Abstract: An improved tubing adapter or coupling apparatus, and combination of same with other fittings, is characterized by an adapter member having a first end including at least one exterior barb for engagement with tubing and a sleeve member operatively positioned around the adapter. In some systems, the tubing or hose may include a fitting at its other extremity, such as a hose end, an ell, or another coupling. The sleeve member of the coupling apparatus preferably includes one or more view ports. The ports can enable the user to visually confirm the tubing has been properly and completely assembled onto the adapter member, and, following initial assembly, to visually ascertain the position of the tubing on the adapter. The apparatus also preferably includes corresponding engagement detents on the adapter and sleeve member, for initial engagement of the retaining member with the adapter member prior to assembly with tubing.

Abstract: A brewing machine freshly brews a single-serving of coffee or tea to be served hot or cold. The machine preferably includes a housing assembly, with a window therein to permit the viewing of the brewing of a fresh serving of coffee or tea, a water supply, a dry coffee or tea storage area, a brewer, and a flavor additive storage area. The coffee or tea is preferably brewed in a condensed form which becomes diluted to drinking strength by the addition of hot or cool water, and/or by the addition of hot or cool flavorings. The cool drink can subsequently be served over ice to provide a cold serving of iced coffee or tea. Mixing the various ingredients to obtain the final cup of coffee or tea preferably occurs in the user's cup. Preferred methods of making a freshly brewed single-serving of coffee or tea are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for electronic ballasts control and dimming of gas discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps. Conventional wiring is used, thereby permitting ready retrofit of existing installations. Circuits are provided in the electronic ballasts (typically in the lamp) and in a conventionally operated dimmer switch (typically installed on a wall). A user adjusts the dimmer switch in a conventional manner to achieve the desired level of dimming of the lamp. Such adjustments apply a corresponding control voltage in the dimmer switch circuit, causing a small notch to appear in the output voltage from the dimmer switch. The notch is demodulated by the circuitry in the ballast, and is used to control the brightness of the lamp or lamps.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has a first diaphragm pump, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and a accumulator/second diaphragm pump connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid.

Abstract: A hinge is provided to affix members to each other and permit a the members to be moved relatively to each other transversely of the hinge axis while remaining hinged to each other. A collapsible container assembly utilizing such hinges is provided, in which a plurality of sidewall members hinged to a base member can be collapsed onto the base member and each other in a stacked arrangement with the resulting height of the stack being the same regardless of which of several stacking orders is utilized. Leave members of the hinge include slot means axially aligned to permit a hinge pin disposed therein to slide transversely of the longitudinal hinge axis while maintaining the hinged relationship of the members.

Abstract: A container for transporting particulate matter is initially in slurry form has a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom and is characterized by a downwardly extending, integrally-formed peripheral drainage channel having a drainage opening at a normally lowest point therein. The container bottom is configured to urge liquid from the slurry toward the channel, and the channel is configured to urge the liquid toward the drainage opening. The sidewall portion defines an opening coverable by a lid. A liner may be used to improve the drainage of the liquid from the slurry and from the container, and a plug can be placed in the drainage opening after liquid has drainage from the slurry and the container. A supplemental elevating member can be utilized to elevate the slurry with respect to the channel. A method of use of the container is disclosed.

Abstract: A container having a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom is characterized by striations in the sidewall which define removable strips of the sidewall portion. A shoulder adjacent the opening of the container improves handling of the container, prevents or restricts undesired rotation of the container, restricts or preventing the flow of gas or liquid or solid from above the shoulder means to below the shoulder or vice versa, and stabilizes the containers when, for example, a plurality of them is arranged appropriately. A method of use of such containers is disclosed, including the steps of providing a plurality of such containers and arranging them appropriately.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has first diaphragm pump means, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and accumulator/second diaphragm pump means connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for exerting a drag force on a main gear within an assembly such as a fishing reel includes bearing means subject to selective amounts compressive force. Adjustable compressing means imposes compressive force on the bearing means, which force is translated into drag force on the main gear by linkage means between the bearing means and the main gear means. The bearing means may include a plurality of bearings mounted in a race, and may include a plurality of such races. The linkage means may include a plurality of washers selectively engaged with the main gear or with a sleeve about which the bearing means is mounted. Wear-resistant material may be operably disposed between two or more of the main gear, the plurality of washers, and the one or more bearing means.

Abstract: A container lid is characterized by a tamper-evidencing tear-strip member having a tab that protrudes from a plane formed by adjacent portions of the lid. The tab preferably includes gripping rib members on opposing surfaces of the tab and is surrounded by a sufficient gap to permit the tab to be readily grasped for easier removal of the tear-strip member from the lid, prior to initial removal of the lid from the container. In container and lid embodiments that are substantially rectangular, the lid also preferably includes mating engagement structure between the lid and the container which is interrupted or not present at the corners of the lid. The tear-strip in this rectangular embodiment also preferably includes a widened portion at the corners, whereby the removal of the tear-strip results in a "scalloping" of the corners. These features on rectangular embodiments facilitate easier attachment and removal of the lid to and from the container, after the removal of the tear-strip.

Abstract: A wiping device for caulking which can be applied for use in conjunction with a caulking gun, mounted on a caulking gun or mounted on a caulking tube and which wipes and smoothes the surface of the caulking immediately after it is deposited from the nozzle of the caulking tube. A method of forming such a wiping device includes providing a blank having certain shape and portion features, and bending the blank along various axes.

Abstract: A cover for a container is provided with primary and secondary detent means, the primary detent means being mounted on a tamper-evident tear strip and being removable with the tear strip as opening of the cover is desired. Secondary detent means is provided on detent tabs which remain operatively associated with the cover. The limited engagement of the detent tabs with the retaining means of the cover results in facile removal of the cover from operative engagement with the container and the reinstallation and the corresponding and facile reinstallation of the cover upon the container.

Abstract: A container for transporting particulate matter which is initially in slurry form has a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom and is characterized by a downwardly extending, integrally-formed peripheral drainage channel having a drainage opening at a normally lowest point therein. The container bottom is configured to urge liquid from the slurry toward the channel, and the channel is configured to urge the liquid toward the drainage opening. The sidewall portion defines an opening coverable by a lid. A liner may be used to improve the drainage of the liquid from the slurry and from the container, and a plug can be placed in the drainage opening after liquid has drained from the slurry and the container. A supplemental elevating member can be utilized to elevate the slurry with respect to the channel. A method of use of the container is disclosed.

Abstract: A safety ring for an end of a fire extinguisher is characterized by an underlying portion adjacent the lowermost end of the extinguisher. Flange portions extend upwardly from the underlying portion about the lowermost end of the extinguisher, to protect same and to enhance the retention of the ring on said extinguisher. The ring has a preferably U-shaped cross-section, and alternatively or additionally may be retained in operative protective relationship with the extinguisher by an adhesive substance or the like. Sloping upper edges of the flange portions provide desirable benefits, including reducing the risk of inadvertent dislodgment of the ring from the extinguisher and reducing the collection of water, dirt and the like on the edge of the flange. One or more holes may be provided in the ring to permit drainage of fluids and to permit easier cleaning of the ring. Hose-retaining means may be integrally provided with the ring.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system is provided which has first diaphragm pump means, a filter connected to receive the discharge of said first pump, and accumulator/second diaphragm pump means connected to receive the discharge of said filter. Hydraulic fluids pumped by cylinder/piston/stepper assemblies independently actuate each of the diaphragm pumps, providing accurate, controllable and repeatable dispense of the subject fluid.

Abstract: A closure means for an identification band or bracelet includes integrally formed, unidirectionally engagement means to permit the bracelet to be further tightened, but not loosened, after assembly of the bracelet about a portion of a person or an object. In the preferred embodiment, the closure includes a body portion that is attached to a first end of the bracelet, and an opening to receive the second end of the bracelet after the bracelet has been placed in an encircling relationship about the person or object to be identified. The body portion is preferably configured as a sleeve having a rectangular cross-section, with one or more deformable mounting posts configured to be placed through a corresponding one or more mating openings in the first end of the bracelet and thereafter deformed to retain the first end of the bracelet on the body portion. Also in the preferred embodiment, the engagement means includes one or more protruding teeth having biting extremities adjacent the opening in the body portion.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from metal and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends welded to a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure. A corresponding preferred method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An identification bracelet includes a shield or cover such as a liner affixed thereto. The bracelet includes an adhesive closure acting between the ends of the bracelet to maintain the bracelet in a desired encircling relationship about an object, and the cover prevents the premature exposure and attachment of the adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, the shield includes a bonding strip to accomplish the relatively permanent affixation of the shield to the bracelet. The shield preferably includes a non-adhesive surface on the portion of the shield that confronts the adhesive prior to engaging the bracelet about the object to be identified.

Abstract: A wiping device for caulking which can be applied for use in conjunction with a caulking gun, mounted on a caulking gun or mounted on a caulking tube and which wipes and smooths the surface of the caulking immediately after it is deposited from the nozzle of the caulking tube.