Abstract: A system that allows for the re-use of a sharps locked bin. The system comprises a bin for medical waste comprising a main body with a peripheral flange and a lid with an outer rim. When the bin is locked, a gap is located between an internal rim of the flange of the main body and the outer rim of the lid. The system also comprises bin opening apparatus comprising a base jig and a pillar drill which includes a plate orientated generally horizontally in use and pronged released members extending downwardly from the plate.

Abstract: The invention is a plastic bottle crushing that includes a housing having a slidable tray that is positioned underneath the bottle to be crushed in order for any remaining liquids contained within said bottle to be collected. The housing also includes a bottom crushing surface that has a hole in order to support the top portion of the plastic bottle in an inverted position. The invention may be either manually operated or by an automated mechanical means.

Abstract: The writing motion of a hand, pen or stylus is reported via a digital communications link, such reporting taking the form of packets of digital data, such packets containing position information, such packets also containing real-time information. Apparatus is described for recording the movement of a stylus during handwriting, for example in the execution of a handwritten signature. The apparatus comprises digitizer means, capable of sensing the position of a stylus, and defining an active signing area. A control circuit is capable of sampling at least orthogonal X and Y coordinates, in the plane of the active signing area, of a stylus in proximity to the digitizer means, and of then transmitting information regarding said coordinates together with real-time information via a digital communications link. The real-time information is represented either as a sequential number or in absolute form as clock-time.

Abstract: The object of this invention is an automatic air-filter changing system for use in light commercial and residential high-volume air conditioner (HVAC) systems. This invention uses a filter housing that connects to the air return portion of HVAC systems, either in-line (by splicing the air return duct) or as part of the heating/cooling coil structure. The filter housing contains a drive-motor and drive-motor control unit. Within the filter housing, a filter cartridge is placed. The filter cartridge comprises a supply container, a collection container, and filter material. The filter material is initially stored in the supply container of the filter cartridge. The drive-motor of the filter housing advances the filter material from the supply container of the filter cartridge to the collection container of the filter cartridge. The drive-motor control unit controls the frequency and length of filter material advancement.

Abstract: The object of this invention is the heating unit contained in electric coffee makers used to keep the coffee warm after it is brewed. This invention uses a scale or scale type mechanism to continuously measure the amount of coffee remaining in the carafe then continuously adjusts the temperature of the heating unit based on the amount of coffee remaining. This invention is designed to prevent or slow the degradation in the taste of coffee that results from over-cooking coffee through prolonged exposure to an excessive amount heat. The invention also includes calibration adjustments that permit fine-tuning of temperature to accommodate individual preferences and/or various types/brands of carafes.