Abstract: The present invention is a package closure apparatus. The landing extends from a base of the closure apparatus into an opening of the closure apparatus. The spring face adjoins the landing at a first junction forming a first flexible joint. The push-tab adjoins the spring face at a second junction forming a second flexible joint. The first flexible joint, the spring face, and the second flexible joint cooperate to enable the push-tab to move relative to the base of the apparatus. The air vent is adapted to facilitate a substantially even flow rate of a product through the opening of the closure apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a Weight Verification Device (WVD) that stamps a weight transaction record with a digital signature so that transaction data may be verified at a later time. The WVD is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) device that is installed in a sealed digital weight indicator. When a vehicle is weighed using this digital weight indicator, a weight transaction record is stamped with a digital signature and stored in a computer. The WVD may be used to confirm that the inbound and outbound weights and the date and time are accurate, that the transaction data have not been tampered with, and that the transaction as a whole has not been modified in any way since the time the transaction record was created. The digital signature stored with the transaction data is based on a secure hash of the transaction data and a “private” key belonging to an inspector from the Weights and Measures Department or a designated representative.

Abstract: The present invention includes a unique mid-level room arrangement for a building structure such as a residential home. The building structure is comprised of at least one room on a first below ground level floor and at least one room on a second below ground level floor. The second below ground level floor is above the first below ground level floor, and a stairway connects the first below ground level floor to the second below ground level floor. The building is also comprised of at least one room on a generally ground level floor. The second below ground level floor is connected to the ground level floor by a stairway. There is also at least one room on an upper level floor above the ground level floor. A stairway connects the ground level floor with the upper level floor, and it has a landing at a location between the ground level floor and the upper level floor. At least one room is on a mid-level floor between the ground level floor and the upper level floor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using a laser to manufacture a container that has a tear-away spout. First, a flat card is formed by providing an outer substrate layer and then securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer. After the flat card is formed, a cut of predetermined depth is made with a laser along a predetermined path in the outer substrate layer so that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. After the cut is made in the outer substrate layer, the flat card is folded to form a container that has a flap. The cut extends around the flap, and the flap has a tip. In order to form a spout, the tip is torn off at the cut.

Abstract: A nasal-nasopharyngeal-cleaning (NNC) system is disclosed for removing harmful substances from a human's nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities. Harmful substances herein include infectious agents, chemicals, dust, small particles and dirt deposits in nasal cavities and in the nasopharynx. The NNC system includes a NNC solution, a solution container, a liquid transfer tube, a valve means and a flat-head nostril fitting. The two-step cleaning process comprises cleaning the nasal cavity first with the NNC system and then cleaning the nasopharyngeal cavity with the NNC system.

Abstract: Cast metal parts are created for use in making machinery. When these parts are formed, unwanted material remains in the openings of the parts. This material, called flash, must be removed. In the method of the present invention, the cast parts are placed on a platen of a trim press that has multi-part punches attached thereto that are configured to self-align with the openings in the cast part and operative to evenly remove the flash. The invention also relates to a punch that initially breaks through the flash with a stationary punch that removes a majority of the flash inside the opening of the cast part. Next, a moving or self-centering punch self-aligns to the opening in the cast part and operates to remove the remaining flash. The inventive punch may also include a mounting base for attachment of the multi-part punches to the plate or platen of the press.

Abstract: A granular feed nutrient supplement is formed by pelletizing a mixture of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients along with a carrier such as cornmeal or the like and optionally a lubricant such as fat and/or a binder. The pellets are rolled to a desired size and combined with bulk feed. The size of the formed granules are maintained close to the average particle size of the bulk feed thereby ensuring that the granules remain suspended in the feed and do not separate. Preferably the density of the granules is close to (+30%) the density of the feed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for multiphase metering of multiphase flow. the method begins with reducing gas volume to about 20% or less, then pumping the flow stream through two meters, a cut meter and a mass flow meter, arranged in series. Computations may be made on the flow stream to determine net oil rate, water cut, and gas fraction in the flow stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a Weight Verification Device (WVD) that stamps a weight transaction record with a digital signature so that transaction data may be verified at a later time. The WVD is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) device that is installed in a sealed digital weight indicator. When a vehicle is weighed using this digital weight indicator, a weight transaction record is stamped with a digital signature and stored in a computer. The WVD may be used to confirm that the inbound and outbound weights and the date and time are accurate, that the transaction data have not been tampered with, and that the transaction as a whole has not been modified in any way since the time the transaction record was created. The digital signature stored with the transaction data is based on a secure hash of the transaction data and a “private” key belonging to an inspector from the Weights and Measures Department or a designated representative.

Abstract: Color-variable light-emitting devices which are capable of generating two independent colors, even at room temperature. The devices comprise a layer of at least one active electroluminescent polymer. This electroluminescent polymer may be accompanied by one or two redox-mediating polymer layers. The redox polymer layer(s) modify the charge injection and transport properties such that the device may be operated under both forward and reverse bias.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for electronically adjusting the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display within a panel fixed in location by the structure within which it is located, such as an electronic flight indicator unit. The adjustment in viewing angle is achieved by changing the bias voltage to alter the pre-tilt angle of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a fiber-optic floor lighting display which comprises an icon 20, an 30 interface, a light source not shown, and a fiber-optic cable 40. The icon is adapted to be walked on by pedestrian traffic. The icon has a top and a bottom, and it is adapted to transmit light. The interface is also adapted to transmit light. The interface has a top and a bottom, and the top of the interface is secured to the bottom of the icon. The icon and the interface are mounted in a terrazzo floor system. The fiber-optic cable has at least one optical fiber. The optical fiber has an entry end and an exit end. The entry end of the optical fiber is adapted to receive light from the light source, and the exit end of the optical fiber is secured to the bottom of the interface. The exit end of the optical fiber is adapted to project light from the light source through the interface and the icon.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of forming a metal work piece into a target shape, said method comprising the steps: (a) obtaining a metal work piece, said work piece having an original shape; and (b) forming said metal work piece by mechanical action while simultaneously subjecting said work piece to hydraulic forming, so as to deform said metal work piece from an original shape to a target shape.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for evaluating the treatment of chest pain patients in a medical facility is disclosed. The system comprises means for entering patient treatment information, means for storing the patient treatment information, means for retrieving the patient treatment information, means for comparing the patient treatment information to predetermined values, and means for reporting the comparison of the patient treatment information to the predetermined values, so that the medical facility is able to improve its treatment of chest pain patients.

Abstract: A sanitary, portable, light weight, and hand held and actuated refuse and waste collection device, and more particularly a telescopically adjustable, refuse and animal dung collection valet configured for convenient and sanitary collection of refuse and animal waste without the need for direct user contact with the refuse or animal dung and compatible for use with readily available disposal bags. The sanitary refuse and animal dung collection valet includes a collector assembly having two tubes pivotally connected in a lever or scissors arrangement. The user grips and actuates the handles of the valet on the upper end of the tubes to scoop the waste from the ground and into a refuse collection receptacle such as a disposable bag. The bag is supported at a lower end of the valet on a support frame connected to one of the tubes and which is opposingly positioned to cooperate with a pusher paddle connected to the lower end of the other tube.

Abstract: An exterior covering for buildings and the like is described. The present invention relates to vinyl siding panels for building exteriors that are easy to install, and which prevent a collection of moisture along the building exterior.

Abstract: The present invention in general terms includes a method of treating cancerous cells containing a pigment, the method including irradiation of the cells with light of comprising the steps: (1) subjecting the cancerous cells to relatively high power light so as to substantially reduce the amount of the pigment in the cells; (2) treating the cancerous cells with one or more photosensitizing agent; followed by (3) subjecting the cancerous cells to relatively low power light so as to activate the photosensitizing agent(s).

Abstract: The present invention includes a spinning valve having an inner valve portion and an outer valve portion, and having multiple inlets and multiple chambers at different heights along the longitudinal axis of the inner valve portion. The present invention also includes a spinning valve having an inner valve portion and an outer valve portion, with multiple inlets at the same height along the longitudinal axis of the inner valve portion with single or multiple chambers at that location along the longitudinal axis. In each of these valves, the inner valve portion is adapted to spin within the outer valve portion. Additionally, the present invention includes an apparatus for dispensing two or more discrete streams of fluid into a series of containers by using one of the aforementioned valves.