Abstract: A pneumatic tube transport system for grossly irregular shaped objects is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic tube and a series of one or more flexible, sealable bags adapted to contain the objects to be transported. The bags may be fenestrated, but, if desired, the bags can be designed and manufactured so that when they are filled and sealed, they can assume a generally inflated shape. The bags can be made out of a thin material such as that found in a grocery store produce section or check out area. A bag providing apparatus can be supplied either to the individual picker in the field or to the region near the entry to the pneumatic tube. If desired, an inflating device and a bag sealing device can be provided. After placement of the object(s) into the bag these devices can inflate and the seal the bag and then allow for its quick release and deposition at the entry end of the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: A patient identification system is disclosed that solves several problems associated with current ID bands such as easy removal, loss and inefficient patient identification. The patient identification system comprises an identification bracelet that is difficult to remove and has a lock and an identification mechanism. Further, the identification bracelet may require a separate unlocking device to unlock the lock. The unlocking device may also have a means to track how long the bracelet has been unlocked, an alarm system, and a display screen.

Abstract: A low voltage lamp is disclosed and claimed. The low voltage lamp includes a low voltage lamp switch having a first pole permanently connected to a remote source of electric power; a second pole permanently connected to a light; and a movable switch element permanently connected to the first pole and selectively movable into and out of electrical connection with the second pole. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the movable switch element includes a flexible cable having a first end connected to the first pole, and an electrically conductive ball mounted to the cable free end. The second pole here comprises a cup adapted to receive and electrically connect to a ball, and the second pole cup is electrically connected to a light.

Abstract: A can filler valve wiper mechanism for use with a can filler machine is disclosed. The can filler machine includes mechanism for moving a can along a predetermined can travel path, and a movable filler valve which moves along a predetermined filler valve travel path above at least a portion of the can travel path. A can wiper mechanism comprises a rotating wiper, which can be a common paint roller. The rotating wiper is disposed at a location between a moving can and a moving can filler valve located above the can so that the wiper engages and collects material located between the valve and can. Preferably, the wiper engages the bottom of the filler valve itself as the valve passes the wiper.

Abstract: A wind powered generating device comprises a tube cluster, a collector assembly, and a turbine assembly. The collector assemblies utilize sails that can be rotated to direct wind down through an inlet tube to a central outlet tube. The central outlet tube is narrowed at a portion, and a turbine is mounted at this narrowed portion to take advantage of the Venturi effect that accelerates the air as it passes the turbine. This permits reliable and efficient operation in areas that were not formerly considered windy enough to be economically feasible for the deployment of wind powered generating devices. Alternative embodiments of the invention include mechanisms for dealing with violent weather conditions, a first of which allows excess wind to bleed off beneath and between the sails, and a second which collapses and covers the sail with a protective sheath/sock.

Abstract: A corrugated plastic box is disclosed. The box is provided with an L-shaped or chair-shaped end panel which can be adhesively secured to a box side panel. The end panel has a lower portion which extends over a relatively great number of box side corrugations, and an upper panel portion which extends over fewer box side corrugations, so as to spread interior box loads across a number of corrugations and inhibit box side bowing. The box sides are also strengthened by providing upper panels which are rolled over along the top edges of the box, the panels are then food or otherwise fastened to the side panels. The rolled-over top edges thus formed strengthen the box, and prevent the entry of contaminants into the otherwise-exposed side panel corrugation flutes. The box is provided with a number of specially shaped box bottom panels which enable the box to be quickly and easily erected by even inexperienced personnel.

Abstract: A wind powered generating device comprises a tube cluster, a collector assembly, and a turbine assembly. The collector assemblies utilize sails that can be rotated in the direction of the wind to direct wind down through an inlet tube to a central outlet tube. The central outlet tube is narrowed at a portion, and a turbine is mounted at this narrowed portion to take advantage of the venturi effect, which accelerates the air as it passes the turbine. This permits reliable and efficient operation in areas that were not formerly windy enough to be economically feasible. Alternative embodiments of the invention include mechanisms for dealing with violent weather conditions, a first of which allows excess wind to bleed off behind and between the sails, and a second which collapses and covers the sails with a protective sheath/sock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heating trowel which processes by heat while observing the status of the working material, such as soldering iron, plastic welder, iron, hair iron and the like, and specifically it relates to heating trowel that could be used within few seconds from providing power. A heating trowel comprises a heating wire made of metal plate such as iron chrome alloy and which is thinned to the limit that it could maintain shape, an electrical insulator which is a thin plate of aluminum nitride and the like having more than 10 times the heat conductivity of said heating wire, and a trowel tip/heat storage made from copper and the like having more than twice the heat conductivity of the aluminum nitride and the like and also having high heat capacity, and formed by sufficiently adhering these components closely by pressing and the like using a heat insulating supporter. Also, it is divided into two to a bare heating trowel and a receiving heating device.

Abstract: A utensil having a blade and handle portion that resists damage from the heat generated in cooking. The blade portion made of a rubber silicone compound which resists melting, burning, cracking, discoloring, or permanently bending, even under vigorous cooking situations. The handle is made of a heat-resistant glass reinforced PBT resin which is not susceptible to melting, scorching, absorbing odors, or discoloring. In addition, the molding process between the handle and the blade resists separation of the two parts and eliminates gaps which could house bacteria.

Abstract: A method for suppressing the desire to smoke is disclosed. The method comprises inhaling an effective amount of a volatile smoking suppressant composition comprising an effective amount of 2-acetylpyridine.

Abstract: A single leg caster assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a wheel retaining hub and axle which support a bearing and wheel. A portion of the axle and a portion of the wheel retaining hub act as thread guards to inhibit thread from becoming tangled on the axle and in the bearing.