Abstract: A machine reproduces writing, in particular a signature, using a pantograph carrying a fountain pen or the like. Two branches of the pantograph have respective operating shafts coupled to respective rotational drive means including electric motors.

Abstract: A sewing yarn is described, with at least two roving. yarns, which are twisted together with one another for the formation of the sewing yarn, whereby each roving yarn has the structure of a core yarn, comprising at least one first multifilament yarn component, forming a yarn core, and a second fiber yarn component spun over the core. In the cross-section of the sewing yarn, the spun fiber yarn covering of at least one roving yarn contains less than 41 individual fibers.

Abstract: A temperature sensing utensil including a handle and a detachable head. The handle includes an engagement region, having an engagement member moveable between locking and release orientations, and a temperature indicating display assembly. The detachable head includes a receiving region having a receiving member and temperature sensing circuitry. The receiving region releasably receives the engagement region such that positioning of the engagement member in a locking orientation relative to the receiving member locks the detachable head onto the handle, while creating an electrical connection between the temperature sensing circuitry and the temperature indicating display circuitry. However, positioning of the engagement member in a release orientation permits detachment of the head from the handle, and disconnection of the electrical circuit. The temperature sensing utensil may take the form of a fork, spoon, probe or other utensil.

Abstract: An expansion joint for high temperature air or other gaseous flows, of the type in which two duct ends are separated by a gap, that is bridged by a flexible fabric expansion joint cover. The flexible fabric expansion joint cover is attached to the duct ends, using two outwardly extending frame members. Each frame member incorporates one or more convolutions, that are provided to accommodate thermally inducted stresses and strains, imposed by the thermal gradient through the frame members, from positions proximate the duct ends, to outwardly disposed locations where the frame members are attached to opposing ends of the fabric cover.

Abstract: A sundry article vending apparatus, in structural and functional cooperation with a fully automatic vehicle-related product and/or service providing apparatus, for the on-site storage and vending of sundry articles, wherein the payment for the sundry articles may be accomplished through cash payment to a cash box integrated into the structure of the product and/or service providing apparatus, or through an on-line banking or payment facility, using the keypad, card reader and banking or billing system for the product and/or service providing apparatus. The vehicle-related product/service vending device may be a service station fuel pump, an automated or self-service car wash device,.or a compressed air vending device, among other vehicle-related vending devices.

Abstract: A road surface cutting system capable of cutting a hole into both cold asphalt and dry concrete surfaces towards the deployment and securement of roadway marking devices. The cutting of the surfaces is without lubrication being applied to the road surface and using air to cool the cutting blades.

Abstract: A folding bulk container, such as may be used for the bulk transport of fruit produce and the like, includes a base unit having at least one peripheral edge wall which has all outer surface, an inner surface and an upper surface, and at least one side wall pivotably mounted on the base unit about an axis adjacent the edge wall for movement between an erect position and a folded position. The container is foldable and may be stackable with like containers. The side wall may cooperate with the edge wall in releasable engagement when in the erect position.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for controlling the delivery of electronic mail. The method comprises the steps of: creating an allowed list of electronic addresses with which the user is permitted to freely exchange messages; categorizing as authorized each message that is sent to or received from an entity whose address is included on the list; categorizing as unauthorized each message that is sent to or received from an entity whose electronic address is not included in the list; transmitting authorized outgoing messages to their intended recipients; allowing the user to access the contents of authorized received messages. Also disclosed is a method for allowing an administrator to selectively approve messages which are sent to or received from entities whose electronic addresses do not appear on the allowed list.

Abstract: A paperboard container for releasably dispensing contents contained therein is convertible from a substantially sealed orientation to a substantially open, dispensing orientation and back to the substantially sealed orientation. The paperboard container comprises a tubular container member, a bottom member and a top member, with the top member being telescopically received within the container member to seal the top member to the container. The top member is pivotable about the hinge portion and is pivotable to the sealed orientation to substantially reseal the container member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for laying masonry blocks in multiple block units. The system comprises a mortar injection device, a block hoist apparatus and a mortar applying apparatus, The mortar injection device includes a mortar feed, mortar dispensing chutes and a block tamper. The mortar dispensing chutes are positioned to inject mortar into gaps between adjacent blocks in the multiple block unit, to create a mortar joint between each block. The block tamper comprises a vibratory roller and/or a series of vibrating pistons attached to the mortar injection device, and facilitates substantially uniform settling of the mortar in the block gaps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible shaft coupling whose two coupling halves, each comprising a connecting flange, are connected to one another by means of a lamella packet collar so as to rotate together but be axially and angularly movable relative to one another, wherein the lamella packet collar is comprised of several lamellas axially spaced by spacer elements and is fastened by means of circumferentially distributed fastening and clamping elements alternatingly to the two connecting flanges. For reducing or preventing noise which is caused by the bending movements of the lamellas as a result of the angular misalignment compensation, it is provided that the lamellas are connected with one another by an elastic material in a positive-locking manner in that the lamellas are embedded in the elastic material so that the elastic material is also arranged between the lamellas and at the outer sides of the lamella packet collar.

Abstract: A paperboard container for releasably dispensing contents contained therein is convertible from a substantially sealed orientation to a substantially open, dispensing orientation and back to the substantially sealed orientation. The paperboard container comprises a tubular container member, a bottom member and a top member, with the top member being telescopically received within the container member to seal the top member to the container. The top member is pivotable about the hinge portion and is pivotable to the sealed orientation to substantially reseal the container member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for charging a self-chilling beverage can, in a self-chilling beverage can of the type involving a container-within-container construction wherein, for example, a granular carbon material is contained within the inner container, and charged with a gas that is absorbed into the carbon material under pressure, the beverage being placed into the space between the inner and outer containers, and further whereupon release of the charging gas, the temperature of the carbon material drops rapidly, enabling a transfer of heat from the contained beverage through the wall of the inner container into the carbon material. The present invention is directed to a method for providing accelerated charging of the charging gas into the inner container, while absorbing and/or transporting away heat generated by the compression of the charging gas. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for facilitating charging of such a self-chilling container.

Abstract: A pinch bottom bag construction, for a multiwall bag, incorporating an easy open feature, which permits the controlled opening of a portion of the mouth opening of the bag, to create a spout-like opening, without requiring the use of an implement or an embedded tearstrip.