Abstract: A pallet for the stable transport of goods; the pallet comprising at least one surface element, and a plurality of side elements arranged, in use, to maintain the at least one surface element under compression. Preferably the at least one surface element comprises a planar body, which is generally parallelepiped in shape, and having a periphery defined by peripheral edges. Preferably a portion of each side element is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a respective peripheral edge of the at least one surface element whereby the at least one surface element is retained within the side elements. Preferably the perimeter length of the at least one surface element exceeds the perimeter length defined by the assembled side elements whereby the at least one surface element is held under compression within the frame assembly of the side elements.

Abstract: A device for crushing one or more tablets and method for using the same are disclosed. The device preferably contains a lower body portion and upper body portion which assemble to define a cavity between the two portions. The cavity has a floor which may define an anvil. At least one opening is placed within the cavity to accept a tablet. A platen body may be adapted to travel along a substantially vertical axis between a closed and open position and may be guided along a rear vertical wall of the cavity. A pinion is preferably placed on an elongate member and operatively engages with a rack placed on the platen body such that movement of the elongate member is translated to the platen body. A crushing surface may be placed on the platen body and is preferably parallel to the anvil. The crushing surface and anvil may be placed at an oblique angle relative to the vertical axis of travel for the platen body.

Abstract: A draft protection device for a laboratory instrument. The device encloses a weighing compartment that surrounds a balance pan. The draft protection device includes a rear wall, a front wall, two sidewalls, a top cover, and a floor that is delimited by border edges. The draft protection device further includes at least one guiding means that is connected to the top cover and serves to guide the movement of at least one horizontally slidable sidewall, and/or a holder means that is connected to the top cover and serves to hold the front wall in place, wherein the guiding means and/or the holder means supports the weight of the at last one sidewall and/or the front wall in such a way that the wall(s) is pushed by a biasing torque against the floor of the weighing compartment. This torque is supported by the border edge facing towards the respective wall.

Abstract: A balance (100) has a balance housing (200), a balance pan (300), a weighing compartment (310) that contains the balance pan, a draft shield (400) with a fixed rear wall (210), the draft shield enclosing the weighing compartment, a system of balance electronics (500), a weighing cell (600) arranged below the weighing pan, and a weighing cell compartment (270) that encases the weighing cell. The weighing cell compartment is atmospherically connected by way of a hollow space (240) to the upper third of the weighing compartment. The balance electronics are arranged at the rear wall outside of the weighing compartment.

Abstract: A method, an arrangement and a program process a measurement signal generated in a measurement transducer of an electronic force-measuring device, particularly a balance. The generated measurement signal corresponds to the force acting on the transducer. The measurement signal is entered directly or by way of a pre-processing stage into a display function which assigns corresponding output values to the values of the measurement signal. The output values are subsequently presented in a display or passed on for further processing. The input range of the display function contains a capture range, so that the values of the measurement signal that lie within the capture range are assigned a common output value by the display function, and the position of the capture range within the input range is controlled dependent on the generated measurement signal.

Abstract: A refractometer has a housing (1), a measurement cell (8) arranged in the housing (1), and a lid unit (2). The lid unit has a base plate (3) with a cutout (7) allowing access to the measurement cell, and a lid (4) for covering the measurement cell. The lid is connected to the base plate by way of a hinge. The lid unit also has a lid insert (11, 17, 18, 28, 31, 35, 39) that is arranged replaceably in the lid. The lid unit (2) is detachably connected to the housing by means of a connecting element that is itself connected to the base plate.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, which can be used for dosage materials in the form of powders or pastes, includes a housing with at least one receptacle compartment formed inside the housing for the purpose of holding the dosage material. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one dispensing head that comprises an elastic material and has an outlet for the dosage material. In the non-stressed condition, i.e. when there is no mechanical force or pressure acting on it, the outlet is tightly closed against the outside. When a force or pressure is applied, the outlet opens up, with the aperture width being variable, dependent on the applied force. Furthermore, inside the receptacle compartment and/or the dispensing head, there is at least one mechanical actuator element arranged through which the outlet can be opened.

Abstract: A check weight (1) that is used to check a gravimetric measuring instrument, specifically a balance, or to check a further weight, is provided with a means of identification. This marking which is applied on the outside surface of the check weight includes a permanently affixed machine-readable identification code (2) which makes the specific weight piece individually recognizable. This opens the possibility for a method whereby an individually identifiable check weight can be traced back in time. A system for tracing check weights back in time includes one or more reader devices (6) that serve to record the marking, one or more processors (10) wherein the machine-readable identification code can be converted back into an identification code that can be electronically processed, and one or more data storage units, in particular a database (8) serving to store at least the data contained in the identification code.

Abstract: A method for operating of a metal detection system may comprise a balanced coil system with a transmitter coil that is connected to a transmitter unit, which generates transmitter signals having a transmitter frequency that is selected from a group of at least two transmitter frequencies, and with a first and a second receiver coil that provide output signals to a signal input of at least one amplifier unit included in a receiver unit, wherein the output signals compensate each other so that the system is in balance. A system adapted to operate according to an exemplary method is also provided.

Abstract: A cooling system and a method for cooling an electronic display. A preferred embodiment utilizes a closed loop cooling system in a constricted convection cooling setup to remove heat from the backlight of a display assembly. Cooling air can be pulled or pushed through a gap between the display (or backlight) and a rear cooling chamber. The resulting warm air can then be exhausted out of the display housing. The cooling air may be air conditioned or may be exposed to a thermoelectric device. A thermostat may be used so that cooling fans are only energized when the temperature reaches a predetermined point.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a robotic spray coating assembly and method for spraying a coating. The assembly may include a robotic arm having a remote end region and a coating head mounted on the remote end region. The coating head emits a coating material within a defined coating delivery region via at least one first orifice located in the coating delivery region, the at least one first orifice connected to a coating supply. One or more second orifices are positioned in a pattern beyond the periphery of the coating delivery region, and a fluid supply is connected to the one or more second orifices. Fluid emitted from the one or more second orifices forms a fluid curtain that at least partially encircles the coating delivery region, thereby minimizing overspray emerging therefrom. The present invention also discloses a vehicle spray painting system and a method of spray painting a vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the pH of a solution of the present invention includes: (a) a tubular body portion constructed from a flexible electrically-insulating material, the tubular body portion having an interior passage; (b) a first reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (c) a second reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (d) a proton conducting membrane disposed between the first reverse osmosis membrane and the second reverse osmosis membrane in the interior passage; (e) a first electrode; and (f) a second electrode.

Abstract: A grommet and/or plug installation device and associated installation method. The device includes a head portion that is adapted to releasably retain a grommet and/or plug. The head is preferably connected to a handle that is grasped by a user during the grommet/plug installation process. The grommet or plug is retained on the head with less of a retention force than will be exhibited between the grommet or plug and an associated opening to which the grommet or plug is inserted. As such, a grommet or plug will remain in an associated opening after insertion thereto, and the device of the present invention used to install the grommet or plug may be withdrawn.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus for weighing and conveying items of various shape and size. The weighing apparatus apparatus includes at least two oppositely rotating wheels that engage an item to be weighed. A force measurement element, such as a load cell, is provided to weigh the item to be weighed while the item is conveyed by the wheels in a suspended position. More than one pair of wheels may be employed.

Abstract: An ornamental filled glass unit (“FGU”) is manufactured by placing a first glass lite in a horizontally supported position and affixing a spacer frame around a periphery of the first surface, providing a space for filling. A first joiner element centered on the first surface, the joiner element having an upward height that slightly exceeds an intended gap between the first lite and a second lite to be placed on the spacer frame. Additional joiner elements may be used, depending upon the area of the first surface. A filler design is built by arranging a plurality of infill elements in the filling space. The second lite is affixed to an adhesive sealant around a top surface of the spacer frame, and to an adhesive on an upwardly-extending surface of each joiner element. The filler design is spatially maintained when the filler space is sealed by the second lite.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device has a drive unit and a receiver for a dosage-dispensing unit. The drive unit has a drive shaft. The dosage-dispensing unit has a delivery orifice with a closure element that is disposed in the delivery orifice. The closure element is coupled to the drive shaft when the device is in an operating state. The closure element provides the delivery orifice with an aperture cross-section that varies between a closed position and a maximally open position. To couple the drive shaft to the closure element and to open the delivery orifice, the drive unit linearly advances towards the dosage-dispensing unit. A closure spring holds the closure element in a closed position up to the point of complete coupling. To prevent premature opening of the delivery orifice during the coupling process, the drive shaft has limited linear mobility in a direction away from the dosage-dispensing unit.

Abstract: A turbine pump that permits an impeller to stay compliant with a raceway by the use of a preloaded floating raceway that operates by utilizing fluid floating on both side of the raceway within the pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a Medicare Part D Pharmacy Benefits Calculator. A computer user inputs data for prescriptions to be purchased by a prospective insured for a plan period. The prescription data includes a quantity, a days supply, and a number of fills. The data for each prescription the user enters is used to calculate anticipated out-of-pocket costs for the prescriptions for one or more pharmacy benefits plans available to the prospective insured. The cost data is presented to the user in a way that illustrates how out-of-pocket costs will vary over the course of a plan period. The user may view costs for alternative drugs and alternatives sources of drugs. The user may vary and expand the presentation of the cost data to better understand the available plan benefits. The invention helps prospective insureds decide among alternative Medicare Part D pharmacy benefits plans offered by one or more insurance companies.