Abstract: A beverage cooler is provided with an improved thermoelectric chiller unit for chilling a supply of water or other selected beverage within a cooler reservoir. The improved thermoelectric chiller unit includes a thermoelectric heat transfer module captured by a spring mount with substantially uniform pressure distribution between a chiller probe for chilling the water within the cooler reservoir, and a heat exchanger for dissipating heat drawn from the chilled water. The cooler reservoir has a faucet mounted thereon for on-demand dispensing of the water, and is mounted as a removable unit within a cooler housing with a bottom wall of the reservoir defining an inverted cup-shaped receptacle for close slide-fit reception of the chiller probe.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 25, 2002
Date of Patent:
November 11, 2003
Assignee:
Oasis Corporation
Inventors:
Louis M. Busick, Stephen W. Wharton, Stephen J. Sabin, Declan L. Coyle
Abstract: A method of making duplicate keys employs the use of a scanning device for capturing the physical profile of a master key or alternately, formulating the profile as a data construct without the use of a master key. This data construct can be assigned a unique code and stored on a database for later retrieval. Once the key profile has been captured or formulated in a data base memory device, a key may be fabricated without the need for traditional key blanks in accordance with the profile data by, for example, a three-dimensional modeling device such as a fused deposition modeling device or stereolithographic device. Alternately, a milling device or high energy beam in conjunction with a metal slug can construct the duplicate key, or an injection molder using high density molding resin can be used to construct the duplicate key.
Abstract: A process for manufacturing an EMI filter feedthrough terminal assembly is provided for mating a feedthrough filter capacitor with an hermetic terminal assembly including a ferrule and one or more lead wires which extend through the ferrule in non-conductive relation. The process includes the steps of placing the hermetic terminal assembly, having a capture flange, into a holding fixture, and forming a seat of non-conductive thermal-setting material onto the terminal assembly within the capture flange. A feedthrough filter capacitor is loaded into the capture flange on top of the seat, and then the seat is cured. A conductive thermal-setting material is dispensed between an outer diameter of the feedthrough filter capacitor and the capture flange. The assembly is then centrifuged to pack the conductive thermal-setting material. The conductive thermal-setting material is then cured between the outer diameter of the feedthrough filter capacitor and the capture flange.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 16, 2001
Date of Patent:
November 11, 2003
Assignee:
Greatbatch-Sierra, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert A. Stevenson, Donald K. Haskell, Richard L. Brendel
Abstract: A power supply device consists of a rectifier and capacitor which share common elements facilitating the construction and application of the device to various types of substrates and, particularly, flexible substrates. Components of the device are fabricated from organic conductors.
Abstract: A surgical tool for tensioning cranial-flap clamps is provided. The tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first jaw extends from the first handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A second jaw extends from the second handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A ratcheting mechanism is positioned within a cavity of the second jaw for selectively locking the stem in place within the second jaw aperture while the first jaw moves clamp closure members toward one another. The ratcheting mechanism includes a pawl pivotally attached to the jaw, and having teeth on an outer edge thereof, and a spring associated with the jaw and pawl to bias the pawl in a locking position when the first and second jaws are separated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 8, 2001
Date of Patent:
November 4, 2003
Assignee:
Medtronic, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert B. Citron, Lawrence L. Hampton, Oliver Buchert, Heather Savage
Abstract: A water dispensing station includes a source of water a water temperature adjustment system connected to the source of water and adapted to adjust water obtained from the source of water, a temperature sensor positioned to sense water temperature of water in the temperature adjusting system, and a dispensing system connected to the water temperature adjusting system and adapted to selectively dispense water. A controller has processing and memory means and is connected to the water temperature adjusting system and the temperature sensor. The controller is adapted to receive and store water temperature information from the temperature sensor. The station preferably includes a display screen to display information from the controller and input means for the user to input information to the controller. The station can further include a modem so that the controller can communicate with a remote service center.
Abstract: A gas is dissolved into a liquid by first pressurizing the liquid to a predetermined level. The pressurized liquid is then directed into a hydrocyclone to form a vortex stream having an evacuated central area. The hydrocyclone has an inlet aperture size and configuration and a barrel diameter and length optimized for liquid particle movement through the liquid vortex stream. Gas is injected into the evacuated area for absorption into the liquid vortex stream. The liquid is then directed from the hydrocyclone into a diffusion column, and subsequently to a pressure chamber in order to collect non-adsorbed gas. The collected non-adsorbed gas is then recycled back into the evacuated area of the vortex stream. Pressurized gas is added to the system as the gas is adsorbed and dissolved into the liquid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 14, 2002
Date of Patent:
October 7, 2003
Inventors:
Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
Abstract: A multi-purpose card includes a combination of a plurality of coupons detachably cut into the redemption card, a bar code imprinted onto the redemption card, integrated circuit chips, and/or a scratch-off foil overlying an offer or information printed on the card. The multi-purpose card may be housed integrally in a promotional mailer in the form of a two-piece in one post card. The card is created and defined within the promotional mailer by score lines intermittently cut through a top layer, base layer and plastic film of the mailer in a manner to securely maintain the card in place until forcibly removed.
Abstract: The present invention provides an improved underwater light junction box which incorporates a ground fault circuit interrupter. The electrical junction box includes a cover and a ground fault circuit interrupter securely positioned between the cover and a base attachable to the cover. A switch of the ground fault circuit interrupter is aligned with a cover aperture and an overlying flexible, window. The ground fault circuit interrupter preferably has a bracket attached thereto for securing it to an inner surface of the side of the cover having the aperture to secure the ground fault circuit interrupter within the cover and properly align the switch with the cover's aperture. In order to retrofit an existing junction box so as to incorporate a ground fault circuit interrupter, the lid from the existing junction box is first removed. The electrical connections between the underwater illuminating light are disconnected from other electrical connections and connected to the ground fault circuit interrupter.
Abstract: An in-line fluid heating system including a lamp module having a plurality of heating lamps. A fluid vessel is configured to slidably accept the lamp module therein. The fluid vessel includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a central tube, and an outer envelope in fluid communication with and coaxial to the central tube. The heating lamp module is removably disposed between the central tube and outer envelope such that the fluid is heated as it passes through the central tube and the outer envelope. A reflector substantially surrounds the fluid vessel for reflecting energy emitted from the lamp module back into the fluid vessel. Insulation may substantially surround the reflector and fluid vessel to further prevent heat loss.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 2, 2002
Date of Patent:
September 16, 2003
Assignee:
Integrated Circuit Development Corp.
Inventors:
Hector Joel CastaƱeda, Edward Ramsis Attia, Jose Luis Tlaxca