Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing products includes a germicidal light for disinfecting a product dispensed by the vending machine. The germicidal light is positioned adjacent an exit chute of the vending machine such that it exposes the product to a sterilizing frequency of light when the product is dispensed. Alternatively, the products may be intermittently exposed to the sterilizing light while the products are on display in accordance with a predetermined exposure schedule. The invention is particularly effective when it is used in connection with a canned drink machine.

Abstract: A imidazoline concentrate, uses of the concentrate, and methods of increasing a storage stability of solutions containing the concentrate are disclosed. The concentrate may include a reaction product of a fatty acid, an alkylene polyamine, a hydrocarbyl succinic acid or anhydride, and an alkoxylated alkylphenol component. The concentrate may contain from about 2 to about 50 wt. % of the alkyphenol component.

Abstract: An endodontic file (200) is provided particularly adapted for the removal of tooth structure, decayed or damaged nerve tissues or dentine material on the interior walls of a root canal or dentine and/or enamel from the external tooth wall. The endodontic instrument includes a shaft (202) having a shank portion (204) and a generally elongated working portion (206). The working portion preferably includes cutting or abrading features (232) adapted upon rotation and/or reciprocation of the instrument to cut, abrade or remove tissue from the interior walls of a root canal or dentine and/or enamel from the external tooth wall. The working portion extends from a proximal end (207) adjacent the shank portion to a distal end (208) terminating at a tip (250).

Abstract: A mass occupant notification (MON) system includes an alert source, a first communication network, a MON supervisory system, a second communication network, a satellite radio broadcast network (SRBN) system and a plurality of MON communication units. The alert source, such as a telephone, personal computer or emergency sensor system, generates an alert signal containing information regarding an emergency situation. The first communication network communicates the alert signal from the alert source to the MON supervisory system. The MON supervisory system receives the alert signal and generates an alert message which includes audio message data and destination data. The destination data indicates a destination of the audio message data. The audio message data may contain a voice announcement providing information or instructions regarding the emergency situation. The second communication network communicates the alert message from the MON supervisory system to the SRBN system.

Abstract: A collectable item system for attachment to a container closure device and a method for distributing collectable items. The collectable item system includes a novelty object having a cavity area therein. A retainer is disposed in the cavity area of the novelty object and is fixedly attached to the novelty object. The retainer includes a pawl edge for engaging a detent area of a container closure device.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure.

Abstract: Di-ammonium phosphate, murate of potash and gypsum are the conventional phosphorous, potassium and sulfur fertilizers respectively. Application of gypsum to soil can cause an increase calcium load on soil and polluted surface and underground water. The most successful technique is application of phosphorous-potassium-sulfur glass which can be added directly to the soil. Main feature of the present invention is formulation and making of a composition of high phosphorous, potassium and sulfur containing glass free from alkali like Na2O, Li2O and ZnO, which are toxic to the plants. Such glasses are capable of slow release of phosphorous, potassium and sulfur required in the area of agriculture, fungicide, pesticide and weedicides etc. The present invention also emphasize optimization of nutrient content, reduction of calcium load on the soil, minimization of surface and under-ground water pollution and maintenance of acidic environment near the plant roots in the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to task chairs that support the body of the user in healthy positions while the user performs various tasks over extended sitting periods and that provide independent and independently adjustable support to the lower and the upper back.

Abstract: A lubricated surface and method for reducing wear between metal parts. The lubricated surface contains a base oil of lubricating viscosity and an amount of a hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound effective to provide a reduction in surface wear greater than a surface wear of a lubricant composition devoid of the hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound.

Abstract: A method and compositions for lubricating surfaces with lubricating oils exhibiting increased antioxidant properties. The lubricated surface includes a lubricant composition containing a base oil of lubricating viscosity and an amount of at least one hydrocarbon soluble metal compound effective to provide a reduction in oxidation of the lubricant composition greater than a reduction in oxidation of the lubricant composition devoid of the hydrocarbon soluble metal compound. The metal of the metal compound is selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, and manganese.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating an internal combustion engine. With reference to FIG. 1, fuel is supplied to charge air using an injector (116) which in each operation delivers a set amount of fuel. The amount of fuel supplied to the charge air in each engine cycle is controlled by how many times the injector (116) operates in each cycle. A desired fuel demand is calculated as a number of operations of the injector per cycle, calculated to at least one decimal place. The desired fuel demand is rounded to a near integer to provide an output fuel demand for the injector as a number of operations of the injector for the next operating cycle in varying operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: A valve operating mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes a drive member that engages a control arm at a contact point spaced apart from the pivot axis of the control arm, and a control member that operates to vary the contact point in order to vary a spacing between the contact point and the pivot axis of the control arm to vary the amplitude of reciprocation of a cam surface of the control arm and to vary the portion of the cam surface which is engaged by a cam follower member during pivoting of the control arm to thereby vary the amount of lift and/or opening duration of the engine valve.

Abstract: An alkali metal sulfonate mixture for metalworking applications, a method for making the sulfonate mixture, and compositions containing the sulfonate mixture. The mixture includes a reaction product of a first synthetic mono-hydrocarbyl substituted sulfonic acid having from about 20 to about 50 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbyl substituent, a second synthetic mono-hydrocarbyl substituted sulfonic acid having from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbyl substituent, and an inorganic alkali metal base. The reaction product has a number average molecular weight ranging from about 400 to about 500 and a substantially bimodal molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of p-toluic acid by liquid phase oxidation of p-xylene using oxygen or air as oxidant in the presence of p-toluic acid, water as solvent and cobalt salt or its combinations with salts of Ce, Mn as catalyst. Oxidation is carried out at 130-190° C. and pressure sufficient to keep water in liquid state. Oxidation step is followed by filteration to obtain p-toluic acid as major product. Untreated p-xylene is recovered and recycled and the catalyst is recovered from aqueous phase and is recycled.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automatic gravity actuated container lid locking mechanisms for bulk trash containers, wherein the mechanism comprises a counterweighted actuator arm pivotally attached to a first housing affixed to a first sidewall of the container, a crossbar across the lid of the container, and a dummy arm pivotally attached to a second housing affixed to a second sidewall of the container. The crossbar may pivot forward to unlock the lid when the container is tilted up for dumping. Alternatively, the crossbar may be pivoted forward when the lock is manually unlocked by sliding a counterweighted pin assembly on the first housing from a position interfering with the motion of the actuator arm to a position allowing the motion of the actuator arm.