Abstract: A service station dispenser for gasoline with a vapor collection system processes the electrical signal typically produced by the fuel meter which represents the volume flow rate of fuel to the tank to control the displacement volume of an electrically driven vacuum pump so that a simple vacuum intake disposed preferably inside, but not sealed with, the filter neck can be used to collect only the vapors displaced from the fuel tank by the fuel. The vacuum pump is preferably controlled by the same digital processor which calculates and displays volume and cost to the customer, and a single vacuum pump can be used in connection with single point of sale, multiple fuel grade systems or with multiple point of sale, single grade systems for enhanced economy of cost.

Abstract: Closure usable for dispensing tear off lengths of rolled sheet materials, including plastic trash can liners. A `roll top` door is included which incorporates in it a roller mechanism. The lower supporting body of the apparatus also has provided a roller mechanism. When the roll top door is closed, the roller on the door is brought into contact with the roller on the apparatus. When used, the door on the apparatus is opened and a store of sheet material to be dispensed is placed within the apparatus. An amount of sheet material to be dispensed is played out over the lower roller. When the door of the device is closed, the top roller is brought into contact with the upper surface of the sheet material to be dispensed. The friction between the upper and lower roller provides tension on the sheet material when sheet material is pulled from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an image based document processing and information management system and apparatus. It provides a more efficient method and apparatus for handling large volumes of form based business transactions using a digital image-based system for the capture, identification and processing of images, statistics and business data. The system converts documents, such as forms and supporting pages, into digital data which can be used to update computer records and to manage and support the adjudicative processing of business transactions by human operators at computer terminals.

Abstract: A decorative wheel cover apparatus is disclosed for relatively inexpensively simulating the appearance of a more expensive custom wheel. A wheel cover member, having a contoured body and circular inner and outer rims which accurately simulates the appearance of a custom wheel is removably secured to an ordinary automotive wheel by a unique retention system. The retention system includes a first portion disposed along the back of the wheel cover member, and a second portion preferably adhesively bonded to the wheel directly behind the first portion, with the first and second portions being suited for releasable engagement with one another. Preferably, the first and second portions of the retention system constitute mating rings, the first ring being secured to the outer rim of the wheel cover member and having a plurality of lugs extending therefrom, and the second ring having a plurality of receptacles or slots for receiving and releasably retaining the lugs. A method of installation is included.

Abstract: A void fill material (10) can be formed from ordinary scrap cardboard into an interlocking packaging material. Each piece of the material (10) has a primary section (20) defining a primary plane. In a preferred embodiment, a first, second and third finger (22, 24, 26) extend from the primary section (20). The primary section (20) and each finger (22, 24, 26) have a length to width ratio between 3:1 and 1:1. The first finger (22) extends from one side of primary section (20) while the second and third fingers (24, 26) extend from its other side. The intersection (30, 32, 34) between each finger (22, 24, 26) and the primary section (20) is scored, thus allowing the fingers to be bent away from the primary plane. The cushioning benefit of the void fill material (10) is improved by the ability of the deformed fingers (22, 24, 26) to interlock with the fingers of the other void fill material pieces.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery and purification system is provided. A one-pass system removes refrigerant, filters and purifies it and condenses and stores the refrigerant in its liquid state for reuse. A collection tank is provided which separates the non-condensible gases, thereby eliminating pressure buildup in the storage tank. The non-condensible gases are vented back to the system to selectively provide positive pressure for vacuum relief. The system also includes an oil separator for refrigerant which has passed through the compressor with a feedback line to return the oil to the compressor.

Abstract: An in-line machine for attaching elongated, flexible closure tie elements to the individual bag portions of a laterally folded plastic film web being continuously discharged from a bag forming station, and being forcibly captured by a winder mechanism, engages and drives the moving web toward the winder mechanism by means of mutually spaced inlet, central and outlet drive rollers. During operation of the machine, first and second slack portions of the film web are respectively positioned between the inlet and central rollers, and between the central and outlet rollers. These slack portions are held in vertically looped configurations by a downwardly directed, yielding vacuum force applied thereto. The inlet and outlet rollers are driven at identical speeds corresponding to the constant linear film web output speed from the bag forming station.

Abstract: A nonreusable syringe is provided having an automatically retracting hypodermic needle to prevent accidental injury after injection or undesirable reuse of the syringe. The needle is retracted by a spring located behind the syringe piston and disposed to prevent reextension of the needle after use. A locking mechanism holds the needle in position for injection. The piston includes means to release the locking mechanism as injection is completed to automatically retract the needle into the syringe. The syringe tip seal is not in frictional contact with the needle, eliminating drag on the needle during retraction. A safety indicator is provided to indicate previous use.

Abstract: An additive injection pump has a rolling diaphragm mounted between a reciprocable assembly and a cylinder to create a secondary fluid pumping chamber in the lower end of the cylinder. The reciprocable assembly has an internal one-way flow passage between the pumping chamber and an opposite end portion of the assembly having an outlet. The selective positioning of a valve member at the bottom of the reciprocable assembly establishes a predetermined quantity of secondary fluid supplied through an inlet at the bottom of the cylinder. When the cylinder is attached to a housing having a primary fluid stream and the assembly is reciprocated by a fluid motor in the housing, secondary fluid in predetermined doses is injected into the primary fluid stream.

Abstract: An ice maker module is built on an integrally formed plastic base. One or more ice making modules are stacked on top of an ice bin. Integrally formed within the plastic base is "wet" compartment within which are disposed multiple numbers of evaporators on which water is frozen into ice cubes. The plastic base also separates the wet compartment from a dry compartment in which is mounted refrigeration components and control circuitry. The evaporators are constructed of two plates of stainless steel. Icing sites are located on the flattened sides of a serpentine refrigeration channel formed between depressions in the stainless steel plates. A microcontroller operates the ice making process. Harvesting of the ice cubes is initiated after the ice maker has used an amount of water necessary to make the ice. An ultrasonic range finder monitors the amount of ice in the bin.

Abstract: A machine washable wedge shaped support structure is formed from a fabric envelope loosely filled with lightweight, preferably polystyrene, beads which shape it. The fabric may have a non-skid surface to resist sliding in use. The wedge conforms to a patient's or infant's body. When compressed, the fabric envelope and beads lock into a roll-preventing support structure. One alternate version has a stabilizing panel extending from the pointed end of the wedge on which a patient lies. Another version has a connecting panel between two opposing triangular shaped wedges. It provides roll preventing support for a pregnant woman and doubles as an anti-roll pad for infants.

Abstract: A diaphragm type fluid pressure gauge comprises a case formed of an injection molded thermoplastic. The bottom wall of the case selectively defines a rear axial fluid connection or a radial fluid connection to a fluid chamber defined within the case. The fluid chamber is closed by a diaphragm which is clamped against an annular radial surface in the case by a thermoplastic ring which is melt-welded to the case. The other face of the ring provides a mounting for a movement mechanism for driving a pointer in response to axial displacement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Cryogenic cooling apparatus comprising an inlet path through which refrigerant gas is caused to flow, a Joule-Thomson expansion nozzle which communicates with the inlet path and in which, in use, a proportion of the refrigerant gas is caused to liquefy and an outlet path communicating with the outlet of the expansion nozzle, the inlet path being in heat exchange relationship with the outlet path. An elongate valve needle cooperates with the outlet side of the expansion nozzle and together with the latter constitutes a valve. A sensor is disposed in the space on the outlet side of the expansion nozzle and is arranged progressively to close the valve as the amount of liquid refrigerant in contact with it increases. The valve needle defines a bypass passage which extends along its entire length and remains open at all times. The apparatus is accommodated within a container, to the outer surface of a portion of the wall of which a thermal load is connected.

Abstract: An eyelash shield device is provided having curvatures at each end of an elongated member. The invention also includes a process for using a makeup device to apply makeup to eyelash. The curved ends are applied above and below the eye, between the face and eyelashes of the user so as to protect the face from smudging eyelash makeup on the face or from disturbing pre-applied makeup to the user's face while applying mascara to the eyelashes. An alternative embodiment of the eyelash shield device has a clip for attaching the shield to a mascara case and includes first and second members pivotally connected to each other. The first functions as a shield between the user's face and eyelashes and has a curved edge conforming to the curvature of the periphery of the user's eye. The second member is pivotally attached to the first member and connected to a clip device for attachment to a mascara case.

Abstract: An automatic pill dispensing apparatus is provided having a plurality of cartridges mounted on a common rotatable shaft within a housing. Each cartridge has a plurality of compartments disposed about its periphery for containing medication to be dispensed at proper intervals. An alarm is sounded for the user when the cartridges are in position for dispensing medication. A dispense bar is manually actuated by the user to eject medication into a tray for user access. The plurality of cartridges enable filling by a pharmacist of independent multiple prescriptions. The use of a manually automated dispensing bar eliminates the possibility of overdosage by taking accumulated, unused medication. A dislodging wire sweeps through each compartment as the dispense bar is depressed, thereby dislodging the medication from the compartment for user access.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus is provided permitting the concurrent isometric stressing of the leg muscles while performing a plurality of arm stressing exercise, or alternatively, permitting an isometric stress to be maintained in the arm muscles in a selected direction while exercising the leg muscles. All of the exercising stresses are produced by compressing springs in tubular housings, some of which constitute the frame structure of the exercising apparatus and other tubular housings being positioned in a plurality of angular positions relative to the frame structure.

Abstract: A testing system for a pilot operated, pressure relief valve of the type wherein movement of the pilot in response to a predetermined line pressure effects the opening of the pressure relief valve comprising a portable apparatus including a source of test fluid pressure, a flow regulating test valve connected to the test pressure source and a piston in the test valve movable in response to the rate of fluid flow through the test valve. The output end of the test valve is connected to a two branch line, one branch line connecting the test valve to the inlet passage of the pilot and the other branch line connecting the test valve to a trapped fluid pressure chamber of the relief valve which is vented by the opening movement of the pilot. A pressure gauge is also connected to the test valve and a plunger on the piston effects the isolation of the pressure gauge when the piston is moved by the increased flow produced through the test valve by the opening of the pilot.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held blower unit is powered by a small internal combustion engine having movable choke and throttle control elements linked to a single adjustment knob. Rotation of the knob between full throttle and full choke positions thereof simultaneously adjusts the engine's throttle and choke settings and maintains predetermined engine start and run positional relationships therebetween. The engine carburetor has mounted thereon a specially designed air intake box which substantially reduces engine air intake noise. In the normal operating position of the unit the engine drive shaft is generally vertically oriented, with the carburetor being secured to the top of the engine and the underside of the air intake box. The lower end of the drive shaft is coaxially secured to the unit's blower fan impeller which is spaced upwardly apart from a pull rope starter pulley rotatably carried by the fan impeller housing.