Abstract: A scale and associated method automatically identify when a food product pricing scale is in an offline condition and changes a color condition on the scale display to alert scale operators of the offline condition.

Abstract: A scale and associated method automatically identify when a food product pricing scale is in an offline condition and changes a color condition on the scale display to alert scale operators of the offline condition.

Abstract: A scale and associated methods automatically identify when a food product pricing scale is in an offline condition and changes a color condition on the scale display to alert scale operators of the offline condition.

Abstract: A scale and associated methods automatically identify when a food product pricing scale is in an offline condition and changes a color condition on the scale display to alert scale operators of the offline condition.

Abstract: Method of measuring the weight of bulk liquid material within a container of a tractor-trailer combination in which air bag pressure of a pneumatic suspension system is sensed and correlated with the weight of the bulk liquid material within the container. In accordance with the method, the tractor engine is turned off and supplemental pressurized air is introduced into a pneumatic circuit feeding compressed air to the air bags and while not applying the brakes of the trailer.

Abstract: An attention-getting camera attachment connects to a standardized connector of a camera or tripod, such as to a tripod screw receptacle of a camera, a tripod screw of a tripod for a camera, or a universal serial bus (USB) or other connector of the camera for example. The attachment includes an ornament for garnering the attention of a subject being photographed. The ornament may incorporate light, color, sound, motion, chemical, odor, or other techniques for attracting attention. One or more attention-getting features may be actuated manually by the user, or automatically in response to an electrical, optical, or other signal from the camera. Various components of the attention-getting camera attachment may be packaged and sold together as a kit.

Abstract: A multi-wheel highway vehicle for transporting passengers, cargo or both has a plurality of wheels supporting the vehicle with the wheels having pneumatic tires mounted thereon, at least one transducer connected to one of the wheels for sensing pressure in a tire mounted on the wheel and providing a output signal indicative of the pressure, a comparator mounted on the wheel receiving the output signal provided by the transducer for comparing the output signal from the transducer to a reference and providing a second output signal indicative of the comparison and a transmitter carried by the vehicle receiving the second output signal provided by the comparator for sending tire pressure information derived from the second output signal to a remote locale, optionally together with information identifying the vehicle and/or the location of the vehicle and/or the speed and/or the direction of travel of the vehicle and/or the identity of the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seal pickup station for supplying a plurality of seals to a position where the seals may be picked up by a gas exchange head. The station comprises a supply roll of seals adhesively attached to a carrier sheet, and a pickup block having a channel through which the seals can be transported on the carrier sheet. The station further includes a sensor to detect the presence of a seal, a take-up reel to collect the carrier sheet, and a pressure roller mounted in the pickup block to maintain tension on the carrier sheet as seals are removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas while the container is in a chamber. The method comprises the steps of withdrawing the first gas from the container for a predetermined period of time and approximating the head space volume of the container based directly or indirectly upon a change in headspace pressure in the container. The method further includes the step of withdrawing the first gas from the container and air from the chamber under conditions which are dependent upon the approximation of the headspace volume and which reduce the damage to the container due to pressure forces.

Abstract: A gas exchange head for contacting and piercing a container to allow gas communication and exchange between the gas exchange head and the container. The gas exchange head comprises a flow probe for piercing the container, the probe being hollow so as to allow the gas communication and exchange therethrough. The gas exchange head further includes an intermediate sleeve and an outer cylinder coaxially received on the intermediate sleeve. The outer cylinder includes a lower cup portion at its distal end and is reciprocatingly mounted on the intermediate sleeve. The gas exchange head further includes a spring mounted on the outer cylinder for applying a biasing to the outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder adapted at its distal end to receive and retain the flow probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging a first gas contained in a sealed container for a second gas. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber for receiving the container and for maintaining a controlled pressure about the container, a gas exchange head for exchanging gas in the container while maintaining a seal between the container and the chamber, and a vacuum source coupled to the gas exchange head and to the vacuum chamber for evacuating the first gas from the container and air from the chamber. The apparatus further has a gas source for supplying the second gas, the gas source being coupled to the gas exchange head for supplying the second gas to the container, and a sensor for monitoring the pressure in the container during gas exchange.

Abstract: A control for a microwave oven is disclosed in which cooking time is set by touching one of a number of touch plates on the oven control panel. An oscillator provides an asymmetric signal to a plurality of level detectors by way of the touch plates and associated circuitry. When a touch plate is touched by an operator, the resulting capacitance to ground acts to integrate the oscillator signal and prevent this signal from dipping below a predetermined minimum threshold level. This condition is sensed by the associated level detector and the timer is set accordingly. The oscillator is then disabled to prevent an accidental touching of one of the touch plates from affecting oven operation. Also disclosed is a power control circuit which switches on power to several magnetrons in a staggered manner to limit surge current.