Abstract: A container comprises a receptacle, a manually-operated positive displacement dispensing nozzle, and a draw tube extending from the nozzle. The receptacle includes an upper body wall and an intermediate body wall connected by a first curved wall, and a lower sump wall connected with the intermediate body wall by a second curved wall. The lower sump wall and a bottom wall are connected by a third curved wall. The second curved wall, the lower sump wall, the third curved wall and the bottom wall form a sump into which the draw tube lower end extends to a midpoint. The volume of the sump below the midpoint is substantially equal to the volume of the sump above the midpoint, the draw tube end is spaced substantially equal distance from the surrounding lower sump wall, and the volume of the sump is about three times the volume of the draw tube.

Abstract: A container comprises a receptacle, a manually-operated positive displacement dispensing nozzle, and a draw tube extending from the nozzle. The receptacle includes an upper body wall and an intermediate body wall connected by a first curved wall, and a lower sump wall connected with the intermediate body wall by a second curved wall. The lower sump wall and a bottom wall are connected by a third curved wall. The second curved wall, the lower sump wall, the third curved wall and the bottom wall form a sump into which the draw tube lower end extends to a midpoint. The volume of the sump below the midpoint is substantially equal to the volume of the sump above the midpoint, the draw tube end is spaced substantially equal distance from the surrounding lower sump wall, and the volume of the sump is about three times the volume of the draw tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shin guard device configured to be secured to a user's footwear such that a guard aspect of the device is positioned in front of the user's lower leg. An exemplary embodiment is molded from a relatively thin gauge plastic and includes a lower toe portion, an upper shin guard portion and a fastener device in communication with the lower toe portion. When worn by a user, embodiments of a shin guard device provide for the upper shin guard portion to “float” or “stand” out ahead of the user's lower leg. By floating the upper shin guard portion out ahead of a user's lower leg, the lower leg may be protected from flying debris without hindering the user's mobility or causing undue discomfort.

Abstract: A plastic spray bottle use for spraying multipurpose cleaners, window cleaners, furniture cleaners and other liquid agents has a slanted inner wall(s) that slopes to the debit that brings all the liquid agent to a focus point. The slanted wall acts as a funnel that channel the liquid spraying agent around the suction tube to ensure the user the maximum spraying results every time the trigger is squeezed. This will allow the entire contents of the bottle to be dispensed with minimal effort.

Abstract: A thermostat which is configurable to be used with conventional fossil fuel furnaces, electric furnaces, heat pumps and other air conditioning equipment and fans. A setup program is included which requires an installer to enter data specific to the type of HVAC plant installed in the building with the thermostat.

Abstract: A space heating system with a controllable air humidification capability calculates a theoretical value for the temperature of the interior surface of the space's windows. The system controls humidity in the space to a level just below that at which water will condense on the window surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide input protection in a system having a controller which monitors a controller terminal for at least one monitor period. The controller terminal is coupled for bi-directional operation. The controller terminal is set to an output configuration for at least a portion of the time that the controller terminal is not being monitored by the controller.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter used along with a variable resistive sensing means utilizes the capabilities of a microprocessor to charge and discharge a capacitor. The time required for this capacitor to discharge is dependent upon the value of the variable resistive sensing means. Circuitry is used to create a pulse whose pulse width is equal to the discharged time of a capacitor through the variable resistive sensing means.

Abstract: A heating system controller is suitable for controlling a heating system based on a plurality of sensed control signals representing control parameters. The heating system controller has a first input suitable for being coupled to provide a control signal. The heating system controller also includes a sensor, coupled to the first input, for sensing control signals at the first input, the control signals having a first pattern, a second pattern, or a third pattern detected over at least two successive time periods. The heating system controller includes a control mechanism, coupled to the sensor for controlling the heating system based on the first, second and third patterns. The control mechanism causes the controller to change modes when the third pattern is sensed.

Abstract: A method is described for the separation of metal articles from surplus metal by the use of a laser. The articles may be cast or wrought. Several examples are given of gas turbine engine components being separated from a gating system by the use of a YAG laser. Benefits include lack of heat generation and, therefore, little or no distortion in the article.