Abstract: A self-sealing closure device adapted to selectively seal an extra-ocular end of a cannula. The closure is designed to prevent the flow of fluids through the cannula in the absence of an instrument being positioned within the cannula. The elastic closure includes a first portion that extends at least partially around an outside surface of the extra-ocular end of the cannula and a second portion that extends at least partially within the extra-ocular end of the cannula. A passageway extends through the second portion of the closure and is selectively sealed by a septum having multiple elastic flaps. The flaps are selectively moveable to control the movement of fluids through the elastic closure.

Abstract: A solvent band casting system, roll coating apparatus, and method of using the same are disclosed. The system includes a tank for mixing and/or storing a polymer solution for a band casting machine having at least a first and a second rotating drums about which a continuous metal band is tensioned to travel with the rotation of the drums. A sheeting die applies the polymer solution from the tank to the metal band where a drying chamber, enclosing a least a portion of the metal band downline of the sheeting die, is used to remove solvent from the polymer solution as it travels in a thin sheet on the metal band. A roll coater surfactant applicator in communication with a supply of surfactant and a portion of the band transfers fluid surfactant to the casting surface. In addition, the use of a surfactant to substantially reduce or eliminate bubbles in the polymer film product is disclosed, as well as the mechanisms by which the surfactant is believed to facilitate bubble reduction.

Abstract: A cement finishing screed is provided which comprises a frame member extending a length of the screed. The frame member includes a first lower beam member, a second lower beam member, an upper beam member, and a plurality of truss members securing the first and second lower beam members and the upper beam member together in a fixed relationship. Each truss member has two arcuate rod portions extending from the first lower beam member and the second lower beam member, respectively, to the upper beam member, and a strut portion extending from a lower end of one of the rod portions to a lower end of another of the rod portions.

Abstract: An extendable conveyor comprises a base conveyor section, at least two extendable conveyor sections selectively positionable relative to each other and the base conveyor section, a conveyor member arranged to provide a conveying surface on said conveyor sections, and a number of elongate drive members adapted to drive an associated extendable conveyor section in a forward or backward direction relative to the next inner extendable conveyor section or the base conveyor section, wherein an elongate drive member providing the forward movement of the associated extendable conveyor section comprises at least one anchor point disposed to a suitable height such that the elongate drive member is arranged above a bottom plane of the next inner extendable conveyor section.

Abstract: A seal having a body and several bands extending away from the body. The bands extend around an axial portion of the body. In some embodiments, the bands project from and are formed integral with the body. For example, the bands can be rings. Two bands can be located on the outside of the body and two additional bands can be located on the inside of the body to provide redundant sealing components between separated fluids. A vent aperture can be positioned between the two bands on each side of the body. The two inner bands can be offset from the two outer bands. The seal can be used in a surgical cutting device, among other things.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly integrated and flexible system for vending products and services to consumers. The system receives information in advance of the vend by having the consumer insert an identification (ID) card, preferably a driver's license, into a point-of-purchase terminal (referred to as an OSU device). The OSU device preferably contains an Optical Scanning Unit (OSU), capable of scanning the textual information on the ID card. In one embodiment, the scanned information is compared against optical templates present in the system to discern or verify the information on the ID card, and is then used by the system to enable or disable the vending transaction, and/or to allow access to several preregistered system accounts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing device for administering medication(s) to infants, in particular a plastic insert that is used with a baby nipple and bottle so that the medication is held separate from the food until mixed with formula or breast milk and administered through the nipple with the first portion of an infants feeding. The device may comprise a coned shaped insert or duck bill insert that provides a liquid tight seal along the perimeter of contact of the insert and nipple. The insert may comprise an upper and lower chamber so that the medication is contained in the upper chamber and the formula or breast milk is contained in the lower chamber. Furthermore, the insert may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port so that formula or breast milk can flow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber for mixing and administering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing device for administering medication(s) to infants, in particular a plastic insert that is used with a baby nipple and bottle so that the medication is held separate from the food until mixed with formula or breast milk and administered through the nipple with the first portion of an infants feeding. The device may comprise a coned shaped insert that provides a liquid tight seal along the perimeter of contact of the insert and nipple. The insert may comprise an upper and lower chamber so that the medication is contained in the upper chamber and the formula or breast milk is contained in the lower chamber. Furthermore, the insert may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port so that formula or breast milk can flow from the lower chamber into the upper chamber for mixing and administering.

Abstract: A dosing pump for dispensing two or more liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for the two or more liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes is described. The dosing pump may include an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may be in mechanical contact with an actuator which in turn is in mechanical contact with the operating button, so that on movement of the operating button liquid, gel slurry and/or paste is dispensed simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing pump for dispensing two or more liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for said two or more as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes. The dosing pump may comprise an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may comprise an actuator which is in mechanical contact with said operating button, so that each actuator, on each dispensing assembly, is simultaneously or nearly simultaneously actuated by movement of said operating button. The dosing pump of the present invention may have a flap valve assembly situated within plates between the liquid, gel slurry and/or paste assembly, and the container, which carries the liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste.

Abstract: A dosing pump for dispensing two or more liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for said two or more as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes is described. The dosing pump may comprise an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may be in mechanical contact with an actuator which in turn is in mechanical contact with said operating button, so that on movement of said operating button, liquid, gel slurry and/or paste is dispensed simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing pump for dispensing two or as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes, and adapted to be connected to two or more containers for said two or more as liquids, gels, slurries and/or pastes. The dosing pump may comprise an operating button, and two or more liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste dispensing assemblies. Each such assembly may comprise an actuator which is in mechanical contact with said operating button, so that each actuator, on each dispensing assembly, is simultaneously or nearly simultaneously actuated by movement of said operating button. The dosing pump of the present invention may have a flap valve assembly situated within plates between the liquid, gel slurry and/or paste assembly, and the container, which carries the liquid, gel, slurry and/or paste.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a thermoplastic article which comprises the steps of: