Abstract: A carrier management system includes a scale for weighing parcels to be shipped, a computer connected to receive data from the scale related to the weight of a parcel thereon, and first input keys enabling the input of information. The computer has a data base for storing shipping charge data for a plurality of carriers and/or shipping classes, based upon the weight of a parcel of the scale. The computer is responsive to the operation of the first keys for determining shipping charges for predetermined carriers and/or shipping classes represented by data in the data base. The input includes auto-rate selection key, and the computer is responsive to operation of the auto-rate selection key for determining shipping charges of the least costly carrier and/or shipping class of a predetermined subgroup of carriers and/or shipping classes represented by data in the data base. In one operating mode, the computer may determined the next least costly shipping charges.

Abstract: A carrier management system includes a scale for weighing parcels to be shipped, a computer connected to receive data from the scale related to the weight of a parcel thereon, and a keyboard enabling operator input to the computer. The keyboard has a plurality of keys including a plurality of selection keys corresponding to separate ones or groups of the carriers and/or classes. The computer stores shipping charge data for a plurality of carriers and/or shipping classes, on the basis of weight data from the scale. A second memory receives and stores discount data from the keyboard, corresponding to discounts allocable to any of the carriers and/or classes. The computer is responsive to operation of the selection keys for applying discounts stored in the second means to any carrier and/or class to which they are applicable.

Abstract: A diffusion device is provided within or as an attachment to the nozzle of a hair dryer which provides a nearly constant air volume at varying velocities. A hair dryer improvement for varying the air flow output from the hair dryer nozzle. The improvement is a diffusion device which consists of a pair of vanes pivotally mounted downstream of the nozzle. Placement of the vanes in varying positions causes the output air flow to be either concentrated along the nozzle axis or diffused by causing varying portions of the air flow to be directed through the peripheral side wall of the diffusion device. Since the diffusion device offers very little obstruction to the air flow, the volume of air remains nearly constant for the varying diffuser vane positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand held pan shaped, infrared hair dryer containing a perforated air diffuser which can function as an infrared reflector if the air diffuser is shiny. The air diffuser also protects a quartz tube infrared emitter. A fan rotated by a motor causes air to flow through the perforations in the air diffuser and out the air outlet in a uniform airflow. The perforations are patterned so the airflow is uniform and negative airflow is essentially avoided. The infrared radiation is emitted by a quartz tube containing a wire resistance heater.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vibrating, heated nail bath for soaking fingernails prior to manicuring. The device is a bowl shaped plastic housing which is hollow. Inside the housing attached to the bottom of the bowl is a DC motor with a double ended shaft, the shaft supports a frame by eccentric cams. Connecting rods run from the frame to the bottom of soft elastic rubber membranes in the base of the bowl. The vibration is caused by the shaft rotating in the eccentric cams with the result that the frame vibrates and in turn vibrates the connecting rods which vibrate the membranes. A heater on the inside housing walls of the bowl keep the nail bath solution at 100.degree. F. Known additives can be added to the nail bath.