Abstract: A toy having: a main body portion, the main body portion defining a receiving area; a member configured to be received within the receiving area; a mechanism for releasably securing the member in the receiving area, wherein the mechanism has a pair of arm members each having a protrusion for releasably engaging a detent on the member.

Abstract: A machine for applying sealant material to non-circular closures using a rotating chuck coupled to a rotational motor and a fixedly mounted dispensing apparatus. The chuck is also moved in at least one linear direction in a plane normal to the rotational axis of the chuck. The rotational motor may be connected to the chuck using various mechanisms while minimizing the moving mass of the machine. Sealant applicators are also disclosed that are mounted on a turret and use independently controlled motors, or fully integrated servomotors to rotate the chuck.

Abstract: A computer system incorporates distributed power control. In particular, the computer system comprises a power supply for providing at least one voltage, a power distribution system, and N boards, or modules (where N>1) coupled to the power supply via the power distribution system. Each board comprises a voltage regulator, which receives the voltage from the power supply and provides a regulated voltage to the board, and a processor for controlling the voltage regulator for varying the regulated voltage.

Abstract: A dispenser that dispenses fluid is controlled using a feedback control system. The control system uses a positional encoder to determine the precise position of a valve contained in an actuator in order to control the dispensing of the fluid. Various motion profiles may be used to control the position of the valve. The motion profiles of the valve enable controlled variation of the amount of fluid dispensed over time and enable several specific improvements to the dispensing of sealant in the manufacture of metal and composite cans.