Abstract: A sanitary beverage system and apparatus is presented. The system includes a frustoconically shaped receptacle having a first aperture, a middle portion, and a second aperture to facilitate the transfer of a liquid between a beverage receptacle and a beverage container. The first aperture has a sufficient diameter to prevent contact between an aperture of the beverage container and a beverage receptacle, and the transfer of bacteria therewith. At least one portion of the housing of the frustoconically shaped receptacle is adapted to form a secure coupling with a beverage container.

Abstract: A powertrain mounting system includes a pair of engine and transmission mount assemblies. The engine mount assemblies include an isolator assembly having an elastomeric bushing with an encapsulated mounting member, an integral snubber, and a bracket assembly having a one piece can arranged to house the bushing and having an interlock arranged to engage the bushing. The bushing is press-fit into the can and arranged to isolate the mounting member from the can thereby dampening powertrain vibration and controlling powertrain movement, and the snubber is arranged to limit movement of the bushing relative to the can. The transmission mount assembly includes a support member, a pair of isolators positioned relative to each other, and a pair of mounting brackets positioned on the isolators; wherein the isolators are arranged to maintain the mounting brackets in spaced relation to the support member thereby dampening powertrain vibration and controlling powertrain movement.

Abstract: A computer based system and method determines a price associated a warranty for equipment in a transaction. The system includes a database for storing a set of actuarial data and a controller coupled to the database. The system and method receive input from a user, responsively establish an identifier associated with the equipment, receive a first set of warranty characteristics and determine a baseline premium based on the identifier and the set of warranty characteristics. Additionally, the system and method establish a second set of warranty characteristics, determine at least one modifier as a function of the second set of warranty of characteristics, and modify the baseline premium as a function of the at least one modifier to determine the warranty price.

Abstract: A bag neck tying device for tying a ribbon dispensed from a spool about a gathered neck. A pulley and proximity switch are mounted to prevent the completion of a tying cycle if a bag neck is not properly gathered and ready to be tied.

Abstract: A bag neck tying device for tying a ribbon about gathered material. The bag neck tying device includes a bag gathering mechanism for moving a bag neck into engagement with a bag stop lever controlled by an electric brake. The bag neck tying device further includes a needle assembly for wrapping the ribbon around the gathered neck of the bag, a twister hook assembly for twisting the ribbon of tie material and a ribbon holder-shear assembly for cutting and holding the end of the ribbon. The gathering, needle, twister and holder-shear assemblies are controlled by bi-directional, brush type DC servomotors driven by full wave rectified solid state DC motor controllers in a closed loop control system which incorporates a software driven microcontroller for delivering reference input signals to the motor controllers for initiating and controlling pre-assigned functions of the motors driving the various tier assemblies.

Abstract: A bag neck tying device for tying a ribbon dispensed from a spool about a gathered neck. A pulley and proximity switch are mounted to prevent the completion of a tying cycle if a bag neck is not properly gathered and ready to be tied.