Abstract: A method of sensing defects in the application of hot melt adhesive to a structure. An infrared sensor is used to capture an infrared image of at least the location of the structure where the adhesive is supposed to have been applied. Different areas of the image are separately interrogated by reviewing each area to detect the presence or absence of adhesive. The interrogation is used to determine whether or not the application of the adhesive is of acceptable quality.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.

Abstract: A pill dispenser apparatus embodied in a pill container element, and method of dispensing one pill at a time from a container, are disclosed. The user may dispense a pill from the container by inverting the container, rotating the top, and returning the container to its upright position. A pill will then exit the apparatus under the force of gravity via a discharge opening.

Abstract: Upper and lower handle members are pivotally attached at one end. Crimper jaws are operated via the handles. The upper handle carries a guide assembly to mount the blade, and operate the cutting mode using an upper handle cradle. Other accessories include a hole punch, a nut driver, a rivet remover and a hammer.

Abstract: A track a vehicle amusement apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a vehicle or vehicles movable over a track assembly supported and elevated by a supporting assembly. A plurality of track sections define the track assembly, and the vehicles have wheels, some positioned above and some below the track and at different locations across the track. Drive track sections of the track assembly include first and second relatively reciprocating track members, the vehicles including independently retractable appendages for releasable engagement with different ones of the track members.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.

Abstract: A collapsible beverage container supporting apparatus is disclosed that includes a mounting framework having a first mount spaced from one end of the framework and a second mount located adjacent to the other end. A container stabilizer is pivotably secured at the first mount and is movable between a substantially perpendicular configuration relative to the framework and a stored configuration with the end thereof located adjacent to the one end of the framework. A container bottom support is pivotably located at the second mount and is movable from a stored deployment adjacent to the framework to a substantially perpendicular deployment. Corner mount openings in the tray and/or a rear wall of the framework are provided for receipt of selected sheet material (such as advertising).

Abstract: An opener is disclosed for accessing contents of a dispensing tube having a monolithic dispensing tip that requires cutting to allow dispensing of material from the tube. The opener includes a housing with first and second elongated passageways intersecting therein at an angle. The first passageway has a span selected to receive and stabilize a length of the dispensing tip at a cutting location, and a cutting utility is movably mounted in the other passageway with a cutting end thereof located adjacent to the intersection with the first passageway and a user contactable portion thereof extending from the housing. A locating collar (or collars) receivable at the first passageway is configured to accommodate different user selected cutting locations along the length of the dispensing tip without loss of stability. A return mechanism is maintained in the housing for returning the cutting utility to a position with the cutting end substantially withdrawn from the first passageway after a cut is made.

Abstract: A compact dispensing tube opener for accessing contents of a dispensing tube having a dispensing tip and an inner seal. The opener includes a housing with first and second passageways therein meeting at an angle at an intersection. A blade carriage is movable in the second passageway and across the intersection at one end thereof, a manually accessible portion at an opposite end thereof extending from the housing. A cooperative guide structure at the housing and the blade carriage maintains carriage slidability within the housing during use without binding. Return springs are maintained in the housing for returning the carriage after use. A dispenser tube tip locator is slidably maintained at the housing adjacent to an opening to the first passageway and has plurality of angled passages therethrough each with a different diameter. A lance is mounted at the housing for puncturing the seal, and is pivotable into and out of a channel defined crosswise in the housing.

Abstract: A toy car, boat, tank, truck, airplane and the like is made with two inter-connecting parts. The parts fit over a standard skate boot (roller-skate, in-line skate, etc.). Thus a toy is shown having an interconnecting front and rear module, which slips over a standard skate boot. Battery powered lights are shown.

Abstract: A track a vehicle amusement apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a vehicle or vehicles movable over a track assembly supported and elevated by a supporting assembly. A plurality of track sections define the track assembly, and the vehicles have wheels, some positioned above and some below the track and at different locations across the track. Drive track sections of the track assembly include first and second relatively reciprocating track members, the vehicles including independently retractable appendages for releasable engagement with different ones of the track members.

Abstract: A combination tool for measuring and cutting materials such as drywall is disclosed. The tool includes a mount formed by first and second housing portions, the first and second housing portions defining a path terminating at an opening at one end of the mount. A tape measure blade receiving slot opens into the mount adjacent to the path and is located and oriented so that the slot and the path are substantially coplanar. A knife blade shuttle is movable along the path and a saw blade is pivotably connected in the mount. An exterior surface of one of the housing portions includes a plurality of rasp teeth formed thereon for filing cut material.

Abstract: A tension rafter arrangement adapted to apply tension to an awning extending between a wall and an awning support comprises an extensible rafter having one end adapted to be pivoted at a wall. The rafter has a fitting for releasably holding it to the support. The pivoting arrangement enables pivoting of the rafter to a position so that the fitting is adjacent the wall. The fitting can be releasably held to the wall. The rafter has a tensioning arrangement with a mechanical advantage, and a link pivoting the rafter to the wall serves as a support to lift a stored awning. A roller support for the awning can rotate without affecting the tension of the awning.

Abstract: A case awning assembly has a housing for receiving an awning rolled on a roller tube. An extensible rafter assembly is pivoted within the housing, and an extensible support arm is pivoted to the rafter assembly, with the roller tube being supported at the junction of the rafter and arm assemblies. Lock tabs are provided on the arm assembly for holding the rafter and arm assemblies and awning when the arm assembly is pivoted into the housing. The arm assembly is resiliently extensible and provided with a further locking arrangement to hold it to the housing, the further locking arrangement being releasable upon shortening of the arm assembly.