Abstract: Pellet grills and associated methods of operation are disclosed. An example pellet grill includes an end cap, a liner coupled to the end cap, and a compartment formed between the end cap and the liner. The example pellet grill further includes a lighting module having a light source. The light source is positioned within the compartment. The light source is configured to project light through an opening formed in the liner and into an interior of a cooking chamber of the pellet grill.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for processing rejected checks. Checks that are rejected for deposit at deposit locations are captured on-site. A carrier picking up the rejected checks at the deposit location sorts the rejected checks into envelopes with data recognition markings. The recognition markings on the envelopes help with sorting and identifying the checks as rejected, as well as providing data to associate the rejected checks with a customer or an account. Image files are created for the rejected checks using an image capture system. Data files are created to match-up with the image files. The rejected checks are investigated to populate the data file, in order to determine how to process the rejected checks. The checks are submitted for posting and settlement often before any claims are made by customers for provisional funds for their rejected checks.

Abstract: A reloadable prepaid platform configured to permit reloading of a general purpose prepaid card at an automated teller machine (ATM) is disclosed. Particularly, the prepaid platform interacts with an ATM of the financial institution associated with the prepaid card in order to receive funds from the user at the ATM and reload the prepaid card. The reload may generally be a cash reload; however, check reloads as well as transfer reloads from other accounts are contemplated herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for processing rejected checks. Checks that are rejected for deposit at deposit locations are captured on-site. A carrier picking up the rejected checks at the deposit location sorts the rejected checks into envelopes with data recognition markings. The recognition markings on the envelopes help with sorting and identifying the checks as rejected, as well as providing data to associate the rejected checks with a customer or an account. Image files are created for the rejected checks using an image capture system. Data files are created to match-up with the image files. The rejected checks are investigated to populate the data file, in order to determine how to process the rejected checks. The checks are submitted for posting and settlement often before any claims are made by customers for provisional funds for their rejected checks.

Abstract: A deep insertion vented earpiece system is described including resilient earpieces shaped to a wearer's ear canal for a conformal fit. A receptacle is provided within the outer surface of each earpiece for releasably receiving an audio plug. The audio plugs include a miniature loudspeaker and a pair of external ribs for mating with a corresponding pair of grooves formed along the periphery of the receptacle. This rib and groove feature provides for a secure retention of the audio plugs while enabling a simple removal operation. Each earpiece includes an audio passage to conduct the audio signal from the loudspeaker and a vent passage to enable continuous venting of the wearer's ear to atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for assembling components that are sealed hydraulically or pneumatically includes forming an outer component having an inner surface, a groove for holding a seal, the groove having an opening at the inner surface. A seal is fabricated in the form of a substantially circular ring having a scarf cut extending through the width and the thickness of the seal, and a second inner surface having an inside diameter. The seal is then placing over a mandrel having a diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the second inner surface so that the seal is expanded by plastic deformation such that a gap is formed at the scarf cut. Then the seal is inserted in the groove while the seal is expanded.

Abstract: A method for assembling components that are sealed hydraulically or pneumatically includes forming an outer component having an inner surface, a groove for holding a seal, the groove having an opening at the inner surface. A seal is fabricated in the form of a substantially circular ring having a scarf cut extending through the width and the thickness of the seal, and a second inner surface having an inside diameter. The seal is then placing over a mandrel having a diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the second inner surface so that the seal is expanded by plastic deformation such that a gap is formed at the scarf cut. Then the seal is inserted in the groove while the seal is expanded.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanism for folding plastic injection molded parts after the parts have been molded and while the parts are still on the mold core half. The mechanism consists of a mold core half having one or more mold cores. The mold core half has a finger movably mounted adjacent the mold core half and movable along a predetermined path between a first position wherein the finger is clear of the mold core and a second position wherein the finger bears against the part on the mold core so as to fold the part. The invention also includes a drive (either electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic) for driving the finger between its first and second positions. The present invention also consists of a method of in-mold folding of a foldable plastic part. The method consists of projecting a finger across a face of the mold core half and towards the plastic part sitting on the mold core such that the finger engages a lower edge of a first portion of the plastic part.

Abstract: A karabiner comprises a generally C-shaped body, with its free ends curved towards each other and forming a gap therebetween, and a gate on one end of the body for closing the gap, the gate having a locking barrel thereon for locking the gate to the other end of the body, the barrel having a greater thickness on its face outward of the body.