Abstract: A self-closing helmet strap is contemplated to automatically strap a helmet to a user's head. The self-closing strap may be in the form of a curved strap configuration with the straps configured to curve under the user's chin. The self-closing strap may be a spring strap configuration with a strap designed to self-close with the aid of a spring.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for thermal transfer printing include, in at least one aspect, a printing apparatus includes: a band capable of holding hot melt ink thereon; rollers configured and arranged to hold and transport the band with respect to a substrate; a printhead configured and arranged to thermally transfer a portion of the ink from the band to the substrate to print on the substrate; and a heating device configured and arranged to heat the band to cause ink on the band to re-melt, flow and replace at least some of the portion of the ink transferred to the substrate previously before arriving at the printhead again for a next print.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including a printhead for transferring ink from a ribbon to a substrate to be printed, a print roller for guiding the substrate to be printed, a peel-off roller for separating the ribbon from the substrate, downstream of the printhead, wherein a peel-off angle is subtended between a portion of ribbon which, when the printing apparatus is in use, extends between the printhead and the peel-off roller and a tangent to the print roller at a contact point on the circumference of the print roller, and a printhead angle is subtended between a part of the printhead which transfers ink from the ribbon to the substrate and a radius of the print roller at the contact point, and wherein the printhead angle is adjustable in accordance with the speed of the ribbon relative to the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including a printhead for transferring ink from a ribbon to a substrate to be printed, a print roller for guiding the substrate to be printed, a peel-off roller for separating the ribbon from the substrate, downstream of the printhead, wherein a peel-off angle is subtended between a portion of ribbon which, when the printing apparatus is in use, extends between the printhead and the peel-off roller and a tangent to the print roller at a contact point on the circumference of the print roller, and a printhead angle is subtended between a part of the printhead which transfers ink from the ribbon to the substrate and a radius of the print roller at the contact point, and wherein the printhead angle is adjustable in accordance with the speed of the ribbon relative to the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A self-closing helmet strap is contemplated to automatically strap a helmet to a user's head. The self-closing strap may be in the form of a curved strap configuration with the straps configured to curve under the user's chin. The self-closing strap may be a spring strap configuration with a strap designed to self-close with the aid of a spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively peeling a tag off of a strip of tags has a peel bar having a beak for peeling a tag off of the strip. The peel bar is mounted to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof by movement of the strip. A retaining element selectively engages the peel bar. The retaining element has a first position in which the peel bar is held stationary, and a second position in which the peel bar is free to rotate.

Abstract: Liquid sensing apparatuses and liquid sensing methods are described. In some embodiments, a liquid sensing apparatus includes a magnetic element; a source magnetic field, which produces on the magnetic element a magnetic force with a component that opposes a gravitational force on the magnetic element; and a structure configured to prevent rotation of the magnetic moment of the magnetic element relative to the magnetic field, e.g., so that the magnetic force remains greater than the gravitational force. The apparatus is capable of sensing the level of a liquid using a combination of magnetic force and buoyancy force.

Abstract: An optically-based overfill detection probe is provided that has a prism made of a fluoropolymer, preferably TEFLON® PFA. The prism material has a high resistance to chemical solvents, is less prone to condensation and frost than plastic or glass, and enables the production of prisms at significantly less cost than glass. The probe also includes a two-piece housing structure that compresses an outwardly-extending portion of the prism material to firmly hold the prism in place, and forces the material into sealing contact with an inner surface of the housing. The housing has an elongate portion that encompasses the prism, and which extends toward the fluid, preventing any light which escapes the prism from being externally reflected back to the photodetector of the probe.

Abstract: An optically-based overfill detection probe is provided that has a prism made of a fluoropolymer, preferably TEFLON® PFA. The prism material has a high resistance to chemical solvents, is less prone to condensation and frost than plastic or glass, and enables the production of prisms at significantly less cost than glass. The probe also includes a two-piece housing structure that compresses an outwardly-extending portion of the prism material to firmly hold the prism in place, and forces the material into sealing contact with an inner surface of the housing. The housing has an elongate portion that encompasses the prism, and which extends toward the fluid, preventing any light which escapes the prism from being externally reflected back to the photodetector of the probe.

Abstract: An optically-based overfill detection probe is provided that has a prism with a substantially quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, such that internal reflection angles are less than ninety degrees. The prism is made of a fluoropolymer, preferably TEFLON® PFA, and uses an infrared optical signal. The prism material has a high resistance to chemical solvents, has high signal transmission in the infrared (IR) wavelength range, is less prone to condensation and frost than plastic or glass, and enables the production of prisms at significantly less cost than glass. The substantially quadrilateral cross-sectional shape of the prism, in itself, has the advantage of allowing angles of incidence much less than ninety degrees on internal prism surfaces, thus reducing signal loss from surface irregularities.

Abstract: A locking valve for controlling fluid flow within a conduit has a spring-biased detent in fluid communication with a fluid source. A movable valve structure prevents fluid flow through the conduit in a closed position and enables fluid flow through the conduit in an open position. Movement of the valve structure from the closed position to the open position is obstructed by the detent when fluid pressure in the conduit is below a predetermined pressure. An increase in fluid pressure, however, moves the detent against the spring bias, removing the obstruction to movement of the valve structure, and allowing the valve structure to be moved to the open position. Thus, accidental or intentional drainage of the conduit when the fluid pressure source is inactive is avoided.