Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing a general request/response protocol using a presence protocol. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method is described for using the presence protocol for receiving from a requesting entity a descriptor of a resource associated with a responding entity and a request related to the resource. The descriptor and the request are sent to the responding entity using the presence protocol. Using the presence protocol, a response is received from the responding entity replying to the request. The response is sent to the requesting entity using the presence protocol.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, includes an aquatic event timer apparatus that comprises at least two independent, touch actuated electrical switches; and a structural connector that adjacently connects them, where the apparatus is configured for establishment within lane markers defining a regulation size swim lane, at the end of the swim lane, and at least partially underwater. Other aspects of the inventive technology address an aquatic event timer apparatus that comprises a first, independent, swim competition type, touch actuated electrical switch that is configured for establishment within swim lane markers, and aside at least a second, independent, swim competition type, touch actuated electrical switch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants wherein rotating arrays of seeds or seedlings carried by arcuate ribs arranged around a common horizontal axis face a growth promoting light source; plant growth is promoted and weight distribution within each array is maintained when watering the rotating arrays. Several intermeshing arrays can make up a carousel wherein the arrays rotate together during plant growth, cropping and replanting.

Abstract: A machine for leak testing melt blown bottles includes a base plate and is provided with a vacuum. The machine includes a turntable assembly, which has an inner ring fastened to the base plate. The inner ring includes a channel about its circumference connected to the vacuum. An outer ring is formed of multiple parts, and fitted slidingly but sealingly around the inner ring. The outer ring has vacuum ports in communication with the channel of the inner ring. A turntable is rotatably connected to the outer ring and includes openings formed in its upper surface communicating with the vacuum ports. The outer ring may be held together by one or more O-rings. Vacuum fittings transfer the vacuum between the openings in the turntable and the vacuum ports of the outer ring.

Abstract: Devices, and methods of attaching accessory mounts to vertical fore grip handles on firearms, such as rifles. The accessory mounts can be molded to extend off of the handles. The accessory mounts can attach to the handles by interlocking plugs and slots. The accessory mount can have rails so that an accessory can attach to the rails on the accessory mount. The rails can be located on a left side of the mount for allowing accessories to be mounted to the left of the fore grip handle. The rails can be located on a right side of the mount for allowing accessories to be mounted to a right side of the fore grip handle. The rails can be located on both sides of the mount so that accessories can be mounted on both the right and left sides of the fore grip handle. The accessory can include lights, lasers, bayonets, sights, scopes, and the like. The vertical fore grip can be an elongated handle fixed to the firearm. The vertical fore grip can be an elongated handle that is detachable from beneath rails on the firearm.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a die casting apparatus and method evidencing increased apparatus output including the ability of using multiple die tools. The invention includes an indexing assembly removably engaged with at least one die block assembly for transporting between four stations, including an injection station, a cooling station, an ejection station, and a recovery station. The injection station includes a frame, a clamp assembly attached to the frame for clamping and releasing the die block assembly, a shot sleeve assembly engaged with the die block assembly for receiving molten material, such as metal, from a furnace means and injecting the molten material into the die block assembly, and a shot cylinder releasably coupled with the shot sleeve assembly for controlling the injection of molten material.

Abstract: The present invention includes decorative, architectural, and building materials and methods of making these materials, using them or both. The present invention relates to an article of manufacture that includes a light source and a substrate with a plurality of volumes of material, where each volume is capable of transmitting light from one location to a second location on a surface of the substrate. The present invention also relates to an article of manufacture having a substrate with a first surface, and a volume of material contained within the substrate and adapted to transmit light from a first location on the first surface to at least a second location. The present invention also relates to methods of making the articles and to methods of transmitting information.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including a mixing chamber comprising two intersecting housing bores and an inlet positioned to receive material into the mixing chamber. Two screw shafts are supported for rotation about respective generally parallel axes and include respective screw sections positioned for co-wiping intermeshing rotation within the respective housing bores of the mixing chamber. The apparatus supports screw shaft rotational speeds greater than approximately 800 rpm and includes screw shaft conveying portions that are rotatably cantilevered for self-journaled support within respective separate conveying chambers arranged generally parallel to one another downstream of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A distribution fiber optic cable including a plurality of optical fibers, a main cable body with some of the plurality of optical fibers being disposed within the main cable body, at least one tether optical fiber, and a cable jacket. The at least one tether optical fiber is one of the plurality of optical fibers that transitions during manufacturing from a first location within the main cable body to a tether access location for a portion of the distribution cable. The cable jacket includes a main cable body jacket and a tether access jacket portion that are connected together by a continuous transition that is applied during cable manufacturing. Thus, the craftsman may conveniently access the at least one tether optical fiber for distribution into the optical network.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A leak in a membrane on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by a manually operable carriage which is swept over the upper surface of the membrane on the roof deck. A measuring and switching circuit generates a voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to conductive brushes on the carriage. The brushes are arranged to form an outer peripheral contact with an inner contact inside the outer contact. Thus the presence of a leak is detected by the outer set of conductive brushes at distance from the leak and by the inner conductive brush when directly over the leakage site.

Abstract: A process for producing lower alkyl esters of higher fatty acids from an oil phase and lower alcohols, in a catalytic transesterification process in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. A reaction mixture is provided by mixing oil-phase fatty acids with a solution comprising methanol and an alkaline catalyst comprising sodium methylate. The transesterification reaction of the reaction mixture is accelerated by subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature above the boiling point of methanol and pressurizing the reaction mixture sufficiently to prevent boil-off. A centrifugal separator separates glycerin phase from biodiesel phase of a resulting reaction product stream. The biodiesel phase is washed by counter-current extraction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring axial distances, particularly during eye surgery, are provided.

Abstract: A fluid level sender mount assembly includes a first mounting member having a chamber and a second mounting member having an elongate docking portion. The docking portion may be sized to slidably fit and rotate within the chamber to permit positioning the second mounting member at a plurality of different linear and angular positions with respect to the first mounting member. The second mounting member may be affixed to the first mounting member to retain the second mounting member in a desired position W/R/T the first mounting member. One of the first and second mounting members may be adapted to be attached to a fluid container. The other of the first and the second mounting members may be adapted to be attached to a fluid level sender.

Abstract: A process for hydrofracturing a specific interval or zone in a water aquifer from a water well borehole and introducing high-pressure water and gravel proppants for increasing water flow production from the water well. The process uses a hydrofracture tool having a perforated pipe section with a pair of inflatable packers. The tool is lowered into the borehole to the deepest interval to be fraced. The length of the tool is sufficient to span the width of the interval. The packers are then inflated thus sealing off the area in the borehole next to the interval. High-pressure water is then introduced through the drill stem and through ports in the perforated pipe section. After sufficient high-pressure water has fractured the surrounding interval, gravel proppants are forced into the surrounding fractured interval. Upon discontinuing the hydrofracturing of the interval, the two packers are deflated and the hydrofracture tool is moved upwardly to the next water-bearing interval and the process is repeated.