Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method (400) for detecting the presence of one or more chemical contaminants in/on a plurality of items, e.g., cork stoppers (110), using nose chips (310). The apparatus utilizes detection sensor electronics (225) that are separate from the nose chips such that each nose chip can be either reused or discarded after use. The apparatus moves the nose chips and the cork stoppers independently to align the cork stopper and a corresponding nose chip with one another. The testing apparatus uses multiple sensor units (135) to simultaneously test multiple cork stoppers for chemical contaminants (e.g., TCA). The invention provides a low-cost, reliable process for testing 100% of cork stoppers in a fast and cost-effective manner that is scalable to the general consumer product market.

Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame whose members freely move between a maximum and a minimum dimension to enable selectively applying various sized shelter skins to the frame and to tauntly stretch the shelter skin thereon. The skin also comprises slidable tensioning means that stretch the skin over a portion of the frame. The upper portion of the shelter is partially supported by a lifting force applied thereto.

Abstract: A self-service beverage distribution system includes a piping network with refrigerated tubing for transporting beverages, such as beer, from at least one source to at least one output. A drinker purchases a magnetic card which represents a predetermined quantity of beer, and which specifies which beer sources the drinker can have access to. A flow meter measures how much beer the drinker dispenses, and the quantity of beer represented on the card is decreased accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a high performance, electrochemical components. The plate is manufactured by forming a first electrode material on a substrate. Next, a thin electrolyte or interconnector coating is deposited on the electrode material. In the final step, a second electrode material is deposited on the electrolyte or interconnector, and the complete structure is removed from the substrate. The electrolyte/electrodes plates and interconnector plates formed by the method of this invention may be used in the manufacture of electrochemical converters.

Abstract: The rotary yarn guide for cooperating with a spindle in a textile machine comprises an externally cylindrical, hollow guide member 4 having inlet and outlet ends for guiding the yarn, a ball bearing 7 surrounding the guide member and having inner and outer races 8 and 9, the inner race being rigid with the guide member, a permanent magnet 6 for cooperating with a spindle in order to rotate the guide member, a magnet-supporting member 5 for securing the permanent magnet with the guide member, and an outer casing 13 fixed to the outer race of said ball bearing.

Abstract: A drapery opening and closing system is provided for draw drapes which are movable over a traverse member between an open and closed position by use of a drape drive system. The opening and closing system has limit switches positioned to be activated when the drapes are opened and closed. A manually settable timer connected to a power source applies power at preset times to a reversible motor via a control circuit. The control circuit is comprised of a relay activated by the timer and a series connected two-section switch. Outputs of the two-section switch are connected to the reversible motor through the limit switches. When the timer is triggered at a preset time, the drapes automatically open or close. Via the two-section switch, the drapes may be manually activated to open or close at times other than the preset times on the timer.