Abstract: A medication dispensing device comprising a housing having an enclosure configured to provide direct access to a current medication container storing medication to be dispensed. The device includes a plurality of bins, each bin configured to receive and store therein a medication container within a bin seat. Additionally, the device includes a scale assembly, within the housing, configured to automatically lift the medication container from the bin seat, weigh the medication container at least once and lower the medication container into the bin seat during a weighing cycle.

Abstract: An Intelligent Thermostat (IT) device and method of use for the retrieval and display of real-time energy demand and energy pricing. The IT device is configured to perform automatic adaptation of energy conservation based on real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing from a Utility Company. The IT device controls a multicolor backlight to immediately notify the user of real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing.

Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with computer controlled, item-based lighting that produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks within polygonal circuit boards associate with each display tube are controlled by a computer activation system that senses the presence of a customer, and the selection of a vend. Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LED off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors. A touch screen computer responds to user inputs for selections and transactions.

Abstract: A method for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chromium, arsenic) treated wood, from which CCA is efficiently removed from the wood, allowing both the CCA and the wood to be reused has been developed. The method comprises the steps of (1) microwave-enhanced acid extraction of CCA, (2) separation of the acid-containing CCA solution from the wood, (3) separation/precipitation of CCA from the acid extract, (4) recovery and regeneration of CCA-bearing precipitant for reuse in the wood preservation industry, (5) recycling recovered acid solution, (6) microwave-assisted liquefaction of the extracted wood, and (7) use of detoxified liquefied wood to form polymeric materials such as polyurethanes and phenolic resin adhesives. The recovered CCA may be used to treat wood. The recovered acids may be used to extract CCA from CCA-treated wood, and the liquefied wood may be used as phenolic or polyurethane resins.

Abstract: An easy-glide portable light tower system having a transport enclosure for fully recessing and confining the system therein. The system includes a telescopic mast that is constructed to be stowed in a vertically upright position. The telescoping sections of the mast include frictionless pads to create frictionless surfaces between two adjacent and concentric telescoping sections or the mast base. The transport enclosure also includes stabilizing channels to stabilize arms supporting the lights.

Abstract: A deep throat chuck jaw system adapted to be used with a lathe with or without a headstock hole is provided. The system includes a set of jaw extension members having an inboard end supported from a face of a master chuck jaw coupled to a lathe chuck. The jaw extension members also include an outboard end. The set of jaw extension members are operable to grip an outer surface of a part having an outer diameter greater than the headstock hole with a clamping assembly clamped around the outboard end.

Abstract: Contact tubes and coaxial cable fittings with the tubes, including barrel connectors, right angle connectors, and sockets. The elongated, tubular contact tube extends coaxially within each fitting, establishing at least one female juncture for receiving the center conductor projecting from a coaxial connector. The insulators and bushings center and retain the contact tube within the connectors. The contact tubes are rolled from beryllium, copper alloy sheets having slotted portions defined on one or both sheet ends. The slotted portions comprise a plurality of parallel, curved, slots, each of which borders curved metal strips. Half slots at the bottom and top of the slotted portions adjoin each other after rolling to form an additional slot. Because of the shape of the slots and strips a generally pentagonal configuration is assumed after rolling and contraction of the slotted region, such that contact points overlap.

Abstract: An automated, self-service dry cleaning delivery system accepts and records items dropped off through a kiosk for cleaning, and returns cleaned items to the same kiosk for customer pick-up. A computer software program operates the conveyors, the loading doors, and material transporting equipment. To facilitate maximum customer satisfaction, numerous customer feedback choices are displayed to maximize system dexterity.

Abstract: A container comprises a knockdown carton made from a flat blank of corrugated material, and a knockdown lid. The carton comprises a center panel, foldable end panels, foldable side panels, and foldable corner panels. A pair of diametrically opposed corner panels are folded inwardly into contact with opposed end panels. The end panels comprise rectangular cutout holes surrounding foldable flaps. The lid has a central panel that is divided from integral end panels and integral side panels. A lid side panel extending vertically downwardly is coupled to the carton. Lid end panels have elliptical orifices that register with carton cutout regions and adjoining slots that align with handle anchor orifices. An alternative lid has flaps comprising major and minor segments separated by a diagonal fold line. The minor segment has an apex that releasably biases the flap in engagement with the end panel, yieldably locking the lid.

Abstract: Axially compressible, self-sealing, high bandwidth F-connectors for conventional hand tools for interconnection with coaxial cable. An internal, dual segment sealing grommet activated by compression provides a seal. Each connector has a rigid nut that is rotatably secured to a, tubular body. A rigid, conductive post coaxially extends through the connector. A post barbed end penetrates the cable within the connector. A tubular, metallic end cap is slidably fitted to a body shank, and thereafter forcibly compressed lengthwise during installation. The end cap has a ring groove for seating the enhanced grommet. The end cap can irreversibly assume any position, being held by end cap teeth. A tactile system comprising external convex projections on the body complemented by a resilient, external O-ring on the end cap aids installers who can properly position connectors with the sense of touch.

Abstract: A motorized, climbing tree stand ideal for hunting has a rigid elongated, track constructed from multiple, axially aligned sections attached to a tree trunk. A carriage supporting a seat and footrest is coupled to a shuttle assembly that engages the track. The shuttle assembly mounts a battery-powered motor and a motor-driven gear that engages a toothed rack on the elongated track, moving the carriage vertically upwardly or downwardly in response to motor operation. A hand switch controls a reversing relay to control motor direction. Each track section comprises a rigid, elongated flange with an elongated, tubular sleeve terminating in a reduced diameter coupling tube that coaxially mates with the base of the sleeve in the neighboring section. Alignment rods near the upper ends of each sleeve reinforce the assembly. Adjustable, L-brackets contact the tree for bracing. Track flanges are slidably constrained between suitable rollers secured to shuttle side walls.

Abstract: A programmable liquid sampler for obtaining and digitally analyzing multiple, sequential samples in real time from an external source of liquid to be analyzed comprises an adaptive feedback algorithm for correcting sample weight measurements occasioned by vacuum delays. A sampling assembly receives and at least temporarily stores a sample drawn by suction through an air port that can also pressurize the chamber. A load cell determines sample mass through a logic controller that implements adaptive feedback by recognizing a desired target sample size, requesting an initial sample, and measuring the initial sample size. A variable scaling factor is derived by comparing the target sample size to said measured sample size and the subsequent requesting size is scaled. Samples can be stored in multiple compartments of a radial table that is indexed by the computer software for proper sample control.

Abstract: Coin operated vending machines and vending methods for self service car washes that vend different commodities or services at a united price. The machines vend vacuum at different speeds, and spot remover or fragrance. Each machine has a computer-controlled, multi-segmented bar graph providing an analog indication of the amount of a vend that remains, and a dot matrix system for displaying text messages. The bar graph has multiple adjacent segments each having multiple cells that contain separate LEDS of different colors. The bar graph provides a relative, analog indication of the amount of a particular commodity remaining to be vended. When a vend starts, all of the bar graph segments are illuminated and as vending continues, bar graph segments and individually cells are sequentially decremented. Different products are associated with different colors. The customer may switch selections while a credit balance remains, and bar graph illumination is reset to 100%.

Abstract: A modular junk basket device adapted for use in a wellbore. The modular junk basket has a central mandrel. The device further comprises a removable junk basket operable to collect debris from the wellbore. The device also includes a removable baffle operable to deflect fluid and debris flowing around the junk basket. The central mandrel has a top end, a bottom end and a first mandrel coupler operable to removably couple the junk basket concentrically around the central mandrel a distance above the bottom end. The central mandrel also includes a second mandrel coupler operable to removably couple the baffle a predetermined distance above a top opening in the junk basket and below the top end.

Abstract: A wellbore cleaning tool having a plurality of fluid jets arranged on one side of a tool body and brushes or other implements for applying an abrasion force arranged on a second side of the tool body. In operation, the fluid jets, when turned on, bias the tool body and the supported brushes toward the casing wall with a resilient jet-biasing effect. Furthermore, the tool body is intended to be rotated. Thereby, the resilient jet-biasing effect rotates accordingly so that the brushes remain biased toward the casing wall during rotation.