Abstract: A beverage cooler is provided with an improved thermoelectric chiller unit for chilling a supply of water or other selected beverage within a cooler reservoir. The improved thermoelectric chiller unit includes a thermoelectric heat transfer module captured by a spring mount with substantially uniform pressure distribution between a chiller probe for chilling the water within the cooler reservoir, and a heat exchanger for dissipating heat drawn from the chilled water. The cooler reservoir has a faucet mounted thereon for on-demand dispensing of the water, and is mounted as a removable unit within a cooler housing with a bottom wall of the reservoir defining an inverted cup-shaped receptacle for close slide-fit reception of the chiller probe.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an EMI filter feedthrough terminal assembly is provided for mating a feedthrough filter capacitor with an hermetic terminal assembly including a ferrule and one or more lead wires which extend through the ferrule in non-conductive relation. The process includes the steps of placing the hermetic terminal assembly, having a capture flange, into a holding fixture, and forming a seat of non-conductive thermal-setting material onto the terminal assembly within the capture flange. A feedthrough filter capacitor is loaded into the capture flange on top of the seat, and then the seat is cured. A conductive thermal-setting material is dispensed between an outer diameter of the feedthrough filter capacitor and the capture flange. The assembly is then centrifuged to pack the conductive thermal-setting material. The conductive thermal-setting material is then cured between the outer diameter of the feedthrough filter capacitor and the capture flange.

Abstract: A method of making duplicate keys employs the use of a scanning device for capturing the physical profile of a master key or alternately, formulating the profile as a data construct without the use of a master key. This data construct can be assigned a unique code and stored on a database for later retrieval. Once the key profile has been captured or formulated in a data base memory device, a key may be fabricated without the need for traditional key blanks in accordance with the profile data by, for example, a three-dimensional modeling device such as a fused deposition modeling device or stereolithographic device. Alternately, a milling device or high energy beam in conjunction with a metal slug can construct the duplicate key, or an injection molder using high density molding resin can be used to construct the duplicate key.

Abstract: A power supply device consists of a rectifier and capacitor which share common elements facilitating the construction and application of the device to various types of substrates and, particularly, flexible substrates. Components of the device are fabricated from organic conductors.

Abstract: A surgical tool for tensioning cranial-flap clamps is provided. The tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first jaw extends from the first handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A second jaw extends from the second handle and has an aperture configured to accept a stem of the clamp therethrough. A ratcheting mechanism is positioned within a cavity of the second jaw for selectively locking the stem in place within the second jaw aperture while the first jaw moves clamp closure members toward one another. The ratcheting mechanism includes a pawl pivotally attached to the jaw, and having teeth on an outer edge thereof, and a spring associated with the jaw and pawl to bias the pawl in a locking position when the first and second jaws are separated.

Abstract: A water dispensing station includes a source of water a water temperature adjustment system connected to the source of water and adapted to adjust water obtained from the source of water, a temperature sensor positioned to sense water temperature of water in the temperature adjusting system, and a dispensing system connected to the water temperature adjusting system and adapted to selectively dispense water. A controller has processing and memory means and is connected to the water temperature adjusting system and the temperature sensor. The controller is adapted to receive and store water temperature information from the temperature sensor. The station preferably includes a display screen to display information from the controller and input means for the user to input information to the controller. The station can further include a modem so that the controller can communicate with a remote service center.

Abstract: A gas is dissolved into a liquid by first pressurizing the liquid to a predetermined level. The pressurized liquid is then directed into a hydrocyclone to form a vortex stream having an evacuated central area. The hydrocyclone has an inlet aperture size and configuration and a barrel diameter and length optimized for liquid particle movement through the liquid vortex stream. Gas is injected into the evacuated area for absorption into the liquid vortex stream. The liquid is then directed from the hydrocyclone into a diffusion column, and subsequently to a pressure chamber in order to collect non-adsorbed gas. The collected non-adsorbed gas is then recycled back into the evacuated area of the vortex stream. Pressurized gas is added to the system as the gas is adsorbed and dissolved into the liquid.