Abstract: A two-part coupling structure (22, 32) includes a male coupling part (32) and a female coupling part (22) which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between the coupling parts (22, 32). For example, the coupling parts (22, 32) may be used to establish fluid communication between a container (12) and a conduit (14). The coupling parts (22, 32) are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between them, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the container (12) and the conduit (14). The male coupling part (32) includes a mounting structure (44a-44e) for supporting on the female coupling part (32), and also includes a guide structure (44) effective to guide a male probe portion (36) of the male coupling part (32) into engagement with the female coupling part (22).

Abstract: A reservoir for powdery media, in particular powder coating, comprises a housing having at least one inlet and an outlet. A fluidising floor of porous, air-permeable material is located in the interior of the housing at a distance from its base. In this way a pressure chamber which is chargeable with compressed air is formed between the fluidising floor and the base of the housing. In order to reduce the quantity of compressed air required for fluidising and to keep low the mechanical stress imposed on the powdery medium when in the fluidised state, the cross-section of the housing narrows downwardly towards the fluidising floor. In addition, this shape of the housing generates turbulence in the fluidised powdery material.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating thin front and rear spaced glass elements having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A layer of transparent conductive material is placed onto the mirror's second surface, and either another layer of transparent conductive material or a combined reflector/electrode is placed onto the mirror's third surface. A chamber, defined by the layers on the interior surfaces of the front and rear glass elements and a peripheral sealing member, contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix. The chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material in solution with the solvent and interspersed in the crosslinked polymer matrix.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is modular system for utilization of solar energy for heating of sanitary water, which is composed from individual modules, each of which comprises a prefabricated, upper-outflow transparent (diaphanous), translucent or non-transparent element (1), one or several intermediate transparent (diaphanous), translucent or non-transparent element(s) (2), and a lower-inflow transparent (diaphanous), translucent or non-transparent element (3). Their mutual connection by means of junctions (4a, 4b) enables flow of nontransparent media from one element to the other while absorbing solar energy. Several modules can be mutually and in parallel connected to the modular system replacing the existing roofing tiles. The choice of an appropriate color for the nontransparent media makes the system compatible and consistent with the look of surrounding existing roof tiles.

Abstract: A planar array antenna comprising at least two groups of radiating elements, the two groups being arranged on one plane and connected to one coupling point respectively by means of one transmission network respectively. A wave guide configuration connects the coupling points to a common central coupling point. The E field vectors of the electromagnetic waves directed into the wave guide configuration are oriented parallel to the flat sides of the planar array antennae.

Abstract: A filler device sub-assembly having a manipulator for manipulating a cap of a container comprising a first and second cap gripper arm and a member for controllably manipulating the cap gripper arms. The controllable manipulating member comprising an inner cam assembly, an outer cam assembly and a follower. The outer cam assembly extends at least partially about the inner cam assembly. One of the inner and outer cam assemblies coupled to the first and second cap gripper arms. The follower is associated with the inner cam assembly and the outer cam assembly. Movement of the lifter shaft imparts movement of the follower and relative movement of the inner cam assembly and the outer cam assembly, to in turn, longitudinally and rotatably move the cap gripper arms from a first position proximate to a container to a second position distally spaced from a container.

Abstract: A thermally stable, non-woven, fibrous paper comprising at least one polymer represented by structural formula I: wherein R1-6 are the same or different and comprise H, a hydroxyl group, a straight or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkaryl, alkoxy, aryl, aralkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group containing approximately 1 to approximately 50 carbon atom(s), carbonyls, esters, carbonates, amides, ketenes, epoxides, a silyl or siloxyl group containing approximately 1 to approximately 50 silicon atom(s), and combinations thereof; wherein X1-4 are the same or different and comprise N, O, S, or Se; and wherein n is an integer ranging in value from 1 to approximately 10,000.

Abstract: A hitch illumination apparatus comprising a hitch body assembly, a hitch attachment assembly and a hitch illumination assembly. The hitch body assembly includes a base member and at least one arm member. The base member includes a first end and a second end. The at least one arm member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is positioned proximate the first end of the base member. The at least one arm member is pivotable relative to the base member. The hitch attachment assembly includes a hitch attachment member and a hitch body attachment member. The hitch attachment member is capable of attachment to an existing hitch. The hitch body attachment member is capable of attachment proximate the second end of the base member. The hitch illumination assembly includes at least one lamp associated with the second end of the base member. The hitch illumination assembly includes at least one clamp that is associated with the second end of the at least one arm member.

Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which comprises: (1) a solvent; (2) a cathodic electroactive material; (3) an anodic electroactive material, wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and (4) a color-stabilizing additive, wherein the color-stabilizing additive is electroactive within a normal operating voltage of the electrochromic device; and (d) means associated with the color-stabilizing additive for maintaining an at least nearly colorless electrochromic device while the electrochromic device is in an open circuit and/or zero potential state relative to the same device without the color-stabilizing additive.

Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in a tristate electrochromic device, comprising: (a) at least one solvent; (b) at least one anodic material; (c) at least one cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein, in a first state, the electrochromic medium exhibits a maximum light transmission; (e) wherein, in a second state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in one of visible radiation or near-infrared radiation without significant attenuation in the other; and (f) wherein, in a third state, variable attenuation occurs to a significant extent in the other spectral region.

Abstract: The invention comprises a snow plow system capable of attachment to a vehicle. The snow plow system comprises a front snow plow assembly and a rear snow plow assembly. The front snow plow assembly includes a blade, a frame assembly and an attachment system. The attachment system is capable of attaching the blade to the frame assembly. The rear snow plow assembly includes a frame and a blade attached. The frame of the front snow plow assembly and the frame of the rear snow plow assembly comprise an aluminum material having a temper of at least T4.

Abstract: A container assembly apparatus associatable with a filler device. The container assembly apparatus being capable of positioning an inner flexible container filled by a filler device into an outer container. The container assembly apparatus comprises a transfer device and an outer container drive system. The transfer device comprises a conveyor including a first region and a second region. The first region is associatable with a filler device and the second region is positioned in an orientation which is substantially oblique to the first region. The outer container drive system is capable of positioning an outer container proximate an end of the second region of the conveyor of the transfer device.

Abstract: A personal watercraft stand and tote device comprising a frame member, a control assembly associated with the frame member, a powertrain assembly associated with the frame member and the control assembly, a handle assembly associated with the frame member, and, a loading assembly associated with the frame member. The control assembly includes a motor and an control unit positioned within a housing. The device is capable of powered operation in a fully submerged condition, such as, for example five feet below the water.

Abstract: A fan assembly for use in association with an airborne vehicle, the fan assembly comprising a propeller assembly and a shroud. The propeller assembly is rotatably coupled to an output shaft of a motor. The propeller assembly includes at least two blades each having a first end proximate an output shaft of a motor and a second end distally spaced therefrom. The shroud extends circumferentially around the propeller assembly, and includes a groove along the lower surface thereof. In turn, the second end of the at least two blades extends at least partially into the groove.

Abstract: A flexible bag is positioned in a rigid container, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, and the bag is filled through its spout with flowable product, such as tomato paste. The bag is then expanded in the container to be substantially rigid and thereby reduce film movement and resultant flex cracking. A lid is sealed onto the container and a vacuum drawn from between the bag and the container, to, in turn, expand the bag. Gas volume needs to be present in the bag before the vacuum is applied so that the gas in the bag can expand from the vacuum on its outside. Once expanded, the container can be shipped.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for dispensing liquids which includes at least one sheet sealed to define an enclosure and a fitment (spout) attached to the enclosure and out through which liquid in the enclosure is dispensed. An interior surface of the one or more sheets has an integral texture to assist with withdrawal of the liquid from the enclosure when collapsed. The texture can be provided by sheet surfaces that are mechanically or ultrasonically embossed or are bubble-cushioned or which have sealed pleats or accordion folds. The bottom surface of a lower flange of the fitment may have concentric ridges (or spirals) and/or radial grooves. Also disclosed are methods of making the bag from one, two, three or four sheets.

Abstract: Filling and sealing devices and methods of aseptically filling containers are disclosed herein. More specifically, the filling and sealing devices include a sterile filling chamber and an induction sealing device provided within the filling chamber. The induction sealing device is capable of withstanding and operating in the adverse conditions required to maintain the sterile environment within the filling chamber. Within the filling chamber, the container may be uncapped, filled, recapped, and foil sealed by an induction sealing process.

Abstract: An ashtray apparatus comprising a container, a cap member, and a handle assembly. The container includes a base and a surround member extending from the base. The base and surround member cooperate to define a cavity having an opening. The cap member is engageable with the container. The cap member and container cover at least a portion of the opening of the container. The cap member further includes a channel extending therethrough which permits communication with the cavity of the container. The handle assembly is releasably associable with at least one of the base and the cap member so that a user can selectively utilize the handle assembly.