Abstract: A device for heating and frothing a beverage, the device including an elongate frothing wand includes a generally tubular external sleeve, an inner core within the external sleeve, wherein the inner core defines a steam conduit configured to pass steam from a supply end of the frothing wand to an expulsion end of the frothing wand, a steam-discharge ring in fluid communication with the steam conduit and configured to eject steam into the beverage, an annular airway defined by the external sleeve and the inner core, wherein the airway is configured to draw air from the supply end to the expulsion end of the frothing wand, and an air-discharge ring in fluid communication with the airway and concentrically aligned with the steam-discharge ring, wherein the air-discharge ring is configured to direct air into the beverage upon ejection of steam from the steam-discharge ring.

Abstract: A plumbing test fitting for insertion in a plumbing drain or pressure fluid distribution system includes a body with two spaced-apart lateral ports formed thereon and opening into a central bore of the body. One of the ports is adapted for receiving a hose bib for connection to a source of test fluid and the other port is provided for withdrawing a flexible diaphragm from the interior of the body with a pull member extending through the other port. The flexible diaphragm is retained in the body during a pressure or leakage test of the plumbing system and is removed after completion of the test by tearing the diaphragm away from a supporting rim part. The flexible diaphragm is foldable to be withdrawn through the other port which may be of a diameter smaller than the normal unfolded diameter of the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A plumbing test fitting for insertion in a plumbing drain or pressure fluid distribution system includes a body with two spaced-apart lateral ports formed thereon and opening into a central bore of the body. One of the ports is adapted for receiving a hose bib for connection to a source of test fluid and the other port is provided for withdrawing a flexible diaphragm from the interior of the body with a pull member extending through the other port. The flexible diaphragm is retained in the body during a pressure or leakage test of the plumbing system and is removed after completion of the test by tearing the diaphragm away from a supporting rim part. The flexible diaphragm is foldable to be withdrawn through the other port which may be of a diameter smaller than the normal unfolded diameter of the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A smart card package includes two on-board batteries for providing uninterrupted power to a programmed, volatile memory unit. The first battery is a non-rechargeable battery with sufficient capacity to provide power to the volatile on-board memory during an initial storage period between programming the memory and deployment of the smart card. This initial storage period may be, for example, approximately two years. The second battery is a rechargeable battery that will be charged by the host device in which the smart card is deployed. The second, rechargeable battery can provide power to the volatile memory throughout the life of the card, after the first, non-rechargeable battery is dead. Specifically, the second, rechargeable battery can provide power to the non-volatile memory when needed during, for example, any subsequent storage period or during movement of the smart card between host devices.

Abstract: A method of bonding tubular members comprising the steps of, providing a first generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, the first tubular member including a support member encased in a substrate material, the support member having a plurality of filaments providing a second generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, stripping a portion of the substrate material of the first tubular member from the filaments of the support member of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion thereof to create a plurality of exposed filaments, inserting the exposed filaments into the lumen of the second tubular member, positioning the bonding portion of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion of the second tubular member, and heating the bonding portion of the first tubular member and the bonding

Abstract: A safe and convenient method of applying chemicals—i.e. fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides—to lawns through, and in conjunction with a central sprinkling system. Most basically, the water feed line to the underground sprinkling system is broken and a chemical dilution apparatus is inserted therein so that water feeding the underground sprinkling system will contain a solution of the chemical. The chemical dilution apparatus comprises a venturi having a high pressure outlet in the line upstream of the venturi, and a low pressure water inlet in the line downstream of the venturi so that a selected portion of the water in the feed line may be circulated around the venturi through a container having chemical therein. In one embodiment of the invention the container has an open top portion having a peripheral thread for screwed attachment. In an alternative embodiment the container comprises a pail which is attached to a housing around the venturi with a hose.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, at least one tape reel, and a storage tape. The housing defines a top face, a bottom face, a front, a back, and opposing sides. Further, the housing forms a tape identification notch, a write-select notch, a first misinsertion notch, and a second misinsertion notch. The tape identification notch extends from the front of the housing along one of the opposing sides. The write-select notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured to maintain an insert piece. The first misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. Similarly, the second misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. The first and second misinsertion notches are substantially aligned. The at least one tape reel is rotatably disposed within the housing. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the at least one tape reel.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic valve apparatus in a preferred embodiment comprises an upper valve portion, a lower valve portion, an endoskeletal structure configured as a weir support or reinforcing member and an exoskeletal framework configured as a support collar. The upper valve portion preferably includes an upper plastic valve housing or body, a resilient diaphragm and a valve actuator. The lower valve portion comprises a lower plastic valve housing or body that is preferably configured to mate with the upper valve housing to define a valve interior. The lower valve body preferably has an integral weir which, in conjunction with the resilient diaphragm, defines a fluid passage. The diaphragm is configured to sealingly engage and disengage with the weir as effected by the valve actuator. The weir support member is disposable within the lower housing to support the weir.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge for use with a high speed tape drive as part of a tape drive system. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, at least one tape reel, a storage tape, a brake body, and a spring. The housing defines an enclosure and forms an opening for accessing the enclosure. The tape reel is rotatably disposed within the enclosure, and defines a central bore. The tape reel maintains the storage tape. The brake body is disposed within the central bore of the tape reel and includes a stem, a reel engagement section, and a button. The stem is slidably connected to the housing. The reel engagement section is configured to selectively engage a portion of the tape reel in a locked position. The button is positioned opposite the stem and terminates in a leading end. In a preferred embodiment, the leading end forms a concave surface configured to selectively receive a rounded surface associated with a tape drive. Finally, the spring biases the brake body to the locked position.

Abstract: A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure coupling within the flexible seal.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes embedded XML-based test documents to simulate programmable behavior. Scripted validations, and state-tracking and markup-defining visual presentations to simulated programmable behavior can be embedded into the test documents. Preferably, the test documents simulate control behavior not only at the network interface but also through a graphical user interface (“GUI”) with which a tester can interact manually during the testing process. Also preferably, the present invention is platform independent, to support a plurality of protocols and applications.

Abstract: An insert and method of use for conjoining plastic tubular end portion to form a beadless weldment. The insert comprises a first core portion having a longitudinal axis and a first circumferential surface, and a second tubing contact portion having a longitudinal axis, a second inwardly facing surface and a third circumferential surface, with the second and third surface in concentric relation to each other, and the second tubing contact portion operatively connected to the first core portion. The first core portion and the second tubing contact portion are longitudinally movable relative to each other between a first conjoining configuration and a second removal configuration.

Abstract: System for releasably retaining portions of a data cartridge shell in an assembled configuration including at least one first boss tower on a first portion of the data cartridge shell having a receiving hole with an inner surface. At least one second boss tower on a second portion of the data cartridge shell including an outer surface is adapted to releasably engage with the receiving hole at a boss tower interface in the assembled configuration. A plurality of retention ribs and a plurality of guide ribs are located at the boss tower interface to releasably retain the first portion of the cartridge shell to the second portion.

Abstract: A brewing packet is provided for use in the preparation of hot or cold beverages. The brewing packet envelops a brewing ingredient chosen according to the tastes of a beverage drinker. The packet includes a machine interpretable feature that contains encoded data capable of being read by a beverage producing device. Furthermore, the data on the packet is capable of directing the beverage producing device to employ a specific brewing operation suited for the particular brewing packet. This allows for producing the optimal beverage from the brewing ingredient. The packet may be utilized with a variety of brewing ingredients to produce a variety of beverages. Similarly, the packet may be configured to produce single or multiple servings of a beverage.

Abstract: A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure coupling within the flexible seal.

Abstract: A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure coupling within the flexible seal.

Abstract: A leader block assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The leader block assembly is configured to hold a free end of a storage tape and includes a generally rectangular body having opposing sides, a leading end, a trailing end terminating in an end surface, and first and second ears. The ears are formed in an opposing fashion at the trailing-end and extend radially relative to the sides along a substantial portion of a width of the trailing end. In this regard, the cars are configured to substantially prevent longitudinal sliding movement of the end surface upon insertion of the leader block assembly into a tape drive take-up reel. In one preferred embodiment, the leader block assembly includes a base block and a tape clamp, with the first ear being formed on the base block and the second ear being formed on the tape clamp.

Abstract: Expandable intraluminal stents are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are made of metal, the metal characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered metals in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The metal may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal stent is then loaded with one or more drugs.

Abstract: A system and method for transparently transmitting aural signals across a wide area network (WAN). The system of present invention is connected to one or more of a private branch exchange, a key telephone system, a telephone, a facsimile machine, and a modem, for example. In the case of voice transmission, a user places a telephone call using the same procedure that is used when placing a telephone call over a conventional public switched network. The aural signals are translated into a format that is compatible with the local area network (LAN) and the translated signals are transmitted to a router or a switch that connects the LAN to the WAN. The data is transmitted across the WAN to a router or switch coupled to a second LAN. The data is then sent to a destination central site unit or PC which translates the signal into a format that is compatible with the telephone system connected thereto.

Abstract: A valve has a contractible valve element formed of an inner laminae of PFA, an outer laminae of PTFE with the outer laminae having a boss to provide positive compression and positive distension of the valve element. The portion that constrict is welded to a PFA tubular end portion thus providing the advantages of a PTFE laminae with a boss and the PFA what it surfaces. The valve utilizes a valve mechanism which has a yoke which moves radially towards and away from the contractible valve element with linkages extending from yoke arms which connect to opposite sides of the contractible valve element. The valve element may thus be positively closed and positively opened. The hermetic seal between the outer PTFE laminae and the inner PFA laminae causes the inner laminae to extend outwardly when the outer laminae is positively distended thereby allowing the valve function where the fluid being controlled is under a negative pressure.