Abstract: A thermal pack comprising one or more sacks, a body of thermal material enclosed in the sacks, and first and a second sack edge joined to form a seam line wherein the first edge and the second edge have intersecting directions with an angle that is less than 180 degrees whereby the one or more sacks conforms to a three-dimensional surface.

Abstract: A thermal pack comprising one or more sacks, a body of thermal material enclosed in the sacks, and first and a second sack edge joined to form a seam line wherein the first edge and the second edge have intersecting directions with an angle that is less than 180 degrees whereby the one or more sacks conforms to a three-dimensional surface.

Abstract: A heat sealed cold pack with a plurality of broken boarder pockets for both holding a substance with a high heat of fusion, such as gel refrigerant consistently throughout the cold pack and allowing the gel refrigerant to migrate throughout the gel pack. The volume of each pocket is variable in response to flexibility and cooling capacity. A two container system that integrates the cold pack.

Abstract: A closure for increasing the storage life of perishables, which comprises a material with heating or cooling properties; a closure chamber comprising a chamber wall configured to house the material with heating or cooling properties; a seal structure for sealing or engaging the closure chamber to a perishable storage container for controlling the temperature in a perishable storage container; a fastening system to secure the closure chamber on a perishable storage container allowing the material with heating or cooling properties to act on stored perishables. The closure may act as part of a closure system that contains the closure with or without the material; and the container that stores perishables and may accommodates the material with heating or cooling properties in many configurations.

Abstract: A membrane switch that uses a magnetic force for assisting in the actuation process. A magnet positioned adjacent to the membrane switch causes a magnetic attraction or repulsion that remotely transfers a limited but sufficient force for closing the membrane switch. The invention includes a magnet, a membrane switch, and an actuator. In an attraction actuation embodiment, the actuator is constructed of a magnetically-affected material that is attracted to the magnet to thereby close the membrane switch. In a repulsion actuation embodiment, the actuator is constructed of a magnetic material with the poles of the magnet and actuator inversely aligned such that they repel each other. In both embodiments, the actuating force applied to the magnet or actuator is not directly passed to the membrane switch.

Abstract: A system for recording a credit or debit transaction on a fuel dispensing apparatus. The system comprises a primary card reader (PCR) for receiving data from a magnetic strip card situated on the exterior housing of the fuel dispensing apparatus and an auxiliary card reader (ACR) for receiving data from a magnetic strip card situated on the exterior housing of the fuel dispensing apparatus. The auxiliary card reader (ACR) is situated such that it is easily accessible to handicapped individuals. Also included is an interface board that accepts input from the primary and auxiliary card readers and determines which of the card readers is currently sending data. Upon determination, the interface board outputs the active card reader data to a card reader in dispenser (CRIND®) board coupled to the interface board. The CRIND® board forwards the active card reader data to a processing device in order to verify and complete the desired transaction.

Abstract: A bar code reader system is required to be integrated into an energy dispenser that is able to read a variety of bar code formats printed on a variety of media. The bar code reader system accepts both bar encoded cards having very low aspect ratios and other printed bar encoded media having differing aspect ratios. The system also provides a robust scanning pattern such that other printed bar encoded media can be placed into a receiving cavity without regard to a particular orientation. Further, the system provides a sensing mechanism capable of determining when a card has been inserted into the system or when another bar encoded media has been placed into the receiving cavity.

Abstract: A masonry construction aid that enables novice and professional masons to easily construct a masonry structure such as a sidewalk, patio, driveway or vertical wall. The aid allows its user to insert masonry into a pre-determined, pre-formed, soluble pattern that contains within it a bonding material. After applying a catalyst such as water to the pattern, the pattern will disintegrate, the bonding agent will activate and bond the masonry together and harden into a permanent structure. This will result in a masonry structure that does not require any special skills to construct. The user will not be required to prepare or apply mortar, or manually align the masonry.