Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can is described. The can end has a center panel positioned about a vertical center axis. The center panel has a stay-on tab opening assembly located on a public side. A reinforcing bead surrounds the center panel. The reinforcing bead has an inner curved portion having a radius of curvature located radially inwardly from an outer curved portion having a radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the outer curved portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the inner curved portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a gas discharge lamp ballast with an integral shutdown timer. The ballast includes a circuit for receiving AC power, a converter circuit for converting the AC power to DC power and a square wave oscillator powered from the DC power. A resonant circuit powered by the square wave oscillator supplies power to at least one gas discharge lamp. A time-delay circuit disables the square wave oscillator, without interrupting the DC power supplied to the oscillator, upon the passage of a predetermined period of time from power-up of the AC power. The ballast can be realized with only a marginal increase in cost and size of the ballast.

Abstract: A pre-encoded financial card is disclosed along with a system and method allowing a user to attach it to pre-existing accounts and activate it instantly.

Abstract: A robot head, for example for use in surgery, provides a back-drivable system allowing a surgeon to closely control the position of a cutter or other tool. The cutter is mounted at the end of a telescopic arm (20) which can be rotated about two independent perpendicular axes. Rotation about each axis is controlled by a separate motor (30?) which turns a lead screw (32). A bearing (34) travels along the lead screw and changes the angle of an offset crank (36) to cause the required rotation about the axis. The current rotational position about each axis is determined by a sensor at the output. A second sensor independently determines the position of the corresponding motor (30) and the two measured positions are compared. If they differ, the power to the cutter is immediately switched off.

Abstract: A method for treating a mass of coal to suppress emanation of coal dust therefrom, the mass of coal having, prior to treatment, an exposed surface from which dust may emanate, comprises applying to the exposed surface an aqueous fluid comprising gelatinized starch to form a layer of the fluid over the surface and drying the layer of the fluid to form a crust over the surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermal insulating blanket (10) including an insulating core (41) encased in a fibrous envelope with at least one breather vent (50) in the upper portion of the outer enveloping cover (31) and at least one drain opening (60) in the lower portion of the outer enveloping cover.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building where the fire is located on an upper floor vertically displaced from a lower floor from which the fire is treated, and where the upper and lower floors each have a selectively openable environmental access along an external wall of the multi-floored building. The improved apparatus includes a tubular structure having an inlet, an intermediate portion, and an outlet and a bracing system. The bracing system has a frame, a first pivot point, and a second pivot point. The frame provides support against a sturdy surface. The tubular structure is supported on the first pivot point and rotates thereon to elevate or hoist the outlet towards the upper floor environmental access. The tubular structure is further supported on a second pivot point and further rotates thereon to elevate the outlet.

Abstract: A can end for a container has a curl defining an outer perimeter of the can end. A chuckwall extends downwardly from the curl. A means for increasing the strength of the can end is integral with the chuckwall, and a center panel is integral with the means for increasing the strength of the can end. The center panel has a product side, a public side, a rivet, and a displaceable tear panel. A non-detachable tab is staked to the central panel wall by the rivet. First and second void regions of the tab are separated by a narrow strip of the central webbing. A portion of the narrow strip extends downwardly and approaches the public side of the central panel wherein a height of the lift end of the tab above the public side of the central panel is maintained at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A cartridge for storing a flowable substance in a bulk container is disclosed. The cartridge includes a shell having a breakable score line and configured to sit inside the bulk container and a bag positioned within the shell and configured to be filled with the flowable substance. The bag has a port for introducing the flowable substance into the bag and a drain spout in fluid communication with the bag, allowing the flowable substance to be drained from the bag after filling. The breakable score line is configured to separate due to force exerted on the shell as the bag is filled, allowing the bag to expand inside the bulk container. A method of filling a bulk container with a flowable substance using the cartridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A folding container having integrally formed hinge elements. The container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions having a snap-fitted hinge connection to a first side and second side of the base portion respectively, first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions, and a rim portion having a snap-fitted hinge connection to the first and second upper side wall portions, and end walls having a hinged connection to the rim portion. The hinge elements including hook-shaped snaps having a first ramp segment and a second ramp segment on the outer surface of the hook portion to facilitate connection of a hinge axel to the hook-shaped snaps. A tongue and groove combination in the lower and upper side wall portions to provide structural support for loads placed on the container.

Abstract: A wire (10) for use in a brazing or soldering operation has an elongated body (12) of a metallic material. The elongated body (12) has an outer surface (18). A channel (14) is formed along a length of the body. The channel (14) has an opening (A1). A flux solution (22) is deposited within the channel (14) and along the length of the body. The flux solution (22) covers a portion of the outer surface (18). A portion of the flux solution (22) is exposed through the opening (A1) in the channel (14).