Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated multi axis positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated multi axis positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deodorant dispenser refill cartridge, comprising: a container defining a chamber storing a fluid deodorant composition and having an opening through which the composition is dispensable from the chamber; and a seal sealing the opening. Also disclosed is a deodorant dispenser, comprising: a body having a cavity for receiving a first portion of the refill cartridge; a device within the cavity and extending along at least a portion of an edge region of the cavity for puncturing the seal of the refill cartridge as the first portion of the refill cartridge is received in the cavity of the body; and an applicator for applying the fluid deodorant composition to a user at an exterior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A cap, apparatus, and method for manufacturing a cap. The cap (104) may include a base (106) defining an orifice therethrough, and a lid ((108) coupled with the base. The lid may include a top surface (125), a bottom surface (134) that is opposite to the top surface, a plug (122) extending from the bottom surface for a first distance, and a brim (114) extending from bottom surface for a second distance that is less than or equal to the first distance. The brim includes a first curve (208) at least partially extending from the bottom surface away from the top surface, and a second curve (210) at least partially extending from the top surface, away from the bottom surface. The brim defines at least a portion of an engagement surface that faces at least partially away from a centerline of the lid. The cap is operable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A method includes: in response to detection of a patron, capturing N sets of identification data for the patron using N passive patron identification systems, respectively, wherein N is an integer greater than one; calculating N partial confidence values based on N comparisons of the N sets of identification data with N sets of stored identification data, respectively, associated with a unique patron identifier; and, based on the N partial confidence values, calculating an overall confidence value indicating a level of confidence that the patron is associated with the unique patron identifier. The method further includes: based on the unique patron identifier, retrieving stored ordering data that is associated with the unique patron identifier; setting ordering information to be output to the patron based on the overall confidence value and the stored ordering data; and outputting the ordering information to the patron using an ordering terminal.

Abstract: A method of upselling ordering items includes: in response to detection of a patron at or approaching an ordering terminal, capturing N sets of identification data for the patron using N passive patron identification systems, respectively, wherein N is an integer greater than one; calculating an overall confidence value indicating a level of confidence that the patron is associated with a unique patron identifier based on N comparisons of the N sets of identification data with N sets of stored identification data, respectively, associated with the unique patron identifier; based on the unique patron identifier, retrieving stored data indicative of an ordering item that is to be subliminally suggested to the patron during ordering; using the ordering terminal, displaying an ordering menu; and, when the overall confidence value is greater than a predetermined value, subliminally suggesting the ordering item to the patron while the patron places an order.

Abstract: A cap, apparatus, and method for manufacturing a cap. The cap (104) may include a base (106) defining an orifice therethrough, and a lid ((108) coupled with the base. The lid may include a top surface (125), a bottom surface (134) that is opposite to the top surface, a plug (122) extending from the bottom surface for a first distance, and a brim (114) extending from bottom surface for a second distance that is less than or equal to the first distance. The brim includes a first curve (208) at least partially extending from the bottom surface away from the top surface, and a second curve (210) at least partially extending from the top surface, away from the bottom surface. The brim defines at least a portion of an engagement surface that faces at least partially away from a centerline of the lid. The cap is operable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An aerosol container has a positive actuating structure. The aerosol container is comprised of a body section and a dispensing section. The body section has an aerosol container with a valve at an end that is adjacent the dispensing section. The dispensing section has an enclosing unit and an actuating unit with an actuating channel to receive the finger of a person to actuate the actuating unit. The actuating unit fits into the enclosing unit. The actuator channel extends through the dispensing section, at least part of the lower part of the actuator channel being flexible and in contact with the valve of the aerosol container. The actuator channel can be entirely of a flexible material which directly contacts the aerosol valve or be a part of a semi-rigid to rigid material which directly contacts the aerosol valve. Upon depressing the actuator channel the aerosol valve is actuated and product flows from the body section through the dispensing section to a dispensing aperture.

Abstract: A method includes: in response to detection of a patron, capturing N sets of identification data for the patron using N passive patron identification systems, respectively, wherein N is an integer greater than one; calculating N partial confidence values based on N comparisons of the N sets of identification data with N sets of stored identification data, respectively, associated with a unique patron identifier; and, based on the N partial confidence values, calculating an overall confidence value indicating a level of confidence that the patron is associated with the unique patron identifier. The method further includes: based on the unique patron identifier, retrieving stored ordering data that is associated with the unique patron identifier; setting ordering information to be output to the patron based on the overall confidence value and the stored ordering data; and outputting the ordering information to the patron using an ordering terminal.

Abstract: A method of upselling ordering items includes: in response to detection of a patron at or approaching an ordering terminal, capturing N sets of identification data for the patron using N passive patron identification systems, respectively, wherein N is an integer greater than one; calculating an overall confidence value indicating a level of confidence that the patron is associated with a unique patron identifier based on N comparisons of the N sets of identification data with N sets of stored identification data, respectively, associated with the unique patron identifier; based on the unique patron identifier, retrieving stored data indicative of an ordering item that is to be subliminally suggested to the patron during ordering; using the ordering terminal, displaying an ordering menu; and, when the overall confidence value is greater than a predetermined value, subliminally suggesting the ordering item to the patron while the patron places an order.

Abstract: A multi-chambered container for storing and dispensing flowable substances and method for using the same. The container includes a plurality of individual chambers each containing a flowable substance. Each chamber is in fluid communication with a discharge valve assembly. The valve assembly selectively dispenses a single one of the flowable substances in response to one of the chambers being pressed or squeezed by a user without simultaneously dispensing the remaining substances. In preferred embodiments, the container includes at least two, and more preferably three or more chambers.

Abstract: A closure for a container, and a container incorporating the same, that minimizes or eliminates leakage between the closure and the container holding the liquid. The closure provides a liquid sealing system that allows irregularly shaped closure tops to be used without sacrificing the effectiveness of the liquid seal. In one embodiment, the closure includes a plurality of struts disposed within an annular space that receives a neck portion of the container to create a seating plane that corresponds to a plane formed by the rim of the neck portion.