Abstract: The present invention provides a supply logistics system. A customer 12 orders product by electronic communication. The purchase order is electronically routed to a vendor 16 for order fulfillment. An inbound shipment alert is electronically sent to a shipping agent 18. The vendor 16 fills the purchase order with inventory and ships the inventory to a shipping agent 18. The shipping agent 18 matches the inbound shipping alert with individual purchaser orders contained on the inventory, re-labels the inventory, and ships the inventory to the customer 12.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing an aircraft provide increased efficiency and reliability. The method includes the step of providing a knowledge base of reusable solutions for the aircraft. An incoming message is received, where the incoming message characterizes a technical issue relating to the aircraft. The method further provides for generating an outgoing message in accordance with one or more of the reusable solutions in the knowledge base in response to the incoming message such that the outgoing address the technical issue.

Abstract: A container in which an opening is formed by tearing includes a sidewall having a primary weakened line extending a length between opposed linear ends thereof, tearing along the primary weakened line forming an opening in the sidewall; and two secondary weakened lines formed in said sidewall, each said secondary weakened line including a portion thereof disposed in spaced, partially overlapping parallel relation to a respective said linear end of said primary weakened line, said portion of each said secondary weakened line having a length substantially less than said length between said ends of said primary weakened line. The secondary weakened lines each consist of a single elongated slit. Alternatively, the secondary weakened lines are substantially U-shaped; L-shaped; T-shaped; I-shaped; C-shape; or spirally shaped and may merge with the opposed ends of the primary weakened line. A web of material for forming bags on a form fill machine includes these primary weakened lines and secondary weakened lines.

Abstract: A flexible package, and a method of forming such package, which includes two sheets of material joined together at side portions and a bottom portion, with the top edge being open. The top edge is sealed at one portion thereof to provide a reinforced portion, and the remaining portion forms a discharge spout. A handle opening is formed in the reinforced portion, and a fastening strip extends across the entire top edge to provide a openable fastening strip at the spout, and to provide a non-openable portion adjacent the handle opening to provide reinforcement thereat.

Abstract: A cask for storing alcoholic beverage is made of a pre-treated wooden material, such as oak wood, wherein the method of pre-treatment includes soaking the wood in a salt solution and heating or toasting the wood thereafter to produce a color change in the wood. Is has been found that impregnating the wood with salt extracts is beneficial in respect of flavoring and coloring the alcoholic beverage.

Abstract: An article of headwear (10) includes a solid transparent fully carbonate block (18). The block lies on top of the wearer's head and defines a non-straight light path to the wearer's eyes. The block does not obscure the majority of the normal field of vision for the wearer but can be seen when the wearer looks upwards. The upper surfaces 24 of the block allow internal reflection of light through the block and the rear end of the block is open and faces backwards so that by looking upwardly into the block a wearer can obtain a view of what is behind him. The article of headwear may be a motorcycle helmet for example. In another embodiment of the invention a display screen is located at the rear of the block so that it can be seen through the block when the wearer looks upwardly into the block.

Abstract: An automatic rotatable welding helmet for TIG and MIG electric arc welding systems having safety means preventing the arc cycle from commencing until the helmet is in the fully down position. An arc welding helmet is provided having a hood with eye shield, connected by pivoting means to an interior head band harness. The hood has an exteriorly mounted base supporting a bi-directional piston and cylinder mechanism which, under actuation by a source of compressed air, pushes against a cam connected at the pivot, resulting in rotation of the helmet from the fully open to the fully closed position, and vice versa. In operation, the welder presses a welding cycle activation switch which effects, through a control box, to deliver compressed air to one end of the cylinder, forcing the piston outward against the cam, thereby rotating the helmet. A safety switch mounted to the base, assures positive protection against the arc cycle being started until the helmet is in the fully down position.