Abstract: Improvements in a snow cone making machine including a retaining collar which interacts with a cone cup to prevent relative movement with respect to each other; an automatic cone cup dispenser having opposing forceps for extracting cone cups singly from a cup canister; and a scanning activation system for reading a product code on the cone cup to activate the preparation of a snow cone.

Abstract: A packaging container of the aerosol type, which can be recharged with compressed gas, comprising an outer casing capable of being connected with a filling adaptor provided at its outer end with means for connection to a compressed gas source and connected on the inside to a filling tube whose free end opens inside the casing of the container above the level of the liquid contained in the latter.It comprises, mounted at the free end of the filling tube (7), a sealing device (9) arranged in the form of a case (10, 14) comprising a chamber (19) delimited between a lower wall (11) and an upper wall (15), the chamber communicating with the internal volume of the casing through at least one orifice (16) made in the upper wall (15), and with the filling tube (7) by orifices (12) made in the lower wall (11) outside a central part of the latter, and, inside the chamber (19), an elastic diaphragm (20) immobilized in its central part against the central part of the lower wall (11).

Abstract: A key switch and resilient actuator assembly that includes an electrical switching region and a hollow open ended actuator cover of elastomeric material overlaying the switching region with the open end of the actuator cover in surrounding relationship with the switching region. The actuator cover includes a first wall portion shaped to provide substantially linear resistive force during compression displacement of the cover toward the switching region and to provide substantially linear restoring force during expansion displacement of the actuator cover away from the switching region. The actuator cover further includes a second wall portion shaped to undergo buckling toward the switching region at a predetermined compression displacement and to undergo unbuckling away from the switching region at a predetermined expansion displacement that is smaller in total displacement than the predetermined compression displacement.

Abstract: A computer a key switch device comprised of key cap, a key body plate and a rubber base plate, wherein the key body plate has a raised key body portion with a respective center hole and a pair of opposite pin holes and a pair of opposite retaining holes; the rubber base plate has a conical projection received within the raised key body portion, the conical projection having a horn-shaped bottom ring supported on a membrane, a top ring extended out of the center hole on the raised key body portion, a transverse division wall blocked between the top ring and the horn-shaped bottom ring, and a solid stub rod extended downwards from the transverse division wall at the center to trigger a circuit inside the membrane upon each down stroke of the key cap; the key cap has a plunger stopped against the top ring of the conical projection, two opposite bottom rods inserted into the pin holes on the raised key body portion, and two opposite hooks hooked in the retaining holes on the raised key body portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel nozzle retainer safety breakaway device comprising a clamp clamped to the nozzle, a latch pivotally connected to the clamp and structure for disconnecting the latch from the clamp at a predetermined force less than that required to break the nozzle from the dispenser.

Abstract: A method for recovering propellant from used aerosol cans which includes the steps of piercing the can; removing the mixture of residual propellant and fluid product from the can; collecting the mixture and then separating the propellant from the residual fluid product.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing fluid having a volatile organic component from one container, for example, a fuel storage vessel to a receiving container such as an on-board fuel storage tank of an automotive vehicle with reduced discharge of organic vapors into the surrounding atmosphere, the apparatus including a filler cap having at least one positively sealing quick connect fitting through which fluid can be introduced which is releasable attachable with a mating fitting located on the filler nozzle of an external fluid delivery device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that conserves energy in the filling of a storage tank with natural gas and dispensing natural gas from the storage tank to receiving tanks. The invention permits the refueling of gas receiving tanks at a fueling rate comparable to that achieved with liquid hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline and diesel. The apparatus includes the use of at least two compressors: a first compressor and a second compressor, in series with and drawing less horsepower than the first, for compressing natural gas into a storage tank up to a certain pressure level that fills the tank. Upon demand for gas from the storage tank, the second compressor alone may be used to withdraw gas from the storage tank and supply gas at a fueling rate to a receiving tank. When pressure in the storage tank drops to below a predetermined pressure level, the first compressor is brought on line to replenish gas in the storage tank to maintain the fueling rate through the second compressor.

Abstract: A new and improved mobile bicycle workstand or support apparatus includes a base member that is adapted to connect to a fixed support, such as a trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. A riser member is adjustably connected to the base member. A clamp-support member projects horizontally from the riser member, and the clamp-support member receives a tubing clamp which is used to clamp onto and support a bicycle frame. A first screw-operated clamp is provided for fixing a predetermined height adjustment and rotational adjustment between the base member and the riser member. The bicycle frame tubing clamp is rotatably connected to the clamp-support member, and a second screw-operated clamp serves to fix a predetermined angle of rotation between the clamp-support and the tubing clamp. In addition, an adjustable tray is provided that is secured to the riser member.

Abstract: A spill inhibiting funnel system is described that has stepped fins and blades extending, respectively, from the outer and inner surfaces of a tapered funnel body. The fins allow the funnel to be variably positioned with respect to a receiving container's opening in a secure fashion to prevent spills. Likewise, the stepped blades allow a pouring container to be securely placed inside the funnel and remain there in an inverted upright or angled position.

Abstract: A cylinder rupture vessel rotates the cylinder during the rupturing process by using at least one driven roller assembly supported on a plurality of bearing surfaces. A rupture mechanism punctures the container and, when used in combination with the roller assembly, the cylinder is cut into sections. The rupture mechanism may be a water laser, a milling tool, a plasma cutting tool, a lathe tool, or at least one cutting wheel. Relative movement between the rupture mechanism and the bearing surfaces is achieved by a plurality of actuators. Treatment or decontamination of contents may be performed in the cylinder rupture vessel.

Abstract: An electrical rocker type wall switch capable of single, duplex and triplex configurations incorporates one or more slightly concave manually depressible rockers. These rockers have a relatively short range of motion from their respective on to off positions. The edges of the rocker lie substantially flush with the switch cover when in either of their on or off positions. Switching is actuated by an actuating arm attached to the rocker moving a contact on the end of a movable brush arm in and out of electrical contact with a fixed contact on the end of a contact arm attached to a fixed terminal. One or more brush arms extend from a fixed brush backplate and are formed so as to be resilient.

Abstract: A control knob assembly for a cooking appliance includes a control knob and a track body disposed in the control knob. A ring-shaped bezel having a plurality of inwardly projecting guide followers is mounted to the control knob, whereby the guide followers ride in tracks disposed within a top surface of the track body. The control knob is slidable over the track body, and is alternatively locatable in extended and retracted positions. When the control knob is located in a retracted position, the guide followers are releasably secured in notches contained in the tracks. When depressed, the guide followers are disengaged from the notches, permitting the control knob to move to an extended, operating position. In the operating position, the user depresses the control knob, thereby engaging a second plurality of notches which permit operation of a two-step gas valve by sequentially depressing and rotating the control knob.

Abstract: A shock resistant switch mounting includes a hollow bushing which extends through a switch housing of an electric fan, for example. A switch having a pull cord is secured to the bushing within the housing. The the pull cord extends through the bushing to be accessible outside of the housing so that the fan may be operated.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle includes a housing having a hollow main body portion and a handle portion with a hand-grip spaced from the main body portion, an elongate nozzle body mounted in the main body portion of the housing and having a fuel passageway extending longitudinally therethrough in a generally straight line devoid of any abrupt changes in direction, a main valve for controlling the flow of fuel through the nozzle, a manually operable valve actuator, a spout having three integrally formed passageways comprising a fuel passageway, a vapor recovery passageway and a shut-off, venturi-vacuum passageway, a vapor recovery passageway through the main body and handle portions of the housing, a venturi-vacuum device for shutting off the flow of fuel through the nozzle when the vehicle fuel tank is full, an attitude responsive device for deactivating the main valve when the nozzle is not in the proper attitude for insertion of the spout into the fill opening of the vehicle fuel tank and an attitude responsive

Abstract: A rocker switch includes at least one switch device (105) actuable by a first side (110) of a first end (106) of a spring (107). The spring (107) has a second end (108) opposing the first end (106). First (103) and opposing second (103') support members are positioned on a second side (112) at the ends (106, 108) of the spring (107). A rocker mechanism (101), which has a top portion (121), is pivotable about an axis (109). The rocker mechanism (101) is also coupled to the spring (107) proximate a center position (111). The rocker mechanism (101) is positioned in a nominal position causing contact between the second side (112) of the first end (106) of the spring (107) and the first (103) support member, and causing another contact between the second side (112) of the second end (108) of the spring (107) and the second (103') support member. This positioning centers the rocker mechanism (101).

Abstract: A computer key includes a socket member which confines a receiving space therein and which has a top wall that is provided with a through hole, a resilient biasing member which is disposed inside the receiving space of the socket member, and a support member which has an upright tubular portion and a flange portion that projects radially outward from an intermediate part of the tubular portion and that is in sliding contact with an inner wall surface of the socket member. The support member is provided inside the receiving space of the socket member such that the tubular portion extends through the through hole of the socket member. The tubular portion has a bottom end which rests on top of the biasing member. The biasing member urges the support member upward to a normal unpressed key condition. A push button is secured on top of the support member.

Abstract: A housing to accommodate an alarm conducting clip is made of electrically insulating material having a small aperture at one end for an electric cord passing therethrough, a large aperture at opposite end having a passage formed in-between the apertures adapted to receive a pair of copper plates at inner top and bottom portions, respectively, and a pair of slanting slots at respective walls adapted to receive an actuated rod which is adapted to press a clip to close or to open at its free ends. The clip is formed in a V-shaped profile having the closed end inserted into the housing through the large aperture with the opposite free ends protruding therefrom. The constantly open free ends engage the two copper plates, respectively, that forms a closed circuit of the alarm. The free ends will be forced to close by the activating rod and thus disengage from the two copper plates and forming an open circuit of the alarm, thereafter.

Abstract: Multi-purpose luggage, convertible from a backpack to a handbag, by turning the luggage inside-out, has a plurality of walls, including a peripherally-disposed, laterally-arranged side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The side wall incorporates a longitudinally-arranged closable opening. Each of the walls has two faces. A pair of manually-grippable handles are secured to one face of the side wall and are complementarily disposed on opposite sides of the opening. A pair of shoulder straps are secured to the opposite face of the side wall. One end of the shoulder straps is secured to the side wall adjacent to the top wall and the other end of the shoulder straps is secured to the side wall adjacent to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A leveler suitable for use in multi-unit keys for a keyboard, such as a notebook keyboard, includes a J-shaped cantilever member interposed between a keycap and a base used to house the keycap. The leveler is rotatably attached to the keycap and rotatably and slidably engaged with the base. Upon actuation of the key, the slidable and rotatable portion permits the key to be compressed, while the rotatable portion attached to the keycap provides, through the action of the cantilever, a downward force upon the lower surface of the keycap. The distribution of this force via the cantilever mechanism provides a key leveling function, such that the keycap does not have a tendency to bind or stick within the guide portion of the base.