Abstract: A carrier (300) for loading medical items in the helix (74) of a dispenser module (28) includes a plurality of chambers (314) formed by side walls (316) attached to a rear wall (310). Cover (322) seals the medical items within the chambers (314). A plurality of tapered projections (312) meshes with the turns of the helix (74) to align chambers (314) with the spaces between the turns of the helix. Cover (322) is then slidably released from channels (318, 320) in side walls (316) for releasing the medical items within the helix (74). An alternate embodiment includes a support member (342) with a plurality of apertures (346) spaced to correspond to the spaces of the helix (74). The plurality of holders (348) with medical items contained therein are secured to support member (342) through the apertures (346) with a strap (354). By removing strap (354), the medical items are released within the helix (74) in the selected locations.

Abstract: A threading clutch apparatus 40 and method for a multi-spindle machine that is pneumatically actuated and electronically controlled. The threading clutch apparatus 40 shifts from a low speed side 48 to a high speed side 46 at a selected time interval. An electrical circuit 106 is in electrical communication with a limit switch 112 which is operatively connected to a threading tool. At a desired time in the machining process, limit switch 112 is tripped and electrically starts a count down timer 114,116 to energize solenoid valve 102 for selectively activating the high speed side 46 of the threading clutch apparatus 40. The threading clutch 40 allows varying static torque capacity with variable pressure control to eliminate clutch adjustment and electronically monitoring tap depth adjustment.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items which are dispensed for administration to patients includes a data terminal (76, 338, 538) which is connected through a network (82, 328, 536) to at least one computer (84, 324, 532) having a processor and a data store. The system also includes a reading device (348, 538) which is operatively connected to the network. A user of the data terminal or the reading device is enabled to select a patient for whom medical items will be used, and responsive to a request to dispense items the requested items are dispensed from dispensing devices (96, 100, 344, 346, 450, 527, 540) connected to the data terminal. Storage locations in dispensing devices may be restocked using removable liners. The removable liners are stocked with medical items in a stocking location (550) and transported in a secure condition to the storage locations. The storage locations are accessed by an authorized restocking user.

Abstract: A capping machine (10) and method for installing a cap (12) having a threaded portion onto a container (14) having a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the cap corresponding to the threaded portion of the container, the capping machine having a rotatable turret (20) and a rotatable cap chuck (16) which grips the cap and positions the cap on the container. The cap chuck is rotated by a spindle (22) driven by a servo motor (24) at adjustable and reversible rotational velocities independent of the rotational velocity of the turret. The number of rotations of the cap is determined by monitoring the number of rotations of the servo motor compared to the number of rotations of the turret and is transmitted to a spindle drive control(70). The torque imparted to the cap is monitored by a torque monitor (50) and is transmitted to the spindle drive control. The rotational velocity of the cap is adjustable in response to the compared monitored number of rotations and monitored torque.

Abstract: An eye article (10) for a taxidermy form (21). The eye article includes a generally convex first surface (16) and a general concave second surface (14). The eye article is preferably injection molded of a thermoplastic material like polycarbonate and the first surface is shaped to resemble the surface of an animal eye. The eye article further includes a ring surface (20) which is adapted to fit within the taxidermy form. The eye article further includes means for providing a selected color (68) for pigmentation resembling the appearance of the desired animal eye. The color is preferably applied to the eye article via a pad printing process.

Abstract: A pressure indicating device for self contained breathing apparatus includes a piston arrangement which is responsive to the relative pressures of the supply and the pressure at the outlet of the first stage regulator to assume several different positions in the containment housing. Piston position is recognized by electronic circuitry and an LED display is lighted accordingly to provide a series of unique signals to the user, of the remaining quantity of breathing fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, plural, graduated-size pistons provide a progressive indication of the air supply. In another embodiment, a single, stepped piston effects progressive electrical contact at various positions in the travel of the piston.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) has a housing (12). A rollout tray (32) supports serviceable components including a display (36) and a keypad (48) thereon. The rollout tray includes a service opening (54) which is used to access service points on the serviceable components when the rollout tray is extended from the housing. When the tray is retracted access through the service opening is blocked.

Abstract: A filler product supply apparatus (10) and method has one or more conduits (17) for delivering filler product under pressure to a manifold (30). Filler product is delivered through manifold (30) to one or more filling heads (18, 28) integral with the manifold. The filling heads (18, 28) deliver the filler product directly from the manifold into containers.

Abstract: A bushing (20) is placed in an aperture in an electrical box. Placement of a plurality of plugs (40) in the bushing leaves a plurality of interstices (30) through which wires may enter the electrical box. Interstices are selected to allow wires to feed straight into their connection point from outside the electrical box.

Abstract: A flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) reinforces holes and tears in flexible sheets such as curtains, covers and tarpaulins. The reinforcing apparatus includes a first member (12) and a second member (14). Reinforcing is accomplished by inserting a first connector (30) through a hole into a second connector (50). Reinforcements (20) reinforce the flexible sheet around the hole. For repair of a shower curtain or tarpaulin or providing a grommet, first connector (30) has a hollow shaft (32) and second connector (50) has a hollow tube (52) through which a shower curtain hook, tie down or other device may be inserted. The repaired curtain or tarpaulin or the grommet is ready for its next use. Flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) may be used through two or more sheets having registering holes. Flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) may be removed for use in a different repair or grommet application.

Abstract: A chuck (10) has a jaw bell (20), a lower bell portion (22) surrounding a plurality of jaws (40) and a hub (28) surrounding an upper portion of a jaw stem (60). A second portion of the jaw stem extends beyond a jaw bell hub (28) and is surrounded by a compressed jaw stem spring (76). The jaw stem spring is retained between a bell hub collar (34) and a jaw stem collar (70). The force of the jaw stem spring holds the jaw bell around the jaws, holding the jaws in a closed position. A stripper (80) has an upper end (82) carried within the jaw stem. A stripper spring (90) located above the upper end of the stripper is compressed and surrounded by the jaw stem. The lower end of the stripper has a disk (84) with a frusto-conical cross-section in slidable contact with the jaws. The jaw stem spring exerts more force downward on the jaw bell than the stripper spring exerts downward on the stripper to hold the jaw bell around the jaws and the jaws closed.

Abstract: A financial transaction apparatus (30) includes a financial transaction machine (32). The machine includes devices (34) including transaction function devices (42, 44, 46, 48) for carrying out operations associated with financial transactions. The terminal also includes an imaging device (50) and an audio input device (52), as well as a visual output device (36) and an audio output device (54). Terminal (32) is connected to a computer (68) which has an associated data store (70). The data store includes user data including image data and voice data corresponding to authorized users. The identity of a customer operating the machine is determined by resolving first identity data based on image signals from the imaging device which correspond to a user's appearance. Second identity data is resolved by the processor from voice signals from the audio input device corresponding to the user's voice.