Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for a moveable member supported by a support frame, the support frame having an engagement surface, the locking system comprising a lock member and an input device adapted to be mounted on the moveable member, the input device being operably connected to the lock member. The input device is rotatable to move the lock member from a first position to a second position, the second position defining a locked position wherein the lock member is adapted to be in contact with the engagement surface. The locking system also includes a link arm and a spring that permits additional rotation of the input shaft after the lock member reaches the locked position.

Abstract: A spill-proof pour spout for transferring fluid from a container to a vessel comprising a base having an inner sleeve extending outwardly therefrom, a conduit member located in the inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve slidingly engaging the inner sleeve. The conduit member has a fluid tube, and air tube and an end cap. The outer sleeve is in a first closed position wherein the outer sleeve contacts the end cap preventing fluid flow from the pour spout. The pour spout can only be opened by rotating the outer sleeve to a first or second indexing position. By rotating the outer sleeve either clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve is adapted to be slid to a first open position permitting fluid to flow at a first flow rate through the fluid tube and out of the pour spout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wireless communication network. The network utilizing time-division-multiple-access (TDMA) and being configured in a star layout having a base station and at least one remote station. A packet frame having a header, a trailer and a packet is transmitted and received throughout the communication network. The packet is defined to support a registration mechanism for controlling access of remote stations into and out of the network and supporting retransmission of defective or lost packets.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for use in dispensing liquid or solid material. The dispenser (10) includes wall portions forming a sealed first chamber (18) containing the material and wall portions forming a second chamber (20) and a molded, rupturable membrane (34) disposed between the first chamber (18) and the second chamber (20). The rupturable membrane (34) is preferably a circular disk with a series of molded radial depressions (40) or weld seams (40) extending from a center point of the disk. When pressure is applied directly to the membrane (34), the membrane (34) is fractured along the depressions (40) or weld seams (40). A method is provided for forming the dispenser (10) by injection molding.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and administering vehicle license plates is disclosed. A third party entity provides a database of advertising indicia adapted to be placed on a vehicle license plate. The database is made available to vehicle owners. A vehicle owner selects an advertising indicia to be placed on a license plate. The third party entity provides registration indicia to be placed on the license plate. The third party entity provides inputted vehicle owner information, the selected advertising indicia and registration indicia to the government. The government issues a license plate to the vehicle owner, wherein the issued license plate includes the selected advertising indicia and the registration indicia.

Abstract: Interconnection layouts are described that are particularly effective in the construction of a steam reformer/fuel cell combination for providing domestic heat and/or hot water as well as electricity. A distinguishing feature of the interconnections is that they permit the operator to optimize the efficiency of operation of the integrated system, and provide a higher efficiency at optimum operation compared to prior art designs. Combinations of reformer/fuel cell systems with conventional furnaces or boilers are also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed electrical impedance tomography apparatus adapted to detect abnormalities in bodily matter comprising: electrical signal generating means for generating electrical signals at a plurality of frequencies; an electrode arrangement for applying the electrical signals to the bodily matter and detecting electrical impendance properties of the bodily matter; and data processing means for correlating the detected electrical impedance properties with the presence or absence of abnormalities in the bodily matter; in which electrical signals of a frequency greater than 1 MHz, preferably greater than 2 MHz, more preferably greater than 3 MHz and most preferably greater than 4 MHz are applied to the bodily matter.

Abstract: A system for spraying a powder coating product includes a rotary sprayhead which is preferably of the type which is electrostatically charged. The sprayhead has a rotary part which can be driven in rotation. A narrow flow space in the sprayhead in the form of a flat ring incorporates a flow chicane forming an impact surface on the path of the coating product.

Abstract: A fuse holder (10) comprising an enclosure for removably containing an electrical fuse (42). The fuse holder (10) includes at least a first (50) and a second electrically conducting terminal (52), preferably made of copper or a copper alloy. Each of the first (50) and second electrically conducting terminals (52) is in electrical contact with the fuse (42) through one or more electrically conducting elements (64, 66). The first electrically conductive terminal (50) is rotatably movable relative to the second electrically conductive terminal (52). The enclosure is comprised of a first piece (12) and a second piece (14) that is threadably secured to the first piece (12). When the first (12) and second pieces (14) are secured, they hold the fuse (42) snugly within the enclosure. The second piece (14) may include either a polygonal perimeter or a plurality of notches (68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78) along the perimeter.

Abstract: A window stop (10) for limiting movement of a sliding window along a predetermined path of window movement is provided. The window stop (10) has a housing (12) having a cavity (20) wherein the housing (12) is adapted to be positioned adjacent the path of window movement. A bolt (14), operatively associated with the cavity (20), is moveable between a first position (BP1) within the housing (12) and thereby out of the path of window movement, and a second position (BP2) extending out of the housing (12) into the path of the window movement whereby the window is able to contact the bolt (14). A securing means (16) exerts a force generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing and on the bolt (14) to retain the bolt at the first position (BP1). When a second force is applied to overcome the force exerted by the securing means (16), a biasing means (18) displaces the bolt (14) toward the second position (BP2).

Abstract: A light for a barbecue grill is provided. The light has a housing mounted to the lid of a barbecue grill, and the housing contains a light source, a power source, a controller and a switch. The switch may be a manual switch or an automatic tilt switch. The switches manipulate illumination of the light sources when the lid of the barbecue grill is opened.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for the determination of various concentrations of one or more components within a fluid sample. The sensor includes an injection molded body, at least two electrodes, an enzyme, and if desired, an electron transfer mediator. The body includes a reaction zone for receiving a fluid sample. The electrodes are at least partially embedded within the plastic body and extend into the reaction zone. Also contained within the reaction zone is an enzyme capable of catalyzing a reaction involving a compound within the fluid sample. Additionally, the sensor incorporates fill detection which activates a meter, attached to the sensor, for measuring the electrochemical changes occurring in the reaction zone.

Abstract: A keeper (18) for use in a casement window assembly (10). The keeper (18) comprises a first portion (54), an intermediate portion (58), a second portion (56), and a slot (59). The first portion (54) has at least one aperture (60) adapted to receive a fastener. The first portion (54) also has a mounting surface (70) adapted to engage a portion of the casement window assembly (10). The intermediate portion (58) extends generally perpendicular from the first portion (54). The intermediate portion (58) has a rib (86) that increases the strength of the keeper (18) positioned adjacent an extent of the first portion (54). The second portion (56) extends from the intermediate portion (58) and has a finger (72) adapted to slidingly engage a pin (38) of the casement window assembly (10). The slot (59) is generally defined by the rib (86) and the finger (72) and is adapted to receive the pin (38) to secure the casement window assembly (10) in a locked position.

Abstract: A tilt-latch (10) adapted for releasably securing a sash window (12) to a master frame (14) of a window sash assembly (11) is disclosed. The tilt-latch (10) comprises a housing (42) having an outward end opening (44) and an inner wall (55). A latch bolt (46) is disposed within the housing (42) and has a nose (47) adapted for engaging a respective one of a pair of guide rails (16) of the window assembly (11). The latch bolt (46) also has at least one protrusion (124). The latch bolt (46) is moveable between a deployed position wherein the nose (47) extends through the outward end opening (44) and the protrusion (124) is spaced from the inner wall (55), and a retracted position wherein the protrusion (124) engages a trailing edge (55c) of the inner wall (55) to maintain the latch bolt (46) in the retracted position.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods employing a material or combination of materials capable of emitting both far infared radiation and negative ions are provided. The material at least include a first part of, for example, a bio-ceramic, and a second part that includes an additional oxide material. The material can be used in a variety of different applications including, for example, internal engine combustion, natural gas combustion, water purification or the like.