Abstract: A machine for dispensing an individual portion of a frozen dessert may include a cartridge cart having walls forming a cavity having a longitudinal central axis and configured to accommodate a cartridge. The cartridge may include a tube having first and second ends, a nozzle disposed at the first end, and a piston disposed between the nozzle and the second end and configured to slidably move along the tube. The individual portion of the frozen dessert may be contained within the tube between the nozzle and the piston. The machine may also include a plunger, a drive source operably coupled to the plunger and configured to drive the plunger along the central axis, and a support configured to support the first end of the cartridge such that actuating the drive source causes the individual portion of frozen dessert to dispense through the nozzle.

Abstract: A versatile, multi-purpose and portable continuous loop exercise apparatus designed so as to enable users thereof to exercise multiple body parts through resistive training. The unique continuously looped structure enables users to perform various exercises. The continuous loop exercise apparatus may be utilized in combination with the floor, on the chair, or can be placed on a table or countertop without the requirement to reconfigure or reassemble the product. The one-piece curved design allows users with different body builds to perform the same exercises appropriately by changing the holding user-to-apparatus contact positions rather than by adjusting the dimensions of the equipment.

Abstract: A golf putting system for increasing golf putting acumen includes a transportable golf putting mat manufactured from a carpet-like material and having a top side and a backing, such that the mat can be placed onto the top of existing surfaces to prevent slipping. The golf putting mat contains a layout on the top side made up of a plurality of targets, such as letters, numbers or playing cards, which are separated from the other targets such that a putted golf ball can rest inside any of the separations to distinguish a target. Also included are metal rings, configured to be located inside one or more of the separations to further distinguish the targets from the others. Additionally, a value indicator can be placed on the side of the golf putting matt to assist or revise the scoring of the game, which is played by putting a golf ball on the mat at one or more of the targets.

Abstract: A versatile, multi-purpose and portable continuous loop exercise apparatus designed so as to enable users thereof to exercise multiple body parts through resistive training. The unique continuously looped structure enables users to perform various exercises. The continuous loop exercise apparatus may be utilized in combination with the floor, on the chair, or can be placed on a table or countertop without the requirement to reconfigure or reassemble the product. The one-piece curved design allows users with different body builds to perform the same exercises appropriately by changing the holding user-to-apparatus contact positions rather than by adjusting the dimensions of the equipment.

Abstract: A golf putting system for increasing golf putting acumen includes a transportable golf putting mat manufactured from a carpet-like material and having a top side and a backing, such that the mat can be placed onto the top of existing surfaces to prevent slipping. The golf putting mat contains a layout on the top side made up of a plurality of targets, such as letters, numbers or playing cards, which are separated from the other targets such that a putted golf ball can rest inside any of the separations to distinguish a target. Also included are metal rings, configured to be located inside one or more of the separations to further distinguish the targets from the others. Additionally, a value indicator can be placed on the side of the golf putting matt to assist or revise the scoring of the game, which is played by putting a golf ball on the mat at one or more of the targets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting energy from wind and wave motion using a common floating platform comprising a ship hull (10) which is moored in an offshore location and which supports wind turbines (27) for extracting energy from wind and wave energy extraction devices (12) positioned at least at one side of the hull (10) for extracting energy from wave motion relative to the hull (10). The method and apparatus may also use water current energy extraction devices. The hull (10) may also support a desalination plant (45) which uses the energy generated from the wind, wave and water current energy extraction devices.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting energy from wind and wave motion using a common floating platform comprising a ship hull (10) which is moored in an offshore location and which supports wind turbines (27) for extracting energy from wind and wave energy extraction devices (12) positioned at least at one side of the hull (10) for extracting energy from wave motion relative to the hull (10). The method and apparatus may also use water current energy extraction devices. The hull (10) may also support a desalination plant (45) which uses the energy generated from the wind, wave and water current energy extraction devices.

Abstract: A hoisting, retention and removal apparatus for banners or signs, having two upper embodiments to be securely fastened to any vertical surface. They are designed to be mounted level with and opposite each other placed at a distance apart based on the need at a distance larger than the maximum length of sign or banner for which it will accommodate. Two lower embodiments are mounted directly below each upper embodiment within reach of the operator when standing on the ground or platform below the banner or sign display area. Four fiber ropes, each terminating with a safety snap device, are connected each to one corner of a sign or banner, routed through sheaves in the upper frame and are held taut by means of locking cleat in each of the lower enclosures. Position and tautness are achieved by adjustment of the fiber ropes in the lower enclosures.

Abstract: A method and software program for determining printability of a defect on a reticle or photomask onto a substrate during processing. That is performed by creating a pixel grid image having a plurality of individual pixel images showing the defect. A gray scale value is assigned to each pixel image of the pixel grid image and a probable center pixel of the defect is selected. Then the polarity of the defect is determined, with a coarse center pixel of the defect optionally selected using the probable center defect and polarity of the defect. If a coarse center pixel is selected, then a fine center of the defect can optionally be selected from the coarse center pixel and polarity of the defect. From the center pixel the physical extent of the defect can be determined followed by the determination the transmissivity energy level of the physical extent of the defect.

Abstract: A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. The gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.

Abstract: A method and software program for determining printability of a defect on a reticle or photomask onto a substrate during processing. That is performed by creating a pixel grid image having a plurality of individual pixel images showing the defect. A gray scale value is assigned to each pixel image of the pixel grid image and a probable center pixel of the defect is selected. Then the polarity of the defect is determined, with a coarse center pixel of the defect optionally selected using the probable center defect and polarity of the defect. If a coarse center pixel is selected, then a fine center of the defect can optionally be selected from the coarse center pixel and polarity of the defect. From the center pixel the physical extent of the defect can be determined followed by the determination the transmissivity energy level of the physical extent of the defect.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: This is a system for preventing vehicle theft that can be activated and deactivated from a touch-tone phone. The alarm activation code and alarm deactivation code are capable of activating a plurality of switches through the feedback loop. When the car is stolen, the owner can activate the signal code, which will disable the engine once the thief turns off the engine. After the stolen car is restored, the owner can deactivate the engine-disabling code and drive the car as usual.

Abstract: A spinner assembly for a cotton candy machine. The spinner assembly includes a tubular steel wall member having an upright wall provided with slots. A heater element is supported by the wall member in close proximity with the slots. The wall member is provided with a flame sprayed alumina coating which insulates the wall member from the heater element.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for providing control of multiple functions needed to perform eye surgery. A microprocessor based system controls a pneumatic system for driving pneumatic scissors in either a variable frequency, multicut mode or a proportional cut mode where the cutting pressure is proportional to the position of a foot operated position sensor.

Abstract: A coil used in electronic coin testers for testing a coin for the purpose of accepting a valid coin or rejecting a counterfeit coin in a coin-operated vending machine, game, telephone or the like is disclosed. A coin slot is provided having two opposing longitudinal walls spaced to accommodate a coin therebetween of either the sample coin type or the test coin type. Within each longitudinal wall a planar looped coil is provided that, upon inducement of an electric current, generates lines of magnetic flux which are normal to the opposing surfaces of the longitudinal walls throughout the length of the longitudinal walls.