Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a cuff into a sleeve of a garment. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for holding the cuff in a generally open configuration. A sleeve opener opens the sleeve of a garment sufficient to allow insertion of the cuff into the sleeve. The sleeve opener includes a support surface for supporting the sleeve and a pick-up head for engaging an upper layer of the sleeve. The pick-up head is mounted for vertical movement relative to the support surface to lift the upper layer of the sleeve and includes means for effecting relative movement between the holding fixture and the sleeve opener to insert the cuff into the sleeve.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser having a filter status sensor includes a fuel delivery path for delivering fuel from a station storage tank to a vehicle; a fuel filter in the delivery path for filtering fuel flowing in the delivery path; a flow monitor in the delivery path for measuring fuel flow in the delivery path; and a controller associated with the flow monitor adapted to determine and compare a first flow rate taken during a first cycle with a second flow rate taken during a second cycle. The controller provides a filter status signal when the first and second flow rates differ by more than a predetermined difference indicative of an unclean fuel filter.

Abstract: A gas sealing device for a gas-operated firearm having a piston with a land surface positioned between a lateral flange and a peripheral rib, and a piston seal radially mounted on the land surface and positioned between the lateral flange and the peripheral rib. In operation, the piston and the piston seal can remain interlocked, but still operational so that upon firing, the piston is deflected towards the magazine tube due to the force applied by the piston seal. The piston seal exerts the force on the piston due to the impingement of a propellant gas charge on the piston seal.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel dispenser for a dispensing system having a receiver capable of receiving fueling parameters transmitted from the vehicle. The fueling parameters relate to information about tank size, ullage, maximum allowed fueling rates and maximum fueling rates as a function of ullage, among others. Based on these fueling parameters, the fuel dispenser controls the fueling operation to optimize fuel delivery and minimize fuel spillage. Control of the fueling operation may vary from simply adjusting the delivery rate to a maximum allowed by the vehicle to defining a fueling schedule for the entire fueling operation wherein the fueling schedule defines a fueling process which varies flow rates throughout the fueling operation as necessary to optimize fueling. Additionally, the dispenser may continuously adjust the maximum fueling rate throughout the fueling operation based upon a fueling parameter defining the maximum fueling rate as a function of ullage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closed loop, automatic processing a loan, including completion of the application, underwriting, and transferring funds, includes use of a programmed computer to interface with an applicant, obtain the information needed to process the loan, determine whether to approve the loan, and effect electronic fund transfers to the applicant's deposit account and arrange for automatic withdrawals to repay the loan. Information is received from the applicant preferably by using voice recognition technology but alternatively by entering the alpha-numeric information using a personal computer keyboard or using the buttons on a telephone. The loan approval determination is made using a neural network with input obtained in part from the applicant and in part from databases accessed by the computer, such as a credit bureau, to obtain a credit report.

Abstract: A self-releasing or break-away coupler that releases in response to experiencing a predetermined load. The self-releasing coupler includes a pair of jaws that form a fastener. Surrounding the jaws is a sleeve housing that deforms in response to the predetermined load when applied to the jaws. That is, as the housing deforms, the jaws are allowed to open so as to release a fastener or connector secured within the jaws.

Abstract: A fabric width control system for a fabric compactor for compacting a moving fabric web. The system includes a vision assembly for measuring the width of the moving fabric web downstream of the fabric compactor. A mechanical spreader is located upstream of the fabric compactor for adjusting the width of the web in response to a control signal from an open loop controller. The controller is connected to the vision assembly and the mechanical spreader for controlling the position of the mechanical spreader in response to a change in the width of the moving fabric web from a pre-set value. In the preferred embodiment, a cloth stabilizer is located downstream of the fabric compactor for maintaining the moving fabric web at a pre-determined position with respect to the vision assembly, thereby further increasing the accuracy of the system.

Abstract: A pressure regulator and steamer oven for cooking food at low pressure is provided which conserves water and space. The oven includes heating elements and a cooking cavity having a pool for holding water to be turned into steam. A pressure regulator mechanism attached to the rear of the steamer includes a reservoir and a float switch. A steam outlet conduit connects the cooking cavity to the reservoir and extends below the normal water level in the reservoir. The lower end of the conduit is blocked by water in the reservoir. The float switch is operable to turn off the heating elements when the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined level. Thus, the pressure regulator employs a water seal and float switch to help indirectly measure the pressure in the cooking cavity and control the heating elements accordingly. The reservoir is connected to the pool via an overflow which allows condensate to be recirculated to the cooking cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high volume, and high speed, financial image creation and manipulation. Images of cleared checks are captured and combined with MICR data and customer supplied account history. A customer additional data field is incorporated to facilitate searching and retrieval of checks and electronic transactions. Check images are delivered in multiple media, e.g., CD-ROM, microfilm, as pre-selected by bank customer. Image workstation allows customers to relate specific issue data to paid check data captured by the bank. Cumulative transaction item index covers multiple accounting periods. Front and back of image of cleared checks can be manipulated on screen, and exported to other applications. Graphical user interface trilogy of screens--search, results and display, facilitate usage by customer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring a modem in a cellular radio communications system when the modem front end is physically separated from the modem back end. The method includes the steps of inputting the configuration information, comparing that configuration information against default configuration parameters to identify any non-default configuration information, storing that non-default configuration information, and transmitting that non-default configuration information via a radio link to the modem back end on each call-attempt. In this manner, the problem of lost configuration information is overcome, and the modem back end is properly configured for operation with communication software programs on each data call-attempt. The apparatus allows for configuration information to be retained by the modem front end for an entire communication session and the transmission of non-default configuration information to the paired modem back end each time a call-attempt is made.

Abstract: A convection oven includes a plurality of modular control panels which can be interchanged with one another to change the functional capability of the oven. The base unit contains the basic structural and mechanical components of the convection oven including a heating element and blower. Each of the individual control panels can control the operation of the heating element and blower in the base unit. Each control panel will include a different group of controls. All of the available control panels plug into a standard interface on the base unit. Therefore, the functional capabilities of the oven can be changed by removing the existing control panel on the base unit and reinstalling a different control panel.

Abstract: A closure is attached across the open mouth of a flexible bag for use in closing the bag and dispensing solid, particulate material therefrom. The closure is formed of a continuous ring having a circumference approximating the circumference of the bag mouth, and include a first wall engaging one side of the bag adjacent the bag mouth, and a cover extending across the bag mouth, the cover having a top surface with at least one access opening, a removable cap for the opening, and a continuous rim extending downwardly from the top surface, the rim having a second wall engaging the opposite side of the bag adjacent the bag mouth, the first and second walls being adapted to clamp the upper edge of the bag.

Abstract: A muzzle-loading firearm having a breech loading receiver including a locking mechanism movable between an open position and a locked position; a barrel having a breech end engaging the receiver and a bore extending from the barrel's breech end; and a firing module receiving plug positioned within the barrel's breech, the plug including a chamber axially aligned with the barrel bore to receive an ejectable firing module having an igniter within a chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser for feeding perforated paper towels from a continuous roll. The dispenser includes a dispenser body for containing the paper towel roll which may be mounted to a supporting surface such as a wall. A unique feeder assembly is attached to the dispenser body for dispensing an end portion of the continuous roll. The feeder assembly includes a feeder body having a back wall, first and a second side walls attached on each side edge and a bottom wall attached to the bottom edge of the back and side walls. A first aperture is located on the bottom wall of the feeder body and a face plate having a second aperture overlapping the first aperture also is attached to the feeder body. The pair of overlapping apertures are biased against one another for receiving and dispensing an individual paper towel. In the preferred embodiment, a removable flange attaches the feeder assembly to the dispenser body. The flange includes a locking mechanism for lockingly engaging the flange onto the dispenser body.