Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: An embodiment of a storage device for medical products includes a cabinet defining an enclosure having a plurality of compartments. In addition, the storage device includes a plurality of storage containers, each storage container configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of compartments. Further, the storage device includes an actuation assembly including a plurality of arms that are configured to engage the plurality of storage containers so as to secure the plurality of storage containers in the plurality of compartments. Still further, the storage device includes a release mechanism that is configured to simultaneously actuate each of the plurality of arms to release the plurality of storage containers from the plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting steel including steps of forming a casting pool of molten steel comprising a carbon content of less than 0.5% by weight on casting surfaces of a pair of internally cooled casting rolls having a nip formed between them, counter rotating the casting surfaces of the casting rolls toward each other to produce a cast steel strip moving downwardly away from the nip between the casting rolls, guiding the cast strip through a first enclosure adjacent the casting rolls as the strip moves away from the casting rolls, the first enclosure having a reducing atmosphere containing carbon monoxide and optionally hydrogen of at least 0.1%, establishing the reducing atmosphere in the first enclosure to control ingress of atmospheric air so as to maintain said atmosphere with a CO to CO2 ratio of at least 1.5 during steady state operation.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting steel including steps of forming a casting pool of molten steel comprising a carbon content of less than 0.5% by weight on casting surfaces of a pair of internally cooled casting rolls having a nip formed between them, counter rotating the casting surfaces of the casting rolls toward each other to produce a cast steel strip moving downwardly away from the nip between the casting rolls, guiding the cast strip through a first enclosure adjacent the casting rolls as the strip moves away from the casting rolls, the first enclosure having a reducing atmosphere containing carbon monoxide and optionally hydrogen of at least 0.1%, establishing the reducing atmosphere in the first enclosure to control ingress of atmospheric air so as to maintain said atmosphere with a CO to CO2 ratio of at least 1.5 during steady state operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip includes a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin cast strip can be cast, an actuator capable of moving each casting roll independently toward and away from a given reference location as desired, location sensors capable of sensing the location of the casting rolls relative to the given reference location and producing electrical signals indicative of each casting roll position and a control system capable of receiving the electrical signals and causing the actuator to move the casting rolls into desired position. Force sensors may be provided capable of sensing the forces exerted on the strip and producing electrical signals indicative of the sensed forces, and the control system may be capable of receiving the electrical signals indicative of the sensed forces and causing actuators to vary the position of the casting rolls responsive to the electrical signals as desired.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for remotely accessing data through a wireless device are disclosed. Preferably, the wireless device includes an ability to link data between software components operating on the wireless device. Additionally, the wireless device preferably includes an ability to reduce remote data access by identifying a first data type and a second data type used by a software component, retrieving data corresponding to the first data type from a service provider, retrieving data corresponding to the second data type from the portable device, and displaying on the portable device a return content result including both the first data type and the second data type.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip includes a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin cast strip can be cast, an actuator capable of moving each casting roll independently toward and away from a given reference location as desired, location sensors capable of sensing the location of the casting rolls relative to the given reference location and producing electrical signals indicative of each casting roll position and a control system capable of receiving the electrical signals and causing the actuator to move the casting rolls into desired position. Force sensors may be provided capable of sensing the forces exerted on the strip and producing electrical signals indicative of the sensed forces, and the control system may be capable of receiving the electrical signals indicative of the sensed forces and causing actuators to vary the position of the casting rolls responsive to the electrical signals as desired.

Abstract: Twin roll casters for casting thin steel strip comprise cooled casting rolls mounted on carriers. One roll is fixed and the other is moveable laterally and biased toward the other roll by carrier drive units acting on the moveable roll carriers. A casting pool of molten steel is supported on the rolls which are rotated to produce a solidified steel strip delivered downwardly from the nip therebetween. A gap is regulated between the rolls such that unsolidified molten metal passes through the nip between the solidified shells of the forming strip and solidifies below the nip. The carrier drive units are effective to apply to the biased roll substantially intermediate biasing forces such that the roll separation force at the casting rolls is regulated to a value between 2 and 4.5 Newtons per millimeter.

Abstract: The drive train of an appliance timer includes a slip clutch formed of a triangular spring meshing with the outer flat surfaces of a hexagonal drive shaft. The slip clutch is incorporated into a drive pinion in the appliance timer drive train. Excessive torque causes the walls of the triangular spring to resiliently bend outward under rotational pressure from the drive shaft, permitting the drive shaft to rotate without rotating the drive pinion. When used in an icemaker, the slip provided by the clutch alleviates the need for an expensive, stallable motor.

Abstract: An improved icemaker having a number of features, including: a dual-activated feeler bar switch which combines the motion of two cams to operate a single switch; an adjustable-duration water fill switch which is closed by rotating a connector between two contacts; switches mounted to make wiping contact so as to clean the contact area; a combination deflector which not only deflects ice removed by the ejector from the ice mold, but also supports and lifts a feeler bar to determine whether the ice storage bin is full; a clutch mounted between the motor and ejector bar to permit slip therebetween so as to avoid stalling the motor as the ejector bar presses upon ice in the mold; a manual start button for starting the motor, simplifying installation; and an anti-back mechanism in the icemaker drive train to prevent an installer from damaging the icemaker by rotating it backwards.

Abstract: An improved icemaker having a number of features, including: a dual-activated feeler bar switch which combines the motion of two cams to operate a single switch; an adjustable-duration water fill switch which is closed by rotating a connector between two contacts; switches mounted to make wiping contact so as to clean the contact area; a combination deflector which not only deflects ice removed by the ejector from the ice mold, but also supports and lifts a feeler bar to determine whether the ice storage bin is full; a clutch mounted between the motor and ejector bar to permit slip therebetween so as to avoid stalling the motor as the ejector bar presses upon ice in the mold; a manual start button for starting the motor, simplifying installation; and an anti-back mechanism in the icemaker drive train to prevent an installer from damaging the icemaker by rotating it backwards.

Abstract: There is described an improved apparatus for holding a liner or bag in an open condition, comprising a ground-engaging base and opposed frames adapted to extend upwardly from the base for supporting the liner therefrom, the frames being sufficiently spaced apart that attachment of the liner causes biasing of liner engaging portions of the frames against the liner for tensioning it into an open condition.

Abstract: An oven latch mechanism for heat-cleaning ovens is disclosed. The latch mechanism employs a unidirectional rotating d.c. motor to automatically latch the oven door upon initiation of a heat-cleaning operation and to automatically unlatch the door after a heat-clean operation and after the oven has reached a predetermined lower temperature. The latch mechanism includes a latch arm which moves arcuately through a variety of positions. The latch member senses whether the door is open and follows a different path of motion accordingly. If the latch member senses an open door, it returns to an unlatched position.

Abstract: An alternative attaching arrangement for a seat structure side shield panel providing ready installation and positive retention of the panel. An existing integral raised C-shaped connector, molded on the inner surface of the side shield panel, is adapted to engage an outwardly extending slotted pivot pin of the recliner apparatus of certain seat structures. An oversize seat structure, however, requires modification to accommodate the side shield panel. The present invention provides a unique U-shaped add-on metal clip which is readily snap-fitted on the C-shaped connector at a predetermined locked orientation so as to releasably engage the slotted pivot pin of the oversize seat structure.

Abstract: A craft guidance system 200 has signal transmission stations AB, CD, AC operable to provide three intersecting hyperbolic lattices 21, 20, 120. One transmission station pair AB provides a moving lattice 21 which travels at the same speed and in the direction of the craft 22 using the system. The other station pairs CD, AC provide fixed lattices 20, 120. Equipment (FIG. 5) carried by the craft 22 operates whereby, when translated by reference to the phase difference between the transmissions of each pair AB, CD, AC, the lattices 21, 20, 120 provide hyperbolic lines of position continuously in time at infinitely variable positions. The moving lattice 21 is caused to travel at the intended speed and in the direction of the craft 22. The fixed lattice 20 provides craft track guidance; and both fixed lattices together provide craft position fixes. The fixed lattice 20 and the moving lattice 21 together provide craft moving position guidance; the moving lattice 21 provides craft speed guidance.

Abstract: A switch arm connector block for mounting a plurality of spring switchblades in a predetermined array for sequential cooperation with a timer cam and for providing a quick-disconnect connector for electrically connecting the blades to a wiring harness is disclosed. The connector block is formed by a plurality of insulating wafers which encapsulate a plurality of flat, parallel switchblades. The faces of the wafers are spaced from each other by projecting curbs around the perimeters of the wafers and window openings are provided in the wafers so that internal bussing may be provided in the block. End bussing is provided and the end bussing strips are covered by a protective cap having insulating fences for protecting the bussing strips.

Abstract: A system of rigid, generally planar dimensions adapted to by removably, hingeably coupled to a conventional ventilator louver assembly to environmentally seal same to prevent energy losses. The louver covering system includes a rigid, generally rectangular frame formed of specially extruded members, which frame surroundably supports a rigid, generally planar insulating sheet. The frame includes front, side, and rear extrusion members which include integral bosses to aid in assembly. A separate, rigid, elongated extruded hanging rail having a hinge portion is adapted to be permanently coupled to the louver assembly. The system frame rear includes a cooperating hinge portion, which, when coupled to the aforementioned hanging rail hinge coupling extrusion enables the system to be hingeably swung to a closed position relative to the louver assembly. Latching means, preferably coupled to the louver assembly, may be manually twisted to engage flange portions of the frame to seal the louver.

Abstract: A safety switch for a vacuum cleaner which includes a vacuum cleaner housing, at least two attachments adapted to be affixed to the housing, and a switch casing fixed to the housing. First and second slides are mounted for reciprocation in the casing relative to the casing and relative to each other. A pair of socket openings are provided in the casing. Each of the slides are provided with a cam surface which is located in each socket opening. Each cam surface slopes inwardly toward a central axis of each socket. Each attachment has a probe adapted to enter one or the other of the sockets when the attachment is mounted on the cleaner. Each of the probes being adapted to move the first and second slides in opposite directions a predetermined total relative distance. The first slide is adapted to operate a first plurality of switch arms while the second slide is adapted to operate a second plurality of switch arms.