Abstract: The present invention is embodied in an apparatus, such as a blister pack, having the capability to safely store and protect items such as medication in solid, soft or semi-solid, powder, or liquid form, while allowing such items to be easily and rapidly dispensed by a user. The dispenser of the present invention has a flexible upper membrane forming a dome. A lower membrane serves to seal items between the dispensers' upper and lower membranes. An annular-shaped internal cutter resides within the dome between the upper and lower membranes, oriented perpendicular to the membranes. Items are sealed within the chamber created by the structure of the cutter and the upper and lower membranes. The lower membrane is of sufficient strength to prevent inadvertent tearing or rupturing of the membrane, even when carried in a relatively hostile environment, such as with metal keys in a users pocket.
Abstract: The drain plunger preferably is of one-piece preferably plastic construction, with an upstanding, preferably vertical, rigid upper handle, the lower end of which is connected integrally to a depending multi-pleated, flexible, resilient bellows having an elastic memory. The bellows includes a small diameter upper end and downwardly diverging, frusto-conical sidewalls, the latter incorporating generally horizontally extending generally vertically stacked pleats and an open lower end terminating in a sealing rim of greater diameter than the top of the bellows. The bellows defines a central space.
Abstract: A retractable badgeholder wherein a window in the front face of the case of the badgeholder is provided, through which a design, such as a pattern, inscription, or logo can be seen. When a retractable cord of this improved badgeholder is pulled out of the case it causes the design to rotate or spin. Likewise, when the cord is retracted back into the case of the badgeholder, the design spins. Thus, anyone observing the badgeholder will see the spinning design. It is believed this spinning design will be interesting to observers, thus lending special appeal to the improved badgeholder.
Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for using cascaded counters with a programmable branch and one or more event clocks that together provide the capability to generate clock pulses at high speed. Further, the programmable counter of the present invention is capable of generating a precise number of clock pulses within a very wide range of numbers.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 4, 1999
Date of Patent:
May 1, 2001
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation