shaped on the other to have external dimensions matching internal dimensions of the shipping container. The air bladder may be either a vertical or a horizontal positioning elements and is typically used pairs within a single container. The air bladder is compact and can be discarded after use with minimal environment impact. In examples shown, the air bladder is of a plastic material such as polyethylene and is produced by blow molding, making it particularly suitable for disposal after use by a recycling process, thereby further reducing potential environmental impact.

Abstract: A robotic gripping device comprises a fixed frame, and a hold down plate vertically moveable in relation to the fixed frame between a raised release position and a lowered hold down position. A moveable support platform retained by the fixed frame is moveable between an extended position where the support platform is opposed to the hold down plate to permit the retention of packages therebetween, and a retracted position where the support platform is no longer opposed to the hold down plate. The support platform further comprises pairs of generally parallel side members, with roller members disposed between each pair of side members, and a belt member looped around the roller members. A package receiving portion of the belt member faces the hold down plate when the support platform is in its extended position.

Abstract: Milk chocolate may be prepared from a chocolate crumb, or other milk and sugar precursor component, by which the required amount of dried milk solids are provided for subsequent processing, together with at least some sugar. Molasses or brown sugar is hydrated with milk, dried, and further processed by addition of the balance of sugar, fats, cocoa butter, and cocoa liquor if used; and the product is then set aside for subsequent pasting and conching operations which are typically used in the production of milk chocolate.

Abstract: A supporting structure for positioning a product within an outer shipping container takes the form of a plastic air bladder shaped on one side to provide a cavity having internal dimensions matching external dimensions of the product and shaped on the other to have external dimensions matching internal dimensions of the shipping container. The air bladder may be either a vertical or a horizontal positioning elements and is typically used in pairs within a single container. The air bladder is compact and can be discarded after use with minimal environment impact. In examples shown, the air bladder is of a plastic material such as polyethylene and is produced by blow molding, making it particularly suitable for disposal after use by a recycling process, thereby further reducing potential environmental impact.

Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed. The gasifier comprises a primary chamber for receiving therein biomass waste material and other related volatile solids to be gasified. A fume transfer vent permits the escape of fumes from the primary chamber. A mixing chamber accepts the fumes from the fume transfer vent. The fumes then flow to an afterburner chamber where a burner member produces a heating flame so as to cause the additional full oxidization of the constituents of the fumes so as to oxidize the constituents. A partitioning wall is disposed between the flame chamber and the primary chamber so as to preclude the heating flame from entering the primary chamber and to also preclude the radiation from the heating flame from directly entering the primary chamber, thereby precluding direct contact and physical disturbance of the waste material. A heat transfer chamber in fluid communication with the afterburner chamber accepts the fully oxidized fumes therefrom.

Abstract: A composite railway tie, and process for manufacture thereof, is disclosed. The composite railway tie comprises a main body portion being made of a first composite material comprising a binding constituent in a proportion of about 10% to about 20% by volume, and an aggregate material in a proportion of about 80% to about 90% by volume. The binding constituent comprises a plastic material chosen from the group of polyethylene and a polyethylene blend having at least 10% polyethylene. The aggregate material is in the form of irregular multi-faceted pieces chosen from the group consisting of crushed furnace slag, crushed gravel, crushed limestone, crushed granite, crushed basalt, and crushed trap rock, and mixtures thereof. The pieces of the aggregate material are distributed and otherwise arranged within the main body portion of the second material so that opposed surfaces of the pieces of the aggregate material have at least partial contact, one with another, in a contiguous manner.