Abstract: A restraint control module is provided in this disclosure. The restraint control module is configured to communicate a sync pulse to a sensor. The control module may include a sync pulse driver circuit and a memory. The memory may store the waveform profile of a sync pulse. The sync pulse driver circuit generates a sync pulse in response to the waveform profile stored in the memory. The sync pulse may be transmitted to one or more sensors. The waveform profile stored in the memory may be derived from a sync pulse with reduced electro-magnetic emissions by applying spectrum analysis.

Abstract: A restraint control module is provided in this disclosure. The restraint control module is configured to communicate a sync pulse to a sensor. The control module may include a sync pulse driver circuit and a memory. The memory may store the waveform profile of a sync pulse. The sync pulse driver circuit generates a sync pulse in response to the waveform profile stored in the memory. The sync pulse may be transmitted to one or more sensors. The waveform profile stored in the memory may be derived from a sync pulse with reduced electro-magnetic emissions by applying spectrum analysis.

Abstract: A puncturing device for pressurized containers comprises an elongated housing member defining an elongated cavity with openings at first and second ends thereof for receiving an inverted pressurized container at the first end, the housing member including an attachment member for securing the second end of the housing member to a collection receptacle. A non-sparking puncturing member, is mounted within the housing member for piercing a nozzle-end of the pressurized container at its domed top. A counter records each action of the puncture pin. Gases and residual contents are released into the receptacle through the hollow core of the puncture pin. An auxiliary support member is mounted on the housing member for stabilizing relative movement between the housing member and the receptacle. A force-applying apparatus is mounted on the housing member for forcing the pressurized container onto the puncture pin.

Abstract: A filter assembly with upper and lower filter chambers containing activated carbon and a coalescing filter, respectively. The filter assembly includes a visual indicator for showing when the filter assembly is saturated and requires replacement or maintenance. In a preferred embodiment, the visual indicator is a temperature indicator. In an alternate embodiment, the visual indicator is an air flow indicator. The filter assembly further includes at least one flashback inhibitor to prevent igniting fumes. The filter assembly connected to a storage drum which accepts residue from pressurized containers and removes contaminants from gas fumes which escape from the storage drum.

Abstract: A puncturing device for pressurized containers comprises an elongated housing member defining an elongated cavity with openings at first and second ends thereof for receiving an inverted pressurized container at the first end, the housing member including an attachment member for securing the second end of the housing member to a collection receptacle. A non-sparking puncturing member, is mounted within the housing member for piercing a nozzle-end of the pressurized container at its domed top. A counter records each action of the puncture pin. Gases and residual contents are released into the receptacle through the hollow core of the puncture pin. An auxiliary support member is mounted on the housing member for stabilizing relative movement between the housing member and the receptacle. A force-applying apparatus is mounted on the housing member for forcing the pressurized container onto the puncture pin.

Abstract: A puncturing device for pressurized containers comprises an elongated housing member defining an elongated cavity with openings at first and second ends thereof for receiving an inverted pressurized container at the first end, the housing member including an attachment member for securing the second end of the housing member to a collection receptacle. A non-sparking puncturing member, is mounted within the housing member for piercing a nozzle-end of the pressurized container at its domed top. A counter records each action of the puncture pin. Gases and residual contents are released into the receptacle through the hollow core of the puncture pin. An auxiliary support member is mounted on the housing member for stabilizing relative movement between the housing member and the receptacle. A force-applying apparatus is mounted on the housing member for forcing the pressurized container onto the puncture pin.

Abstract: A filter assembly with upper and lower filter chambers containing a filter material, preferably activated carbon, and a coalescing filter, respectively. The filter assembly includes a visual indicator for showing when the filter assembly is saturated and requires replacement or maintenance. In a preferred embodiment, the visual indicator is a temperature indicator. In an alternate embodiment, the visual indicator is an air flow indicator. A particularly preferred embodiment, the upper filter chamber includes a removable lid which allows for removal and replacement of the filter material. The filter assembly further includes at least one flashback inhibitor to prevent igniting fumes. The filter assembly connected to a storage drum which accepts residue from pressurized containers and removes contaminants from gas fumes which escape from the storage drum.

Abstract: A puncturing device for pressurized containers comprises an elongated housing defining an elongated cavity with openings at either end for receiving an inverted pressurized container at one end, the housing including a selective attachment member for securing the other end of the housing to a collection receptacle. A non-sparking puncturing apparatus, with a lever having a built-in stop, is movably mounted on the housing with a pivot-link-driven puncture pin extending through an intermediate aperture into the cavity for piercing a nozzle-end of the pressurized container below an internal shoulder thereof with a seal. A counter records each action of the puncture pin. Container contents are released into the receptacle. An auxiliary support is rotatably mounted on the housing for stabilizing relative movement between the housing and the receptacle. A force-applying apparatus is mounted on the housing for engaging the pressurized container and holding it on the seal.

Abstract: A method of generating an authentication code for a consumable includes assigning an identification number to the consumable; processing an input including at least the identification number, using a first algorithm, to generate a preliminary number different from the identification number; and compressing the preliminary number using a compression algorithm, different from the first algorithm, that utilizes the identification number to generate an authentication value for use in authenticating the consumable.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of ink contained in an ink reservoir includes the steps of determining a cumulative actual ink drop count of ink drops expelled from the ink reservoir; and determining an evaporation amount associated with the ink reservoir, wherein before a time threshold the evaporation amount is ignored, and upon reaching the time threshold the evaporation amount is used to compensate for an evaporation loss for the ink reservoir by adjusting the cumulative actual ink drop count to form an evaporation compensated drop count.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of ink contained in an ink reservoir includes the steps of determining a cumulative actual ink drop count of ink drops expelled from the ink reservoir; and determining an evaporation amount associated with the ink reservoir, wherein before a time threshold the evaporation amount is ignored, and upon reaching the time threshold the evaporation amount is used to compensate for an evaporation loss for the ink reservoir by adjusting the cumulative actual ink drop count to form an evaporation compensated drop count.

Abstract: A filter-valve assembly for exhausting fumes from a liquid container includes a mounting-valve assembly having a valve poppet that is moved to an open position in response to a filter-cartridge assembly being attached to a valve-assembly housing by a filter-cartridge attaching mechanism and is moved to a closed position in response to the filter-cartridge assembly being detached from the valve housing. The filter-cartridge assembly includes a coalescing filter and a carbon filter, with an orientation-activated capsize valve located in a coalescing-filter housing for preventing spills upon capsizing and litmus-like material at an exit opening of a carbon-filter housing for indicating a need to replace the carbon filter.

Abstract: A vacuum air exhaust system (8) employs a venturi vacuum pump (10) that is fed pressurized air through a control valve unit (18) rigidly mounted on a vacuum pump housing (24) of the vacuum air exhaust system. By manipulating a movable valve of the control valve unit, an operator can control a vacuum applied by the vacuum pump. The vacuum air exhaust system is rigidly attached to a pipe-type mount unit (16) for being rigidly attached to a wall at a hole in the wall so that ventilation suction is applied through the pipe and the wall. In one embodiment the exhaust adapter is attached to a flexible hose (41) and in another embodiment it is rigidly screwed to a pipe (42), such as a filter pipe.

Abstract: A gaseous-material evacuation system includes a filter assembly (44) with a housing (56) containing filter material (58) with a downstream porous filter member (60) at a downstream side of the filter material. The filter assembly includes a valve (64) with a movable valve member (66) for moving in a direction of gas flow and having a breadth area dimension that is at least as great as that of the downstream surface of the downstream porous filter member. In a preferred embodiment, a spring member (68) presses the movable valve member (66) against the porous filter member (60), thereby stopping gaseous flow, but yields when gaseous materials are driven through the filter at a predetermined pressure. The valve member is mounted in a sub-compartment (72) of the housing, which is of a single-piece housing member.

Abstract: An evacuating kit (10) having a puncturing device (14) for evacuating aerosol cans into a drum (12), on which the puncturing device is mounted at a first bung hole (36), also includes a filter canister (16) for being coupled to a second bung hole (77) of the drum by a flexible transfer hose (20) so that the filter canister can be supported by a floor supporting the drum. The puncturing device further includes a valve at a second end (32) of a tubular wall (23) of a housing (22) of the puncturing device with a valve poppet (50) positioned beyond the second end for opening and closing a second-end opening (28) using the second end of the housing as a valve seat. The valve has a valve stem (48) mounted for linear movement in a web (44) of the housing extending across the second opening. The stem includes circumferentially spaced stem fingers (56) for contacting a pressurized container being punctured to open and close the valve poppet.

Abstract: A bung-plug lock apparatus for preventing a bung-plug (14, 16) from being unscrewed from a drum bung (12, 14) includes an elongated locking plate (38, 38') having a mounting portion (40, 40') for engaging the bung-plug and a locking portion (44, 44') extending radially outwardly from the bung-plug for contacting an inner surface of a raised rim of a drum to prevent the bung-plug from being rotated to unscrew it from the drum. The mounting portion has slots for receiving laterally positioned arms (34, 34') of a U-bracket (30, 30') attached in an external cavity of a standard bung plug. A retaining cable loop (52), having a unique serial number (62), passes through holes (50, 50') in the arms for retaining the locking plate on the bung plug. The locking plate can be turned over and used as a wrench for removing the bung plug.